Everyday Heroes with Andrew Norlen

In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with the remarkable, Diamond Essence White. (We actually recorded this episode in the spring of 2021—so I am beyond excited to finally share her story, her point of view, and her power with all of you!) Diamond and I discuss her childhood, the March On Broadway, her activism, her very personal experiences with racism in the workplace during her time at Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. She shares her heart with us with grace and honesty. You don't want to miss a moment of Diamond's inspiring conversation with me. This episode brings us back to celebrate the New Year and bring back the podcast after a 6+ month break, due to the publication of my first book—When The Lights Are Bright Again: letters and images of loss, hope and resilience from the theatre community. (check it out here and buy your copy to benefit The Actors Fund today!)  Please share this with friends and family, and don't forget to show her some love by leaving us a five star rating and review in the Apple podcast app to keep our show growing!Now, get listening!FOLLOW:Diamond - @diamondessencewhite Andrew - @AnorlenRESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS:Follow these organizations that Diamond is passionate about!SUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave  FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave. -A

In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with a new friend who is the epitome of kindness, empathy and is quite honestly the best dancer on Broadway—Khori Petinaud! This episode brings us back—along with Robyn Hurder's episode—to celebrate Mother's Day with these two extraordinary women/mothers and also—celebrate SEASON TWO of Everyday Heroes returning, after a three month break. Khori and I chat about her covid-19/2020 pregnancy, loss, birth and new life, growing up in sports yet always knowing that dance was her calling and how important it is that we diversify what we deem important because we impact culture with what we put on our stages in the theater community. You don't want to miss a moment of her honesty or this inspiring conversation with this hero and powerhouse!    Please share this with friends and family, and don't forget to show her some love by leaving us a five star rating and review in the Apple podcast app to keep our show growing!Now, get listening! FOLLOW: Khori - @Kmr8787Andrew - @Anorlen RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS:Follow these organizations that Robyn is passionate about!The Birthing Place - "They are a team of experienced, BIPOC local doulas and birthing professionals with a dream: to create The Birthing Place, serving families in search of a safe, serene, and deeply supportive alternative to birthing low-risk pregnancies in hospitals. They have a link on their Instagram to donate towards building the birthing center in the Bronx." - Khori NAACP - https://naacp.org  SUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave  FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave.  -ARN 

In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with the force-of-nature that is Robyn Hurder! This episode brings us back—along with Khori Petinaud's episode—to celebrate Mother's Day with these two extraordinary women/mothers and also, celebrate season two of Everyday Heroes returning, after a three month break. Robyn and I talk about everything from her ditching school for a week to test the waters of the Broadway scene in NYC as an eager and passionate teenager, to this last year of intense change, spent at home with her husband Clyde and son, Hudson. When Broadway went dark on March 12th of 2020, Robyn was in the middle of her—now—Tony nominated performance as Nini in Moulin Rouge. We discussed the business, this difficult time of loss and grief, motherhood, homeschooling, her love of cooking and making others feel welcomed and endlessly cozy inside her home!You don't want to miss a moment of this heartfelt, honest and hilarious conversation with this hero and icon.   Please share this with friends and family, and don't forget to show her some love by leaving us a five star rating and review in the Apple podcast app to keep our show growing!Now, get listening! FOLLOW: Robyn -  @robynhurderAndrew - @Anorlen RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS:Follow these organizations that Robyn is passionate about!targetals.org/donate - For sweet Rebecca Luker! fredsteam.org - Sloan Kettering - "My first agent Ashley Landay is living with stage 4 cancer and nailing it. She runs marathons for Fred’s Team every year and raises money for cancer research. I just lost my mother in law to stage 4 brain cancer this summer. This is a great organization to fund cancer research! Please consider donating!" -RobynSUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave  FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave.  -ARN 

