Creative Courage: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Vulnerability with Mauricio Pita

Episode #159

Welcome back to The Creative Soulpreneur! In today's episode, Nick is thrilled to introduce a truly inspiring guest, Mauricio, a talented filmmaker with whom he's shares an intrinsic connection that transcends the typical creative bond. Mauricio and Nick first crossed paths on the film festival circuit, and we've been kindred spirits ever since. In this conversation, Mauricio opens up about his journey from growing up in Venezuela to making waves in the film industry here in the U.S. He shares the challenges he faced as a young, imaginative boy seeking solace in his creativity amidst bullying and isolation and how these experiences helped shape his path as an artist. We dig into the process of pursuing an artistic career, embracing vulnerability, and navigating the ups and downs of being a queer creator. Mauricio's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of staying true to one's vision, and he's here to inspire you to take that leap, follow your creative dreams, and maybe even make your very own film. So, listen in for a truly heartfelt and fascinating conversation with Mauricio. Let's get started!

Key Takeways:

Imagination as Superpower: Mauricio grew up with a rich imagination, often role-playing and diving into creative worlds. This imaginative ability became a cornerstone of his artistic endeavors, showcasing the potential of turning perceived isolation into a creative superpower.

Resilience and Determination: The path to pursuing one's passion is not always smooth. Mauricio's determination to succeed in the arts, despite the challenges he faced as an immigrant and a queer individual, serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and belief in one's vision can overcome obstacles.

Authentic Storytelling: Transitioning from devised theater to film, Mauricio emphasizes the importance of telling personal and authentic stories. His film "Safe Word" explores themes of identity and self-acceptance, resonating with audiences and demonstrating the impact of genuine storytelling.

Find Mauricio on: Instagram

Watch Safe Word on: HereTV

Google Safe Word on: Youtube- Stashed Shorts

Story Telling Guide!!!

Mauricio Pita is an award-winning actorand producerbased inWashington, DC. His most recent film,Safe Word(HereTV/Stash Short), became aLGBTQ+film festival favorite for the2023-24 cycle. Other notable film credits includeTu Yo Baño, Sexo, Ahora(Palm SpringsShortFest Audience Favorite), and collaborations with writer/director Christopher Cunetto (Gateway, Crystalline) as well asdirecting and producingInside VoicesandWaiting RoomforArena Stage.As an actor, Mauricio has performed with Studio Theatre, The Kennedy Center, Manhattan Theatre Club, etc.and has alsoappearedin national ad campaigns for DirecTV, Target, Fisher Price and beyond.

Nick Demos is a Tony and Olivier Award winning Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker, conscious business coach and manifestation expert. With over 15 years of teaching pranayama (breath work), yoga and creativity as well as thirty years in the entertainment industry, he has travelled from the Tony Awards to ashrams and run a multi-million dollar business in between. Nick helps you clear blocks and tap into your creative intuition so you can tell your stories and manifest the business and life of your dreams creating wealth and impact.

Creativity, Collaboration, and Perseverance: A Life in Music with Kim Sherman

Episode #158

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Creative Soulpreneur, where artistry meets entrepreneurship. Today, we're thrilled to introduce Kim Sherman, whose paths have intertwined through friendship, collaboration, and a shared passion for music. Nick and Kim reminisce about their initial meeting, a serendipitous artistic 'blind date' that blossomed into a fruitful partnership. They take us on a journey from Kim's theatrical childhood, inspired by her musician mother, to her perseverance in a male-dominated industry and her expansive musical career that spans genres and mediums. Kim shares her unique approach to creativity, detailing her daily routine that balances intense solo composition with meaningful collaboration. Listen in as they discuss the pivotal moments in Kim's life that steered her towards a thriving career in music, despite societal expectations. Through Kim's story, we learn the importance of being a perpetual student, embracing new challenges, and the enduring power of mentorship. Join us for a conversation filled with inspiration, insight, and a celebration of artistic growth and resilience.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Collaboration: Kim emphasizes the importance of trust in collaborative relationships. Whether composing music in the same room with a collaborator or working independently and sharing progress, trust and mutual respect are essential for success.

