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  • As creatives, we’re often surrounded by endless content—from social media and news feeds to constant emails and notifications—all vying for our attention. In this episode of Tales From The Lane, host Kate Kayaian shares her experience with a "Content Deprivation Week," an approach to minimize content consumption and foster personal creativity. Originally written as a blog post, this topic is as timely as ever, releasing just ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election and amidst other global crises that demand our attention.

    Kate explores why taking a break from media overload can be rejuvenating, especially for creatives who thrive on empathy but are easily drained by external noise. Drawing inspiration from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, she introduces the concept of cutting down on content consumption to rediscover personal productivity, relaxation, and a sense of groundedness. This episode offers strategies for reducing screen time, reconnecting with personal projects, and navigating challenging times with greater clarity and intention. Whether it’s to recharge, make space for personal projects, or engage more meaningfully with the world, this episode invites listeners to consider the surprising benefits of stepping away.

    Episode Highlights: Why Content Deprivation Week is more important than ever The benefits of reducing media consumption for creatives Insights from Julia Cameron’s "Reading Deprivation" exercise in The Artist’s Way Actionable ways to reclaim time, boost productivity, and find calm Ideas for using reclaimed time to connect with meaningful work and relationships Reflections on empathy, distraction, and making a real difference

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • You still have over 2 months until the end of the year! Grab your Free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide HERE.

    In this episode of Tales from The Lane, we explore one of the most important distinctions you can make in your life and career: the difference between being busy and feeling fulfilled. Kate shares a powerful story about a longtime client who faced the challenge of juggling all the wonderful parts of her life at once—and feeling like she had slipped back into the dreaded "busy-ness" cycle. But as Kate explains, there's a huge difference between a life overflowing with meaningful pursuits and one consumed by activities that drain us.

    Tune in to discover how to identify when you’re genuinely overwhelmed by good things versus simply bogged down by too much. Plus, Kate offers strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing the right tasks, and crafting a schedule that works for you. If you’ve ever struggled with feeling too busy yet unfulfilled, this episode is for you!

    Show Highlights:

    How hustle culture has evolved over the decades—and what we’ve learned from it

    The key differences between being busy and being fulfilled

    Practical ways to manage an overflowing schedule when everything seems to hit at once

    Tips for setting boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters

    Why doing fewer things can often lead to more success and happiness

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

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  • Get your Free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide HERE.

    About our guest:

    Christine Smith is co-founder and co-owner of Frosted Lens Entertainment, an entertainment and informational content development company. Prior to her work at Frosted Lens, she held the position of Sound & Music Director/Composer-in-Residence for RPR Studios. Her work has been heard in award-winning films, commercials, and promotional videos. She is currently the host and editor of the podcast "Musicians vs the World" where she explores the many aspects of Musician life.

    A classically trained pianist, Christine studied with concert pianists Adelina Krivoshena and Asya Markova in her youth. She continued her studies in Piano Performance at Brigham Young University studying with Dr. Jeffrey Shumway and Dr. Scott Holden. Since then Christine has enjoyed performing in solo recitals and in collaboration with various musicians, bands, and ensembles across the country.

    Though her first love is classical music, she has had the pleasure of working and learning from great musicians of all genres. She has performed as soloist, collaborator, and conductor. And because she loves teaching almost as much as she loves performing, she coaches a few favorite piano students in her home-town studio.

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this episode of Tales from The Lane, Kate Kayaian tackles one of the most common struggles among high-performing creatives: overwhelm. Feeling like you're constantly busy, stressed, or never having enough time to focus on what truly matters? Kate shares actionable steps to help you prioritize your most important work, build quiet space into your day, and establish systems that free up mental bandwidth. Whether you're balancing multiple gigs, running a studio, or planning your next creative project, this episode will give you the tools to break the cycle of overwhelm and start thriving again.

    You'll learn:

    Why so many creatives feel overwhelmed by their careers and life commitments. How to prioritize what truly matters in your creative career without sacrificing everything else. Some simple ways to carve out quiet, non-negotiable time for yourself amidst a hectic schedule. How to identify what energizes you and what drains you, and use that awareness to boost productivity. What systems and habits you can put in place to reduce decision-making fatigue and free up mental bandwidth. How spending just 15 minutes a day on your future goals makes a significant impact over time. Strategies to help you balance chaotic, busy days with calm, fulfilling moments in your creative life.

