Are Your Parents Proud OF You?

Matt talks with musician and teacher; Roger Reupert. They talk about working at the Athenaeum, the trumpet, Wicked, and the importance of education.

Matt chats with actor and playwright; Deana Velandra. They talk about sketch comedy, funny corn, and Deana's work on her play; We Should Kill Him

Matthew talks with Artistic Director of The Conspirators; W.M Bullion. They talk Vaudeville, UCLA, and embracing the weird. W.M also talks about his Viva La Mort playing until June 9th!

Matthew talks with actor Ayanna Bria Bakari. Currently in Purpose at Steppenwolf Theatre, Ayanna talks about being directed by Phyliciaphotot Rashad, growing up in Washington D.C, and her time at Depaul.

Matthew talks with actor Mikha'el Amin. They talk about Mikha'el's production of Topdog/Underdog with Invictus Theatre Company, working with other actors, the journey in acting.

Matthew talks with comedian and actor Ron Popp. They talk about storytelling, movies, and writing jokes.

Matt talks with director and new-play developer; Laura Alcalá Baker. They talk about Laura's directorial work on the Steppenwolf production; A Home What Howls (Or The House What Was Ravine). They also talk about Chicago, rehearsal rooms, and theatre for young adults.

Matthew talks with Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre; Michael Weber. They talk about Candlight Theatre, picking shows, and Porchlight's current production of Anything Goes.

Matt talks with actor and Steppenwolf and Steep Theatre Ensemble Member Caroline Neff. Currently being seen in Another Marriage, Caroline talks about her time at Columbia, workshops, and moving around as a child.

Matthew talks with two tine Tony Nominee Gavin Lee. They talk about Mary Poppins, the rules of playing Squidward Q. Tentacles, and Gavin's upcoming production of The 39 Steps

Matthew talks with director and teaching artist Dana Anderson. They talk about Dana directing Aston Reps final production The Language Archive, Dana career in teaching, and why Aston Rep is ending.

Matthew talks with the artistic director and the founder of The Artistic Home Kathy Scambiatterra. They talk about the origins of the Artistic Home, ISU, and the current ensemble members.

Matthews talks with actor and improviser Tyler DeLoatch. They talk all things improv, tennis-ball, and The Friends Experience.

Matthew talks with actor Erica Stephan. At the time, Erica was finishing up her run in the acclaimed production of Cabaret and talks about her time during the production as well as growing up and being a teacher and starting her own camp.

Matt interviews comedian St. James Jackson at The Second City. They talk about St. James growing up in Georgia, his show Chill A.F, and the first time he's done comedy.

Matt interviews actor Jonah D. Winston. They talk about being actors who are tall, siblings, and Jonah's time in Australia.

Matthew talks with actor and fellow friend Rose Leisner (In Person!). They meet for coffee and talk of how they met, Rose's time in Los Angles, and other wonderful stories.

Matthew talks with playwright Cal Walker. They talk about rehearsal spaces, writing, and therapy. EVERYONE SHOULD BE IN THERAPY.

Matt interviews the Artistic Director of the Second City's training center; John Hildreth. They talk about teaching at Columbia, movement work, and John's playwriting.

Matt interviews Chicago Tribune's Chief Theatre Critic; Chris Jones. They discuss the importance of critics, Chris's views on it and how theatre are coming back in the middle of a pandemic.

Matt talks with actor and voiceover Brenda Scott Wlazlo. They talk about Florida, accessibility, and Brenda's coaching in voiceover. They were also married for two holiday seasons.

Matthew talks with theatre maker Madeline Sayet. They talk about touring, Madeline's show Where We Belong, and the Mohegan Tribe.

Matthew talks with actor and friend Rachel Livingston. The two laugh........a lot.

Matthew talks with author and radio host David W. Berner (WBBM Radio). They talk about David's recent retirement, his work as an author, and old time radio. So pull up that cardigan and get near a radio.

Matthew chats with actor and performer Juwon Perry. The two talk about there time meeting in Acting Foundations, Dreamgirls, and Juwon growing up in Arkansas.

Matthew interviews the co-founder and artistic director of Chicago Kids Company; Jesus Perez. The two talk about the origins of CKC, Jesus growing up in Puerto Rico, and how he taught himself how to make puppets. Matthew even did this interview in the room where all the magic happens; the Chicago Kids Company office.

Matthew talks with actor and Artistic Director of Blank Theatre Company, Dustin Rothbart. The two talk about how to start a theatre company, Dustin growing up with his family, and many more.

Welcome To Season 5! In the season premiere, Matthew talks with composer and lyricist Annabelle Lee Revak! They talk about Annabelle's show Notes and Letters, the middle of Wisconsin and the blend of theatre and storytelling. Welcome Back Parents! (Recorded May 2022)

SEASON FINALE! Matthew is joined once again by Maui Jones to discuss all things; parents and life. Later, he is joined by producer Genna to discuss the world's longest season.

