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Wolk mob rejoice and prepare for whiplash! Actor/comedian/internet enfant terrible Ivy Wolk was brutally attacked but still joined us on zoom, quickly followed by the great Al Jardine from the Beach Boys talking Pet Sounds, On Cinema and Mike Love among other topics.Support Office Hours, watch or listen to another hour of today's episode including a question for Tim from Todd Glass, classic rock puns, Doug's Movie Pun game and much more with OFFICE HOURS+, and get tons of additional content at patreon.com/officehourslive with a FREE seven-day trial.Go see Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band perform The Beach Boys Love You and much more at the United Theater on Broadway in LA on Friday, February 27. Get tickets here. Go see Todd Glass: The Event of a Lifetime in NY March 5 - 7. Get tickets here.Shop our new merch items at officehours.merchtable.com.Watch the latest season of On Cinema at the Cinema and get tickets to The Certified Five Bags of Popcorn tour before it sells out at heinetwork.tv.Follow Office Hours Live at instagram.com/officialofficehours tiktok.com/@officehourslive & youtube.com/officehoursliveFind everything else officialofficehours.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week, Scott sat down with his foreign-policy-minded colleagues Daniel Byman, Michael Feinberg, and Ari Tabatabai to talk through some recent big news stories around the world, including:“Beer Hall Push-back.” Over the weekend, a raft of bipartisan U.S. and European officials headed to Bavaria for the annual Munich Security Conference. Last year, Vice President J.D. Vance gave a barnburner of a speech, accusing European allies of restraining free speech and giving succor to the European far right. This year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a more conciliatory set of remarks that nonetheless signaled that there were some fundamental changes happening in the relationship. For their part, European leaders mostly seemed to be on board with that as they increasingly leaned into the public stance that it was time for the continent to stand on its own, independent of the United States, although how feasible that will be and on what timeline remain the big questions. What should we make of the different remarks we heard from the conference and the broader messages the two sides are sending to each other? And is this a sign of an impending divorce or a different sort of shift in the U.S.-European transatlantic relationship? “Rial Talk.” American and Iranian officials met again this week in Geneva to negotiate an end to the Islamic Republic's nuclear weapons program in exchange for an easing or elimination of U.S. sanctions on Iran. The negotiations took place amidst continued saber rattling by both President Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who threatened in a speech ahead of the talks to sink U.S. warships in the region if Iran came under attack. Nonetheless, some participants in the negotiations—particularly the mediators from Oman—seemed optimistic that the two sides were getting closer to some sort of common understanding about how they might move forward. But U.S. military assets are continuing to accumulate in the region, leading some to conclude that a military operation may yet be on the horizon. Is there space for a deal? Or iare we going to see another war in Iran?“Xi Who Must Not Be Named.” A year in, the second Trump administration has not proven to be the China hawk that many expected. Far from drawing a hard line on all things China as the first Trump administration often seemed to do, U.S. officials have instead been surprisingly quiet and conciliatory in regard to China, at least outside the trade context. This has remained true even as reports have emerged of Xi Jinping purging his military of non-loyalists, modernizing China's nuclear arsenal, and building more submarines—all steps with the potential to significantly upset the balance of power in Asia and beyond. What is the real logic underlying the Trump administration's seemingly quixotic approach to China, and where might it lead the broader relationship between the two major powers? In object lessons, Dan is delighting in John Company, a social-climbing, backroom-dealing, hostile-bargaining board game to, you know, escape the harsh realities of the real world. Ari enthusiastically recommends the Broadway adaptation of Death Becomes Her, which somehow manages to be even quirkier than the original film. Scott has been sucked into the social media abyss by Jess and Quinn's corny, absurdist, and pun-oriented humor. And Mike offers an anti-object-lesson warning: the “Poetry for Kids” series is not, in fact, reliably for kids.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Scott sat down with his foreign-policy-minded colleagues Daniel Byman, Michael Feinberg, and Ari Tabatabai to talk through some recent big news stories around the world, including:“Beer Hall Push-back.” Over the weekend, a raft of bipartisan U.S. and European officials headed to Bavaria for the annual Munich Security Conference. Last year, Vice President J.D. Vance gave a barnburner of a speech, accusing European allies of restraining free speech and giving succor to the European far right. This year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a more conciliatory set of remarks that nonetheless signaled that there were some fundamental changes happening in the relationship. For their part, European leaders mostly seemed to be on board with that as they increasingly leaned into the public stance that it was time for the continent to stand on its own, independent of the United States, although how feasible that will be and on what timeline remain the big questions. What should we make of the different remarks we heard from the conference and the broader messages the two sides are sending to each other? And is this a sign of an impending divorce or a different sort of shift in the U.S.-European transatlantic relationship? “Rial Talk.” American and Iranian officials met again this week in Geneva to negotiate an end to the Islamic Republic's nuclear weapons program in exchange for an easing or elimination of U.S. sanctions on Iran. The negotiations took place amidst continued saber rattling by both President Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who threatened in a speech ahead of the talks to sink U.S. warships in the region if Iran came under attack. Nonetheless, some participants in the negotiations—particularly the mediators from Oman—seemed optimistic that the two sides were getting closer to some sort of common understanding about how they might move forward. But U.S. military assets are continuing to accumulate in the region, leading some to conclude that a military operation may yet be on the horizon. Is there space for a deal? Or iare we going to see another war in Iran?“Xi Who Must Not Be Named.” A year in, the second Trump administration has not proven to be the China hawk that many expected. Far from drawing a hard line on all things China as the first Trump administration often seemed to do, U.S. officials have instead been surprisingly quiet and conciliatory in regard to China, at least outside the trade context. This has remained true even as reports have emerged of Xi Jinping purging his military of non-loyalists, modernizing China's nuclear arsenal, and building more submarines—all steps with the potential to significantly upset the balance of power in Asia and beyond. What is the real logic underlying the Trump administration's seemingly quixotic approach to China, and where might it lead the broader relationship between the two major powers? In object lessons, Dan is delighting in John Company, a social-climbing, backroom-dealing, hostile-bargaining board game to, you know, escape the harsh realities of the real world. Ari enthusiastically recommends the Broadway adaptation of Death Becomes Her, which somehow manages to be even quirkier than the original film. Scott has been sucked into the social media abyss by Jess and Quinn's corny, absurdist, and pun-oriented humor. And Mike offers an anti-object-lesson warning: the “Poetry for Kids” series is not, in fact, reliably for kids.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bob the Drag Queen, former 'Rupaul's Drag Race' champion and current star of Broadway's 'Moulin Rouge!', joins us for a chat about being both a drag queen and a comedian, at the same time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
'The View' co-hosts and guest co-host Savannah Chrisley weigh in after former Prince Andrew — Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor — was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the emergence of documents detailing communication between him and Jeffrey Epstein. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Amber Ruffin joins the show to share the inspiration behind her new off‑Broadway musical 'Bigfoot!', marking her first original stage production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hiddleston and Atwell to bring ‘Much Ado’ to NYC; Mr. Shue to join ‘Just in Time’ Patreon: BroadwayRadiohttps://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name. 1) Jamie Lloyd’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ to play Broadway this fallhttps://deadline.com/2026/02/tom-hiddleston-hayley-atwell-much-ado-about-nothing-broadway-1236729230/ 2) Matthew Morrison to join ‘Just in read more
In this episode, we revisit a conversation between Patti Murphy and FDNY Lt Matt Connor covering the Equitable Building fire on January 9th, 1912. This event tested the courage and skill of the FDNY in some of the most extreme conditions. The 10-story building at 120 Broadway in Lower Manhattan was considered “fireproof.” In reality, it was cast iron, full of combustible materials, and lacked automatic fire protection. A discarded match in the basement sparked a fire that quickly spread through open elevator shafts and stairways. FDNY members battled frigid temperatures, high winds, and ice. Six people lost their lives, including Battalion Chief William J. Walsh, who was killed when part of the building collapsed. Despite the danger, firefighters performed several dramatic rescues. The fire led to significant reforms in firefighting, from zoning resolutions and high-pressure hydrants to operational changes. Most notably, it inspired the creation of Rescue Company 1 in March 1915, which quickly fielded Draeger smoke helmets—providing the first rescue company in the United States with a breathing apparatus. The Equitable Building was rebuilt with a steel frame, completed in 1915, and became the largest office building in the world by floor area for a time. Over the past century, it has housed countless commercial tenants, standing as a testament to American resilience and ingenuity. In just a few weeks, FDNY members will return to the Equitable Building for an exercise testing next-generation Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Ascending from the lobby to the upper floors in full gear and on air, they'll connect the storied past of the FDNY with the fire service's readiness for the future. This episode originally aired January 13th, 2022.