Adaptability Across Creative Fields: Kim has mastered the art of versatility by working across multiple genres, including opera, musical theater, film scores, and orchestral music. Her expansive definition of music allows her to adapt and thrive in various creative spaces, ensuring longevity in her career.

Embracing Lifelong Learning: A true student of both music and life, Kim’s dedication to learning keeps her creative spirit vibrant and alive. From experimenting with new genres to acting as her own mentor in writing librettos, she demonstrates the value of continual growth and exploration.

Find Kim at her website: https://www.kdsherman.com

Story Telling Guide!!!

KIM D.SHERMAN is a composer who embraces lyricism and dissonance to embody musical landscapes. After graduating from Lawrence University, she worked in Minneapolis with many theater companies, including Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune. In 2024, BRIDGE TO PEACE: INVOCATION was recorded by the Lviv Philharmonic, with soloists Will Liverman and Allison Charney. UNFATHOMABLE THINGS (solo piano,) was published in 2021. Other works have been performed and recorded by The Ark Trio, Musica Sacra, and San José Chamber Orchestra. She has written scores for theatrical productions throughout the US, including music for the Broadway hit “I Hate Hamlet.”

Nick Demos is a Tony and Olivier Award winning Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker, conscious business coach and manifestation expert. With over 15 years of teaching pranayama (breath work), yoga and creativity as well as thirty years in the entertainment industry, he has travelled from the Tony Awards to ashrams and run a multi-million dollar business in between. Nick helps you clear blocks and tap into your creative intuition so you can tell your stories and manifest the business and life of your dreams creating wealth and impact.

The Art of the Voice with Leslie Gordon

Episode #157

In this episode of The Creative Soulpreneur, host Nick sits down with Leslie Gordon, a dynamic public speaker, coach, and linguist. Leslie, who will soon be stepping into her new role as the president of the National Speakers Association's Atlanta chapter, shares her inspiring journey from a Barbie-loving child who dreamed of being a dancer to a seasoned linguist passionate about the power of language and communication. They dive into her fascinating work, which includes accent and voice training, and discuss the importance of reconnecting with one's authentic voice. Leslie shares valuable insights on maintaining curiosity and breaking away from the "shoulds" that often hinder personal growth and expression. Tune in to explore the transformative nature of language and discover how Leslie's story can inspire you to reclaim your own voice and follow what makes your heart truly happy.

Key takeaways:

Play as a Pathway: Rediscovering the child-like curiosity and playful experimentation can be a gateway to uncovering your authentic self and voice. Whether it's through imaginative play with Barbies as a child or experimenting with new sounds and languages, embracing play leads to creative discovery.

The Power of Curiosity: Maintaining a mindset of curiosity rather than obligation (switching "should" to "could") opens up new possibilities. By asking ourselves what might happen instead of telling ourselves what to do, we access a more expansive and creative mindset.

Aligning Voice and Purpose: Finding your voice isn't just about speech clarity—it's about aligning your physical, mental, and emotional self with your true purpose. Through coaching and reflection, understanding the motivations behind our inner narratives can unlock a more authentic and powerful way of communicating.

Lesliegordonspeech.com

Leslie Gordon Instagram

Story Telling Guide!!!

Leslie Gordon is a public speaker, speaker coach, and linguist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals refine their speech, voice, and accents to communicate with clarity and confidence. Armed with a doctorate in linguistics, fluency in Spanish and Portuguese, and specialized teaching of accents, she combines academic expertise with personal insights as a language learner and former unconfident speaker. Leslie's customized approach empowers professionals, performers, and presenters to connect with their authentic voice, achieve their goals, and build lasting skills that foster clarity, connection, and self-assurance.

Nick Demos is a Tony and Olivier Award winning Broadway producer, documentary filmmaker, conscious business coach and manifestation expert. With over 15 years of teaching pranayama (breath work), yoga and creativity as well as thirty years in the entertainment industry, he has travelled from the Tony Awards to ashrams and run a multi-million dollar business in between. Nick helps you clear blocks and tap into your creative intuition so you can tell your stories and manifest the business and life of your dreams creating wealth and impact.