Behind the Lens & Beyond: A Conversation with Leanne Johnson

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AART

Chris Stafford

115 episodes

1 week ago

Veteran award-winning podcaster Chris Stafford talks to women artists from across mediums and around the world to get to know the person behind their art. Conversations are intimate and free flowing as we learn about the journey these talented women have taken to become successful artists.

Testimonials:

"It’s rare that I let everything hang out there about my past and what has formed me into an artist. I had a wonderful conversation with Chris Stafford recently and found myself doing just that—filling in the background. Chris was so easy to talk to and has a wonderful way of organically mining the truth of self within us that forms a sensitive picture of whomever she is conversing with—as we used to say, the gift of the gab. You should check out her podcast archive and listen to lots of incredible interviews that promote women in the arts."
Anna Carll

"Chris is a natural host and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with her. She’s authentic, personable, and has a clear passion for supporting women. Her conversations with female artists about their artistic journeys are in depth and thoughtful. She’s getting into territory others often ignore and uncovering some gems in the process.”
Julie Davis

“Thank you to host Chris Stafford for making me feel relaxed and bringing out all of my thoughts and feelings about life/art! After our interview I felt euphoric and accomplished and so appreciative for that. She is a wonderful interviewer.”
Michele Byrne

“Chris is a highly skilled interviewer who puts her guests at ease. She draws out the juicy bits of lived experience and contextualizes this against the grander arc of history.”
Kathryn Andrews

“I was honored to be interviewed by Chris. She has a unique perspective in the art world, and it's refreshing to see a podcast with such a wide variety of artists from all different backgrounds and disciplines.”
Erin Spencer

“Art making can be a solitary pursuit, the AART podcast gives a window into the life and vocation of the artist that informs and inspires while it entertains.”
Suzie Baker

“ The interview was a very enjoyable experience. Chris is a generous interviewer who draws out her subjects and is completely engaged in the conversation. She's a good listener and asks thoughtful questions.”
Ingrid Christensen

“AART is an important and unique platform for the stories of women artists and their work. From the art making processes to the personal materials that makes the creative process. The podcast’s greatest asset is Chris’ ability to getting the artists to “open up’, by her preparation process, and the questions she asks.”
Maria Martinez-Cañas

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Visual Arts

Arts,

Performing Arts

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Behind the Lens & Beyond: A Conversation with Leanne Johnson – Actor, Filmmaker, and Storyteller

AART

1 hour 7 minutes

4 months ago

Behind the Lens & Beyond: A Conversation with Leanne Johnson – Actor, Filmmaker, and Storyteller

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Leanne Johnson — an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and creative visionary — to explore the heart and hustle behind a life in storytelling. From her early beginnings in acting to her bold transition behind the camera, Leanne opens up about the realities of the film industry, the creative process, and what it truly means to find your voice through art. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, filmmaker, or simply someone chasing your own creative dreams, this honest and introspective conversation will leave you feeling motivated, grounded, and creatively recharged.

🎧 Tune in to hear Leanne share:

How vulnerability fuels authentic storytelling
Lessons learned from both sides of the camera
The balance between passion, purpose, and perseverance
Insights on building a meaningful career in film and acting

Perfect for fans of creative journeys, independent cinema, and personal growth, this episode invites you to step behind the scenes — and into the mindset — of one of today’s most thoughtful emerging voices in film.

👉 Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | YouTube #Acting #Filmmaking #CreativeJourney #LeanneJohnson #PodcastInterview #BehindTheScenes #Storytelling

Canadian-American actor and filmmaker Leanne Johnson whose philosophy is founded on seeking understanding and sharing truth through bold characters and stories to redefine the narrative about women in film and our world. Since graduating from the University of Alberta in 2011 with a BSc. in Nutrition and Food Science, Leanne has consistently produced a repertoire of diverse and dynamic performances. In May 2025 she made her directorial debut with A Tree Falls in The Forest, which speaks to her raison d’etre as a storyteller. Her performance in the 2024 action-crime movie Extraction, USA resonates with her own story of humble beginnings growing up the daughter of immigrants in rural Alberta. Her credits range from NBC's Chicago PD to Dracula: The Count’s Kin, Chasing Rabbits, Oregonda and Idle Girl. She has garnered multiple Best Actress awards including Chasing Rabbits (2022), Oregonda (2024) plus best Supporting Actress in Greek Fire-Demon Spirit (2023). As well as her versatility on screen, Leanne is a Personal Trainer having graduated from the National Academy of Sports Training (NASM), in Lafayette, IN. Her lifelong love for sports is evident in a range of skills, including snowboarding, martial arts and roller derby where she is known as Chariot of Fire. Leanne embraces her queer identity and stereotype-bending on-screen performances while staying true to her faith which remains at her core. Leanne is currently based in Indiana and is a proud mother of two daughters.

Leanne’s links:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9786306/
https://www.leannejohnsonofficial.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@leannejohnsonactor
https://www.instagram.com/leannejohnsonofficial

Some of Leanne's favorite actors:
Helen Mirren
Kate Winslet
Margot Robbie
Jennifer Lawrence
Frances McDormand
Brie Larson
Chloe Zhao
Julia Roberts
Sandra Bullock

Leanne’s playlist:
Marlee Carpenter
Need To Breathe
Coldplay
Lady Gaga
Taya Hozier

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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AART