Podcasts about fiyero

Are we in a 'plastic moment,' an inflection point where the future of the Middle East can finally be reshaped? Veteran peace negotiator Dr. Tal Becker joins the podcast to analyze the shifting tides of regional diplomacy. Reflecting on his recent discussions in Abu Dhabi, Becker describes the Abraham Accords as an emerging "Judeo-Muslim civilization" where the focus isn't on "who the land belongs to," but the realization that "we all belong to the land."  Beyond geopolitics, Becker addresses the trauma of rising Western antisemitism—which he likens to a "zombie apocalypse"—and calls for a resurgence of liberal nationalism. This episode is a masterclass in navigating a zero-sum world to build a future of prosperity, courage, and shared belonging. Key Resources: The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC CEO Ted Deutch Op-Ed: 5 Years On, the Abraham Accords Are the Middle East's Best Hope AJC's Center for a New Middle East Listen – AJC Podcasts: Architects of Peace The Forgotten Exodus People of the Pod Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman:   As the international community looks to phase two of the cease fire between Israel and the Hamas terror group in Gaza, the American Jewish Committee office in Abu Dhabi invited Dr Tal Becker to participate in discussions about what's next for the region. Dr Becker is one of Israel's leading experts on international humanitarian law and a veteran peace negotiator with Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians. He is currently vice president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, and he joins us now right after the conference in Abu Dhabi to share some of the insights he contributed there.  Tal, welcome to People of the Pod. Tal Becker:   Thank you very much, Manya. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So Tal, you have just returned from a conference in Abu Dhabi where you really took a deep dive, kind of exploring the nature of Arab-Israeli relations, as we are now entering the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza.  So I'm just curious, you've been steeped in this for so long, for decades, do you sense, or did you sense a significant shift in the region when it comes to Arab-Israeli relations and the future? Tal Becker:   So I think Manya, we're at a very kind of interesting moment, and it's hard to say exactly which direction it's going, because, on the one hand, we have had very significant military successes. I think a lot of the spoilers in the region have been significantly set back, though they're still there, but Israel really has had to focus on the military side of things a lot. And it, I think, has strained to some extent, the view of what's possible because we're being so focused on the military side.  And I think it is a moment for imagining what's possible. And how do we pivot out of the tragedy and suffering of this war, make the most of the military successes we've had, and really begin to imagine what this region could look like if we're going to continue to succeed in pushing back the spoilers in this way.  Israel is a regional power, and I think it for all our vulnerability that requires, to some extent, for Israel to really articulate a vision that it has for the region. And it's going to take a little bit of time, I think, for everybody to really internalize what's just happened over these last two years and what it means for the potential for good and how we navigate that. So I really think it's kind of like what they call a plastic moment right now. Manya Brachear Pashman:   A plastic moment, can you define that, what do you mean by plastic? Tal Becker:   So what I mean by a plastic moment, meaning it's that moment. It's an inflection point right where, where things could go in one direction or another, and you have to be smart enough to take advantage of the fluidity of the moment, to really emphasize how do we maximize prosperity, stability, coexistence? How do we take away not just the capabilities of the enemies of peace, but also the appeal of their agenda, the language that they use, the way they try to present Muslim Jewish relations, as if they're a kind of zero sum game. So how do we operate both on the economic side, on the security side, but also on the imagining what's possible side, on the peace side. As difficult as that is, and I don't want to suggest that, you know, there aren't serious obstacles, there are, but there's also really serious opportunities. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So what did you sense when you were there, in terms of the perception of Israel? I mean, were people optimistic, for lack of a better term? Tal Becker:   So first of all, it was, you know, a great opportunity to be there. And having been involved, personally, very intensively in the Abraham Accords, I always feel a bit emotional whenever I'm in the Emirates in particular, and Morocco and Bahrain and so on. And to be honest, I kind of feel at home there. And so that's a lovely thing.  I think, on the one hand, I would say there's a there's a relief that hopefully, please God, the war in Gaza is is behind us, that we're now looking at how to really kind of move into the phase of the disarmament of Hamas and the removal of Hamas from governance, you know, working with the Trump team and the Trump plan. And I think they have a bunch of questions. The Emiratis in particular, are strategic thinkers. They really want to be partners in advancing prosperity and stability across the region in pushing back extremism across the region, and I think they're eager to see in Israel a partner for that effort. And I think it puts also a responsibility on both of us to understand the concerns we each have. I mean, it takes some time to really internalize what it is for a country to face a seven-front war with organizations that call for its annihilation, and all the pressure and anxiety that that produces for a people, frankly, that hasn't had the easiest history in terms of the agenda of people hating the Jewish people and persecuting them. So I think that takes a bit of appreciation.  I think we also, in the return, need to appreciate the concerns of our regional partners in terms of making sure that the region is stable, in terms of giving an opportunity for, you know, one way I sometimes word it is that, we need to prepare for the worst case scenario. We need to prevent it from being a self fulfilling prophecy.  Which really requires you to kind of develop a policy that nevertheless gives an opportunity for things to get better, not just plan for things to get worse. And I think our partners in the Gulf in particular really want to hear from us, what we can do to make things better, even while we're planning and maybe even a bit cynical that things might be very difficult. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you mentioned the Abraham Accords, and I'm curious if you feel that Israel, I know Israel has felt isolated, at times, very isolated, and perhaps abandoned, is even the correct word.  Do you feel that is the case as we enter the second phase of the ceasefire? Do you feel that is less so the case, and do you feel that that might be less so the case because of the Abraham Accords existence? Tal Becker:   Well, so let's first talk about the Abraham Accords and their significance.So I think a lot of people present the Abraham accords as kind of an agreement that is about shared interests and shared challenges and so on, and that's definitely true. But they are, in my view, at least aspirationally, something much bigger than that. First of all, they are almost the articulation of what I call a Judeo Muslim civilization, the view that Jews and Muslims, or that all different peoples of the Middle East belong to this place and have a responsibility for shaping its future. The way I describe the Abraham Accords is that they're a group of countries who basically have said that the argument about who the land belongs to is not as important as the understanding that we all belong to the land. And as a result of that, this is kind of a partnership against the forces of extremism and chaos, and really offering a version of Israeli Jewish identity and of Muslim Arab identity that is in competition with the Iranian-Hezbollah-Hamas narrative that kind of condemns us to this zero sum conflict.  So the first thing to say is that I think the Abraham Accords have such tremendous potential for reimagining the relationship between Muslims and Jews, for reimagining the future of the region, and for really making sure that the enemies of peace no longer shape our agenda, even if they're still there. So in that sense, the opening that the Abraham Accords offers is an opening to kind of reimagine the region as a whole. And I think that's really important. And I think we have now an opportunity to deepen the Accords, potentially to expand them to other countries, and in doing so, to kind of set back the forces of extremism in the region. In a strange way, I would say Manya that Israel is more challenged right now in the west than we are in the Middle East. Because in the West, you see, I mean, there's backlash, and it's a complicated picture, but you can see a kind of increasing voices that challenge Israel's legitimacy, that are really questioning our story. And you see that both on the extreme left and extreme right in different countries across the West, in different degrees. In the Middle East, paradoxically, you have at least a partnership around accepting one another within the region that seems to me to be very promising.  And in part, I have to say it's really important to understand, for all the tragedy and difficulty of this war, Israel demonstrated an unbelievable resilience, unbelievable strength in dealing with its its adversaries, an unbelievable capacity, despite this seven front challenge, and I think that itself, in a region that's a very difficult region, is attractive. I think we do have a responsibility and an interest in imagining how we can begin to heal, if that's a word we can use the Israeli Palestinian relationship, at least move in a better direction. Use the Trump plan to do that, because that, I think, will also help our relationship in the region as a whole, without making one dependent on the other. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So I want to follow up with what you just said, that Israel faces perhaps many more challenges in the west than in the region. What about the Jewish people, would you apply that same statement to the Jewish people? Tal Becker:   Well, I think, you know, we've seen, we've seen the rise of antisemitism. And in my view, one way to think about October 7 is that October 7 marks the end of the post-Holocaust era. So there were a few decades there where, even if antisemitism existed, there were many circles in which it was socially unacceptable to give it voice. And something has shattered in the West in particular that it seems to be more socially acceptable to express antisemitism or antisemitic-adjacent type views, and that, I think has has really shocked and shaken many Jews across the western world.  I guess the thing I would say about that is, you know, some of the Jews I come across in the West were under, in my view, a bit of an illusion, that antisemitism had somehow been cured. You feel this sometimes in North America, and that essentially, we had reached a stage in Jewish history where antisemitism was broadly a thing of the past and was on the margins, and then the ferocity with which it came back on October 8 was like a trauma. And one of the definitions of trauma is that trauma is a severe challenge to the way you understand the world and your place in it.  And so if you had this understanding of your reality that antisemitism was essentially a thing of the past in North America in particular. And then all of a sudden it came back. You can see that traumatic experience. And what I want to argue or suggest is that the problem isn't that we had the solution and lost it. I think the problem was we had an illusion that there was a solution in the first place. Unfortunately, I think the Jewish people's history tells the story that antisemitism is kind of like the zombie apocalypse. It never exactly disappears. You can sometimes marginalize it more or marginalize it less. And we're now entering an era which I think Jews are familiar with, which is an era that it is becoming more socially acceptable to be antisemitic. And that to some extent, Jewish communal life feels more conditional and Jewish identity, and while being accepted in the societies in which you live also feels more conditional.  And while that is a familiar pattern, we are probably the generation of Jews with more resources, more influence, more power, more capacity than probably at any other time in Jewish history. And so it would be a mistake, I think, to think of us as kind of going back to some previous era. Yes, there are these challenges, but there are also a whole set of tools. We didn't have the F35 during the Spanish Inquisition.  So I think that despite all these challenges, it's also a great moment of opportunity for really building Jewish communities that are resilient, that have strong Jewish identity, that are that have a depth of Jewish literacy, and trying to inoculate as much as possible the societies in which we live and the communities in which we live from that phenomenon of antisemitism perhaps better than we had had done in previous iterations of this.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   I also want to go back and explore another term that you've used a couple of times, and that is enemies of peace. And I'm curious how you define the enemies of peace. Who are you talking about? And I'm asking you to kind of take a step back and really broaden that definition as much as possible. Tal Becker:   I mean, it goes back to that idea that I mentioned about the Abraham Accords, which is an understanding that there are different peoples in the Middle East that call it home, and each of those peoples deserves a place where they can nurture their identity and cultivate it and have their legitimacy respected, and in that sense, those who are engaged in a kind of zero sum competition, that feel that their exist, existence depends on the obliteration of the other. I see those as enemies of peace.  Now, I believe that both Jews and Palestinians, for example, have a right to self determination. I think that both belong in the sense that both deserve the capacity to cultivate their own identity. But the right to self determination, for example, the Palestinian right to self determination doesn't include the right to deny the Jewish right to self determination. It doesn't include the right to erase Jewish history.  In the same way that we as Jews need to come to terms with the fact that the Palestinian people feel a real connection to this place. Now, it's very difficult, given how radicalized Palestinian society is, and we have to be very realistic about the threats we face, because for as long as the dominant narrative in Palestinian society is a rejection of Jewish belongingness and self determination, we have a very difficult challenge ahead of us. But I essentially, broadly speaking, would say, the enemies of peace are those who want to lock us into a zero sum contest. Where essentially, they view the welfare of the other as a threat to themselves. Y You know, we have no conflict with Lebanon. We have no conflict with the people of Iran, for example. We have a conflict, in fact, a zero sum conflict with an Iranian regime that wants to annihilate Israel. And I often point to this kind of discrepancy that Iran would like to destroy Israel, and Israel has the audacity to want not to be destroyed by Iran. That is not an equivalent moral playing field. And so I view the Iranian regime with that kind of agenda, as an enemy of peace. And I think Israel has an obligation to also articulate what its aspirations are in those regards, even if it's a long time horizon to realize those aspirations, because the enemies are out there, and they do need to be confronted effectively and pretty relentlessly. Manya Brachear Pashman:   For our series on the Abraham Accords, Architects of Peace, I spoke with Dr Ali Al Nuami, and we talked about the need for the narrative to change, and the narrative on both sides right, the narrative change about kind of what you refer to as a zero sum game, and for the narrative, especially out of Israel, about the Palestinians to change. And I'm curious if you've given that any thought about changing, or just Israel's ability or obligation to send a message about the need for the Palestinians indeed to achieve self determination and thrive. Tal Becker:   Well, I think first, it's important to articulate how difficult that is, simply because, I mean, Israel has faced now two years of war, and the sense that I think many Israelis felt was that Palestinian society at large was not opposed to what happened on October 7, and the dominant narratives in Palestinian society, whether viewing Israel as some kind of a front to Islam, or viewing Israel as a kind of colonial enterprise to then be like in the business of suggesting a positive vision in the face of that is very difficult, and we do tend Manya, in these situations, when we say the narrative has to change, we then say, on the other side, they have to change the narrative, rather than directing that to ourselves. So I think, you know, there is an obligation for everyone to think about how best to articulate their vision.  It's a huge, I think, obligation on the Palestinian leadership, and it's a very one they've proved incapable of doing until now, which is genuinely come to terms with the Jewish people's belongingness to this part of the world and to their right to self determination. It's a core aspect of the difficulty in addressing this conflict. And having said all that, I think we as Israeli Jews also have an obligation to offer that positive vision. In my mind, there is nothing wrong with articulating an aspiration you're not sure you can realize, or you don't even know how to realize. But simply to signal that is the direction that I'm going in, you know?  I mean Prime Minister Netanyahu, for example, talks about that he wants the Palestinian people to have all the power to govern themselves and none of the power to threaten Israel. Which is a way of saying that the Palestinian people should have that capacity of self determination that gives them the potential for peace, prosperity, dignity, and security, But not if the purpose of that is to essentially be more focused on destroying Israel than it is on building up Palestinian identity. Now that I think, can be articulated in positive terms, without denying Israel's connection to the land, without denying the Jewish people's story, but recognizing the other. And yes, I think despite all the difficulties, victory in war is also about what you want to build, not just what you want to destroy. And in that sense, our ability to kind of frame what we're doing in positive terms, in other words, not just how we want to take away the capacities of the extremists, but what we want to build, if we had partners for that, actually helps create that momentum. So I would just say to Dr Ali's point that, I think that's a shared burden on all of us, and the more people that can use that language, it can actually, I think, help to create the spaces where things that feel not possible begin to maybe become possible. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Which in many ways Trump's 20 point plan does that. It doesn't just only talk about disarming Hamas. It talks about rebuilding Gaza. Are there other ways in which Israel can assure the success of the Palestinian people and push forwards. Can you envision other ways? Tal Becker:   Well, I mean, I'm sure there's lots that people can do, but there is a burden on the Palestinian people themselves, and I do find that a lot of this discourse kind of takes agency away from the Palestinian people and their leadership. In a way, there's a kind of honesty to the Trump plan and the Security Council resolution that was adopted endorsing the plan that has been missing for quite a while. The Trump plan, interestingly, says three things.  It says, on this issue of a kind of vision or pathway. It says, first of all, it basically says there is no Palestinian state today, which must have come as a bit of a shock for those countries recognizing a Palestinian state. But I think that is a common understanding. It's a little bit of an illusion to imagine that state.  The second thing is how critical it is for there to be PA reform, genuine reform so that there is a responsible function in Palestinian governing authority that can actually be focused on the welfare of its people and govern well.  And the third is that then creates a potential pathway for increasing Palestinian self-determination and moving potentially towards Palestinian statehood, I think, provided that that entity is not going to be used as a kind of terror state or a failed state. But that, I think, is a kind of honest way of framing the issue. But we don't get around Manya the need for responsibility, for agency. So yes, Israel has responsibility. Yes, the countries of the region have responsibilities.  But ultimately, the core constituency that needs to demonstrate that it is shifting its mindset and more focused on building itself up, rather than telling a story about how it is seeking to deny Jewish self determination, is the Palestinian leadership. And I do think that what's happening in Gaza at least gives the potential for that.  You have the potential for an alternative Palestinian governance to emerge. You have the potential for Hamas to be set back in a way that it no longer has a governing role or a shape in shaping the agenda. And I think if we can make Gaza gradually a success story, you know, this is a bit too optimistic for an Israeli to say, but maybe, maybe we can begin to create a momentum that can redefine the Israeli Palestinian relationship. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So I asked what can Israel do to move forward to assure the Palestinians that they are behind their success and thriving? What can Israel do to make sure that it's respected, that is not facing the challenges from the West, from that region. What can Israel do? What is Israel's obligation, or is that an unfair question, to ensure its success and its moving forward? Tal Becker:   I think it's a really difficult question, because the criticism that Israel has gotten throughout this war and the threats to its legitimacy in the way that they've erupted, I think, is a really complicated phenomena that has many moving parts. So some part of it, I think, rightly, is about Israeli policy and Israeli language and the way it has framed what it has been doing, and really the unbelievable moral dilemmas that the war in Gaza posed, and how Israel conducted itself in the way of those dilemmas. And people can have different views about that.  I think there's a misunderstanding, very significantly, of the nature of the battlefield and how impossible Hamas in its deliberate kind of weaponization of the civilian population, made that. So there's one component that has to do with Israel. There's another component that we can't ignore, that has to do with antisemitism. And that, I think, for that group right who almost define themselves through their hostility towards the Jewish people and towards the very idea of Jewish self determination, it's hard to think anything that Israel says or does that actually matters, right? These were the people who were criticizing Israel even before it responded.  And so in that sense, I think putting too much on Israel is a problem. Maybe I'll just focus on the area that I think is most interesting here, and that is, in my view, a lot of the argument about Israel in the West, we'll take the US, for example, is actually not an argument about Israel, but more an argument about the US that is channeled through Israel. In other words, a lot of people seem to be having their argument about America's story of itself channeled through their argument about Israel. And what they're actually arguing about is their vision of America.  And you can see different versions of this. There's a story of America as perhaps a kind of white Christian country that was exploited by immigrants and is exploited by other countries in the world, and that narrative kind of tends pushes you in a direction of having a certain view, in my view, mistaken, in any event, about Israel. That is more to do about your story of America than it has anything to do with what Israel is doing or saying. And then you hear this very loudly, and I'm not suggesting these are exactly even.  But on the more radical kind of progressive left, you have a story of America as essentially a country that never came over the legacy of slavery, a country that has to kind of apologize for its power, that it sees itself as a colonial entity that can't be redeemed. And when you're kind of locked in that version of America, which I kind of think is a kind of self hating story of America. Then that then projects the way you view Israel more than anything Israel says or does. So this has a lot to do with America's, and this is true of other countries in the West, that internal struggle and then the way different actors, especially in the social media age, need to position themselves on the Israel issue, to identify which tribe they belong to in this other battle.  So in my view, people who care about the US-Israel relationship, for example, would be wise to invest in this, in the battle over America's story of itself, and in that sense, it's less about Israeli public diplomacy and less about Israeli policy. It's much more about the glasses people wear when they look at Israel. And how do you influence those glasses? Manya Brachear Pashman:   I could sit here and talk to you all day, this is really fascinating and thought provoking. I do want to ask two more questions, though, and one is, I've been harping on what can Israel do? What are Israel's obligations?  But let me back up a step. What about the Arab states? What are the other neighbors in the region obligated to do to assure the Palestinians that they're going to succeed and thrive? Tal Becker:   Yeah, I mean, it's a really important question and, and I think that for many, many years, we suffered from, I would say, a basic lack of courage from Arab states. I'm generalizing, but I hope that others would advance their interests for them. And in some sense, I think the Abraham Accords really flipped that, because Abraham Accords was the Arab states having the courage and the voice to say, we need to redefine our relationship with with Israel, and in that way, create conditions, potentially for Palestinians to do, to do the same.  I would say that there are a whole set right, and, not my position to kind of be the lecturer, and each country is different in their own dynamics. I think the first from an Israeli perspective, of course, is to really push back against this attempt to delegitimize the Jewish people's belonging in the Middle East, and not to allow this kind of narrative where the only authentic way to be a Palestinian or a Muslim is to reject the idea that other peoples live in the region and have a story that connects them to it, and Israel is here to stay, and it can be a partner. You can have disagreements with it. But the idea that it's some kind of illegitimate entity, I think, needs to be taken out of the lexicon fundamentally. I think a second area is in really this expectation of Palestinian especially in the Israeli Palestinian context, of being partners in holding the Palestinians accountable not to have the kind of the soft bigotry of low expectations, and to really recognize Palestinian agency, Palestinian responsibility and also Palestinian rights, yes, but not in this kind of comic strip, victim villain narrative, where Israel has all the responsibilities and the Palestinians have all the rights. My colleague, Einat Wilf, for example, talks about Schrodinger's Palestine. You know, Schrodinger's Cat, right? So Schrodinger's Palestine is that the Palestinians are recognized for rights, but they're not recognized for responsibilities. And Israel has rights and responsibilities. And finally, I would say in terms of the the taking seriously the spoilers in the region, and working with Israel and with our partners to make sure that the spoilers in the region don't dictate the agenda and don't have the capacity to do so, not just hoping that that, you know, Israel and the US will take care of that, but really working with us. And I think a few countries are really stepping up in that regard. They have their own constraints, and we need to be respectful of that, and I understand that.  But I think that, you know, this is a strategic partnership. I sometimes joke that with the Emirates, it's a Jewish and a Muslim state, but it's a Catholic marriage. We've kind of decided to bind together in this kind of strategic partnership that has withstood these last two years, because we want to share a vision of the Middle East that is to the benefit of all peoples, and that means doing kind of three things at once. Meaning confronting the spoilers on the one hand, investing in regional integration on the other, and seeing how we can improve Israeli Palestinian relations at the same time. So working in parallel on all three issues and helping each other in the process and each other thrive. I mean, there's a whole bunch of stuff beyond the conflict. There's, you know, AI and fighting desertification and irrigation and defense tech and intelligence, and a whole host of areas where we can cooperate and empower each other and be genuine partners and strengthen our own societies and the welfare of our own peoples through that partnership for ourselves, for each other and for the region. So there's a lot to do. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And my last question – I've asked, what do the Arab states need to do? What does Israel need to do? What do Jewish advocates around the world need to do?  Tal Becker:   So I think the most important thing at this moment for me, Manya, is courage. There is a danger, because of the rise in antisemitism and the kind of hostility that one sees, that Jews in particular will become more silent. And they'll kind of hide a little bit in the hope that this will somehow pass them. And I think what our history has taught us, is generally, these are phenomena that if you don't stand up against them early, they become extremely powerful down the line, and you can't, and it becomes very, very costly to confront them.  So it takes courage, but I would say that communities can show more courage than individuals can, and in that sense, I think, you know, insisting on the rights of Jews within the societies in which they live, fighting for those kind of societies, that all peoples can prosper in. Being strong advocates for a kind of society in which Jews are able to thrive and be resilient and prosper, as well as others as well. I think is very important.  Just in a nutshell, I will say that it seems to me that in much of the world, what we're seeing is liberalism being kind of hijacked by a radical version of progressivism, and nationalism being hijacked by a version of ultra-nationalism. And for Jews and for most people, the best place to be is in liberal nationalism. Liberal nationalism offers you respect for collective identity on the one hand, but also respect for individual autonomy on the other right. That's the beautiful blend of liberal nationalism in that way, at least aspirationally, Israel, being a Jewish and democratic state, is really about, on the one hand, being part of a story bigger than yourself, but on the other hand, living a society that sees individual rights and individual agency and autonomy. And that blend is critical for human thriving and for meaning, and it's been critical for Jews as well. And so particularly across the diaspora, really fighting for liberal national identity, which is being assaulted from the extremes on both sides, seems to me to be an urgent mission. And it's urgent not just for Jews to be able not to kind of live conditionally and under fear and intimidation within the societies they live, but as we've seen throughout history, it's pretty critical for the thriving of that society itself.  At the end of the day, the societies that get cannibalized by extremes end up being societies that rot from within. And so I would say Jews need to be advocates for their own rights. Double down on Jewish identity, on resilience and on literacy, on Jewish literacy. At the same time as fighting for the kind of society in which the extremes don't shape the agenda. That would be my wish. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Making liberal nationalism an urgent mission for all societies, in other words, being a force for good. Tal Becker:   Yes, of course. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Our universal mission. Thank you so much. Thank you so much for sharing all of these thoughts with us and safe travels as you take off for the next destination. Tal Becker:   Thank you very much, Manya. I appreciate it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   As we approach the end of the year, and what a year it's been, take some time to catch up on episodes you might have missed along the way, rewind and listen to some of my more memorable interviews, such as my conversation with former Israeli hostage Shoshan Haran, abducted with her daughter, son in law and grandchildren during the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. Meet doctors or hen and Ernest Frankel, two MIT professors who amid anti Israel academic boycotts, are trying to salvage the valuable research gains through collaboration with Israeli scholars. And enjoy my frank conversation with Jonah Platt, best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway's wicked who now hosts his own hit podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt. Hard to believe all of this and more has unfolded in 2025 alone. May 2026 be peaceful and prosperous for us all.  

