The Act of Storytelling

For TAOS Chapter 3, Episode 4 of the TAOS podcast, hosts Lauren Bailey and Nick Cain have the great pleasure of speaking to actor, producer, disability advocate, business owner and acting coach, Emma Monk (Grey's Anatomy, Nickelodeon's Hopefuls, and LGBTQIA+ film Let's Go Below the Rainbow) about the perspective required to embrace a creative career. Emma has such a vibrant personality, go get ‘em attitude and an impressive international career, and talked about her decision to return to the Australian arts Industry following success overseas, finding her voice in the spirit of authentic representation, embracing teaching through her acting studio, TrueSCREEN, in Australia’s 7th largest city (truedat), Newcastle, and her latest development project inspired by her own recent journey with a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder.  In This Episode We Talk About: - US vs Australian stories - Embracing the LGBTQIA+ community overseas - Leaving on a jet plane (or the return home) - Regional access and the importance of community - Starting a business - Throwback to Noora Niasari's experience filming in Beirut - Navigating a new way through life with a disability diagnosis - Her latest producing project - Tangible tools and anchoring objects - Conundrum: The importance of lived experience Resources: Learn more about Emma’s Studio @truescreenacting @ https://www.truescreen.com.au/ Listen to our full interview with Throwback Guest Noora Niasari in TAOS Ch1.Podcast 15  Connect with Emma Monk on IG: @the.emma.monk This episode was edited by audio editor, Brandon Bourke, our interview with Emma was filmed and recorded at Sawtooth Studios, Newcastle, and the chats between Nick and Lauren at Wisecast Studio, Sydney, with theme music expertly crafted by Jared McFarlin, inspired by the sounds of Anita Quayle from Chapter 2 of The Act of Storytelling. A big thank you to throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, Noora Niasari, from Chapter 1 Podcast 15, and of course to Emma Monk for her time, tenacity and positive approach to facing the thresholds that present themselves  In TAOS Chapter 3, Nick & Lauren connect to a bunch of great artists at different phases of their artistic journey, and unpacking some wisdom and tangible tools during each episode, ultimately inspiring us all to tell better stories.  Each episode features a catch up with our hosts, interviews with diverse creatives, throwback to wisdom from previous guests, a creative conundrum, reflections on the creative journey and inspiration. Season guests include: Esther Anatolitis, Dr.Simon Longstaff, Andrea Denholm, Matt Zeremes, Guy Edmonds, Madeleine Dyer and more. Connect with us on IG: @actstorytelling  @laurenbaileycreative  @nickcainofficial  This podcast was recorded across the lands of the Awabakal people, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri, Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We wish to pay our respects to Elders past and present. For over 60,000 years this land has been a place of storytelling, learning and community and we are privileged to continue that tradition on these unceded lands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In TAOS Chapter 3, Episode 3, hosts Nick Cain and Lauren Bailey chat to Filipino-Australian actor, improviser, theatre-maker, and educator, John Marc Desengo, who shares his own experiences with mentors, collaborating on and developing projects, his early career work with Brainstorm Productions, and his current roles including his work at Western Edge. This episode covers the value of mentorship at different stages of a creative career, the importance of community, and the magical way that mentors can become collaborators as well as friends. We wrap up the episode with a conundrum discussing the possibility of a creative career without a mentor… In This Episode We Talk About: - The importance of mentorship - How mentors can shape an acting career - Theatre in education - Developing ‘The Yellow Wave’ with 15 Minutes from Anywhere - Throwback to Amy Gray's Mentorship Story - Connecting to a sense of being enough - Defining success as a creative - The value of shared knowledge - The Mentor Conundrum: Do we always need one? Resources: Learn more about Western Edge @ https://westernedge.org.au/ Find out about working with Brainstorm Productions @ https://www.brainstormproductions.edu.au/ Follow 15 Minutes