The Eyed Entity Podcast

Send us Fan MailTherapy doesn’t usually come with stage lights, a hard deadline, and a room full of witnesses. That’s exactly why self-revelatory performance can hit so hard. We sit down with Aileen Cho, LMFT, registered drama therapist and board certified trainer, and incoming chair of the Drama Therapy program at CIIS, to break down what “self-revs” are and why they’re more than autobiographical theater.We talk drama therapy fundamentals, then zoom in on how a self-revelatory performance asks the performer to work with real material that’s still alive to make an aesthetically poignant piece of theatre. Aileen explains aesthetic distance, the sweet spot between being flooded and being disconnected, and why the theatrical frame matters as much as the personal story. We also get honest about the director’s job: holding ethics, containment, craft, and the messy reality of making something out of nothing.We dig into the rehearsal process from dreaming and gathering to shaping, scripting, and making tough cuts, plus how self-indulgence can show up as difficulty in editing or as avoidance. Then we turn to the audience, not as passive consumers, but as compassionate witnesses whose presence can support transformation for the performer and spark healing for themselves too. If you’re curious about therapeutic theater, trauma-informed creativity, drama therapy training, or why real-life ritual feels so rare in an online world, this conversation gives you language and a roadmap.Subscribe for more season two conversations, share this with a creative who needs a stronger container, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Guest:  Aileen Cho https://www.aileenbcho.com/https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/drama-therapyHost:  Kimberly Koljathttps://www.kimberlykoljatlmft.com/Music:  Peter JosephGraphics:  Big Love Designshttps://www.biglovedesigns.com/

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, we explore the intersection of musical theater, identity, and empathy through the lens of Gordon Leary's work. Gordon shares insights about writing characters that resonate on a human level, the collaborative process of creating musicals, and how personal experiences inform their storytelling. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding diverse human experiences and encourages audiences to engage more deeply with the narratives presented in theater. We also delve into the role of pop culture in shaping contemporary themes and the future of musical theater as a reflective art form.• Gordon Leary discusses their journey as a musical theater writer • Exploration of empathy vs. sympathy in storytelling • The role of collaboration in the creative process • Reflection on the influence of pop culture in narratives • The importance of presenting complex characters vs. caricatures • Insights into the future of theater and evolving narratives • The challenge of self-definition in an artistic context • How personal experiences shape creative output 

Send us Fan MailThis episode delves into the often complex relationship between creativity and impasse, illustrating how moments of feeling stuck can actually serve as fertile ground for inspiration and growth. Marie Broadway shares insights on the importance of embracing the transformative process of creativity, emphasizing that impasse is not a barrier but a crucial stage that can lead to deeper understanding and connection to oneself. • Discussion of Developmental Transformations as a creative coaching tool • Defining creativity and its connection to multiple aspects of life • Exploration of the neuroscience behind creative processes • The significance of novelty versus repetition in creative practices • In-depth look at the concept of impasse and its relation to creativity • How empathy plays a role in navigating creative challenges • The impact of personal history on one’s creative journey • Insights into incorporating rest as a tool for creativity • The importance of space and environment in the creative process • Final reflections on making peace with creative blocks and embracing the journey.

Send us Fan MailCelebrated musician and educator Craig Klonowski joins us to uncover the essence of creativity across multiple disciplines. With over two decades of experience, Craig shares his journey through a vibrant career that spans classical, folk, musical theater, and film scoring. Learn how he weaves resilience and renewal into his work, particularly in his debut album "Comeback Year," and discover his passion for nurturing young talent in New York City's public schools. His reflections on embracing vulnerability and imperfection in art provide a profound exploration of the artistic process and finding one's voice and identity through the arts.Craig's personal anecdotes enrich our dialogue, from his love for bonsai trees to his adventures in acting. We tackle the struggle of inner criticism in performing arts, and the journey of evolving through artistic exploration. Discover how feedback, resilience, and the beauty of imperfection play crucial roles in personal and artistic growth. As we delve into Craig's musical journey and his students' achievements, this episode is a testament to the enduring allure and transformative power of the arts. Join us for an inspiring exploration of creativity that promises to touch the heart and ignite the imagination.Craig can be found at www.craigklonowski.com or on social media as @craigklonowskiHosted by Kimberly Koljat@[email protected]