エピソード

  • From a Record Deal to Jazz in France with Lizzy Parks

    From a Record Deal to Jazz in France with Lizzy Parks
    2026/10/27

    What happens when you stop trying to fit your artistry into one box? Lizzy Parks has spent her career finding out.

    Lizzy Parks is a British-born jazz singer, musician and educator who discovered her love of jazz as a child and went on to study at Birmingham Conservatoire, sign her first record deal at 22, record multiple albums and tour across Europe. In 2009, she came to Cannes to perform — and never left.

    In this episode, we jazz things up with Lizzie as she shares the twists and turns of a career that has never followed just one path. From record labels and international touring to teaching, running choirs, performing at events and creating new opportunities in the South of France, Lizzy talks about why artists don’t have to choose just one way of making a living from their craft.

    In this episode, finding freedom means giving yourself permission to evolve…

    * How a childhood encounter with Billie Holiday and jazz sparked a lifelong love of music

    * Lizzy’s journey from Birmingham Conservatoire to her first record deal, multiple albums and European touring

    * Why improvisation became a form of freedom — both in music and in life

    * Moving to France, starting over and building a new career in the South of France

    * Why artists need to understand the business side of their craft, from music management to negotiating fees and creating multiple income streams

    * Lizzy’s experiences as a woman in a male-dominated music industry and why standing your ground matters

    * The importance of saying “I can”, taking opportunities and learning as you go

    * Why an artist’s voice and musicality can become a toolkit for an entire career — not just one job or one stage

    Lizzie and Cindy explore what it really means to build a sustainable artistic life: staying curious, adapting when circumstances change, learning the business, and giving yourself permission to take a path that may look completely different from the one you originally imagined.

    Connect with Lizzy:

    * Lizzy and The Gentlemen

    * The Big Blaze Chorus

    * Instagram

    * Instagram II

    Applause-Worthy Moments

    “It felt good and it felt easy and I loved learning.”

    “The improvisation, the expression just was, it just blew my mind.”

    “I have a degree in improvisation and that applies not just in music but in life.”

    “I wanted to kind of like throw it away and just get on the mic sometimes.”

    “I just felt that that was my craft. My voice and my musicality was my craft and I was going to use it in every way I could.”

    “You just have to jump in.”

    “If you just put yourself out there and say, I can, and I will, then you do.”

    “Nothing is a failure. It’s just, okay, so what did I learn from this?”

    If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

    All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

    With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

    P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

    Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

    P.P.S. For Business Leaders

    Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
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    49 分
  • Dance Belongs to Every Body With Tony Guerrero

    Dance Belongs to Every Body With Tony Guerrero
    2026/10/20
    From discovering dance at 15 to performing around the world, surviving emergency open-heart surgery and finding his way back to the studio, Tony Guerrero shares why dance belongs to every body - and why no one else gets to decide who you are as an artist.In this episode, we jazz things up with Tony Guerrero - a Houston-born, New York City-based dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and director whose career has taken him across theatre, television, film and opera. From three world tours of West Side Story to his work as a choreographer and teacher at Broadway Dance Center, Tony has built a career around movement, storytelling and creating spaces where people can reconnect with the joy of dance.In this episode, dance becomes a way back to yourself…* How A Chorus Line at 15 sparked Tony’s love of dance and set him on an unexpected artistic path* Why West Side Story became one of the most meaningful shows of his career, including three world tours* Tony’s journey from Houston to New York City and building a career as a dancer, actor, singer, choreographer and director* How emergency open-heart surgery changed everything — and the long road back to teaching, performing and creating* Why “dance belongs to every body” and why our artistic identity should never be left in the hands of gatekeepers* The importance of representation and seeing yourself reflected in the stories we tell* Tony’s message to rising artists: find the love for what you’re doing, hang on to it, and don’t let outside forces steal the joyTogether, Cindy and Tony explore resilience, identity, representation, recovery and the extraordinary relationship between artists and the things they love. At the heart of their conversation is a simple but powerful message: hang on to the joy, retain your individuality and remember that you are allowed to be exactly who you are.Connect with Tony* InstagramApplause-Worthy Moments“Dance belongs to every body. Singing belongs to every body. The arts belong to everybody.”“That identity should not lie in the hands of a gatekeeper.”“And just because those people don’t let you do it doesn’t mean that you’re not a dancer.”“Find the love for what you’re doing and hang on to it.”“Hang on to the joy. And don’t let outside forces corrupt what you love about what you’re doing.”“All bodies belong to the world and belong to dance and belong to song and belong to all of it.”“If it’s in your soul, it means that your soul knows and it’s meant for you.”“It’s important to retain your individuality as an artist and remember who you are and that you are allowed to be unique.”Next in the Spotlight!We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.Next up, Cindy chats with Lizzy Parks, a British-born jazz singer, musician and educator who has built a rich and wonderfully unconventional career between the UK and France. From discovering her love of jazz as a child and signing her first record deal at 22 to touring Europe and eventually making the South of France home, Lizzie shares what it means to keep evolving as an artist.If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)P.S. For Artists, Creatives & SpeakersArtists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.P.P.S. For Business LeadersBusiness Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
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    46 分
  • Broadway Roundtable 2: The Reality Behind the Curtain

