Adam, Adam, cary Line.

Adam, Adam, cary Line.

She's a queen of talking, and so.

She's a queen of talking, and so.

She's getting really not afraid to feel the episode and so just let it flow. No one can do it quiet like cary Lone's sound for Caroline.

She's getting really not afraid to feel the episode and so just let it flow. No one can do it quiet like cary Lone's sound for Caroline.

I'm so excited to be here with Megan Pythos. How are you.

I'm so excited to be here with Megan Pythos. How are you.

I'm doing great. Thanks for having me on.

I'm doing great. Thanks for having me on.

Thanks for coming on. I mean, look at your trophies. Are those Grammys and Emmys and some sort of like baseball or golf situation, So.

Thanks for coming on. I mean, look at your trophies. Are those Grammys and Emmys and some sort of like baseball or golf situation, So.

They are combined trophies of my fiance, and so the Emmys are mine. So I've gotten four Emmy's, which I never imagined that that would happened. But I worked on a project with the University of Cincinnati and they had an existing curriculum called Smartpath where they taught basic financial literacy to kids. And so they found me through my mother, who's an educator in Cincinnati, and because she used it for her students, and they said, is this your daughter. She does puppets, We'd love to connect with her, and so we developed all of these supplemental resources to go with the curriculum and use puppets and songs to further the concepts of supply and demand, the difference between kids and services, how to make a budget, and those resources and videos and content were put on PBS and we end up getting in these for children's content for them.

They are combined trophies of my fiance, and so the Emmys are mine. So I've gotten four Emmy's, which I never imagined that that would happened. But I worked on a project with the University of Cincinnati and they had an existing curriculum called Smartpath where they taught basic financial literacy to kids. And so they found me through my mother, who's an educator in Cincinnati, and because she used it for her students, and they said, is this your daughter. She does puppets, We'd love to connect with her, and so we developed all of these supplemental resources to go with the curriculum and use puppets and songs to further the concepts of supply and demand, the difference between kids and services, how to make a budget, and those resources and videos and content were put on PBS and we end up getting in these for children's content for them.

So you're like teaching the real life skills.

So you're like teaching the real life skills.

Yeah, real life skills that I learned in college.

Yeah, real life skills that I learned in college.

Tell me about it. This is what we need to be learning at a young age. Where is it still out there? Can we still find it for our kids? I need to show my daughter.

Tell me about it. This is what we need to be learning at a young age. Where is it still out there? Can we still find it for our kids? I need to show my daughter.

It's still out there. It's being used throughout public schools throughout out the US the curriculum. But the videos are also on YouTube. And I hear every now and then from family and friends that they saw it on their local PBS station, So it's it's still out there.

It's still out there. It's being used throughout public schools throughout out the US the curriculum. But the videos are also on YouTube. And I hear every now and then from family and friends that they saw it on their local PBS station, So it's it's still out there.

So if we wanted to watch it, can I go to your YouTube?

So if we wanted to watch it, can I go to your YouTube?

You would go to YouTube. It's on the YouTube channel Smartpath and smart is a dollar's centgner.

You would go to YouTube. It's on the YouTube channel Smartpath and smart is a dollar's centgner.

Okay, that's awesome, Like seriously teaching all the basics of money and how to prepare for your future when you're a kid, and so you're not just like it's not just sprung on you when you get in like you said, when you get into college or you know, after school.

Okay, that's awesome, Like seriously teaching all the basics of money and how to prepare for your future when you're a kid, and so you're not just like it's not just sprung on you when you get in like you said, when you get into college or you know, after school.

We even explained credit and there's this silly frog who gets a credit card and thinks he can buy everything. He buys a house, he buys a limo, he buys a driver, and then he gets a bill in the mail for one million dollars and so he learns that, okay, all of this you have to pay it back, and you have to pay it back with interest. That was a really fun episode. That was probably my favorite.

We even explained credit and there's this silly frog who gets a credit card and thinks he can buy everything. He buys a house, he buys a limo, he buys a driver, and then he gets a bill in the mail for one million dollars and so he learns that, okay, all of this you have to pay it back, and you have to pay it back with interest. That was a really fun episode. That was probably my favorite.

We're so creative again, Like, you're just such a creative person, and you have been your whole life, haven't you. Like the fact that when you were ten years old you discover puppets and you're like, oh my gosh, I want to do this. And then I've been watching you sing with your puppets, like on America's Got Talent and all these other talent shows, and you're like singing Whitney Houston as a ventriloquist. Yeah, that is My daughter and I sat here earlier today and we both tried to sing Whitney Houston with our mouth closed with her teddy Bear, and I was like, this is so hard. How do you do this? I mean, And just the fact that as a ten year old you found this dream like such a such a unique dream, such a cool dream, but like that you even found it, you know, it.

We're so creative again, Like, you're just such a creative person, and you have been your whole life, haven't you. Like the fact that when you were ten years old you discover puppets and you're like, oh my gosh, I want to do this. And then I've been watching you sing with your puppets, like on America's Got Talent and all these other talent shows, and you're like singing Whitney Houston as a ventriloquist. Yeah, that is My daughter and I sat here earlier today and we both tried to sing Whitney Houston with our mouth closed with her teddy Bear, and I was like, this is so hard. How do you do this? I mean, And just the fact that as a ten year old you found this dream like such a such a unique dream, such a cool dream, but like that you even found it, you know, it.

Was very playful to me. I've always been very imaginative, love playing pretend, love dressing up and acting, and at the time, I never really considered it an art form. I was just playing and having fun. And I had puppets before I officially started doing puppetry. I would just play with them like toys, and so when I learned puppetry, it was a whole new world of being able to act out my playtime in front of other people. And I just played and played. When I practiced, it was like it was like playing with Barbie dolls, except they were puppets that they talked to each other. And so I realized, if I can sing, and well, if I can talk without moving my lips, I probably can sing without moving my lips. I practiced and I realized I could do it. And then I practiced more and I was like, well, maybe I could sound like other people when I sing. And then it just grew and grew, and it's just like it's just like speaking, you know, you push out a certain level of air. So when I'm closing my mouth just a little bit. I had to just push out a little bit more air, and it makes it possible.

Was very playful to me. I've always been very imaginative, love playing pretend, love dressing up and acting, and at the time, I never really considered it an art form. I was just playing and having fun. And I had puppets before I officially started doing puppetry. I would just play with them like toys, and so when I learned puppetry, it was a whole new world of being able to act out my playtime in front of other people. And I just played and played. When I practiced, it was like it was like playing with Barbie dolls, except they were puppets that they talked to each other. And so I realized, if I can sing, and well, if I can talk without moving my lips, I probably can sing without moving my lips. I practiced and I realized I could do it. And then I practiced more and I was like, well, maybe I could sound like other people when I sing. And then it just grew and grew, and it's just like it's just like speaking, you know, you push out a certain level of air. So when I'm closing my mouth just a little bit. I had to just push out a little bit more air, and it makes it possible.

You make it sound like it's just anybody could do this, but I really can.

You make it sound like it's just anybody could do this, but I really can.