My guest today on Broadway Nation is the Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, arranger, and music producer, MARC SHAIMAN, who has found spectacular success in nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry, including film, television, and theater, but is probably best known to fans of this podcast as the composer and co-lyricist of the Broadway smash hit musical HAIRSPRAY. Marc joins us today to tell us about his star-studded new book, NEVER MIND THE HAPPY, which recently became a New York Times bestseller. In this candid, hilarious, and at times quite moving memoir, Shaiman looks back over five decades of his amazing career. I found this to be a delightful conversation filled with behind-the-scenes stories and impromptu musical punctuations that I suspect you will not soon forget! Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part by the generous support of our Patron Club Members, including our newest patron, Arnold Hirshon. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, we first head to 1990s New York City with Broadway actor and author Andrew Keenan-Bolger, here to celebrate his YA novel Limelight. Set in 1996, the story follows Danny, a shy Staten Island teen who lands a spot at LaGuardia High School, the famed performing arts school. Andrew explains that Danny is not a version of his younger, confident, Broadway‑kid self; instead, he wanted to write about someone with their "nose pressed to the glass," feeling like an outsider looking in—just like so many real teens do. Andrew talks about moving to New York as a child actor, the sensory overload of Times Square in the 90s, and how that era's gritty, transforming city—along with the evolving realities of queer life post–AIDS crisis—shaped this queer coming‑of‑age story. He leans into the darkness of the period: toxic masculinity, homophobia, racism, and misogyny, while still keeping the book tender and often funny. Theater deeply informs his writing—his sense of rhythm, character, and ensemble—and writing Limelight alone gave him a new sense of confidence and purpose. He also dreams of adapting the book for TV or film someday. Later in the episode, we travel to Hartford, Connecticut, to meet Devon Torres, author‑illustrator of the rhyming picture book Freddy the Frog. Devon shares how Freddy's playful, confident energy is meant to remind families of unstructured playground fun in a screen‑saturated world. Drawing on his love of art, support from his wife, and inspiration from teachers, Devon hopes the Friendables series will blend vibrant illustrations, joyful play, and gentle learning for young readers.
Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights unveils the captivating duality of one of America's most revered theatrical legends. Known for her poise, talent, and commanding presence on stage, Ethel Barrymore was paradoxically a woman of deep reserve and quiet introspection. This richly detailed biography offers an intimate portrait of the First Lady of the American Theatre, tracing her journey from the gilded footlights of Broadway to the screens of early Hollywood. This book explores how Barrymore's quiet strength shaped a dynasty―and how her shy soul reigned behind the curtain of fame. A must-read for lovers of theater, classic film, and untold stories of iconic women.
Send a textIt's a brand new chapter for Broadway Besties. This week, Mark introduces listeners to Carson Twitchell, a passionate Broadway superfan, sharp opinion-holder, and the newest voice joining the show as co-host. From the shows that shaped him to the performers he worships (and the ones he definitely does not), Carson doesn't hold back. The two dive into favorite musicals, controversial takes, dream revivals, and the hot opinions that will either unite fans or start a full-blown theater war. Plus, Mark and Carson discover where they're perfectly in sync and where they completely clash. It's funny, honest, a little chaotic, and the perfect kickoff to a fresh era of Broadway Besties.
In this episode of The Tales From Hollywoodland Podcast, the crew shines the spotlight on the greatest female Broadway musical film stars who dazzled audiences both on stage and on the silver screen. From Broadway legends who conquered Hollywood to film icons who brought theatrical magic to movie musicals, we explore the careers, performances, and cultural […] The post Great Female Broadway Musical Stars | From Stage to Screen Legends appeared first on The ESO Network.
In this episode of The Tales From Hollywoodland Podcast, the crew shines the spotlight on the greatest female Broadway musical film stars who dazzled audiences both on stage and on the silver screen. From Broadway legends who conquered Hollywood to film icons who brought theatrical magic to movie musicals, we explore the careers, performances, and cultural impact of stars like Mary Martin, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Ethel Merman, and Bernadette Peters. We celebrate iconic performances in classic movie musicals like The Sound of Music, Funny Girl, Annie Get Your Gun, and other unforgettable Broadway-to-Hollywood adaptations that defined generations of entertainment. If you love Broadway musicals, classic Hollywood films, and powerhouse female performers, this episode is for you. Subscribe now to The Tales From Hollywoodland Podcast for weekly deep dives into Hollywood history, film legends, and entertainment icons. We want to hear from you! Feedback is always welcome. Please write to us at talesfromhollywoodland@gmail.com, and why not subscribe and rate the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and wherever fine podcasts are found. #BroadwayLegends #MovieMusicals #HollywoodHistory #JulieAndrews #BarbraStreisand #LizaMinnelli #ClassicHollywood #TalesFromHollywoodland #FilmPodcast #BroadwayToHollywood
Rachel and Jacklyn continue to share their picks for the best and worst songs from today's most popular Broadway musicals. Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/8S1e8MwVHvw Check out more song breakdowns and thoughts on all Broadway musicals on onstageblog.com!onstageblog.comfacebook.com/onstageblogtwitter.com/onstagebloginstagram.com/onstagebloghttps://www.youtube.com/@onstageblog8213
SPRING TOUR TICKETS > barstoolsports.com/events/bestshowonearthtour. Intro! (00:00-11:42). America's Next Top Model docuseries recap (12:31-33:22). Miley Cyrus announces Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special (33:23-39:35). PopCorner voicemails: Huge clues at every breakfast on The Traitors?, The Housemaid should've been a TV show, Chris Harrison's new reality dating show + more! (40:25-1:01:06). Interview with Mark Ballas - talking everything going down on The Traitors, Dancing with the Stars, seeing Whitney Leavitt on Broadway + more! (1:01:51-1:45:56). CITO LINKS > barstool.link/chicks-in-the-office.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/chicks-in-the-office
Today's Mystery: A derelict is found shot with two bullets in his body from two different guns.Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 22, 1951Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Tony Barrett; Lillian Buyeff; Bob Bruce; Paul Frees; Edgar BarrierSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Eliza, Patreon supporter since July 2021.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
On this episode of Latinos Out Loud, host, Rachel La Loca chats with Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and storyteller Rick Najera. Rick has partnered with publisher Jacqueline S. Ruiz of Fig Factor Media to launch The Latino Family Chronicles—a book series highlighting multigenerational Latino families who have shaped America. The first title, Love, Truth and Loyalty, follows the d'Escoto family's journey from Nicaragua to the U.S., blending heartfelt storytelling with cultural insight. (This family also has Chicago roots!) The two sketch comedy lovers also chat about Rick writing on iconic sketch show, In Living Color, the importance of authentic storytelling and more. Follow Rick / ricknajera Follow Rachel / rachellaloca Follow Latinos Out Loud / wearelatinosoutloud And while you're at it, follow the yellow brick road :) MORE ON RICK: Rick Najera has received numerous industry awards for his work. like Broadway in his award-winning, self-penned stageplay, Latinologues, directed by comedy legend Cheech Marin. staff writer on the groundbreaking urban comedy series, In Living Color, for which he wrote more than 30 episodes. Najera went on to write for Townsend TV (10 episodes), MAD TV (47 episodes), East Los High – a Hulu original (21 episodes) and more. He penned the feature film Nothing Like the Holidays starring Debra Messing, Alfred Molina, John Leguizamo and Luis Guzman, which won him an ALMA Award. Najera learned from great writers like Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino and Scorsese to “write what you know' and has been a pioneer in Hollywood telling his American experience, from a Latino perspective. #LatinosOutLoud #Podcast #Comedy #Writers #RickNajera
reaking down the Broadway grosses for the week ending Feb. 15, 2026 Patreon: BroadwayRadiohttps://www.patreon.com/broadwayradio For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@broadwayradio.com and include the episode name. 1) Last week’s Broadway grosses:https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/ 2) Whitney Leavitt to return to ‘Chicago’https://deadline.com/2026/02/broadway-box-office-whitney-leavitt-chicago-1236726935/ 3) Bleu, Behlmann to join ‘Great Gatsby’ on Broadwayhttps://www.theatermania.com/news/corbin-bleu-john-behlmann-joining-great-gatsby-on-broadway_1824646/
Darius de Haas is a fabulous, award-winning singer whose work runs the gamut from Broadway to recordings to concerts. Here's all you need to know. He was the singing voice for the character Shy Baldwin on Amazon's smash hit “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for three seasons. The New York Times describes him as "An astonishing vocal acrobat combining the timbre of a pure wind instrument with the swinging authority of a jazz powerhouse." He's performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, London's Royal Festival Hall, The Kennedy Center and The Boston Pops. He has performed with artists including Elvis Costello, Debbie Harry, Marvin Hamlisch, Roberta Flack and Vanessa Williams. He's also an award-winning actor who made his Broadway debut in the original production of “Kiss Of The Spiderwoman” followed by the original Broadway cast of “Rent”.My featured song is “Ode To Jerry” from the album Play by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link.—-----------------------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH DARIUS:www.dariusdehaas.com—----------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST RELEASE:“MA PETITE FLEUR STRING QUARTET” is Robert's latest release. It transforms his jazz ballad into a lush classical string quartet piece. Praised by a host of classical music stars.CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—---------------------------------------ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLE“MI CACHIMBER” is Robert's recent single. It's Robert's tribute to his father who played the trumpet and loved Latin music.. Featuring world class guest artists Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhornCLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINKCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------------ROBERT'S LATEST ALBUM:“WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's latest compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com