    Broadway Roundtable 2: The Reality Behind the Curtain
    2026/10/06
    The curtain rises once again as Cindy continues this inspiring Broadway Roundtable with Dave Rappaport, Maya Days and Yassmin Alers.In Part 2, the conversation moves beyond the spotlight and into the realities of building a life on Broadway and beyond. From grueling audition processes and performing eight shows a week to handling rejection, protecting your craft and honoring the responsibility that comes with stepping onto one of the world’s greatest stages, these seasoned performers reveal what audiences rarely get to see.Filled with candid stories, laughter and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is an inspiring look at what it truly takes to build a lasting career in the theatre while never losing sight of the humanity that makes every performance meaningful.In this episode, Broadway takes center stage...* What life on Broadway is really like beyond the applause, including the discipline required to perform eight shows a week* Why professionalism, consistency and respect for your fellow cast and crew are just as important as talent* How Broadway performers navigate rejection, missed opportunities and career disappointments without losing their passion* The surprising reasons actors are (and aren’t) cast, and why so much of the process is outside your control* Why every setback is an opportunity to grow, sharpen your craft and prepare for the next audition* How theatre can become a powerful source of healing, helping artists transform grief, loss and personal experiences into unforgettable performances* Why the greatest Broadway careers are built not only on talent, but on resilience, generosity and a deep love for the craftTogether, Cindy, Dave, Maya and Yassmin offer an authentic look behind the curtain, reminding us that Broadway isn't simply about performing on stage - it's about showing up with excellence, supporting one another and bringing truth to every story you tell.Connect with Our GuestsDave RappaportWebsiteInstagramMaya DaysInstagramYassmin AlersInstagramApplause-Worthy Moments“You cannot take it personally.”“Broadway isn’t for everyone.”“You have to take it on like an athlete.”“Respect your fellow actors. Respect your crew.”“When you’re taking a break, work on your craft.”“Disrupt the norm.”“Anything’s possible.”Next in the Spotlight!We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.Next week, Christopher Wilson turns the tables as he interviews Cindy Ashton about the remarkable journey that took her from Broadway performer to transformational speaker, coach and creator of Bringing Broadway to France. Together, they explore the power of storytelling, purpose and what it truly means to Speak From Your Power®.If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)P.S. For Artists, Creatives & SpeakersArtists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.P.P.S. For Business LeadersBusiness Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
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    51 分
  • Broadway Roundtable 1: Rent, Aida & When Diversity Takes Center Stage

    Broadway Roundtable 1: Rent, Aida & When Diversity Takes Center Stage
    2026/09/29
    “When you stick with the truth, people cannot mess with you.”From Broadway stages and beyond, four artists come together for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, resilience and the extraordinary power of theatre to bring people together.In Part 1 of this special panel discussion, we jazz things up with Maya Days and Yassmin Alers, accomplished Broadway performers — and their bestie, musical theater performer and producer, Dave Rappaport. Their careers have spanned iconic productions including Rent, Aida, Dear Evan Hansen, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Capeman and The Notebook.Together with Cindy, they share the stories, friendships and life lessons that have shaped them both on and off the stage. From embracing authenticity over perfection to celebrating diversity and representation on Broadway, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the arts have the unique ability to connect us through our shared humanity.In this episode, authenticity takes center stage and truth steals the spotlight...* Why truthful storytelling will always resonate more deeply than perfection* How groundbreaking productions like Rent helped redefine Broadway through diversity, representation and authentic storytelling* Why every artist’s unique voice deserves to be heard rather than compared to someone else’s* The friendships, mentors and experiences that shaped their journeys through the performing arts* How vulnerability allows audiences to connect with performers on a deeply human level* Why theatre continues to inspire empathy, understanding and meaningful conversations across cultures and generations* The importance of supporting one another and celebrating every artist’s individual pathTogether, Cindy, Dave, Maya and Yassmin celebrate the courage to tell honest stories, the beauty of collaboration and the enduring power of theatre to remind us that we have far more in common than what sets us apart.Connect with Our GuestsDave RappaportWebsiteInstagramMaya DaysInstagramYassmin AlersInstagramApplause-Worthy Moments“When you stick with the truth, people cannot mess with you.”“People don’t remember perfection. They remember honesty.”“It’s not about having the perfect voice. It’s about telling the truth.”“Artists are all about lifting each other up.”“The floodgates have opened, and they can never be closed again.”Next in the Spotlight!We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.Next week, join us for Part 2 of this special Broadway roundtable, where Dave, Maya and Yassmin continue the conversation, sharing more unforgettable stories from the stage, the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful forces for connection and change.If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)P.S. For Artists, Creatives & SpeakersArtists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.P.P.S. For Business LeadersBusiness Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
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    48 分
  • Behind the Scenes With Broadway Critic Scott Harrah

