DanceWell Podcast

About DanceWell Podcast

DanceWell Podcast is dedicated to exploring 360-degrees of health and wellness for dancers. We believe that health and wellness isn’t just about physical well-being, but encompasses the whole self. From this belief, we bring you bi-monthly episodes in which we talk with all sorts of practitioners including: dietitians, body-workers, medical doctors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, conditioning experts, psychologists and more. We hope these conversations bring you enhanced understanding of health and wellness to support fulfilling experiences in dance!

Publisher

Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Dec 2017

Latest episode

28 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

106 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Jan 2026

   After the Applause: Why Coming Home From Tour Can Be the Hardest Part for Performers

   Tour life is intense, exhausting, and strangely predictable—but coming home can be even harder. In this episode, licensed mental health counselor and former touring vocalist Daniel Rinaldi joins DanceWell to unpack why the “landing” after tour can feel so destabilizing. We talk about controlled chaos, nervous system overload, identity shifts, and what happens when the structure, adrenaline, and tour family suddenly disappear. Whether you’re a performer, crew member, or creative professional, this conversation offers insight into what’s happening in your body and brain post-tour—and practical ways to make the transition home a little smoother

2. 

   10 Jan 2026

   Episode 100: Building a Strength and Conditioning Program in an Elite Ballet Environment

   Houston Ballet Academy's Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Aki Kawasaki shares with Ellie how he empowers elite dancers to embrace cross-training, daily maintenance, and a balanced lifestyle for peak performance.

3. 

   24 Nov 2025

   Episode 99: Navigating Workers’ Compensation for Performers

   Host Marissa Schaeffer interviews Dr. Matthew Grierson, who clarifies workers' compensation for performers, empowering them to access essential benefits.

Who has been a guest on DanceWell Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Aki Kawasaki
• Dr Matthew Grierson
• Suzanne Koucheravy
• Nafisa Sharriff
• Alexander McKinven

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

27 ratings

Contact DanceWell Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about DanceWell Podcast