I have been wanting Marissa to be on the show for months, and we have finally made it happen and I couldn't be anymore excited for you to hear from this light of a woman! We catch each other up on our families lives and covid—of course—and she shares how special and needed this time of slowing down has been for her soul. We discuss the storming of the capitol and her own anger and helplessness surrounding our countries current divide. We reminisce about her many years in the incredible show DIVA! in NYC and her celebration of ten years of friendship with the incomparable Marty Thomas, her best friend and "Jill-of-all-trades." And the interview would NOT be complete if we didn't gush over her beautiful story of her magnificent Broadway debut in For the Girls, with the living legend and class act that is— Kristin Chenoweth. This friend of mine is a breath of fresh air, in a world that is broken and hurting at the moment, Marissa brings joy and positivity to every room she walks into, and she is a champion of all her people, at all times. She is my hero because she redefines what it means to be a TRUE and authentic DIVA, in our own industry, and just in our world today. Please share this with friends and family, and don't forget to show her some love by leaving us a five star rating and review in the Apple podcast app to keep our show growing!Now, get listening! FOLLOW: Marissa - @themarissarosenAndrew - @Anorlen RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS:Follow these organizations that Marissa is passionate about!The Actors Fund - actorsfund.orgBroadway Cares / Equity Fights Aids - broadwaycares.org *Puppies are forever: https://www.muddypawsrescue.orgAspca.org*Marty and Marissa Merch (a portion of the proceeds go to our favorite no kill animal shelters!)https://www.redbubble.com/people/martyandmarissa/works/65690437-puppies-are-forever?asc=u*The Award Winning Holiday Albumhttp://itunes.apple.com/album/id1541822862?ls=1&app=itunesSUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave. -ARN

This is a really special one for me! I know I always say that, and it is true, every guest I have is special, but this is MiMi—my best friend! It seems fitting that I started this podcast—19 episodes ago, in February—with my other best friend Catalina, and this is how we are ending the year now, with MiMi. My people are my everything and when you listen you will understand just what I mean. I fully cried my way right through this incredible interview. I can't wait for you to hear her heart, her inspirational words, her laugh, her stories, and her empowerment. This woman is a force—FULLOUT Y'ALL! We didn't miss a beat, discussing her big break earlier this year before covid began, what it means to come from love, family, Dolly Parton, plus-size positivity, accountability to self and to others, hard conversations, our college years together, and her dreams and goals for her future. This is one you will want to listen to twice, and you MUST share it with a friend who needs a light at the end of this dark year, that light might just be MiM's revealing to you or your loved one that the glitter is truly inside all of us, we just have to listen and learn how to use it. Now, you may be reading this first and wondering, WTF is Andrew talking about..glitter?! What the fuck is this!? Well to you I say—don't knock it till you've listened, cus I promise YOU will change your mind and be spreading your own before the episodes even over honey! Now, get going! FOLLOW: MiMi - @mimidullaOnce Upon a One More Time - @onemoretimebwayAndrew - @Anorlen RESOURCES:Follow these organizations that MiMi is passionate about!Broadway Dreams Foundation - website Broadway Babies - website BreakOUT! - website SUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave. & happy new year! -ARN

In this episode I sit down with my Aunt Michelle two days after Christmas! I have not had the ability to sit down face—to—face with one of my guests in over 10 months, so this was a special treat to interview her and her wife—my Aunt Lisa— while they joined our Covid pod for the holidays. We discuss her time in the Navy, her relationship with her mom, her coming out story, her senior year of high school when she lived on her own, family dynamics, shame, love, race, women supporting women, and her journey with her own self-confidence. I am so excited to finally delve into episodes with many of my family members over the next few months on Everyday Heroes. Share this episode with your family and friends and subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes are live! And don’t forget to also listen to my Aunt’s wife’s episode- Lisa Conner, episode 17. These women have been integral in helping shape the man I am today and I am so excited for you to get to hear from their hearts and learn a bit more about their story and why they are such heroes in my life! Now get going! FOLLOW:Michelle - @muchlove_michellepAndrew - @AnorlenRESOURCES:Follow these organizations that Michelle is passionate about! The Trauma Healing Project - WebsiteFriends of Trees (Eugene/Springfield, OR) - Website SUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave. -ARN