Like the episode? Let us know with a quick text!Alison interviews ultra runner and author Josh Coleman about his book, Moving Forward: Running With Grief, which centers on his grief after his wife Erin's death and the importance of community support for those grieving.Josh explains he wrote the book to keep Erin's legacy alive, capture who she was for those who never met her (including the trail running community), help process his own grief, and share how he grieved without prescribing a “right way” to others; he emphasizes that grief doesn't end but is carried as you move forward.They discuss Erin's passion for theater and Broadway, how she and Josh supported each other's different pursuits, and how Josh honors her through a Broadway playlist and by carrying Erin's obituary card during races. Allison highlights a quote from the book about runners carrying “invisible memorials.”Josh recounts his running background from childhood through marathons, qualifying attempts for Boston, and his transition to trail and ultra running after Erin's passing in June 2022, including his first 50K (Sweat, Swat, & Swear) in May 2023 and his first 100-miler (Bighorn 100), where he drew strength from Erin's tenacity.He describes becoming more open about grief on the trails, which encourages others to share their own trauma and loss, and frames himself as an unexpected “grief advocate.”Josh shares lessons from ultras—patience, relentless forward progress, not quitting unless injury requires it, breaking big challenges into aid-station segments, and the value of community encouragement, recovery, cross-training, and gear.In closing, Josh advises people to start small, volunteer to get involved, and highlights that supporting grief is about showing up and being present rather than trying to fix someone's pain.Josh Coleman - https://www.facebook.com/joshpcolemanRaces MentionedBoston MarathonNew Jersey MarathonMiami MarathonSweat, Swat, Swear 50kBighorn 100Tahoe 200Bigfoot 200Moab 240Leadville 100kBlack Canyon 50kChicago MarathonCoca Dona 250Old Ephraim 200Shout OutsErin ColemanJanCaleb OlsonAnn TrasonSupport the showFor more details on Run Your Story happenings, visit https://runyourstory.com/For web development or tech services, visit https://gaillardts.com/Go Run Your Story and take a piece of this story with you! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news on upcoming episodes. Support me on Patreon!Can't wait to hear Your Run Story!! Thank you to all of our Patreon supporters!Kristen RatherSteve TaylorMary TrufantSuzanne CristSuzanne ClarkAnna SzymanskiDave McDonaldKarla McInnisJames ContrattoJordan DuBoseCristy EvansSharonda ShulaNell GustavsonMeredith NationsAllyson SwannChris StrayhornKaren SaldivarStefan ClaytonRachael McRaeScott Thornhill
In this episode of “Half Hour”, we take a deeper dive into the New York City Center Encores! production of High Spirits, the 1964 musical adaptation of Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit with music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray. We explore how the book, score, and central conceit of a haunted marriage land with contemporary audiences, and how this revival frames the piece within Encores!'s mission to revisit rarely produced shows. The conversation covers Jessica Stone's direction, Ellenore Scott's choreography, and the overall shape and pacing of this concert staging, as well as the Encores! series more broadly and what this production suggests about the musical's future life. We look closely at the performances from Katrina Lenk as Elvira, Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale as Ruth and Charles Condomine, Andrea Martin as Madame Arcati, Rachel Dratch as Edith, Campbell Scott as Dr. Bradman, and Jennifer Sánchez as Mrs. Bradman, considering what's working within the ensemble and how the casting highlights the show's humor and tone. We also discuss David Zinn's scenic design, as well as the production's visual and sonic world in the context of City Center's concert-style approach, and how High Spirits holds up compared with its original 1964 Broadway run. The episode wraps with our “Half-Minute” segment, where each is given one specific moment from this High Spirits to rant about. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Share your thoughts on this production in the comments on Spotify, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show conversations, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, I'm thrilled to announce my interview with Tony nominee Micaela Diamond. Tune in to hear some of the stories of her legendary career, including finding her voice in PARADE, acting opposite Ben Platt, what she learned from her debut in THE CHER SHOW, researching Cher's life and career, learning from Stephanie J. Block and Teal Wicks, getting notes from Ethan Coen in A PLAY IS A POEM, building the character of Fritz in HERE WE ARE, the monologues that were written for and cut from the piece, understudying Sara Bareilles in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, what attracted her to THE SEAT OF OUR PANTS, the adventure of starring in ROW at Williamstown, how THE SOUND OF MUSIC ignited her love of theater, learning to cook during the pandemic, her new starring role in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and so much more. Don't miss this candid conversation with one of Broadway's best.
Listen to the Show Right Click to Save GuestsHyde Park Theatre WitchTex Arts BeehiveGround Floor Theatre Yellow Face What We Talked About Imitation of Life The Interestings Schmigadoon Dracula The Unknown Blood Budget Streaming Theatre Bigfoot Musical RIP Robert Duval Signs of Life Suffs Kathy Dunn Hamrick Outsider Fest 2/18 – 22 VORTEX Thank you to Dean Johanesen, lead singer of "The Human Condition" who gave us permission to use "Step Right Up" as our theme song, so please visit their website.. they're good! (that's an order)
Head to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts with Mouse Minutes to see if this colorful celebration is worth the trip. As EPCOT's shortest annual festival at Walt Disney World, it features food booths, Disney on Broadway concerts, and interactive art experiences... but is it worth planning your visit around?In this episode, Whitney + Jordan break down the food, entertainment, atmosphere, and overall value to help you decide if Festival of the Arts makes the grade on your next Disney vacation.Your ten minutes start… now!---Mouse Minutes is on YouTubeWatch full episodes, live recordings, and bonus content:(https://www.youtube.com/@MouseMinutesPodcast). . .Follow Mouse Minutes on Instagram:(https://www.instagram.com/mouseminutespodcast). . .Check out this other Mouse Minutes episode:Frozen Ever After | Episode 021. . .Check out some of these other awesome Disney podcasts:WDW Radio, Connecting with Walt, Defunctland, Walkabout the World – A Disney Podcast, Into the Dizneyverse, Happily Ever Active
Johnny Mac leads with Stephen Colbert saying CBS lawyers blocked him from booking Texas State Representative James Talarico on The Late Show, citing concerns around the FCC equal time rule and an FCC chairman Brendan Carr letter suggesting talk-show exemptions could be dropped.Colbert instead posts the interview to The Late Show's YouTube page.The show also recaps Dave Chappelle's Minneapolis performance per the Minneapolis Star Tribune and reviews of his Super Bowl weekend/Bay Area sets from SFGate and the SF Chronicle, noting topics including immigration raids, Raiders of the Lost Ark, celebrity anecdotes, and jokes involving multiple groups, including mention of an outdated derogatory slur.Other items include Todd Barry seeking solo dining recommendations in Syracuse, a preview of Just for Laughs Vancouver (including “An Evening with David Letterman” with Zach Galifianakis and other booked acts), a Radar Online report claiming Amy Schumer is preparing to control the narrative of a split from Chris Fischer and aiming for a conscious uncoupling, and Ray Romano discussing his Broadway debut in Simon Rich's comedy about ambition. 00:24 Colbert Says CBS Lawyers Blocked a Candidate Guest01:17 Equal Time Rule Explained (and Colbert's FCC Rant)03:04 Kimmel Alliance & Moving the Interview to YouTube04:19 Dave Chappelle in Minneapolis: What He Said & How It Landed05:48 Super Bowl Weekend Chappelle Reviews: SF Gate & Chronicle Highlights08:22 Chappelle's New Bits: Raiders, Epstein Files, and Culture-War Split09:20 Todd Barry's Syracuse Solo-Dining Thread10:03 Just For Laughs Vancouver Preview (Letterman + Galifianakis Night)11:48 Amy Schumer Divorce Rumors + Ray Romano's Broadway Debut12:57 Colbert's YouTube Interview with Rep. James Talarico (Clip) Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/daily-comedy-news-with-johnny-mac--4522158/support.Daily Comedy News is the number one comedy news podcast, delivering daily coverage of standup comedy, late night television, comedy specials, tours, and the business of comedy.COMEDY SURVIVOR in the facebook group.Contact John at John@thesharkdeck dot com For Uninterrupted Listening, use the Apple Podcast App and click the banner that says Uninterrupted Listening. $4.99/month John's Substack about media is free.This is the animal sanctuary mentioned in the February 10 episode.
Today's Mystery: A derelict is found shot with two bullets in his body from two different guns.Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 22, 1951Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Tony Barrett; Lillian Buyeff; Bob Bruce; Paul Frees; Edgar BarrierSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Eliza, Patreon supporter since July 2021.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
“You can't feed a replicant chocolate, dude, right to the hospital!” - SteveOn this week's episode, “White Guy Karate” Month goes sci-fi as we talk about the totally insane JCVD/Michael Rooker action joint, Replicant! How unsettling is JCVD with non-mullet long hair? How does this psychic link work with these fellas? How much of this movie takes place in that one hospital? Is Michael Rooker's character helping raise his partner's child? Is it his kid? Why does that lady have a pool table in her baby's bedroom? And is there anything more terrifying than JCVD singing “Rock-a-Bye Baby”? PLUS: Coming to Broadway next season: Replicant The Musical!Replicant stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Catherine Dent, Brandon James Olson, Pam Hyatt, Ian Robison, Allan Gray, and James Hutson as Snotty Concierge; directed by Ringo Lam.This episode is sponsored in part by Rocket Money! Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at RocketMoney dot com slash WHM! That's RocketMoney dot com slash WHM.And also by GhostBed! Right now, as a We Hate Movies listener, you can take an extra 10% off your order. Just go to ghostbed.com/whm and use promo code WHM at checkout. That's ghostbed.com/whm, code WHM, for an extra 10% off site-wide.Don't miss us on the road this winter when we're in Los Angeles on February 22, Minneapolis on March 20, and Chicago on March 22! Tickets are on sale now and you're not gonna wanna miss us, gang! Click through here and snag your tix now! Be sure to visit the WHM Merch shop over on Dashery and check out all the latest show-related designs you can slap on t-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, stickers, whatever! Make your friends jealous by flaunting some WHM merch today! Original cover art by Felipe Sobreiro.
