All Episodes
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.
Ep48: The Art of Portrayal, Erin Sullivan Talks Art, Identity, and the Legacy of Marilyn Monroe
Multihyphenate Erin Sullivan joins the podcast to discuss the historical weight of Marilyn Monroe, the challenges of portraying such a beloved and complex figure, and the personal and artistic risks taken to keep her one-woman show, With Love, Marilyn, fresh for international audiences.
Ep47: Broadway, Baseball, and Breaking Barriers with Nik Walker
Nik Waker joins the pod squad to discuss the importance of representation in theater, the impact of ADHD on his creative process, and the power of storytelling as a grounding force.
Ep46: From Rejection to Standing Ovations, Julie Benko on Why Every Artist Should Start Creating Now
Julie Benko joins the pod squad to discuss her career trajectory from understudy to Broadway star and her take on Jane Eyre. From being overlooked at her showcase to starring on Broadway, she highlights the unpredictable nature of success in theater.
Ep45: Reimagining The Notebook, Bekah Brunstetter Navigates Creative Freedom and Industry Criticism.
Bekah Brunstetter, the book writer behind Broadway’s highly anticipated musical The Notebook, joins the pod squad to dive into the creative process of adapting Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel for the stage.
Ep44: Broadway, Belonging, and Breaking Barriers, A Conversation with Sammi Cannold
Sammi Cannold joins the pod squad to discuss disability representation in theater, the creative process behind adapting the documentary into a stage production, and the broader impact of inclusive storytelling in the industry.
Ep43: From Dream Role to Nightmare, Sean Hayden Speaks Out The Emotional Toll of Acting Without Measures
Actor, lawyer, and advocate Sean Hayden joins the pod squad to open up about how landing a dream role in Billy Elliot led to a full-blown mental health crisis. Through his podcast Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, he aims to spark a larger conversation about how theaters can better protect and support their artists.
Ep42: From Rent to Rock of Ages, A Conversation with Amy Spanger
Broadway powerhouse Amy Spanger joins the pod squad to discuss her incredible journey from community theater to starring on Broadway. Hear how Amy took a leap of faith to pursue her dreams and moved to New York with no plan but a clear vision of making it to the big stage.
Ep41: Theater, Family, and Finding the Magic, A Conversation with Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey
Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey join the pod squad to discuss the importance of live theater in a world increasingly dominated by screens and the magic of performing in regional theaters.
Ep40: Why Rachel Bay Jones Almost Left Broadway, Why She Came Back, and What's Next
Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning actress Rachel Bay Jones joins the pod squad to discuss the unexpected path that led her to the stage—from dreaming of becoming a marine biologist to finding her voice in theater.
Ep39: Katy Sullivan on Acting, Advocacy, and Redefining Inclusion
Tony-nominated actress and Paralympian Katy Sullivan joins the pod squad for an insightful conversation about representation, accessibility, and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.
Ep38: The Multi-Hyphenate Mindset, Michael Kushner on How to Succeed in a Changing Industry
Michael Kushner joins the pod squad to discuss how his lifelong passion for storytelling—sparked by an early obsession with Titanic—led him to embrace multiple artistic roles.
Ep37: Preserving Broadway’s Legacy, Diane Nicoletti on Why Broadway Needs a Museum
Diane Nicoletti joins the pod squad to discuss the importance of preserving theater history, the advocacy work the Museum of Broadway is doing for the arts, and how theater lovers of all ages can engage with the magic of Broadway first hand.
Ep36: How Playing Bob Gaudio Changed Rob Marnell’s Perspective on Music & Theater
Rob Marnell joins the pod squad to discuss the power of storytelling in jukebox musicals, his deep roots in the Raleigh theater scene, and how Bob Gaudio changed his perspective.
Ep35: Michael Abels on Scoring Jordan Peele’s Films & Composing Omar
This episode explores two powerful new works that bring history to life through theater and opera. First, Tristan André talks about They Do Not Know Harlem, a deeply personal multimedia piece inspired by James Baldwin.
Ep34: From Fred & Ginger to La La Land, How Movie Musicals Shape Pop Culture
Turner Classic Movie's Dave Karger joins the pod squad to discuss the cultural significance of musicals, whether we're entering a new era of film musicals, and how contemporary audiences are embracing (or resisting) the genre.
Ep33: Big, Black, and Beautiful, Challenging Industry Norms with Black Stage Everything's Shae Marie
Shae Marie Tolbut (Black Stage Everything) joins the pod squad to discuss her journey from stage management to playwriting, the challenges of creating space for plus-size Black performers, and why she’s passionate about centering Black joy on stage.
