Episode 6

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Published on:

11th Apr 2024

Behind the Curtain: Tales of Theater & Film Madness with Bruce Richardson

Welcome to another riveting episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue" Podcast.

I'm your host, Jenni Tooley, ready to take you on a journey of introspection and revelation, going down memory lane with a special guest: my longtime collaborator and friend, Bruce Richardson.

Bruce shares his journey and experiences from aspiring band director to jazz musician and composer, recounting his unexpected entry into the world of theater and his first encounter with yours truly, Jenni Tooley. Today, we reminisce on our wild and wacky experiences working on unconventional shows like "Three Cuckolds" at the Addison Center Theater and "Deatherians" at the Undermain Theater. We are thrilled to have you join us.

Bruce also shares profound insights into the world of jazz - how this unique musical genre embodies the essence of creative process! From the exhilarating highs of spontaneous improvisation to the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, and from our experiences of working on stage, we uncover the delicate balance between skillful technique and unbridled expression.

This episode is a journey through the challenges and triumphs of bringing a production to life, from pre-producing music cues on cassette tapes to dealing with disruptive audience members.

We'll also explore the fascinating concept of artistic orbits, where creative connections intersect and evolve over time. Including chance encounters and decades-long partnerships, and how these relationships shape and enrich our artistic journeys in profound ways.

But beyond the anecdotes and laughter lies a deeper conversation about identity, belonging, and the pursuit of perfection. As we reflect on our past selves and the communities we grew up in, we confront the realities of privilege, prejudice, and the quest for self-discovery.

Through it all, we discover that perfectionism can be both a driving force and a crippling obstacle in the creative process because true artistry lies not in flawlessness, but in authenticity and vulnerability.

So, whether you're an aspiring artist, a seasoned performer, or simply a lover of creativity, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and wisdom to fuel your creative endeavors. Tune in, join the conversation, and let's embark on a journey in the endless world of creativity together. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of laughter and nostalgia!

If you find something meaningful in today's episode, I encourage you to carry that insight into your own journey, subscribe, like, and share this podcast to help me reach more people!

Remember that enrollment for the Time to Create (your dream project) 6-month Mentorship is ongoing and the Interactive Companion Guide for Season One is available! Head on to jennitooley.com to get more information.

Learn more about the Time to Create 6-Month Mentorship Program here:

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Until next time!

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About the Podcast

Confessions of an Aging Ingenue
from insecure ingenue to perimenopausal powerhouse
Go BTS into my creative life/career as I regain my integrity and create a system that aligns with my values and supports an abundant, healthy lifestyle.

It’s taken me decades to find my way back to me. The journey has been messy, out of control and all of the things I feared. I fear them no more. Take these stories as your own.

Imperfect. Unedited. Uncensored.
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About your host

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Jenni Tooley

Hi! I am Jenni Tooley and I have a lot going on! I tend to go where I am led, am highly adaptable and have a wide variety of transferable skills and talents. This means I have experienced a whole lot so far in life-- I have owned and operated my own cottage bakery, am a trained birth doula, am a yoga teacher, am a professional actor, have worked in non-profit development, launched a web series and just distributed my first feature film, STUCK. Oh! Did I happen to mention I've also been an actor for over 3 decades and played alongside in Richard Linklater's Boyhood? That all sounds amazing- and super woman-ish, right?

What you may not know is that although I am a creative human, I am also a messy one. I've been around lot of blocks and trudged through around and over some of the deepest blocks within myself. I know what it's like to feel stuck- unable to move forward. I know what it's like to be overwhelmed with self-doubt. I know what it's like to feel like I or what I do is never enough. I've spent years trying to "fix" myself. I have a "chick with a stick" in my brain that loves to whack me around whenever I make a mistake, show my imperfections, or am willing to be vulnerable. She thinks she's keeping me safe. But I'm tired of being abused by myself. My "good enough" is actually more than good enough. I don't have to go outside of myself for validation. And being vulnerable is really hot!

I won't claim to have completely overcome all these things-- after all I am human. But I've gotten through them and continue to build myself up rather than break myself down, most days:) Along my journey I have collected so many tools, a whole lot of experience, and have always been (it turns out) filled with wisdom. I am thrilled to be able to share all of this with you! I specialize in holding space for people, deeply listening, and being able to guide people back to the truth of who they are. The process isn't perfect. And I will never claim to have " the only 5 steps you need to fix yourself for good" because in my experience that's a bunch of hoo-ha. And it sets up a situation where if you didn't get fixed you think there must be something wrong with you(I know, I've had that experience).

I'd love to have you join me on this journey! www.jennitooley.com