In this episode I sit down with my Aunt Lisa the day after Christmas! I have not had the ability to sit down face to face with one of my guests in over 10 months, so this was a special treat to interview her and her wife Michelle while they joined our Covid pod for the holidays. We talk about her high school days, her first marriage to a man, her coming out journey, the dynamics of being queer in our family, sexual abuse, shame, regret, and above all else - love. I am so excited to -finally- delve into many episodes with my family members over the next few months on Everyday Heroes. Share this episode with your family and friends and subscribe to the podcast to get notified when new episodes are live! And don’t forget to also listen to my Aunt’s wife’s episode- Michelle Parkins, episode 18. These women have been integral in helping shape the man I am today and I am so excited for you to get to hear from their hearts and learn a bit more about their story and why they are such heroes in my life! Now get going! FOLLOW:Lisa - @lisamajikAndrew - @AnorlenRESOURCES: The Trevor Project - Website The Trauma Healing Project - Website SUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with your friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave. -ARN

This hero of mine has been a pillar in my life for over eight years. Ale embodies kindness, strength, and compassion. Her and I became fast friends our freshman year of undergrad and she continues to change my life as our friendship grows and changes over the years. In this conversation, we sit down (over FaceTime of course!) to catch up and discuss her journey over the last few years, and her big decision to move back home—to Miami—earlier this year, that was before Covid arrived and changed her plans. We talk about finding your tribe and surrounding yourself with people who build you up and hold you accountable. We talk racial unrest and hear Ale's perspective about how we can better show up for our marginalized brothers and sisters, now and always. She shares her journey about her own mental health and how important it has become for her to focus on her well being, everyday, as a practice of mindfulness. (TRIGGER WARNING) She also opens up about her struggles with suicidal thoughts. Ale's resilience and transparency to share her struggles endlessly inspires me. She finds inner strength from opening up and letting others see that none of us have this crazy life figured out, at all, and it is such a better place to be when we have others supporting us. I can't wait for you to hear from her heart, she is filled with empathy and love and shares so much truth in our conversation. Ale is changing the world for girls, women, and people everywhere, because she wears her heart on her sleeve and isn't afraid to talk about the hard things in order to grow and learn from her past. I can't wait for you to hear from this hero of mine! Now get to it! FOLLOW:Alejandra -@AlemparrillaAlejandra's Mental Health Page - @being_alejandraAndrew - @AnorlenRESOURCES: Mental health resource, Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255Need help seeking treatment for an easting disorder? - theprojectheal.org SUBSCRIBE:Subscribe to this podcast and stay connected with Everyday Heroes, and check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of Andrew's amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please SHARE this episode with friends and family!Be well. Be kind. And be brave.

VOTE! If there was one word to describe the importance of this episode, it would be to vote! In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down over FaceTime with one of my dear friends from across the pond, Leanne! Leanne is a performer, dancer, singer, actor, personal trainer and fitness professional and above all else - one of the hardest working and tenacious souls I have ever met! Originally from the Midlands in England and currently residing in London, we jumped right into the nitty-gritty of what our upcoming election means to her as a Non-American, how she has been dealing with the roller coaster that is 2020, her fitness and life aspirations, and her message to the American people to use their voices and their power to vote, because so much is on the line this year. It was important to me to get the perspective of an outsiders point of view when it comes to the deep divide we see in our American culture today. We discussed politics, we discuss the histories of racial unrest in England and the states, as well as her blossoming fitness career. You don't want to miss this episode with Leanne! Get to it! FOLLOW:Leanne - @LeanneMarshallFitnessAndrew - @Anorlen SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please share this episode with friends and family!

This is 47 minutes and 46 seconds you need to hear! In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Karen. The trials, trauma, hardship, loss and pain she has had to endure this year have been unfathomably devastating, however, as you will hear when you listen, Karen is a fighter. Karen is a warrior throughout a year where not only the world has been turned upside down -because of this worldwide pandemic we are in- but because after nearly approaching death in the hospital with Covid-19 herself, Karen woke up to the news that she had lost three of the most important men in her life to the virus. Her resilience and decision to "put one foot in front of the other every day" is both heartbreaking and inspiring, all at once. She shares about her and her husbands incredible life of love and adventure spent together. We discuss the virus and our governments mishandling of it, 45's lack of care and empathy for others and how we can even begin to move on and forward, but stronger. How do we go on from here? What is it going to take? How do we get better? "People need to be kind. This is real, it doesn't get anymore real than this!" -Karen You don't want to miss her opening up and sharing her story and her truth. Check out this episode and please please please share it with your friends and family that might need a wake up call during this time. We must take care of each other because, "Tomorrow is promised to no one!" Thank you for listening! FOLLOW:Karen - @karennascembeniAndrew - @Anorlen SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website, and sign up for his email list: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please share this episode with friends and family!

VOTE! If there was one word to describe the importance of this episode, it would be to vote! In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down over FaceTime with one of my dear friends from my time at sea, Zoe! Zoe is a performer, dancer, singer, actor, and above all else - one of the most generous and kind hearted souls I’ve ever come in contact with! Originally from Melbourne Australia, we jump right into the nitty-gritty of what it means for her to be married to an American, live in California, work in the states, and what it means to be non-American as we approach this very important election. It was important to me to get the perspective of an outsiders point of you when it comes to the deep divide we see in our American culture today. We discussed politics, we discuss the histories of racial unrest in Australia and the states, we discuss her blossoming performance career, as well as the loss of her dear friend and colleague, Nick Cordero, to Covid-19 earlier this spring.FOLLOW:Zoe - @zoe_unkovichAndrew - @Anorlen Burn The Floor - @burnthefloorofficial SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please share this episode with friends and family!

In this episode I sit down with college friend, Brandi Porter. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Brandi has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today!VOICES TO FOLLOW:@thebrandiporter - Brandi Porter @ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege@austinchanning - Austin Channing BrownEyes on the Prize:https://youtu.be/Ud82QzXO7xwPBS Documentary about the Civil Rights MovementsNew York Times 1619 Project:https://youtu.be/XrfV7w3EyGIThe 1619 Project is a major initiative from The New York Times to correct the record, reframing the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the national narrative.Black Wall Street:PBS The massacre in Greenwood . Tulsa Oklahoma 300 African Americans lost their lives and more than 9,000 were left homeless when their small town was attacked, looted and literally burned to the ground beginning in 1921 by white people.https://www.pbs.org/wnet/boss/video/greenwood-and-tulsa-race-riots-tbkhcr/EBONY MAGAZINE:https://www.ebony.com/black-history/destruction-of-black-wall-street/ In the early 1900s, Greenwood was home to a thriving, independent “Black Wall Street” until the violence of the Tulsa Race Riots changed the community’s legacy forever.James Baldwin’s I Am Not Your Negro:A Documentary that journeys into black history connecting the Civil Rights Movement to #BlackLivesMatterNetflix Movies to watch:12 Years a SlaveHarrietBlackklansman13th American Son When They See Us

In this episode I sit down with the incredible, Deb Walton. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Deb has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today! VOICES TO FOLLOW: @debwaltonhill - Debra Walton @ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege @austinchanning - Austin Channing Brown Eyes on the Prize:https://youtu.be/Ud82QzXO7xwPBS Documentary about the Civil Rights MovementsNew York Times 1619 Project:https://youtu.be/XrfV7w3EyGIThe 1619 Project is a major initiative from The New York Times to correct the record, reframing the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the national narrative.Black Wall Street:PBS The massacre in Greenwood . Tulsa Oklahoma 300 African Americans lost their lives and more than 9,000 were left homeless when their small town was attacked, looted and literally burned to the ground beginning in 1921 by white people.https://www.pbs.org/wnet/boss/video/greenwood-and-tulsa-race-riots-tbkhcr/EBONY MAGAZINE: https://www.ebony.com/black-history/destruction-of-black-wall-street/ In the early 1900s, Greenwood was home to a thriving, independent “Black Wall Street” until the violence of the Tulsa Race Riots changed the community’s legacy forever.James Baldwin’s I Am Not Your Negro:A Documentary that journeys into black history connecting the Civil Rights Movement to #BlackLivesMatterNetflix Movies to watch: 12 Years a SlaveHarrietBlackklansman13th American Son When They See Us