Ep32: Body Neutrality in the Arts, Libby Parker on Fueling a Healthier Approach for Performers
Libby Parker (aka The Broadway Dietician) joins the pod squad to discuss the challenges theater artists face when it comes to body image, the pressures of casting expectations, and how the industry can be more inclusive.
Ep31: From Fanboy to Broadway, A Conversation with Aaron Simon Gross (13, the Musical)
Actor, director, and lifelong theater fan Aaron Simon Gross joins the pod squad to discuss how his early passion for musical theater shaped his career, the importance of audience engagement in modern theater, and why collaborating with playwrights on new works thrills him.
Ep30: Gun Reform, Theater, and Community, The Church and State Effect
Playwright Jason Odell Williams joins the pod squad to discuss the intersection of theater, activism, and gun sense legislation. They discuss the impact of Williams' play Church and State, a thought-provoking drama that has become a vehicle for community conversations on gun violence.
Ep29: Agrabah to Activist, The Many Sides of Telly Leung
Telly Leung joins the pod squad to discuss the deeply personal journey of his immigrant parents, their harrowing escape from communist China, and how their sacrifices shaped his artistic path.
Ep28: Serendipity and Showbiz, A Conversation with Randy Redd
Randy Redd joins the pod squad to share stories from his experiences working on Parade with the legendary Hal Prince, his serendipitous audition for Ring of Fire, and deep influence of Johnny Cash and Jason Robert Brown.
Ep27: Oklahoma to Iran, How Two Playwrights Confront Censorship & Change
In this episode, host Lauren Van Heemert speaks with two playwrights using theater as a tool for social change. David Blakely discusses his adaptation of Enemy of the People, which modernizes Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, tackling environmental and political corruption in Oklahoma.
Ep26: Music, Memory, and Merrily, David Loud Faces the Music
David Loud joins the pod squad to share captivating stories from his career, including working with Stephen Sondheim on Merrily We Roll Along, collaborating with Kander and Ebb, and conducting iconic productions like Ragtime, Curtains, and The Scottsboro Boys.
Ep25: Me, Myself & Shirley, Remembering TV Icon Cindy Williams
Cindy Williams joined the pod squad to share stories from her early days in Hollywood, working with icons like Gene Kelly and Ron Howard, and how a chance meeting with Penny Marshall—and a blessing from Little Richard—led to Laverne & Shirley.
Ep24: From Broadway to Beyoncé, The Many Sides of Glynn Turman
Legendary actor Glynn Turman joins the pod squad to reflect on his extraordinary career spanning theater, television, and film. Glynn shares personal stories about his friendship with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, his passion for horseback riding, and his dedication to mentoring young people through his Camp Giddy Up program.
Ep23: From Hadestown to Aladdin: Ken Cerniglia on How Dramaturgs Shape the Stage
Dramaturg and literary manager Ken Cerniglia joins the pod squad to discuss dramaturgy's crucial role in theater. en shares insights from his work on Hadestown and Disney Theatrical’s Aladdin and The Lion King, reflecting on how storytelling evolves with time.
Ep22: Allyship and Advocacy in Theater, What Needs to Change
Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, known as Dr. Drama, joins the pod squad to discuss the impact of media representation on perceptions of gender identity.
Ep21: What Come From Away Got Right, A Conversation with Kevin Tuerff
Kevin Tuerff joins the pod squad to discuss the remarkable generosity of the Gander community and how the kindness he experienced following 9/11 forever changed his outlook on the world.
Ep20: Bear Bellinger and Matt DaSilva Break Down the Actors Equity and Open Access Policy
Bear Bellinger and Matt DaSilva join the pod squad to discuss the history of Equity membership, how the new Open Access policy aims to create a more inclusive industry, and why some theater professionals are skeptical.
Ep19: From Mary Poppins to Bumble Scratch, The Legacy of the Sherman Family
Robert J. Sherman joins the pod squad to discuss his family's incredible contributions to film and theater -- from Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to The Parent Trap -- and how Walt Disney’s keen eye for talent shaped their careers.He shares personal stories of growing up in a musical dynasty, his father’s experiences in World War II, and the origins of classics like Feed the Birds.
Ep18: Suddenly Aaron! Aaron Harrington on Faith, Perseverance, and Becoming Audrey II
Aaron Harrington joins the pod squad to discuss his journey from North Carolina to performing alongside stars like Jeremy Jordan, Skylar Astin, and Rob McClure.
