Episode 36: Alaina Newell - Leading with Grace and Joy

Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie

Courtney speaks with Alaina Newell, creator of the podcast "The Fourth Wall," as part of the video series “We Can’t Go Back.” In this insightful episode, Courtney and Alaina discuss Newell's podcast and its inception, and they confront the contradiction of theatrical safe spaces (and its severe lack of brave spaces). Candidly, Alaina admits that she has approached her participation in the field with compassion, but that compassion has not always been reciprocated, highlighting deeply-rooted institutional racism. One commonality that is very present in this episode is how and why Courtney and Alaina have both created their respective brave virtual spaces—their podcasts—in which BIPOC artists' voices must be centered, amplified and celebrated. Lastly, Courtney and Alaina discuss what is being done, what could be done and what must be done to dismantle systemic white supremacy within arts and cultural institutions. And how leading with anti-racism and amplifying Black voices—and hearing and listening to those voices—is essential to unifying and strengthening the field.