This week we welcome Laura Benanti to the table! The Broadway legend talks everything from New York to LA, family, food, and fun. Enjoy! Our thanks to Butcher Box! As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between filet mignon, NY strip or chicken breast in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/PAPA And thanks to our favorite IQ Bar! Text PAPA to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Actor Chazz Palminteri joins the program to touch upon his admiration for Robert Duvall's famed acting career after Duvall's passing yesterday. Chazz reflects on the different versions of A Bronx Tale—film, Broadway musical, and his one-man show—saying he began in comedy and recalling roles like Modern Family and Analyze This with Billy Crystal, as well as working with Robert De Niro. Sid promotes Palminteri's one-man A Bronx Tale and Palminteri announces performances on Sunday, February 22 at the Paramount Theater in Huntington and Saturday, February 28 at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, emphasizing his message to young audience members about “wasted talent.” The conversation also covers Palminteri's restaurants in New York City (30 West 46th Street near the Theater District) and White Plains (264 Main Street), and his interest in opening in Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EVEN MORE about this episode!What happens when divine guidance moves through music, creativity, and the courage to trust your calling?Join Julie Ryan and Broadway star Pamela Bob as they explore spiritual channeling, divine timing, singing as sacred expression, and how play and creativity reveal why we incarnate. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Pamela opens up about the sacred vulnerability of singing, why performing for an intimate room can feel more terrifying than a packed theater, and how music aligns with our unique energetic vibration. From the emotional force of shows like Ragtime to a childhood moment of divine recognition—“I think this is God”—this conversation dives deep into artistry as a spiritual calling.Listeners will be captivated by Pamela's jaw-dropping story of channeling June Carter Cash during a nightly, unscripted improvisation—an experience so powerful that Julie reveals June herself chose Pamela in the audition and guided her through every performance. Pamela also shares the brutal truth behind elite performing arts training, where she was repeatedly told she couldn't sing, yet trusted her inner knowing enough to persevere when others were cut. That same guidance later led her from a lucid dream to creating the award-winning Livin' On a Prairie, as the right people and opportunities appeared at exactly the right time.This episode is ultimately a love letter to play, joy, and remembering who you were before the world told you who to be. Pamela reflects on the transformative power of creativity through stories like Encore, where adults rediscover themselves through performance, and offers a simple yet profound invitation for anyone feeling stuck: return to what you loved as a child. The conversation closes with a tear-filled reflection on why we incarnate at all—sparked by a dying woman's final words: “It was so much fun.”Guest Biography:Pamela Bob is a multifaceted actor, singer, and award-winning screenwriter whose career spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, film, television, and podcasting. On Broadway, she appeared in the Tony-nominated Hand to God and the Tony Award–winning A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, where she famously covered all six female roles and regularly stepped into leading performances. Off-Broadway, she starred as Clarice Starling in the cult hit Silence! The Musical—named one of Time Magazine's ten must-see NYC shows—and earned a BroadwayWorld nomination for Best Actor for her role in Cracked Open. Pamela is also the creator and star of the acclaimed series Livin' On a Prairie, an award-winning, festival-selected exploration of pop culture obsession inspired by Little House on the Prairie, which won Best TV Series and Best Actress at the LA International Film Fest. She currently co-hosts the Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Podcast, which has surpassed one million downloads and recently sold out its first live NYC event. Pamela is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati–Conservatory of Music.Episode Chapters:(0:02:00) - When Talent Becomes Sacred(0:05:00) - The Power of Music and Vibration(0:08:00) - Pamela Sings "My Favorite Things"(0:10:00) - Channeling Spirit on Stage(0:12:00) - The June Carter Cash Story(0:17:00) - Actor Who Sings vs. Musical Theater Actor(0:19:00) - Surviving the Cincinnati Conservatory(0:24:00) - Intuition in Landing Roles(0:28:00) - Stage vs. Camera Performance(0:32:00) - Creating "Living on a Prairie"(0:38:00) - Divine Guidance and Trusting the Process(0:40:00) - Advice for Those Feeling Stuck(0:42:00) - The Transformative Power of Play(0:45:00) - Rapid Fire Questions(0:50:00) - Angel Signs and Feathers(0:52:00) - Why We Incarnate➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Español YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Português YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Deutsch YouTube➡️Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan Français YouTube✏️Ask Julie a Question!
Casting announced for ‘Schmigadoon,’ ‘Fear of 13,’ more; John Legend, Sara Bareillies, Norah Jones musical news; ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ to stream on Netflix Every week, Matt Tamanini will bring you the biggest news from across the theatrical landscape and will prepare you for what’s ahead over the next read more
Brittany Bigelow went from professional dancer chasing Broadway to producing one of the biggest podcasts in the world. Then she walked away from it all to bet on herself. In this episode, Brittany talks about the messy middle– the space between leaving a stable paycheck and building something of your own. We cover the midnight spiral that led her to seek coaching, why she chose to build something of her own, and what it's actually looked like building her agency, Bigelow Creative, from the ground up. If you're in a job that looks perfect on paper but can't shake the feeling there's more, this one's for you.What we talk about:Why corporate stability is often an illusion– and why betting on yourself might be the safer betHow dance training translated into entrepreneurial disciplineWhat it actually takes to lead yourself Why you can't build a business alone, and how the right community changes everythingChapters:00:00 - Meet the Guest02:02 - From Broadway Dreams to Podcasting06:41 - The Pandemic Pivot to LA09:09 - From LA to Windy Indy20:43 - The Midnight Google Search That Changed Everything26:15 - Investing in Coaching & Community32:28 - The Decision to Bet on Herself37:45 - Building Bigelow Creative from Scratch40:22 - Leading Yourself First42:30 - Why "Stable" Jobs Aren't Actually Safe46:23 - Advice for Taking the Leap49:29 - What She Wishes She Knew Before StartingInterested in working with Andrea or bringing her coaching to your team?➡️ Book a consultation call with Andrea HERE. ⬅️⭐ Get Andrea's newsletter, packed with practical ways to lead and grow your business without losing yourself in it: https://bit.ly/STB-newsletter ⭐ Get Andrea's bestselling book – She Thinks Big: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Guide to Moving Past the Messy Middle and Into the Extraordinary: https://a.co/d/5xBdPvN Subscribe to Andrea's channel and watch all She Thinks Big episodes here: https://bit.ly/STB-subscribe Follow She Thinks Big and leave us a review! Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicConnect with Andrea and join the She Thinks Big community: InstagramTikTokFacebookLinkedIn
Amber Ruffin thought she was about to join Saturday Night Live. Instead, she got a rejection call—and three days later, a life-changing phone call from Seth Meyers.This week as we kick off a new season of Inside Late Night with Mark Malkoff, Ruffin shares the story of auditioning for SNL, missing out, and being recruited by her former Boom Chicago castmate to help launch Late Night with Seth Meyers.Plus: her Emmy-nominated Amber Ruffin Show, Broadway's Some Like It Hot, CNN's Have I Got News For You, and her new musical Bigfoot!.
Thank you for being a longtime listener of Broadway Drumming 101.I've been thinking about doing more solo episodes for a while, and I'm finally starting today.Over the past week, I've been deep in rehearsals for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and this version is even stronger than what we did at PAC. Everything feels sharper and more focused. We officially open on April 7th, and I'm excited for people to see it.READ: Two Icons of New York, Ready for Broadway's ‘Jellicle Ball'At NAMM, I brought up a topic that doesn't get talked about enough:How careers really begin.For me, it wasn't Broadway. It wasn't some audition. It was a hotel gig in New Rochelle, playing the same 20 songs every other Friday night.A connection from that gig led me to a tour.That tour opened the door to subbing.And subbing eventually brought me to Broadway.In this new solo episode, I break down:• Why saying yes early in your career matters• Why showing up beats just posting• How small gigs compound over time• And how to know when it's time to start saying noIf you caught my talk at NAMM, this episode goes even deeper into that topic.READ: And if you're serious about building a real career in theater, get my book:Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.You can order it right now on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.If you want a signed copy, go to SignatureBrandWorks.com.Listen to the new solo episode.Pick up the book if you're interested.And I hope to see you at the Broadhurst!Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician's Guide to Building a Theater Career.His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Ain't Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.www.claytoncraddock.com Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe
“CATS The Jellicle Ball was one of the greatest theatrical experiences I've ever seen. It had a massive impact on me and made me a fan of CATS.” This episode features PJ Adzima who is known for his role as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon Musical and recent rise of his production company Stage Time. PJ discusses everything from his hesitation to dive too deep into the CATS world, his Broadway journey, and the innovative shows by Stage Time. Stick around for a fun segment where they try to cast Book of Mormon characters as CATS. Plus, get an insider look at some must-see new works and exciting upcoming projects. An episode you won't want to miss! 00:42 Broadway Debut 01:36 Diving into CATS 05:33 The Jellicle Ball 14:51 Book of Mormon Journey 22:08 The Secret Sauce of a Good Musical 23:08 Stage Time: The Birth of a Production Company 36:11 Rapid Fire Check out PJ on Social Media: @pjadz Check out Stage Time on Social Media: @stagetimenyc Check out the Slam Frank Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/slamfrank/slam-frank-original-cast-recording Produced by: Alan Seales & Broadway Podcast Network Social Media: @TheWrongCatDied Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send a textJoe Battaglia is a seasoned and award-winning journalist who spent years in The Olympics arena. With over two decades in sports media, Battaglia has led content creation across news, politics, and athletics, including a role on the NBCOlympics.com team that earned a Sports Emmy for the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Summer Olympics.Joe sat down to discuss his journalism career, his pivot to fiction, his fave authors, and more.More information about Joe and his novel, BENEATH THE RINGS here Creator/Host: Tammy TakaishiAudio Engineer: Tammy Takaishi Support the showVisit www.creativepeacemeal.com to leave a review, fan voicemail, and more!Insta @creative_peacemeal_podcastFB @creativepeacemealpodRedbubble CPPodcast.redbubble.comCreative Peacemeal READING list here Donate to AhHa!Broadway here! Donate to New Normal Rep here! Interested in the Self-Care Institute with Dr. Ami Kunimura? Click here Interested in Corrie Legge's content planner? Click here to order!
