Stages Podcast

Trigger warning:  death and loss. --Shara shares an emotional clip with Pete where his health was very bad.  They were in the hospital for hospice patients whose symptoms couldn't be managed at home.  Shara also shares encouragement to others by answering the question, "How are you making it through this hard time?"

Shara discusses the emotions around Pete and Shara's eldest's wedding without Pete there.  

Today's episode is the first podcast with just Shara, a year after Pete passed away on February 15th.  She talks about things that you can do as a friend or family member of someone who is having a difficult season.  

In this episode, Pete explains all that he's learned with his different rounds and different types of chemotherapy. He gives us all three takeaways that we can keep in mind when we think about, talk about, or take on chemo. 

In this episode, Pete tells about a turn in his treatment for the worse and how it affected him differently than previous treatments. This led to a serious need for rest and recovery and forced him to take a break from posting. If you're a cancer fighter or caregiver for a cancer fighter, this episode will help you see the big picture of the journey that you're on. 

Should we be so sensitive? Just because something triggers a memory of my traumatic journey, is that bad? Or, as a fighter, can I face that fear? And, if I let it, can that actually be healthy for me? Some folks have claimed that Thor: Love and Thunder should have come with warnings because of graphic cancer treatment scenes. As a cancer fighter in the thick of it, I disagree. Listen to Part 2 where Pete gives his perspective after watching the movie. He also shares how not only did he view these scenes as a cancer fighter, but as a son who lost his mother to metastatic melanoma of the liver. 

Should we be so sensitive? Just because something triggers a memory of my traumatic journey, is that bad? Or, as a fighter, can I face that fear? And, if I let it, can that actually be healthy for me? Some folks have claimed that Thor: Love and Thunder should have come with warnings because of graphic cancer treatment scenes. As a cancer fighter in the thick of it, I disagree. In Part 1, I am going to get honest with you about things like confirmation bias when you fight cancer. I'm going to remind us all about judgment, ascribing motives, and more. I am also going to share how I think the movie has the potential of doing a lot of good. Listen to Part 1, where I give you my perspective prior to seeing Thor: Love and Thunder. Then, tune in again for Part 2, where I will give you my fresh perspective after just having seen the movie to see if I've changed my mind and perspective.

Can I take a trip for vacation when I have cancer? How can you go camping while fighting cancer? Should you go on an excursion when you're in the midst of a cancer fight?Pete discusses these questions from his usual "journey" perspective. He tells you mistakes he's made and successes while on his cancer fighting journey.Stages always want to push you, the cancer fighter, to not allow cancer to take over your life. You can choose how much weight cancer has in your life and to a great extent limit its shadow. 

In this Episode of Stages Podcast, Pete shares how he was inspired by a True Crime Drama that he and his wife have been watching on Hulu called Under the Banner of Heaven. He was inspired to dig deeper and ask some hard hitting questions of himself. Am I still truly FIGHTING cancer or am I coping? Have I allowed myself to give up ground to cancer by growing complacent and settling into a routine? Can I hold myself accountable daily to several questions that determine if I am still in the fight? Am I fighting to truly LIVE? 

We wrap up the first half of our second seaon this week.  Join us as we take a look back at the last two seasons and check in on where some of our guests are now.   We will be back August 1, 2022 with a surprise. But, keep checking in for bonus episodes during the break! Love where you are now.

Kecia Lewis is a dynamic stage and screen performer with more than 40 years working in TV, film, and theatre. Her work has been seen throughout multiple seasons of hit TV shows like "The Blacklist" and "Mad About You." She has starred on Broadway in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', LEAP OF FAITH, CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, BIG RIVER, and CHICAGO. She holds the title as the youngest actress to play "Effie" in DREAM GIRLS, right out of high school. In this episode, Kecia walks us down the memory lane of her career, talks about learning to sing from Chaka Khan, and recounts how a seven-year break from the business led to her self-discovery. Life Every Voice The Upgrade