Last month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas.The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.In the final installment of his WICKED WEEKENDS series, Mickey-Jo is considering the possibility of more films within the Wicked universe as the two part adaptation becomes a successful franchise, as well as the other films inspired by Wicked which we might see over the next few years...•00:00 | introduction03:15 | will there be a sequel?09:15 | Wicked spin-off ideas14:55 | Wicked inspired films20:37 | more movie musicals24:28 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 95,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send Kevin a Text MessageIn this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes Jon M. Chu on the opening day of Wicked: For Good, a film that generated exciting audience reactions during test screenings. From his family's Chinese restaurant in Silicon Valley to directing one of the most anticipated musicals in Hollywood history, Jon's journey reveals how generosity, gratitude, and respect for storytelling shape extraordinary movies.The Most Explosive Audience Reaction Ever (00:29): Kevin describes how Wicked test screenings produced reactions unlike anything he'd experienced. The Risk of Adapting a Broadway Phenomenon (03:57): After 20 years of failed attempts by other directors, Jon wasn't sure he should take on Wicked. But Elphaba's lyrics, "something has changed within me," convinced him to take on the project.The House of Stories: A Silicon Valley Restaurant (18:40): Jon's family restaurant, Chef Chu's (now 56 years strong), became "a house of stories,” an intersection where customers shared beginnings and endings while Silicon Valley engineers dreamed of the future.The Spielberg Meeting and the Costume Chest Pitch (29:52): After creating a musical short, Steven Spielberg saw it and invited Jon to Dreamworks. Jon describes the hilarious pitch meeting that included a trunk full of costumes.Finding Cynthia and Ariana: No Chemistry Read Required (41:15): When casting Wicked, Jon was guided by the saying, "It's about the girls, stupid." Cynthia Erivo brought vulnerability and dignity to Elphaba, while Ariana Grande proved to be the perfect choice.The Fiyero Tree Nest: What Cinema Is All About (46:10): Jon breaks down every intentional choice in the intimate scene between Elphaba and Fiyero.What's Next: From Dr. Seuss to Britney Spears (52:59): Jon's upcoming slate includes Oh, The Places You'll Go!,Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Britney Spears biopic based on The Woman in Me, and a live-action Hot Wheels movie.The Sacred Space of Movie Theaters (56:11): Jon delivers a passionate defense of theatrical exhibition, "You have to put your phone down, sit in the dark with strangers and live through someone else's eyes for two hours.”Jon Chu shows how great art can come from a foundation of gratitude, generosity received and given forward, and unwavering commitment to stories that challenge us to become who we want to be. Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Jon ChuProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Jon M. Chu:Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_M._ChuIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0160840/Instagram: For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Last month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas.The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.In the third of a new series called WICKED WEEKENDS, taking place throughout the month of December, Mickey-Jo is talking through the film's Easter Eggs and references to both the stage musical and novel upon which it is based and The Wizard of Oz story and film by which they were inspired.Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more Wicked content coming on Weekends until the end of the month and share your thoughts about the film in the comments!•00:00 | introduction 02:57 | 1st film references06:36 | costume details 10:30 | cinematography 13:26 | Wizard of Oz visuals19:26 | Wizard of Oz dialogue 23:59 | book references 26:16 | cameo appearances31:17 | stage show references36:13 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 89,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jordan Litz, Broadway’s longest-running Fiyero in Wicked, opens up about what it truly takes to perform one of musical theater’s most iconic roles. He shares the full story behind running the New York City Marathon and then stepping onstage for two performances the same day, the physical and emotional toll of chasing a sub-3-hour goal, and how his years as an elite swimmer shaped the discipline he brings to Wicked. Jordan also reflects on five years and 1,600+ shows as Fiyero, how different Elphabas and Glindas continually reshape the role, and what it’s been like performing as the movies reshape audience reactions. A conversation for Wicked fans and for anyone curious how top performers and athletes push their limits onstage, in training, and in life. Post Run High Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postrunhigh/ Kate Mackz YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KateMackz Kate Mackz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katemackz/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas.The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.In the second of a new series called WICKED WEEKENDS, to take place over the next few weekends, Mickey-Jo is talking through as many of the changes made to the musical's 2nd act and the ensuing differences between the stage production and the film adaptation that he was able to notice over the course of his two viewings of Wicked: For Good. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more Wicked content coming on Weekends until the end of the month and share your thoughts about the film in the comments!•00:00 | introduction02:34 | storytelling changes12:41 | more narrative changes21:47 | music changes37:22 | character changes45:27 | final thoughtsAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 89,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Philip, Lara, and Bridget discuss the conclusion of the film adaptations of the Broadway musical 'Wicked.' Styled 'Wicked: For Good' and filmed simultaneously with act one of the duology, this Universal Pictures release takes place at least a year after the conclusion of the first film. Whilst Glinda, Fiyero and Nessarose are established in their prominent roles as public servants, Elphaba is painted in the public's eye as the traitorous, deplorable "Wicked Witch of the West." The current Ozian regime is one of rapid industrialization and modernization, and anyone other than a proper human Ozian is subject to discrimination or worse. In this magical land where the foremost Wizard and Witch are incapable of real magic, true power is viewed with hostility by the one magical mastermind, Madam Morrible. Uniformity and submissiveness are paramount. Can Elphaba enlist the aid of the Wizard and Glinda to thwart their behind-the-scenes puppetmaster? Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/bridget5246, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Episode Description:Just saw Wicked: For Good (Wicked Part 2) and wondering what it all means? The sequel to 2024's blockbuster Wicked movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivers the pure magic and joy of Wicked's fairytale storytelling while also serving as a mirror reflecting our world's darkest patterns of persecution. Join hosts Sarah Jack and Josh Hutchinson for a spoiler-filled celebration of this magical film as they explore both the enchantment of the story and the surprisingly relevant themes hiding behind flying monkeys, sparkly shoes, and that iconic green skin.From Gregory Maguire's beloved novel to the Broadway phenomenon with music by Stephen Schwartz, Wicked has captured hearts worldwide. This sequel delivers stunning musical numbers, an enchanting fairytale ending, and America's greatest modern fairy story—while also offering profound insights about our world. Discover why Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Dorothy, and the Wizard of Oz create a story that's both entertainment magic and meaningful social commentary.From the breathtaking songs like "For Good" to the animals in cages vault scene that's impossible to look away from, this episode explores how the Wicked movie with Jonathan Bailey and Jeff Goldblum delights audiences while helping us understand who gets labeled "wicked"—and who decides.What You'll Explore:The pure magic and joy of Wicked's fairytale storytellingStandout musical moments and how the Broadway songs translate to filmThe chilling parallels between Oz's animal persecution and real-world witch huntsElphaba and Glinda's friendship, sisterhood, and the choices that change everythingWhy the treatment of talking animals in Oz mirrors modern oppressionHow Dorothy's witch hunt against Elphaba reflects real accusation patternsWhy Nessarose, Boq, and Fiyero's transformations matter for understanding persecutionHow the word "witch" is weaponized as a political tool todayWhether movies like Wicked help or harm the fight against modern persecutionDeep dive into Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Ariana Grande's GlindaThis is the next installment in our ongoing look at Wicked and Oz! If you haven't already, be sure to check out our previous episodes "Witchcraft and Stagecraft: Unmasking Wicked's Magic with Paul Laird and Jane Barnette" and "Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch" to explore how this beloved story connects to real witch trial history and contemporary persecution.Content Warning: This episode includes movie spoilers and discusses themes of persecution, banishment, and contemporary witch hunts affecting millions globally.Ready to see beyond the emerald curtain? This isn't your childhood Oz anymore—and that's exactly the point. But it's also a wicked good time.For more information about ending witch hunts or to get involved, visit EndWitchHunts.orgKeywords: Wicked For Good, Wicked Part 2, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Dorothy, Wizard of Oz, animals in Oz, Wicked sequel, Broadway musical, Stephen Schwartz, Gregory Maguire, Wicked songs, For Good, Wicked movie explained, witch hunts, Wicked themes, Wicked analysisLinksWatch Episode: Witchcraft and Stagecraft: Unmasking Wicked's Magic with Paul Laird and Jane BarnetteWatch Episode: Wicked Movie: The Making of a WitchWatch Episode: Ghana's Outcast Camps: A Conversation with the Coalition Against Witchcraft Accusations Sign the Amnesty International Petition for Ghana Anti Witchcraft Legislation Support our Nonprofit: Buy an Oz bookSign the Massachusetts Exoneration Petition