    Want more? Join us for Creatives Leadership Academy, running October-June 2024. Click here to find out more.

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • The 2024-2025 Cohort of The Creatives Leadership Academy is starting up soon. If you're ready to design your life and career with more intentionality so that you can take things up a notch, earn more income, do the gold standard of whatever it is you love to do, AND have time for the rest of your life, Book a call with me today so we can discuss how CLA can help get you there! ---> CHAT WITH KATE

    Today's guest is Dr. Mila Thigpen, chair of dance at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where her teaching portfolio includes classes like salsa, dance & pop culture, as well as mentoring independent student research projects. A “lively dancer” (the Boston Globe), Thigpen is an international teacher-artist who has danced works by Doris Humphrey, Paul Taylor, Trisha Brown, Seán Curran, Germaul Barnes, Wendy Jehlen, Arthur Aviles, and Aszure Barton. Thigpen's work has been presented in CRASHarts's Ten’s the Limit and the Bronx BlakTina Dance Festival. Her commissions span from concert to commercial work internationally.

    Thigpen was a Boston cast member of the Bessie Award-winning Skeleton Architecture. She was also the movement coach for Pass Over, under the direction of Monica White Ndounou, which received a Lortel Award for outstanding play. Thigpen’s advocacy for equity has been nationally recognized, and she has been called to major gatherings on social justice and equity to lead people in embodied practices that support their work.

    Dr. Thigpen created and implemented a cultural humility professional development workshop for artists and educators, which she has facilitated for secondary and post-secondary educational institutions. She has presented research on teaching dance from racialized bodies, and continues learning new methodologies for culturally informed somatic healing practices. Her work in this field has led to invitations as a guest speaker at the Beijing Dance Forum and the Gulf Center for Law and Policy's Sacred Waters Pilgrimage, and Taproot Earth, a climate justice organization.

    Dr. Thigpen earned a B.A. from Kenyon College, an M.F.A. from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, an Ed.M. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, and a Ph.D. in dance at Texas Woman’s University. Her research reclaims salsa as part of the African diaspora through ethnographic inquiry of the Bronx-based YamuleĂ© Dance Company. Thigpen has presented multiple times at the Dance Studies Association and the Collegium for African Diaspora Dance.

    Follow Mila at: @bailaconmila on IG or at www.milathigpen.com

    Follow Kate at @kkayaian on IG, or at www.katekayaian.com

    Don't forget to download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide! to get your Q4 off to a great start!

  • If you're curious about how the Creatives Leadership Academy can help you to design your life and career with more intentionality so that you can take things up a notch, earn more income, do the gold-standard of whatever it is you love to do, AND have time for the rest of your life, Book a call with me today so we can discuss it! ---> CHAT WITH KATE

    In this special episode of the Tales from The Lane podcast, I'm joined by fellow podcast, Ayana Major Bey, host of The Artist Pivot Podcast Series for a fun and heartfelt conversation about what it really looks and feels like to make a career pivot in your Creative career.

    Released on both podcasts, this conversation is a two-sided interview filled with insights and stories about our own experiences with pivots.

    Hear about how the pandemic forced Ayana to pivot from a full-time Actress into the multi-hyphenate Actress–voiceover artist–podcaster–mentor she is today, and how she is full of gratitude for this beautiful expansion of her talents, and you'll hear about my own (multiple!) career pivots that have gotten me to where I am today.

    If you have ever thought about doing something slightly outside of your current skillset, but were too afraid to take that first step, today's episode is for you!

    More about our guest:

    Ayana Major Bey is a multi-hyphenated creator, which includes being an actress, voice-over artist, mentor/coach, public speaker, podcaster, former radio personality, and world traveler. She is a New Jersey native, of Guyanese Heritage, and has loved the performing arts and theater since she was a little kid. An alumnus of two great schools, Montclair State University where she got her BFA in Musical Theatre, and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she got her MA in Acting.

    Select stage credits include: Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Sister Act, Little Shop of Horrors, Children of Eden, 1940’s Radio Hour, All Shook Up, and After Midnight. Select voice over credits include: Sephora, For Hers, Babbel, Google Chromebook, Starbucks, Ally Bank, Square, Delta Dental, and Boston Museum of Science.