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is an Emmy and Tony Award-nominated actor for his work as Mitchell Pritchett in ABC's "Modern Family" and currently as Mason Marzac in the Broadway revival of TAKE ME OUT. Jesse made his Broadway debut in ON THE TOWN, and was in the original Broadway cast of THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, for which he and his ensemble cast won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Cast Ensemble. He and his husband, Justin Mikita, founded a non-profit called Tie the Knot, to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of LGBTQ equality throughout the world. In this episode, Jesse talks about his documentary "Broadway Rising," experiencing fatherhood, and trying to get his mail back from Leonardo DiCaprio. Tie The Knot Architectural Digest  Cook Book

Cara Belvin is the founder of EmpowerHER, a non-profit, mentoring program for youth facing loss. Cara was nine years old when her mother, Kit, died of breast cancer, and she was desperate to meet others who could relate to her loss. Since 2013, her work has gone from local gatherings near her hometown of Boston to mentorship programs and events held across the country. In this Mother's Day episode, Cara opens up about her personal experience with great loss as a child, what she learned from her mother about parenting, and how mentorship helps heal trauma and teaches that loss is survivable. Empower Her Kaysedia Tupperware Hope Edelman

What happens when you were convinced that cancer was in your rearview mirror and it comes back aggressively?  What would be your response? Anger? Desperation? Hope? Listen to Shara and Pete as they tell their personal response to that very thing. As always, Shara will tell her beautiful perspective as a Caregiver and Pete his perspective as a Cancer Fighter. Both of them know it is a fight that they're in: A Fight for Hope!

Matt Doyle is a dynamic stage performer and successful Twitch streamer. He has graced the stage in hit shows like SPRING AWAKENING, THE BOOK OF MORMON, WAR HORSE, SWEENEY TODD, and the current Broadway revival of COMPANY. In this episode, Matt recalls the unforgettable experience of singing directly into Stephen Sondheim's face, shares life lessons from exploring Europe right after graduating high school, and adds originating a role and producing a show to his career vision board. Matt Doyle Company Tickets Romeo & Juliet

Jerad Bortz is an actor and performer, who has lit up the Broadway stage in hits like WICKED, MAMMA MIA!, and THE PIRATE QUEEN, where he met Stephanie. He lived through a life-changing car accident in 2018 that left him with a cervical spinal cord injury and paralyzed from the chest down. In this episode, Jerad shares his exploration of new ways to express his creativity, how he sings with limited mobility, and how healing begins when we share ourself in service. Thankful Album Insight Timer Meditation Mobility Assistance

Did you know that cardio and weight resistance training are a great way to stay in the fight against cancer? But, what about after cancer surgery? Listen to Pete as he tells his experience coming out of two surgeries on his colon and liver and returning to the gym.

What can you do when cancer lingers? What can you do when you just can't shake "that feeling." ever? There's a part of cancer that is a cloud that can hang over you. You never feel quite done with it. Cancer lingers. Listen to Pete as he tells his experience with this and the daily practice he takes to deal with it. 

Terry Notary is an actor, stunt double and coordinator, and movement coach. His time as a Cirque du Soleil performer led to his first job as a stunt movement coach on Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His work has also been seen, on and off screen, in Avatar, Planet of the Apes, Kong: Skull Island, The Hobbit film trilogy, The Incredible Hulk, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. In this episode, Terry explains the process of undoing effort in acting, what looking directly into the eyes of a chimpanzee can teach you about life, and the time he thought Ron Howard fired him from Whoville.   Terry Notary  Better Help

Shoshana Bean is an actress, singer and songwriter who brings her soul to the stage. She has performed alongside worldwide sensations like Ariana Grande and David Foster, and her solo albums have topped iTunes R&B and Blues charts in the U.S. and U.K. Her fourth album, "Spectrum," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz charts. A veteran of the Broadway stage, Shoshana made her debut in the original cast of HAIRSPRAY and starring as the first replacement Elphaba in WICKED. She is currently originating the role of "Susan Young" in the musical adaptation of Billy Crystal's MR. SATURDAY NIGHT. In this episode, Shoshana compares originating a character versus replacing a role in a Broadway show, examines her ownership and pride of her Judaism through working with a mostly Jewish cast, and what it's like to live with Harvey Fierstein as the voice inside your head. Shoshana Bean Mr. Saturday Night Purple Rain

