Best Samantha Stout Podcasts (2024)

1
Dancing with Alec the Bard | Alec Lachman | Episode #67 1:14:04

1y ago1:14:04

1:14:04

In Episode 67 of Ballroom Chat, Alec Lachman, aka Alec the Bard, explores the connection between ballroom dance and TTRPGs. Samantha and Alec discuss the process behind creating a mask or character, tips for improvisational storytelling, the importance of failing epically, and how to navigation conflict resolution. Alec Lachman is a professional ba…

1
Following the Universe's Timing | JT Thomas | Episode #66 1:06:50

1+ y ago1:06:50

1:06:50

In Episode 66 of Ballroom Chat, JT Thomas discusses her dance career, from classically trained dancer to Smooth Champion to Country dancer. JT and Samantha reflect on how timing, in life as in dance is incredibly crucial, how exploring the essence of movement can take your dancing to the next level, and how planning for failure can lead to your suc…

1
Preventing Dance Injury | Alisa Pravdo | Episode #65 1:17:25

1+ y ago1:17:25

1:17:25

In Episode 65 of Ballroom Chat, Alisa Pravdo discusses dance injury prevention and recovery. Samantha and Alisa delve into the common causes of feet and ankle related injuries for dancers and answer some listener questions related to their own injury experiences. Alisa also stresses the importantance of proper strength and conditioning training, cr…

1
Inside the Ballroom Box | Duffy Betterton | Episode #64 1:02:23

1+ y ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Duffy Betterton is the owner of Dance Dress Couture, and the Ballroom Box. Samantha and Duffy discuss her entrepreneurial projects and growth as a dance industry vendor. The pair also delve into her dance experience as an amateur in both the ballroom and country ballroom scenes. Find a full transcript of this episode on the Ballroom Chat website. F…

1
SENtertainment | Noël | Episode #63 1:04:55

2y ago1:04:55

1:04:55

SENtertainment's owner and founder, Noël, shares his journey from photographing cars as a hobby and passion to becoming a small business owner in the ballroom dance industry. Noël and Samantha discuss learning the ropes from Salsa to Waltz and Peabody and Noël shares some of the behind the scenes technical information about capturing the perfect da…

1
Hey Mambo! | Matt Bielli | Episode #62 1:15:08

2y ago1:15:08

1:15:08

Matt Bielli talks about his background in dancing Latin social styles while growing up in Italy, his move to the US, and his choice to separate his 10 dance competitive experience from his passion for Mambo, Salsa and other Cuban style dances. Samantha and Matt discuss his perspective on current rhythm dancing versus Latin dancing and he shares his…

1
It Takes a Team | Todd Munson and Ricci-Lee Hotz | Episode #61 1:03:43

2y ago1:03:43

1:03:43

Ricci-Lee Hotz and Todd Munson of TM Ballroom Dance Studio discuss how to balance ProAm and Professional competition, their mindset and philosophy when it comes to preparation for competitions and how they set goals and expectations properly both for their students and for themselves. The pair reflect on the importance of finding a good coaching te…

1
You Don't Know, What You Don't Know | Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones | Episode #60 1:16:12

2y ago1:16:12

1:16:12

In part two of her conversation with Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones, Samantha asks whether dancesport engages in gatekeeping, Enio discusses the pendular nature of judging, and Terryl explains her approach to bridging the beginner-intermediate gap in Yoga instruction. The group also delves into the ever growing gap between competitive and social dan…

1
A Different Approach | Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones | Episode #59 1:07:46

2y ago1:07:46

1:07:46

In part one of this two part conversation, Enio Cordoba and Terryl Jones sit down to reflect on their early dance careers, discuss the importance of mentorship, and their approach to dance education. The pair explore how the traditional dance studio system often fails to build a sustainable dance community, and explain how we don't know what we don…

1
Politics and Purpose | Tony Nunez | Episode #58 1:10:20

2y ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Tony Nunez returns to the Ballroom Chat podcast to explore the importance authenticity and inclusivity in ballroom dance. Tony and Samantha discuss the balance between politics and purpose, and Tony shares his philosphy of leading with gratitude. Tony Nunez is a World WDSF Professional Smooth Finalist, US-WDSF 9-Dance Silver Medalist, US-WDC 9-Danc…

1
International Dancing Minds | Martina Kornett | Episode #57 1:02:15

2+ y ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Martina Kornett sit's down to talk about her background, going from ballet to ballroom to now doing counseling, advising and training through the International Dancing Minds. Martina explains her approach to a more holistic training, both in body and mind, including her "Expanse" program. She and Samantha discuss controlling the things you can cont…

1
Progress not Perfection | Jon Osborn | Episode #56 1:16:44

2+ y ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Jon Osborn sit's down to talk about mindset going into performance and competitions and the difference between positive and negative self-talk. Jon and Samantha also discuss the key factors to a helpful mindset and how to prepare better for benchmarks and goal setting when it comes to competitions or performances. Jon Osborn is part of the RJ Perfo…

1
Life of a Competition Organizer | Sid Pocius | Episode #55 1:02:31

3y ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Sid Pocius sit's down to talk about his background in amateur dancesport and his take on the word dancesport itself. Sid and Samantha take an inside look on all of his competitions and discuss the behind the scenes information that competitors should know when they are picking a competition. Sid Pocius is the organizer of the South Open Dancesport …

1
State of the Podcast | Episode #54 19:02

3y ago19:02

19:02

Samantha shares a quick update on the state of the podcast, future plans for guests and conversations, and answers some questions from the Ballroom Chat Instagram. Ways to see more from Love.Live.Dance and Ballroom Chat: https://www.lovelivedance.com/podcast/ https://www.facebook.com/ballroomchat https://www.instagram.com/ballroomchat…

1
Heartsoles Foundation | Deborah Holmes and Stefan Badea | Episode #53 43:19

3y ago43:19

43:19

Deborah Holmes and Stefan Badea sit down to discuss their non-profit foundation, the HeartSoles Foundation and its mission. The pair also explore how their pro-am dancing relationship blossomed into a friendship and business partnership, and how the dance community has come together to build a stronger and more supportive ballroom family. The Heart…

1
Argentine Tango | Koichiro Suzuki and Yulia Zhukoff | Episode #52 57:28

3y ago57:28

57:28

Koichiro ("Chewy") Suzuki and Yulia Zhukoffsit down and talk about their love of music, the history of Tango and why the connection and embrace of Argentine Tango is so unique, compared to other dance styles. Koichiro Suzuki and Yulia Zhukoff are professional Argentine Tango instructors that travel extensively across the U.S. sharing their love of …

1
Being the Best You | Christian Alva | Episode #51 1:00:49

3y ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Christian Alva discusses his early career, life lessons that he's learned along the way and his particular approach to teaching and friendship. Christian and Samantha chat about goal setting and appreciating the joy and artistry of ballroom dance. Christian Alva is a former member of the Utah Valley University Ballroom Dancing Company and current i…

1
Communicating Effectively | Viktorija | Episode #50 1:09:53

3y ago1:09:53

1:09:53

Viktorija discusses her early career, finding her own expression, and defining how she and her partner Nick want themselves to be seen on the dance floor. She and Samantha also talk about navigating the different relationships and expectations in the dance world, along with tips for young professionals that are thinking about becoming dance instruc…

1
Entertaining and Connecting | Igor Litvinov | Episode #49 1:14:41

3+ y ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Igor Litvinov discusses his amateur career and his journey becoming a dancer. Samantha and Igor also breakdown his professional show dances for Ohio Star Ball and why choosing music and something that suits your personality is so important to connecting to the audience. The pair also talk a little bit about his decision to switch from competitor to…

1
Dancing her Truth | Oxana Kashkina | Episode #48 1:06:58

3+ y ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Oxana Kashkina discusses her journey, from amateur dancer to English Educator to professional ballroom instructor. Oxana and Samantha delve deep into topics surrounding body image, cross-training, teaching methodology, and telling your story on the dance floor. Oxana Kashkina was an Amateur 10-dancer prior to moving to the United States. She is cur…

1
Teaching and Learning | Yuriy Kravets | Episode #47 56:39

3+ y ago56:39

56:39

Yuriy Kravets discusses his journey from amateur to professional, from Ukraine to the United States and everything in between. Yuriy and Samantha analyze the structure of ballroom dance education in the US and in Europe, and chat about how instructors and pro-am students can approach the different levels of competitive dance. Yuriy Kravets was awar…

1
Exploring SuperShag | Chris Johnston | Episode #46 1:14:02

3+ y ago1:14:02

1:14:02

Chris Johnston discusses his early dance career and how music and organizing parties became his passion in the industry. Chris and Samantha discuss the ups and downs of building a career in ballroom dance, the importance of recording and remembering our history, and where he sees the future of dancesport heading. Chris Johnston is the co-owner and …

1
Growing Pains: From Gymnast to Pro-dancer | Megan Rund | Episode #45 56:34

3+ y ago56:34

56:34

Megan Rund discusses her start in gymnastics, what happens when your plans suddenly change and your life has put on a completely different path, and the growing pains and culture shock of moving to Utah for college and for ballroom dance. Megan and Samantha also reflect on the interesting challenges of navigating the transition from amateur and stu…

1
From the Rink to the Ballroom | Jessica Mancini | Episode #44 56:17

3+ y ago56:17

56:17

Jessica Mancini chats about growing up in the figure skating world, making the transition to ballroom dancing. Jessica and Samantha also discuss how to navigate the difficult balance between setting goals for your students and expectations while also encouraging them to remember the joy of the activity that they are doing. Jessica Mancini is a five…

1
Raising the Bar | Christine Bar Noël | Episode #43 1:11:43

3+ y ago1:11:43

1:11:43

Christine Bar Noël discusses taking up the challenge of finding her own path to success in the ballroom dance industry. Christine and Samantha chat about dance entrepreneurship, and finding life-work balance. The two reflect on the importance of saying no, and explore ways to raise the ceiling for future dancers to flourish. Christine Bar Noël is a…

1
Dance and the Creative Couple | Sophia D'Angelo | Episode #42 59:25

3+ y ago59:25

59:25

Sophia D'Angelo discusses finding herself in ballroom dance and the intersectionality between navigating relationships in ballroom dance and in the real world. Sophia and Samantha discuss her book, Dance and the Creative Couple, and how instructors and students can use the lessons within the book to have a greater understanding of how we communicat…

1
Creating Ballroom Hair & Make-up | Boyko Ivanov | Episode #41 1:10:14

3+ y ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Boyko Ivanov is a former youth 10-dancer, who started creating hair and make-up looks for ballroom dancers after moving to the United States. 15 years later, the name Boyko & Co. is synonomous with some of the top looks and trends for styling ballroom dancers. Boyko sits down to chat with Samantha about discovering his passion for dance and later h…

1
Building the Las Vegas Dance Community | Tristen Sosa | Episode #40 1:04:04

3+ y ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Tristen Sosa discusses growing up in a dancing family in Utah, and his dance journey in both competitive ballroom and the performance industry. Tristen and Samantha debate the longevity of virtual dance instruction, and the struggles of building an inclusive and accessible community for all dancers. Tristen Sosa is a 4 Time Youth Latin Champion. He…

1
Living in the Moment | Natalie Crandall | Episode #39 1:01:50

3+ y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Natalie Crandall discusses the importance of positive reinforcement and grounding techniques for dancers at all levels, but especially in the competitive arena. Natalie and Samantha chat about the transition from Pro-Am to Professional dancer, and how she brings lessons learned from yoga and cycling into the ballroom. Natalie Crandall was the first…

1
Instinctive Perception | Luca Baricchi | Episode #38 1:13:38

3+ y ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Luca Baricchi discusses the mission of The Baricchi Institute of Movement and Art and what he means by instinctive perception. He and Samantha explore the luck involved in finding the right coach for your movement and how exploration and critical thinking can unlock a dancer's potential. Luca also explains what he means by being truthful in one's d…