The 1960 novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” became an American classic. The 1962 film adaptation earned 8 Oscar nominations, 3 wins, and Atticus Finch the #1 spot on AFI's 2003 list of greatest movie heroes. And the Pulitzer Prize awarded to Harper Lee is believed to be one factor behind her failed friendship with Truman Capote. In this fascinating podcast, we discuss the legacy of Harper Lee's “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and trace the long journey of this classic work. What elements of Harper Lee's own life are reflected in “To Kill a Mockingbird”? What does Mary Badham, who played Scout, consider her favorite memory from filming? What role did Harper Lee play in creating Truman Capote's book “In Cold Blood,” and what caused the long-time friends to drift apart? And why has Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird” for Broadway been referred to as a ‘rethink'? We discuss all this and more! Thank you to Scamanda creator/investigator Nancy Moscatiello for her shout-out at the top of the episode! Be sure to check out the podcast Scamanda, available everywhere podcasts are found, along with the docuseries of the same name, exclusively on Hulu. Our coverage of the case can be found in Episodes 198, 199, 205, and 206 (September & November 2025)! How to support Scandal Water: Rate, review, and subscribe! Follow the show on your favorite app or Scandal Water Podcast YouTube channel. Send your shoutouts to scandalwaterpodcast@gmail.com. Become a member on patreon.com/ScandalWaterPodcast or buymeacoffee.com/scandalwaterpod – which will also grant you access to fabulous bonus content! #OrderintheCourt #JuryDuty #Courtroom #ToKillaMockingbird #HarperLee #TrumanCapote #GregoryPeck #AtticusFinch #Scout #MaryBadham #InColdBlood #AcademyAward #Oscars #PulitzerPrize #JohnGrisham #BestSeller #NewYorkTimesBestSeller #ATimetoKill #TheFirm #Writer #AFewGoodMen #Film #Movies #Podcast #February
We love a returning guest at the Cryptid Creator Corner and this episode is no exception as the incredibly talented Olivia Cuartero-Briggs returns to the podcast. Olivia and Jimmy chat about meeting in person at Baltimore Comic-Con, what's next for her Kill Train characters, Broadway musicals (always a danger of this coming up with Jimmy), and her new original graphic novel The College Try, coming out February 17th. Olivia collaborated with artist Roberta Ingranata. The amazing colorist Warnia Sahadewa and supremely gifted letterer Jodie Troutman round out the rest of the creative team. The College Try is heartfelt and funny with just the right touch of early 2000s nostalgia. This is a fantastic episode and after listening you too (like Jimmy) are going to want to read all the comics Olivia has written. Follow Olivia on Instagram Check out Olivia's website Order The College Try Order Kill Train From the Publisher about The College Try What would you do if you could go back in time and discover your true love?A desperate 40-something's hopes of reuniting with her college ex-boyfriend are dashed when he publicly professes his love for a fellow graduate. Through a twist of magical fate, however, she is given the chance to go back in time and fix what went wrong. Follow Comic Book Yeti
Broadway Besties, the news this week is giving us EXACTLY what we never expected but absolutely needed. To kick it off, Lindsey reviews the new Cost n' Mayor dance musical, 11 to Midnight! Broadway News:
Welcome, Guests, to the Season 5 premiere of The Mouse and Me! Over the past several years, Scott has spoken with so many incredible current and former Cast Members from all walks of Disney life - entertainment managers, vocalists, actors, dancers, directors, producers, comedians, technicians, an Imagineer, and people who were part of the Disney College Program and Disney Cruise Line performers. He's also interviewed Disney on Broadway stars, a Tony Award-winner for Best Choreography for Newsies, and musical geniuses who arrange, conduct, and play for the Disney musicals on tour, on Broadway, and around the world. Every single Guest that's been on the show has shared incredible stories about their journey and careers with the Walt Disney company and this season will be no different and it starts with Laurlyn Smith.At Walt Disney World, Laurlyn performed mouse height characters - about 35 of them - specializing in Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. She worked daily atmosphere operations, character dining locations, the Welcome Show at Magic Kingdom, and special events like dance parties, pop-ups, weddings, groups, private meet and greets, and concerts. If you're someone who likes going behind the scenes and knowing how things work, then you're absolutely going to love this episode. If you're someone who doesn't like having the magic of Disney ruined, then you're absolutely not going to love this episode. ;) Laurlyn really pulls back the curtain and shares how all of the magic happens and what it was like working as an animated character for Disney. Laurlyn is a super lovely person and we're excited for you to hear her stories!Email: TheMouseAndMePodcast@gmail.comSupport: www.patreon.com/themouseandmeFB and Instagram: “The Mouse and Me”Music by Kevin MacLeod from https://incompetech.filmmusic.io
This week one of the greatest actors of our time started following me on Instagram. I will tell you if you are a fan of this show - you'll know I'm not using that term lightly. This is HUGE. ALSO, finally was able to go see Sarah Silverman in the Broadway play of All Out and FINALLY meet the band Lawrence. They are awesome, Sarah and the cast (Heidi Gardner, Craig Robinson) were terrific - the show itself. PU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Many people mistakenly believe that the AIDS and HIV crises are over. Nothing is further from the truth. AIDS Foundation Chicago continues to provide care and housing assistance for so many Chicagoans who may struggle to make ends meet while they continue their battle against HIV. It is true that medications are better and more […]
Little Shop of Horrors is truly a cult classic that has entertained audiences for over 4 years. The story of a man-eating plant who seeks to take over the world is a musical full of great songs and fun. Joining in the conversation are Jackson Evans (who plays Seymour), Maya Rowe (playing Audrey), Andrew Mueller (playing Orin […]
Opie is joined by Vic Henley and Lewis Black.They talk Albert Einstein with Irish actor Michael McElhatton. Lewis Black roasts Broadway and Ivy League schools! Also, Zoo Keepers wife and trying to figure out who Michael is playing in Justice League. Lewis Black talks about his character Anger in Inside Out and hilariously talks about his very old parents and the difference between America and Ireland.4/20
Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide. Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview 1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway. 2. Highlight representation and legacy Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks. 3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose. 4. Promote the A New Day Foundation Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities. 5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement. Key Takeaways 1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami. 2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities. 3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role. 4. Representation matters deeply to her Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe. 5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network. 6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training. 7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership. Notable Quotes (All quotes from the uploaded transcript.) On talent and early training “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.” “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.” On being boxed in “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.” On entering animation “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’” “I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.” On representation and Star Trek “In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.” “Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.” On career longevity “You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.” “God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.” On giving back “I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission) “Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.” @#SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide. Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview 1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway. 2. Highlight representation and legacy Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks. 3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose. 4. Promote the A New Day Foundation Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities. 5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement. Key Takeaways 1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami. 2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities. 3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role. 4. Representation matters deeply to her Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe. 5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network. 6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training. 7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership. Notable Quotes (All quotes from the uploaded transcript.) On talent and early training “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.” “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.” On being boxed in “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.” On entering animation “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’” “I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.” On representation and Star Trek “In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.” “Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.” On career longevity “You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.” “God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.” On giving back “I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission) “Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.” @#SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How do you stay audacious in a world that's noisier and more saturated than ever? How might the idea of creative rhythm change the way you write? Lara Bianca Pilcher gives her tips from a multi-passionate creative career. In the intro, becoming a better writer by being a better reader [The Indy Author]; How indie authors can market literary fiction [Self-Publishing with ALLi]; Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities; Seneca's On the Shortness of Life; All Men are Mortal – Simone de Beauvoir; Surface Detail — Iain M. Banks; Bones of the Deep – J.F. Penn. This episode is sponsored by Publisher Rocket, which will help you get your book in front of more Amazon readers so you can spend less time marketing and more time writing. I use Publisher Rocket for researching book titles, categories, and keywords — for new books and for updating my backlist. Check it out at www.PublisherRocket.com This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Lara Bianca Pilcher is the author of Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World. She's also a performing artist and actor, life and creativity coach, and the host of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist podcast. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why self-doubt is a normal biological response — and how audacity means showing up anyway The difference between creative rhythm and rigid discipline, and why it matters for writers How to navigate a saturated world with intentional presence on social media Practical strategies for building a platform as a nonfiction author, including batch content creation The concept of a “parallel career” and why designing your life around your art beats waiting for a big break Getting your creative rhythm back after crisis or burnout through small, gentle steps You can find Lara at LaraBiancaPilcher.com. Transcript of the interview with Lara Bianca Pilcher Lara Bianca Pilcher is the author of Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World. She's also a performing artist and actor, life and creativity coach, and the host of the Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist podcast. Welcome, Lara. Lara: Thank you for having me, Jo. Jo: It's exciting to talk to you today. First up— Tell us a bit more about you and how you got into writing. Lara: I'm going to call myself a greedy creative, because I started as a dancer, singer, and actress in musical theatre, which ultimately led me to London, the West End, and I was pursuing that in highly competitive performance circles. A lot of my future works come from that kind of place. But when I moved to America—which I did after my season in London and a little stint back in Australia, then to Atlanta, Georgia—I had a visa problem where I couldn't work legally, and it went on for about six months. Because I feel this urge to create, as so many of your listeners probably relate to, I was not okay with that. So that's actually where I started writing, in the quietness, with the limits and the restrictions. I've got two children and a husband, and they would go off to school and work and I'd be home thinking, ha. In that quietness, I just began to write. I love thinking of creativity as a mansion with many rooms, and you get to pick your rooms. I decided, okay, well the dance, acting, singing door is shut right now—I'm going to go into the writing room. So I did. Jo: I have had a few physical creatives on the show. Obviously one of your big rooms in your mansion is a physical room where you are actually performing and moving your body. I feel like this is something that those of us whose biggest area of creativity is writing really struggle with—the physical side. How do you think that physical practice of creativity has helped you in writing, which can be quite constrictive in that way? Lara: It's so good that you asked this because I feel what it trained me to do is ignore noise and show up. I don't like the word discipline—most of us get a bit uncomfortable with it, it's not a nice word. What being a dancer did was teach me the practice of what I like to call a rhythm, a creative rhythm, rather than a discipline, because rhythm ebbs and flows and works more with who we are as creatives, with the way creativity works in our body. That taught me: go to the barre over and over again—at the ballet barre, I'm talking about, not the pub. Go there over and over again. Warm up, do the work, show up when you don't feel like it. thaT naturally pivoted over to writing, so they're incredibly linked in the way that creativity works in our body. Jo: Do you find that you need to do physical practice still in order to get your creativity moving? I'm not a dancer. I do like to shake it around a bit, I guess. But I mainly walk. If I need to get my creativity going, I will walk. If people are stuck, do you think doing something physical is a good idea? Lara: It is, because the way that our body and our nervous system works—without going into too much boring science, although some people probably find it fascinating—is that when we shake off that lethargic feeling and we get blood flowing in our body, we naturally feel more awake. Often when you're walking or you're doing something like dance, your brain is not thinking about all of the big problems. You might be listening to music, taking in inspiration, taking in sunshine, taking in nature, getting those endorphins going, and that naturally leads to the brain being able to psychologically show up more as a creative. However, there are days, if I'm honest, where I wake up and the last thing I want to do is move. I want to be in a little blanket in the corner of the room with a hot cocoa or a coffee and just keep to myself. Those aren't always the most creative days, but sometimes I need that in my creative rhythm, and that's okay too. Jo: I agree. I don't like the word discipline, but as a dancer you certainly would've had to do that. I can't imagine how competitive it must be. I guess this is another thing about a career in dance or the physical arts. Does it age out? Is it really an ageist industry? Whereas I feel like with writing, it isn't so much about what your body can do anymore. Lara: That is true. There is a very real marketplace, a very real industry, and I'm careful because there's two sides to this coin. There is the fact that as we get older, our body has trouble keeping up at that level. There's more injuries, that sort of thing. There are some fit women performing in their sixties and seventies on Broadway that have been doing it for years, and they are fine. They'll probably say it's harder for some of them. Also, absolutely, I think there does feel in the professional sense like there can be a cap. A lot of casting in acting and in that world feels like there's fewer and fewer roles, particularly for women as we get older, but people are in that space all the time. There's a Broadway dancer I know who is 57, who's still trying to make it on Broadway and really open about that, and I think that's beautiful. So I'm careful with putting limits, because I think there are always outliers that step outside and go, “Hey, I'm not listening to that.” I think there's an audience for every age if you want there to be and you make the effort. But at the same time, yes, there is a reality in the industry. Totally. Jo: Obviously this show is not for dancers. I think it was more framing it as we are lucky in the writing industry, especially in the independent author community, because you can be any age. You can be writing on your deathbed. Most people don't have a clue what authors look like. Lara: I love that, actually. It's probably one of the reasons I maybe subconsciously went into writing, because I'm like, I want to still create and I'm getting older. It's fun. Jo: That's freeing. Lara: So freeing. It's a wonderful room in the mansion to stay in until the day I die, if I must put it that way. Jo: I also loved you mentioning that Broadway dancer. A lot of listeners write fiction—I write fiction as well as nonfiction—and it immediately makes me want to write her story. The story of a 57-year-old still trying to make it on Broadway. There's just so much in that story, and I feel like that's the other thing we can do: writing about the communities we come from, especially at different ages. Let's get into your book, Audacious Artistry. I want to start on this word audacity. You say audacity is the courage to take bold, intentional risks, even in the face of uncertainty. I read it and I was like, I love the sentiment, but I also know most authors are just full of self-doubt. Bold and audacious. These are difficult words. So what can you say to authors around those big words? Lara: Well, first of all, that self-doubt—a lot of us don't even know what it is in our body. We just feel it and go, ugh, and we read it as a lack of confidence. It's not that. It's actually natural. We all get it. What it is, is our body's natural ability to perceive threat and keep us safe. So we're like, oh, I don't know the outcome. Oh, I don't know if I'm going to get signed. Oh, I don't know if my work's going to matter. And we read that as self-doubt—”I don't have what it takes” and those sorts of things. That's where I say no. The reframe, as a coach, I would say, is that it's normal. Self-doubt is normal. Everyone has it. But audacity is saying, I have it, but I'm going to show up in the world anyway. There is this thing of believing, even in the doubt, that I have something to say. I like to think of it as a metaphor of a massive feasting table at Christmas, and there's heaps of different dishes. We get to bring a dish to the table rather than think we're going to bring the whole table. The audacity to say, “Hey, I have something to say and I'm going to put my dish on the table.” Jo: I feel like the “I have something to say” can also be really difficult for people, because, for example, you mentioned you have kids. Many people are like, I want to share this thing that happened to me with my kids, or a secret I learned, or a tip I think will help people. But there's so many people who've already done that before. When we feel like we have something to say but other people have said it before, how do you address that? Lara: I think everything I say, someone has already said, and I'm okay with that. But they haven't said it like me. They haven't said it in my exact way. They haven't written the sentence exactly the way—that's probably too narrow a point of view in terms of the sentence—maybe the story or the chapter. They haven't written it exactly like me, with my perspective, my point of view, my life experience, my lived experience. It matters. People have very short memories. You think of the last thing you watched on Netflix and most of us can't remember what happened. We'll watch the season again. So I think it's okay to be saying the same things as others, but recognise that the way you say it, your point of view, your stories, your metaphors, your incredible way of putting a sentence togethes, it still matters in that noise. Jo: I think you also talk in the book about rediscovering the joy of creation, as in you are doing it for you. One of the themes that I emphasise is the transformation that happens within you when you write a book. Forget all the people who might read it or not read it. Even just what transforms in you when you write is important enough to make it worthwhile. Lara: It really, really is. For me, talking about rediscovering the joy of creation is important because I've lost it at times in my career, both as a performing artist and as an author, in a different kind of way. When we get so caught up in the industry and the noise and the trends, it's easy to just feel overwhelmed. Overwhelm is made up of a lot of emotions like fear and sadness and grief and all sorts of things. A lot of us don't realise that that's what overwhelm is. When we start to go, “Hey, I'm losing my voice in all this noise because comparison is taking over and I'm feeling all that self-doubt,” it can feel just crazy. So for me, rediscovering the joy of creation is vital to survival as an author, as an artist. A classic example, if you don't mind me sharing my author story really quickly, is that when I first wrote the first version of my book, I was writing very much for me, not realising it. This is hindsight. My first version was a little more self-indulgent. I like to think of it like an arrowhead. I was trying to say too much. The concept was good enough that I got picked up by a literary agent and worked with an editor through that for an entire year. At the end of that time, they dropped me. I felt like, through that time, I learned a lot. It was wonderful. Their reason for dropping me was saying, “I don't think we have enough of a unique point of view to really sell this.” That was hard. I lay on my bed, stared at the ceiling, felt grief. The reality is it's so competitive. What happened for me in that year is that I was trying to please. If you're a new author, this is really important. You are so desperately trying to please the editor, trying to do all the right things, that you can easily lose your joy and your unique point of view because you are trying to show up for what you think they all need and want. What cut through the noise for me is I got off that bed after my three hours of grief—it was probably longer, to be fair—but I booked myself a writing coach. I went back to the drawing board. I threw a lot of the book away. I took some good concepts out that I already knew were good from the editor, then I rewrote the entire thing. It's completely different to the first version. That's the book that got a traditional publishing deal. That book was my unique point of view. That book was my belief, from that grief, that I still have something to say. Instead of trusting what the literary agent and the editor were giving me in those red marks all over that first version, I was like, this is what I want to say. That became the arrowhead that's cut into the industry, rather than the semi-trailer truck