Sarah Ruhl is an Award-winning playwright, author, essayist and professor. She is a Pulitzer Prize Finalist, MacArthur Fellowship Recipient, Helen Hayes Award winner, and Tony Award nominee. Among her most popular plays are Eurydice, The Clean House, and In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play).    In this episode, Sarah shares the stories behind her new book Smile: The Story of a Face. Smile chronicles her experience with Bell's palsy, a condition that came on suddenly after the birth of her twins. She talks with us about radical self acceptance, motherhood, and her love of soup.   Sarah Ruhl Surreal Life       

Michael James Scott is an actor, singer, and performer who radiates joy, on and off stage. He has starred in Broadway hits like THE BOOK OF MORMON, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, ELF THE MUSICAL, THE PIRATE QUEEN, and is currently granting wishes on Broadway as "Genie" in Disney's ALADDIN. He is also a member of Broadway Inspirational Voices, a choir of Broadway artists united to change lives through the power of music and service.  In this episode, Michael shares wisdom he learned from dance legends like Ann Reinking, Gwen Verdon, and Ben Vereen, his decision to hear the word "no" as "maybe," and how joy and gratitude elevates his life. Michael J Scott Broadway Inspirational Voices Fosse

Daniel Pink is a The New York Times best-selling author, television producer, and acclaimed political speech writer. He has written seven books, including When, A Whole New Mind, and Drive. In this episode, Daniel introduces us to his newest book, The Power of Regret: How Looking Back Moves Us Forward. He shares his insights on why regret is the most misunderstood human emotion, and when embraced, it can lead us down a pathway to our best life. Dan has authored seven books and is an acclaimed political speech writer. Daniel Pink World Wide Reget Survey Dan McAdams

Pete and Shara began 2022 knowing that they were headed into surgery. This surgery was to remove all cancer seen with the scans. This would involve surgical removal of some sections of Pete's liver as well as a resection of his colon. Listen to both the perspective of the fighter and the caregiver as Pete and Shara recount their experience with this surgery. 

Rick Negron does a little bit of everything in the entertainment world. He is an actor, singer, and dancer, as well as a director, choreographer, producer, and sometimes yogi. He has starred in MAMMA MIA, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, IN THE HEIGHTS, and can currently be seen as King George III in the "And Peggy" company of the national tour of HAMILTON. In this episode, Rick shares stories from working with Lin-Manuel Miranda while he was creating IN THE HEIGHTS at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, getting to perform with the show in his home country of Puerto Rico, and how the uncertain future of an actor keeps him living in the present. RIck Negron Funky Chicken Hamilton Tickets

Donna Murphy is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning Actress who has built an illustrious career on stage and screen. She won a Tony Award for her performances in PASSION and THE KING AND I and has lit up the Broadway stage in WONDERFUL TOWN, LOVE/MUSIK, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, HELLO, DOLLY!, and many more.  Her voice is famously known as "Mother Gothel" in Disney's "Tangled," and she can currently be seen in HBO's "Gossip Girl" and "The Gilded Age." In this episode, Donna breaks down the art of preparation, discovering identity in storytelling, and becoming a mother through step-parenthood and adoption.  The Road Less Traveled The Gilded Age Donna Murphy

Kamilah Marshall is a singer, actress, and songwriter who has performed in some of the world's largest arenas with Bette Midler, Taylor Swift, and The Rolling Stones. She has starred in long-running Broadway hits, including RENT, THE LION KING, and HAIRSPRAY. In this episode, Kamilah generously opens up about the recent death of her mother, Stevi Meredith, how great loss changed the way she sees and walks through the world, healing through songwriting, and her total and complete obsession with Jimi Hendrix. Kamilah Marshall Game Night on Broadstream Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit

Patti Penn is a Reiki Master and EFT Practitioner and founder of Pause in Joy. Her ability collapses root causes of conscious and unconscious wounds, deep traumas and limiting beliefs to radically transform physical well-being. Her work is featured in the Award-winning documentary, "Heal." In this episode, Patti talks about tapping into your true self, being aware of the stories we tell ourselves, and how to practice self love. Pause In Joy EFT coaching program Reiki Programs

Jason Alexander is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actor, known for his work on stage and screen in long-running tv shows like "Seinfeld" and big screen hits like "Pretty Woman." He won his Tony and Grammy Awards for his work in JEROME ROBBINS' BROADWAY and served as the Artistic Director of "Reprise!" in Los Angeles. In this episode, Jason shares how being George Costanza, the everyman anti-hero, helped define his career, how building an acting foundation allows an artist to then just play on screen and on stage, how he broaches polarizing topics with those who hold world views very different than his own, and his exciting new venture in podcasting.  Starts With Us Touching The Void Raisin In The Sun: "Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most; when they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you aint through learning-becuase they aint all the time at all. ~ Lorraine Hansenberry

Kristina Wong is a comedienne and satirist, known for shows that tackle race, identity, and privilege. Her shows include "Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Wong Street Journal," and "Kristina Wong Sweatshop Overlord," which was performed and streamed with New York Theatre Workshop. In this episode, Kristina discusses what inspired her to run for public office, the parallels she discovered between comedians and politicians, and how she turned her panic into action during the pandemic by founding the mutual aid network, Auntie Sewing Squad. (A.S.S) Auntie Sewing Squad Book Kristina Wong Asian Arts Initiative

Joe DiPietro is a Tony Award-winning playwright and lyricist. His musicals and plays have received thousands of productions across the country and around the world, including NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, MEMPHIS, ALL SHOOK UP, LIVING ON LOVE, THE TOXIC AVENGER, THE THING ABOUT MEN, and, most recently, DIANA: THE MUSICAL. In this episode, Joe shares behind the scenes of the Netflix filming of DIANA: THE MUSICAL, his new collaboration on the Sir Tom Jones musical WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT, and growing up with a big Italian family in New Jersey. Joe Dipietro It's Only Make Believe The Oradell Library

Mandy Gonzalez is an actress and author. She is currently starring as Angelica in the Broadway hit "Hamilton". Mandy is best known for her portrayal of Nina Rosario in In "The Heights" She has also starred in "Lennon", "Dance Of The Vampires", "Aida" and  "Wicked.  In this episode, Mandy talks about first meeting Lin-Manuel Miranda in the Drama Book Shop basement, her journey with cancer and wellness, and her you young adult book series, Fearless.  Crazy Sexy Cancer Mandy Gonzalez Drama Book Shop

Andrew Rannells is a Tony-nominated actor known for his work on stage and screen. He has starred on Broadway in THE BOOK OF MORMON, HAMILTON, FALSETTOS, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, BOYS IN THE BAND, and more. He starred in HBO's "Girls," NBC's "The New Normal," Showtime's "Black Monday," Netflix's "The Prom," and Tina Fay's Girls5eva on Peacock. His many voice acting credits, including as Matthew MacDell on Netflix's "Big Mouth." In this episode, Andrew talks about his coming-of-age memoir, Too Much is Not Enough, his costume party with Meryl Streep, and reminisces with Stephanie about their time on stage together in FALSETTOS.

Megan Hilty brings holiday cheer wherever she goes. She played "Glinda" on Broadway in WICKED, worked with Dolly Parton in 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL and flexed her physical comedy muscles in NOISES OFF, for which she earned Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations. She performs her concerts around the world and her voice is recognizable from animated series like CENTAURWORLD, TROLLSTOPIA, & AMERICAN DAD . In this episode, Megan breaks down her obsession with Christmas, how that love translated to the making of her holiday album, and how her stage-to-screen crossover came by way of playing breakout star Ivy Lynn on NBC's "Smash." Lets Be Bad A Merry Little Christmas Oh Holy Night 