It's all an illusion. And that's how I learned. When I told my mom that I wanted to learn how to ventilo do to do ventriloquism, she took me to the library and we found HS tapes on how to do ventilochism. And there are these phenomenal voice actors and ventiloquists that taught the art form. And one of the teachers was Paul Winchell, and he's the voice of Tigger, so the voice of He was a ventriloquist on like one of his side hustles, and so I'll never forget. In his VHS tape he had a diagram of what the mouth looks like and all of the sounds that the mouth makes without the lips. And there is only like seven letters of the alphabet that you have to close your mouth for, like the letter B, but B sounds like D. So if I were to say basketball, you would think that I'm saying with it B, but I'm really just replacing of D because the mind is trying to understand and figure out. But what I have learned, there is one there's one technology that knows the difference in the illusion, and it's cap cut. When I've done cap cut, no, they know that's not the right letter, and they're the only people. I'm like, Wow, that's pretty good. You know the illusion. But yeah, anyone can learn it just takes practice.

It's all an illusion. And that's how I learned. When I told my mom that I wanted to learn how to ventilo do to do ventriloquism, she took me to the library and we found HS tapes on how to do ventilochism. And there are these phenomenal voice actors and ventiloquists that taught the art form. And one of the teachers was Paul Winchell, and he's the voice of Tigger, so the voice of He was a ventriloquist on like one of his side hustles, and so I'll never forget. In his VHS tape he had a diagram of what the mouth looks like and all of the sounds that the mouth makes without the lips. And there is only like seven letters of the alphabet that you have to close your mouth for, like the letter B, but B sounds like D. So if I were to say basketball, you would think that I'm saying with it B, but I'm really just replacing of D because the mind is trying to understand and figure out. But what I have learned, there is one there's one technology that knows the difference in the illusion, and it's cap cut. When I've done cap cut, no, they know that's not the right letter, and they're the only people. I'm like, Wow, that's pretty good. You know the illusion. But yeah, anyone can learn it just takes practice.

So there actually are tricks to learn, like they said the seven letters where you close your mouth when you talk, like learning shortcuts or like alternate ways to get those letters and those sounds exactly.

So there actually are tricks to learn, like they said the seven letters where you close your mouth when you talk, like learning shortcuts or like alternate ways to get those letters and those sounds exactly.

Yeah, there's a ultimate way of doing it. And then you just have to add your imagination to add a character that sounds different than yourself, and a storyline and a dialogue, and then you have a whole act.

Yeah, there's a ultimate way of doing it. And then you just have to add your imagination to add a character that sounds different than yourself, and a storyline and a dialogue, and then you have a whole act.

This is just so crazy. So was Junebug your first creation.

This is just so crazy. So was Junebug your first creation.

No, My first puppet was Charlie McCarthy, and I bought him from Johnny's toy store. He was a toy version of Edgar Bergen's famous character, which was kind of funny. It was a radio show with eventualiquist and they sell toys, and so I got a Charlie McCarthy doll and a joke book, and I would take him to school and perform in front of my classmates on recess and breaks. And my teachers notice and then asked me to present what I learned to the whole school. And so my school's devotional, which was about kindergarten through sixth grade, I wrote a script. I didn't want it to show them, Hey, this is my puppet and that's what I learned to do. I wanted to do a whole performance for them, so I made a Bible study lesson for them on God's Love, and that was my first performance.

No, My first puppet was Charlie McCarthy, and I bought him from Johnny's toy store. He was a toy version of Edgar Bergen's famous character, which was kind of funny. It was a radio show with eventualiquist and they sell toys, and so I got a Charlie McCarthy doll and a joke book, and I would take him to school and perform in front of my classmates on recess and breaks. And my teachers notice and then asked me to present what I learned to the whole school. And so my school's devotional, which was about kindergarten through sixth grade, I wrote a script. I didn't want it to show them, Hey, this is my puppet and that's what I learned to do. I wanted to do a whole performance for them, so I made a Bible study lesson for them on God's Love, and that was my first performance.

That's amazing. Wait, you're so brave, too, like at such a young age to be performing in front of your entire school.

That's amazing. Wait, you're so brave, too, like at such a young age to be performing in front of your entire school.

Well, I wasn't brave at all, and that's what drew me to venteloquism and puppetries. I was very shy and at a heart up, and I felt that when I had the puppet, it took attention away from myself and gave me an outlet to express without putting all of the pressure and spotlight on myself. So it helped me trans form as a little kid and get past some social anxieties.

Well, I wasn't brave at all, and that's what drew me to venteloquism and puppetries. I was very shy and at a heart up, and I felt that when I had the puppet, it took attention away from myself and gave me an outlet to express without putting all of the pressure and spotlight on myself. So it helped me trans form as a little kid and get past some social anxieties.

That is so true because it's you, but even like when I'm watching on the Kelly Clarkson Show and like you bring your puppets and like watching you like in all your different worlds that you're in Sesame Street, I mean freaking making waves on Sesame Street, just like but watching you you as yourself, Megan are like I'm talking to you right now. It's like I totally get your vibe. You're so amazing. But then when you do the puppet it is act it feels like a whole different person. It really does, Like I feel like you and the puppet are having a real conversation and even like your personality is different when you talk in the puppet puppets.

That is so true because it's you, but even like when I'm watching on the Kelly Clarkson Show and like you bring your puppets and like watching you like in all your different worlds that you're in Sesame Street, I mean freaking making waves on Sesame Street, just like but watching you you as yourself, Megan are like I'm talking to you right now. It's like I totally get your vibe. You're so amazing. But then when you do the puppet it is act it feels like a whole different person. It really does, Like I feel like you and the puppet are having a real conversation and even like your personality is different when you talk in the puppet puppets.

Yeah, And I think that is contributes to the magic to really believe that there's someone else in the room that's not yourself.

Yeah, And I think that is contributes to the magic to really believe that there's someone else in the room that's not yourself.

Isn't freeing being a puppet? Like being able to communicate through a puppet.

Isn't freeing being a puppet? Like being able to communicate through a puppet.

Yes, I can say a lot more than I normally feel out. Yeah, I had a lot of fun with being able to have super vocal and fun characters.

Yes, I can say a lot more than I normally feel out. Yeah, I had a lot of fun with being able to have super vocal and fun characters.

So you started doing this at ten, started performing for your school. Then you were discovered by Oprah, like she found you first. Is that like your first big break was Oprah.

So you started doing this at ten, started performing for your school. Then you were discovered by Oprah, like she found you first. Is that like your first big break was Oprah.

Yeah, that was That was my first national television appearance. And this was in the early days of YouTube and video submissions, so I think this was when I was sixteen years old. Oprah had an episode where she wanted to feature the world's most amazing and talented kids, and you could submit your home videos on her website to be featured on the show for a chance to be featured. And so I submitted a video and then got featured on the website, and then she asked for more videos, and I did another round of like maybe five home videos with our camcorder and little tapes, and then we convert the tapes to DVDs and then send them to the show, and she chose one of the videos that I submitted to be on her show.