1
Framework | Ikaika Dowsett | Episode #37 1:25:48

3+ y ago1:25:48

1:25:48

Ikaika Dowsett chats with Samantha about his dance journey and his experiences hosting a dance podcast. The pair compare the struggles of finding a dance partner, having tough conversations in the ballroom dance industry, and deciding how and when to brand your dance instruction. Ikaika Dowsett is the host of "The Framework" Podcast. He is also a W…

1
Clarity is Power | Izabella Lewandowski | Episode #36 56:47

3+ y ago56:47

56:47

Izabella Lewandowski sits down with Samantha to discuss why intention and mindset are so crucial to success in business and dancesport. She reflects on overcoming self-doubt, her love of the Latin dance style, and the importance of having a great support team. Izabella Lewandowski is a former US National Professional Latin Finalist, US National Pro…

1
All Things Dance Vision | Wayne Eng | Episode #35 52:56

3+ y ago52:56

52:56

In the first episode of Season 2 of Ballroom Chat, Samantha sits down with Dance Vision founder, Wayne Eng to discuss the growth and future of his company. Wayne talks about his personal dance journey from student, to instructor, to studio owner, and why he found the business side of dance more intriguing. Samantha and Wayne discuss the future of t…

1
Reflecting on 2020 | Amanda Wolf | Episode #34 1:09:42

3+ y ago1:09:42

1:09:42

Amanda Wolf returns to commiserate and reflect on the unexpected challenges the dance industry faced in 2020. She and Samantha discuss the potential rebound of the wedding sector, the tough decisions facing professionals right now, and the reasons why ballroom dance is an important part of everyone's lives. Support Amanda Wolf: Studio 101: https://…

1
College Elective turned Professional Career | Jesse Goodnight | Episode #33 57:18

3+ y ago57:18

57:18

Jesse Goodnight and Samantha catch-up and reflect on how their college ballroom career set them on the path to becoming Professional Ballroom Dancers. Jesse chats about his fond memories as a member of the Fairmont State Ballroom Team, and the challenges of adjusting to teaching as a career. He and Samantha compare notes on navigating student inter…

1
Lead with Enthusiasm and Joy | Anna Shahbazyan | Episode #32 1:00:33

4y ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Anna Shahbazyan discusses how psychology and dance are intertwined and her philosophy for following joy. Anna and Samantha chat about working with children on the Autism spectrum, and why its important to look at every dancer and every partnership as unique. She provides insight into what catches her judges eye for Latin and Smooth dancers, and giv…

1
The Man behind the Ohio Star Ball | Sam Sodano | Episode #31 1:24:04

4y ago1:24:04

1:24:04

Sam Sodano discusses the origins of the Ohio Star Ball and the adjustments being made to keep it a safe event during the pandemic. Sam and Samantha delve into his own dance journey beginning at Arthur Murray, striving to put a focus on personal education and betterment, and the evolution of his understanding of the teacher-student relationship. He …

1
Just have Fun | Jago Ayllon | Episode #30 1:10:47

4y ago1:10:47

1:10:47

Jago Ayllon is the man behind Utah Salsa and has been a member of the Salt Lake Salsa and Bachata community for over 15 years. Jago and Samantha discuss the intricacies of the Salsa style of dancing, how it differs in approach from ballroom dancing, and how its focus on fun and play make for an inclusive social dance experience. Support Jago and Ut…

1
When in Doubt, Focus Out | Marisa Hamamoto | Episode #29 53:30

4y ago53:30

53:30

Marisa Hamamoto shares her journey and the struggles she overcame, from being an Asian American ballet dancer, sexual assault and rape in her teens and early twenties, suffering a spinal stroke and facing paralysis, and facing harsh rejection from the ballroom dance community and dance entertainment business. She and Samantha discuss the important …

1
She's Got Rhythm | Ksenia Stavrica | Episode #28 54:20

4y ago54:20

54:20

Ksenia Stavrica is a current Professional Rhythm Finalist. She discusses her journey from dancing as a 10-dance Amateur in Russia to a Professional Rhythm competitor in the States. Ksenia and Samantha discuss the cultural differences in ballroom dance instruction between the two countries, and Ksenia's learning experiences as a teacher. Follow Ksen…

1
Finding her way back to dance | Donna Edelstein | Episode #27 48:43

4y ago48:43

48:43

Donna Edelstein discusses her journey from ballet to ballroom, and how she found success as an adult in the sport. Donna and Samantha also discuss the importance of putting your own stamp on your dance style, lessons she's learned as a ballroom commentator, and what sets her competition apart from the rest. Donna Edelstein is a former Pro-Am Champi…

1
The Girl with the Tree Tattoo | Katie Flashner | Episode #26 1:06:27

4y ago1:06:27

1:06:27

Katie Flashner discusses her experiences as a Pro-Am Smooth competitor and her blog, "The Girl with the Tree Tattoo". Katie and Samantha discuss the difficulties in navigating the teacher-student relationship, the perception of dancing tattooed, the benefits of solo practice, and how to find motivation at the finish line. Katie Flashner is the auth…

1
Preventing Dance Injuries | Maria Hansen | Episode #25 55:15

4y ago55:15

55:15

Maria Hansen and Samantha discuss the importance of understanding movement and alignment for ballroom dancers and dance instructors. Maria explains how her training through the CHEK Institute and the Baricchi Institute inform her coaching style, and they discuss the difference between external and internal awareness. Maria also breaks down her winn…

1
More Than Just Shoes | Ilia Kolosov | Episode #24 58:02

4y ago58:02

58:02

Ilia Kolosov is the major distributor for the Aida Dancewear Brand in the United States. He discusses how he became "the shoe guy", what sets Aida apart from other shoe brands, and why its so much more than just the sale that keeps him going. Ilia and Samantha chat about the challenge of authentically connecting with ballroom dancers at events and …

1
NBC Dance | Nick Bloxsom-Carter | Episode #23 1:06:49

4y ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Nick discusses his dance experience from Cotillion to SYTYCD. Nick breaks down the behind the scenes differences between the production of the different commercial dance TV shows he has been a part of, his experience dancing for UVU, why cross-training has been so important to his dance education and why the ballroom team wasn't for him. Nick Bloxs…

1
Capturing the Dance | Ryan Kenner | Episode #22 1:02:22

4y ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Ryan Kenner discusses his process for capturing the perfect dance moment, tips for ballroom dancers to increase their chance of getting the ideal photo, and how his competitive experience makes him a better photographer. Ryan Kenner is a professional dancer and the owner of Ryan Kenner Photography, providing high quality dance photography for ballr…

1
Treu Dancing | Casey and Kayci Treu | Episode #21 49:30

4y ago49:30

49:30

Casey and Kayci discuss meeting and competing as part of the BYU Latin and Ballroom Tour Team, why they are passionate about 10-Dance, their plans for remaining Amateurs or making the move to Professional, and their vision for the future of dancesport in Utah. Casey and Kayci Treu are United States Amateur 10-Dance Champions, World and UK Amateur 1…

1
He's Got Rhythm - Aaron Pierce - Episode 20 1:10:16

4y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Aaron Pierce and Samantha discuss the culture shock of moving from the East Coast to Utah, the challenges Aaron faced when becoming a member of the UVU Tour Team, and the differences and similarities between Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire, and independent studios. They also chat about how your perspectives on dance and instruction change over time, an…

1
The Ballroom Music Man - Brent Mills - Episode 19 1:17:53

4y ago1:17:53

1:17:53

Brent Mills talks about music, dance, musicality, theatre, choreography, artistry, performance and so much more! Brent shares his thoughts on how music and dance are intertwined, how he approaches choreography differently from hip-hop or contemporary choreographers, and his dance, music and choreography experiences over the last twenty years. Ever …

1
Talking with a Titan - Ron Montez - Episode 18 50:13

4y ago50:13

50:13

Ron Montez is a former 7-time undefeated US Professional Latin Champion, the recipient of numerous awards and honors, judge, adjudicator, and co-organizer of both the Aloha Ball and Las Vegas Lights Dance Challenge. We discuss his early career with Arthur Murray, turning professional, how costuming and performance has changed over the years, and th…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Samantha Stout Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide