In this Takeaways episode, I share my biggest insights from my conversation with Scott Dennis (Madame Vivien V). From overcoming adversity and building confidence through character work to trusting the universe, embracing change, and dreaming bigger, Scott's story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible when we fully commit to our creative path.

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Dennis, a professional drag performer in New York City known as Madame Vivien V. Scott shares his journey through a tumultuous childhood, his move to New York, his evolution into drag, and his recent transition from drag performance into comedy.

We explore the wellness practices that helped shape his path, including meditation, EMDR therapy, and sobriety, and discuss how they supported both his personal growth and creative career.

Filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, honesty, and inspiration, this conversation is a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and finding your authentic self.

Topics include: drag performance, Broadway, trauma recovery, addiction and sobriety, Vipassana meditation, EMDR therapy, stand-up comedy, manifestation, spirituality, creative entrepreneurship, and personal transformation.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
02:10 Childhood Creativity & Growing Up on a Pig Farm
08:16 Dreaming of New York & Broadway
14:17 Manifestation & Dreaming Bigger
15:48 Discovering Drag & Becoming Madame Vivien V
34:18 Character Work, Confidence & Identity
37:08 Addiction, Trauma & Rock Bottom
40:05 Vipassana, EMDR & Sobriety
51:00 Leaving Drag & Pursuing Stand-Up Comedy
1:02:00 Trusting the Universe & Advice for Artists
1:05:17 Final Thoughts

After each interview, I'm going to offer mini takeaway episodes that reiterate pieces of the interview that I found to be particularly interesting, compelling or inspiring.

This episode features the seven takeaways that I got from my interview with Anya Sapozhnikova.