Happy New Year! Our January theme is "Updated, Upgraded, Unapologetic." I share stories of my personal and professional growth, and the need to recognize our worth as performing artists in the industry.

Summary In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Bridgette Cooper reflects on the past year, sharing insights on personal achievements, setbacks, and the importance of self-care for performing artists. She offers practical tips for singers to prepare for the new year, discusses how newcomers can engage with opera, and emphasizes the significance of etiquette in the opera community. Additionally, she highlights ways to support the arts beyond financial contributions, fostering a sense of community and connection among artists and audiences alike.

In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Bridgette Cooper discusses the unique challenges and joys of being an opera singer during the holiday season. She reflects on personal achievements, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to navigate often awkward conversations with family and friends about her career. Bridgette shares humorous anecdotes about common misconceptions people have about opera singers and offers practical advice on how to respond to questions with grace and confidence. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-care and reclaiming one's time during the busy holiday season.

In this episode of the Harbor for the Arts podcast, host Bridgette Cooper discusses the importance of finishing the year strong without burnout. She emphasizes the need to acknowledge personal achievements and setbacks, especially during the busy month of December. The conversation explores the realities of December fatigue for performing artists, the significance of maintaining momentum and alignment, and the necessity of letting go of self-imposed pressures as the year comes to a close. Bridgette encourages listeners to prioritize their mental health and reflect on their journey as they transition into the new year.

December is here and it’s giving main character energy. In this episode, we unwrap the vibes of the season — from holiday chaos to cozy resets, year-end reflections, and the memes that defined 2025. Whether you’re sipping peppermint lattes or doomscrolling under fairy lights, this one’s all about finding joy, humor, and perspective as we close out the year.

In this solo episode of Harbour for the Arts, Bri dives into the underrated power of journaling for performing artists. From post-show reflections to cozy Solo Spark Sessions, she shares how writing can help you reclaim your identity, process transitions, and spark new creative energy. Pulling insights from her ebook, Bri shows how journaling isn’t just self-care—it’s a creative rehearsal space for the soul.

Here’s a podcast-ready package for your *Harbour for the Arts* episode on **Cozy Solo Season**—perfect for your show notes, carousel captions, or newsletter blurb: --- ### 🎙️ **Podcast Description Notes** - **Episode Title**: *Cozy Solo Season: Rest, Rituals & Reclamation* - **Theme**: Embracing solitude as a creative reset and source of empowerment - **Topics Covered**: - The myth of constant productivity in creative careers - Cozy rituals that support emotional and artistic restoration - How solo seasons help artists reconnect with their values and voice - Journaling, playlist-making, and seasonal product ideation as healing practices - **Tone**: Reflective, empowering, warm, and slightly cheeky - **Audience**: Artists, educators, and creative entrepreneurs navigating transitions or burnout - **CTA**: Subscribe for cozy kits, journaling prompts, and upcoming drops --- ### 🧣 **One-Paragraph Summary** In this episode of *Harbour for the Arts*, we explore the magic of **Cozy Solo Season**—a time to slow down, reset, and reclaim your creative rhythm. Bri shares personal rituals, playlist inspiration, and the power of intentional solitude in a world that often demands constant output. Whether you're journaling by candlelight or dreaming up your next product drop, this episode invites you to honor the quiet, cozy moments that fuel your boldest artistic moves.

Search 1 21:54 / 22:57 Draggable item e3304559-dc85-4d5f-88a2-edcd67a7d46c was dropped over droppable area 15c312a5-1068-41e6-ba40-2b42a2bd964e Co-Creator Co-Creator Create Episode summary of one paragram and Episoded notes To create an episode summary and notes, I'll need to access the transcript of your clip. Let me retrieve that information first. I've created the episode summary and notes for you. Here's a concise overview of the episode: In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Brie Cooper explores the theme of creative hibernation and the importance of rest for artists. She discusses how slowing down can enhance creativity and personal well-being, sharing personal anecdotes and practical habits for embracing rest. The episode also highlights the significance of self-care and mental health, encouraging listeners to find balance and joy in their daily lives.

In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Bridgette Cooper delves into the eerie world of opera, focusing on Benjamin Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw.' She explores the chilling themes and psychological depth of the opera, sharing her personal experiences performing in it. The episode also touches on the broader themes of mystery and madness in opera, setting the stage for a week of spooky opera stories.

In this powerful kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Month, mezzo-soprano Bri Cooper pulls back the curtain on the emotional realities of life as a performing artist. From audition anxiety to post-show burnout, Bri shares personal stories, industry statistics, and practical strategies for navigating mental health in the arts. With humor, honesty, and heart, this episode reminds creatives that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s artistry. Sponsored by Thrive Market, this episode also includes a special mid-roll announcement about Bri’s nomination for Fab Over 40 by Giuliana Rancic, and an invitation for listeners to support her journey.

In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Bridgette Cooper delves into the critical topic of mental health within the performing arts community. She shares personal experiences of loneliness and burnout as a performer, emphasizing the importance of self-care and understanding mental health. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding mental health in the arts, the need for vulnerability, and the responsibility of artists to model healthy practices. Bridgette also offers practical tools for maintaining mental well-being, including mindfulness rituals and financial planning, while advocating for a supportive community for artists.

In this introspective October episode titled "Ghost Light," I delve into the emotional residue left behind after performances. I explore the concept of the ghost light, a symbol for the lingering emotions and characters that performers carry with them. Sharing my personal experiences and insights on how to release these emotions, emphasizing the importance of self-care and rituals in transitioning from stage to self. The episode offers practical tips for performers to navigate the emotional aftermath of their roles, encouraging them to honor, release, and move forward. Join Bridgette as she sheds light on the unseen challenges of the performing arts and the journey to maintaining mental well-being.

Curtain Call & Coffee Breaks: When the Stage Isn’t Your Whole Story In this cozy and candid solo episode, I invite listeners to explore the often-overlooked transition from life onstage to life offstage. With humor, heart, and a splash of pumpkin spice, I share personal anecdotes, playful signs it might be time to pivot, and empowering insights for artists redefining their creative identity. Whether you’re a performer questioning your next move or a creative soul craving new role, this episode reminds you that your artistry isn’t confined to a spotlight—it lives in your choices, your voice, and your everyday brilliance.

Summary In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Bridgette Cooper discusses the challenges faced by performing artists during transitions, particularly the identity crisis that can occur when the applause fades. She emphasizes the importance of rediscovering oneself beyond the stage, the need for community support, and the value of embracing new roles and experiences. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Bridgette encourages listeners to be patient with themselves and to explore their creativity in new ways, reminding them that reinvention is a natural part of growth.

Summary In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Bridgette Cooper discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by performing artists during career transitions. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing transferable skills, navigating personal and professional choices, and overcoming fears associated with change. The conversation encourages artists to reflect on their journey and embrace new opportunities while maintaining their artistic identity.

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the emotional and professional journey of performing artists who transition out of the spotlight and into new careers. From identity shifts to unexpected reinventions, our guests share raw reflections on what it means to leave behind a life on stage. We unpack the grief, the growth, and the grit it takes to redefine success beyond applause. Whether you're contemplating a pivot or simply curious about life after performance, this conversation offers validation, insight, and hope. Because sometimes, the most powerful act is knowing when to take your final bow—and what comes next.

In this candid and empowering episode of Harbour for the Arts, host Bree Cooper opens up about the realities of navigating a career in the performing arts, especially during times of transition and uncertainty. Reflecting on her own journey—from Broadway tours to music education and winning a mainstream teaching award—Bree shares personal stories, practical advice, and emotional truths about when it might be time for artists to seek full-time work outside of performance. Whether you're fresh out of school or in the middle of a career pivot, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that your artistry can thrive in unexpected places.

In this powerful Juneteenth episode, Harbour for the Arts honors the legacy and brilliance of Black composers whose contributions have shaped the vocal arts across centuries. From classical pioneers like Florence Price and William Grant Still to contemporary voices like Adolphus Hailstork and Rosephanye Powell, this episode is a celebration of artistry, resilience, and cultural impact.

In this special Women’s History Month episode of *Harbour for the Arts*, Bri Cooper shines a spotlight on the powerful women who’ve shaped the opera world—without ever stepping into the spotlight.

In this empowering solo episode, host Bri Cooper celebrates Women’s History Month by spotlighting some of the fiercest female opera singers who shattered expectations and left lasting legacies. These women were more than vocal powerhouses—they were trailblazers who broke through racial, gender, and artistic boundaries in the opera world and beyond.