Creative Mamas Unplugged

Cher and Shelly: Being The Calm in the Storm & Single Mom-ing

Cher’s youngest sets up a movie projector (1:18), Shelly and her husband’s Atlantic City adventure (3:24), Shelly enjoys and stays calm with new teen experiences (9:07) Cher opens up about single-mom-ing (14:10).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
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Cher and Shelly: Letting Control Go and Staying Scrappy

Shelly shares some dog shenanigans (00:55), Cher discusses how as a creative you feel invigorated by work when you are tapped out (2:49), how half the battle is showing up, getting in your car, to do something that fills you up with energy, a daily practice (6:47), growing up scrappy and releasing desire for control (11:53).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
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Charlene “Chi-Chi” Smith, Part 2: Dynamic Phenomenon, Mother, Dancer, Actor, Choreographer and Educator

"I did have to learn to stop asking for permission."
Chi Chi shares how when Kane when Kane was a baby it worked best for both Kane and Chi Chi that he went to work with her (1:04), a chat of how your energy allows for flow and adaptability in our lives (4:49), how you make decisions and not asking for permission (8:53). 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Charlene “Chi-Chi” Smith
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Charlene “Chi-Chi”
YouTube @DanceChi
LinkedIn 
La Danse School of the Performing Arts
Broadway Dance Center
IMDb
Dance Magazine Article
 
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In this episode, Chi-Chi shares about 
Hailing from the South Bronx, Chi-Chi’s roots in funk, soul, hip-hop, and Latin music have shaped her dynamic career. She has  worked with top choreographers in the industry performing alongside legends such as Missy Elliott, LL Cool J, and Mary J. Blige.
Her choreography credits span major brands, hit TV shows like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and Broadway. Up next, she’s set to portray Damita Jo Freeman in Hippest Trip—The Soul Train Musical.
A dedicated dance educator, Chi-Chi teaches at Pace and Rutgers University, bringing her signature Groove Theory to the next generation—all while being a devoted mom to her SONshine, Kane.
BIO
Hailing from the South Bronx, Chi-Chi’s roots in funk, soul, hip-hop, and Latin music have shaped her dynamic career. A Rutgers graduate, she’s worked with top choreographers like Hi Hat, Fatima Robinson, and Rich & Tone, performing alongside legends such as Missy Elliott, LL Cool J, Janelle Monáe, and Mary J. Blige.
Her choreography credits span major brands like Crest and Xfinity, hit TV shows like Younger and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and Broadway, where she debuted in Holler If Ya Hear Me. Up next, she’s set to portray Damita Jo Freeman in Hippest Trip—The Soul Train Musical.
A dedicated dance educator, Chi-Chi teaches at Pace and Rutgers University, bringing her signature Groove Theory to the next generation—all while being a devoted mom to her SONshine, Kane.

Part 2 with Alexandra Damiani: Prioritizing Life’s True Needs as a Mother

“The more I feel that I'm not alone, the more I listen to other women's stories and journeys. The more inspired I am, the more I feel I have the courage to lead by example.“
 
A discussion of  using your body to overcome your mental state and “sitting practice” or “quiet practice” (1:58), the doubt we feel versus the trust we must embrace to structure time for activities and relationships (12:21), Alexandra shares how the good we have comes from a lot of work, we have to put ourselves first, invest in ourselves, be wisely selfish so our self-love dominos outward to all around us (19:17), the importance of  circles like the podcast where our community shares and grow together even from afar (21:22).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Alexandra Damiani
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Alexandra Damiani:
Instagram: @alexandra_damiani. Website: www.damianidance.com
 
Follow her work with Ballets Jazz Montréal
Instagram: @balletsjazzmontreal Website: www.bjmdanse.ca
 
Follow Jonathan Angelilli & Breathe Move Nourish – Program especially conceived to
support women and moms over 40.
Instagram: @bmn.coach - DM him BREATHE and he will send you Busy Mom's Intro to
Breath Work Guide.
 