    Behind the Scenes With Broadway Critic Scott Harrah
    2026/09/22

    How theatre can challenge social divides, break down barriers and remind us that even in a divided world, the stories we tell have the power to bring us together.

    In this episode, we jazz things up with Scott Harrah - a New York-based theatre critic, journalist and founder of StageZine, known for his thoughtful, human-driven approach to covering Broadway and the stories behind the stage.

    After arriving in New York through an internship at People magazine, Scott built a career in journalism and theatre criticism before taking a leap into the unknown and launching StageZine with his late partner, David.

    More than 15 years later, Scott continues to explore theatre not only as entertainment, but as a powerful reflection of humanity, culture and the world we live in.

    In this episode, theatre is not just entertainment…

    * How representation and diversity on Broadway have evolved - and why opening the stage to different bodies, backgrounds and identities matters

    * How Scott found his way from Nebraska to New York City and built a career in theatre journalism

    * Why theatre can bring people together across race, sexuality, religion and political beliefs

    * How Broadway can tackle social and political issues without losing the power to entertain

    * The deeply personal story of Scott’s late partner David, his hidden Broadway past and the expectations that can keep artists from fully celebrating their gifts

    * Why the same Broadway story can resonate completely differently across the United States, Britain and France

    * What the success of August: Osage County in France reveals about culture, humanity and our fascination with stories beyond our own borders

    Together, Cindy and Scott explore theatre as a space for connection, advocacy and social reflection - and the many different ways we can use our voices when the world around us feels divided.

    Connect with Scott:

    * Website

    * Instagram

    * Facebook

    * TikTok

    Applause-Worthy Moments

    “Theatre is one place where everybody can come together, no matter what race you are, what sexuality you are, what religion you are.”

    “We can all come together and we can just enjoy and laugh.”

    “It’s also a way that we can make statements about what’s going on in the world.”

    “You don’t have to be thin and white and Anglo-Saxon looking to make it in theatre anymore. You can be anything.”

    “None of us are powerless.”

    Next in the Spotlight

    We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

    Next week, Cindy welcomes Dave Rappaport, Maya Days and Yassmin Alers for Part 1 of a special Broadway Roundtable, where they dish on authenticity, diversity, lifelong friendships and why truthful storytelling has the power to change lives..

    If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

    All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

    With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

    P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

    Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

    P.P.S. For Business Leaders

    Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
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    53 分
  • From South Africa to West End 'Fanny Brice' with Ashleigh Harvey

    From South Africa to West End 'Fanny Brice' with Ashleigh Harvey
    2026/09/15

    From growing up in South Africa during apartheid to performing on stages across the UK, Ashleigh Harvey shares why art has the power to heal, unite and remind us of our shared humanity.

    In this episode, we jazz things up with Ashleigh Harvey - a South African-born actor, singer, voice artist and writer who has built an inspiring career on the UK stage. From starring in Funny Girl, Come From Away and Mamma Mia! to touring the UK in Fawlty Towers – The Play, Ashleigh brings extraordinary warmth, authenticity and heart to every performance.

    After growing up during the final years of apartheid in South Africa, Ashleigh witnessed first-hand how storytelling, theatre and music helped people make sense of difficult times. Today, whether she’s making audiences laugh, cry or simply forget the worries of the world for a few hours, she believes artists have an extraordinary responsibility and privilege to bring people together through shared human experiences.

    In this episode, persistence opens door and empathy keeps them open…

    * How Ashleigh knew from childhood that performing wasn’t just a dream - it was her calling

    * Why it took courage to leave South Africa and pursue her career in London’s competitive theatre industry

    * The persistence that landed her the lead role in Funny Girl after initially not even being invited to audition

    * Why Come From Away remains one of the most powerful examples of humanity, kindness and compassion on stage

    * How theatre creates a shared experience that reminds us we are far more alike than different

    * Why artists play a vital role in helping society process difficult moments through laughter, music and storytelling

    * The realities of building a sustainable career as a performer—and why success often comes from resilience, continuous learning and never giving up

    * Why kindness, empathy and listening to one another may be exactly what the world needs right now

    Together, Cindy and Ashleigh explore courage, creativity, resilience and the remarkable power of theatre to heal, inspire and reconnect us with our shared humanity.