In this episode I sit down with my dear friend, Thomasina Gross. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Thommi has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today! VOICES TO FOLLOW: @thommigross - Thomasina Gross @ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege @amandaseales - Amanda Seals PETITIONS/CALLS: Add your name to a petition demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Robert Fuller, a 23 year old man found hanging from a tree in Palmdale three days ago. His death was quickly ruled a suicide (we’ve heard that one before), and has received little coverage in the press. https://www.change.org/p/los-angeles-sheriff-s-department-palmdale-station-justice-for-robert-fuller?recruiter=1113659218&recruited_by_id=2a871440-aa2c-11ea-a860-1f38ecefd646Demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a 26 year old EMT murdered in her own home by police. Her murderers have not been arrested. Petition and suggestions for more actions at https://action.justiceforbreonna.org/sign/BreonnaWasEssential/.DONATIONS: Make a donation to the Black Trans Protestors Emergency Fund, sponsored by Black Trans Femmes in the Arts. Fund supports Black Trans protestors with resources, medical supplies, and bail funds. Cash app: bftacollective Paypal: bftacollective@gmail.comLEARN:Listen to Ibram X Kendi discuss how to be an anti-racist on Brené Brown’s podcast. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/

In this episode I sit down with the beautiful, Alex Hairston. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Alex has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today! VOICES TO FOLLOW: @alexasusual - Alex Hairston@ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege @austinchanning - Austin Channing Brown PETITIONS/CALLS: Add your name to a petition demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Robert Fuller, a 23 year old man found hanging from a tree in Palmdale three days ago. His death was quickly ruled a suicide (we’ve heard that one before), and has received little coverage in the press. https://www.change.org/p/los-angeles-sheriff-s-department-palmdale-station-justice-for-robert-fuller?recruiter=1113659218&recruited_by_id=2a871440-aa2c-11ea-a860-1f38ecefd646Demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a 26 year old EMT murdered in her own home by police. Her murderers have not been arrested. Petition and suggestions for more actions at https://action.justiceforbreonna.org/sign/BreonnaWasEssential/.DONATIONS: Make a donation to the Black Trans Protestors Emergency Fund, sponsored by Black Trans Femmes in the Arts. Fund supports Black Trans protestors with resources, medical supplies, and bail funds. Cash app: bftacollective Paypal: bftacollective@gmail.comLEARN:Listen to Ibram X Kendi discuss how to be an anti-racist on Brené Brown’s podcast. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/

This is the 2nd half of my incredible conversation with the absolute light that is, Kelsee Sweigard! After crossing paths last winter, after joining the closing cast of the Kinky Boots nat'l tour, I fell madly in love with the talent and soul that is this hero of mine! Here in part 2, Kelsee gives us some more insight into what she is doing to navigate this difficult time. We discuss our time together on the road with Kinky Boots, her time on the RENT nat'l tour and she shares inspiring words for the next generation of women! I am so excited to share her voice and passion with all of you, and don't forget to go back and check out the beginning of our interview in Part 1 (episode 7). FOLLOW:Kelsee - @kelseesweigardFEEDBACK:Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