Megan Hilty brings holiday cheer wherever she goes. She played "Glinda" on Broadway in WICKED, worked with Dolly Parton in 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL and flexed her physical comedy muscles in NOISES OFF, for which she earned Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations. She performs her concerts around the world and her voice is recognizable from animated series like CENTAURWORLD, TROLLSTOPIA, & AMERICAN DAD . In this episode, Megan breaks down her obsession with Christmas, how that love translated to the making of her holiday album, and how her stage-to-screen crossover came by way of playing breakout star Ivy Lynn on NBC's "Smash." Lets Be Bad A Merry Little Christmas Oh Holy Night 

As I get deeper into chemo rounds, what side effects will I encounter? What kind of pain will I experience? Will I throw up every time? My friend had it bad, but then the cancer went away, is that what I can expect? It is tempting to compare and contrast your journey with others' journeys. Pete speaks to this near the end of this episode. You'll want to hear this! This will help you as a cancer fighter or as a caregiver. This is an honest and raw discussion around the real symptoms and side effects of a chemotherapy journey. In this episode, Pete discusses in detail the side effects he encountered on his journey through chemo. He also tells you some things he learned that mitigate those challenges. 

In this episode of Stages Podcast, Pete encourages us through focusing on the healthcare team that will surround us. Pete: "Your nurses, pharmacists, doctors, oncologists, all your healthcare workers are heroes and they will become like family." But, it is a two sided deal. We as cancer fighters need to talk and share our lives with them. They face cancer every day and work ungodly hours to help each of us experience the least amount of pain and suffering that we can. They are tireless in their care for you. They have become some of the best friends that I have in life. 

Just prior to his first day of treatment, Pete had so many questions still: Will I be having chemo on a hospital bed in my own private room? Will I experience any side effects while I'm receiving chemo?  If so, how quickly? What is infusion? How is chemotherapy administered? Can I bring someone with me into chemo for support? How long is the procedure? Pete had these questions and many more before Round #1 of Chemotherapy. Listen as he tells you his journey through that first round in the hospital and what he learned.

Danny Burstein is an Award-winning actor of stage and screen. He won the Tony Award in 2020 for his performance as "Harold Zidler" in MOULIN ROUGE! on Broadway. He has also starred in recent revivals of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, FOLLIES, GOLDEN BOY, SOUTH PACIFIC and CABARET and originated roles in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and more. He has also worked on the BBC sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous," HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," and NBC's "Law & Order." In this episode, Danny shares stories about the “naughty” actors he worked with when he was young, getting back to work on Broadway in MOULIN ROUGE!, and the lessons he has learned from the iconic actors who mentored him.  Moulin Rouge Rumi~ The House Guest ALS Foundation Hollywood Reporter

Pete had just been diagnosed with cancer and he's starting chemo for the first time. His head was swirling with questions: What is chemotherapy like? What should I know going into my first round? Is chemo the same for everyone or are there different types? Does everyone lose their hair during chemo? Result: I'm scared.These were only the beginning of questions Pete had before going through his first round of chemotherapy. In this episode of Stages Podcast, Pete begins to tell his journey through chemo and answer these questions and more. 

How will I feel after radiation? What side effects does radiation have? Much of the fear that we have around radiation treatment is based on what we believe the answers to those questions are. In this post, Pete honestly describes his journey through recovery and how he felt. It was a battle and it wasn't easy. Each person's journey can vary, but this is Pete's journey. 

What is the actual radiation procedure like? Do you feel any pain during the actual treatment session? What should I or my loved one be prepared for?Again, if this is our first experience with radiation, we can go to dark places in our thoughts as to how bad this is going to be. Assuredly, radiation is not a picnic. Simply put, when we're fighting a life threatening disease, often our battle options are deadly as well, because we're trying to kill cancer. It is a war. Yet, we must avoid throwing our hands up and expecting apocalyptic pain. Cancer treatments have come a long way since our parents and grandparents experienced them. The actual procedure might surprise you...in a good way. Listen as Pete tells his journey through his radiation experience and what the treatment sessions were really like. 