that I was trying to bulldoze in with no clear point of view. So rediscovering the joy of creation is very much about coming back to you. Why do I write? What do I want to say? That unique point of view will cut through the noise a lot of the time. I don't want to speak in absolutes, but a lot of the time it will cut through the noise better than you trying to please the industry. Jo: I can't remember who said it, but somebody talked about how you've got your stone, and your stone is rough and it has random colours and all this. Then you start polishing the stone, which you have to do to a point. But if you keep polishing the stone, it looks like every other stone. What's the point? That fits with what you were saying about trying to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one. I also think the reality of what you just said about the book is a lot of people's experience with writing in general. Certainly for me, I don't write in order. I chuck out a lot. I'm a discovery writer. People think you sit down and start A and finish Z, and that's it. It's kind of messy, isn't it? Was that the same in your physical creative life? Lara: Yes. Everything's a mess. In the book I actually talk about learning to embrace the cringe, because we all want to show up perfect. Just as you shared, we think, because we read perfect and look at perfect or near-perfect work—that's debatable all the time—we want to arrive there, and I guess that's natural. But what we don't often see on social media or other places is the mess. I love the behind the scenes of films. I want to see the messy creative process. The reality is we have to learn to embrace the messy cringe because that's completely normal. My first version was so messy, and it's about being able to refine it and recognise that that is normal. So yes, embrace it. That's my quote for the day. Embrace the cringe, show up messy. It's all right. Jo: You mentioned the social media, and the subtitle of the book mentions a “saturated world.” The other problem is there are millions of books out there now. AI is generating more content than humans do, and it is extremely hard to break through. How are we to deal with this saturated world? When do we join in and when do we step away? Lara: I think it's really important not to have black and white thinking about it, because trust me, every day I meet an artist that will say, “I hate that I have to show up online.” To be honest with you, there's a big part of me that does also. But the saturation of the world is something that I recognise, and for me, it's like I'm in the world but not of it. That saturation can cause so much overwhelm and nervous system threat and comparison. What I've personally decided to do is have intentional showing up. That looks like checking in intentionally with a design, not a randomness, and then checking out. When push comes to shove, at the end of the day, I really believe that what sells books is people's trust in us as a person. They might go through an airport and not know us at all and pick up the book because it's a bestseller and they just trust the reputation, but so much of what I'm finding as an artist is that personal relationship, that personal trust. Whether that's through people knowing you via your podcast or people meeting you in a room. Especially in nonfiction, I think that's really big. Intentional presence from a place where we've regulated ourselves, being aware that it's saturated, but my job's not to be focused on the saturation. My job is to find my unique voice and say I have something to bring. Be intentional with that. Shoot your arrow, and then step out of the noise, because it's just overwhelming if you choose to live there and scroll without any intentionality at all. Jo: So how do people do that intentionality in a practical way around, first of all, choosing a platform, and then secondly, how they create content and share content and engage? What are some actual practical tips for intentionality? Lara: I can only speak from my experience, but I'm going to be honest, every single application I sent asked for my platform stats. Every single one. Platform stats as in how many followers, how many people listening to your podcast, how many people are reading your blog. That came up in every single literary agent application. So I would be a fool today to say you've got to ignore that, because that's just the brass tacks, unless you're already like a famous footballer or something. Raising and building a platform of my own audience has been a part of why I was able to get a publishing deal. In doing that, I've learned a lot of hard lessons. Embrace the cringe with marketing and social media as well, because it's its own beast. Algorithms are not what I worry about. They're not going to do the creativity for you. What social media's great at is saying, “Hey, I'm here”—it's awareness. It's not where I sell stuff. It's where I say, I'm here, this is what I'm doing, and people become aware of me and I can build that relationship. People do sell through social media, but it's more about awareness statistically. I am on a lot of platforms, but not all of them work for every author or every style of book. I've done a lot of training. I've really had to upskill in this space and get good at it. I've put myself through courses because I feel like, yes, we can ignore it if we want to, but for me it's an intentional opting in because the data shows that it's been a big part of being able to get published. That's overwhelming to hear for some people. They don't want to hear that. But that's kind of the world that we are in, isn't it? Jo: I think the main point is that you can't do everything and you shouldn't even try to do everything. The best thing to do is pick a couple of things, or pick one thing, and focus on that. For example, I barely ever do video, so I definitely don't do TikTok. I don't do any kind of video stuff. But I have this podcast. Audio is my happy place, and as you said, long-form audio builds trust. That is one way you can sell, but it's also very slow—very, very slow to build an audio platform. Then I guess my main social media would be Instagram, but I don't engage a lot there. So do you have one or two main things that you do, and any thoughts on using those for book marketing? Lara: I do a lot of cross-posting. I am on Instagram and I do a lot of creation there, and I'm super intentional about this. I actually do 30 days at a time, and then it's like my intentional opt-in. I'll create over about two days, edit and plan. It's really, really planned—shoot everything, edit everything, put it all together, and then upload everything. That will be 30 days' worth. Then I back myself right out of there, because I don't want to stay in that space. I want to be in the creative space, but I do put those two days a month aside to do that on Instagram. Then I tweak things for YouTube and what works on LinkedIn, which is completely different to Instagram. As I'm designing my content, I have in mind that this one will go over here and this one can go on here, because different platforms push different things. I am on Threads, but Threads is not statistically where you sell books, it's just awareness. Pinterest I don't think has been very good for my type of work, to be honest. For others it might. It's a search engine, it's where people go to get a recipe. I don't necessarily feel like that's the best place, this is just my point of view. For someone else it might be brilliant if you're doing a cookbook or something like that. I am on a lot of platforms. My podcast, however, I feel is where I'm having the most success, and also my blog. Those things as a writer are very fulfilling. I've pushed growing a platform really hard, and I am on probably almost every platform except for TikTok, but I'm very intentional with each one. Jo: I guess the other thing is the business model. The fiction business model is very, very different to nonfiction. You've got a book, but your higher-cost and higher-value offerings are things that a certain number of people come through to you and pay you more money than the price of a book. Could talk about how the book leads into different parts of your business? Because some people are like, “Am I going to make a living wage from book sales of a nonfiction book?” And usually people have multiple streams of income. Lara: I think it's smart to have multiple streams of income. A lot of people, as you would know, would say that a book is a funnel. For those who haven't heard of it, a way that people come into your bigger offerings. They don't have to be, but very much I do see it that way. It's also credibility. When you have a published book, there's a sense of credibility. I do have other things. I have courses, I have coaching, I have a lot of things that I call my parallel career that chug alongside my artist work and actually help stabilise that freelance income. Having a book is brilliant for that. I think it's a wonderful way to get out there in the world. No matter what's happening in all the online stuff, when you're on an aeroplane, so often someone still wants to read a book. When you're on the beach, they don't want to be there with a laptop. If you're on the sand, you want to be reading a beautiful paper book. The smell of it, the visceral experience of it. Books aren't going anywhere, to me. I still feel like there are always going to be people that want to pick it up and dig in and learn so much of your entire life experience quickly. Jo: We all love books here. I think it's important, as you do talk about career design and you mentioned there the parallel career—I get a lot of questions from people. They may just be writing their first book and they want to get to the point of making money so they could leave their day job or whatever. But it takes time, doesn't it? So how can we be more strategic about this sort of career design? Lara: For me, this has been a big one because lived experience here is that I know artists in many different areas, whether they're Broadway performers or music artists. Some of them are on almost everything I watch on TV. I'm like, oh, they're that guy again. I know that actor is on almost everything. I'll apply this over to writers. The reality is that these high-end performers that I see all the time showing up, even on Broadway in lead roles, all have another thing that they do, because they can still have, even at the highest level, six months between a contract. Applying that over to writing is the same thing, in that books and the money from them will ebb and flow. What so often artists are taught—and authors fit into this—is that we ultimately want art to make us money. So often that becomes “may my art rescue me from this horrible life that I'm living,” and we don't design the life around the art. We hope, hope, hope that our art will provide. I think it's a beautiful hope and a valid one. Some people do get that. I'm all for hoping our art will be our main source of income. But the reality is for the majority of people, they have something else. What I see over and over again is these audacious dreams, which are wonderful, and everything pointing towards them in terms of work. But then I'll see the actor in Hollywood that has a café job and I'm like, how long are you going to just work at that café job? They're like, “Well, I'm goint to get a big break and then everything's going to change.” I think we can think the same way. My big break will come, I'll get the publishing deal, and then everything will change. The reframe in our thinking is: what if we looked at this differently? Instead of side hustle, fallback career, instead of “my day job,” we say parallel career. How do I design a life that supports my art? And if I get to live off my art, wonderful. For me, that's looked like teaching and directing musical theatre. It's looked like being able to coach other artists. It's looked like writing and being able to pivot my creativity in the seasons where I've needed to. All of that is still creativity and energising, and all of it feeds the great big passion I have to show up in the world as an artist. None of it is actually pulling me away or draining me. I mean, you have bad days, of course, but it's