We're holding space for Defying Gravity! Are you? In this episode, Shelby and Laura review one of the most anticipated films of the year--Wicked: For Good starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Tune in for thoughtful analysis and funny takes on the hit Broadway musical adaption directed by Jon M. Chu.We celebrate the film's diverse casting choices, gush over the stunning set and costume designs, as well as, the pink and green aesthetic, explain why we all need more Jonathan Bailey (aka Fiyero) in our lives and that weird sex scene, analyze the "othering" of Elphaba by her Dad and classmates, and highlight the storyline parallels to our current political climate. Lastly, we ask whether there is a nail tech in Oz. Interested in more movie reviews? Check out our podcast episodes on ⁠American Fiction⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barbie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠Cannes Film Festival 2024⁠, ⁠Challengers⁠, ⁠Deadpool & Wolverine⁠, ⁠Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga⁠, ⁠Inside Out 2 ft. Nikki Meadows⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joker: Folie a Deux⁠, ⁠Killers of the Flower Moon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠Madame Web ft. Mitch Broadwater⁠, ⁠Mean Girls (2024)⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Oppenheimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Past Lives Ft. Toya From Harlem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Poor Things⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠The Fall Guy⁠, ⁠The Oscars 2024⁠, and ⁠We Live In Time⁠.To stay up to date on all things SWW:Follow @SistersWhoWatch on all social media channels (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channelCheck out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and fill out the contact information formWhat should we watch next? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sisterswhowatch@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with your suggestions.Thank you for listening and we appreciate your support! Please rate, subscribe, download, share, donate, and leave us a review :)

Welcome listeners to SEASON 5 - Episode 15 of The Yonkō Table! Featuring your host Yonko GrandMasterHoop, fellow Yonko DrJaceAttorney, and Supernovas Dr. Mondo, Apex, and Darce!WE HAVE BEEN CHANGED FOR GOOD…or FOR WORSE?!? The long awaited follow up to the sensation, Wicked, Wicked for Good debuts to a mix bag of results from us at the table! Jon M Chu and the decision to split the story into two films may work well on paper and Broadway, but how exactly did it translate to film? Does Stephen Schwartz's soundtrack still pop or does it fizzle out with its two new original songs? Does Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's portrayals of Elphaba & Glinda carry the weight of the film on their back? Did we thirst for Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero during As Long as Your Mine?! Why was Erivo's No Good Deed given the most life?!? WHY CANT WE STAND NESSAROSE & MADAM MORRIBLE?!?! Flip it around and you'll find so much more, so quit swabbing the deck, come have a seat, and get fed with this week's episode of The Yonkō Table!Discord: https://tinyurl.com/44bpr4hnSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/u2tcbdvxYoutube: https://tinyurl.com/2mudtdwmBe sure to follow us on:Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/nxhw66teFacebook: facebook.com/yonkotableInstagram: instagram.com/theyonkotablePatreon: https://tinyurl.com/yzv488vr

Beluga Sevruga! In this bonus D-Brief episode, Conor and Caroline are giving their thrillifying, (largely) unedited, frank analysis of 2025's box-office smash, Wicked: For Good. Go down the yellow brick road with them as they obsessulate over every detail that brought to life the emotional, epic conclusion of one of the most beloved musicals and formative books for our delightful duo. Grab your brooms and bubbles (and tissues) because it's time to be changed for good!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord | On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.

