In this illuminating conversation, Bree Noble interviews Molly Noerenberg about the challenges and triumphs of returning to performance after life detours like motherhood, corporate work, or pressing personal responsibilities. The discussion dives deep into the emotional and practical realities of creative comebacks—those “creative U-turns”—that often leave artists wrestling with shame, uncertainty, or feeling like a fraud.
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Key Takeaways
Navigating the Guilt & Permission to Prioritize Yourself
Bree Noble and Molly Noerenberg talk candidly about the guilt many women feel when carving out time for their creative passions amidst caregiving, aging parents, or busy family dynamics. Molly Noerenberg stresses that artists are always artists, even when not actively performing or creating, and that “every lived experience… is contributing” to future art . Granting oneself permission to be a “chief culture officer” in the family—modeling joy and fulfillment—is not only valid but essential.
The Myths of Age and Success in the Arts
The conversation addresses the toxic industry narratives that suggest if you haven’t “made it” by 22 (or 30, 25, etc.), your window is closed. Molly Noerenberg shares real-life stories, including one coaching client who landed a national tour in her forties simply by remaining present and open to possibilities . Age is “but a number”; true fulfillment comes from pursuing the dream when it calls, regardless of life stage.
Integrating Artistry and Motherhood
Both speakers reflect on how motherhood can deepen creativity, focus, and discernment—helping them say no to the gigs or projects that don’t truly resonate . Far from closing the door on creativity, parenting offers new perspectives, stories, and “chambers of life” to explore through song and performance .
Practical Advice for Returning Performers
- Process Grief and Shame: Recognize and move through the grief of stepping away, rather than burying it .
- Claim Your Artist Identity: Even in dormant periods, you’re gathering future material. Every chapter adds richness to your artistic voice.
- Small Steps, Big Impact: Rediscover joy in singing or playing for your own pleasure—car rides, three minutes of song, or whatever brings you alive. Little, consistent moments matter more than marathon practice sessions .
- Prioritize Nervous System Health: Feeling grounded—even during high-pressure situations like auditions—leads to more genuine, vibrant performances.
Tools & Reset Rituals
[Potential resource]: Molly Noerenberg offers a free PDF guide, The Overthinking Reset, which walks creatives through a quick, three-step process to shake off mental clutter and settle into grounded, joyful expression right before creating or performing.
About Molly Noerenberg
Molly Noerenberg is a certified life coach, licensed embodiment teacher (Ishtara Body), and soul-expressed voice mentor with over 20 years of experience helping artists, performers, and creatives reconnect with themselves and their work.
A former NYU Steinhardt Voice Faculty member and co-owner of NYC Vocal Studio, she blends coaching, embodiment work, and creative mentorship to help people create from a place of truth instead of fear or self-abandonment.
Through her coaching and podcast, The Voice of You, she helps people reconnect with the voice inside them so they can create, live, and express themselves more fully.
Instagram: @ExpressedLife
Free Gift: Overthinking Reset
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