Welcome to the Season 7 wrap-up episode of The Artist Pivot Podcast. I’m grateful for every guest who brought their wisdom and energy to this season. From unexpected pivots in life and creativity, to making plans and embracing change, this season was all about growth and finding comfort in movement. This wrap up is a heartfelt reflection and includes my recent yoga-inspired life lesson about staying in motion and embracing pivots as a key part of every creative journey. I also spotlight some of my favorite makers and products and celebrate big wins from past guests.

Wishing you joy, fulfillment, and abundant creativity in 2026. Stay in motion, keep creating, and I’ll see you next season!

Get in touch

Gold and Water Co: https://goldandwaterco.com/

Be Rooted: https://berootedco.com

Ayana Major Bey

Website: www.ayanabey.com

Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot

Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast

Show Sponsors:

WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey

Editor: Kieran Niemand

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey

Part of the Atabey & Co Network

The Artist Pivot podcast, season wrap up, creative careers, podcast guests, life updates, pivoting, artists, creatives, making plans, goal setting, epiphany, yoga, staying in motion, co-creation, universe, intention, overcoming challenges, personal growth, body butter, Gold and Water Co, favorite things, West End debut, Be Rooted, black-owned business, planners, holiday season, joy, abundant 2026, Ayana Major Bey

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On this episode, I got to chat with performer (Actor/Singer/Dancer/Puppeteer) Imari Hardon, also known as the Thespian Therapist, for a candid and heartfelt conversation. Imari shares her journey of balancing a career in both the performing arts and mental health, diving deep into the lessons learned from unexpected pivots, personal growth, and the realities behind following your passions. We explored how artists can reclaim the “main character” energy in their lives, why breaks fuel creativity, and how genuine connections unlock unexpected opportunities.

This episode is full of real talk about what it means to be an artist navigating life’s twists and turns and how practicing self-care, leaning into the power of community, and embracing the “messy” days along with the joyful ones, is how you adapt and thrive in this industry. Imari and I talk about redefining success, honoring your artistry, and learning how sometimes, the best pivots in life happen when you simply allow yourself to just “be.”

My 3 takeaways from this episode are that your self-worth is not dependent on your career, pivots are natural and necessary, and that joy and rest are essential tools.

Whether you’re a creative navigating career changes or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, this conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, self-compassion, and staying true to your unique path.

Get in touch:

Imari Hardon

Website: https://www.thethespiantherapist.com/

Instagram: @princessimari @thethespiantherapist

Ayana Major Bey

Website: www.ayanabey.com

Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot

Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast

Show Sponsors:

WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey

Editor: Kieran Niemand

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey

Part of the Atabey & Co Network

self-care, therapy, Broadway, mental health, drama therapy, psychodrama, musical theater, artist pivots, career transitions, auditioning, people pleasing, trauma, main character energy, self-worth, performing arts, friendship breakups, work-life balance, Black women in theater, identity, role expectations, creative burnout, side characters, artistic community, pandemic impact, audition rejection, creative fulfillment, networking, rest and breaks, validation, personal growth

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a very special 5th anniversary edition of The Artist Pivot Podcast! On this episode I celebrate five incredible years of sharing the journeys, pivots, and profound wisdom of artists and creative humans navigating change. In this heartfelt solo episode, I reflect on the origins of the podcast—born from a pandemic-induced pivot away from musical theater coaching—and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. From the importance of “just doing it,” to finding accountability, embracing life’s balancing act, and learning to stay curious, I get candid about my own ongoing journey as an artist in flux. I also open up about the challenges, joys, and ongoing evolution of The Artist Pivot and celebrate the power of creative reinvention. Cheers to five years—and many more to come—of finding new ways to create, survive, and thrive!

Ayana Major Bey

Website: www.ayanabey.com

Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot

Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast

Show Sponsors:

WeAudition: Get 25% off your membership when you use the code PIVOT, join at https://www.weaudition.com/

Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey

Editor: Kieran Niemand

Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey

Part of the Atabey & Co Network

The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana Major Bey, podcast anniversary, podcast production, creative pivot, accountability, podcast launch, musical theater, pandemic pivot, creative entrepreneurship, vulnerability, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, artistic balance, show business, capitalism, career change, artist support, green coupons, personal growth, storytelling, artist interviews, podcast newsletter, corporate creativity, self-reflection, pivoting artists

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.