Matthew chats with actor and filmmaker; Kelsey Dougherty. They chat about the movie Inside Out, Indiana, and money.

Matthew talks with Annie Tippe; a director and creator of new work, musicals and film. They talk about rehearsal rooms, Annie's upcoming at the Goodman Theatre Life After and much more!!

Matthew interviews playwrights Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend and Kara Poe Atnip about there play The Shady Lady being produced at The Saint Sebastian Players. They also talk about being in rehearsal rooms, improv, and baking classes. (Recorded April 25h 2022)

Matthew chats with director Ron OJ Parson. The two talk about Relentless (Ron's current project being shown at the Goodman Theatre till May 8th), returning to familiar work, and The Twilight Zone

Matthew chats with actor Emily Bergl! Currently starring in Goodman Theatre's Production of Goodnight, Oscar as June Levant, Emily Bergl, a unique actress among her peers, is often compared to Golden Age movie stars of the past. Perhaps because of her classic comedic timing, or her versatility across genres, her talent and work ethic have led to a flourishing career in television, film and theater. Throughout her career she has been praised by the New York Times, LA Times, Variety, the Wall Street Journal, and Entertainment Weekly, as “an actress of infinite nuance” and “a Harlowe for the new era.” Goodnight, Oscar runs till April 24th

In a change of pace, Matthew chats with his friend and actor Alex Albrecht at their favorite diner; The Golden Apple. The two range in conversation from Alaska, the food on the table, and zoom readings.

Matthew talks with playwright and childrens book author Dana Hall. The two discuss the importance of lesser known stories, inspirations, and her children.

Matthew talks with fellow actor and close friend Tony Pellegrino. The two engage in a long conversation about siblings, college experiences, and the readings they took part in over the last two years.

Matthew chats with actor and Fight choreography Chloe Baldwin (The Women In Black U.S Tour, Winters Tale). They talk about the energy of an opening night in theatre, the films she would make with her brother, and Shakespeare.

Matthew talks with Artistic Director of Boho Theatre Elizabeth Swanson. They talk about the power of reading power, directing college students, and much more!

Matthew is back!!! And he presents a interview with actor Larry Yando! Best known for playing Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, the two talk about the nights Larry went out to party, dance, and the climate of returning to the theatre during a pandemic. (Episode Recorded January 2022)

L.J is out singing a whistle, so Matthew is by himself but has the honor of interviewing actor and playwright Paeton Chavis. The two talk about Paeton coming back to theatre this past summer, her time in Indiana, and her play "How to Dispose of Your Dead Dad's Sex Doll".

Y'all. We're wiggling again! Two years later, we're back interviewing The Wiggles members with Simon Pryce to talk about The Wiggles new albums Calm And Quiet:Soothing Sounds For Relaxing Babies and Sweet Dreams: White Noise Aid For Baby. Also; Fruit Salad or Hot Potato? Find out!

Matthew and L.J talk with Broadway actor and trumpet player Keith Buterbaugh. They talk about Keith's involvment in the musical Company with Raul Esparza, growing up in Alaska, and the world of trumpet playing.

Matthew and L.J talk to Broadway actor and writer Adam Jepsen. Adam talks about getting the role of Sven in Frozen, his screenwriting involving race and identity, and dancing.

Matthew and LJ talk with casting director of Eclectic Full Contact Theatre; Jessica Fisher. They talk about Eclectics exciting new audio dramas, Jessica's time with studying at the Piven Theatre and Apple Orchard and how Jessica was Matthew's mom (for a show of course)!

Matthew and L.J talk to another Matthew (WHAT?!); Matthew Lee-Erbach. Matthew is an actor, writer and political activist. They talk to him about the letter he helped send to the senate, his relationship and collaborations with Rainn Wilson and pudding. It's a dense conversation.

WE'RE BACK FOR SEASON 4!!! Matthew and LJ kick the season off with Associate Professor of Ithaca College; Cynthia Henderson. Cynthia talks about life growing up in Alabama, eye contact, and emotions that students bring to her classroom.

Hello! It's been a while! We have news We have a NEW CO-HOST LJ Bullen. LJ Bullen is a Chicago-based actor, singer-songwriter, brewer of beer, and friendly neighborhood non-binary fairy. We were so excited that back in May, we recorded a conversation about them and talked about LJ growing up in California, the variety of talents they have and what kind of guests they are interested talking too. We are so excited and honored to have LJ on board. Our new season premieres July 11th!

Matthew chats with Youtuber and filmmaker Eric Striffler! Creator of the Youtube channel Pretty Much It, Eric talks about living in a van, dropping out of college, and the beauty of changing your life multiple times.

We're back!! In a first of a few specials, Matthew chats with devisor Michael Brown. Michael talks about his work in theatre, politics, and the human mind. This was an interview a long time in the making and was worth the wait!!!

In the season finale, Matthew chats with actor and teacher Brian Shaw about the great outdoors, shyness, and the current state of teaching theater during this pandemic. Later, Griffen joins Matthew to reflect on the third season.