She Rocked It

Don’t miss the fifth episode of our Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry podcast series, featuring three-time GRAMMY-winning producer Cheryl Pawelski!

In this fun and revealing conversation, Cheryl gets real about her experiences preserving, curating, and championing some of music’s greatest legacies – and shares some incredible behind-the-scenes stories involving Aretha Franklin, Taylor Swift, and legendary Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman.

After a fateful ABBA show cemented Cheryl’s calling in the music industry, she held positions at Rhino, Concord, and EMI-Capitol Records before co-founding Omnivore Recordings.

Her journey is sure to inspire anyone looking to pursue a creative, courageous career and blaze a unique, uncharted trail. Tune in and rock on!

Special thanks to Gregg Bendian for connecting Cheryl with She Rocked It.

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kJiAgV2C9WM

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Episode highlights:

[2:11] How Cheryl’s unique career in music took shape

[6:23] How Cheryl navigated the male-dominated music industry

[10:25] Why Cheryl pivoted from major labels and co-founded Omnivore Recordings

[12:35] Some behind-the-scenes stories featuring Aretha Franklin and Taylor Swift

[15:21] #Realtalk about Cheryl’s relationship with rockstar wife Audrey Bilger, president of Reed College – including how they met!

[25:15] Cheryl’s advice for up-and-coming women in the music industry

[28:10] Cheryl’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Cheryl’s website: https://cherylpawelski.com/

Cheryl’s GRAMMY wins and nominations: https://www.grammy.com/artists/cheryl-pawelski/17213

Omnivore Recordings: https://omnivorerecordings.com/

Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study: https://www.newsroom.spotify.com/2022-03-31/usc-annenbergs-inclusion-in-the-recording-studio-study-finds-that-more-work-toward-gender-equity-is-needed/

Jeff Tweedy: https://jefftweedy.com/

Wilco: https://wilcoworld.net/

Aretha Franklin: https://www.arethafranklin.net/

Robbie Robertson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Robertson

Jac Holzman: https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/jac-holzman

Bethany Lyons on the She Rocked It Podcast: https://sherockedit.com/bethany-lyons-owning-it-like-a-boss/

Gregg Bendian: https://www.bendianmusic.com/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Tanya Morgan is using her creativity to help change lives for the better.

In 2022, she merged her roles as an actor, improviser, mental health professional, and social emotional learning (SEL) interventionist and opened the doors of the Sawubona Creativity Project – a theater space on the vibrant East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia.

Tanya’s mission is to create “brave spaces where children and adults can learn and practice vital interpersonal skills,” and in this episode, you’ll hear about Tanya’s own brave journey to launching Sawubona Creativity Project and how she found the courage, support, and funding to make it happen.

Plus, Tanya gets real about raising her family while nurturing her dream creative business. Don’t miss this candid conversation with a creative, compassionate rockstar.

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Episode highlights:

[01:12] What led Tanya to opening the doors of the Sawubona Creativity Project

[05:30] How Tanya found the courage and the funding to manifest her vision

[11:02] Tanya’s struggle to make time for her own creativity – and the importance of delegating

[17:15] Why Sawbuona prioritizes a family-oriented space

[20:23] Tanya’s relationship with the word “No” — it’s a complete sentence, but not a closed door

[22:08] Why it’s so important for women to raise their voices and ask ALL the questions

[27:23] Tanya’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Sawubona Creativity Project website: https://sawubonacreativityproject.org/

Sawubona Creativity Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawubonacreativity/

Tanya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ts_morgan/

Tanya’s Website: https://tanyamorganactor.com/

Daddy Issues Improv Comedy: https://www.facebook.com/daddyissuesimprovcomedy/

Bartol Foundation: https://bartol.org/grants/meet-our-grantees/

Philly Young Playwrights: https://www.phillyyoungplaywrights.org/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Multi-hyphenate rockstars, this one’s for you! Kim Maroon is a photographer, director, and designer who specializes in capturing the vibrancy of motorcycle culture.

After falling in love with the frenetic energy of photographing punk and metal bands, Kim discovered the thrill of motorcycling and launched an entrepreneurial creative path “rooted in adrenaline, rebellious spirit, community, and the human experience” (as she eloquently puts it).