In our first two part episode, I sit down with the powerhouse that is, Kelsee Sweigard. After crossing paths last winter, after joining the closing cast of the Kinky Boots nat'l tour, I fell madly in love with the talent and soul that is this hero of mine! In part 1, Kelsee gives us some insight into what she is doing to navigate this difficult time. We discuss everything from who we are - beyond what we do, white privilege, feminism, her time on the RENT nat'l tour and her own shame resilience shield! I am so excited to share her voice and passion with all of you, and don't forget to return and check out the rest of her interview in Part 2. FOLLOW:Kelsee - @kelseesweigardFEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

In this episode I sit down with NYC casting director and friend, Gayle Seay. While maintaining social distancing from Oregon to her home in New Jersey, Gayle and I discuss how she's finding peace during this time, what its like to be a woman in a position of power in showbiz and a little bit of Tiger King! She shares the story of when show business chose her and the defining moment when casting directing changed her trajectory. Join us as we discuss representation, women and the importance of continuing to learn, while still honing your artistry. I can't wait for you to hear the wisdom and heart of this hero of mine. Stay kind loved ones, enjoy Gayle!FOLLOW: Gayle - @gayle_seayFEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

A story of incredible resilience and strength. Ta'Nika Gibson grew up in the foster care system and a series of tumultuous households. However, she never accepted the cards she was dealt. She choose education, unconditional love and kindness at every turn, refusing to be another statistic. Her life changed, only for the better, when she was 17 years old and has been full steam ahead ever since! Ta'Nika and I met 7 years ago and having this opportunity to catch up and hear, first hand, how ferociously she has manifested a career in the industry is nothing short of a miracle. The odds were never in her favor, but she actively choose love, kindness and compassion. We talk about everything from self-care, to representation, how she is navigating through Covid-19 and making her Broadway debut last fall! I can't wait for you to hear from the heart of one of my heroes. FOLLOW:Ta'Nika - @tgibstar*And don't forget to check out the incredible charity she supports, You Gotta Believe: @yougottabelievenyc FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

In the midst of self-distancing, quarantine and a world changed by the outbreak of Covid-19, I "sit down" with dear friend, Merrill Peiffer. From the comfort of our own homes, using the gift of technology, we discuss the virus, how we are copping and what we can do moving forward to heal our hearts and our earth. We reminisce of our Dancing Queen days together and Merrill shares her beautiful, empathetic soul with the generosity and effortless gravitas I've come to know and love so much. She's been an inspiration and a hero since the day I met her and no one has ever made me laugh more than this woman! Stay safe y'all and enjoy episode 4! FOLLOW:Merrill - @merrilllove FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

Welcome back! On this episode I sit down with close friend and colleague, Lynda DeFuria. We dive into creating your own work, while surviving the hustle of NYC. Lynda gives us a glimpse into her busy, but abundantly fulfilling schedule. She's balancing teaching, auditioning, running a theatre company and outreach while still making it a priority to carve out space and time for herself. We talk feminism, paving the way for the next generation of girls, the importance of therapy and our time together on tour with Kinky Boots. She is one of my heroes, and I can't wait for you to get to know her tender and receptive heart! FOLLOW: Lynda - @lyndamonsterr *Listen to her music on Spotify and Apple Music today!*AND check out her incredible theatre company, The Shrill Collective: @theshrillcollective FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

In this episode I sit down with my dear friend, Gabrielle Carrubba. We talk about her daily battle with anxiety, intersectional feminism, what it's like being a leading lady on Broadway 8 times a week and finding content while still remaining hungry for whats next. I can't wait for you all to hear her incredible insights! And check her out as Zoe in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway! FOLLOW: Gabi - @gabrielle.carrubbaFEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave

Welcome to Everyday Heroes! This is the pilot episode of our new series. In this episode: I sit down with my best friend and roommate, Catalina Gaglioti. We discuss family, New York City life, mental illness, a woman's right to choose and so much more! This girl has changed my life and I am so proud and humbled that she is willing to share her incredible story of resilience with the world! Enjoy! Now get listening! FOLLOW: Cat - @catgaglioti FEEDBACK: Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. SUBSCRIBE:And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave