Follow Your Yellow Brick Road to Success….
Desmond Richardson: (Ballet) Pointe of View
What is your INTENTION?
WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU DO?
He says to his dancers be “Inside of the Moment.”
Keywords
dance, ballet, artistry, mentorship, performance, intention, Complexions, dance education, global dance, cultural impact
Summary
In this conversation, Michelle Zeitlin and Desmond Richardson explore the intricate world of dance, focusing on the importance of intention, artistry, and mentorship. They discuss the daily life of a ballet company, the significance of authenticity in performance, and the evolution of dance education. The dialogue also highlights the creation of Complexions, a dance company that fuses various styles, and the impact of iconic artists on their journeys. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for dancers to connect with their audience and the cultural relevance of dance in today's society.
Takeaways
Titles
Chapters
Michelle Zeitlin is a former ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group; She worked with the Creator of A Chorus Line and Show Creator of DREAMGIRLS, on the original Broadway Workshop, SCANDAL--Michael Bennett. She has danced on TV, in feature films, commercials, music videos and choreographed and directed hundreds of projects. Her company, More Zap Productions produced turnkey Experiential Events (Industrials) for major brands including NIKE, APPLE, INTEL, and many many others.
She has also danced ballets, contemporary choreography and musicals around the globe. So it is with this like minded understanding that she interviews Desmond Richardson, co-founder of COMPLEXIONS, a contemporary ballet company, with Dwight Rhoden.
They talk about their mutual work experiences with "folks" like Michael Peters.
Michelle met with Bob Fosse at the very young age of seventeen in NY to read for the movie, STAR 80.
Desmond danced with Bob Fosse in his world wide hit which was all DANCE. Shirley MacLaine and Cyd Charrise were in that audience, along with MJ, who sent Desmond a fan note backstage!
For more on Complexions, see their website https://www.complexionscontemporaryballet.org/
For More on Michelle Zeitlin, Host/Producer of More Zap Productions & Management https://www.morezap.com/
You can pitch guests to Michelle and her Team at Passion-Power.com on the Contact Form
We are also booking speaking engagements, workshops and coaching clinics for CREATIVES at every stage of their development/career.
Thanks for listening! We'd appreciate a 5 star Rating!
Summary of this Episode:
Takeaways
Keywords
Carla Ondrasik, self-help, motivation, passion, music industry, Mel Robbins, trying vs doing, personal development, networking, book release
Introduction to Carla ONDRASIK
The Power of Doing vs. Trying
Finding Your Passion to Power
Tools for Transformation
Influences and Inspirations
Networking and Opportunities in Music
Navigating the Modern Music Industry
The Importance of Asking
Personal Insights and Family Background
The Essence of Hatha Yoga and Effort
The Power of Doing vs. Trying
Book Launch: Stop Trying
Innovative Solutions for Homelessness
Advocacy Through Music
Building Connections and Future Plans
With a forward by Mel Robbins, Carla's book is available September 23, 2025 with Post Hill Press.
Talent & Literary Rep, Producer and a former Director-Choreographer, who now represents artists, actors, authors of all ages in multiple markets including in the US, UK, Australia, Canada.
Michelle Zeitlin is a former ballerina who works with aspiring and pivoting CREATIVES to help them create their own Yellow Brick Road to Success. How to manage a CAREER in the arts ad entertainment and find your own bridge from Passion to Power.
If you're interested in a Workshop, Clinic or Coaching, please visit our websites and contact us to customize a perfect program.
THIS EPISODE was released from Barcelona, Spain, while Michelle Zeitlin was working remotely and enjoying the Mediterranean Sea, playing volleyball! Follow your passion!
TEAM: Mark David, Opening Bumper VO; Tiffany Phan, Alec Papadol, Julia Stier
* Resilience and Reinvention
Wendy Miller has had a very CREATIVE career:
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Wendy Miller shares her journey from a successful executive in television to an entrepreneur and social media influencer. She discusses her experiences at CatCon, her career highlights, and the evolution of her personal brand on LinkedIn. Wendy also delves into her entrepreneurial ventures, including her tarot card line and upcoming projects, while offering insights into relationships and sexology, emphasizing simplicity in understanding men's needs. In this engaging conversation, Wendy Miller shares her journey through relationships, mentorship, and personal growth. She discusses the importance of self-improvement, the lessons learned from her experiences in the entertainment industry, and the value of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals. Wendy also reflects on her childhood as a child actor, her unconventional educational path, and the significance of trusting oneself in pursuing creative endeavors. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and betting on oneself as a key to success.