Follow Us 
Instagram @creativemamasunplugged
Facebook @creativemamasunplugged
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Extended summary:
 In this deeply insightful episode of Creative Mamas Unplugged, we welcome the extraordinary Alexandra Damiani, Artistic Director of Ballets Jazz Montréal and a powerful force in the international dance community. A mother of two, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for balance in both artistry and motherhood, Alexandra shares her journey of navigating personal and professional life with intention and clarity.
Together, hosts Cher and Shelly dive into a candid discussion with Alexandra about prioritization, presence, and the art of letting go—especially as mothers in high-demand careers. From her time shaping world-class dancers at Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet and Juilliard to her role as a devoted mother, Alexandra reveals how she learned to focus on what truly matters, release societal pressures, and embrace a harmonious, purpose-driven life.
The conversation explores: ✨ The power of undivided attention in work, family, and personal passions ✨ Letting go of perfectionism and choosing battles that truly matter ✨ The importance of community and support for mothers, especially post-pandemic ✨ Self-care as an investment, not a luxury—and why it’s crucial for our families’ well-being ✨ Alexandra’s personal evolution as a mother, leader, and woman finding balance amidst life’s chaos
We also dive into her husband’s transformative program, "Breathe, Move, Nourish," designed to empower mothers through movement, breathwork, and nutrition. Plus, Alexandra gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book project, which promises to inspire women to redefine success, wellness, and motherhood on their own terms.
This episode is a must-listen for any mother, artist, or professional striving to find grace in the juggle. Tune in for wisdom, inspiration, and a refreshing reminder that by taking care of ourselves, we take better care of everything—and everyone—else. 🎧💫

Charlene “Chi-Chi” Smith, Part 1: Dynamic Innovator, Mother, Dancer, Actor, Choreographer and Educator

A chat on the predictable unpredictability of life as a parent, but also the pride and importance of sharing that we are parents, guardians (1:57), Chi-Chi shares the whirlwind of her successful professional career coinciding with her young child’s blossoming Broadway career and gratitude for the wonderful, caring people who have helped along the way (5:51), how we can do the things we previously didn’t think we could (15:34).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Charlene “Chi-Chi” Smith
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions
 
Follow Charlene “Chi-Chi”
YouTube @DanceChi
LinkedIn 
La Danse School of the Performing Arts
Broadway Dance Center
IMDb
Dance Magazine Article
 
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In this episode, Chi-Chi opens up about the delicate balance of managing her son’s budding performance career while continuing to thrive in her own. She highlights the power of her village, reminding us all that, above everything, her most important title is mother. With her signature cool, calm, and collected energy, Chi-Chi shares an insightful perspective on navigating motherhood and career with grace and decisiveness. 
Hailing from the South Bronx, Chi-Chi’s roots in funk, soul, hip-hop, and Latin music have shaped her dynamic career. She has  worked with top choreographers in the industry performing alongside legends such as Missy Elliott, LL Cool J, and Mary J. Blige.
Her choreography credits span major brands, hit TV shows like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and Broadway. Up next, she’s set to portray Damita Jo Freeman in Hippest Trip—The Soul Train Musical.
A dedicated dance educator, Chi-Chi teaches at Pace and Rutgers University, bringing her signature Groove Theory to the next generation—all while being a devoted mom to her SONshine, Kane.

Alexandra Damiani Part 1 Artistic Director, Dancer, Mother: Alexandra’s Journey of Balance & Strength

“The transformative aspect of motherhood has really enabled me to go to another level in my life.”
 
Alexandra reflects on how transitioning into a rehearsal director role gave her strength and inspiration for motherhood (4:46). She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, creativity, and self-care practices like deep breathing and meditation in order to balance motherhood and creativity (10:50), and discusses the profound impact of movement in her life and how strength training empowered her to set boundaries, advocate for herself, and encourage more women to embrace physical strength (19:30).
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Alexandra Damiani
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Alexandra Damiani:
Instagram: @alexandra_damiani. Website: www.damianidance.com
Follow her work with Ballets Jazz Montréal
Instagram: @balletsjazzmontreal Website: www.bjmdanse.ca
Follow Jonathan Angelilli & Breathe Move Nourish – Program especially conceived to
support women and moms over 40.
Instagram: @bmn.coach - DM him BREATHE and he will send you Busy Mom's Intro to
Breath Work Guide.
 
Follow Us 
Instagram @creativemamasunplugged
Facebook @creativemamasunplugged
Apple Podcasts  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Spotify  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Amazon Music  @CreativeMamasUnplugged  
YouTube  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
iHeart Radio  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
Extended Summary 
In this special episode, Cher and Shelly sit down with Alexandra to explore her incredible journey as a dancer, director, and mother. Alexandra shares her experiences growing up in France, training at the Alvin Ailey School, and performing with Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet before transitioning into the role of rehearsal director, giving her strength and inspiration for the possibility of motherhood. She opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, raising her two children, and the importance of flexibility and creativity in navigating multiple roles.
The conversation delves into self-care and mindfulness, with Alexandra emphasizing deep breathing and meditation as essential tools for managing stress. She shares her philosophy on embracing imperfection and recognizing balance as an ongoing process.
Alexandra and Shelly also discuss the profound impact of dance on their lives, touching on how movement provides valuable life lessons beyond the stage. Alexandra highlights her transformative experience with strength training—how it empowered her, helped her set boundaries, and why she believes more women should embrace it as a tool for self-advocacy.
Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, motherhood, and the evolving journey of an artist.