A year after Part I, the Wicked movie franchise returns with For Good, an adaptation of the second act of the Broadway musical. In this episode of Hyperspace Theories, Tricia Barr and B.J. Priester examine how Wicked: For Good takes advantage of the movie format, and the passage of time since the original musical was written, to strengthen the character arcs of Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero in tandem with the story's themes. Like Part I, For Good also maximizes the opportunity to include locations, action sequences, and other visual elements which wouldn't be possible in a Broadway stage production. The two new songs written for Wicked: For Good, Elphaba's "No Place Like Home" early in the movie and Glinda's "Girl in the Bubble" near the end, reinforce the two characters' motivations for their crucial decisions in the story. Each song also feels especially timely, directly addressing themes of resistance to oppression, the influence of propaganda, and the emotional and psychological obstacles that sometimes must be overcome to make the right choice and do the right thing. Although the characters had similar motivations in the original Broadway show, the new songs for Wicked: For Good reflect the impact of recent political and social events to drive home themes that perhaps felt a little more abstract and distant to many listeners two decades ago. Along the path of their own respective journeys, Elphaba and Glinda also change the other Wicked characters around them, and ultimately Oz itself. Yet For Good also takes place in the background of The Wizard of Oz in a much more direct way than Part I's story. If there's a weak point in For Good, it's that this movie leans a bit too heavily on the assumption that its audience remembers the details of Dorothy's plotline from the earlier film, an assumption that may not be as workable for a mainstream movie release in 2025 compared to the theatrical musical attendees at the turn of the twenty-first century. Together, though, Wicked: Part I and Wicked: For Good tell a complete story for Elphaba and Glinda, and how they changed each other forever. Related Links: Hyperspace Theories: WICKED Part I Rises to the Moment (Dec. 2024) Breaking Baz: Jon M. Chu On How The Breathtaking 'Wicked: For Good' Took Flight With New Songs For Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande, Plus A Secret Guest Star As Cowardly Lion (Deadline; Oct. 16, 2025) Social Media: Tricia Barr (@fangirlcantina) Instagram | Threads | Blue Sky B.J. Priester (@redpenoflex) Instagram | Threads | Blue Sky Fangirl Zone on Facebook

Earlier this month, WICKED: FOR GOOD, the second part of the film adaptation of the global musical phenomenon Wicked, finally arrived in cinemas.The film, directed by Jon M Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.In the first of a new series called WICKED WEEKENDS, to take place over the next few weekends, Mickey-Jo is rounding up some of the film's more negative reviews and commentary in order to answer the question: why did (some of) the critics hate this film?! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more Wicked content coming on Wednesdays over the next month and share your thoughts about the film in the comments!•00:00 | introduction02:47 | The New Yorker13:07 | Time20:52 | Washington Post29:18 | The Telegraph35:14 | The Independent41:06 | conclusionAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 89,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're dancing through life with a wickedly good choreographer! Jenna and Kevin hang out with their pal, the exceptionally talented choreographer Christopher Scott! They discuss the joy of witnessing his journey from "Glee" to "So You Think You Can Dance" and the "Wicked" movies. They also learn the fun way he found out he was going to work on "Wicked," the emotions he felt watching Cynthia Erivo's audition, witnessing Jeff Goldblum becoming the Wizard in real time, Jonathan Bailey's take on Fiyero, which helped inspire some of the choreography, and seeing director Jon M. Chu build the world of Oz! Plus a deep dive into his creative process and inspiration for certain scenes, the dance break that didn't make it to the screen, and some fun memories from working on Glee! For fun, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes clips, follow us on Instagram @andthatswhatyoureallymissedpod & TikTok @thatswhatyoureallymissed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's official, Keith Urban can no longer sit with us, especially after he accepted an invitation to perform at a private party thrown by Aussie billionaire Anthony Pratt, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort. Donald Trump was in attendance, as well as Gina Rinehart and Pauline Hanson, but the biggest WTF is that Keith performed Chappell Roan's queer anthem ‘Pink Pony Club' as part of his appearance. There are several many things Em and Michael have to say about that, as well as side questing into the Kardashians, Caitlyn Jenner and Lady Gaga. Then it's onto their regrouping over ‘Wicked: For Good' after Michael finally saw it over the weekend. There's three things that left them both perplexed, all of them costume related, the first one is the sex cardigan Cynthia Erivo, aka Elphaba, wears for, and after her sex scene with Jonathan Bailey, aka Fiyero.  There's also Jonathan's lack of nipple exposure after said sex scene, and the delicate black see thru hood Elphaba wears as she's trekking through the desert in the final scene. None of it makes much, if any sense, so prepare for much ridicule and analysis from Em and Michael on all of it.  Then in our Sealed Section, on our premium service Emsolation Extra, Em went on her first date and she's ready to spill, she also needs to do an F1 in Vegas info dump, plus Em's going to rate 10 pictures of different dogs, and decide if she would date them IF she was a dog too, because of course she is. Get access for just $1.87 a week, or watch the full video of both episodes back to back via the Supercast website for $2.50 a week at emsolation.supercast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Today, we're excited to welcome you to the Tarp Find — a new weekly mini-episode. Every Tuesday, Andrew will share a quick, inspirational story about someone (or a team of people) who are leading by example and living the Everybody Pulls The Tarp mindset. Tarp Find mini-episodes will live here in your Everybody Pulls The Tarp podcast feed right alongside Andrew's regular, weekly interview episodes with the world's top performers every Thursday. This week's Tarp Find is about Broadway star Jordan Litz — who plays Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. Andrew tells the story about an absolutely remarkable day that Jordan had a few weeks ago. ***Programming Note: Nothing is changing with Andrew's weekly interview episodes. Andrew's interview episodes will continue to be in your podcast feed every Thursday morning again once Season 14 launches on January 8th. ***DISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

No good pod goes unpublished! Alex and Zach return to the mics for a return to Oz and the conclusion of the Broadway hit adaptation Wicked: For Good. They discuss how it lines up with the original stage production, how Act 2 compares to its Act 1 movie and stage predecessors and get in deep on the music and lore of Oz. Plus, they dive in on all of its possible awards chances and so, so, so much more.TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro1:52 - General Non-Spoiler Thoughts11:37 - Concession Stand (Candy - Sweet/Positive Notes) - SPOILERS AHEAD23:18 - Concession Stand (Popcorn - Salty/Negative Notes) - SPOILERS AHEAD40:21 - Concession Stand (Refreshments - Wash-It-Down/Other Notes) - SPOILERS AHEAD46:05 - Original Songs49:10 - "Clock Tick"50:50 - Original Songs (cont.)53:40 - Other Reactions1:03:14 - Song Review Rundown1:06:19 - Box Office1:15:14 - Wrap-Up1:20:38 - OutroFollow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

After years of anticipation, Mickey-Jo has finally seen both parts of the film adaptation of the global musical sensation, Wicked, having now seen WICKED: For Good in cinemas on either side of the Atlantic.Both films have been directed by Jon M Chu and star Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.Check out today's brand new spoiler inclusive review video for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the film, the music including the two original songs, its choices as an adaptation, its aesthetics, and its themes in full detail.Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more Wicked content coming on Wednesdays over the next month and share your thoughts about the film in the comments!•00:00 | introduction02:59 | overall thoughts / tone11:47 | the music20:53 | the original songs27:11 | the narrative37:52 | more plot thoughts43:56 | visual choices54:43 | final thoughtsAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 89,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a surreal time in history with confluent sources of rage towards Jews enveloping so many western countries a NYC mayoral race turning into a global media war with nyc home to one of the biggest Jewish populations in the world, yet the biggest hit series in streaming right now is “Nobody Wants This” about an orthodox Rabbi falling in love with a non Jewish woman .. it's as if the world has gone mad literally - so Jonah Platt Broadway actor, singer, musician, writer, producer, director, lyricist, composer, podcaster “Being Jewish With Jonah Platt” is the perfect guest to explore this extraordinary time in Jewish and global history .. From an early age, Judaism, entertainment, and the arts have been the corner  stones of Jonah Platt's life. Raised in Los Angeles by award-winning producer Marc Platt and Jewish philanthropist Julie Platt, Jonah grew up with a deep sense of Jewish identity, creativity, and advocacy. Whether performing for his family or attending Jewish day schools and summer camps, he was immersed in his heritage, which set the stage for his future path. Jonah attended the University of Pennsylvania before kicking off a career as a television writer. This eventually led to a lengthy career as a Broadway actor.He soon became known for his performance as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway, Horst in Neil Patrick Harris' Coupled, Woof in Hair at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Kristen Bell, and acting in the Oscar-nominated Being the Ricardos, among many other roles.A pivotal career and life-changing moment came for Jonah in 2023 after the devastating Hamas attacks on Israeli civilians.Jonah saw how polarized the conversation around Jewish identity had become, particularly in Hollywood and the media. Determined to make a difference, he started speaking out publicly and using his platform to reshape perceptions, and began speaking publicly.This eventually led him to start his most meaningful project yet—his podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt.The podcast explores the rich spectrum of Jewish identity. It has featured prominent guests like Congressman Ritchie Torres, Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg, Emmy winner Patricia Heaton, Tony nominee Josh Gad, Oscar winner Marlee Matlin, and CNN's Van Jones.Jonah is producing his first feature film, The Mensch, in which he will co-star alongside Ginnifer Goodwin. He is also a sought-after singer and musician, an award-winning vocal arranger, a director of improv and theater, and is currently co-writing the musical adaptation of Lois Lowry's best-selling novel The Giver.Jonah is highly sought after by the media and professional speaking opportunities nationally and internationally.Deborah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/what.ive.learnt/Mind, Film and Publishing: https://www.mindfilmandpublishing.com/Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/what-ive-learnt/id153556330Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TQjCspxcrSi4yw2YugxBkBuzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1365850

Esta semana llegó Wicked: por siempre a cines y queremos saber, ¿ustedes creen que Fiyero y Glinda sí se casan? (Quiénes ya la vieron: no spoilers). Les contamos sobre la escena más difícil de grabar de Ariana Grande y sobre todo el chisme que hay con Cynthia Erivo. También les platicamos nuestra opinión sobre los trailers de Moana y Los juegos del hambre: Amanecer en la cosecha. Y los estrenos que no se pueden perder en la pantalla grande como Jujutsu Kaisen: Ejecución.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night, after considerable anticipation, Mickey-Jo finally saw WICKED: For Good, the second film in the two part adaptation of the global musical phenomenon, Wicked.Both films have been directed by Jon M Chu and star Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple) as Elphaba, Ariana Grande (13 the Musical) as Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey (Company) as Fiyero. The supporting cast also includes Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.Check out today's brand new *spoiler-free* review video for Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the film, its choices as an adaptation, its aesthetics, its themes and its performances without the details that would prevent you from enjoying the experience for yourself when the film is released.Remember to keep your thoughts spoiler-free in the comments section!•00:00 | introduction04:03 | context / overview09:12 | more general thoughts13:07 | adapting Act 217:30 | central themes23:24 | the score28:56 | performances33:24 | cinematography / design36:49 | final thoughtsAbout Mickey-Jo:As one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on a social platform, Mickey-Jo is pioneering a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MickeyJoTheatre⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is the largest worldwide in terms of dedicated theatre criticism, where he also share features, news and interviews as well as lifestyle content for over 89,000 subscribers. With a viewership that is largely split between the US and the UK he has been fortunate enough to be able to work with PR, Marketing, and Social Media representatives for shows in New York, London, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Toronto, Sao Pãolo, and Paris. His reviews and features have also been published by WhatsOnStage, for whom he was a panelist to help curate nominees for their 2023 and 2024 Awards as well as BroadwayWorldUK, Musicals Magazine and LondonTheatre.co.uk. Instagram/TikTok/X: @MickeyJoTheatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olivia Munn closes out her co-hosting return with the final day of “Wicked” Week on TODAY. Jonathan Bailey joins Jenna and Olivia to celebrate the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” and share what audiences can expect from Fiyero in the franchise's second installment. Plus, chef and culinary producer Courtney Storer — the mind behind the mouthwatering creations on Hulu's hit series “The Bear” — shares her Carmy-approved recipe for chicken piccata. Also, lifestyle expert Meredith Sinclair has the answer to all your advent calendar needs for everyone in your life — from kiddos to self-care lovers and even your feline friends. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Running the marathon and doing two Broadway shows in the same day — I've never felt more New York than that day." Did you hear about the man who ran the 2025 New York City Marathon and then went on to star in two performances of Wicked on Broadway that same day? That man is Jordan Litz, who is currently starring as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. He's the longest-running Fiyero in Wicked history, having performed the role more than 1,500 times. And two of those times were immediately after he crossed the finish line at his first marathon, the New York City Marathon. In this conversation, Jordan talks about how he pulled off this tremendous physical and mental feat — and how it felt to run 26.2 miles and then get through "Dancing Through Life," twice! FOLLOW JORDAN @litzjordan SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released Rebel v5! In this episode: How Jordan is feeling post-NYC Marathon, and why he wanted to run a marathon and perform in two Wicked shows in one day (2:35) What it was like being spoofed on Saturday Night Live the night before the marathon (5:30) Jordan's snapshot moment from Sunday, November 2 (7:30) What it's like starring in Wicked right now (14:00) How, when, and why Jordan — a former competitive swimmer — became a runner (19:30) Jordan's impressions of the running community (25:05) How Jordan met his now-wife, Julie (26:45) All about Jordan's NYC Marathon training (32:55) How Jordan spent the days before the race (38:20) Jordan recaps his race (44:00) What it was like going from the finish line to the Gershwin (53:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo take center stage in Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated finale to the blockbuster musical saga. On this episode of The Moviegoers Society, Sean Tajipour, the Mayor of Nerdtropolis, and Drew Munhausen dive into Jon M. Chu's bold return to Oz — exploring how dazzling performances collide with a chaotic second act that still struggles to shake the musical's long-standing flaws.They break down the film's biggest strengths, from the emotional punch of “For Good” and “No Good Deed” to Jonathan Bailey's standout turn as Fiyero, while also digging into the messy pacing, rushed story threads, and expanded world-building that make Act II such a challenge to adapt for the screen. Sean and Drew also discuss the film's approach to Dorothy, the visual design of Oz, and whether this finale ultimately sticks the landing for fans of the original musical.