“Betting on yourself is the most important investment you can make.”--Wendy Miller
Highlights:
“You were the only person who brought back-up dancers to a pitch!” (To Michelle, host)
Passion to Power Presents:
Coach Carole: NO Bullshit 4 Writers & Creatives
CaroleKirschner.com
Keywords: career coaching, diversity in entertainment, writing advice, pitching, underrepresented voices, entertainment industry, creative careers, mentorship, storytelling
Michelle Zeitlin interviews Carole Kirschner
Highlights of their discussion:
Hollywood Game Plan: How to Land a Job in Film, TV and Digital Entertainment
Quote from Carole:
“I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the top professionals in the business – writers, producers, directors and executives. I’ve also hired or mentored hundreds of talented, ambitious entertainment professionals who blasted through barriers to achieve success in Hollywood.”
Michelle Zeitlin, Host /Producer of More Zap Productions & Management LLC, a Talent & Literary Boutique
To invite Michelle Zeitlin to Chair or Be a Guest on your Event Panel, to book a Speaking Engagement or Create a Customized Program for your Students, Conservatory or Special Event, reach out to Passion to Power: Passion-Power.com
We are especially interested in Experts in Entertainment, the Performing Arts, Media, Music, Book Publishing and Experiential Events.
The POWER (and PASSION) of VOICE
In this engaging conversation, Michelle Zeitlin interviews Denise Woods, a renowned voice coach, about the intricate relationship between identity, culture, and voice in performance. They explore how cultural assumptions and linguistic patterns affect communication, the importance of confidence in voice development, and the impact of technology on the voice acting industry. Denise shares valuable insights for aspiring artists and those pivoting in their careers, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and effective communication.
Takeaways
Sound Bites
Keywords: voice acting, identity, cultural assumptions, confidence, technology, performance, linguistics, acting techniques, career advice, personal development
Prestige:
And many other performers who have been AWARD Winners on Stage and Screen. Don't miss a Word!
For more on Denise Woods, see her website: https://www.speakitclearly.com/
Live in the And
“I WAS A BUILDER. I WAS A CREATOR”
In this conversation, Dr. Jennifer Turner discusses her journey of empowerment through health and wellness, integrating her experiences in media and education. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and the power of storytelling in driving social change. Dr. Turner shares her insights on teaching leadership skills, navigating career paths in entertainment, and the significance of staying true to one's values amidst chaos.
Sound Bites
Takeaways
https://www.drjenniferturner.com
https://www.drjenniferturner.com/contact
"I can do this, I can do that."
Kamala Avila-Salmon
Founder of KAS KAS Productions
“Black is Not a Genre”
Our first meeting on Zoom took place the day the fires broke in PP; in fact, I received an alert on my phone about the Pacific Palisades Fire and asked Kamala, who was on the Westside, if she heard anything, smelled anything …and as I wrapped our first conversation, the fire had spread and the winds in my neighborhood were increasing.
I remember recording an Instagram about how elated I was about this talk, and noticing the crazy winds off my deck, at that time 40 mph. History was made that day, with the start of one of the worst California fires ever, and they were spreading…
A month later, on MLK Day, we recorded this conversation. Significant in so many ways.
Highlights:
Two Important humorous notes:
Black: Represents the Resilient people whose existence as a nation is honored and affirmed by the existence of a flag. Red: Symbolizes the blood of innocent Black lives that have been shed throughout history. Yellow: Stands for optimism, justice and equality for everyone. Green: Symbolizes Africa's rich greenery and other natural resources.
This year's Black History Month theme is "African Americans and Labor." According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this theme "focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds–free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary–intersect with the collective experiences of Black people."
Use the hashtag #passiontopower
Thanks to the More Zap team-Jason Usry, final mastering sound editing; Alec Zizi Papadol, promo; Mark David, VOG
@therealKAS1 Kamala's IG
@morezap1 Michelle's IG
YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO SUCCESS
Passion to Power
Jason Jordan
Navigating the Competitive Music Landscape
Data analytics play a significant role in artist development.
