The Sailin Wailin Podcast

Mo Brady is no stranger to the stage or a podcast, but since co-creating The Ensemblist in 2013, he has been shining a much-deserved spotlight on members of the ensemble, both on Broadway and across the nation. Having made his Broadway debut as a member of an ensemble himself, Mo understands the passion and hard work that makes up, what we now lovingly call, an Ensemblist. As the host for much of The Ensemblist's podcast series, Mo got to relax and ride shotgun for this interview as we speak about his early days with Disney Cruise Line, making the leap to Broadway, and finding a new voice standing up for the little guy. Be sure to find, follow, and show your love for The Ensemblist on Instagram (@theensemblist) or at their website (www.theensemblist.com). As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast. 

"When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are.” These lyrics have guided my next guest from childhood to his most recent stint as a Broadway Guest Artist on board the Disney Fantasy. Joseph Spieldenner (@joespiel) has enjoyed working along side four different casts over seven contracts with Disney, all after an extensive career as an established actor in New York City. Originating a track in Papermill Playhouse's production of “Les Miserables,” Joe went onto tour with the production before joining the Broadway production. A graduate of Florida State University, he speaks to the importance of a formal education for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the theatre. With lots of laughs, lots of light, and inspiration bursting from this interview, you're sure to to find something to love about Joe. Oh, yes, and - proclivity, n. a tendency to choose or do something regularly. As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast.

Like a fine wine, Kevin Kelly just gets better with age. From South Dakota to New York City, tune in as we learn how this theatre kid by nature landed on the high seas. Kevin (@kevinrobertkellyofficial / www.kevinrobertkelly.com) has been seen performing regionally, touring internationally with Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and is now slaying the game on board his second contract with Disney Cruise Line. We dive right into what the gig means to Kevin, pursuing work that allows him to grow as a person and performer, and the importance of failure for all of us in the industry. “One of the best teachers we have in life is failing at something.” We also land on what just may be the perfect jingle this show (apparently) needs. As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast.

A woman who is equal parts lots of laughter and lots of heart, Anica Garcia-DeGraff (@anica_zigana) is busy sharing her talents on the open sea. A recent graduate of the University of California Irvine with an MFA in Acting, Anica is thrilled to be working her first gig after grad school with Disney Cruise Line. We manage to laugh through the whole interview covering some heavy topics including representation on stage, putting yourself out there to book the job, and “Don't F*** With Cats.” Join us for a great time, and I promise you will never hear an F-bomb dropped with such grace. As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast.

It's a small world after all! Listen in as we talk all things Symiko De van der Schueren (@symikodvds), including how her start as a dancer in Australia landed her the job of a lifetime - performing around the globe in “Disney's The Lion King.” Now on her second contract with Disney Cruise Line, join us as we discuss how one company has provided a world of opportunity for a small-town girl. Please enjoy the ambient sounds of the ship's forward thrusters at the beginning of the interview. As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast. 

“Do the work that needs to be done right now, and then just sit still. And whatever is supposed to happen is going to happen.” In the second episode of Sailin Wailin, Jon let's it go with Katie Grogg (@katiegrogg on Instagram and www.katiegrogg.com) from Regent Seven Seas and Disney Cruise Line. Currently working on board the Disney Fantasy, Katie thrills guests every week when she gets to portray Elsa in ‘Frozen a Musical Spectacular' and sing her many memorable (some may say too memorable) songs. Before Disney, Katie tackled the Big Bad Apple and a previous ship contract with Regent Seven Seas. Tune in to find out what Katie, Santa Claus, and tenacity have to do with one another. As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast. 

Please welcome Sailin Wailin's very first guest, Catharine (Cat) League. Cat studied Music Theatre and Vocal Performance at Oklahoma City University before embarking on a career with the Walt Disney Company. She began as a performer at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL before taking her Actors' Equity card and moving to New York City. It was there she auditioned for Disney Cruise Line and eventually booked the role of Anna in 'Frozen a Musical Spectacular' which opened just last Fall on the Disney Fantasy. Join Cat and Jon as they talk through the highs and lows of ship life, being the resident "old folk" in their cast, and see just how important proper voice training has been for Cat over the years. Follow Cat on Instagram @catleague and find her online at www.catharineleague.com. As always, be sure to follow Sailin Wailin on Instagram @sailinwailinpodcast.