    When she is not being a multi-hyphenate creator you can catch her cooking, baking, taking care of her plants, and of course, traveling. Having visited 27 countries thus far some of her favorite places include Thailand, South Africa, Spain, and Italy.

    You can follow Ayana at Insta: @ayanambey, and Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayana-major-bey/

    and New Yorkers, grab your tickets to her upcoming cabaret show at Greenroom 42 on October 20th: Tickets and Info HERE.

  • Do you ever feel torn between your performing life, your teaching life, and your family life? Our guest this week on Tales from The Lane, Heather Miller Lardin, was feeling exactly that way until she figured out how to balance it all--making space for what was most important:

    Being at the top of her game as a performer Being an incredibly generous mentor and guide for her beloved students Being present for her family (and having the energy they deserve from her)

    You'll hear how she crafted a bespoke teaching program that gives her students the absolute gold standard of historical performance pedagogy, and has carved out the rest of her schedule with the utmost intentionality to make time for the other parts of her life that are important to her as well.

    This episode is full of gems and words of wisdom and experience. You won't want to miss it!

    And if you're curious about how the Creatives Leadership Academy can help you to design your life and career with more intentionality so that you can take things up a notch, earn more income, do the gold-standard of whatever it is you love to do, AND have time for the rest of your life, Book a call with me today so we can discuss it! ---> CHAT WITH KATE

    Heather Miller Lardin is principal double bassist of the Handel + Haydn Society, director of the Temple University Early Music Ensemble, and co-director of the Philadelphia-based period instrument ensemble Night Music.

    This season she also appeared with Tempesta di Mare, Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Charlotte Bach Festival, Staunton Music Festival, and Brandywine Baroque. In addition to serving on the faculties of Amherst Early Music and the Viola da Gamba Society of America Conclave, Heather has presented historical bass workshops and master classes at Yale University, James Madison University, and Peabody Conservatory.

    Intensely curious about all things historical bass, Heather designs online and in-person workshops engaging like-minded bassists worldwide. Her Baroque Double Bass course is available on discoverdoublebass.com. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Heather holds a DMA in Historical Performance Practice from Cornell University.

    She makes her home in the Western suburbs of Philadelphia, where she started playing bass in 6th-grade orchestra. When not teaching, tuning, or chauffeuring teenagers, she might be enjoying a cozy mystery and a good cup of coffee with her two Maine Coon cats.

    Follow her on IG @heathermillerlardin

    And be sure to say hi over at @kkayaian

  • Enrollment is open for Kate’s 9-month group coaching mastermind, the Creatives Leadership Academy (CLA). Book a no-obligation call to see if CLA is the right fit for you.

    In this episode of Tales From The Lane, Kate dives into the powerful role that mentorship can play in your career, especially as a high-performing creative. Drawing from a variety of sources, including Judy Robinett’s How to Be a Power Connector, and Tara Mohr’s Playing Big, Kate discusses the difference between vertical and horizontal networking and why having mentors from different levels of expertise is crucial. She shares practical advice on finding the right mentor, building organic relationships, and how to take full advantage of mentorship to reach your career goals. Plus, she encourages paying it forward by mentoring others. If you've ever wondered how to build meaningful professional connections or elevate your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

    Understand the difference between vertical and horizontal networking.

    Learn how to identify and approach potential mentors.

    Practical ways to get involved with mentors.

    How to build your network with an eye toward mentorship and pay it forward by mentoring others.

    The importance of having both a mentor and becoming a mentor to younger colleagues.

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this week’s episode of Tales from The Lane, host Kate Kayaian tackles one of the biggest obstacles to pursuing your dreams: money. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to do this
if only I had the cash,” this episode is for you. Kate shares creative ways to generate income that fit into your existing schedule. These simple, money-making ideas can help turn your dreams into a reality, no matter your current financial situation.

    But it doesn’t stop there. With Thrive Fest kicking off tomorrow, Kate dives into how you can set big goals, create actionable plans, and finally take charge of your future. Whether you need money to get started or just a solid plan, she’s here to guide you through it. Sign up, get your prompts, and join the community to make this your most successful year yet.

    Learn creative ways to generate extra income—without disrupting your schedule. Discover how small financial steps can lead to big dreams. Understand the mindset shift needed to stop letting money stand in your way. Explore the power of community accountability during Thrive Fest. Uncover practical strategies to plan your fall for success.

