Experiencing Joy Through Creative Expression with Emilia Richeson-Valiente

Today's episode with Emilia Richeson-Valiente, Creator and Director of Pony Sweat Aerobics, is such a blast. You can tell from our giggles how much we enjoyed our conversation, and as a long time fan of Pony Sweat, I was thrilled to learn more from Emilia.

Emilia Richeson-Valiente (she/her) is a performer, writer, teacher, business-owner, and the creator of punk-feminist aerobics practice, Pony Sweat. She has cultivated a loyal following through her “fiercely noncompetitive” dance aerobics format, which celebrates anti-perfectionism, self-expression, and the liberation of all bodies. Alongside her Pony Sweat work, Emilia writes about music and somatic practices and is published in Dopamine Press's 2025 WITCH Anthology, and she currently performs with her dance troupé Haaagz. From 2017-2021 Emilia performed with the band Object As Subject. She has choreographed music videos for Alice Bag, Hayley Williams, Wallows, and Scrunchies, and has performed her work at Weirdo Night(s), SORORITY, and many many punk shows. She holds a BFA from Emerson College in Boston, and is an AFAA certified aerobics instructor. Originally from WI and VT, she moved to LA in 2006 to pursue her dream of becoming Weetzie Bat. She lives in the San Gabriel Valley with her wife and pup.

Tune in to learn more about:

• Pony Sweat’s origins, evolution, and amazing core values
• Emilia's creative practice of making mixed tapes and dance moves
• How building one project can beget other projects
• Honoring our past selves through music
• The important of creating and protecting a queer-centered space
• Honing in on loosening your grip

RESOURCES & LINKS

• WITCH Anthology
• Object as Subject
• Pony Sweat’s core values
• Pony Sweat’s newsletter
• Across Time + Space online video subscription (Includes Exercising and Listening to Records)
• Pony Sweat’s Instagram
• Pony Sweat’s YouTube Channel

SUPPORT FOR CREATIVE THINKERS
⭐ Productivity Coaching with Dr. Kate Henry
💌 Sign up for Kate's twice-a-month newsletter
📚 Download Kate's free Sustainable Productivity Planner

Big thanks to Softer Sounds Studio for podcast editing and support.