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Most young women are told that success, perfection, and social validation define worth. Emma Valentine's story challenges that belief. At just 23, she has faced public disappointment, criticism, and failure while performing as a finalist on The Voice only to discover that true identity is not found in achievements or appearances, but in God's unshakable love. In this heartfelt episode, Emma shares how a painful moment on national TV became the catalyst for profound spiritual growth. Through failure and public scrutiny, she learned that God's love is the only reliable source of validation and that living for an audience of One brings freedom from comparison and self-obsession. Together, we explore how to embrace your God-given worth, stay rooted in Scripture, and guard your heart in a culture obsessed with perfection. Emma offers practical wisdom for navigating setbacks, finding purpose, and experiencing true joy. This episode is especially meaningful for teen girls and young women wrestling with questions of identity, worth, or confidence. Emma's story is a powerful reminder that failure does not define us—God's love does. Emma Valentine is a singer, songwriter, and storyteller from Santa Cruz, California. Through her music and testimony, she shares hope, authenticity, and the love of her Creator. Join us for an inspiring conversation about faith, purpose, and the freedom that comes from living for God's glory rather than the world's applause. About Emma Emerging artist Emma Valentine is a story-teller, gifted songwriter, and actress. Born and raised by the sea in Santa Cruz, California, she draws inspiration for her original music and musical theater work from a life of sunshine, waves, saltwater, and music. Passionate about connecting with people through her art, Emma has performed regularly in New York City, worked closely with Jason Mraz, and shared stories on stages of all kinds. She has performed on American Idol and The Voice. Most recently, she was a Top 10 Finalist in BroadwayCon's Star to Be Competition and a Finalist in Playbill's Search for a Star Competition. Her captivating vocals and grounded stage presence welcome audiences to find themselves in the song. Listen to Emma on Spotify Emma's Instagram Emma's Website wonderfullymade.org
In this week's mini-sode, we welcome you to the renaissance as we shine the spotlight on the Broadway musical "Something Rotten"! This musical comedy has a big cast of characters, some good rep material, and is chock-full of fun references to all your favorite musicals! It is truly an ode to Broadway!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 107, Brennan is joined by San Francisco-based writer/ director/ standup comedian/ etc., Nova Bradford, as they discuss the Bay Area art scene, fringe theatre, and the creation of "Luigi: The Musical"! Taking risks is the name of the game in this business, but it's also the best way to create some real, gritty, meaningful art that can actually make a difference in the world!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on this year's 79th Annual Tony Awards! In our annual post-Tony's episode we are giving you the breakdown of all performances, awards, and general goings on at this year's awards ceremony!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 106, Brennan is joined by LA actor James Tolbert, as they discuss the discovery of MT BFA culture, the decision to transition from NYC to LA, and the desire and benefits of being a true multi-hyphenate! In a world of shiny, commercialized art-media, you gotta stay true to yourself and chase those ventures that truly make your heart happy!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 105, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Ben Jackson Walker, as they talk about the dangers of perfectionism, and how your own harshest critic is often yourself! While having standards for yourself is important, the need for perfection is often actually just the fear of failure!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
Content Advisory: The following episode contains conversations surrounding topics that may be triggering, such as eating disorders and suicide.In Episode 104, Brennan is joined by NYC-based performer and founder of the Broadway Mental Health Foundation, Emerson Valentina, as they discuss the hazards of some "traditional" musical theatre/ dance education, and the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces across the industry. For too long now, performers have been encouraged and demanded to put unsafe levels of stress on their body and mind, and told it was the only way to succeed, and it's important that we don't continue to spread those falsehoods to the generations to come!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on a lesser known, sci-fi Broadway musical, Starmites. This niche, superhero/ space adventure/ boyband musical is camp to the max, and a whole lot of fun! So, let's show it some love!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 103, Brennan is joined by NYC actor, Cambria Klein, as they mourn the soon to be death of the EMC program and try to figure out what the heck they're gonna do now! The decision is a very complex one to make and there are 1 million factors to take into consideration. However at the end of the day, it's a decision only you can make for yourself, so you gotta trust your heart!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the hit JRB musical, The Last 5 Years! With the current concert production flooding everyone's feed, tons of people are being exposed to this 2 person show, and it sure is a good one to know!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 102, Brennan is joined by NY actor and podcaster, Erica Ito, as they talk about lowering the stakes of school, embracing cringe, and her journey of joining the tour of Wicked! They also touch on developing the skill (and yes it is a skill) of not caring so much about certain things in order to keep your eyes on the true goal!