Yeah, that was That was my first national television appearance. And this was in the early days of YouTube and video submissions, so I think this was when I was sixteen years old. Oprah had an episode where she wanted to feature the world's most amazing and talented kids, and you could submit your home videos on her website to be featured on the show for a chance to be featured. And so I submitted a video and then got featured on the website, and then she asked for more videos, and I did another round of like maybe five home videos with our camcorder and little tapes, and then we convert the tapes to DVDs and then send them to the show, and she chose one of the videos that I submitted to be on her show.

That was wild. I feel like with you, like and I've had the chance to talk to so many amazing people, just like I'm sure you have met so many amazing people in your life, but like every now and then there's someone like you, and it's like you were just born to be a light, and you were just born oozing creativity, and you were just born with something to say. And I feel like even with all of the things you're doing in your career, you have a bigger message, Like you are so gorgeous, you are so talented, you are so like incredible the way you put yourself out there in front of huge stages and like you're on the fly too, Like when you're doing these interviews with the Ventulaquis, Like I was watching with like Al Roker and I'm like, oh my gosh, the way you just like spitball with your puppet and him. I'm like, you're so funny, and like you come up with these like such amazing things to say and you're doing it in front of the whole world is off the cup. I'm like, dang, you are truly just like born for this. Do you feel that?

That was wild. I feel like with you, like and I've had the chance to talk to so many amazing people, just like I'm sure you have met so many amazing people in your life, but like every now and then there's someone like you, and it's like you were just born to be a light, and you were just born oozing creativity, and you were just born with something to say. And I feel like even with all of the things you're doing in your career, you have a bigger message, Like you are so gorgeous, you are so talented, you are so like incredible the way you put yourself out there in front of huge stages and like you're on the fly too, Like when you're doing these interviews with the Ventulaquis, Like I was watching with like Al Roker and I'm like, oh my gosh, the way you just like spitball with your puppet and him. I'm like, you're so funny, and like you come up with these like such amazing things to say and you're doing it in front of the whole world is off the cup. I'm like, dang, you are truly just like born for this. Do you feel that?

Yeah? And I think that's what's so special about all of us. We all have that unique something that makes us different, that thing that we were born to do. And I'm so grateful that I found that so young, and also grateful for the people in my life that pushed me to let me know that this was special and that I could inspire other people. And so I got, you know, a very strong purpose growing up in the church and knowing that this was something that I was meant to do as a mission, not just to entertain people, but as a medium to share hope and to share love. And that's one of the reasons I never quit, even though even when it was I got older and I was a teenager and adult, it felt kind of silly that I was still the one playing with puppets. But I'm glad that I never quit because I was able to transition out of a full time career in real estate finance into being a puppeteer on Sesame Street. And those are two completely different worlds. But what I realized is my story it doesn't influence other people that be like, oh, yeah, I want to be in television too. It's no it inspires them to say, I may have been in this journey and path, but it's possible for me to journey into where I'm really meant to be, even if the circumstances seem impossible. And so if that's what I hope my story inspires. Did you just feel that I possible can happen.

Yeah? And I think that's what's so special about all of us. We all have that unique something that makes us different, that thing that we were born to do. And I'm so grateful that I found that so young, and also grateful for the people in my life that pushed me to let me know that this was special and that I could inspire other people. And so I got, you know, a very strong purpose growing up in the church and knowing that this was something that I was meant to do as a mission, not just to entertain people, but as a medium to share hope and to share love. And that's one of the reasons I never quit, even though even when it was I got older and I was a teenager and adult, it felt kind of silly that I was still the one playing with puppets. But I'm glad that I never quit because I was able to transition out of a full time career in real estate finance into being a puppeteer on Sesame Street. And those are two completely different worlds. But what I realized is my story it doesn't influence other people that be like, oh, yeah, I want to be in television too. It's no it inspires them to say, I may have been in this journey and path, but it's possible for me to journey into where I'm really meant to be, even if the circumstances seem impossible. And so if that's what I hope my story inspires. Did you just feel that I possible can happen.

I love that so much. Did you feel because you said you had seven years in commercial real estate and you were successful at it, I mean, you created a whole career for yourself. You went to Vanderbilt. I mean, you're like so smart, You're getting all these degrees, you're pursuing this very legit career path as a real estate doing real estate, and it's but did you think that being a puppeteer Ventrilocus wasn't an option? Like was that kind of what led you to another career? Because it is such a unique career, Like there's not like tons of ranchio because I wouldn't think. I mean, you've probably met a lot at this point, But do you think that you didn't believe as possible? And that's what you're saying is like it is possible and anything can happen.

I love that so much. Did you feel because you said you had seven years in commercial real estate and you were successful at it, I mean, you created a whole career for yourself. You went to Vanderbilt. I mean, you're like so smart, You're getting all these degrees, you're pursuing this very legit career path as a real estate doing real estate, and it's but did you think that being a puppeteer Ventrilocus wasn't an option? Like was that kind of what led you to another career? Because it is such a unique career, Like there's not like tons of ranchio because I wouldn't think. I mean, you've probably met a lot at this point, But do you think that you didn't believe as possible? And that's what you're saying is like it is possible and anything can happen.

I wanted to believe and realism set in after I got it. Graduated college. I had a world of opportunities literally after I did America's Got Talent because the show, even though it's America's Got Talent, was aired internationally, so I got to perform around the world. I connected with television writers and producers and networks and we're like, once you graduate, come out here, we'll get work for you. All of those opportunities went away after I graduated, and I just you know, it takes time and That's what I had to learn. You know, timing is everything, especially in entertainment. There's some relationships that I've had for two three years before we actually do a project together. And so also afraid of taking the risk and the big move of moving to a city like Los Angeles after being in Nashville and Cincinnati. Could have made it work if I had picked up and moved into a studio town, maybe, but I was afraid that there would be limited opportunities for someone like me, and so I took the safe rout and went into finance. Had an incredible job during real estate, private equity, and then real estate development. Well, ultimately I felt a significant void because I knew that, Yeah, you could feel it deeply, to the point where I even became depressed for a bit, especially after I had my first son, Leo. I knew that I wanted him to be anything that he could be and go for his wildest dreams. But I wasn't doing the same for myself. And I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing, but was afraid I had him that I started pushing myself a little bit harder. I was still performing on the weekends and whenever I was asked, but I started really focusing on practicing auditioning. I sent an audition packet out to the Jim Hinton Company and didn't expect to hear anything back because their website clearly said we are not accepting.

I wanted to believe and realism set in after I got it. Graduated college. I had a world of opportunities literally after I did America's Got Talent because the show, even though it's America's Got Talent, was aired internationally, so I got to perform around the world. I connected with television writers and producers and networks and we're like, once you graduate, come out here, we'll get work for you. All of those opportunities went away after I graduated, and I just you know, it takes time and That's what I had to learn. You know, timing is everything, especially in entertainment. There's some relationships that I've had for two three years before we actually do a project together. And so also afraid of taking the risk and the big move of moving to a city like Los Angeles after being in Nashville and Cincinnati. Could have made it work if I had picked up and moved into a studio town, maybe, but I was afraid that there would be limited opportunities for someone like me, and so I took the safe rout and went into finance. Had an incredible job during real estate, private equity, and then real estate development. Well, ultimately I felt a significant void because I knew that, Yeah, you could feel it deeply, to the point where I even became depressed for a bit, especially after I had my first son, Leo. I knew that I wanted him to be anything that he could be and go for his wildest dreams. But I wasn't doing the same for myself. And I knew exactly what I was supposed to be doing, but was afraid I had him that I started pushing myself a little bit harder. I was still performing on the weekends and whenever I was asked, but I started really focusing on practicing auditioning. I sent an audition packet out to the Jim Hinton Company and didn't expect to hear anything back because their website clearly said we are not accepting.

As I said it, though, you know you're.

As I said it, though, you know you're.

Going to do it anyway, And that's what I did. And so I did the University of Cincinnati project. And I did that while working full time in real estate with a two year old, and I would wake up early in the morning to write.

Going to do it anyway, And that's what I did. And so I did the University of Cincinnati project. And I did that while working full time in real estate with a two year old, and I would wake up early in the morning to write.

And you got that project.

And you got that project.

That was the project that I got.

That was the project that I got.

Yeah, Emmy, Yeah, that's when you did that right after you had the baby.

Yeah, Emmy, Yeah, that's when you did that right after you had the baby.

Yeah, I did. So we started right around uh.

Yeah, I did. So we started right around uh.

So that's when that's when you really started to kick it in a year, so you're like, okay, and then you went an Emmy for it. So it's almost like confirmation right exactly.

So that's when that's when you really started to kick it in a year, so you're like, okay, and then you went an Emmy for it. So it's almost like confirmation right exactly.

And so I was waiting for some sign in the guy to tell me, Okay, now's the right moment to take a chance on your dreams. But I also realized that that perfect moment would never come. I had to take the leap and believe for myself. And it was in March of twenty twenty that I got an email from Sesame Street. They shut down production because of the pandemic and they had extra time. So one of the producers had access to the applications at the Jim Henson Company and he said, based on this was like three years later that I sent the packet. He said, based on your letter, we think you would be interested in working with us. Would you be willing to learn our style of puppetry. So not only was it a oh you know, we got your packet, it was an invitation to come into the world to be mentored. And so I joined their mentorship program. And realistically I probably should have said no. I had I was six weeks pregnant, in a global pandemic, working full time in real estate with a two year old, with a phenomenal job. Why do I need to be learning a new style of puppetry over zoom? But I said yes because I realized there wasn't going to be a perfect moment for me to take a chance, and I did, and I'm so grateful I did.

And so I was waiting for some sign in the guy to tell me, Okay, now's the right moment to take a chance on your dreams. But I also realized that that perfect moment would never come. I had to take the leap and believe for myself. And it was in March of twenty twenty that I got an email from Sesame Street. They shut down production because of the pandemic and they had extra time. So one of the producers had access to the applications at the Jim Henson Company and he said, based on this was like three years later that I sent the packet. He said, based on your letter, we think you would be interested in working with us. Would you be willing to learn our style of puppetry. So not only was it a oh you know, we got your packet, it was an invitation to come into the world to be mentored. And so I joined their mentorship program. And realistically I probably should have said no. I had I was six weeks pregnant, in a global pandemic, working full time in real estate with a two year old, with a phenomenal job. Why do I need to be learning a new style of puppetry over zoom? But I said yes because I realized there wasn't going to be a perfect moment for me to take a chance, and I did, and I'm so grateful I did.

So this was the packet you sent in three years ago to the company that said don't send in applications.

So this was the packet you sent in three years ago to the company that said don't send in applications.

That's correct, somebody was keeping the I thought it was in a trashcan, but it wasn't.

That's correct, somebody was keeping the I thought it was in a trashcan, but it wasn't.

That just goes to show you should I mean, you should never not try.

That just goes to show you should I mean, you should never not try.

Yeah, that's right. You never know what doors will open. And also you know, you never know how the environment can change three years from when you first meet someone. So after I went full time as a puppeteer and performer, I just meent with lots of people, just introductory networking. And three years later that I've been full time, a lot of those meetings have turned into projects. But it really just takes time, patience, and faith and persistence.

Yeah, that's right. You never know what doors will open. And also you know, you never know how the environment can change three years from when you first meet someone. So after I went full time as a puppeteer and performer, I just meent with lots of people, just introductory networking. And three years later that I've been full time, a lot of those meetings have turned into projects. But it really just takes time, patience, and faith and persistence.

So tell me about your experience at Sesame Street. Because you grew up watching Sesame Street, right like you, I feel like you're a big manifestor too, Like I feel like you like manifest Well.

So tell me about your experience at Sesame Street. Because you grew up watching Sesame Street, right like you, I feel like you're a big manifestor too, Like I feel like you like manifest Well.

Yeah, and it's very strange. I manifest a lot of things, and this is super simple and random, but I post all of my dreams on my pinterest board. Good for you?

Yeah, and it's very strange. I manifest a lot of things, and this is super simple and random, but I post all of my dreams on my pinterest board. Good for you?

Why do you do that?

Why do you do that?

It's a good way, you know, to vision board. Just as you would on a piece of paper and stick it on the wall. Pinterest is just a little bit easier because you can find the image and put it on the board. And it's a good way of tracking my dreams over time. So I'll to check in on my dream board like once a month or so. But there have been dreams that I've posted on my vision board with certain intentions, like I posted Sesame stream on some Sesme Street on my dream board maybe and I don't know, maybe twenty fifteen, twenty sixteen. And the reason that I posted them on my dream board was not that I wanted to work with them. It was because I aspired to their level of excellence and programming, and so it was I, this is what I would like to be like, not I want to be with them. And so when I got the message from Sesme, stems like, oh okay, I've manifest that one. Really it's really hard. And I also I also had Cherry Lewis on my dream board. Cherry Lewis, who does you know character lamb Chop? Oh yeah, yeah, because I studied her and I loved her voices, I loved her poise, everything about her, and two years ago I was invited to be one of the features on her documentary. So you know, I manifest in really interesting ways. And so I continuously and trying to dream bigger, and I keep my old pins to see, you know, the things that I've been able to cross off the list. And I realized earlier this year that I crossed off a lot of my dream board and that's not good because it also means that I'm not dreaming big enough for myself, and so.

It's a good way, you know, to vision board. Just as you would on a piece of paper and stick it on the wall. Pinterest is just a little bit easier because you can find the image and put it on the board. And it's a good way of tracking my dreams over time. So I'll to check in on my dream board like once a month or so. But there have been dreams that I've posted on my vision board with certain intentions, like I posted Sesame stream on some Sesme Street on my dream board maybe and I don't know, maybe twenty fifteen, twenty sixteen. And the reason that I posted them on my dream board was not that I wanted to work with them. It was because I aspired to their level of excellence and programming, and so it was I, this is what I would like to be like, not I want to be with them. And so when I got the message from Sesme, stems like, oh okay, I've manifest that one. Really it's really hard. And I also I also had Cherry Lewis on my dream board. Cherry Lewis, who does you know character lamb Chop? Oh yeah, yeah, because I studied her and I loved her voices, I loved her poise, everything about her, and two years ago I was invited to be one of the features on her documentary. So you know, I manifest in really interesting ways. And so I continuously and trying to dream bigger, and I keep my old pins to see, you know, the things that I've been able to cross off the list. And I realized earlier this year that I crossed off a lot of my dream board and that's not good because it also means that I'm not dreaming big enough for myself, and so.

You're just crushing your dreams.

You're just crushing your dreams.

Now, bigger things on there, and also goals of the kind of person that I want to be, the things that I want to share. Values. I put on my dream board too, how I want to spend my time. So I have this like goofy picture. Yeah, I have a picture of a mom holding both of her kids, one of the kids on her back on this on the front. And I just thought that was, you know, beautiful quality time and that's something that I aspire to always with my kids.

Now, bigger things on there, and also goals of the kind of person that I want to be, the things that I want to share. Values. I put on my dream board too, how I want to spend my time. So I have this like goofy picture. Yeah, I have a picture of a mom holding both of her kids, one of the kids on her back on this on the front. And I just thought that was, you know, beautiful quality time and that's something that I aspire to always with my kids.

Man, Okay, so you've said I love that you have such a well rounded vision board, Like obviously you have your career goals, which is so great, but then it's like it's like actually the full person, like what are your values? Where do you how do you want to spend your time? But then that's so crucial because I feel like how we spend our time. Effects are nervous system so much, you know, and like how what you prioritize and you know, it's like you have it's like a big puzzle you got to put together. So what would you say you crossed off your vision board this year that like you're shocked that you're already moving so fast through it.

Man, Okay, so you've said I love that you have such a well rounded vision board, Like obviously you have your career goals, which is so great, but then it's like it's like actually the full person, like what are your values? Where do you how do you want to spend your time? But then that's so crucial because I feel like how we spend our time. Effects are nervous system so much, you know, and like how what you prioritize and you know, it's like you have it's like a big puzzle you got to put together. So what would you say you crossed off your vision board this year that like you're shocked that you're already moving so fast through it.

Oh, this is this is also really this is all of these things that I aspired to but not actually dream of interacting with them. So I put Tammerin Hall on my vision board because she's just so stylish and so poised and authentic. And I would watch her every morning on the Today Show before work. And she came to Sesame Street two years ago and I got to meet her and I let her know it's like, you're such a role model for me. I admire you, thank you for everything you do, that kind of thing. And then we were too, And I pined her on my vision board because she was a model of the kind of woman I want to be as first how I care myself, the authenticity, and then also in the picture she had people around her, so she has like a team of people that she works with. So I dreamed of being that type of person that also you know, works with a team, is a team player. And two months ago I got an email from my agent saying she wanted to meet and I'm like, uh, a man, what And they said, I don't know. So I get on the call and she says, you know, I'm really excited to be working with you. I'm proud of everything that you've been doing. Blah blah blah. And I said, I'm sorry, you have to excuse me. What are we talking about?

Oh, this is this is also really this is all of these things that I aspired to but not actually dream of interacting with them. So I put Tammerin Hall on my vision board because she's just so stylish and so poised and authentic. And I would watch her every morning on the Today Show before work. And she came to Sesame Street two years ago and I got to meet her and I let her know it's like, you're such a role model for me. I admire you, thank you for everything you do, that kind of thing. And then we were too, And I pined her on my vision board because she was a model of the kind of woman I want to be as first how I care myself, the authenticity, and then also in the picture she had people around her, so she has like a team of people that she works with. So I dreamed of being that type of person that also you know, works with a team, is a team player. And two months ago I got an email from my agent saying she wanted to meet and I'm like, uh, a man, what And they said, I don't know. So I get on the call and she says, you know, I'm really excited to be working with you. I'm proud of everything that you've been doing. Blah blah blah. And I said, I'm sorry, you have to excuse me. What are we talking about?

What are we doing together?

What are we doing together?

But she was just, you know, a fan of everything that I've been doing in the children's space and wanted to be a part and support And she invited me on to be a guest on the Tameron Hall Show and I got to promote my new single A Niece, Cinderella, on the show. So that was a really beautiful manifestation in a way that was much deeper than I could have imagined. I now have a supporter, friend and mentor.

But she was just, you know, a fan of everything that I've been doing in the children's space and wanted to be a part and support And she invited me on to be a guest on the Tameron Hall Show and I got to promote my new single A Niece, Cinderella, on the show. So that was a really beautiful manifestation in a way that was much deeper than I could have imagined. I now have a supporter, friend and mentor.

Dang, yeah, what do you think this is? Do you think it's just because you're so true to your connections, Like it truly does feel like divine, Like your calling feels like this is like a divine thing for you.

Dang, yeah, what do you think this is? Do you think it's just because you're so true to your connections, Like it truly does feel like divine, Like your calling feels like this is like a divine thing for you.

It is a divine thing. For me. I'm a Christian. I grew up in the church, and I consider myself more spiritual than necessarily religious. But I do believe that we all are brought here with a purpose, and as long as you are living in your truth and purpose, doors will align for you where exactly where you need to be, and you'll have everything you need to not just survive as a person, but also live wholly, happily and with joy. And that's hopefully what I'm teaching my kids through my life and all other little kids as well too. It's not too early and it's not too late to find your purpose. And when you're living in your purpose, everything is so much easier.

It is a divine thing. For me. I'm a Christian. I grew up in the church, and I consider myself more spiritual than necessarily religious. But I do believe that we all are brought here with a purpose, and as long as you are living in your truth and purpose, doors will align for you where exactly where you need to be, and you'll have everything you need to not just survive as a person, but also live wholly, happily and with joy. And that's hopefully what I'm teaching my kids through my life and all other little kids as well too. It's not too early and it's not too late to find your purpose. And when you're living in your purpose, everything is so much easier.

So to someone out there who's listening to you and like feeling super inspired, but they're like, dang it, I am not in my purpose and I know I'm not, and there's I can feel it. How do you get into your purpose? Because I feel like that involves a lot of bravery and some big moves sometimes and like kind of like shaking the solar system.

So to someone out there who's listening to you and like feeling super inspired, but they're like, dang it, I am not in my purpose and I know I'm not, and there's I can feel it. How do you get into your purpose? Because I feel like that involves a lot of bravery and some big moves sometimes and like kind of like shaking the solar system.

Yeah, it does. It does feel like shaking uh the solar woman and breaking chain. I would say the first thing to do is write write it out. So and kind of my dark days of realizing that I wasn't doing what I wanted to be doing, I made I made a board and a little bit different than a country's board. I just first started off with my values, like three four values.

Yeah, it does. It does feel like shaking uh the solar woman and breaking chain. I would say the first thing to do is write write it out. So and kind of my dark days of realizing that I wasn't doing what I wanted to be doing, I made I made a board and a little bit different than a country's board. I just first started off with my values, like three four values.

What would you say are your top values?

What would you say are your top values?

So my values hope, love, joy, and I think the word for it, maybe carrying such generosity in the same bugget of carrying for other people. And what activity like that contribute to those values? What are my dream projects? And so it was maybe a board of maybe twenty post its of what what would be my dream project, my lifestyle, and so imagine what your life would be if you could change it, and then make a plan for doing some of those goals. And so I just slowly checked off task on that list of Okay, am i am I doing this? Does this project fit this value? But start small because it can be seemed very overwhelming to make such a big life shift, But if you put it down on paper and make small steps towards getting there, it can happen.

So my values hope, love, joy, and I think the word for it, maybe carrying such generosity in the same bugget of carrying for other people. And what activity like that contribute to those values? What are my dream projects? And so it was maybe a board of maybe twenty post its of what what would be my dream project, my lifestyle, and so imagine what your life would be if you could change it, and then make a plan for doing some of those goals. And so I just slowly checked off task on that list of Okay, am i am I doing this? Does this project fit this value? But start small because it can be seemed very overwhelming to make such a big life shift, But if you put it down on paper and make small steps towards getting there, it can happen.

Do you feel like you changed your lifestyle? Like what is your dream lifestyle? Because I feel like you're you have you have to be in it because you're so awesome and you've made such intentional moves. But what is your dream lifestyle for you?

Do you feel like you changed your lifestyle? Like what is your dream lifestyle? Because I feel like you're you have you have to be in it because you're so awesome and you've made such intentional moves. But what is your dream lifestyle for you?

I partially chose my or I mostly chose my career and my career change. Wanting to spend more time with my kids too. So when I was working in real estate, it was a very structured lifestyle. As far as when I worked, it was. It was a seven to six I would pretty much stay most days, some days eight to six, so that was the entire time that my son was at daycare, and I, you know, had a limited amount of time that I could take off to go work on creative projects or even you know, vacation with friends and family. So I just dreamed of having the flexibility to spend more time with my kids, so dreaming of being able to take them to lunch on a random Tuesday, or going up to see family on you know, a different week. So I just dreamed of flexibility. So I honestly really dreamed and prayed of my dad's lifestyle. He's a pastor in Cincinnati, and he's a creative. He's a musician and song and so he would take me to school every morning and pick me up in the afternoon as well, and he would spend most of his day creating, and he would spend a lot of his time giving to the people around him between rehearsals with the choir and Bible studies. So he was part of his community but also had the flexibility to create and be part of my sister's life. And so that's what I wanted specifically.

I partially chose my or I mostly chose my career and my career change. Wanting to spend more time with my kids too. So when I was working in real estate, it was a very structured lifestyle. As far as when I worked, it was. It was a seven to six I would pretty much stay most days, some days eight to six, so that was the entire time that my son was at daycare, and I, you know, had a limited amount of time that I could take off to go work on creative projects or even you know, vacation with friends and family. So I just dreamed of having the flexibility to spend more time with my kids, so dreaming of being able to take them to lunch on a random Tuesday, or going up to see family on you know, a different week. So I just dreamed of flexibility. So I honestly really dreamed and prayed of my dad's lifestyle. He's a pastor in Cincinnati, and he's a creative. He's a musician and song and so he would take me to school every morning and pick me up in the afternoon as well, and he would spend most of his day creating, and he would spend a lot of his time giving to the people around him between rehearsals with the choir and Bible studies. So he was part of his community but also had the flexibility to create and be part of my sister's life. And so that's what I wanted specifically.

You had a good example.

You had a good example.

Yeah, I had a wonderful example.

Yeah, I had a wonderful example.

Wow, So tell me about your time on Sesame Street. What was that like?

Wow, So tell me about your time on Sesame Street. What was that like?

Sesame Street is like walking into your childhood it is. Yes, what's special about Sesame Street is you can touch and fill the set and interact with it. You can sit on the one, two, three steps, you can walk inside Hooper Store, you can go into Big Bird's Nest, and so all of the imagery and characters and feelings that you had watching the show you can experience when walking into that room. And the energy is so beautiful, creative, collaborative. The culture is incredible. It's a culture of excellence, but also community. Everyone is very caring and really preparing you to be their lifetime. Really effected the environment. If you super competitive, like oh, you have to do well but no, everyone is looking to teach you and help you to be your best because they want to keep you within the neighborhood. Which is beautiful, well.

Sesame Street is like walking into your childhood it is. Yes, what's special about Sesame Street is you can touch and fill the set and interact with it. You can sit on the one, two, three steps, you can walk inside Hooper Store, you can go into Big Bird's Nest, and so all of the imagery and characters and feelings that you had watching the show you can experience when walking into that room. And the energy is so beautiful, creative, collaborative. The culture is incredible. It's a culture of excellence, but also community. Everyone is very caring and really preparing you to be their lifetime. Really effected the environment. If you super competitive, like oh, you have to do well but no, everyone is looking to teach you and help you to be your best because they want to keep you within the neighborhood. Which is beautiful, well.

I guess because truly these characters are created by each individual, and so you are a vital member of the Sesame Street community. It's not like anyone else can just come in and play your role. It's almost like that role would have to move out of the neighborhood and someone would have to move in almost or something. What I mean, what you know, because it's like it's such you. You are such the energy coming through in that character, and so that makes so much sense. Y'all are a little family and everyone really matters and plays a part.

I guess because truly these characters are created by each individual, and so you are a vital member of the Sesame Street community. It's not like anyone else can just come in and play your role. It's almost like that role would have to move out of the neighborhood and someone would have to move in almost or something. What I mean, what you know, because it's like it's such you. You are such the energy coming through in that character, and so that makes so much sense. Y'all are a little family and everyone really matters and plays a part.

Yeah, we all have very special connections to our characters and the purpose of the characters and the communities that they that we serve. So we're very diligent in making sure that we're doing them right.

Yeah, we all have very special connections to our characters and the purpose of the characters and the communities that they that we serve. So we're very diligent in making sure that we're doing them right.

So talk to me about how you feel outside assessme street and like your song a New Cinderella and your music that you're making, it's like so centered towards young girls, And tell me about your mission about it and how this became where you wanted to put your energy and use your creative talents.

So talk to me about how you feel outside assessme street and like your song a New Cinderella and your music that you're making, it's like so centered towards young girls, And tell me about your mission about it and how this became where you wanted to put your energy and use your creative talents.

For My goal was to make music specifically for young girls. There's a lot of music that young girls listen to that wasn't made for them, and I think there's a lot of things that they need to hear, and so the goal was to write songs of the things that I wanted to hear when I was at age and needed to be listening to, and also to make anthems for them to know that they are loved, they're special, they're beautiful, they're full of potential, and they're fun.

For My goal was to make music specifically for young girls. There's a lot of music that young girls listen to that wasn't made for them, and I think there's a lot of things that they need to hear, and so the goal was to write songs of the things that I wanted to hear when I was at age and needed to be listening to, and also to make anthems for them to know that they are loved, they're special, they're beautiful, they're full of potential, and they're fun.

You know.

You know.

So that was the goal. But beyond that goal, we actually included the young girls in the project. So we partnered with Saving Our Daughters, which is an organization that mentors girls and the arts across the country and they have celebrity godparents that mentor the girls. So the godparents range from actresses, singers, journalists, athletes, and they all have adoptive schools and they go to the schools and spend time with the girls and even bring them to their workplaces.

So that was the goal. But beyond that goal, we actually included the young girls in the project. So we partnered with Saving Our Daughters, which is an organization that mentors girls and the arts across the country and they have celebrity godparents that mentor the girls. So the godparents range from actresses, singers, journalists, athletes, and they all have adoptive schools and they go to the schools and spend time with the girls and even bring them to their workplaces.

So that's amazing.

So that's amazing.

Yeah, Kiki Palmer, for example, gave the girls tickets to see one of our shows. The journalists will bring them on the television set, the news set, and as a mentor I brought them to the side of Sesame Street for a virtual tour, which was fun. But further, as a god parent, I said, you know, I could give the girls not only this album, but also the experience of being recording artists. And so we went to three studios between New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles and had about twenty girls at each at each recording and they each recorded about three songs, and they learned the process of recording and learned about records and engineering, and got exposure to Grammy Award winning producers. And you would think after these recordings they would be like, oh, I want to be a singer now, I want to be a producer now, But really their mind was open to all the possibilities of what they could be. So the girls one by one got in line and said, I want to be a baker when I grow up. I want to be a chief financial officer when I grew up. I want to be a judge. I want to be this. And they were just full of excitement and encouragement that they could do it. Because many of them weren't singers, they'd never been recording our studio before, and so they were trying something new and getting confidence by doing something that may have been uncomfortable.

Yeah, Kiki Palmer, for example, gave the girls tickets to see one of our shows. The journalists will bring them on the television set, the news set, and as a mentor I brought them to the side of Sesame Street for a virtual tour, which was fun. But further, as a god parent, I said, you know, I could give the girls not only this album, but also the experience of being recording artists. And so we went to three studios between New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles and had about twenty girls at each at each recording and they each recorded about three songs, and they learned the process of recording and learned about records and engineering, and got exposure to Grammy Award winning producers. And you would think after these recordings they would be like, oh, I want to be a singer now, I want to be a producer now, But really their mind was open to all the possibilities of what they could be. So the girls one by one got in line and said, I want to be a baker when I grow up. I want to be a chief financial officer when I grew up. I want to be a judge. I want to be this. And they were just full of excitement and encouragement that they could do it. Because many of them weren't singers, they'd never been recording our studio before, and so they were trying something new and getting confidence by doing something that may have been uncomfortable.

That's really powerful. Yeah, that's so cool. How does it feel to see a ripple effect actually like playing out like this.

That's really powerful. Yeah, that's so cool. How does it feel to see a ripple effect actually like playing out like this.

It's still happening. I get little pieces of it. We're still in the midst of promoting the album and getting the music out there, and next single comes out June sixth, ABC's of Me, and the album comes out July eleventh, and the end of April, I performed at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the girls who were on the recording in La came to the performance and performed with me. And this second time around of working with them, they had a lot more confidence in getting out on stage. And they even had another performance after they left me. They were doing a talent show and so they were telling me about all the things that they were gonna be doing the talent show, and so they became little performers.

It's still happening. I get little pieces of it. We're still in the midst of promoting the album and getting the music out there, and next single comes out June sixth, ABC's of Me, and the album comes out July eleventh, and the end of April, I performed at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, and the girls who were on the recording in La came to the performance and performed with me. And this second time around of working with them, they had a lot more confidence in getting out on stage. And they even had another performance after they left me. They were doing a talent show and so they were telling me about all the things that they were gonna be doing the talent show, and so they became little performers.

That's amazing. And I feel like that kind of goes back to like your values that you're talking about earlier, instilling like hope and love into yourself and others. In generosity because it's like you felt that of the kid, you feel bad about your own life, and then now you're passing that on and these girls, like you're saying like now they're saying like, oh my gosh, all sorts of dreams can happen and it's all right here. But you just have to have someone show you the door. You know. That's incredible. I mean, that's just so awesome. The ABC's of Me, Tell me about this song, tell me what it means to you.

That's amazing. And I feel like that kind of goes back to like your values that you're talking about earlier, instilling like hope and love into yourself and others. In generosity because it's like you felt that of the kid, you feel bad about your own life, and then now you're passing that on and these girls, like you're saying like now they're saying like, oh my gosh, all sorts of dreams can happen and it's all right here. But you just have to have someone show you the door. You know. That's incredible. I mean, that's just so awesome. The ABC's of Me, Tell me about this song, tell me what it means to you.

So ABC's of Me is a fun trap R and B song, and we go through all of the professions that you can be a t Z. So the leaders a, I'm an AX, B, I'm a bob see chief office, D, I'm a d emergency you talked, I'm a five five G. I'll just age their stylist. And then the choruses, I can be anything I want to be. If I can see, I can dream. And so it's also kind of a message of representation too, is when you can see what's possible, then you can be.

So ABC's of Me is a fun trap R and B song, and we go through all of the professions that you can be a t Z. So the leaders a, I'm an AX, B, I'm a bob see chief office, D, I'm a d emergency you talked, I'm a five five G. I'll just age their stylist. And then the choruses, I can be anything I want to be. If I can see, I can dream. And so it's also kind of a message of representation too, is when you can see what's possible, then you can be.

That is so true. That is so amazing. Okay, so the whole album tell me. Some other songs on the album, like which what they really mean to you? Just because I feel like every song has such a great message.

That is so true. That is so amazing. Okay, so the whole album tell me. Some other songs on the album, like which what they really mean to you? Just because I feel like every song has such a great message.

Yeah, my favorite song on the album is Stars and Galaxies, just because as I started to write it, I knew. I was like, oh my god, this is going to be so easy for kids to sing, which I love because it can be an anthem for them. And as I was writing it, I got my fiance's daughter and my kids to learn it immediately. And they're really young, like three four years old, and they picked it up immediately. And I also caught them singing it to themselves, you know, in the bathroom in the car. But the song was I love myself and I can tell there's no one else quite like me. And when I think of all I can be, I see starts and God sees and that's pretty much the whole song. There's a verse, but that's pretty much the whole song. And I dream of that song being sung at preschool graduations and Kennt graduations and just affirmation of them loving themselves. That's so awesome.

Yeah, my favorite song on the album is Stars and Galaxies, just because as I started to write it, I knew. I was like, oh my god, this is going to be so easy for kids to sing, which I love because it can be an anthem for them. And as I was writing it, I got my fiance's daughter and my kids to learn it immediately. And they're really young, like three four years old, and they picked it up immediately. And I also caught them singing it to themselves, you know, in the bathroom in the car. But the song was I love myself and I can tell there's no one else quite like me. And when I think of all I can be, I see starts and God sees and that's pretty much the whole song. There's a verse, but that's pretty much the whole song. And I dream of that song being sung at preschool graduations and Kennt graduations and just affirmation of them loving themselves. That's so awesome.

Okay, so the album, what's the full album called?

Okay, so the album, what's the full album called?

The full album is called Cinderella Sweep.

The full album is called Cinderella Sweep.

Cinderella Sweep. Okay, how'd you come with that title?

Cinderella Sweep. Okay, how'd you come with that title?