from Anywhere theatre company @15MinsfromAnywhere Connect with John Marc on IG: @johnmarcismyfirstname This episode was edited by audio editor, Brandon Bourke, our interview with John Marc Desengano was filmed and recorded at Session in Progress, Melbourne, and the chats between Nick and Lauren at Wisecast Studio, Sydney, with theme music expertly crafted by Jared McFarlin, inspired by the sounds of Anita Quayle from Chapters 1 and 2 of The Act of Storytelling. A big thank you to throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, Amy Gray, our Chapter 1 Podcast 25 throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, and of course to John Marc for his time, wisdom and reminding us all that we are enough.  In TAOS Chapter 3, Nick & Lauren connect to a bunch of great artists at different phases of their artistic journey, and unpacking some wisdom and tangible tools during each episode, ultimately inspiring us all to tell better stories.  Each episode features a catch up with our hosts, interviews with diverse creatives, throwback to wisdom from previous guests, a conundrum about the industry or the pursuit of storytelling, reflections on the creative journey and inspiration. Season guests include: Esther Anatolitis, Dr.Simon Longstaff, Andrea Denholm, Matt Zeremes, Guy Edmonds, Madeleine Dyer and more. Connect with us on IG: @actstorytelling  @laurenbaileycreative  @nickcainofficial  This podcast was recorded across the lands of the Awabakal people, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri, Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We wish to pay our respects to Elders past and present. For over 60,000 years this land has been a place of storytelling, learning and community and we are privileged to continue that tradition on these unceded lands today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Chapter 3, Episode 2 of the TAOS podcast, hosts Lauren Bailey and Nick Cain are joined by acclaimed actor and acting coach Julia Grace (Offspring, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Steppenwolf Theatre) as they explore how fear, doubt, and resistance can shape the creative journey.  Julia has been working as an actor, coach and teacher for over 15 years. Her approach blends real-world experience with deep empathy, guiding actors to embrace vulnerability, overcome resistance, and rediscover the joy in their craft. Through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s “refusal of the call” Julia, Lauren and Nick unpack the challenges and opportunities of self-taping, the importance of community and feedback on creativity and how curiosity can help in overcoming artistic hurdles.  In This Episode We Talk About: - Facing resistance - Embracing vulnerability - Distinguishing between uncomfortable and unsafe - When to say “no” - Imaginative exercises for decision-making - Finding joy and confidence in the creative process - Conundrum time - Dismantling the “struggling artist” - Nick & Lauren’s thoughts and reflections - What’s coming up next Resources: Learn more about Julia Grace @ www.juliagrace.com.au Sign up for Julia’s “Two Minute Read” newsletter  Book recommendation: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Connect with Julia on IG: @juliagracecoaching This episode was edited by audio editor, Brandon Bourke, our interview with Julia was filmed and recorded by videographer and audio Engineer, Simon Holt at Visual Culture, and the chats between Nick and Lauren at Wisecast Studio, Sydney, with theme music expertly crafted by Jared McFarlin, inspired by the sounds of Anita Quayle from Chapters 1 and 2 of The Act of Storytelling. A big thank you to throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, Shash Lall, our Chapter 1 Podcast 19 throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, and of course to Julia Grace for her time, wisdom and inspiring us all to tackle the next moment of hesitation.  In TAOS Chapter 3, Nick & Lauren connect to a bunch of great artists at different phases of their artistic journey, and unpacking some wisdom and tangible tools during each episode, ultimately inspiring us all to tell better stories.  