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 101, Brennan is once again joined by Broadway's Michael Ivan Carrier, as they talk about all the amazing things Michael has been up to since the last time they were on our show! From their first co-star on tv, to stepping into a principal role full time on Broadway, it's been a busy couple years! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the Broadway musical Xanadu! This movie to stage musical is a fun cult classic filled with roller skates, fake Australian accents, Greek mythology, and more! If that doesn't check all the boxes, then I don't know what does!!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 99, Brennan is joined by Senior Theatre/TV/Film Agent from Take 3 Talent, Michele Cavallero, as they break down the agent/actor relationship and address all the responsibilities that come along with it! A lot of folks believe the misconception that having an agent will solve all their problems and remove so much of their responsibilities, but there is so much teamwork that goes into making that relationship fruitful for all!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's Twelfth Night- inspired, Elvis Presley jukebox musical "All Shook Up"! Yeah, you heard that right! A Broadway musical inspired by a Shakespeare play, set to the tunes of Elvis Presley! What more could you ask for??Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 98, Brennan is joined by the creator of "Meet the Robinsons the Unofficial Concept Album", Elijah Zurek, as the two of them discuss bravery, confidence, tenacity, and the sheer need to just keep moving forward! You know when you sign up for a career in this industry that it is going to be hard, but sometimes you just need to say "This is going to be successful" and don't stop til its true!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Disney's Frozen the Musical. Perhaps one of Disney's most well known franchise, the stage adaptation took on a different lens to cater more towards an adult audience. The life of the show on Broadway was cut short by the pandemic, but the production is still going strong in the regional market across the US!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this first mini-sode of year 3, we are shining the spotlight on the Broadway musical "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". While we did spend a quarter of this episode talking about the Traitors, we promise this is a great show to know, especially for all our character actors out there!!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 96, Brennan is once again joined by actor and now casting assistant, Sarah Hogewood, as they talk about TYA, the fear of cringe, the idea of "play", and the ways being on the casting side of the process has influenced how she approaches the acting side now! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's Sister Act the Musical! From screen to stage, this show is a delightful mix of habits and shenanigans that has made it the classic it is today!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 95, Brennan is joined by actor/ fellow audition monitor, Kevin Herrera, as they talk about audition season and all of the common questions/ situations they experience! The audition process can be very daunting and scary, but above all else, they want you to know that they are there to help!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we're shining the spotlight on one of the most iconic Broadway musicals, "The Phantom of the Opera"! Obviously everyone has heard of this show, and there is good reason as to why it's the longest running production in Broadway history!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
Every year, my oldest daughter Rachel and I attend BroadwayCon, a convention dedicated to Broadway, and each year I make a podcast about it, taking all the things I learned and comparing them to Magic design. This podcast is about this year's trip.
In Episode 94, Brennan is joined by former Broadway actor turned Financial Advisor, Kevin Worley, as they talk about all the tricks and tools actors can use to set themselves up for the most financial stability possible! While we are all aware of the age old trope of the struggling artist, they may not need to be struggling as much was they think!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 93, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Robb Sapp as they talk about what it's like for the little theatre nerd to make it all the way to Broadway! Not only is Robb incredibly talented with a resumé to boot, but he also the kindest, most humble guy who still lets that little inner theatre kid out to experience the wonders of Broadway!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the Broadway musical "[title of show]"! This delightful little one act musical is a hidden gem full of friendship, silliness, and some cozy, good vibes!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 92, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Shelby Acosta as they talk about theatre boarding school, getting into the grind, and making sure you're always bringing yourself to every space you enter!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the 2012 Pasek and Paul musical: Dogfight! This one is quite a doozy of a plot with some absolute bops thrown in there, but boy did it leave us with a lot to talk about!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 91, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Tiernan Tunnicliffe as they talk about the shifts that have to happen after you achieve your dreams, and giving yourself permission to make new ones! It's often in those moments of uncertainty that you discover new passions and goals you hadn't let yourself entertain before!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's favorite corn musical, "Shucked"! Well... it's a musical about corn, and if that's not incentive enough to listen to this episode, I don't know what is!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the very beloved Broadway musical "Ragtime"! With its current Broadway production extending nearly 6 months, this star-studded revival is the talk of the town!Speculative Fiction Writing Made Simple: Write, Edit, and Publish Your Debut NovelMost writing podcasts just inspire. This one teaches the craft skills that hook readers.