    JOIN US FOR THRIVE FEST '24! From Tuesday, September 17th-Friday, September 20th. Join Kate and the TFTL online community to strategically plan your fall in the best way possible, so that you can truly thrive this year. It's free! Register here to sign up.

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this week’s episode of Tales from The Lane, we embrace the energy of fall as a fresh start, just like January 1st, for creatives and professionals alike. As rehearsals, performances, and teaching schedules ramp up, many of us are setting ambitious goals for the new season. However, if you find yourself with the same unresolved goals year after year, this episode is for you. Host Kate Kayaian shares her foolproof 5-part system for achieving big goals and making meaningful progress—whether it’s booking a concert tour, writing a book, or improving your health.

    We’ll also discuss how to break your goals down into manageable steps, create contingency plans, and hold yourself accountable in high-stakes situations. Tune in to learn how to move past the inertia and take action, how to make this year different and finally cross those long-standing goals off your list.

    JOIN US FOR THRIVE FEST '24! From Tuesday, September 17th-Friday, September 20th. Join Kate and the TFTL online community to strategically plan your fall in the best way possible, so that you can truly thrive this year. It's free! Register here to sign up.

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this episode of "Tales from The Lane," we delve deep into the wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Inspired by the story of host Kate Kayaian's paternal grandfather, Ohan Kayaian, who survived the Armenian massacre and built a new life in the United States, we explore Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how it shapes our quest to thrive in modern life. From the basic physiological needs to the highest aspirations of self-actualization, we discuss how understanding and fulfilling these needs can unlock the potential to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that thriving is not just about reaching the top but about ensuring that every level of our needs is met along the way. Whether you're dealing with financial insecurity or seeking deeper self-fulfillment, this episode offers valuable insights into how to move forward in your own journey to thrive.

    You'll learn how to: Identify the unmet need that's holding you back from true fulfillment. Assess your current tier in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Explore the connection between financial security and creative self-actualization. Understand why thriving isn't just about reaching the top but ensuring all your needs are met. Discover actionable steps to move from surviving to thriving in your personal and professional life.

    Don't forget! Register here to join us for this year's Thrive-Fest '24, September 17th-20th. It's Kate's free online community event geared to make sure you kick off this fall in a way that helps YOU to thrive!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends.

  • In Episode 34 of "Tales from The Lane," host Kate Kayaian offers a practical and introspective guide to navigating the often overwhelming transition from summer to fall. As new opportunities arise and familiar obligations return, Kate introduces a powerful 8-question exercise to help you evaluate your commitments, maximize your joy, and strategically plan your upcoming year. Whether you're feeling excitement or dread about what's ahead, this episode will provide the clarity you need to make intentional, informed decisions.

    In this episode you will learn how to:

    Evaluate Your Commitments: Learn how to assess your current responsibilities and decide which ones truly align with your goals and values.

    Maximize Joy: Discover strategies to identify and prioritize the activities that bring you the most happiness and fulfillment.

    Prepare for Change: Gain insight into how to embrace new opportunities and let go of what no longer serves you.

    Plan More Intentionally: Understand how to map out your upcoming year with intention, focusing on both personal and professional growth.

    Reduce Stress: Find out how to use this transition period to reduce stress and create a more balanced, joyful life.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In Episode 33 of "Tales from The Lane," host Kate Kayaian reflects on her recent vacation in England and shares insights on the importance of taking time off. Kate dives into the benefits of stepping away from your craft, how to determine your unique needs from your downtime, and why making time to relax is essential for maintaining your creativity and well-being. Whether you're feeling stuck, exhausted, or simply in need of a break, this episode offers practical advice on how to truly recharge and return to your work with renewed energy and perspective.

    In this episode you will: Discover why taking time off is not just a luxury, but a necessity for sustained creativity and success. Learn how to identify what you really need from your time off—according to your unique nature and stage of life. Uncover the importance of respecting different relaxation styles and how to plan a trip that satisfies everyone. Find out why giving yourself a buffer before and after your vacation can make all the difference in your experience. Get tips on how to go with the flow when things don’t go as planned, ensuring your time off is still rejuvenating.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • this episode explores the transformative journey of internal growth that precedes and supports external success. Host Kate Kayaian shares personal experiences and coaching insights, revealing a powerful framework of the five levels of internal growth. This episode highlights how profound changes beneath the surface set the stage for remarkable achievements in both personal and professional arenas.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the essential steps needed to foster personal and professional growth. By addressing key aspects such as responsibility, attitude shifts, mental resilience, courage, and identity transformation, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone looking to make meaningful changes. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, starting a new career, or simply seeking self-improvement, these insights will provide a roadmap to success.