On this episode, you’ll hear about how Kim transitioned from a life of science to one of art and design; how she balances her many creative roles (including commercial work for major brands like Infiniti Motor Company, GoPro, and iHeartMedia); and what really revs her creative engine.

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Episode highlights:

[1:29] How Kim launched her creative entrepreneurial journey

[4:05] The bold moves that brought Kim into the world of motorcycles — as a photographer, then as a rider

[11:48] How photography became a creative outlet and an avenue for connection

[12:50] How the many aspects of Kim’s multifaceted creative career fit together

[21:50] Kim’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Kim Maroon: https://www.kimberlymaroon.com/

Kim Maroon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmaroonfoto/

Babes Ride Out: https://www.babesrideout.com/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Cassandra Burnett is a true renaissance woman and a shining example of courageous entrepreneurship in action. An attorney by day, as well as a wife and mom, Cassandra has created space for her entrepreneurial spirit to blossom.

In 2020, she launched Lizzie’s Love Cakes to honor the legacy of her mother, who passed away in 2012.

Then, in 2021, Cassandra launched the Hey Girl! Conference, an empowering opportunity for connection and inspiration, designed for women to voice their desires, dreams, successes, and challenges.

On this episode, you’ll hear about Cassandra’s journey of launching (and juggling) these incredible businesses, and the lessons she’s learned along the way!

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Episode highlights:

[00:00] Meet the Courageous Cassandra Burnett

[03:47] How Cassandra’s different roles converge into a fulfilling life and career

[09:45] Behind the birth of Lizzie’s Love Cakes, Cassandra’s “love letter” to her late mother

[16:30] How “sister angel friends” led Cassandra to launch the Hey Girl! Conference

[21:17] Lessons from Cassandra’s mom, Lizzie, on overcoming doubt and "what if’s"

[26:15] Reflecting on grief and gratitude in the wake of maternal loss

[31:37] Why prioritizing rest is an essential ingredient to success

[35:35] Cassandra’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Lizzie’s Love Cakes: https://lizzieslovecakes.com/

Lizzie’s Love Cakes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzieslovecakes/

Hey Girl! Conference: https://heygirlconference.com/

Hey Girl! Conference Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heygirlconference/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Kate Marlys launched Philly PR Girl as a blog – and today, she is running one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable PR firms, specializing in elevating non-profits and purpose-driven brands.

As Kate celebrates 10 years in business, she spoke with She Rocked It to share the real story of becoming an entrepreneur (including one case of cold feet), and how she now grows her team and her client roster without burning herself out.

No matter what your own calling might be, you’ll surely be inspired by Kate’s journey of courageous entrepreneurship and how she continues to rock it on her own terms.

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Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction
[01:10] How Kate Marlys launched Philly PR Girl – despite one “false start”
[05:27] Why Kate made the bold career pivot from running nonprofits to running her own PR firm – without a PR background
[12:18] How boundaries keep Kate feeling balanced
[15:12] Highlights from the first decade of Philly PR Girl
[19:04] The importance of supportive women to Kate’s success
[21:18] Kate’s one tip to rock it

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Links from this episode:

Philly PR Girl website: https://phillyprgirl.com/

Philly PR Girl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philly_pr_girl/

Kate Marlys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemarlys/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

In this fascinating episode, you’ll meet Danielle Massi a.k.a. The Shadow Queen – who is building a growing empire as a best-selling author and thought-leader, CEO of The Wellness Collective, and founder of the annual SELF(ish) Philly Conference.

After a cervical cancer diagnosis before her 30th birthday, Danielle transformed her life and career, and has become a leading voice on the topic of shadow work and holistic health. Tune in to learn more about shadow work straight from Danielle, and to hear how she redirected her entrepreneurial path to become an advocate for women’s well-being. Plus, get a glimpse into Danielle’s own daily rituals, and how she balances business and motherhood with unapologetic self-care.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by podcast guests are their own. The She Rocked It podcast is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.

Episode highlights:

[01:13] How a cancer diagnosis changed Danielle’s career and life path

[01:56] How “Shadow Work” works

[07:33] How Danielle found the confidence to become an advocate for Shadow Work

[21:22] Why women need to be more selfish

[24:10] Danielle’s daily routine (spoiler: baths, ahoy!)

