Best Jess Spinner Podcasts (2025)

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How to Build Your Dance Nutrition Plan 31:09

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3d ago31:09

31:09

In this episode, we’re redefining what a “dance nutrition plan” really means — because it’s not about shrinking your body. It’s about fueling for strength, recovery, and confidence in your dancing. You’ll learn how to build a flexible, supportive approach to nutrition that enhances performance, supports bone health and mental wellness, and helps yo…

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The Daily Stress of Dancing at a High Level 36:08

10d ago36:08

36:08

Everyone sees the beauty, grace, and effortlessness of dance — but behind the curtain, professional dancers face immense daily stress. In this episode, Jess Spinner of The Whole Dancer dives into the hidden pressures of the profession — from the early days of training to the realities of company life — and explores how perfectionism, people-pleasin…

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Creating Positive and Supportive Relationships in Dance 27:44

27d ago27:44

27:44

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From Comparison to Confidence: How Dancers Can Shift Their Mindset 23:54

2M ago23:54

23:54

Conquering Comparison In Dance Workshop: SIGN UP HERE Comparison is one of the biggest hurdles dancers face — and the common advice to “just stop comparing” doesn’t actually work. The truth? Comparison is automatic. But you can change how you respond to it. In this episode, I share a client story that sparked a powerful reframe: turning comparison …

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The Ideal Dancer Body? Let’s Redefine It. 20:58

3M ago20:58

20:58

In this powerful episode, we’re challenging the outdated and damaging concept of the “ideal” dancer body. Inspired by a real conversation in my group coaching program, I’m sharing the unconventional advice that helped dancers feel relief, freedom, and power — starting with this: you don’t need to know your weight. We’ll explore why the scale isn’t …

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Your Food Relationship for Dance: Why It Matters More Than You Think 31:19

4M ago31:19

31:19

Your food relationship — how you think, feel, and act around food — shapes everything from your energy to your performance. In this episode, we explore why this often-overlooked foundation matters before you focus on food choices or physique goals. You'll reflect on the influences that shaped your current mindset, unpack outdated beliefs, and start…

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"Am I Already Out of Shape?" Working through summer dance-body worries! 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

In this episode, we tackle a common fear dancers have during summer break: “What if I’m already out of shape?” Whether your layoff just started or you’re a few weeks in, that creeping worry can feel loud—and discouraging. I’ll walk you through how to shift your mindset around summer downtime, why this break might actually support your dancing long-…

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Some things you probably don't know...Celebrating 10 Years!! 37:10

6M ago37:10

37:10

This year marks 10 years of The Whole Dancer!! It's an incredibly exciting time so my amazing assistant, Tatum and I decided to share an episode where she asks me 10 (it turned out to be more than that) questions in celebration of The Whole Dancer. In this episode I share some things I've rarely (or never) spoken about and you'll get to hear more a…

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🎙️ Audition Season: Inspired Backup Plan 20:20

7M ago20:20

20:20

Audition season goal: land a paid dance job. Reality: it might take a few tries—and that’s okay. In this episode, we explore how to reduce stress and stay motivated with an inspired backup plan—a path that still supports your dance career without feeling like a detour. You'll learn how to: Identify what’s missing (training, experience, exposure) Bu…

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Don't Get Stuck on the Trainee Program Hamster Wheel 23:40

8M ago23:40

23:40

In the world of professional ballet today, there’s a structure that can leave dancers feeling stuck. Before you can get a paid company position, you often have to go through years of trainee programs, 2nd company positions, or other-named post pre-professional training programs. It’s a slow process. This podcast episode will help you bring strategy…

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Dancers: Your Body is Supposed to Change 23:52

8M ago23:52

23:52

In this episode, I’m opening up about my own experiences with body changes throughout my dance journey—navigating puberty, dealing with layoffs, and adjusting to life after stepping away from the stage. But I know I’m not alone. So many dancers face intense aesthetic pressures and struggle with how their bodies change over time. We’ll talk about th…

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Time Off from Dance 22:20

9M ago22:20

22:20

Time off from dance can feel incredibly uncertain and stressful. There are some ways to look at it that will in fact enhance your life and dance experience. Give this episode a listen to learn how! Personal trainers for dancers. Book a Coaching Consultation Call TODAY! Submit a topic for coverage on The Whole Dancer podcast.…

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What should a ballet dancer's diet consist of? 26:36

9M ago26:36

26:36

What should dancers eat? Dispelling myths and sharing truths about what to include in an effective, healthy, and supportive eating plan for dance. For more support: Schedule a complimentary coaching consultation!