not draining my art. When we are in this way of thinking—one day, one day, one day—we are not designing intentionally. What does it look like to maybe upskill and train in something that would be more energising for my parallel career that will chug alongside us as an artist? We all hope our art can totally 100% provide for us, which is the dream and a wonderful dream, and one that I still have. Jo: It's hard, isn't it? Because I also think that, personally, I need a lot of input in order to create. I call myself more of a binge writer. I just finished the edits on my next novel and I worked really hard on that. Now I won't be writing fiction for, I don't know, maybe six months or something, because now I need to input for the next one. I have friends who will write 10,000 words a day because they don't need that. They have something internal, or they're just writing a different kind of book that doesn't need that. Your book is a result of years of experience, and you can't write another book like that every year. You just can't, because you don't have enough new stuff to put in a book like that every single year. I feel like that's the other thing. People don't anticipate the input time and the time it takes for the ideas to come together. It is not just the production of the book. Lara: That's completely true. It goes back to this metaphor that creativity in the body is not a machine, it's a rhythm. I like to say rhythm over consistency, which allows us to say, “Hey, I'm going to be all in.” I was all in on writing. I went into a vortex for days on end, weeks on end, months and probably years on end. But even within that, there were ebbs and flows of input versus “I can't go near it today.” Recognising that that's actually normal is fine. There are those people that are outliers, and they will be out of that box. A lot of people will push that as the only way. “I am going to write every morning at 10am regardless.” That can work for some people, and that's wonderful. For those of us who don't like that—and I'm one of those people, that's not me as an artist—I accept the rhythm of creativity and that sometimes I need to do something completely different to feed my soul. I'm a big believer that a lot of creative block is because we need an adventure. We need to go out and see some art. To do good art, you've got to see good art, read good art, get outside, do something else for the input so that we have the inspiration to get out of the block. I know a screenwriter who was writing a really hard scene of a daughter's death—her mum's death. It's not easy to just write that in your living room when you've never gone through it. So she took herself out—I mean, it sounds morbid, but as a writer you'll understand the visceral nature of this—and sat at somebody's tombstone that day and just let that inform her mind and her heart. She was able to write a really powerful scene because she got out of the house and allowed herself to do something different. All that to say that creativity, the natural process, is an in-and-out thing. It ebbs and flows as a rhythm. People are different, and that's fine. But it is a rhythm in the way it works scientifically in the body. Jo: On graveyards—we love graveyards around here. Lara: I was like, sorry everyone, this isn't very nice. Jo: Oh, no. People are well used to it on this show. Let's come back to rhythm. When you are in a good rhythm, or when your body's warmed up and you are in the flow and everything's great, that feels good. But what if some people listening have found their rhythm is broken in some way, or it's come to a stop? That can be a real problem, getting moving again if you stop for too long. What are some ways we can get that rhythm back into something that feels right again? Lara: First of all, for people going through that, it's because our body actually will prioritise survival when we're going through crisis or too much stress. Creativity in the brain will go, well, that's not in that survival nature. When we are going through change—like me moving countries—it would disconnect us a lot from not only ourselves and our sense of identity, but creativity ultimately reconnects you back into life. I feel like to be at our optimum creative self, once we get through the crisis and the stress, is to gently nudge ourselves back in by little micro things. Whether it's “I'm just going to have the rhythm of writing one sentence a day.” As we do that, those little baby steps build momentum and allow us to come back in. Creativity is a life force. It's not about production, it's actually how we get to any unique contribution we're going to bring to the world. As we start to nudge ourselves back in, there's healing in that and there's joy in that. Then momentum comes. I know momentum comes from those little steps, rather than the overwhelming “I've got to write a novel this week” mindset. It's not going to happen, most of the time, when we are nudging our way back in. Little baby steps, kindness with ourselves. Staying connected to yourself through change or through crisis is one of the kindest things we can offer ourselves, and allowing ourselves to come into that rhythm—like that musical song of coming back in with maybe one line of the song instead of the entire masterpiece, which hopefully it will be one day. Jo: I was also thinking of the dancing world again, and one thing that is very different with writers is that so much of what we do is alone. In a lot of the performance art space, there's a lot more collaboration and groups of people creating things together. Is that something you've kept hold of, this kind of collaborative energy? How do you think we can bring that collaborative energy more into writing? Lara: Writing is very much alone. Obviously some people, depending on the project, will write in groups, but generally speaking, it's alone. For me, what that looks like is going out. I do this, and I know for some writers this is like, I don't want to go and talk to people. There are a lot of introverts in writing, as you are aware. I do go to creative mixers. I do get out there. I'm planning right now my book launch with a local bookstore, one in Australia and one here in America. Those things are scary, but I know that it matters to say I'm not in this alone. I want to bring my friends in. I want to have others part of this journey. I want to say, hey, I did this. And of course, I want to sell books. That's important too. It's so easy to hide, because it's scary to get out there and be with others. Yet I know that after a creative mixer or a meetup with all different artists, no matter their discipline, I feel very energised by that. Writers will come, dancers will come, filmmakers will come. It's that creative force that really energises my work. Of course, you can always meet with other writers. There's one person I know that runs this thing where all they do is they all get on Zoom together and they all write. Their audio's off, but they're just writing. It's just the feeling of, we're all writing but we're doing it together. It's a discipline for them, but because there's a room of creatives all on Zoom, they're like, I'm here, I've showed up, there's others. There's a sense of accountability. I think that's beautiful. I personally don't want to work that way, but some people do, and I think that's gorgeous too. Jo: Whatever sustains you. I think one of the important things is to realise you are not alone. I get really confused when people say this now. They're like, “Writing's such a lonely life, how do you manage?” I'm like, it is so not lonely. Lara: Yes. Jo: I'm sure you do too. Especially as a podcaster, a lot of people want to have conversations. We are having a conversation today, so that fulfils my conversation quota for the day. Lara: Exactly. Real human connection. It matters. Jo: Exactly. So maybe there's a tip for people. I'm an introvert, so this actually does fulfil it. It's still one-on-one, it's still you and me one-on-one, which is good for introverts. But it's going out to a lot more people at some point who will listen in to our conversation. There are some ways to do this. It's really interesting hearing your thoughts. Tell people where they can find you and your books and your podcast online. Lara: The book is called Audacious Artistry: Reclaim Your Creative Identity and Thrive in a Saturated World, and it's everywhere. The easiest thing to do would be to visit my website, LaraBiancaPilcher.com/book, and you'll find all the links there. My podcast is called Healthy Wealthy Wise Artist, and it's on all the podcast platforms. I do short coaching for artists on a lot of the things we've been talking about today. Jo: Brilliant. Well, thanks so much for your time, Lara. That was great. Lara: Thank you.The post Audacious Artistry: Reclaiming Your Creative Identity And Thriving In A Saturated World With Lara Bianca Pilcher first appeared on The Creative Penn.
Some Disney vacations are carefully planned. Some are spontaneous. And then there are the ones where you stack them back-to-back and just ride the wave of magic for two full weeks. In Episode 655 of the Geekin' on Walt Disney World Podcast, Auntie Judy joins me to recap not one — but two Disney adventures: First, an 8-night sailing aboard the brand-new Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Treasure. Then? Straight off the ship and into Walt Disney World to meet up with Margita and me for Beach Club stays, fireworks dining, and some unforgettable Geek moments. This episode is cruise review, trip report, accessibility insight, dining talk, Broadway-style entertainment… and classic Judy storytelling all wrapped into one.
Two-time Tony Award-winning director Michael Arden takes on his next big story by bringing the iconic vampire film, THE LOST BOYS, to the Broadway stage this Spring. He was recently awarded for his work on MAYBE HAPPY ENDING and PARADE, as well as recognized for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, Deaf West's SPRING AWAKENING, and many more. In this episode, Michael discusses how he juggles working on multiple directing projects while visualizing each story, the importance of building a team of trusted collaborators, and if he'll ever go back to acting. Schmigadoon tickets The Lost Boys Tickets Plant wave
Listen and Subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dawnn Lewis. Summary of the Interview On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide. Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview 1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway. 2. Highlight representation and legacy Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks. 3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose. 4. Promote the A New Day Foundation Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities. 5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement. Key Takeaways 1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami. 2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities. 3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role. 4. Representation matters deeply to her Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe. 5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network. 6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training. 7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership. Notable Quotes (All quotes from the uploaded transcript.) On talent and early training “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.” “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.” On being boxed in “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.” On entering animation “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’” “I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.” On representation and Star Trek “In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.” “Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.” On career longevity “You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.” “God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.” On giving back “I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission) “Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.” @#SHMS #STRAW #BESTSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.