[29:41] Danielle’s one tip to rock it

Links from this episode:

Danielle Massi website: https://www.iamdaniellemassi.com/

Danielle Massi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdaniellemassi/

The Wellness Collective: www.wellnessphl.com

SELF(ish) Philly Conference: https://www.selfishphilly.com/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Curious about launching your entrepreneurial journey with a business partner?

Tune into this candid conversation with Tami Astorino and Rachel Rubin, the co-CEOs of Rise Gatherings – offering retreat experiences that invite women to connect with nature, with themselves, and with one another. In this honest and heartfelt episode, you’ll learn about Tami and Rachel’s journey to launching Rise (including the fateful business “blind date” that started their partnership), and how they leverage their yin-yang personality types to create a stronger whole.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes window into their beloved Rise Gatherings Weekend Getaway, which over the past several years has drawn hundreds of women to the Pocono Mountains for a transformative and restorative experience.

(PSST: She Rocked It’s own Karen Gross is a Weekend Getaway workshop facilitator this year!) You’ll surely be inspired by Tami and Rachel’s courageous journey, their dedication to uplifting women, and the alchemy of their collaboration.

Episode highlights:

[03:28] How a well-timed introduction launched Tami and Rachel’s business partnership

[08:53] How the vision for Rise Gatherings came to life

[13:08] A glimpse into Rise Gatherings’ diverse community of women

[16:33] Why Tami and Rachel’s partnership works – and tips you can use for your own collabs

[24:18] How Tami and Rachel found the courage to launch Rise Gatherings

[28:30] Tami and Rachel’s tips to rock it

Links from this episode:

Rise Gatherings: https://www.risegatherings.com/

Rachel Rubin on the Athleta x She Rocked It podcast: How to Balance Career & Self-Care: https://sherockedit.com/athleta-x-she-rocked-it-how-to-balance-career-self-care/

Rise Gatherings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risegatherings/

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Welcome to the fourth episode of our Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry podcast series, recorded live with a studio audience at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NJ!

In this eye-opening and empowering episode, you’ll hear inspiring wisdom and lots of behind-the-scenes #realtalk from Ash Hill and Jenna Gaudio, two women who are blazing a trail and rocking it in the (still!) male-dominated music industry.

According to the most recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study, entitled Inclusion in the Recording Studio?, women are still woefully underrepresented across the music industry and in the recording studio space. For instance, this study showed that just 2.8% of all producers were women while 97.1% were men.

Ash Hill is the recording studio manager at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NJ – our awesome host for today’s episode.

Jenna Gaudio is co-president of the recently-acquired company Vydia, an all-in-one platform that empowers independent labels and artists.

You’ll also hear from Rashida Scott-Cruz, Professor of Music Industry, who originally connected She Rocked It with Lakehouse – and who is inspiring the next generation of music industry rockstars as a professor and mentor at Monmouth University. 

Special thanks to the team at Lakehouse Recording Studios including Ash Hill, Evan Rudenjak, Ben Marino, Juan O’Grady, and Jon Leidersdorff, for hosting She Rocked It and recording the audio and video of this conversation:  https://www.lakehouserecordingstudios.com/

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LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:

Lakehouse Recording Studios: https://www.lakehouserecordingstudios.com/

Vydia: https://vydia.com/

Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study: https://www.newsroom.spotify.com/2022-03-31/usc-annenbergs-inclusion-in-the-recording-studio-study-finds-that-more-work-toward-gender-equity-is-needed/

She Rocked It’s Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry Episode 2 ft. Rashida Scott-Cruz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntmmz8K__oE&list=PL9M_v70pNx6ELQri31KdJOC-VTN-yVmoW

Lakehouse Live!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfR6asxaLKk&list=PLyhNGayUn39KrGGnJPqVfHu29kfNkPovE

Rebel Supply Co.: https://rebelsupplyap.com/

Zumiez: https://www.zumiez.com/

Jersey Shore Women in Tech: https://www.jerseyshorewomenintech.com/ 

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

Welcome to the fourth episode of our Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry podcast series, recorded live with a studio audience at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NJ!