    Tune in to discover how to overcome imposter syndrome, shift your mindset from "No, because" to "Yes, if," and find the courage to take decisive action. Learn from real-life examples of individuals who have navigated these levels of growth, and gain the tools to confidently step into your new identity. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to tackle challenges head-on and unlock your full potential, paving the way for visible and lasting success.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this episode of Tales From The Lane, we explore the crucial roles of "sidekicks" in our creative and entrepreneurial journeys. Whether you're navigating career pivots, overcoming self-doubt, or battling imposter syndrome, having the right support system can make all the difference. We delve into how these sidekicks—The Proof, The Peer, The Pillar, The Professor, and The Prodder—can transform your path to success.

    Join host Kate Kayaian, a former cellist turned writer and coach, as she shares actionable insights and personal anecdotes to help you cultivate a support network that fuels your creative endeavors and empowers your career aspirations.

    Takeaways from this episode include:

    Discovering the five essential roles your sidekicks can play in your journey. Practical tips on finding and nurturing each type of sidekick. Real-life examples of how sidekicks have impacted successful career transitions. Strategies to combat common challenges like imposter syndrome and isolation. Insights into why relying on a supportive network is key to sustainable creative success.

    Intriguing Moments:

    Kate's personal experience transitioning from a solo cellist to an online coach. The importance of finding role models who demonstrate success in your desired path. How peers can provide empathetic support and shared experiences during career shifts. The role of a support network in navigating professional challenges. Why seeking guidance from experienced mentors can accelerate your career growth.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free 10 Habits for Successful Artists Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • Welcome back to Tales From The Lane Podcast with your host, Kate Kayaian. In this episode, Kate dives deep into the mid-year review process, a crucial checkpoint for anyone striving for balance and success in their creative careers. Whether you're a musician, writer, dancer, or artist of any kind, navigating the halfway point of the year can be daunting. Kate offers actionable insights and strategies to reassess goals, finances, professional growth, and personal well-being, ensuring you finish the year strong.

    Join Kate as she breaks down the complexities of mid-year assessments and provides practical advice to help you recalibrate your path for the remainder of 2024. From setting realistic goals to evaluating financial health and nurturing relationships, this episode equips creatives with the tools to thrive, not just survive.

    Key Takeaways:

    Insights into why mid-year assessments are crucial for creative professionals.

    Practical tips for setting and adjusting goals effectively.

    Strategies to manage finances during seasonal income fluctuations.

    Kate shares her personal mid-year check-in routine and how it has transformed her career outlook.

    Insights into the value of learning new skills and expanding your professional toolkit.

    Tips for cultivating genuine relationships that support career growth and personal well-being.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free Quarterly Retreat Planning Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this episode of Tales From The Lane, host Kate Kayaian tackles the frequently asked question: "How long does it take to shift a career?" Drawing parallels between career transitions and sailing, Kate shares personal anecdotes and practical insights to illustrate the unpredictable yet navigable nature of career changes. With a touch of humor and a lot of wisdom, she delves into the elements that influence the timeline of career shifts, emphasizing the importance of preparation, mindset, and adaptability.

    Curious about how long it will take to see your career transition come to fruition? Join Kate Kayaian as she navigates the winds of career change, offering invaluable advice and metaphorical sailing lessons. In this episode, you'll learn about the factors that can speed up or slow down your career shift and discover actionable strategies to steer your professional journey in the right direction. Whether you're contemplating a major career overhaul or a subtle pivot, this episode is packed with insights to help you sail smoothly through your transition.

    Find out what a sailboat has to do with your career shift. Discover the most important foundation to have in place before embarking on your career shift. Learn how to manage mindset monsters like fear and imposter syndrome during a career transition. Explore the significance of a "Yes, If" attitude, and when you need to use it. Understand why accepting things out of your control is crucial for your professional growth.

    If this episode resonated with you and you would like to work with Kate to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free 10 Habits for Successful Artists Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • In this episode of Tales From The Lane, we delve into the pervasive issue of burnout among high achievers, especially in creative fields. Host Kate Kayaian, a former cellist turned writer and coach, shares her personal journey from burnout to balance, offering insights and strategies to help listeners achieve peak performance without sacrificing their well-being.

