We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathleen Liautaud. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathleen below.

Kathleen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

In school I was always known for being quiet and this followed me into the workplace during my college years. People will often view a person’s silence as a flaw or weakness. I’ve never considered myself a shy person and have always been observant in any room. In fact, public speaking was a strong suit of mine and I felt most confident giving a class presentation or any space with people I have never met. I remember auditioning for a theater production at NYU and the actors were conversing amongst each other. Many of them already knew each other. There was actress who struck up conversation with me in the elevator. She wanted to know what part I was auditioning for and it turns out we were going for the same role. Outspoken and boastful, when we got out the elevator, she turned back to me to tell me she was going to get the part. I finally got into the room and once I finished my audition, I got a simple “thank you.” The person at the desk who was collecting the scripts once the actors were done had told me to wait for a moment because she wanted to ask the directors if they wanted to see me again for any other parts or to read lines with anyone else. This gave me a slight bit of hope. She came out and told me”no, they don’t want to see you again.” Two days later I got an email saying they wanted me in rehearsals the same week to prepare for the show. I got the part. I was attending CUNY York College for journalism when participated in this play during my winter break. As I continued my studies during the spring semester, I took my first television and broadcasting course. My peers and I were told to read a teleprompter on camera and go over scripts. I was no stranger to reading scripts since I was used to going on auditions outside of school. My peers weren’t willing to volunteer to participate. Frustrated, my professor said he was just going to call on students to go and film. I was in the background with my class when he pointed to me and sharply said, “You! Do you want to go on camera?’ I responded “yes.’ He looked surprised and ask me if I was sure I wanted to do this and I again respond, “yes.’ My professor was surprised that I conducted myself well on camera and read. without flaw.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After completing my journalism studies doing the COVID-19 pandemic, my knack for public speaking and learning more about other people and their stories, led me to create my own talk show but, that journey took time for me to fulfill the process. There were many podcasts and existing talk shows that had switched to online streaming. I wanted to create a platform that informed and entertained viewers in a way that was interacting and uniquely thoughtful. A partnered with Dwayne Parker, founder of Knight 7 Productions, and he presented me with different ideas and segments for a talk show that could be streamed online. The most important aspect of having my own show was a name for the show. My mind was blank until Dwayne suggested I use my own name. I when with “The Kaye Liautaud Show.” In French my last name is pronounced lee-oh-toh, so it blended well with “show.” I decided to go with my nickname, “Kaye” because my last name stands out on it’s own so I wanted to compliment it with something simple. Starting my own talk sho what given me the opportunities to interview a celebrity, allow people to share meaningful stories, and also have a space where people can come and learn something new.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Many people associate anything related to being a public figure or they hear the word “actress,” and automatically think of fame and fortune. This is so far from the truth and I had to learn to get the stars out of my eyes. When I took gigs as an actor, I embraced the long hours of waiting around on set to hear “action,’ and that action only lasted a few minutes while the crew would adjust the set until it was time to do a retake. Auditioning is a process that involves a lot creative thinking knowing one person will be chosen out of 1000 who auditioned. You will start out spending more money than you make in return. This goes for producing your own show as well. Getting good headshots, booking studio space, setting up a website among other things, is an investment in yourself and your brand. It can become so overbearing that you may lose your passion along the way. I had to stay inspired in order not to lose my passion. My inspiration would come from hearing the journey of those who didn’t give up and shared their experience in the industry; good and bad. We learn from failure and grow when keep perfecting our craft.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I highly recommend reading “Blackout’ by Candace Owens and “Call Us What We Carry” by Amanda Gorman. Both stories have inspired me and have given me a sense of enlightenment and courage during the times I feared failure and wanted to stop altogether.

Contact Info:

• Website: kaye

Image Credits

All Photos were taken by Kerron Henry of Rock Henry Studios.