Sound Bites
Takeaways
Liza Wyles
"LIZA with a Z" interviewed by Michelle Zeitlin
RICHARD CURTIS has had half a century in the world of Literary Representation and digital Publishing. Listen to this self described “old timer” share his journey and how he worked with authors of all genres, with special success in science fiction. “A million dollar company,” his agency, in NYC, was recently sold.
“I was a literary guy” and “not a tech guy” but he was pivotal in the beginning of the e-book industry. Richard shares the many skills and required communication styles that he has employed to work with authors and manage long careers. Authors love writing so much “they would do it for nothing” so as an agent he learned how to “add value” and “fool publishers” into paying top dollar for these books and build the careers of his clients. He also underscores how as a literary rep, you always reflect and wonder “what could you have done better?” Though this host is not a fan, Richard shares the massive success of the GOR (Gorean Saga) books he represented and sold. Now considered dated by “feminists” in the “80’s” Richard says there are still people who role play out the characters in this series of books by John Norman. Beyond the world of books, Richard and his wife enjoy watching and supporting the world of ballet. He has befriended a few top New York City Ballet dancers.
Michelle Zeitlin is host of Passion to Power and you can learn more about her world of talent and literary work at www.morezap.com
Chief Ideation Officer- is her preferred title! PASSION TO POWER New Episode dropping Monday October 9, 2023
Very Jerry Mitchell...
Jerry Mitchell and Michelle Zeitlin shared their memories of working with the legendary Michael Bennett and Bob Avian, on SCANDAL, a Broadway workshop with an outstanding group of stars and triple threats. Jerry was assisting the show creator, Michael Bennett at the original auditions, where Michelle was amongst over two thousand dancer-singers auditioning for a few coveted ensemble roles for this ground-breaking musical, at 890 Studios.
Jerry was an assistant and skeleton crew dancer on that production, which led to so many other amazing productions including FOLLIES and CHESS. He also worked with Jerome Robbins on JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY. And then...he became a choreographer in his own right.
Now wearing the title of Director-Choreographer, he is most proud of BROADWAY BARES, and he was honored this year with the 2023 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for his work on a modern day burlesque show that has raised millions of dollars for Equity Fights Aids.
SVP, Director of Creative Development, HarperCollins Publishers HarperCollins.com A guru of nonfiction book publishing, Lisa Sharkey, who agrees that she is indeed "a shark," has worked for over sixteen years at one of the largest publishing houses in North America, chasing stories that have to be told. In her earlier life she was a talented and successful producer of TV news shows with a journalist's veracity. Since taking the plunge into book publishing-- she considers herself a hybrid editor/publisher-- she has helped to create multiple best selling books, and many have also received critical acclaim. Her list is gold. Michelle Zeitlin, HOST of Passion to Power, also a talent and literary manager and the CEO of MORE ZAP Productions & Management, asked Lisa several questions about her journey and her role. Listen to this interview if you've ever wanted to write a book, if you have ever considered writing nonfiction, and if you've ever wondered about the acquisitional process. Also, if you're going to spend months typing and maybe years writing that book, says Sharkey, make sure you're also building your platform. People have to know you to find out about your book. Make yourself known on social media, and build your audience. Sharkey is also writing a children's book about an owl and there will be more on that soon.. She also recommended a few children's books to the kid division of her publishing company. Lisa finds stories and develops books on all contemporary subjects, from spiritual and political books, to lifestyle trends in diet, sex and finance. "I see this position as a tremendous opportunity to blend my two passions- books and entertainment." (HarperCollins press release) In addition to her very busy life in New York, Lisa teaches college classes and is a guest speaker. She practices yoga and loves to spend time with her kids. P.S. When Lisa Sharkey says "it's coming out today!" She is referring to a book by Amanda Kloots, and that was actually in early April, 2023. Thanks to our More Zap team for producing another wonderfully informative and entertaining episode. Credits: Mark David, Announcer, Gabe Baker, Cellist (his interpretation of "Jaws" theme) Julia Stier, Social Media Marketing If you would like more info on our talent and literary projects, or to pitch a guest for Passion to Power, or to design a customized workshop for your creative group or institution, please email MoreZap@gmail.com http://www.morezap.com