    Connect with Ashleigh

    * Instagram

    * Spotlight

    * Youtube

    Applause-Worthy Moments

    “If you’ve got the bug, you’ve got the bug. It’s actually not a choice.”

    “It kind of chooses you, not the other way around.”

    “The soul nourishment is outstanding.”

    “The real truth of what’s going on in society is often told through art.”

    “Theatre reconnects you to your humanity.”

    “We all have to remember that we can just be kind.”

    Next in the Spotlight!

    We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.

    Next week, you will meet Scott Harrah, who dishes on dishes on Broadway's power to bring people together, the stories that shape our humanity and why theatre still matters more than ever.

    If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.

    All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.

    With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)

    P.S. For Artists, Creatives & Speakers

    Artists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.

    P.P.S. For Business Leaders

    Business Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
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    44 分
  • From Playing Eva Perón to Finding Your Own Voice with Sandra Bargman

    From Playing Eva Perón to Finding Your Own Voice with Sandra Bargman
    2026/09/08
    What if the voice you're searching for has been there all along? And what if the greatest performance isn't pretending to be someone else - but showing up as yourself?What if you never needed to “find” your voice? Actor, singer, interfaith minister and storytelling coach Sandra Bargman dishes on setting down what holds us back, embracing the edge of change and having the courage to let ourselves be heard.In this episode, we jazz things up with Sandra Bargman - a 35+ year professional actor, singer and voice artist whose career has spanned Broadway National Tours, Off-Broadway, regional theatre and beyond. She is also a seminary-trained and ordained Interfaith Minister, spiritual counselor and Voice, Storytelling and Presence Teacher.A self-described “walking Venn Diagram,” Sandra has spent her life at the intersection of performance, spirituality and human connection. From stepping into the iconic role of Eva Perón in Evita to creating her solo show and podcast The Edge of Everyday, Sandra’s journey has been one of continually moving closer to her own truth - and helping others do the same.In this episode, presence matters more than volume…* How playing Eva Perón taught Sandra to mine her own life, emotions and humanity to bring an iconic character to life* Why making it to Broadway is not the only measure of a meaningful life as an artist* How one performance in an old age home became one of Sandra’s most powerful reminders of what it truly means to serve through music* Why Sandra says she never needed to “find” her voice - she needed to put down the things standing in the way of using it* How The Edge of Everyday helped Sandra step out from behind characters and begin speaking her own beliefs and truths on stage* Why good communication is not about being bigger, louder or faster - but about vulnerability, intention and genuine presence* How storytelling connects us, builds community and helps us make sense of who we areTogether, Cindy and Sandra explore what it means to truly know yourself, use your voice and trust that your unique path as an artist and human being does not need to look like anyone else’s.Connect with Sandra:* Website* Magic Thread Media* Instagram* LinkedIn* YouTube* Facebook* BlueskyApplause-Worthy Moments“Everybody’s path is everybody’s path.”“The goal is expressing yourself as an artist and knowing that you’re able to connect.”“I didn’t need to find my voice. I needed to set down the things that stood in the way of me moving forward to say it.”“Storytelling is encoded in our DNA.”“Good communication is not bigger, louder, faster.”“Trust your place.”Next in the Spotlight!We are super jazzed you joined us for another episode of Bringing Broadway to France: Bridging Humanity, One Story at a Time.Next week, you will meet Ashleigh Harvey who dishes on on following your calling, finding humanity through theatre and why kindness may be one of the greatest performances we can give.If this podcast inspired you, we invite you to join us on Substack. Subscribe for free to stay in the loop, or upgrade to a paid subscription to unlock exclusive content and personalized song dedications — while directly supporting production costs and my incredible team as we continue bringing you meaningful conversations with extraordinary artists from around the world.All levels of support mean everything. Thank you for being here.With love, sparkles and gratitude,Cindy and my amazing team (Ieva, Marj, and Ann)P.S. For Artists, Creatives & SpeakersArtists, Creatives & Speakers: Learn how to monetize your work and land bookings with our free video and workbook.P.P.S. For Business LeadersBusiness Leaders: Learn how to Speak From Your Power® without pushing, performing, or proving. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringingbroadwaytofrance.substack.com
    続きを読む 一部表示
    48 分