Suffering For Art

I’m not sure why perfection was on my mind this month, but I’m glad it was—because it helped me reframe how I want to create moving forward.

In this episode, we unpack where our obsession with perfection even comes from. We take a historical dive, explore cultural and media influences, and look at how perfectionism became a standard we never actually agreed to.

And then we do something even more important: we talk about how to quiet ...

In this episode of Suffering for Art, I sit down with Aleah Vassell (they/she)—a professional actor, creative agency owner, and the powerhouse behind Creative With Money Co. Aleah transformed their financial life by launching a six-figure virtual assistant business, all while continuing to thrive in the performing arts.

We dive into how Aleah went from earning $27K to $116K in just one year, the realities of virtual assistant work, ...

🎙️ Creative Loss: Grieving the Dreams That Didn’t Make It

What happens when the project doesn’t land, the door doesn’t open, or the dream quietly slips through your fingers? In this episode of Suffering for Art, host Brianna Kaleen sits down with psychiatrist and educator Dr. DaJonitta Richmond to explore a part of the creative process we rarely talk about: grief.

Not just grief for people—but for projects, paths, and versions of ou...

In this episode, Brianna Kaleen sits down with actor and content creator Cara Rose DiPetrio to talk all things influencing as a creative side hustle. They get into how to make brand work actually work for your lifestyle, what it means to steward a community (instead of just chasing numbers), and how Cara made the leap to doing it full time. From managers and rates to staying aligned with your artistic self, this convo is full of in...

Feeling stuck, drained, or disconnected from your creativity? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore the root causes of creative burnout, its impact on your brain, and practical ways to recover. Learn how rest, microbreaks, and sleep can reignite your spark and why taking care of yourself is key to protecting your passion.

If you’re ready to reconnect with the joy of creating, tune in now!

Donate to Suffering for Art he...

Downloadable PDF of the “Creative’s Budget” can be found ⁠here.⁠ Use it to really understand this podcast episode.

Tired of the “starving artist” stereotype? In this episode of Suffering for Art, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of creative living: managing your finances. 2025 is the year we take control, break free from financial anxiety, and build a sustainable creative lifestyle.

Join us as we:

• Break down the ...

Authenticity is the foundation of meaningful art, relationships, and self-expression—but how can you be authentic with others or your craft if you don’t truly know yourself? In this episode, we’re exploring the complex web of relationships in the creative life: your connection to others, your relationship with your art, and most importantly, your relationship with yourself.

We’ll dive into how a lack of self-awareness can lead to s...

The arts are billion-dollar industries, but here’s the harsh truth: most of the money rarely makes its way to the artists themselves. Whether you’re a painter, writer, or performer, you’ve likely felt the weight of financial insecurity. In this episode, we’re exploring why the creative world leaves so many of us struggling to pay the bills, despite the wealth generated by our work.

We’ll unpack the systemic issues that keep artists...

The creative life can be beautiful, but let’s be real—it’s not easy on the brain. Between job instability, constant rejection, and the pressure to “make it,” artists face a unique set of mental health challenges that few other professions encounter. In this episode, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of how these struggles affect our minds and what we can do to overcome them.

We’re diving deep into the toll that job instability an...

What does it really mean to suffer for art? In this first episode, we’re diving into the raw, unfiltered reality of the artistic grind—balancing auditions and side hustles, navigating the chaos of big city living, and holding on to creativity while the world seems stacked against you. Whether you’re a painter, actor, writer, or creator of any kind, the struggle to make art while making ends meet is all too familiar.

I’m Brianna Kal...