    Join Kate as she unpacks the detrimental effects of burnout and explores practical approaches to integrate rest, joy, and a holistic approach to life and work. Discover how you can maintain excellence without falling prey to the pressures of perfectionism and overwork.

    You'll hear about:

    Kate’s personal experience with burnout and its impact on her career and well-being.

    Understanding the signs and symptoms of burnout and how they manifest in high achievers.

    Practical strategies to prevent and recover from burnout, including the SWAGG framework.

    Insightful anecdotes and expert advice on achieving balance and sustainable success in creative pursuits.

    The antidote to burnout and the key to enhancing creativity (it's the same thing!)

    Practical tips on implementing the SWAGG framework to maintain high performance without burnout.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free 10 Habits for Successful Artists Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • Perfectionism can be both a driving force and a paralyzing obstacle for high-achieving creatives. In this episode, we explore how perfectionism manifests in the lives of ambitious individuals across various industries, hindering their progress and fulfillment. Through personal anecdotes and coaching insights, we uncover strategies to overcome perfectionism and foster creative growth.

    Key Moments:

    Identifying the root of your perfectionism.

    Balancing your high standards with the ability to finish a project.

    Revisiting the essential motivations behind creative endeavors.

    Kate's favorite exercise to get through a moment of perfection paralysis.

    How to imperfection as a catalyst for growth and development.

    If this episode resonated with you and you want a coach to help navigate your career transition, book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate via the link below, or visit KateKayaian.com.

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Download your free 10 Habits for Successful Artists Guide

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share it with your friends!

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out!

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com

  • Hello, friend, and welcome back to another episode of the Tales From The Lane Podcast. I’m your host, Kate Kayaian– a former cellist, and now a writer and coach for high-performing creatives–This is the show where we talk about how to create a life and career that you love– ones that bring both creative fulfillment and financial reward–ones that make you feel like you are Thriving, instead of merely Surviving.

    Today, we have as our guest, oboist, coach, podcaster, and author of the upcoming book, Artists For Joy. Dr. Merideth Hite-Estevez.

    You'll hear about:

    Some of the books that have most profoundly influenced Dr. Merideth's life and career, and why. Her creative process and how she approaches starting a new project or piece of work One piece of advice Dr. Merideth would give her younger self, just starting out in her career. The 4 questions everyone must ask themselves when they complete a project.

    About Dr. Merideth:

    Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez is a creative catalyst, inviting all to the joy of creative expression through her writing, coaching, and performing. As an oboist, Merideth has performed with top orchestras in the US and abroad, including the Met Opera and PhillyPops, and is currently the English hornist/Second Oboe of the Chamber Orchestra of NY. She has served on faculties of numerous universities and schools of music, most recently as Associate Professor of Oboe at the University of Delaware. Her education has taken her all over the world—Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Yale School of Music, Fulbright Scholar to Germany, and The Juilliard School, where she received her doctorate in oboe.

    She has been a featured speaker at Google, Longy School of Music, ShePodcasts LIVE, Hope*writers, Music Institute of Chicago, and more. As a coach, she has helped thousands of artists overcome creative block through her popular online creative recovery clusters and has served as an executive coach for all types of arts leaders, from major museum directors to deans of conservatories and art schools.

    Dr. Estevez’s award-winning podcast, Artists for Joy, was in the top 250 podcasts in the US in the Self-Help category in January 2023 and is currently top 1.5% of podcasts worldwide. Her first book, “The Artist’s Joy: A Guide to Getting Unstuck, Embracing Imperfection, and Loving Your Creative Life,” debuts in Spring 2024 from Broadleaf Books.

    Originally from South Carolina, Merideth now resides in Metro Detroit, Michigan, with her husband, Rev. Edwin Estevez, daughter Eva, and son Eli.

    Here is the link to her Free Bonus Chapter with her Four Curtain Call Questions: https://artistsforjoy.myflodesk.com/s7mi3cvutm Meredith's Website: https://artistsforjoy.org/book

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please don’t forget to subscribe and share it with your friends!

    Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Kate

    Want more Tales From The Lane content? Check out the TFTL Blog, with 6+ years of past articles and interviews!

    Let’s hang out on socials:

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/kkayaian

    FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Talesfromthelane

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/kkayaianwright

    Website: KateKayaian.com