The Work of Warriors
**Success shouldn’t cost you your peace.** Welcome to *The Work of Warriors*, the mental health and wellness podcast for the entertainment industry—created for the artists, creatives, and industry professionals building extraordinary careers without wanting to lose themselves in the process. Hosted by former therapist and nervous system strategist Kim Rapach, The Work of Warriors explores the human side of working in entertainment: the pressure to perform, the uncertainty between opportunities, the demands of creative careers, and the challenge of staying grounded in an industry that can ask so much of the people who make it possible. Through honest conversations with actors, musicians, filmmakers, comedians, producers, executives, entrepreneurs, and other industry leaders, we explore what it actually takes to thrive personally while building something meaningful professionally. Together, we’re changing the conversation around mental wellness in entertainment by: • Normalizing honest conversations about mental health and the realities of creative careers • Exploring practical tools for nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and greater capacity • Challenging the belief that burnout, self-abandonment, and constant hustle are simply the price of success • Redefining success to include well-being, healthy relationships, boundaries, authenticity, and sustainable careers Whether you’re navigating burnout, anxiety, rejection, creative pressure, career uncertainty, life after a big project, or the complicated relationship between your identity and your work, The Work of Warriors is a place for conversations that remind you: You can love the work without losing yourself to it. Because a healthier entertainment industry starts with healthier humans. When artists are well, everybody wins. Thank you for being part of the conversation, and for helping create a healthier entertainment industry, one brave conversation at a time.
Episodes
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with Nashville singer-songwriter Madison Hughes to explore the story behind her viral song Battles and why authenticity is often the most powerful thing an artist can offer the world.
After appearing on The Voice and making the bold move to Nashville, Madison shares the highs and lows of pursuing a career in music, including rejection, self-doubt, heartbreak, confidence, ...
In this poignant episode, Kim Rapach shares a personal story that sheds light on how early experiences can shape our behaviors and survival patterns well into adulthood.
The Impact of Early Trauma
Kim begins by recounting a traumatic event from her childhood involving her stepfather's violence, a moment that deeply influenced her perception of safety and truth. "I learned that day, like that, I learned to be fine when I'm not f...
What if the very story you've spent your life trying to hide is the one that could set you free?
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with author, speaker, and Powerful Books founder Perry Power for an unforgettable conversation about childhood trauma, healing, purpose, and the life-changing power of breaking your silence.
After surviving childhood sexual abuse, Perry spent years believing his story needed to...
BONUS: When We Stand Together: Grief, Generosity & the Power of Showing Up with Rondal Richardson
What becomes possible when we stop measuring success by what we accomplish alone, and start asking what we can do together?
In this special BONUS episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with Rondal Richardson for a heartfelt conversation about generosity, community, grief, music, mental wellness, and the power of si...
What happens when success on the outside comes at the expense of who you are on the inside?
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with actress-turned-coach Sara Banyan for an honest conversation about Hollywood, identity, mental wellness, self-worth, and what it can look like to rebuild your relationship with yourself.
Sara shares her journey as a classically trained actress who began booking roles at a young ...
What happens when the person who always helps everyone else loses everything?
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with comedian, entrepreneur, and creator of Stand Up Comedy Sit Down Yoga, Stephen Campbell, for an honest conversation about resilience, grief, burnout, trauma, and rebuilding your life after everything falls apart.
Growing up surrounded by the opioid epidemic, Stephen learned early how to survi...
What if the key to changing your life isn't becoming someone new, but finally understanding who you've been all along?
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with coach, spiritual mentor, and podcast host Danielle McCleerey to explore why self-awareness is the foundation for healing, leadership, creativity, and sustainable success.
Together, they dive into Human Design, astrology, the Enneagram, nervous system ...
What if getting out wasn't the same as healing?
For years, comedian Mary Celine Smith believed she'd escaped the hardest chapters of her life. But beneath the laughter, she realized she was still surviving, not healing.
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with Mary for an honest conversation about trauma, addiction, abuse, burnout, self-worth, and the courageous decision to stop merely surviving and star...