That's so good? Game Show them. So all of our recordings that we had seven features on the app. Celebrity features on the album from the Saving Our Daughter's Organization came Lelane, who was in the movie Wonka Jasmine Forstburg who's in the Broadway Music musical six and Disney Stars and so they came to the recordings and mentor the girls. But we also had some fun time and did trivia questions just on you know, believing in yourself. So one of the games we had was Midnight Dash to Dream. If someone tells you your dream is too hard, should you should quit? True or false? And so we just had fun games like that. So we have interludes on the album that are game show themed.

That's so good? Game Show them. So all of our recordings that we had seven features on the app. Celebrity features on the album from the Saving Our Daughter's Organization came Lelane, who was in the movie Wonka Jasmine Forstburg who's in the Broadway Music musical six and Disney Stars and so they came to the recordings and mentor the girls. But we also had some fun time and did trivia questions just on you know, believing in yourself. So one of the games we had was Midnight Dash to Dream. If someone tells you your dream is too hard, should you should quit? True or false? And so we just had fun games like that. So we have interludes on the album that are game show themed.

That's so on the album. Yeah, yeah, that's creative.

That's so on the album. Yeah, yeah, that's creative.

Yeah, it's fine.

Yeah, it's fine.

That's so fun. So there's like a cool little break in between each song with another little experience.

That's so fun. So there's like a cool little break in between each song with another little experience.

Yes, So who knows, maybe later we'll be able to turn it into a fun game show for kids. But that was the vision in calling it Cinderella Sweep, and the girls from the organization are called Cinderella's and so I wanted to make sure it's fairy tale thing.

Yes, So who knows, maybe later we'll be able to turn it into a fun game show for kids. But that was the vision in calling it Cinderella Sweep, and the girls from the organization are called Cinderella's and so I wanted to make sure it's fairy tale thing.

Did you did your first song a Cinderella wasn't inspired by the girls. Did you write it for them or did it all just come together.

Did you did your first song a Cinderella wasn't inspired by the girls. Did you write it for them or did it all just come together.

And we wrote it for them? Yeah?

And we wrote it for them? Yeah?

Okay, so you wrote it with them in mine and then you went and got them on it. That's so cool.

Okay, so you wrote it with them in mine and then you went and got them on it. That's so cool.

So yeah, when we sat down, we had the track Sarah and I and we thought of the story of Cinderella and transforming Cinderella into more of an independent I will get it done and all calls perseverance through it all, she lost, but she's still going. And that was the story that we went with.

So yeah, when we sat down, we had the track Sarah and I and we thought of the story of Cinderella and transforming Cinderella into more of an independent I will get it done and all calls perseverance through it all, she lost, but she's still going. And that was the story that we went with.

Okay, now I sir, your fiancee? Yes, okay, And how did you guys meet? Because y'all are he's musical. I mean I checked out his stuff too, and it's like, whoa, y'all are like a powerhouse going on here musically and creatively.

Okay, now I sir, your fiancee? Yes, okay, And how did you guys meet? Because y'all are he's musical. I mean I checked out his stuff too, and it's like, whoa, y'all are like a powerhouse going on here musically and creatively.

Yeah, we started off working together and then became best friends and then best friends the boy where it's hard to live without each other, but it's fun to be, you know, be able to create with someone you love in such a creative and imaginative, imaginative place.

Yeah, we started off working together and then became best friends and then best friends the boy where it's hard to live without each other, but it's fun to be, you know, be able to create with someone you love in such a creative and imaginative, imaginative place.

Do y'all just create all the time?

Do y'all just create all the time?

Yeah? We we live in this world and especially with me being a children's performer. There's really not a time that I'm not working. Even when I'm with my kids. I get I.

Yeah? We we live in this world and especially with me being a children's performer. There's really not a time that I'm not working. Even when I'm with my kids. I get I.

Bet you get a ton of ideas. Honestly, a lot.

Bet you get a ton of ideas. Honestly, a lot.

Of I write a lot of songs. Actually, in their room, Extra Stars and Galaxies started on one of their play guitars. The guitar sounded terrible. It was untuned. It was like this tory little ukulele thing.

Of I write a lot of songs. Actually, in their room, Extra Stars and Galaxies started on one of their play guitars. The guitar sounded terrible. It was untuned. It was like this tory little ukulele thing.

Oh this is your last album.

Oh this is your last album.

This is the current album.

This is the current album.

Oh wait you Stars and Galaxies.

Oh wait you Stars and Galaxies.

Yeah, starts sing The Galaxy is a song that's going to be coming out in July. So I was tuning it for them, and then I just started playing around a little bit and I was like, oh, I kind of like that, and that turned into the song.

Yeah, starts sing The Galaxy is a song that's going to be coming out in July. So I was tuning it for them, and then I just started playing around a little bit and I was like, oh, I kind of like that, and that turned into the song.

That's amazing.

That's amazing.

Well, I mean you said, what the amount of playtime?

Well, I mean you said, what the amount of playtime?

So play? You started this interview with play how like playing was so important to you and like your whole album came out of playtime and you are playing like sessame, you keep your sense of play. Tell me the importance of play because I feel like we lose it as adults sometimes, like we forget that that is such a huge part of this magical existence. Yeah.

So play? You started this interview with play how like playing was so important to you and like your whole album came out of playtime and you are playing like sessame, you keep your sense of play. Tell me the importance of play because I feel like we lose it as adults sometimes, like we forget that that is such a huge part of this magical existence. Yeah.

I think play is a way to take the pressure off of life and almost existence, and it also forces you to use the part of your brain that is imagination, and imagination requires like six different core brain functions, like it involves memory in play, and I think it's important to use that part of our brain. And that's what makes us different from every other species on Earth is our ability to imagine stories and tell them to each other. No true species on the planet can do that. And if that's what's special about us we are using.

I think play is a way to take the pressure off of life and almost existence, and it also forces you to use the part of your brain that is imagination, and imagination requires like six different core brain functions, like it involves memory in play, and I think it's important to use that part of our brain. And that's what makes us different from every other species on Earth is our ability to imagine stories and tell them to each other. No true species on the planet can do that. And if that's what's special about us we are using.

That is so true because every other space is kind of just like going on instincts, and we actually have imagination.

That is so true because every other space is kind of just like going on instincts, and we actually have imagination.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

So what do you have, I mean, what don't you have going on right now? You have a children's book coming out as well, like in twenty twenty six.

So what do you have, I mean, what don't you have going on right now? You have a children's book coming out as well, like in twenty twenty six.

Yeah, I have a children's book coming out, Talk to the Hand. It's about my story of finding my voice through puppetry.

Yeah, I have a children's book coming out, Talk to the Hand. It's about my story of finding my voice through puppetry.

Talk to the Hand. Oh my gosh, that is so good. Yeah, so that's brilliant.

Talk to the Hand. Oh my gosh, that is so good. Yeah, so that's brilliant.

I'm really excited about the potential for it. There's an activity at the end of the book where you can build your own puppet at home, very inexpensively with everything you probably already have in your house, And that actually been actually helped me with my kids, help my son break out of his show and overcome a speech impairment and delay.