Welcome to the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast, episode 15 'Reflection, Vulnerability, & the Power of the Arts'.
In this week's episode, I welcome Megan LoBue, Membership & Development Manager at ArtPride New Jersey. Megan shares she is the resident data nerd of the organization.
ArtPride New Jersey is the voice for the New Jersey arts community and the states largest arts service and advocacy organization. They are also known as the go to source for research and innovative programs supporting a vibrant and creative arts community. To learn more about the important work they do, please go to artpridenj.org. Contact Megan for more information about any membership questions that you may have. During the height of the pandemic, ArtPride held weekly calls to help keep arts organizations connected and updated via Zoom. They continue to do all they can to support organizations during this challenging time.
These conversations are not scripted and it is wonderful that there is so much realism that is shared here, in this podcast.
During my conversation with Megan, I learned that the performing arts provided her with something very special growing up. Megan sang and played the clarinet as a child, and was also in the marching band. Being on the stage helped Megan feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Taking the stage and playing a role can breed confidence to those who connect with the arts. Megan mentions that being on stage can make everything else in the outside world melt away.
Megan worked with the Fullbright student program in Germany for a year. She shares that it it was a time of growth for her. She also shares some of the other work she has done along her professional journey.
We talk about vulnerability, judgment and how fear can paralyze us. So many people struggle with anxiety in silence and cover it up in their own way. The more we can talk about this topic and normalize it during this difficult time, the more we will be able to feel supported and work through it. Anxiety can be extremely isolating. This is a conversation that needs to continue.
Do you ever feel you are not smart enough or good enough? Do you should on yourself many times a day? Do you feel like you are bragging if you share some amazing accomplishments? Listen, throughout the podcast to hear some insightful suggestions around these questions.
We wear pseudo-armor many times in order to protect ourselves and work to try and showcase ourselves in the way that others expect us to be. We discuss networking events and how difficult they can be for some people to attend when you do not have anyone there with you. Judgment plays such a major role here.
Take a listen to Megan's answer for the question, 'if you knew then what you know now'.
Thank you so much to Megan for being open and sharing in a way that others will truly be able to connect with, and of course for also sharing the wonderful work that ArtPride New Jersey does in the state. Please support the arts community! Those who have made the decision to work in that community, do it because it is a calling. Again, please go to artpridenj.org for more information.
Next week, I welcome The Jason Goldberg to the podcast. Jason is a transformational coach, host of The Jason Goldberg is Ruining Podcasts Podcast, a TEDx speaker, he has worked with Mind Valley, and taken the stage with some other major inspirers and changemakers. Jason is also the best selling author of the book, Prison Break and yes, he also opened for the Wu-Tang Klan as a former Rap Artist. This is a conversation for all those who are hitting snooze on their wake-up calls.
Have a great week!