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 90, it is time for the annual solo episode as Brennan goes back and talks about everything we've chatted about during Year 2! It was a really great year for the pod, and we are so excited for what 2026 has in store!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the holiday classic "Meet Me In St. Louis"! From screen to stage, this charming little show has cemented itself as a must-watch for so many every holiday season!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 88, Brennan is joined by Broadway Casting Director, Kevin Metzger-Timson, as they talk about his transition from performing into casting, and all the things one may not know about what goes on behind the casting table! Between his experience as a performer, and his time casting with the TRC Company, Kevin is the perfect person to help us debunk all the myths of the casting process!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 87, Brennan and Danny are bringing you all of their praises and hot takes about the long awaited film "Wicked: For Good"! Whether it be Cynthia's "No Good Deed", or the newly iconic chunky knit cardigan, this movie is on everyone's mind right now, so come share in the joy with us!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's Episode, Danny is joining Brennan over on the main as they discuss all the various ways to make seeing New York theatre affordable. Art should be accessible to all, and while Broadway is a prestigious institution, there are still tons of ways to be able to see a lot of the shows in the city without breaking the bank! Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on the Broadway musical "Tuck Everlasting". This lesser known gem of a show walks a fun line of family friendly theater with rather existential subject matter in a way that ends up being somehow charming?? Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 85, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Britney Coleman as they talk about the midwest to NYC transition, and the need to bring an authentic self into the industry! If we've learned anything by now, it's that every journey looks different and so does the journey to finding one's unique voice in this crazy world of theatre we choose to live in!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on a lesser known, Off-Broadway musical, "Lucky Stiff". This Ahrens and Flaherty musical is a farcical delight, with some good music, and hysterical hijinks. It deserves some time in the spotlight for a change, so go show it some love!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's spooky classic, "The Addams Family Musical"! With a truly all star cast, this adaptation of everyone's favorite creepy, cooky family is a treasure trove of bops for all voice types, and an overall good time! *snap snap*Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 83, Brennan is joined by NYC-based artist, Meghan Fitton, as they talk about entering NY without a musical theatre degree, and how to find your own power when the world you're in is uncontrollable!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "Avenue Q"! Not only did it win the Tony Award for Best Musical, but this edgy puppet-based musical beat out Wicked! It's a classic and a hit, and all the character actors out there gotta know it!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 82, Brennan is joined by Broadway's Andrew Arrington as they talk about learning to love theatre and find those spaces that keep that love going. And as always, this platform remains an Audra McDonald fan account!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 81, Brennan is joined by NYC-based performer Allison Lian, as they examine the differences between self care and self sabotage, and question the ways actors should actually be shoeing up for themselves! What is meant for you will not pass you by, but that does not mean you should just sit around and wait for it to happen!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-side, we are shining the spotlight on one of the most widely-known Broadway musicals of all time, "Fiddler on the Roof". This beloved classic has seen so many lives on and off Broadway and contains on of the most quintessential musical theatre scores out there. Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's Tony Award- Winning Best Musical "The Outsiders"! With a new, innovative twist on the turf war- genre, this show has a gained a massive following, and for good reason!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 78, Brennan is joined by NYC-based performer Gian Raffaele DiCostanzo as they talk about his beginnings in the world of theatre, being a part of the Jersey Boys circuit, and the balance between being a good and friendly collaborator without being a pushover! Also, it turns out the two of them are literally related! Wow!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode we are shining the spotlight on Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music". This Broadway classic is a fun, charming time with some good audition book material, so make sure to give this one a listen!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In this week's mini-sode, we are shining the spotlight on Broadway's "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"! This darling little show is a staple in the TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) lexicon, and in its Broadway run it featured some VERY recognizable faces!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway
In Episode 77, Brennan is of course joined by fan favorite, Brandon Walters, as they pull back the curtains on gaps between gigs, and keeping the passion for theatre alive! They probably also talk about a lot of other things that aren't nearly as educational, but hopefully you're laughing as much as they are!Support the showHost/ Production/ Editing: Brennan StefanikMusic: Dylan KaufmanGraphic Design: Jordan Vongsithi@batobroadway on Instagram, Threads, and TikTokPatreon.com/batobroadway