“Everyone can sit at the table, but sometimes you have to wait for someone to get up.'“
-Ashley Monique Menard
Hello Sunshine!
Welcome to The Eff Your Fears Podcast!
I am your host Ashley Monique Menard.
I am an Award-Winning Actress, Plus Sized Model, Voice Over Artist, Singer, Writer, Coach, and Creator of
Life is effing hard, y’all. So I started this podcast for the community and I spent so much time with incredible people that I will never forget.
I love creatives! This is why I host a community of inspirational performers
who share their journeys to help you with yours.
I bring on Musicians, Actors, Directors, Voice Over Artists, Influencers, Therapists, Broadway peeps, and more.
Fear can affect our behavior, relationships, and careers.
As performers, we deal with a lot of rejection and have to replenish our energy.
They share their journey’s in showbiz and how they deal
eff YOUR fears, get pregnant with your goals, and give birth to your dreams.
Australia's Miss Curvyliscious spreads kindness in America
She's like a warm hug... you guessed it, Miss Curvyliscious, aka Lilly Jones! She an actress, writer, comedian, storyteller, magic~maker, and Seeker Of Humanity. Her motto is "Kindness Really Does Matter."🦄🤩🌈
She shares with us the importance of taking a chance on yourself, starting a new career in her 40s, and writing her own TV Show!
https://www.instagram.com/miss_curvyliscious
Maggie Shirk is the new Triple Threat!
The tenacious Maggie Shirk is an Actress, Photographer, Optometrist, Wife and Mother of 3! She is such a kooky detail-oriented loyal treat!
Maggie talks about how she put herself through medical school as a young single mother and is still pursuing acting in a way that works for her!
We talk about Skeleton Crew, modeling in the 90s vs. 2020s. Strap in for an informative episode cause the doctor is in!
https://www.mshirkphotography.com/
https://twitter.com/maggieshirk
https://www.facebook.com/maggieshirkphotography
www.effyourfears.com
https://youtu.be/_osxnGyclF4
From Astrophysicist to Jazz Guitarist, Víktor Rufus
This week we have a man from the Blue Mountains on the east coast of Australia. Víktor Rufus was a virtuosic young musician, a high sort after gun-for-hire, and has played numerous venues and festivals as a bandleader, musical director, and sideman for local and international artists. He has performed to sold-out crowds in bars and clubs in America, Europe, and Australia. Victor has his own album, "Tanzverbot," co-written with Henry Rasmussen. We talk about him being a failed astrophysicist and musical who is well-traveled, proudly inked.
Industry's expert, Tom Lapke, on the "business of being an actor."
In this episode, entrepreneur and NYU Professor Tom Lapke talk about creating Audition Update, Actors Launchpad, and It's the real Santa. Tom Lapke is considered one of the industry's foremost experts on the "business of being an actor." He's programmed over 1500 classes for actors with Casting Directors, Agents, and Managers. He helps actors learn not just "how to act, but how to be an actor." https://www.actorwebsitedesign.com https://www.itstherealsanta.com https://www.showbizswag.com
Queer Singer-songwriter Stewart Taylor
In this episode, Queer indie LA-based singer-songwriter Stewart Taylor talks about music, creation, and his humble beginnings. He and Ashley talk about waiting tables in Times Square and how he fostered resilience while being bullied in youth.
IG @imstewarttaylor
https://www.stewarttaylorofficial.com/
Cobra Kai's Susan Gallagher is on Netflix and all over the world!
Cobra Kai's Susan Gallagher is on Netflix and all over the world!
Advice from an Agent with Sarah Zachary
In this episode, Ashley chats with BMG Junior Agent Sarah Zachary. Sarah is a writer and artist so she understands creatives and will give you some professional advice to your burning questions like...
What do agents want?
How to get an agent?
Why do an improv class?
Do I need a slate shot?
Do I need a reel?
Also if you are an NYC actor get some new headshot with Gabe Awan at www.queensselftape.com/
The Art of Blowing it comes out Dec. 4th!!
www.effyourfears.com
Netflix’s Hot Mess- Sarah Gaul
In this episode, Sarah Gaul talks about her movie HOT MESS and it getting picked up by Netflix. Sarah is an acerbic award-winning musical comedienne, actor, playwright, improviser and writer. She first starting playing the piano and taking singing lessons as a wee girl in a small country town called Muswellbrook. Listen to her journey.
http://www.sarahgaul.com/https://g.co/kgs/UskH2N
Mindset with Phil Korz
In this episode Comedian, Phil Korz talks about how comedy isn't all laughs. He and Ashley talk about mindset, losing a friend, and religion. If you need a pick me up this is sure to put a smile on your face.www.effyourfears.com https://www.instagram.com/philkorz
Healing and Acting with Bettina Skye
In this episode, Bettina Skye chats with Ashley about breaking out in show biz as a teen and having over 100 IMDB credits. She also shares the wisdom of enlightenment. Bettina is available for a tarot reading and healing sessions.
www.instagram.com/bettinaskye/
www.effyourfears.com
Mr. Times Square Nicholas Barnes
In this episode, Nicholas Barnes talks about his journey in Musical Theater, transitioning to film and tv, and how he overcomes his fears. Check him out in Demon Doctor Season 1 and The Art of Blowing it.