Ep17: Equity, Inclusion, and Diana
André Jordan joins the pod squad to discuss his journey to Broadway, the unexpected challenges of the pandemic shutdown, and how the cast of Diana: The Musical took an active role in advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ep16: A Godspell Reunion Show 50 Years in the Making, How a Church Service Sparked One of Broadway’s Most Beloved Shows
Peggy Gordon, Robin Lamont, and Stephen Nathan join the pod squad to discuss the history, impact, and enduring legacy of Godspell.
Ep15: Live, Virtual, or Hybrid? The Future of Theater Sound
Tony Award-winning sound designer Rob Kaplowitz joins the pod squad to explore the evolution of theatrical sound design.
Ep14: Art, Healing & Memory, Five Holocaust Survivors Speak Out
For many of us, it is difficult to comprehend the overwhelming enormity of the Holocaust and the 6-million Jews who were murdered by the Nazi regime during WWII. The historical trauma that impacted generations of displaced people and their families following the Holocaust, is the subject of the film WHERE CAN I GO?
Ep13: More Than a Monolith, AAPI Stories On Stage
Thao Nguyen joins the pod squad to discuss Asian representation in the performing arts, the impact of racial violence, and the coded language that still persists in the entertainment industry.
Ep12: From Behind the Bar to Bestseller, Mike Anthony Reveals Hamilton's Hidden Stories
Mike Anthony, longtime bartender at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, joins the pod squad to share behind-the-scenes stories from Hamilton. Mike offers a rare perspective on Broadway life, from unforgettable audience moments to eerie ghost stories.
Ep11: Carlita Victoria on Darkness Rising, Mental Health, and More
Carlita Victoria joins the pod squad to discuss the intersection of mental health and the performing arts, Carlita’s personal journey with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and the challenges that many Black and Brown communities face when seeking mental health resources.
Ep10: Owning the Dream - Robert Hartwell Traces His Roots From Raleigh to Great Barrington
Robert Hartwell joins the pod squad to discuss his early inspirations, how his first professional theater experience at age 12 shaped his career, and why representation and access are key to fostering the next generation of artists.
Ep9: Finding Sobriety and Strength On Stage
Brian Westbrook joins the pod squad to discuss the connection between addiction and the performing arts, the challenges of navigating sobriety in an industry where social drinking is common, and the impact of isolation on those in recovery.
Ep8: Falls, Fights, and Firearms
Jeff A.R. Jones joins the pod squad to dive into the importance of emotional safety in rehearsal spaces, the evolving role of fight direction in storytelling, and how violence on stage can be used to spark meaningful conversations rather than glorify conflict.
Ep7: From Up to Elf, A Conversation with TV Icon Ed Asner
Ed Asner joined the pod squad for one of his last interviews to reflect on the audition that landed him the role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the show's impact on television history, and his thoughts on journalism today.
Ep6: Sitcoms, Stage Lights, and Sunset Boulevard - Alan Campbell Reflects on His 40-Year Career
Tony Award nominee Alan Caampbell joins the pod squad to discuss the evolution of television, the differences between sitcoms and dramatic series, and how digital technology has changed the industry.
Ep5: Confronting Racism - How a Black Activist and a Klansman Found Common Ground
Osha Gray Davidson joins the pod squad to discuss the unlikely friendship between Anne Atwater, a Black community activist, and C.P. Ellis, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, as they worked together on the desegregation of Durham, North Carolina's public schools in 1971.
Ep4: Survival & Success in Showbiz - One Singular Sensational Episode with Karen Ziemba
Karen Ziemba joins the pod squad to share behind-the-scenes insights on how A Chorus Line became a cultural phenomenon, how dance on Broadway has evolved over the decades, and what it takes to have a lasting career in the industry.
Ep3: Make Them Hear You: One Man's Quest to Resurrect Erased History
Playwright and performer Mike Wiley joins the pod squad to discuss how storytelling can illuminate history, challenge societal narratives, and foster deeper conversations about race and justice.
Ep2: Theater as a Playground: A Visit to Evan Rachel Wood's Childhood Home with Ira David Wood III
Ira David Wood III joins the pod squad to discuss the power of live performance and the challenges of making a life in the arts. The discussion also highlights his children, including Evan Rachel Wood and Ira David Wood IV, their experiences growing up in the theater, and the challenges and rewards of pursuing a life in the arts.
Ep1: How Raleigh Became a Hub for Bold and Independent Theater
Roy Dicks joins the pod squad to discuss the rich history of the Triangle’s performing arts scene. From the early days of the Raleigh Little Theatre to the rise of alternative performance spaces, Dix shares fascinating insights into how local theater has evolved over the decades.
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