All Episodes
Kennedy Caughell on Alicia Keys, Carole King & Manifesting Dreams with Faith and Intention
Kennedy Caughell—currently starring as Jersey in the national tour of Hell’s Kitchen— joins the pod squad to share her journey from growing up on a small Oklahoma farm to building a career on Broadway, reflecting on the faith, visualization, and relentless discipline that fueled her dreams.
Owning the Stage at Any Age
This episode is a powerful, joy-filled conversation about saying yes to yourself—no matter your age, body, or past doubts. First, Christina Wells, who shares how discovering confidence later in life transformed her career, her sense of worth, and her mission to inspire others.
From Broadway to Belonging: A Conversation with Spelling Bee's NJ Agwuna
This episode of Beltline to Broadway features a thoughtful conversation with director and artist N.J. Agwuna, exploring her journey through Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theater, including her work on Moulin Rouge, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and the Pulitzer Prize–winning play Primary Trust.
Frankly Speaking with Jersey Boy Dominic Scaglione Jr.
Raised on the music of Sinatra and Frankie Valli, Dominic Scaglione Jr. reflects on Sinatra’s torch songs, the magic of playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and returning to the stage with Amanda Kloots in The Sarafinas, My Way at Theatre Raleigh.
From Mindfulness to Mincemeat, Gerianne Perez Shares Her Journey to Broadway's Biggest Hits
Gerianne Perez (Operation Mincemeat) joins the pod squad to talk about her journey from singing in her high school's show choir to Broadway. Hear what she has to say about the importance of representation in theater, the quiet confidence learned from working with powerhouse women, and the performer mindset that helps overcome nerves.
Ep. 63. Racism, Friendship and Banned Books
This episode dives into the play Native and the independent film adaptation The Problem of the Hero, both of which explore the relationship and ideological conflict between literary figures Richard Wright and Paul Green.
Ep. 62: Big Hair and Big Behind-the-Scenes Stories from Broadway to Hairspray Live
This episode of the Beltline to Broadway podcast, hosted by Lauren Van Hemert, spotlights a new production of Hairspray at Thalian Hall in Wilmington, NC. What makes this production unique is its powerful blend of Broadway alumni, live TV experience, and hair-raising (literally) design, brought together by the Opera House Theatre Company.
Ep. 61: Tony Predictions, Trends, and Snubs
Eric Woodall joins the pod squad to discuss the 2025 Tony Awards season, with reflections on Broadway trends, productions, performers, and predictions across various categories.
Ep. 60 :Baldwin, Broadway, and the Power of Maybe with Brandon Victor Dixon
In this thoughtful and heartfelt episode, host Lauren Van Hemert sits down with acclaimed actor, producer, and musician Brandon Victor Dixon to discuss his artistic journey, advocacy, and newly released single, "Maybe." Known for roles in Hamilton and The Color Purple, Dixon opens up about the soulfulness behind his music, the importance of civic engagement, and the power of storytelling in creating social change.
Ep. 59: From Glee to Oklahoma, Tony Award-winner Ali Stroker Reveals Her Greatest Role
Ali Stroker joins the pod squad for an honest, inspiring conversation about breaking barriers on Broadway and beyond. From her historic win for Oklahoma! to navigating an industry not always built for inclusivity, Ali shares how she turned challenges into opportunities.
Ep58. Carmen Cusack on Defying Musical Genres and Conventions
The incomparable Carmen Cusack—Tony-nominated star of Bright Star, Wicked, and Flying Over Sunset joins the pod squad. She shares the fascinating arc of her career, from training as an opera singer to finding her authentic voice in roles that defy genre conventions.
Ep57. From Daytime Drama to Courtroom Drama
Whether in soap operas or stage work, it’s all about honoring the craft, respecting the audience, and telling stories that matter. Hear what John Wesley Shipp and David A. Gregory say about their journey from meeting on One Life to Live to facing off in the courtroom drama, Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.
Ep56. Hamilton, Heritage & Horror: A Theater Deep Dive with Robert Ariza and Maya Jacobson
Robert Ariza (Hamilton, Spring Awakening) and Maya Jacobson (Fiddler on the Roof) join the podsquad to discuss how even quirky cult musicals like Little Shop carry deeper critiques of capitalism and power.
Ep55. Guiding Light's Kim Zimmer on Healing Fully, Acting Boldly, and Finding Bountiful
In this heartfelt episode of Beltline to Broadway, host Lauren Van Hemert sits down with four-time Emmy Award-winning actress Kim Zimmer to discuss her latest role in The Trip to Bountiful at Theater Raleigh.
Ep54: How Suffs Changed Dana Costello’s Approach to Acting and Storytelling
Dana Costello joins the pod squad to discuss how performing in Suffs built her confidence on and off the stage, the importance of regional theater, and her long-running involvement with the upcoming musical Joy.
Ep53: Behind the Stripes, Megan McGinnis Reflects on Bringing Barbara and Beetlejuice to Life
Megan McGinnis joins the pod squad to reflect on her dual career as an actor and director, her experience touring, and the challenges of performing opposite a demon with issues on the national tour of Beetlejuice.
Ep52: Miki Abraham on Authenticity, Identity, and Creating Space for Queer and Non-Binary Voices
Miki Abraham joins the pod squadd to share their journey with Shucked, from its early days as The Hee Haw Musical to Broadway and beyond. They discuss the evolution of the production, the creative team's commitment to adapting the show to its performers, and the empowering experience of playing Lulu.
Ep51. Norbert Leo Butz & Lauren Kennedy on Theater, Trust, and The Last Five Years
Norbert Leo Butz and Lauren Kennedy reunite to reflect on their journey as the original Cathy and Jamie in The Last Five Years. They share behind-the-scenes stories about the show's development, including how Jason Robert Brown shaped the music around their performances.
Ep50: From Creative Clashes to Creative Genius, How 'Pippin' Became a Broadway Classic
Author Carol de Giere (Defying Gravity) joins the podcast to explore the fascinating history and unsung stories behind Pippin. Hear how Stephen Schwartz developed the show as a student at Carnegie Mellon, about his creative clashes with legendary director Bob Fosse, and how the 2013 revival reimagined the production (and ending) for a new generation.
Ep49: Reel Talk with Jason Robert Brown on the Art of Adaptation
Jason Robert Brown joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of adapting books and movies into musicals, the differences between stage and screen storytelling, and the evolving landscape of Broadway.
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