https://www.instagram.com/mrtimessq/
www.effyourfears.com
Nicholas Barnes is an Actor/Singer/producer he recently appeared on the new show “Dead Reckoning” on Discovery ID. Upcoming “The Art of Blowing It” Oblivion Films and “Demon Doctor” Season 2 Sidekick Productions. His first feature film “A Day in the Life” will premiere this Fall. Some off-broadway credits include starring alongside Klea Blackhurst in “The Real Actors of NYC” at the Anne Bernstein Theatre. She Stoops to Conquer at the Irish Rep. Regional Riv
Plus-Model and Singer Ashley Braxton
In this episode, Ashley Braxton chats about being a theater kid, entering the plus-sized modeling world, and following your dreams. North Dakota native, Ashley is a plus model, fashion influencer and content creator, singer, and retired actor. She now lives in Brooklyn with her toy poodle, Penelope. She is now signed with Dorothy Combs Models and is the social media manager for CoEdition, a plus-size fashion company. Her current dream is to become a host at QVC!
https://www.instagram.com/itsashleybraxton/
Ashley trained in opera for a few years, then went on to receive her BFA in Musical Theatre. She then the honor of performing on Broadway in Chicago for a few years before getting into modeling.
Soprano Christopher Robert Prozeller put a spell on me!
In this episode, Ashley chats with singer and producer Christopher Robert Prozeller about growing up a queer soprano, a witch who is of Mexican descent that also went to Amda. He shares the struggles of losing love and his mom plus finding his path with herbology and self-development.
Also, have a look at Chris's Hocus Pocus Parody.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDPLBbiILB21j0ckS5-iAuQ - https://www.instagram.com/dmt.productions/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/cprozeller/?hl=en
www.effyourfears.com
Vocal Health and Dance with Ayse Billi
In this episode, Ashley chats with hip-hop dancer and former fitness professional in NYC with a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Ayse Billi. The ladies talk about friendship crossing party lines, being a child of immigrants, dancing, and vocal health.
This episode is filled with love and inspiration.
Insightful look at songwriting with Erin Boyd
In this episode, Ashley sat down with singer-songwriter Erin Boyd from the band Phantom Vanity. Erin shares her journey of collaboration, creation, and how she deals with fear.
Music at the end of the episode is Rollerskater Twat by Erin Boyd and James Casey.
From MTV to Skeleton Crew with Stuart Kiczek
In today's episode, Director, Actor, and Editor Stuart Kiczek talks with Ashley about growing up in New York, working with Troma, Sidekick Productions, and how he deals with fear and rejection show biz. They also talk about the upcoming mockumentary The Art of Blowing it.
Child Star turn Director, Catalin Stelian
Catalin talks with Ashley about growing up a child star with the sitcom Nobodies Perfect. He also talks about theater and moving to America from Romania. He also shares his secrets for dealing with fear. Whether you follow him on Insta @catalinmakesitawkard or seeing him in Terapie Pentru crimã, WSK, and Skeleton Crew.
Visit https://catalinmedia.com/
Rev. Yolanda: From the South to the Stage to the Stars
In this episode, Yolanda talks about her rebirth in 1983, getting diagnosed with HIV, and being a country star and a trans woman. Yolanda's journey is one of love and joy. Rev. Yolanda is a Gender Queer Country Gospel Kirtan Rock Pop Supernova with a heart of magic! Yolanda has been induction into The GLBT Hall Of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and two MAC Awards. Her mission is building bridges of love and compassion through the Power Music, Speaking & Art.
Follow our journey on Instagram
Contact us.
Are you interested in becoming a guest on the show? Drop me a line and tell me who you are and what you do. Let’s chat.
What People Are Saying
We all need a reminder that…
“making it in life is not the most important thing. Living your life is”. At least I know that’s exactly what I needed to hear this morning.
This podcast gives such a refreshing take on working through the little things life throws at you, your emotions, and just working towards being the best you possible. It also doesn’t hurt that Ashley is so funny.
I am so excited to add this podcast to my weekly rotation! I feel motivated, and I feel seen!
Can’t recommend it enough!”— S. Bancroft
Thank you for Normalizing Fear!
“Love this Podcast! Ashley is incredible as the host and creator, with such a sultry voice, she offers her listeners a balance of humor and vulnerability. Her thoughts are insightful and raw. Thank you for speaking your truth and inspiring us!!”
— Maricard
Refreshing! Just what I needed!
“This podcast has been a joy to discover. It's so refreshing to hear someone talk so candidly about fear--as an artist, I'm always confronted by my fear of failure, my fear of rejection, my fear of...well, a lot. To hear Ashley is to hear a supportive friend talk to you and make you realize you're not alone.I've really enjoyed the guests she has on so far, too. Each one brings a unique perspective to the world of fear and how they face it. After the way 2020 has gone, I've needed something like this. So grateful to Ashley for the work she's doing! Can't wait for more.”
— J. Pangborn
So entertaining and inspiring!!
“Just finished listening to Sean Barry Episode and totally loved it ! Host Ashley is so brimming with positive energy and has a very interesting line up of guests who will motivate us to step out of the comfort zone!
Ashley has a unique way of encouraging her audience to embrace fear and fuel that fear into doing something amazing!
Must watch especially if you want to try something new!”
——Ash.PassionToProfession