Today is an update on 2 of our brilliant guests and the powerful art they are putting out into the world. In episode 128 we interviewed Kristin Marrs and Anne Marie Nest about a theatre/dance piece they created called Chalk, which is about both of their journeys through miscarriage and infertility. These amazing women have been busy in the last year because they developed the piece into a full length show that opened in Denver last weekend, and will open in Iowa City for 4 shows at the James next weekend, March 21-24. Tickets can be found at http://www.thejamesic.com.
In today’s episode we:
- Hear about how Anne Marie & Kristin met during their challenges with infertility and multiple miscarriages, and how this eventually led to creative collaboration and birthing of a new piece of art.
- The process of creating this piece, and the magic of how it all came together when they set the intention of “this can be easy”.
- Ancestral patterning, and stories of women that came before Anne Marie and Kristin that had challenges with child bearing.
- The infertility journey that both women experienced, including all the ups and downs, the limits of the medical system, and the deep, hidden grief and shame.
- Why the topic of infertility and miscarriage has been so “silenced” in our culture.
- Why we need these stories more than ever in our current political arena when so many women are having challenges receiving the health care they need.
Bios:
Iowa native Kristin Marrs is a dancer, choreographer, and movement teacher. She is an Associate Professor of Instruction and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Iowa Department of Dance, where she teaches a wide variety of courses across the dance and somatic curriculum. She is also a certified Alexander Technique teacher, and has a private studio in Iowa City where she works with students of all ages and abilities in improving alignment, breathing, postural tone, and ease of movement. She is a proud mama of two kids. www.kristinmarrs.com
Anne Marie Nest-Pinero met Kristin at the University of Iowa while she was professor of voice and speech in the Theater Department. Prior to her career in academia, Anne Marie was a professional actor, working primarily in regional theaters and Shakespeare Festivals. Anne Marie now works as an executive coach and communications consultant for the Fortune 500 and AM Law 200. She is an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework, trained mediator through Columbia University, and certified CTI coach. www.annemarienest.com
Past Episodes You Might Like About Women’s Health, Medical Systems & Well-Being
Episode 122: Nina Lohman: The Body Alone: A Lyrical Articulation of Pain
Episode 105: Kate O’Donnell: Ayurveda for Women’s Health
Episode 99: Cate Stillman: The Witch’s Cancer Journal
Episode 88: Sam Ferm-LeClere: Healing with Chronic Illness
Episode 37: Can We Trust Other Women and Their Bodily Autonomy
Seasoned Wisdom
Date: April 1st, 11am – 1pm
Come soak up the wisdom that only comes from age…A signature event of the Water Bearer Collective in partnership with the Tend HER Wild Podcast.
Join the Water Bearer Collective in partnership with Tend HER Wild Podcast hosts Dr. Betsy Rippentrop and Kate Moreland, for a special live podcast event, “Seasoned Wisdom.” This intimate and powerful conversation will feature 4 legendary older women who are overflowing with unapologetic authenticity, hard-won insight, and deep self-trust and wisdom that only comes with age.
Event Details:
This event will be held at the James Theatre, Iowa City on April 1st from 11am – 1pm. A light lunch will be served and time to network will follow the recording.
Today’s Episode sponsored by:
The Local Hub (https://thelocalhub-ic.com/)
Kate Moreland Coaching (https://www.
Dr Yoga Momma (https://dryogamomma.com/)
Heartland Yoga (https://heartlandyoga.com/)
Want to go on retreat?
Want to join Betsy in Costa Rica in May 11-18 2026 at her favorite retreat center to help you connect with your inner healer using yoga, meditation, energy medicine, and creativity? At this retreat, broadway director Kristin Hanggi is joining to lead on the power of creativity to move us through our collective and personal anxiety. All the details here!
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