Each episode features a catch up with our hosts, interviews with diverse creatives, throwback to wisdom from previous guests, a conundrum about the industry or the pursuit of storytelling, reflections on the creative journey and inspiration. Season guests include: Esther Anatolitis, Dr.Simon Longstaff, Andrea Denholm, Matt Zeremes, Guy Edmonds, Madeleine Dyer and more. Connect with us on IG: @actstorytelling  @laurenbaileycreative  @nickcainofficial  This podcast was recorded across the lands of the Awabakal and Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri, Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We wish to pay our respects to Elders past and present. For over 60,000 years this land has been a place of storytelling, learning and community and we are privileged to continue that tradition on these unceded lands today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the season premiere of Chapter 3 of The Act of Storytelling (TAOS), hosts Nick Cain and Lauren Bailey return with a renewed focus: ready to explore the creative path with a diverse range of artists through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey. They’re joined by Australian–Peruvian actress Giulia Modonese, who shares her inspiring rise from a childhood love of acting to becoming a recognised talent within just three years. Giulia opens up about mindset, drive, and the pivotal lessons learned from her upbringing — from embracing self-awareness to being ready to answer the call to adventure, and making brave, pragmatic choices early in her career. With reflections from past guests and new voices, this episode kicks off a season dedicated to finding inspiration as a storyteller, discovering the tools to support you on your creative path, and cultivating the mindset and knowledge to tell great stories. In this episode we talk about: - TAOS is back! - Giulia's journey into acting - Challenges and mindset - Responding to influences and opportunities - YouTube success and consistency - Embracing the journey - Shifting the perspective on failure - Conundrum time - Passion or Pragmatism - Nick & Lauren’s thoughts and reflections - What’s coming up next Podcast thumbnail photo by @sallyfleggphotography RESOURCES: Check out acting classes in Newcastle at @truescreenacting Connect with Giulia on IG @giulia_modonese This episode was edited by Brandon Bourke, filmed and recorded at Sawtooth Studios, Newcastle, and Wisecast Studios, Sydney, with theme music expertly crafted by Jared McFarlin, inspired by the sounds of Anita Quayle from Chapters 1 and 2 of The Act of Storytelling. A big thank you to throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, Ann Truong, our Chapter 1 Podcast 15 throwback guest and good friend of TAOS, and of course to Giulia Modonese for her time, wisdom and inspiring us all to jump at the next call to adventure.  In TAOS Chapter 3, Nick & Lauren connect to a bunch of great artists at different phases of their artistic journey, and unpacking some wisdom and tangible tools during each episode, ultimately inspiring us all to tell better stories.  Each episode features a catch up with our hosts, interviews with diverse creatives, throwback to wisdom from previous guests, a conundrum about the industry or the pursuit of storytelling, reflections on the creative journey and inspiration. Season guests include: Esther Anatolitis, Dr.Simon Longstaff, Andrea Denholm, Matt Zeremes, Guy Edmonds, Madeleine Dyer and more. CONNECT with us on IG: @actstorytelling  @laurenbaileycreative  @nickcainofficial This podcast was recorded across the lands of the Awabakal and Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We wish to pay our respects to Elders past and present. For over 60,000 years this land has been a place of storytelling, learning and community and we are privileged to continue that tradition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our final mini podcast and to the very wonderful - editor, writer, director and producer -Thomas Meadmore! We were incredibly lucky to catch Tom off the back of the success of writing and directing four part doco series, After The Night, (available on Stan), in the depths of lockdown in the UK, and focussing on reconnecting with the world of fiction. It was a fantastic chat between Nick, Lauren & Tom, investigating the highs and lows of the creative journey and finding out what drives Tom to keep pursuing storytelling in both the world of fiction and non-fiction. So make a cuppa and settle in for a thought-provoking and heart-warming chat about this artist’s journey! You can Follow @TomMeadmore on Twitter on LinkedIn and check out ‘After The Night’ on Stan or “The Spy Who Fell To Earth’ on Netflix

Welcome to our second short and sweet interview with the fantastic Shash Lall! Whether you’re down with our TAOS Ch01 Podcast 19 chat with Shash, or brand new to the annals of the Lall compendium, you’re going to love this supercharged conversation around freshly-minted Colourful Cocktail Media (circa 2020), of which Shash is Executive Producer, some amazing insights into tackling digital innovation in order to continue creating and pitching projects in the world right now, and how his goal to honour diversity in storytelling through compassion and understanding has come to fruition in his latest projects. So sit back and relax while Shash wow’s you with his enthusiasm, determination and lateral thinking super-skills! Feel free to Follow ‘Colourful Cocktail Media’ on LinkedIn and check out our intro clip for this interview with Shash on IG @actstorytelling.

This is the first release in a mini podcast series from The Act of Storytelling talking to global creatives who are getting things done. Our hosts chat to the amazing and motivational, Cat LaCohie - on one hand, she’s the award-winning, international Variety Burlesque performer and live event Host “Vixen DeVille” who specialises in fire-eating, glass-walking, aerial hoop, and magic, and on the other she’s an accomplished actress, writer, producer, teacher and motivational speaker. So strap yourselves in, because this is one seriously motivational chat! You can stay connected with Cat’s acting and teaching work on Facebook @CatLaCohieActress or find out more about her burlesque at www.vixendeville.com/ and follow @vixendeville on socials.

To celebrate March in style, Lauren and Nick sit down with Christopher Saunders to talk about creating social change through art. Not only is he an actor, enabler and creative producer, Christopher is also endlessly curious about how we work together to reframe our stories and connect ourselves to the real humans represented in the tales we tell. Through his work with BIGhART, and currently as General Manager of Renew Newcastle, Christopher shares some sage advice on sustainability and drawing on the resources you have to hand, as well as thinking outside the box to make things happen. It's an enjoyable discussion on how to keep your sense of creativity and motivation alive. Jam packed into the audio alongside this, Lauren and Nick take the opportunity to realign and focus, establish routine and talk about some amazing creative projects happening in Newcastle and Melbourne currently.

In the first full length podcast for 2018, our hosts take the spotlight as they carve out a special hour that is dedicated to turning the interviewers into the interviewees. Both Nick and Lauren take turns delving into key factors that have driven them to be the individual artists they are today. The discussion winds passionately from the importance of specificity and curiosity in designing our artistic lives, to musings around the fundamental nature and meaning of existence. In a delightful splash of extra goodness, they take the time to review their favourite podcasts of the long running series, and serve up their greatest learnings and insights in a neat and tasty package for you to enjoy. It’s the closest thing to a ‘best of’ episode you’re likely to get!

It's a double dose of talent on this storyteller snapshot! Nick and Lauren meet with two childhood friends turned indie filmmakers - Director Hayden Gregory and Producer Opie Sayner-Hassall - to discuss the experience of creating Australian phsychological thriller, The Rip. It's a bite-sized insight into the expectations of the filmmaking process, crowdfunding and developing an engaging narrative!

This month's podcast guest, Sue Maslin, weighs in on our Artist's Toolkit topic: Social Media. Listen to the full interview here: https://theactofstorytelling.com.au/stories/sue-maslin Music © Anita Quayle

You are invited to explore the inner thoughts of one of Australia's most successful film, television and digital content producers, Sue Maslin, in this fascinating and expansive discussion on the whys and wherefores of script to screen storytelling. Sue brings a wealth of knowledge to the microphone as she discusses some topical and fundamental ideas including empowering women in the arts and creating space for female leadership, embracing the challenge of having your project knocked back, and how to create work from ideas that matter. We cover the process of getting her most recognised project so far - The Dressmaker - from concept to cinema and harnessing the growing power of the webseries through her latest series, Other People’s Problems. Nick and Lauren also discuss the importance of career continuity and the role of social media engagement in an artist’s digital footprint.

It's the penultimate month of November but it is very much a continuation of all things storytelling on the TAOS podcast.  Nick and Lauren discuss 'holding the line', creating space and being present before turnign their attention to a great conversation, and a lot of laughter, with actress, producer, creative director and Melbourne WebFest General Manager, Sally McLean. This podcast brings so much laughter along with a wealth of insight into making work that is relevant today, prioritising schedules, being fearless in your approach to expanding your network and creativity, and so much more!

Nick and Lauren check in bi-continental this month from LA to Sydney to compare keeping on track vs letting go, following words with actions and being grateful for the journey. Then it’s a wonderful ride inside the motivational life of Ali Kadhim, who is, among other things, a Parkour practitioner, martial artist, filmmaker and movement specialist. Having just received the Kirk Robson Award from the Australia Council for the Arts, this young man has many wise words to share on reframing obstacles, doing what you love and releasing yourself from fear. Buckle up kids, it’s just a four storey drop on the jump to the next building!

This month on the podcast, Nick and Lauren turn their attention to the images we allow ourselves in pursuit of our dreams, and the way leadership defines our actions. Then they sit down for a fascinating conversation with actor, filmmaker and teacher, Chum Ehelopola, about the restrictions we place on ourselves when we aim for perfection, establishing boundaries as an artist, and the funny thing about failure in terms of success. Chum’s journey covers creativity in the aftermath of war, what he has learnt about starting out as an actor and the importance of having a voice as an artist. This podcast is sure to leave you inspired about your ability to tackle your next creative obstacle, however big or small it may be.

The importance of self-nourishment as an artist comes into focus this month, as our fearless hosts share poetic verse and moments of vulnerability in a podcast equal parts intimacy and hilarity. Our charismatic guest, Mr. Budi Miller, takes us on a gripping journey through world culture and its influence on his art, in particular the artists’ search for the divine. The visionary teacher and change-maker also shares some intimate personal stories about art's ability to affect and shape our lives, as well as updating us on his influential role at the Victorian College of the Arts.

Welcome to Chapter 2 Podcast 1 and a shiny new version of The Act of Storytelling focussing on challenging the human experience by speaking to people who impact the world through art. And to do just that, this month we sit down with blind, Egyptian-Italian stand-up comedian, Maysa Abouzeid!  Sharing stories from the New York stand up scene to creating her own shows for the Melbourne Fringe festival and the benefits her role as a social work lends to everything she does, this podcast provides an inspiring, funny and heartfelt look into the sometimes messy artistic world.

The Act of Storytelling, Chapter 2 begins in a couple of days... but right now, we are incredibly excited to share the new TAOS theme music, composed by magically talented musician and sound designer, Anita Quayle, and amazingly mixed and mastered by Winnie at Thirty Mill Studios. If, like us, you want to challenge the human experience, head over to theactofstorytelling.com.au, and share Nick and Lauren's journey as they talk to people who are impacting the world through art.

We collaborated with VoiceMap to create an immersive GPS tour of Melbourne's laneways! Every laneway has a story. So download VoiceMap on your phone at iOS: bit.ly/voicemap or Android: bit.ly/getvoicemap and listen to the audio tour on your phone. Here's an audio excerpt from "Every laneway has a story". Even if you can't physically do the tour, you can purchase the audio for $4.99AU and have Nick and Lauren take you on a storytelling journey!

Like a bumper holiday sale, Podcast 28 delivers on both value and festive cheer. In an attempt to help you combat what can be a confusing time for artists, Nick and Lauren flipped back through the rolodex of storytelling alumni and asked some of the podcast's guests to share the gift of insight on how to deal with the holiday period as a creative. It's a bonanza of great advice packaged up into short, bite-sized snippets from the legends of podcasts past! As another year draws to a close, we also find our hosts providing an in-depth reflection and acceptance of the year that was. Using the previous podcasts, they contemplate following your energy and ideas on gradually finding clarity in your voice as a storyteller. With that in mind, they bookend the podcast by providing their own gifts to listeners. If that wasn't enough, they finish up with a couple of really exciting announcements and major developments for The Act of Storytelling moving into 2017, so be sure to listen all the way through! Happy Holidays listeners, we hope you feel spoiled and loved! Until next time... For all links mentioned in the podcast, please visit www.theactofstorytelling.com.au