Pamela Bob is a multi-hyphenate creator --- actress, producer, writer, make-up artist and photographer. She has been seen on Broadway in HAND TO GOD and A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. She was recently featured by FORBES Magazine for her award winning new television series, Livin' On A Prairie. In this episode, Pamela looks back at the magical moments that led to her creating "Livin on a Prairie," balancing motherhood with her career, and the quest for more "woo woo moments" in life.    Pamela Bob Livin' On A Prairie Forbes  

Timing Matters. When you discuss radiation with your oncology team for the first time, you will learn that timing is everything. So, there are a few variables to consider with your team before you can decide to pull the trigger on radiation. Listen as Pete discusses his experience deciding with his cancer team when to move forward with radiation and all that they had to take into account to land on a date. This was a very difficult decision to arrive at because each treatment choice poses a risk to other treatments.

So many of us have misconceptions about radiation based on past experiences from several years ago to what we conjure up in our minds. This is often because we have heard bits and pieces of stories around radiation and we've developed our own mythology on what it is and what it is like to go through. Track Pete's journey through radiation as he walks us through each step of his treatment. Our minds can assign images and ideas  to radiation: "Ride the Lightning" was a description Pete conjured up.  He thought it would radiation would bring burning, sizzling, extreme pain, and sickness in one of the most sensitive parts of his body. He found out that I was wrong and right on some things, but that his entire idea of what radiation was...was way off! 

You asked, we answered.  In our episode of giving thanks, Seren Cho, Fellow Stages Podcast team member, takes the host seat to ask Stephanie and Marylee what you want to know, including their answers to "The Five Questions." In Gratitude, we thank you for supporting us. Barry Manilow Patricia Ellsberg Anodea Judith Louise Hay

Joe Celli is a six time Emmy Award-winning Production Designer and Art Director, who has been recognized for his work on The Academy Awards, "So You Think You Can Dance," "American Idol," and TV Musicals including "Hairspray Live," "Grease Live," and "A Christmas Story."  In this episode, Joe talks about the unlikely call that shifted his focus from actor to art director, how he became the go-to musical theater guy in Los Angeles, and reveals how sharing his art is like sharing hidden parts of himself. Joe Celli Joseph Urban In And Of Itself

Anne Kauffman is an Award-winning theatrical director. She's earned multiple Obie Awards, Lortel Award and a Lily Award and is currently directing THE BEDWETTER, a new musical by Sarah Silverman, Joshua Harmon, and the late Adam Schlesinger, for the Atlantic Theater Company.  She has served as Artistic Director of New York City Center's Encores! Off-Center. She has worked across the country with Steppenwolf Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Roundabout Theatre Company, and many more. In this episode, Anne talks about her journey from an aspiring actor to an acclaimed director, the importance of creating a collaborative rehearsal room, and questioning herself as a leader during the theatrical shut down.  Preamble to the United States Constitution The People's Institute (PISAB) The Bedwetter Tickets

In this episode, we relate to Kate Bowler's telling of how she had to admit that she did not how to do this: Live with life as a chronic condition. She gives this beautiful illustration of hikers on the Appalachian Trail and the advice she was given by them that really helped her. Shara (Pete's wife and caregiver) and Pete (cancer fighter) share their very fresh (this week) experience with uncertainty and a climbing cancer number even when radiation was to reduce that number significantly. Dealing with life as a chronic condition is daily and they share how we can do so by laying things down, giving them up, and as a result allowing themselves to be...human. 

Jimmy Moses, also known as the Stage Door Meduim, has been a practicing Medium for ten years.  He built a career that combines two of his favorite things- theater and Mediumship- and has done readings for top Broadway stars on his podcast, including our very own Stephanie J. Block. In this episode, Jimmy talks about how he discovered his talent, what he loves most about helping others, and looks back on some of his favorite readings.  Stage Door Meduim SJB Stage Door Episode Book Jimmy Recommends

Tamara Tunie is an actress, director & producer. She has starred in Law & Order:SVU, As the World Turns, Flight, The Devil's Advocate and on Broadway. She won a Tony Award for the production of Spring Awakening. In this episode, Tamara shares stories about growing up in Pittsburgh, the importance of a well-rounded education, and her vision of the afterlife. Tamara Tunie Harlem Stage Figure Skating In Harlem Black Theater United