This episode of That’s Awesome wasn’t designed to teach anything - it was simply two actors catching up and comparing notes on life, work, and the strange in-between spaces of a creative career. Ryan McPartlin sits down with former co-star from Clusterfunke Christmas Vella Lovell, star of Animal Control, for a free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness conversation that moves effortlessly between humor, honesty, and the shared uncertainty that comes with chasing work you love.

They talk about acting without romanticizing it, auditions without overthinking them, and imposter syndrome without pretending it ever fully disappears. Along the way, stories from theatre, television, Vancouver during COVID, and the modern reality of self-tapes lead to an accidental realization: Vella has a way of framing life that feels suspiciously close to an accicdental motivational keynote.

There’s no roadmap here. Just laughter, perspective, and the comfort of knowing that not having it all figured out might actually be the point.

Vella Lovell, Ryan McPartlin, Mr. Mayor, Animal Control, acting podcast, actor life, creative career, Hollywood acting, imposter syndrome, uncertainty, authenticity, comedy acting, audition process, self tapes, creative process, resilience, self doubt, confidence, community, motivation, life lessons, staying grounded, behind the scenes acting, limiting beliefs,

• Catching up as friends and letting the conversation go where it wants

• Acting as a long game rather than a destination

• Hollywood’s obsession with labels and expectations

• Living with imposter syndrome instead of trying to eliminate it

• Auditions as repetition, not judgment

• Comedy, rhythm, and instinct—onstage and in life

• The isolation of self-tapes vs. the energy of real community

• Letting go of outcomes and focusing on effort

• Finding humor inside uncertainty

• Accidentally sounding like a motivational speaker without trying

• Animal Control, Mr. Mayor,

• Theatre training and television comedy

• Life lessons hidden inside everyday conversations

• Tony Robbins (purely by accident)

• Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @ryanmcpartlin & @ryanmcpartlintv

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and everywhere you get podcasts

Watch the full episode on YouTube at RyanMcPartlinTV channel

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Summary

In this episode of That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin reconnects with Dr. Bob Husband, one of the most influential communication professors in University of Illinois history and a legendary mentor whose classes shaped generations of students to become leaders in their fields long before the title “influencer” became a buzzword.

As an actor, Ryan was trained to listen - really listen- using repetition and presence to stay grounded in the moment. During this conversation, he has a realization: Dr. Husband’s communication class was actually his first acting class, teaching the same active listening skills actors rely on to create real connection on set, skills that translate directly to leadership, relationships, and influence in everyday life.

This isn’t about performing or talking louder. It’s about learning how listening, asking better questions, and reflecting what you hear builds trust, credibility, and impact. Drawing from decades in education and executive consulting, Dr. Husband breaks down how humility paired with fierce resolve creates transformational leaders - and why the most influential people in any room are often the best listeners.

communication, leadership, listening, mentorship, self-improvement, storytelling, education, humility, questions, transformational leadership, University of Illinois, influencer, actor, Captain Awesome, Chuck

Takeaways

• The most important word in any language is a person's name.
• Effective communication starts with listening.
• Asking questions is a powerful tool in conversations.
• Humility and fierce resolve are essential traits in leadership.
• Transformational leaders combine humility with strong resolve.
• Education and mentorship play a crucial role in personal growth.
• The art of storytelling enhances communication.
• Building connections through names can break the ice.
• Self-improvement begins with the willingness to ask questions.
• Community and collaboration are vital for success.

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In this episode of That’s Awesome with Ryan McPartlin, Ryan sits down with his friend Jeanna Crawford, founder of Jeanna Loves Christmas, to talk about how a deep emotional connection to Christmas — rooted in her childhood — grew into a thriving high-end holiday décor business and online brand.

What began as a small, heartfelt passion turned into a full-fledged company and creative platform. Jeanna opens up about choosing Christmas not just as a season, but as a mindset — one centered on light, joy, and intention. She shares how trusting her instincts, leading with heart, and embracing creativity helped her business grow from humble beginnings to tens of thousands of followers and a reputation that’s earned her the nickname “The Queen of Christmas.”

This conversation is about more than decorations — it’s about how the things that bring us peace and joy early in life can become the foundation for meaningful work and a purpose-driven career.

Sometimes your calling isn’t something you chase, it’s something that’s been comforting you all along. When you choose to lead with heart, passion can turn into purpose.

01:53 – Jeanna shares where her love of Christmas truly began

02:46 – The idea behind Jeanna Loves Christmas and how it started

05:02 – Growing the business from small beginnings to real momentum

07:06 – The surreal feeling of watching the brand take off

09:48 – Why Jeanna believes Christmas is a choice — and a way of life

Christmas

Holiday décor

Entrepreneurship

Creativity

Jeanna Loves Christmas

Turning passion into a career

Creative business journey

Holiday mindset

That’s Awesome Podcast

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