Fem Forte Podcast

Fem Forte Podcast Welcome to Fem Forte--your new favorite source for inspiring interviews with women in music and performing arts.

Fem Forte is hosted by Amanda DeFrees, Director of Media at Ultimate Drill Book. Come join me on this journey as I sit down and have real conversations with women who are making strides and impacting the community in a positive way. Whether you are a band director, performer, conductor, musician, or love music and performing arts, this podcast is for you!

07/25/2025

✨ Dream guest alert! ✨
Julie Davila – yes, THE Julie Davila – joins Fem Forte this week, and it’s an episode I’ve dreamed of recording for years.

From WGI Hall of Fame to PAS President, Julie’s career is built on trust, relationships, and impeccable timing. Whether you’re a music educator, performer, or just someone chasing your goals, this one’s packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VQOCwlgrfVb

07/18/2025

🎉 Episode 4 is out now 🎉

This week, we’re talking with Kelly Raaz—founder of the emo/punk-inspired brand All That Raaz—about turning teenage angst into creative fuel and building a business from the ground up. 🖤

We dive into:
🎸 Healing through creativity
🛍 From DIY to brick-and-mortar success
💡 Staying true to your weird, wonderful voice

If you’ve ever wanted to build something that feels true to you, this episode is your permission slip.

🎧 Available now on StrideTV and all podcast platforms!

07/11/2025

🎙 New Episode Out Now!
What if everything you were taught about being a “real musician” was wrong? 🎵 Kate Warren is here to bust the starving artist myth wide open.

We talk:
✨ Mental health in the arts
📚 The psychology of motivation
📱 Using social media to build a thriving, not just surviving, music career

If you’ve ever felt torn between passion and practicality, this one’s for you. A sustainable, fulfilling life in the arts is possible—and personal.

Listen now on all podcasting platforming 🎧

07/04/2025

🚨 New Fem Forte Episode 🚨

From Mean Girls to Cirque du Soleil, Mackenna Tolfa has totally rocked it all. 🎭🎶 In this latest episode, she talks about how simply staying curious has sent her on global tours, helped her create original music and earned her an opportunity to play with the Blue Man Group. We're diving into self-discovery, physicality and identity.

06/27/2025

🎙 Season 4 of Fem Forte is officially live!
And we're kicking it off with the incredible Allison Price in an episode that will stick with you long after it ends.

👉 “This industry is 2% talent, 98% luck. Keep working hard and be a good person, and the luck will find you.”

Allison shares how one conversation changed their outlook on success and gave them permission to let go of the pressure to “make it” by industry standards.

From Kennedy Center honors to creating q***r, immersive theatre that challenges norms, Allison reminds us that directing isn’t about domination-it’s about care, trust, and creating collaborative and safe environments.

✨ This episode is for anyone who’s ever measured their worth by a milestone and is ready to rewrite that script.

🎧 Watch the full episode now on StrideTV (binge the whole season!), or tune in every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

✨ Fem Forte Season Four is HERE — and you can binge it now. ✨This season took longer to release than I planned—life got ...
06/25/2025

✨ Fem Forte Season Four is HERE — and you can binge it now. ✨

This season took longer to release than I planned—life got a little chaotic, and I needed time to recalibrate. But we’re finally back, and I couldn’t be more proud of the stories we’re sharing this season.

💜 Starting today, StrideTV subscribers can binge the entire season early on the brand-new StrideTV app.

🎧 New episodes will also release weekly, every Friday, on all podcast platforms starting June 27.

🎙 Season Four Lineup:
🫶 June 27 – Directing with Heart (Allison Price)
🎪 July 4 – From Broadway to Big Tops (Mackenna Tolfa)
🎓 July 11 – More Than a Starving Artist (Kate Warren)
🖤 July 18 – All That Raaz (Kelly Raaz)
🥁 July 25 – Building a Career with Timing and Trust (Julie Davila)
🎤 August 1 – Behind the Laughs (Arielle Isaac Norman)
📣 August 8 – Making the Message Matter (Andrea Davila)

These conversations are full of vulnerability, power, and purpose.
Thanks to all the guests who made this season so special—and to everyone who’s waited patiently.

07/12/2024

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🚨

In this episode of Fem Forte, I am joined by Paulette Tomlinson, the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD. Paulette shares her inspiring journey from band director to fine arts director, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges she faced along the way. We delve into the crucial role of arts advocacy in the Texas state legislature and discuss how it directly impacts the future of fine arts education in public schools. Join us for an insightful conversation about the power of arts in education and the importance of legislative support for the arts.

Listen to this episode now: linktr.ee/femfortepodcast

07/05/2024

🚨 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🚨

On this episode, I am joined by the incredible Courtney Allyson Mills. With over 25 years of experience in dance education, freelance choreography, and consulting, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Her impressive career spans notable drum corps, marching bands, and winter guard/percussion/winds programs.

Courtney's unique approach focuses on creating a safe and inclusive space for students to explore choreography, movement, and performance. Her work with marching bands, color guards, drill teams, and dance programs as a choreographer, clinician, performance consultant, production specialist, and instructional coach has transformed the landscape of performing arts.

Together, we delve into her journey, discussing her innovative pathways in the arts and the powerful impact of neurodiversity. Courtney shares her insights on fostering creativity and inclusivity, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about dance and performance.

Listen to the full episode now: linktr.ee/femfortepodcast

06/28/2024

🎉 NEW EPISODE ALERT 🎉

Join us as we sit down with Aubrey Bergauer, dubbed “the Steve Jobs of classical music” and “the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony.” Known for her data-driven, customer-centric approach, Aubrey has transformed major institutions like the Seattle Symphony and California Symphony. We discuss her passion for arts management, her innovative strategies for growth, and insights from her new book, “Run It Like a Business.” Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on driving success in the performing arts!

Listen or watch the full episode now: linktr.ee/femfortepodcast

06/24/2024

In this exciting episode of Fem Forte, we sit down with the incredibly talented Samia Vanderkolff, the current Movement Caption Head for the Bluecoats. Samia has a rich history of choreographing for top performing ensembles worldwide, bringing her unique vision and expertise to the marching arts and drum corps community.

Join us as we delve into the critical role of movement in marching band and drum corps, exploring how it enhances performance and connects audiences to the story. Samia also shares behind-the-scenes highlights from her time starring in the feature film On the Starting Line, offering a glimpse into her experiences and the impact the film has had on her career.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the art of movement and the dedication to pageantry arts. Whether you're a marching arts enthusiast or simply curious about the world of choreography and dance, this episode is for you!

Listen the full episode now: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/femforte/episodes/On-the-Starting-Line-with-Samia-Vanderkolff-e2l4nfd

06/07/2024

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Genevieve Geisler, an absolute powerhouse in the drum corps community. Starting her journey as a food truck volunteer, Genevieve's passion and dedication have propelled her to the role of CFO for one of the top world-class drum corps in our space. Her story is a true testament to perseverance, hard work, and excellence. We also talk about the incredible initiatives Bluecoats has implemented like Enrichment of Stark County.

Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts and join us as Genevieve shares her incredible journey, the challenges she faced, and the significant impact she has made in the drum corps world. From humble beginnings to becoming a key leader, her insights and experiences are sure to inspire and motivate anyone involved in the activity.

05/31/2024

🎉 Episode Three is LIVE! 🎉

In this episode, we talk with Los Angeles based composer Amanda Muse. Amanda shares the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for music and led her from being a percussionist/drummer to a renowned composer. We dive deep into her creative process, exploring how she moves from conceptualization to orchestration, and how her percussive background uniquely influences her compositions. Amanda's ability to create breathtaking musical landscapes is nothing short of captivating, and her story is sure to inspire.

Link: linktr.ee/femfortepodcast

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