Today, on The Goggler Podcast, Bahir and Uma watch and review Wicked: For Good, the second part of Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the acclaimed musical. Wicked: For Good is now showing in Malaysian cinemas. Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz's silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard. Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible, Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.  As Glinda's stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba's sister, Nessarose, when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives. Wicked: For Good was directed by Jon M. Chu, and stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Thank you for checking out The Goggler Podcast, if you have any thoughts or questions, just email us on podcast@goggler.my, or reach out to us via Instagram. You can also WhatsApp us on The Goggler Hotline, on +60125245208 RSS: https://goggler.my/feed/podcast/

Jonah Platt er en amerikansk skuespiller, sanger, forfatter, regissør og forkjemper for det jødiske samfunnet. Han er mest kjent for sin rolle i TV-serien Being the Ricardos, i Uncoupled, og for å ha spilt Fiyero i Broadway-musikalen Wicked, i tillegg til sitt arbeid innen teater, fjernsyn og som vokalarrangør og produsent.Platt er en svært synlig forkjemper for det jødiske samfunnet, der han leder diskusjoner, holder foredrag på arrangementer og bruker sin plattform til å styrke og opplyse om jødiske spørsmål.Nylig lanserte han podkasten Being Jewish with Jonah Platt for å fremme samtaler om jødisk identitet og samhold, spesielt i kjølvannet av terrorangrepene 7. oktober.English info:Jonah Platt is a multi-talented American actor, singer, writer, director, and Jewish community advocate, best known for his role in the tv series "Being the Ricardos", in "Uncoupled", and playing Fiyero in the Broadway musical "Wicked", as well as for his work in theater, television, and as a vocal arranger and producer. Platt is a highly visible advocate for the Jewish community, leading discussions, speaking at events, and using his platform to empower and educate on Jewish issues.He recently launched the “Being Jewish with Jonah Platt” podcast to foster conversations about Jewish identity and unity, especially following the October 7 terror attacks.► SUPPORT HENRIK BECKHEIM PODCASTIf you wish to support the work of this podcast, please become a subscriber. Also feel free to donate an amount of your choosing:➡ ⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠➡ ⁠Vipps⁠ (Norway only) donér til: Vippsnummer: #823278► Advertise on The Henrik Beckheim Podcast post@henrikbeckheim.no ► Shop Merch here -  https://henrikbeckheim.com/store► Review/rating:Please feel free to leave a review on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠. ► Links:⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ | Official website | ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Podimo⁠ | ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Apple⁠

Broadway, television, and film star of The Great Gatsby on Broadway, Ryan McCartan, joins host Joel Crump for another edition of "Broadway Time at Carmine's". About Ryan: Broadway credits include Fiyero in Wicked and Hans in Disney's Frozen. Off-Broadway, he originated JD in Heathers. Regionally he starred as Tony in West Side Story at Lyric Opera of Chicago. On-screen credits include Fox's “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” remake, “Liv & Maddie,” “Freakish,” “Royal Pains,” “Midnight, Texas,” “Monday Mornings,” “Last Man Standing” and “The Middle.” "Broadway Time at Carmine's" features Broadway stars over lunch in engaging conversations at the iconic Carmine's Times Square eatery. For more, visit www.BWayTime.com, and follow:

We're BAAAAACK..and we're back with a quickie story that's leaner, greener, and wiener than ever. Join Elpheba and Fiyero as they stumble upon what they think is an abandoned swamp house. Perhaps the grossest story we've read since Hannibal X Willy Wonka, you're in for a broom ride you may regret for the rest of your life. You're welcome, and we've missed you!Get wet and wild with us in our free, private FB group—The Fanny Pack—OR—if you're extra horny and want more ridiculous content, join our Patreon.

Being Jewish podcast host Jonah Platt—best known for playing Fiyero in Broadway's Wicked—joins People of the Pod to discuss his journey into Jewish advocacy after October 7. He reflects on his Jewish upbringing, challenges media misrepresentations of Israel, and shares how his podcast fosters inclusive and honest conversations about Jewish identity. Platt also previews The Mensch, an upcoming film he's producing to tell Jewish stories with heart and nuance. Recorded live at AJC Global Forum 2025. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod:  Latest Episodes:  Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Dinah Project's Quest to Hold Hamas Accountable Journalist Matti Friedman Exposes Media Bias Against Israel John Spencer's Key Takeaways After the 12-Day War: Air Supremacy, Intelligence, and Deterrence Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman:   Jonah Platt: is an award winning director of theater and improv comedy, an accomplished musician, singer and award winning vocal arranger. He has been on the Broadway stage, including one year as the heartthrob Fiyero in Wicked and he's producing his first feature film, a comedy called The Mensch. He also hosts his own podcast, Being Jewish with Jonah Platt:, a series of candid conversations and reflections that explore the many facets of Jewish identity.  Jonah is with us now on the sidelines of AJC Global Forum 2025. Jonah, welcome to People of the Pod. Jonah Platt:   Thank you so much for having me, happy to be here.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So tell us about your podcast. How is being Jewish with Jonah Platt: different from Jewish with anyone else? Jonah Platt:   That's a great question. I think it's different for a number of ways. I think one key difference is that I'm really trying to appeal to everybody, not just Jews and not just one type of Jews. I really wanted it to be a very inclusive show and, thank God, the feedback I've gotten, my audience is very diverse. It appeals to, you know, I hear from the ultra orthodox. I hear from people who found out they were Jewish a month ago. I hear from Republicans, I hear from Democrats. I hear from non Jews, Muslims, Christians, people all over the world. So I think that's special and different, especially in these echo-chambery, polarized times online, I'm trying to really reach out of that and create a space where the one thing we all have in common, everybody who listens, is that we're all well-meaning, good-hearted, curious people who want to understand more about our fellow man and each other.  I also try to really call balls and strikes as I see them, regardless of where they're coming from. So if I see, let's call it bad behavior, on the left, I'll call it out. If I see bad behavior on the right, I'll call it out. If I see bad behavior from Israel, I'll call it out. In the same breath that I'll say, I love Israel, it's the greatest place.  I think that's really unfortunately rare. I think people have a very hard time remembering that we are very capable of holding two truths at once, and it doesn't diminish your position by acknowledging fault where you see it. In fact, I feel it strengthens your position, because it makes you more trustworthy. And it's sort of like an iron sharpens iron thing, where, because I'm considering things from all angles, either I'm going to change my mind because I found something I didn't consider. That's going to be better for me and put me on firmer ground.  Or it's going to reinforce what I thought, because now I have another thing I can even speak to about it and say, Well, I was right, because even this I checked out, and that was wrong. So either way, you're in a stronger position. And I feel that that level of sort of, you know, equanimity is sorely lacking online, for sure.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Our podcasts have had some guests in common. We've had Dara Horn, Sarah Hurwitz, you said you're getting ready to have Bruce Pearl. We've had Coach Pearl on our show. You've also had conversations with Stuart Weitzman, a legendary shoe designer, in an episode titled Jews and Shoes. I love that. Can you share some other memorable nuggets from the conversations you've had over the last six months? Jonah Platt:   I had my dad on the show, and I learned things about him that I had never heard about his childhood, growing up, the way his parents raised him. The way that social justice and understanding the conflict and sort of brokenness in the world was something that my grandparents really tried to teach them very actively, and some of it I had been aware of, but not every little specific story he told. And that was really special for me. And my siblings, after hearing it, were like, We're so glad you did this so that we could see Dad and learn about him in this way. So that was really special.  There have been so many. Isaac Saul is a guy I had early on. He runs a newsletter, a news newsletter called Tangle Media that shows what the left is saying about an issue with the right is saying about an issue, and then his take. And a nugget that I took away from him is that on Shabbat, his way of keeping Shabbat is that he doesn't go on social media or read the news on Shabbat. And I took that from him, so now I do that too.  I thought that was genius. It's hard for me. I'm trying to even start using my phone period less on Shabbat, but definitely I hold myself to it, except when I'm on the road, like I am right now. When I'm at home, no social media from Friday night to Saturday night, and it's fantastic.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   It sounds delightful. Jonah Platt:   It is delightful. I highly recommend it to everybody. It's an easy one.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So what about your upbringing? You said you learned a lot about your father's upbringing. What was your Jewish upbringing? Jonah Platt:   Yeah, I have been very blessed to have a really strong, warm, lovely, Jewish upbringing. It's something that was always intrinsic to my family. It's not something that I sort of learned at Hebrew school. And no knock on people whose experience that is, but it's, you know, I never remember a time not feeling Jewish. Because it was so important to my parents and important to their families. And you know, part of the reason they're a good match for each other is because their values are the same.  I went to Jewish Day School, the same one my kids now go to, which is pretty cool. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Oh, that's lovely. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. And I went to Jewish sleepaway camp at Camp Ramah  in California. But for me, really, you know, when I get asked this question, like, my key Jewish word is family. And growing up, every holiday we spent with some part of my very large, amazing family. What's interesting is, in my city where I grew up, Los Angeles, I didn't have any grandparents, I didn't have any aunts or uncles or any first cousins. But I feel like I was with them all the time, because every holiday, someone was traveling to somebody, and we were being together. And all of my childhood memories of Jewish holidays are with my cousins and my aunts and my uncles and my grandparents. Because it was just so important to our family. And that's just an amazing foundation for being Jewish or anything else, if that's your foundation, that's really gonna stay with you. And my upbringing, like we kept kosher in my house, meat and milk plates. We would eat meat out but no pork, no shellfish, no milk and meat, any of that. And while I don't ascribe to all those things now, I'm grateful that I got sort of the literacy in that.  In my Jewish Day School we had to wrap tefillin every morning. And while I don't do that now, I'm glad that I know how to do that, and I know what that looks like, and I know what that means, even if I resisted it very strongly at the time as a 13 year old, being like what I gotta wrap this up every day. But I'm grateful now to have that literacy. And I've always been very surprised to see in my life that often when I'm in a room with people, I'm the most observant in the room or the most Jewish literate in the room, which was never the case in my life.  I have family members who are much more observant than me, orthodox. I know plenty of Orthodox people, whatever. But in today's world, I'm very grateful for the upbringing I had where, I'll be on an experience. I actually just got back from one in Poland. I went on a trip with all moderate Muslims from around the North Africa, Middle East, and Asia, with an organization called Sharaka. We had Shabbat dinner just this past Friday at the JCC in Krakow, and I did the Shabbat kiddush for everybody, which is so meaningful and, like, I'm so grateful that I know it, that I can play that role in that, in special situations like that.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you've been doing a lot of traveling. Jonah Platt:  Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   I saw your reflection on your visit to Baku, Azerbaijan. The largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. And you went with the Jewish Federation's National Young leadership cabinet. Jonah Platt:   Shout out to my chevre. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And you posted this reflection based on your experience there, asking the question, how much freedom is too much? So can you walk our listeners through that and how you answered that question? Jonah Platt:   Yes. So to be fair, I make very clear I don't have the answer to that question definitively, I just wanted to give people food for thought, and what I hoped would happen has happened where I've been getting a lot of people who disagree with me and have other angles at which they want to look and answer this question, which I welcome and have given me a lot to think about.  But basically, what I observed in Azerbaijan was a place that's a little bit authoritative. You know, they don't have full freedom of the press. Political opposition is, you know, quieted, but there's no crime anywhere. They have a strong police presence on the streets. There are security cameras everywhere, and people like their lives there and don't want to mess with it.  And so it just got me thinking, you know, they're an extremely tolerant society. It's sort of something they pride themselves on, and always have. It's a Muslim majority country, but it is secular. They are not a Muslim official country. They're one of only really two countries in the world that are like that, the other being Albania. And they live together in beautiful peace and harmony with a sense of goodwill, with a sense of national pride, and it got me thinking, you know, look at any scenario in our lives. Look at the place you work, look at the preschool classroom that your kid is in.  There are certain rules and restrictions that allow for more freedom, in a sense, because you feel safe and taken care of and our worst instincts are not given space to be expressed. So that is what brought the question of, how much freedom is too much. And really, the other way of putting that is, how much freedom would you be willing to give up if it meant you lived in a place with no crime, where people get along with their neighbors, where there's a sense of being a part of something bigger than yourself. I think all three of which are heavily lacking in America right now that is so polarized, where hateful rhetoric is not only, pervasive, but almost welcomed, and gets more clicks and more likes and more watches. It's an interesting thing to think about.  And I heard from people being like, I haven't been able to stop thinking about this question. I don't know the answer, but it's really interesting. I have people say, you're out of your mind. It's a slippery slope. The second you give an inch, like it's all going downhill. And there are arguments to be made there.  But I can't help but feel like, if we did the due diligence, I'm sure there is something, if we keep the focus really narrow, even if it's like, a specific sentence that can't be said, like, you can't say: the Holocaust was a great thing. Let's say we make that illegal to say, like, how does that hurt anybody? If that's you're not allowed to say those exact words in that exact sequence, you know. So I think if it's gonna be a slippery slope, to me, is not quite a good enough argument for Well, let's go down the road and see if we can come up with something. And then if we decide it's a slippery slope and we get there, maybe we don't do it, but maybe there is something we can come to that if we eliminate that one little thing you're not allowed to say, maybe that will benefit us. Maybe if we make certain things a little bit more restrictive, it'll benefit us. And I likened it to Shabbat saying, you know, on Shabbat, we have all these restrictions. If you're keeping Shabbat, that's what makes Shabbat special, is all the things you're not allowed to do, and because you're not given the quote, unquote, freedom to do those things, you actually give yourself more freedom to be as you are, and to enjoy what's really good about life, which is, you know, the people around you and and having gratitude. So it's just something interesting to think about.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   It's an interesting perspective. I am a big fan of free speech. Jonah Platt:   As are most people. It's the hill many people will die on. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Educated free speech, though, right? That's where the tension is, right? And in a democracy you have to push for education and try to make sure that, you know, people are well informed, so that they don't say stupid things, but they are going to say stupid things and I like that freedom. Did you ever foresee becoming a Jewish advocate? Jonah Platt:   No. I . . . well, that's a little disingenuous. I would say, you know, in 2021 when there was violence between Israel and Gaza in the spring over this Sheik Jarrah neighborhood. That's when I first started using what little platform I had through my entertainment career to start speaking very, you know, small things, but about Israel and about Jewish life, just organically, because I am, at the time, certainly much more well educated, even now, than I was then.  But I was more tuned in than the average person, let's say, and I felt like I could provide some value. I could help bring some clarity to what was a really confusing situation at that time, like, very hard to decipher. And I could just sense what people were thinking and feeling. I'm well, tapped into the Jewish world. I speak to Jews all over the place. My, as I said, my family's everywhere. So already I know Jews all over the country, and I felt like I could bring some value. And so it started very slowly. It was a trickle, and then it started to turn up a little bit, a little bit more, a little bit more. I went on a trip to Israel in April of 2023. It's actually the two year anniversary today of that trip, with the Tel Aviv Institute, run by a guy named Hen Mazzig, who I'm sure, you know, well, I'm sure he's been on the show, yeah.  And that was, like, sort of the next step for me, where I was surrounded by other people speaking about things online, some about Jewish stuff, some not. Just seeing these young, diverse people using their platforms in whatever way, that was inspiring to me. I was like, I'm gonna go home, I'm gonna start using this more.  And then October 7 happened, and I couldn't pull myself away from it. It's just where I wanted to be. It's what I wanted to be spending my time and energy doing. It felt way too important. The stakes felt way too high, to be doing anything else. It's crazy to me that anybody could do anything else but be focusing on that. And now here we are. So I mean, in a way, could I have seen it? No. But have I sort of, looking back on it, been leaning this way? Kinda. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Do you think it would've you would've turned toward advocacy if people hadn't been misinformed or confused about Israel? Or do you think that you would've really been more focused on entertainment.  Jonah Platt:   Yeah, I think probably. I mean, if we lived in some upside down, amazing world where everybody was getting everything right, and, you know, there'd be not so much for me to do. The only hesitation is, like, as I said, a lot of my content tries to be, you know, celebratory about Jewish identity. I think actually, I would still be talking because I've observed, you know, divisions and misunderstandings within the Jewish community that have bothered me, and so some of the things I've talked about have been about that, about like, hey, Jews, cut it out. Like, be nice to each other. You're getting this wrong.  So I think that would still have been there, and something that I would have been passionate about speaking out on. Inclusivity is just so important to me, but definitely would be a lot lower stakes and a little more relaxed if everybody was on the same universe in regards to Israel. Manya Brachear Pashman:   You were relatively recently in Washington, DC. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   For the White House Correspondents Dinner. I was confused, because he just said he was in Krakow, so maybe I was wrong. Jonah Platt:   I flew direct from Krakow to DC, got off the plane, went to the hotel where the dinner was, changed it to my tux, and went downstairs for the dinner.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Wow. Jonah Platt:   Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Are you tired? Jonah Platt:   No, actually, it's amazing. I'll give a shout out. There's a Jewish businessman, a guy named Andrew Herr, who I was in a program with through Federation called CLI in LA, has started a company called Fly Kit. This is a major shout out to Fly Kit that you download the app, you plug in your trip, they send you supplements, and the app tells you when to take them, when to eat, when to nap, when to have coffee, in an attempt to help orient yourself towards the time zone you need to be on. And I have found it very useful on my international trips, and I'm not going to travel without it again. Yeah. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Wow. White House Correspondents dinner. You posted some really thoughtful words about the work of journalists, which I truly appreciated. But what do American journalists get wrong about Israel and the Jewish connection to Israel?  Jonah Platt:   The same thing that everybody who gets things wrong are getting wrong. I mean, we're human beings, so we're fallible, and just because you're a journalist doesn't make you immune to propaganda, because propaganda is a powerful tool. If it didn't work, people wouldn't be using it. I mean, I was just looking at a post today from our friend Hen Mazzig about all the different ways the BBC is getting things horribly, horribly wrong. I think part of it is there's ill intent. I mean, there is malice. For certain people, where they have an agenda. And unfortunately, you know, however much integrity journalists have, there is a news media environment where we've made it okay to have agenda-driven news where it's just not objective. And somehow it's okay for these publications that we've long trusted to have a story they want to tell. I don't know why that's acceptable. It's a business, and I guess maybe if that, if the dollars are there, it's reinforcing itself. But reporters get wrong so much. I'd say the fundamental misunderstanding that journalists as human beings get wrong, that everybody gets wrong, is that Jews are not a group of rich, white Europeans with a common religion. That's like the number one misunderstanding about Jews. Because most people either don't know Jews at all on planet Earth. They've never met one. They know nothing about it except what they see on the news or in a film, or the Jews that they know happen to maybe be white, rich, European ancestry people, and so they assume that's everybody. When, of course, that's completely false, and erases the majority of Jews from planet Earth. So I think we're missing that, and then we're also missing what Israel means to the Jewish people is deeply misunderstood and very purposefully erased.  Part of what's tricky about all of this is that the people way behind the curtain, the terrorists, the real I hate Israel people agenda. They're the ones who plant these seeds. But they're like 5% of the noise. They're secret. They're in the back. And then everybody else, without realizing it, is picking up these things. And so the vast majority of people are, let's say, erasing Jewish connection to Israel without almost even realizing they're doing it because they have been fed this, because propaganda is a powerful tool, and they believe it to be true what they've been told.  And literally, don't realize what they're doing. And if they were in a calm environment and somebody was able to explain to them, Hey, here's what you're doing, here's what you're missing, I think, I don't know, 75% of people would be like, holy crap. I've been getting this wrong. I had no idea. Maybe even higher than 75% they really don't know. And that's super dangerous. And I think the media and journalism is playing a major role in that. Sometimes things get, you know, retracted and apologized for. But the damage is done, especially when it comes to social media. If you put out, Israel just bombed this hospital and killed a bunch of doctors, and then the next day you're like, Oops, sorry, that was wrong. Nobody cares. All they saw was Israel bombed a bunch of doctors and that seed's already been planted. So it's been a major issue the info war, while you know, obviously not the same stakes as a real life and death physical war has been as important a piece of this overall war as anything. And I wouldn't say it's going great. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Did it come up at all at the Correspondent's Dinner, or more of a celebration? Jonah Platt:   No, thank God. Yeah. It was more of a celebration. It was more of just sort of it was cool, because there was no host this year, there was no comedian, there was no president, he didn't come. So it was really like being in the clubhouse with the journalists, and you could sense they were sort of happy about it. Was like, just like a family reunion, kind of a vibe, like, it's just our people. We're all on the same page. We're the people who care about getting it right. We care about journalistic integrity. We're here to support each other. It was really nice. I mean, I liked being sort of a fly on the wall of this other group that I had not really been amongst before, and seeing them in their element in this like industry party, which was cool.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Okay, so we talked about journalists. What about your colleagues in the entertainment industry? Are you facing backlash from them, either out of malice or ignorance?  Jonah Platt:   I'm not facing any backlash from anybody of importance if I'm not getting an opportunity, or someone's written me off or something. I don't know that, you know, I have no idea if I'm now on somebody's list of I'm never gonna work with that guy. I don't know. I don't imagine I am. If I am, it says way more about that person than it does about me, because my approach, as we've discussed, is to try to be really inclusive and honest and, like, objective. And if I get something wrong, I'll delete it, or I'll say I got it wrong. I try to be very transparent and really open that, like I'm trying my best to get things right and to be fair.  And if you have a problem with that. You know, you've got a problem. I don't have a problem. So I wouldn't say any backlash. In fact, I mean, I get a lot of support, and a lot of, you know, appreciation from people in the industry who either are also speaking out or maybe too afraid to, and are glad that other people are doing it, which I have thoughts about too, but you know, when people are afraid to speak out about the stuff because of the things they're going to lose. Like, to a person, maybe you lose stuff, but like, you gain so many more other people and opportunities, people who were just sort of had no idea that you were on the same team and were waiting for you to say something, and they're like, Oh my God, you're in this with me too. Great, let's do something together, or whatever it is. So I've gotten, it's been much more positive than negative in terms of people I actually care about. I mean, I've gotten fans of entertainment who have nasty things to say about me, but not colleagues or industry peers.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   So you would declare yourself a proud Zionist. Jonah Platt:   Yes. Manya Brachear Pashman:   But you wrote a column in The Forward recently over Passover saying, let's retire the word Zionist. Why?  Jonah Platt:   Yes. I recently wrote an op-ed and actually talked about on my pod as well about why I feel we should retire the word Zionism. Not that I think we actually are. It's pretty well in use. But my main reasoning was, that the way we all understand Zionism, those of us who actually know what it is, unlike a lot of people –is the belief that Jews should have self determination, sovereignty in some piece of the land to which they are indigenous. We have that. We've had it for almost 80 years. I don't know why we need to keep using a word that frames it as aspirational, that like, I believe we should have this thing. We already have it.  And I feel by sort of leaving that sentence without a period, we're sort of suggesting that non-existence is somehow on the table. Like, if I just protest enough, Israel's going to stop existing. I want to slam that door closed. I don't think we need to be the, I believe that Israel should exist people anymore. I think we should be the I love Israel people, or I support Israel people. I'm an Israel patriot. I'm a lover of Israel, whatever the phrase may be. To me, the idea that we should continue to sort of play by their framework of leaving that situation on the table, is it only hurts us, and I just don't think we need it. Manya Brachear Pashman:   It lets others define it, in their own terms.  Jonah Platt:   Yeah, we're playing, sort of by the rules of the other people's game. And I know, you know, I heard when I put that out, especially from Israelis, who it to them, it sort of means patriot, and they feel a lot of great pride with it, which I totally understand. But the sort of more universal understanding of what that word is, and certainly of what the Movement was, was about that aspirational creation of a land, that a land's been created. Not only has it been created, it's, you know, survived through numerous wars, it's stronger than ever. You know, third-most NASDAQ companies in the world. We need to just start talking about it from like, yeah, we're here. We're not going anywhere, kind of a place. And not, a we should exist, kind of a place. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So it's funny, you said, we all know what Zionism is. And I grinned a little bit, because there are so many different definitions of Zionism. I mean, also, Zionism was a very inclusive progressive ideology packaged in there, right, that nobody talks about because it's just kind of not, we just don't talk about it anymore.  So what else about the conversation needs to change? How do we move forward in a productive, constructive way when it comes to teaching about Jewish identity and securing the existence of Israel? Jonah Platt:   In a way, those two things are related, and in a way they're not. You can have a conversation about Jewish identity without necessarily going deep down the Israel hole. But it is critical that people understand how central a connection to Israel is, to Jewish identity. And people are allowed to believe whatever they want. And you can be someone who says, Well, you know, Israel is not important to me, and that's okay, that's you, but you have to at least be clear eyed that that is an extreme and fringe position. That is not a mainstream thing. And you're going to be met with mistrust and confusion and anger and a sense of betrayal, if that's your position.  So I think we need to be clear eyed about that and be able to have that conversation. And I think if we can get to the place where we can acknowledge that in each other. Like, dude, have your belief. I don't agree with it. I think it's crazy. Like, you gotta at least know that we all think you're crazy having that idea. And if they can get to the base, we're like, yeah, I understand that, but I'm gonna believe what I'm gonna believe, then we can have conversations and, like, then we can talk. I think the, I need to change your mind conversation, it doesn't usually work. It has to be really gently done. And I'm speaking this as much from failure as I am from success. As much as we try, sometimes our emotions come to the fore of these conversations, and that's–it's not gonna happen. You know, on my pod, I've talked about something called, I call the four C's of difficult conversation. And I recently, like, tried to have a conversation. I did not adhere to my four C's, and it did not go well. And so I didn't take my own advice. You have to come, like, legitimately ready to be curious to the other person's point of view, wanting to hear what they have to say. You know, honoring their truth, even if it is something that hurts you deeply or that you abhor. You can say that, but you have to say it from a place of respect and honoring. If you want it to go somewhere. If you just want to like, let somebody have it, go ahead, let somebody have it, but you're definitely not going to be building towards anything that. Manya Brachear Pashman:   So before I let you go, can you tell us a little bit about The Mensch? Jonah Platt:   Yeah, sure. So the Mensch is one of a couple of Jewish entertainment projects I'm now involved with in the last year, which, you know, I went from sort of zero to now three. The Mensch is a really unique film that's in development now. We're gonna be shooting this summer that I'm a producer on. And it's the story of a 30 something female rabbi in New Mexico who, life just isn't where she thought it would be. She's not connecting with her congregation. She's not as far along as she thought things would be. Her synagogue is failing, and there's an antisemitic event at her synagogue, and the synagogue gets shut down. And she's at the center of it. Two weeks later, the synagogue's reopening. She's coming back to work, and as part of this reopening to try to bring some some life and some juzz to the proceedings, one of the congregants from the synagogue, the most eccentric one, who's sort of a pariah, who's being played by Jennifer Goodwin, who's a fantastic actress and Jewish advocate, donates her family's priceless Holocaust-era Torah to the synagogue, and the rabbi gets tasked with going to pick it up and bring it. As things often happen for this rabbi, like a bunch of stuff goes wrong. Long story short, she ends up on a bus with the Torah in a bag, like a sports duffel bag, and gets into an altercation with somebody who has the same tattoo as the perpetrator of the event at her synagogue, and unbeknownst to the two of them, they have the same sports duffel bag, and they accidentally swap them. So she shows up at the synagogue with Jennifer Goodwin, they're opening it up, expecting to see a Torah, and it's full of bricks of cocaine. And the ceremony is the next day, and they have less than 24 hours to track down this torah through the seedy, drug-dealing, white nationalist underbelly of the city. And, you know, drama and hilarity ensue. And there's lots of sort of fun, a magic realism to some of the proceedings that give it like a biblical tableau, kind of sense. There's wandering in the desert and a burning cactus and things of that nature.  So it's just, it's really unique, and what drew me to it is what I'm looking for in any sort of Jewish project that I'm supporting, whether as a viewer or behind the scenes, is a contemporary story that's not about Jews dying in the Holocaust. That is a story of people just being people, and those people are Jewish. And so the things that they think about, the way they live, maybe their jobs, even in this case, are Jewish ones. But it's not like a story of the Jews in that sense. The only touch point the majority of the world has for Jews is the news and TV and film. And so if that's how people are gonna learn about us, we need to take that seriously and make sure they're learning who we really are, which is regular people, just like you, dealing with the same kind of problems, the same relationships, and just doing that through a little bit of a Jewish lens. So the movie is entertaining and unique and totally fun, but it also just happens to be about Jews and rabbis. Manya Brachear Pashman:   And so possible, spoiler alert, does the White Nationalist end up being the Mensch in the end? Jonah Platt:   No, no, the white nationalist is not the mensch. They're the villain.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   I thought maybe there was a conversion moment in this film. Jonah Platt:   No conversion. But sort of, one of the themes you take away is, anybody can be a mensch. You don't necessarily need to be the best rabbi in the world to be a mensch. We're all fallible, flawed human beings. And what's important is that we try to do good and we try to do the right thing, and usually that's enough. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, I thought that kind of twist would be… Jonah Platt:   I'll take it up with the writer.  Manya Brachear Pashman:   Well, Jonah, you are truly a mensch for joining us on the sidelines here today. Jonah Platt:   Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman:   Safe travels, wherever you're headed next.  Jonah Platt:   Thank you very much. Happy to be with you.   

Ryan Reid is In The Frame!Most recently Ryan completed a three-year run playing Fiyero in the West End production of Wicked (Apollo Victoria), making history as the first black actor to play the role in the UK. Ryan's theatre credits also include Blues in the Night (Hackney Empire), cover Donkey in Shrek (UK & Ireland Tour), cover Benny in In The Heights (Kings Cross Theatre), Marvin in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse) and Angel City 4 in City Of Angels (Garrick).Ryan was part of the original West End cast of Dreamgirls and went on to take over the role of Curtis full-time. He played Ricky in the feature film Land Of Dreams. In this episode Ryan discusses making impact in Wicked, his path into theatre and the things he has learnt along the way. Follow Ryan on Instagram: @ryanreidukThis podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucille Esler is a 14-year-old titleholder proudly representing Gloversville, New York, as Miss Niagara's Teen. A student at Gloversville High School, Lucille is a dedicated scholar and community leader with aspirations of becoming a radiologist.Her Community Service Initiative, “Life With Theodorable: Supporting Autistic Individuals and Their Families,” reflects her passion for inclusion and advocacy. As the founder of this initiative, Lucille has raised over $4,000 to provide essential resources and support to autistic individuals and their loved ones. Her efforts have earned her the Glove City Coalition Youth Community Engagement Award.Lucille stays active as a clarinetist, slalom water skier, and board member of her school's Key Club. She is also involved with the Future Business Leaders of America and swims for her school's varsity team. She's no stranger to the spotlight, having played roles like “Darla” in Finding Nemo and “Fiyero” in Wicked.Health and well-being are priorities for Lucille, who practices dance and acrobatics nearly every day. She maintains both her physical and mental health through movement, a healthy diet, and outdoor activities like hiking. Her commitment aligns closely with the values of #MissAmericaFit.Aside from her own initiative, Lucille is passionate about addressing the impact of digital communication on her generation. She believes fostering face-to-face interactions is crucial in an age dominated by screens.To learn more about Lucille's organization follow her on social media at @MissNiagaraTeenNY and check out all the details here: https://lifewiththeodorable.com/Follow us on Instagram @oneworldonefuturepodcast to be the first to know when new episodes drop! And don't forget to follow our host, Ashley, at @itsashleynevison for even more updates and behind-the-scenes content!

Two shot dead in Washington DC, in an attack that shocked many but surprised few. Meanwhile, a string of Israel's longtime allies denounce the country over the blockade of aid to Gaza, even threatening sanctions. Yonit and Jonathan discuss what's next and what to make of the partial resumption of humanitarian aid. Plus, they're joined by fellow Jewish podcaster Jonah Platt, taking the temperature at this moment of angst and revealing what it means to be a Jew in Hollywood in 2025—the challenges and the moments of light.Join our Patreon community to get access to bonus episodes, discounts on merch and more: https://bit.ly/UnholyPatreonSocial links, shop, YouTube channel and more: https://linktr.ee/unholypod Jonah Platt is an American actor, singer, writer, and director known for his role as Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway. He's appeared in TV shows like The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and written for Family Guy. An advocate for Jewish identity and education, Platt hosts the podcast Being Jewish with Jonah Platt and actively participates in various Jewish organizations. He hails from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, being the son of producer Marc Platt and brother to actor Ben Platt.

Today, I'm thrilled to announce my episode with Broadway legend Norbert Leo Butz, whose solo show Girls, Girls, Girls will be playing at 54 Below from March 9-13. The ticket link is here: https://54below.org/events/norbert-leo-butz-girls-girls-girls/ Tune in to hear some of the stories of his amazing career, including his advice for actors playing Fiyero in WICKED, why audiences misunderstand Jamie in THE LAST FIVE YEARS, jumping into SPEED-THE-PLOW with only a few days' notice, why ENRON didn't work for American audiences, how he infused his father into CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, how Jack O'Brien grounded the humor in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, acting in CORNELIA STREET just after the pandemic, how BIG FISH helped him with losses in his own life, the challenge of playing the Emcee in CABARET, how he first met Jason Robert Brown, the gift of HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, his audition process for THOU SHALT NOT, how Ska music influenced “Dancing Through Life,” the lessons he learned from his Broadway debut in RENT, and so much more. You won't want to miss this in-depth conversation with one of Broadway's best actors.

We're back... and Josh St. Clair is In The Frame!Josh is starring as Sam Wheat in the UK tour of Ghost The Musical.Josh played Pabbie and covered Hanz in the original West End cast of Frozen (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). He created the role of Gino Bartali in the world premiere of Glory Ride (Charing Cross Theatre), and also played Hero in the revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Théâtre du Lido, Paris) and Freddie in My Fair Lady (Frinton Summer Theatre).Josh's other theatre credits include: understudy Fiyero in Wicked (International Tour), swing in School Of Rock (Gillian Lynne Theatre), playing Harry & covering Charlie in Kinky Boots (original UK Tour) and playing Peter Kingsley in City Of Angels (Garrick Theatre).Josh is also releasing music as a singer/songwriter and his new single Veil is out TODAY.In this episode, Josh discusses all-things Ghost, the path his career has taken over the past few years, his music, his thoughts on the Wicked movie... and lots more!Ghost The Musical tours the UK until 3rd May. Visit www.kenwright.com for info, tour dates and tickets.Josh's single 'Veil' is out today and available to stream on music platforms.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frazer Woolcott (understudy Fiyero in Wicked) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Frazer discuss Play On (Lyric Hammersmith) as well as the latest news about Jenna Bainbridge's historic casting in Wicked on Broadway, Wicked's wins at the Critics Choice Awards, Hadestown casting, The Great Gatsby and lots more.Frazer recently understudied Fiyero in the UK & Ireland tour of Wicked. He graduated from ArtsEd in 2023 and his credits also include performing at the Olivier Awards and in Doctor Zhivago In Concert at the London Palladium.Follow Frazer on Instagram: @frazerwoolcott This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening!Email: andrew@westendframe.co.ukVisit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a special WICKED episode!Theatre journalist Lisa Martland (Musical Theatre Review) joins West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins to dive into the latest updates about the Wicked movie and stage production.First up, they break down all the big Wicked movie news—Oscar nominations (and snubs!), behind-the-scenes updates from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on the highly anticipated new songs and the latest records the film has shattered. Plus, they share their own personal reflections on the film's journey so far.But that's not all! Andrew and Lisa discuss the exciting West End cast changes, with Emma Kingston, Zizi Strallen and Carl Man stepping into the iconic roles of Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero. They also talk about Wicked London introducing an alternate Elphaba and the new Broadway casting news that Lencia Kebede and Allie Trimm are taking over as Elphaba and Glinda, with Lencia making history as Broadway's first full-time Black Elphaba.2025 is going to be positively emerald! Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa Martland is the Founding Editor of one of the UK's top theatre websites, www.musicaltheatrereview.com. Lisa is also Sub-Editor for Musicals Magazine.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins@AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/songwriter and viral TikTok sensation, Spencer Sutherland, joins Trish to spill the tea on nearly getting cast as Fiyero in the 'Wicked' movie, and what his audition process was like. Plus, the two bond over their love for Elvis, as well as their appreciation for androgynous fashion.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're holding space for Defying Gravity! Are you? In this episode, Shelby and Laura are joined by special guests, sisters, and hosts of the Sisters and the Stars podcast, Olivia and Emily Paruk. We review one of the most anticipated films of the year--Wicked starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Tune in for thoughtful analysis and funny takes on the hit Broadway musical adaption directed by Jon M. Chu. We celebrate the film's diverse casting choices, gush over the stunning set and costume designs, as well as, the pink and green aesthetic, explain why we all need more Jonathan Bailey (aka Fiyero) in our lives, dissect the Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater drama, analyze the "othering" of Elphaba by her Dad and classmates, and highlight the storyline parallels to our current political climate. Lastly, we debate whether or not becoming your character is a green flag. *cough cough* Ariana Grande's "Glindafication" *cough cough*. Interested in more movie reviews? Check out our podcast episodes on American Fiction, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Barbie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Cannes Film Festival 2024, Challengers, Deadpool & Wolverine, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Inside Out 2 ft. Nikki Meadows, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joker: Folie a Deux, Killers of the Flower Moon⁠⁠⁠⁠, Madame Web ft. Mitch Broadwater, Mean Girls (2024), ⁠⁠⁠Oppenheimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Past Lives Ft. Toya From Harlem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Poor Things⁠⁠⁠, The Fall Guy, The Oscars 2024, and We Live In Time. To stay up to date on all things SWW: Follow @SistersWhoWatch on all social media channels (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ channel Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and fill out the contact information form What should we watch next? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sisterswhowatch@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or DM us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with your suggestions. Thank you for listening and we appreciate your support! Please rate, subscribe, download, share, donate, and leave us a review :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sisterswhowatch/support

On this episode of Saturday Morning Serial Podcast, we dive deep into the world of Elphaba and Glinda in the new blockbuster hit, Wicked!    Follow along on our website and social media pages!  Follow Here! Podcast Essentials Here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-cbcbb9a8/list/2G6SRYLHD5IUH?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfinfluencer-cbcbb9a8_5PA5YCVDJWB2AF1ZZGV0

What's pink and green and soaked with tears? Our review of 'Wicked: Part 1' of course! On the menu: How the movie compares to the Broadway show & book, Cynthia Erivo's ability to make the world cry with just her voice, Ariana Grande's vocal & comedic chops, the beauty of everyone swooning over Fiyero, the power of the silent dance in the Ozdust Ballroom, Part 2 predictions, & more! Let us know your thoughts on 'Wicked Part 1' or what your current favorite movie, TV, or book obsession is by emailing us at abonibbles@gmail.com or on social media! Check out the links below and connect with us!!   INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/abiteofpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    TWITTER: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ABiteOfPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   THREADS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@abiteofpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YOUTUBE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ABiteOfPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ WEBSITE:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.abiteofpod.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   DISCORD: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/461OOcf⁠ Hosts: Derek Ivie and Noah Reed For business inquiries please contact abiteofpod@gmail.com

Julia & Miranda review the highly anticipated 2024 movie adaptation of hit musical, Wicked! Learn how Jonathan Bailey's hip thrusts, Ariana Grande's bouncy blonde curls, and Cynthia Erivo's ability to ride a broom perfectly whilst in a dusty black shawl earned this movie a 33.4/30 (at least, according to these two)!!! Ep. Recorded on Nov. 25 2024.Follow us!IG: @the.p.in.rasp@juliapeterkins @miranda.macgillivraySend us a textSupport the show

WITCH, PLEASE! Get ready for a bumper episode of the podcast! So make yourself comfortable on your broom, as we are joined in the Reign studio by one of my favourite guests ever and one of the greatest performers of all time, Cynthia Erivo.  In case you've been M.I.A. in OZ visiting the Wizard or something and missed it, Cynthia stars as Elphaba in the movie adaptation of the mega musical hit, ‘Wicked', alongside Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, and Jonathan Bailey, who aptly plays Prince Charming himself, Fiyero.  This isn't Cynthia's first dalliance with musicals. After starting out on the West End Cynthia went on to win a Tony, Emmy and Grammy award for her performance in ‘The Colour Purple' and was nominated twice at the Oscars for her performance in ‘Harriet' playing the racial freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman, and for the original song ‘Stand Up'. There is a reason Cynthia is only an O away from being an EGOT, but she's not just an incredible performer, she is an incredible conversationalist, too.  We cover SO much in this episode! We talk about Cynthia's ‘Wicked' journey - from auditioning to singing ‘Defying Gravity' for the first time on set, the life lessons she's learnt from Oprah and Ariana Grande, feeling like an outsider, how she *almost* became a spinal surgeon, and how her next role in life might take her off to Havard to study. Is there ANYTHING Cynthia can't do?  I loved sharing this incredible conversation with Cynthia, but it's the bits about embracing queer identity and the power of dreaming big that really made me tear up.  I hope this episode inspires you to defy gravity and dream big, and if you love it please get in touch, as I would love to talk to you about all the themes and just how incredible ‘Wicked' is, too. You can find me across socials @joshsmithhhosts and don't forget to come back next week for another great chat! Love Josh xxx P.S. In this episode you will have heard me chatting about my book book ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing' which is out now and you can get your hardback/ digital or audio book here: https://geni.us/GreatChat Whether you are already confident at chatting or are socially anxious this book really is for everyone and I hope it inspires you to turn even everyday conversation into a self development practice for your wellbeing and the good of those around you, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is our spoiler-free review of Wicked. We dive into our thoughts on how this Broadway smash hit musical was translated to the big screen. With stunning, chill-inducing performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this movie brings the classic story to life in a way that's both magical and emotional.WICKED is in theatres November 22, 2024 Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord HEREJoin Nate on Twitch at - twitch.tv/nateplaysgames

In honor of Wicked's 21st Anniversary on Broadway and the upcoming Wicked movie. This week's episode is a throwback to last years Wicked episode and Aaron's portrayal of the Winkie Prince, Fiyero!

Listen to the Obsessed playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7tZuPpB51VOhfixRqadHUP?si=90dc8fb3162b4100  SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW CHANNEL: https://rb.gy/oz1b9a  Ad Free Episodes: https://bit.ly/3uTxGYw NEW MERCH: https://obsessedwithbrooke.com  This week, Brooke introduces her beautiful new son: Jonathan. She talks about life as a new mother, Jonathan Bailey's groundbreaking Fiyero performance, and Jonathan Groff's new musical as Bobby Darin. Plus, Brooke survives Andrew Garfield's current online presence.   Join our Geneva page: https://app.geneva.com/invite/ef81a2b4-be3a-4615-8121-f40a952d36ff  If you listen on Apple Podcasts, go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/obsessed-with-brooke-averick/id1697047751  Use code OWB for $50 OFF your first pair of jeans at http://www.goodamerican.com/owb.  Check out the Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com and after placing your order select “Obsessed with Brooke” in the podcast survey so they know we sent you.  Head to https://www.squarespace.com/OWB to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code OWB. Grab a new pair of sunnies at https://goodr.com/OWB and use code OWB for free shipping. Obsessed IG: https://www.instagram.com/obsessedwithbrooke Obsessed TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@obsessedwithbrooke   TMG Studios YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tinymeatgang TMG Studios IG: https://www.instagram.com/realtmgstudios/ TMG Studios Twitter: https://twitter.com/realtmgstudios BROOKE https://www.instagram.com/brookeaverick https://twitter.com/ladyefron https://www.tiktok.com/@ladyefron  Hosted by Brooke Averick, Created by TMG Studios and Brooke Averick, and Produced by TMG Studios and Brooke Averick.  CHAPTERS: 0:00 Welcome! 0:09 Intro 0:37 Brooke Is A Mommy! 2:33 Jonathan's Adoption Story 10:10 Jonathan's Back Story 12:01 Brooke's Outsiders Experience 16:32 The Wicked Poster Edit 19:45 Good American 21:15 Skims 22:19 Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero 26:10 Jonathan Groff's New Show 27:47 We Live In Time Recap 30:30 Overexposure To Andrew Garfield 31:44 Andrew Garfield x Chicken Shop  34:28 The Sweat Tour 35:25 Book Reviews 40:13 Squarespace 41:20 Goodr  42:31 Remembering Liam Payne 47:02 Completely Obsessed With Jonathan 49:27 Halloween Costumes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Connor and Dylan are joined by James Scully (Oh, Mary!, Fire Island). Welcome to a brand new episode of DRAMA. The twins and James become fast friends, some might even say sisters, as James tunes in from his dressing room at the Lyceum Theatre. Basking in bisexual lighting, this Broadway star spills on his role as Mary's Teacher in Oh, Mary! James gushes over the brilliance of Cole Escola, his character's pants giving Fiyero's a run for its money, and the stars that have taken in this hysterical romp, including RuPaul, Julia Murney, and Rita Moreno. But first, it truly all began with James' star turn as a Porcupine in a Christmas pageant. He takes us through his iconic list of Ring of Keys moments, ranging from cast albums to Emma Thompson to Stanley Tucci and beyond. James is a sweet and humble boy who gives flowers throughout, especially to his brilliant partner Julio Torres. We cover his time filming “You” with Penn Badgley, Fire Island with his Oh, Mary! co-star Conrad Ricamora, and the Broadway rumor mill. In this episode, the boys pay special tribute to their hero, Gavin Creel, reflecting on his beautiful impact on them and the world. We had such a blast kiki-ing and laughing with James when the three of us really needed it, and maybe you will too. Go see him shine in Oh, Mary!Follow James on InstagramFollow DRAMA. on Twitter & Instagram & TiktokFollow Connor MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramFollow Dylan MacDowell on Twitter & InstagramSubscribe to our show on iHeartRadio Broadway!Support the podcast by subscribing to DRAMA+, which also includes bonus episodes, Instagram Close Friends content, and more!

Tara and EmKay hop back onto the mic to break down more "Wicked" movie trailers including spots from the Tony's, Olympics, Fiyero's trailer, the full second trailer, and so much more. Let the countdown continue!Show Notes:Dressed in LaLaTony's spotBuilding the world of wickedOlympics spotTeam USA spotWelcome to OzFiyero's spotThe powerful bond of friendshipAngel ReeseParalympics SpotFull Trailer 2International TrailerGlinda The GoodWicked Part TwoInstagram: @downtheyellowbrickpod#DownTheYBPTara: @taratagticklesEmKay: www.emilykayshrader.netPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpodEtsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_podMusic by: Shane ChapmanEdited by: Emily Kay Shrader

There aren't many actors that are having, and about to have, a year like Jonathan Bailey. For Showtime's Fellow Travelers, a sprawling look at the Lavender Scare of the 1950s to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s as told through the eyes of two lovers spanning these three decades, Bailey earned a Critics Choice Award for his performance in the series at Tim Laughlin and cheekily during his now viral speech thanking co-star Matt Bomer, “Those of you who have seen Fellow Travelers will know that Matt and I come together” and that was a moment I couldn't let pass by in my conversation with him after earning an Emmy nomination for Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie last month. He'll be guest starring on the third season of Netflix's Emmy-winning YA hit series Heartstopper in October and then the silver screen in November with the feature film version of the smash Broadway musical Wicked, portraying Fiyero, the prince of princes in the land of Oz. He's set to return to the stage next year in Richard II and oh, he'll also have the fourth Jurassic World film to catapult him into even more mainstream screen stardom next summer. For Bailey though, his focus is being able to talk about Fellow Travelers and like his co-star and fellow Emmy nominee Matt Bomer (read our interview with Bomer here), bringing the truth about this period in American history is something he's passionate about. Based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon and created for television by Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia), the story chronicles the lives of staid State Department official Hawkins ‘Hawk' Fuller (Bomer) and rebellious but deeply Catholic political neophyte with the eagerness of a golden retriever, who wants to work in the Eisenhower administration in the late 1950s as the government began weeding out anyone suspected of homosexuality. Through marriages and children, secret retreats and rendezvous that push into the civil rights era of the 1960s, the gay sexual liberation of the 1970s and the brutality of the political reaction to the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, Hawk and Tim live deeply complicated and conflicting lives; of love and commitment, or lack thereof, of unbridled passion and sex, and ultimately acceptance. He goes into great detail about how the book and series came to him, how much he wanted to do a gay romance of this scope after hitting such a starry stride from the huge success of Bridgerton. With both of us being gay men, Bailey's language quickly becomes an inclusive ‘we' and ‘our' and he also takes time to ask what my experience and knowledge was like. I mention my grandparents, who probably never knew what the Lavender Scare was and he talks about how his 92-year old nana, who was born the same year as his character, watched the show and recalled someone she knew and worked alongside with who was gay and killed himself and that the show was able to reveal a way for her to process and understand it. He wants to relate and wants Fellow Travelers to reach and be related to. But through serious questions, Bailey and I take time to have fun. To joke about his Critics Choice speech, to talk about carrying Kylie Minogue to the stage at Hyde Park with Andrew Scott. “The real trophy for any gay man is carry Kylie Minogue,” he says, and he can't help but comment on Bomer's toes (“the most delicious I've ever come across”) and we venture into the show's nakedly erotic and vulnerable sex scenes. So cheeky. Bailey also wants to make sure that I knew the collective effort it took for him to bring Tim to life, shouting out his agents and reps (“The power of asking ‘why not?'”), and the cumulative nature of allyship in aligning him with gay journalists that ‘get it' because we're a part of the same community. “This is interview is knockout, one of my favorites,” he says, not to toot my own horn too much but then again, why not? As he says, “The conversations open when opportunities arise.” Jonathan Bailey is Emmy-nominated in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Fellow Travelers with the episode “Make It Easy.”

Send us a Text Message.This week on Broadway Besties, Mark and Amy are back together to dive deep into the highly anticipated Wicked movie! We'll discuss the casting choices, our biggest hopes and fears, and all the things we can't wait to see brought to life on the big screen. From the magical world of Oz to our favorite songs and scenes, we leave no stone unturned. Join us for an in-depth conversation about every inch of this movie and what it means for Broadway fans everywhere! Whether you're a die-hard Wicked fan or just excited for the cinematic adaptation, this episode is for you!