In this inspiring, deeply personal interview, I talk with Dr. Marty K. Casey, the talented actor, activist, and founder of Show Me Arts Foundation and UnGUN Institute. We dive into the pivotal moments and greatest challenges in her life and career. We also talk about the ways she has conquered those challenges, her advice for overcoming adversity and setbacks associated with trauma, and the people who have profoundly influenced her thinking. Between these moments, we chat about her “highest highs” as a professional actor, what gets her up and excited every morning, and her fascinating advice for playing bigger in our lives and careers.

So, sit back. Relax. And click the <play> button above. You’re in for a treat!

The Backstory

It’s amazing how people come into our lives in the most unusual ways. One day, I was checking in on LinkedIn and saw a direct message from someone I didn’t know. A young lady had reached out and offered great suggestions for people I could interview on the podcast. Curious about who she was as well as her intriguing recommendations, I asked if she could introduce me to some of the amazing people she was proposing. And she said, “Yes!”

One of those remarkable people was Marty Casey, whose name and work are legendary around the globe. I asked my new friend for an introduction, and she immediately introduced us via DM. And Marty graciously agreed to join me for the podcast. I was blown away by their kindness and generosity of spirit.

Shout out to my amazing LinkedIn connector. You know who you are. Both you and Marty are so very appreciated.

The Interview

In this powerhouse interview, Marty and I talk about the story behind her Show Me Arts Foundation and her mission to shift the focus “from trauma to talent” for children through music, dance, poetry, and art. We also talk about the birth of UnGUN Institute, which goes one step further and addresses individual and collective trauma events that continue to impact black communities.

We also discuss her work as an “actrivist” (actress + activist), a delightful word she has coined, and the stage as the place where she learned the incredible healing power of the arts. Her moving stories about the children whose lives have been changed through engagement with the arts are truly inspiring. So, too, is her advice for overcoming adversity and setbacks, and her wise counsel for anyone who is going through trauma in the moment.

You’re going to love hearing about the powerful tool that Marty received from her grandmother; the three delightful things most people don’t know about her; and her advice for playing bigger in our lives and careers. Spoiler alert: She also talks about what she would like to accomplish in the next five years. Hold on, world—Dr. Marty K. Casey is on the move.

Fun Facts

• First Female Ambassador in the Midwest to receive highest honors from the United Nations as an Ambassador for Orphan Children to Shine Ministries in Uganda, Africa
• Lifetime Presidential award recipient for her community service
• Recognized by Beyoncé for her philanthropic efforts serving as a mentor for 20 aspiring teens with Spreading the Love Singers
• Singer, actor, writer, producer, and director who has toured the world with several national stage productions, including the award-winning hit stage play, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
• Wrote, directed, and produced her own one-woman show called It’s Not a Man’s World
  

Cool Links

UnGUN Institute
Show Me Arts Academy
Marty’s IMDb Page
Marty’s UnGUN Institute Facebook Page
Marty on LinkedIn
Marty on Instagram

Quotes by Marty

“What happens with a ‘trauma bullet’:  If it is not safely removed, that bullet can be released, and it can be harmful to others around you. Or it can implode inside of you and be harmful to self.”

“I chose to become an actress. But an activist—it chose me.”

“No matter what your race, space, or place—it doesn’t matter. Trauma is one of those things that can affect all of us.”

“You need to connect with others. Being connected to others is really key because there’s always going to be somebody at the door you’re trying to walk through. Build that relationship. Also, don’t get caught up in who’s at the door. The person at the door may not look like you, might not can relate to you, may not understand anything you’ve been through. Stop judging. Just love.”

“You can’t afford to say no when you’re playing big. Already know that what you need, you will have access to if you believe in it. Just go for it.”

In this refreshing, upbeat interview, I talk with Mary Beth Flynn, an exceptionally gifted watercolor and pen & ink artist and founder of Artfully Aging, a national, watercolor art program for senior living communities and clients at all levels of skill and care. We talk about her inspiring journey as an artist and entrepreneur, which began in early childhood, and the many ways she has turned enormous obstacles and challenges into business opportunities through her passion for art, compassion for others, and remarkable skills as an entrepreneur. With grace and generosity of spirit, Mary Beth offers us a master class in innovation and the incredible art of the pivot.

If you’re looking for inspiration and thoughtful, practical advice for following your own passion or dream, click the <play> button above and enjoy this captivating conversation.

The Backstory

It’s funny how people come into our lives long after we first hear their names. Such was the case with Mary Beth Flynn. Through friends, I had heard about Mary Beth for a couple of years as a talented artist and entrepreneur. And it’s possible we had been introduced socially before the first mastermind meeting she and I joined with three of our favorite women. However, once I got to know Mary Beth through the mastermind group, I knew she would be perfect for TSBF. She’s bright, kind, warm, and engaging. She’s also passionate about her work.

So, I did what many of us do when we’re building our confidence with any endeavor. I picked up my bat, stepped up to the plate, and hinted at my interest in her joining me for the podcast—on more than one occasion. In the process, I learned two valuable lessons. Lesson #1: I’m terrible at hinting. Lesson #2: Asking for what we want is exceedingly more effective, efficient, and gratifying than hinting, especially when the answer is, “Yes!”

In fact, when I asked Mary Beth to join me for the podcast—and referenced my failed, ninja-like hinting attempts, she was genuinely surprised. Flash forward to Season 3, and I couldn’t be more delighted that Mary Beth Flynn joined me for this delightful interview.

The Interview

During this lovely conversation, Mary Beth and I talk about her story as an artist and entrepreneur and the incredible ways she has learned to balance these two roles. We also explore the ways she has morphed from being an artist and married, stay-at-home mom of three to a single mother with a national house portrait business to the innovative founder and owner of the rapidly growing Artfully Aging. In the process, we discuss the many pivots she has made over the past 30+ years, first in response to the unexpected change in her marital status, then to the 2008-2009 economic recession, and more recently to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With every challenge she has faced, Mary Beth has persevered with grit and determination, an open mind and heart, a willingness to face her fears and step into the unknown, and a keen ability to ‘see around corners’ to the next, best way to serve her customers and clients. You’re going to love hearing about the delightful way she launched her budding art business in grade school, the tiny steps (and big leaps) she has taken across the past 30+ years, the lessons she has learned the hard way, and the powerful advice she would offer to both her 18-year-old self and anyone who wants to follow a passion or dream.

Fun Facts

• Spent a year in Chile as an exchange student her junior year of high school
• Throughout grade school and high school, took dance and still loves to dance
• In grade school, made art and sold it door to door in her Kirkwood neighborhood.
• Has produced and sold more than 2,000 house portraits from across the U.S.
• Is married to an artist, and they love living in the woods
• Loves to facilitate soulful art sessions for older adults

Cool Links

Mary Beth’s Artfully Aging Website
House Portraits and House Paintings by Mary Beth
Senior Living Foresight: A Valuable Resource for Industry Leaders
Father Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditations
Prevent + Ed: Leading the Conversation on Alcohol and Other Drugs
Family Forward: Safer, Healthier Relationships for Children and Families

Quotes by Mary Beth

“In the big picture of life, when life gives you lemons, you’ve got to make lemonade. And one thing always leads to another.”

“You just have to really be open-minded and hopeful and not just focus on what didn’t work. With every door that closes, a new one opens. You have to look for them and be open to them.”

“Don’t let fear get in your driver’s seat. You know, a courageous person is not without fear. Being fearful is normal, and that’s OK…. Just embrace it and then move on and say, “OK, fear, you’re going to sit in the back seat now, and we’re going on.”

“If I fail, that doesn’t mean my self-worth is diminished in any way. My self-worth isn’t dependent on my business success. In fact, because I feel a sense of self-worth, my business success can come out of it.”