Part 2, Artistry, Motherhood and Commitment to Integrity: Finding Balance with Laurie Kanyok

“If you don’t fail, you can’t succeed.”
 
In Part 2, Laurie, Shelly and Cher discuss success and learning from mistakes (2:21), how no one is a perfect parent and how we balance taking care of our kids and our lives (9:20), Laurie shares about getting ready to return to the stage at 52 and her work at KAI (Kanyok Arts Initiative) as founder, director and teacher (13:26).
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  Guest: Laurie Kanyok 
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Special Note from Shelly and Cher: We’re so excited to share an inspiring collaboration happening this summer. Cherice and myself are teaming up with the incredible Laurie Kanyok to present a one-of-a-kind week-long dance intensive designed for students ages 12 to 15. This isn’t just any dance program — it’s an opportunity for young artists to deepen their technical skills, push the limits of their creativity, and experience a well-rounded training that includes dance, improvisation, acting, and singing, culminating in a final showcase for family, friends, creative directors, casting directors, and , all in lower manhattan. This intensive is special and if you are the parent or guardian of a dancer 12 to 15 years old, we wouldn’t want you to miss the special event!
Follow Laurie: 
Instagram     @lkanyok  and     @kanyokartsinitiative
Website https://kanyokartsinitiative.com/
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Extended Summary:
Join us on this inspiring episode as we sit down with the incredibly strong, honest, and passionate Laurie Kanyok. A dedicated mother to her talented 12-year-old daughter, Laurie is not only a nurturing parent but also a program director who created a unique program celebrating the diverse talents and interests of her students.
In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the complexities of navigating sensitive discussions with our kids and the profound impact of technology on family dynamics. Laurie shares her journey as a single mother and reflects on the lessons learned through her own experiences—like the challenge of returning to performance after a hiatus, including the remarkable moment she leapt off the stage, capturing the essence of artistry that she believes should be cherished and celebrated.
Laurie's candid stories open a valuable dialogue about societal shifts in the workplace and the importance of self-forgiveness, especially for new moms balancing their artistic passions with motherhood. Together with Cher and Shelly, Laurie emphasizes the significance of integrity, kindness, and creativity, not just within the walls of her beautiful, intimate dance program but as vital life values that nurture all children and artists alike.
Tune in to hear Laurie’s heartfelt insights about celebrating life through art, supporting her daughter’s diverse interests in singing and painting, and her deep admiration for the late Quincy Jones . This episode promises a blend of laughter, empathy, and encouragement for parents and artists navigating the beautiful yet challenging journey of life. Join us as we explore the intersection of motherhood, artistic instruction and artistry with the remarkable Laurie Kanyok!  
 
BIO:
Laurie Kanyok is the founder and director of Kanyok Arts Initiative based in New York City with a mission of evolving the standard approach to dance education. Kanyok is recognized as an impeccable industry leader, mentor, and coach. Most recently, Kanyok was the casting consultant for the upcoming Amazon Prime series Etoile. Ms Kanyok has also consulted with The Telsey Company on Tony Award winning Chris Wheeldon’s An American in Paris, scouting talent from the elite ballet companies of North America. 
As a performer, Ms. Kanyok played the lead roles in Twyla Tharp’s MOVIN OUT and COME FLY AWAY as well as appearing on Broadway and National Tours of FOSSE, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER and IN YOUR ARMS. In 2023 Ms Kanyok came out of retirement to perform with Ballet Collective in the original piece THE NIGHT FALLS choreographed and directed by Troy Schumacher with original music by Ellis Ludwig-Leone. 
Finding parallels between being a mother and being a teacher drives her passion for her students’ success daily as she inspires them to be daring and find meaning in every moment.

Mindy Sterling, Part 2: Embracing Neurodiversity and Parenting with Creativity

“You have got to never give up on them, and you have to be kind.”
Max joins the conversation, offering a glimpse into his passions and unique perspective on life (3:06). Mindy, Cher and Shelly talk about neurodiversity and how we all handle it differently as parents and people (6:07). Mindy reminisces about Max’s childhood, sharing fun stories about childcare, including the unforgettable time Kristen Wiig babysat Max (16:46). Mindy discusses the importance of celebrating differences, embracing neurodiversity, and finding creative ways to support a child’s individuality (27:16). 
 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Mindy Sterling
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
Follow Mindy
Instagram: @mindyster
memmo.me MindySterling
Cameo Mindy Sterling
IMDb: Mindy Sterling
 
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Extended Summary 
A special moment- Max himself joins the conversation, offering  a glimpse into his school experiences, his passions, and his unique perspective on life. Mindy reminisces about Max’s childhood, sharing fun stories about childcare, including the unforgettable time Kristen Wiig babysat Max!  She shares Max’s current interests, from his love of WWE and documentaries to his experience with performing stand-up comedy!
She discusses the importance of celebrating differences, embracing neurodiversity, and finding creative ways to support a child’s individuality. Along the way, Mindy reflects on how Max’s journey has influenced her as both a parent and a performer, even deepening her connections with fans at events like Comic-Con.
This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a celebration of walking your own path and finding the extraordinary in the everyday. Mindy’s humor and heart are on full display as she takes listeners through her parenting journey, sharing both the funny moments and the deeply meaningful ones.

Jamie Denbo, Part 2: Actress, Writer, and Showrunner of “American Princess,” Co-EP of “Grey's Anatomy,” and Creative Force Behind Showtime, FX, and Disney Projects

“Do whatever you need to do to get  yourself feeling good, because then, when life happens, it's just life happening. And it's not your fault that it's happening. You don't feel like you're being punished for something. “
Jamie shares how parenthood and her work in television have shaped her as a morning person (1:36), offering a candid look at how her kids are not that impressed with her successful career (4:53), Beyond family life, Jamie dives into the realities of self-care and mental health (14:52), emphasizing the importance of joy, resilience, and humor in facing life’s ups and downs.
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Jamie Denbo
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
 
Follow Jamie
Instagram: @jamiedenbo
Website: https://www.beverlylive.com/
 
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Podbean  @CreativeMamasUnplugged
 
Extended Summary:  
 
In this episode, we sit down with the hilarious and insightful Jamie Denbo—actor, writer, comedian, and current producer on Grey’s Anatomy. Jamie shares how parenthood and her work in television have shaped her as a morning person, embracing early starts and structured schedules. She reflects on the joys and challenges of balancing a creative career with family life, offering a candid look at how her kids react to her work (spoiler: they’re not that impressed—unless she name-drops famous friends!).
Jamie also opens up about parenting in today’s world, especially as a Gen X mom raising a teenager in an era that often prioritizes practicality over passion. She discusses her hopes for her daughter’s future, the importance of independence, and the inevitable push and pull of being both a supportive parent and a guiding force.
Beyond family life, Jamie dives into the realities of self-care and mental health, emphasizing the importance of joy, resilience, and humor in facing life’s ups and downs. With plenty of laughs and real talk, this episode is a must-listen for anyone juggling career, creativity, and parenthood.

Mindy Sterling Part 1: Embracing Neurodiversity and Parenting with Creativity

“I want them to know how important they are.”
In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Mindy Sterling (1:25), as we explore the intersections of parenting, creativity, and neurodiversity (3:35). Mindy shares her and Max’s unique journeys (10:12), offering an authentic and inspiring perspective on parenting outside the box (16:52). Her love for her son is the heart of this episode. 
Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  
Guest: Mindy Sterling
Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  
Follow Mindy
Instagram: @mindyster
memmo.me MindySterling
Cameo Mindy Sterling
IMDb: Mindy Sterling
 
Follow Us 
Instagram @creativemamasunplugged
Facebook @creativemamasunplugged
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Extended Summary 
Get ready for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply inspiring conversation with the incomparable Mindy Sterling. In this episode, Mindy opens up about her journey as a parent to her son, Max, and the unique joys and challenges that come with parenting a neurodiverse child. With warmth, authenticity, and her signature wit, Mindy reflects on how embracing Max’s individuality has shaped her own life in profound ways.
Mindy’s love for Max shines through every moment of this episode. From the early days of navigating his diagnosis to watching him blossom into a confident, self-sufficient young adult, Mindy shares how parenting has been the most rewarding—and somettomes tough- adventure of her life. Her stories are filled with humor, humility, and a raw beautiful honesty. 
Mindy reflects on the joys and curveballs of motherhood, reminding us that unconditional love and adaptability are key ingredients in raising children. 
If you’re ready for  a renewed appreciation for the beautifully unique ways we all navigate life, this episode is for you⭐️