In this eye-opening and empowering episode, you’ll hear inspiring wisdom and lots of behind-the-scenes #realtalk from Ash Hill and Jenna Gaudio, two women who are blazing a trail and rocking it in the (still!) male-dominated music industry.

According to the most recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study, entitled Inclusion in the Recording Studio?, women are still woefully underrepresented across the music industry and in the recording studio space. For instance, this study showed that just 2.8% of all producers were women while 97.1% were men.

Ash Hill is the recording studio manager at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NJ – our awesome host for today’s episode.

Jenna Gaudio is co-president of the recently-acquired company Vydia, an all-in-one platform that empowers independent labels and artists.

You’ll also hear from Rashida Scott-Cruz, Professor of Music Industry, who originally connected She Rocked It with Lakehouse – and who is inspiring the next generation of music industry rockstars as a professor and mentor at Monmouth University. 

Special thanks to the team at Lakehouse Recording Studios including Ash Hill, Evan Rudenjak, Ben Marino, Juan O’Grady, and Jon Leidersdorff, for hosting She Rocked It and recording the audio and video of this conversation:  https://www.lakehouserecordingstudios.com/

Links from this episode: 

• Lakehouse Recording Studios: https://www.lakehouserecordingstudios.com/
• Vydia: https://vydia.com/
• Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study: https://www.newsroom.spotify.com/2022-03-31/usc-annenbergs-inclusion-in-the-recording-studio-study-finds-that-more-work-toward-gender-equity-is-needed/ 
• She Rocked It’s Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry Episode 2 ft. Rashida Scott-Cruz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ntmmz8K__oE&list=PL9M_v70pNx6ELQri31KdJOC-VTN-yVmoW
• Lakehouse Live!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfR6asxaLKk&list=PLyhNGayUn39KrGGnJPqVfHu29kfNkPovE 
• Rebel Supply Co.: https://rebelsupplyap.com/ 
• Zumiez: https://www.zumiez.com/ 
• Jersey Shore Women in Tech: https://www.jerseyshorewomenintech.com/ 

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network

In the third installment of our Real Talk with Women in the Music Industry series, you’ll hear from Michelle Arkuski, Executive Director of She Is The Music—a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number of women working in music, which was launched by Alicia Keys among other music industry powerhouses. In this eye-opening and inspiring conversation, Michelle shares how and why she pivoted from her early musical theater days in New York City to high-profile philanthropic work in Los Angeles. As the first executive director of She Is The Music, Michelle now spearheads programs including an all-women songwriting series, an industry database of women creators, and awesome mentorship opportunities. The organization took shape after the devastating results of USC Annenberg’s Inclusion Initiative study revealed that women were conspicuously absent from music industry roles. And though important strides are being made, the results of the latest study (published in January 2023) still left much to be desired: 

• Percentage of women across three creative roles: 22.3% of artists; 12.8% of songwriters; 2.8% of producers 
• 13.9% of GRAMMY® nominees from 2013-2023 were women; 86% were men
• 13 out of 1,756 producing credits went to women of color
• The top male writer (Drake) has 49 songwriting credits; the top woman writer (Nicki Minaj) has 20 credits across 1,100 popular songs from 2012-2022

Episode highlights:

• [00:00] How She Is The Music serves its mission through action
• [04:53] Michelle’s journey from musical theater to celebrity-driven philanthropy 
• [08:28] Overcoming imposter syndrome to take on the role of Executive Director at She Is The Music
• [12:42] The state of the industry now and looking ahead in the wake of #MeToo
• [20:32] What gave Michelle the courage to follow her intuition?
• [25:02] How Michelle keeps her cool working with big-name celebrities like Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper, and Linda Perry
• [29:23] How Michelle prioritizes self-care inside a demanding schedule
• [33:37] Michelle Arkuski’s ONE TIP TO ROCK IT 

Links from this episode:
She Is The Music: https://sheisthemusic.org/
USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/aii

If you’d like to be part of the studio audience for future podcast recordings, head over to sherockedit.com to become a member of our Rockstar Network membership community: https://sherockedit.com/the-rockstar-network