The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

• 68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered Sports Dietitian Lisa Rivera

  In this episode, I’m joined by registered sports dietitian Lisa Rivera, who brings her unique background in both dance and nutrition to the conversation. Lisa shares her personal journey of healing her relationship with food, how proper fueling transformed her dance career, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.From understanding the mind-body connection to diving into gut health, brain function, stress management, and supplements, this episode is packed with practical insights to help dancers improve performance, resilience, and well-being.Key Points in this Episode: Lisa’s journey from struggling with body image as a dancer to becoming a sports dietitian. How nutrition impacts not just physical performance, but also focus, mood, and emotional health. The role of the gut microbiome and how it connects to brain function. Foods and habits that support gut health and mental clarity. Fueling strategies to manage performance anxiety and stressful rehearsal weeks. Supplements dancers should consider (like omega-3s and magnesium) and how to choose quality brands. Tips for traveling dancers to maintain digestion and energy on tour. One small step dancers can take this week to better fuel their body and brain.Connect with Lisa:WEBSITE: https://performancenutritioncompany.com/p/homeRegister for Lisa’s course ‘Nutrition for Dancers’ and receive 50% off with code BrainyBallerina50INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/nutritionco_for_dancersLinks and Resources:Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition GuideSet up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)Let’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career callQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 67. My Program Launch Failed (So Let's Talk About Rejection)

  In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about one of the hardest parts of being a dancer (and a human) - rejection. I recently launched a brand new mentorship program - and it totally flopped. So I’m sharing with you the process I used to coach myself through the disappointment and the lessons I learned along the way.Key Points in this Episode: Why rejection doesn’t define your worth as a dancer or artist The hidden wins in experiences that don’t go as planned Common mistakes dancers (and entrepreneurs) make when putting themselves out there How imposter syndrome can sabotage opportunities - and how to push back Why you need to talk about your work way more than you think How to ask for feedback and what to do when you don’t get it Reframing rejection as redirection in your career and lifeTune in to talk through the emotions, the mindset shifts, and the practical lessons that can help dancers (and anyone pursuing a big dream) handle rejection with resilience.Let’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 66. The Future of Dance Education with Dance Device Lab Founder Brandon Cournay

  In this week’s inspiring episode, I’m joined by Brooklyn-based creative leader and founder of Dance Device Lab, Brandon Cournay. From his unexpected start in a small-town Michigan dance studio to earning a spot at Juilliard and building a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director, executive director and business owner, Brandon shares his multifaceted journey through the dance world.Key “Pointes” in this Episode🩰How a musical theater camp unexpectedly launched his dance career🩰The unique training environment of his childhood studio with over 100 boys🩰His path to Juilliard and how it reshaped his perspective on dance and artistry🩰The realities of freelancing in New York and how versatility leads to more opportunities🩰The mission behind Dance Device Lab and how it empowers dancers nationwide🩰Why building community and being a kind, versatile human matters as much as technique🩰Practical advice for young dancers: diversifying skills, exploring life outside the studio, and being a dancer AND somethingBrandon also dives into his teaching philosophy, nonprofit leadership insights, and the importance of making live performance more engaging and accessible for today’s audiences.Connect with Brandon:WEBSITE: brandoncournay.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/brandon_cournayDANCE DEVICE LAB WEBSITE: dancedevicelab.comLinks and Resources:Visit The Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 65. Inside the Raising Leaders Program with Kerry Nicholls of San Francisco Ballet

  In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we sit down with Kerry Nicholls, Director of Artist Development at San Francisco Ballet, to explore the groundbreaking Raising Leaders program.We dive deep into how the Raising Leaders program is transforming professional dancers into empowered leaders both on and off the stage. Kerry shares how dancers are selected, what the two-year curriculum entails, and how the program bridges the gap between performing and planning for a meaningful career after dance.What You'll Learn in This Episode: Kerry’s personal dance journey and transition into leadership Why she believes it’s never too early for dancers to think about life after dance The mission behind the Raising Leaders program at San Francisco Ballet How this initiative supports dancers’ personal growth, professional development, and studio leadership The four major differences that set Raising Leaders apart from other dancer career development programs How partnerships with Stanford University and LinkedIn are elevating the program Actionable advice for dancers at companies with fewer resources to begin planning for their future The real-world leadership skills dancers aren’t always taught in the classroom, and how to build themWhether you're a student, a professional dancer, or a company director, this episode will spark ideas about how to support longevity and leadership in the dance world.Tune in to discover how dancers can thrive beyond the stage, starting now.Connect with Kerry Nicholls:San Francisco Ballet’s WebsiteKerry’s WebsiteLinks and Resources:✨APPLY to The Core Corps: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorpsGet your copy of the Intentional Career HandbookLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected] episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

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• 64. Rewiring Ballet: Tim Lynch's Somatic Perspective on Dance Education

  In this insightful episode, I’m joined by Tim Lynch to trace his remarkable journey from a hyperactive kid looking for an outlet for his energy to a career dancing at Pacific Northwest Ballet and beyond.He reflects on his 10-year career at PNB, the value of corps de ballet work, and highlights like dancing A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Agon at the Kennedy Center.We also explore Tim’s transition into education and how he built a thriving boys' program at PNB. Tim shares the philosophies that shape his teaching style, including his emphasis on somatic practices, individualized instruction, and lifelong learning.Key “Pointes” in this Episode🩰How Tim stumbled into ballet when his mom found an all boys class🩰Tim’s time at SAB (including the story of how he landed the role of Prince with NYCB without even knowing what The Nutcracker was)🩰Dancing at PNB, major roles, and memorable moments on international tours🩰Tim’s educational philosophy: SAB discipline meets somatic wisdom🩰The importance of building supportive, affirming environments for boys in ballet🩰Tim’s commitment to lifelong learning: pursuing an MFA and staying active in professional development🩰Advice for dance educators to make the classroom as more inclusive atmosphereConnect with Tim:WEBSITE: https://www.lynchdance.com/INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tim.j.lynchLinks and Resources:✨APPLY to The Core Corps: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorpsGet 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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