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Dealing with Casting in Dance 24:28

10M ago24:28

24:28

We've all been there. The cast sheet goes up and you walk over feeling hopeful. Then, you read the list and are totally disappointed with your roles. This episode is about how to cope, gain perspective, and find a more productive path forward whether casting goes your way or not! Get in touch! Email me: [email protected] Schedule your coachin…

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Post Audition Assessment for Growth!! 25:36

12M ago25:36

25:36

Throughout the audition season, you want to take some time after each audition to assess and reflect. This podcast episode provides practical tips and tasks to help you grow through the audition process. . That growth is going to help you show up with more confidence so you can get closer to your next career steps. . For additional support through …

1
Support Yourself Through Nutcracker Season 21:25

1y ago21:25

21:25

The Nutcracker season is incredibly busy for most dancers. Between holidays, rehearsals, performing, and more...it's just a lot to take on. . You don't want to feel exhausted and burnt out when all is said and done. To avoid the burnout you have to support yourself (or get support) through the season. . List for support, advice, and tips. . Purple …

1
Finding Supportive Body Image in Dance 27:56

1y ago27:56

27:56

I was really surprised to see that I haven't talked about body image on the podcast much (at all?). This is an incredibly important topic and today's episode is quite actionable. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. If you'd like to read my Pointe Magazine Article on Building Body Image Resilience, click here. Are you ready to stop fixa…

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How to Prepare for Audition Season 28:43

1y ago28:43

28:43

There are a number of areas of necessary preparation for Auditions: The practical. The mindset. The long game. So much is possible through the audition process. The hardest part is staying calm and confident. This episode shares how to do that. Heres's the Pointe Magazine Article I reference in the episode. Reach Your Healthiest Body in Time for Co…

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Is Nutrition Information Really What You Need? 31:47

1y ago31:47

31:47

Very often, dancers think that nutrition knowledge is what they need to achieve their "best" bodies for dance. In a lot of cases, it's not the first (or most important) thing that you should focus on. . This podcast episode dives into that concept and helps you discover what might need your attention instead. . Have a question? Email me: jess@thewh…

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Parents: Before You Send Your Dancer Away 24:02

1+ y ago24:02

24:02

Before you send your dancer away to a residential training program there are a lot of factors to consider. This episode talks through the decision making process and hopefully lets you see that this is a complex choice without one right answer. I think dancers considering leaving home for a residential dance training program would also benefit from…

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Dancers: Be Intentional w. Food without Obsessing 18:11

1+ y ago18:11

18:11

Do you find you overthink your food choices? Do you feel guilty after you've eaten? It is possible to be intentional with food choices without obsessing. This episode discusses how! Are you ready to uncover a balanced and easy relationship with food and your body? Schedule a free coaching consultation here.…

1
How to Be a Successful Dancer 29:13

1+ y ago29:13

29:13

Being a successful dancer requires a truly balanced approach. You'll hear about all the areas you might look at to assess whether you're looking at your dance goals from the most supportive position possible! As mentioned, respond to this feedback survey by July, 24, 2024 to be entered to win a $50 giftcard to the dancewear brand of your choice! To…

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Pro Dancer Season Review Process 21:31

1+ y ago21:31

21:31

As one season wraps, it's essential to review what went well and what you'd like to see change for next season. This episode share key areas to consider and shift for your highest level of achievement in the future. For Pro Dancer Group Coaching, schedule your consultation here. Questions? Email me: [email protected]…

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What is "balance" in ballet? 20:27

1+ y ago20:27

20:27

Can the concept of balance in dance truly exist? How can you apply it to your own dance journey? What's the value in spending time discovering balance for yourself? This episode dives into those important questions. Ready for support? Schedule a coaching consultation.

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Thrive Through Audition Stress 21:47

1+ y ago21:47

21:47

Every single week (if I’m being honest, almost every day), I’m connecting with clients who are going through the audition process. The dancers I work with are at every stage in their careers. I’m working with 17-year-olds going through it for the first time, dancers in their mid-20s trying to transition to a new company or a better-paying company, …