Platinum-selling mix engineer and vocal producer Ali "AMAC" McGuire has worked with artists like Post Malone, Kelly Rowland, Lizzo, and Joji, but achieving success didn't bring the peace she expected.
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with platinum-selling mix engineer, vocal producer, and speaker Ali "AMAC" McGuire for an honest conversation about burnout, perfectionism, identity, self-worth, and...
Summary
In this heartfelt interview, Nashville country artist Kirstie Kraus shares her journey through the music industry, emphasizing the importance of mental health, self-care, and nervous system regulation. Discover practical routines, lessons learned from burnout, and how authenticity and self-love fuel her success.
Keywords
music industry, mental health, self-care, burnout, nervous system, Nashville artist, au...
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim Rapach sits down with Bev Moser, a respected leader in the Nashville music industry with more than 30 years of experience supporting artists, building careers, and navigating the realities of entertainment.
Bev shares powerful lessons she has learned throughout her career, including what artists need to know about resilience, identity, success, disappointment, and mental wellness in an in...
There’s a version of success the world applauds that quietly disconnects people from themselves.
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, Kim sits down with Allie Colleen for an emotionally honest conversation about identity, artistry, pressure, healing, and what it really takes to stay grounded in an industry that often rewards performance over authenticity.
Together, they explore the emotional realities behind music, creativi...
KEYWORDS
media psychology, mental health, social media, self-compassion, emotional well-being, technology, attachment styles, community support, creativity, boundaries
SUMMARY
In this conversation, Dr. Corey Emanuel, a media psychologist, discusses his journey into the field of media psychology, the impact of social media on mental health, and the importance of self-compassion and discipline. He emphasizes the need for healthy...
SUMMARY
In this conversation, Kim Rapach speaks with singer-songwriter Kyshona about her mission to be a voice for those who feel lost and forgotten. They discuss the importance of community in the music industry, Kyshona's experiences with music therapy, and the lessons she's learned about the industry's challenges. Kyshona emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, connection, and the healing power of music, while also sharing ...
SUMMARY
In this episode, Kim Rapach shares her journey through grief after the passing of her mother, reflecting on the complexities of loss and the lessons learned. She discusses the impact of her mother's death on her personal growth and self-awareness, as well as her dreams and aspirations in the entertainment industry. Kim reintroduces her podcast, emphasizing her role as a mental wellness coach and her commitment to support...
In this conversation, Kim Rapach and Jonathan Merritt explore the profound impact of literature, particularly children's books, on personal healing and identity formation. They discuss the complexities of family dynamics, mental health, and spirituality, emphasizing the importance of community and acceptance in navigating these challenges. Merritt shares his journey of reconciling his faith with his identity as a gay man, the role ...
In this conversation, Suz, known as the Rockstar Advocate, shares her journey from a demanding career in the music industry to becoming a mindset coach focused on mental health and productivity. She discusses the pervasive culture of burnout in the industry, the evolution of mental health awareness, and the importance of setting values and boundaries. Suze emphasizes the need for artists to prioritize self-care and find balance in ...
In this episode of The Work of Warriors, I sit down with actor Taryn Kelly for an honest conversation about navigating the highs and lows of life in the entertainment industry. Taryn opens up about her personal journey with mental health, the challenges of balancing authenticity with public expectations, and how she’s found strength and resilience both on and off the stage. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or simply lo...
In this conversation, Rissi Palmer and Kim Rapach delve into the significance of mental health, particularly within the context of the music industry. They discuss the barriers that Black women face in seeking therapy, the importance of finding a good therapist, and the impact of shame and grief on mental health. Rissi shares her personal journey through the music industry, the challenges she faced, and how she has navigated her me...
In this conversation, Kim Rapach and Capella Fahun explore the intersection of wellbeing, creativity, and mental health within the film industry. Capella shares her journey from psychology to filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of community, gratitude, and trust in fostering a positive work environment. They discuss the challenges artists face, the significance of connection, and the need for supportive structures in creative sp...
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