Podcasts about theatre podcast

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with director, choreographer, producer, and creator Tanya Birl-Torres about tripping and falling into a theatrical career, drawing inspiration from chosen ancestors, daring to stay in the center of yourself, increasing visibility of parenting in theatre, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Tanya Birl-TorresMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:The Zora ProjectThe Shed - Join Tanya for the July 19 activation, Glitter in the Dust: Exploring the Work Song TraditionMidnight in the Garden of Good and EvilTrailblazers of the Week:Alex Elle - Insight Timer meditationsKatie Spelman - The Agnes IndexGuest Bio:Tanya Birl-Torres (she/her) is a multi-faceted artist and proud partner and mother of two. Select collaborations include: the World Premiere of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (Goodman Theater), How I Learned What I Learned (OSF), Peter and the Starcatcher (OSF), Twelfth Night (The Public Theater), The Red Letter Plays (The Signature Theater), As You Like It (The Guthrie Theater), 2024 Critical Breaks artist in residence, 2023 MAP fund and NoMAA grantee for her original choreo-play, A Play in three Movements. Tanya is a 2023 CitizensNYC NewYorker4NY honoree featured as “Women breaking glass ceilings & exercising their voice in NYC & beyond”. Tanya currently serves as the Social Practice Artist in Residence at The Shed Performing Arts Center in New York City for her new work, The Zora Project, where she is directing, choreographing, and envisioning a cosmic theatrical offering to the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston.Find Tanya Online:Follow Tanya on InstagramFollow The Zora Project on InstagramThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode Neil Callin chats with his fellow cast members, Bryony Grant, Lauren Molyneux and Kathryn Toohey from Two Feather's production of Little Shop of Horrors which opens at the Gaiety Theatrethis Saturday 12th July 2025.

Well if this ain't the luckiest gift ever- a chat with the one-and-only Margaret Cho! (Say what?! *faints*)This week, the Queen of Comedy joins AW and Jonathan to feed the Scumdogs of the Universe for GWAR, before taking punt on 'Lucky Stiff' with the original Off-Broadway cast recording.Plus, we chat Margaret's album 'Lucky Gift', Changing Tech in Comedy, JK Rowling's Ugly Behaviour, Seeing Hedwig and the Angry (Half) Inch, and heaps more in this hilariously insightful episode!--SOCIALS--Margaret: https://www.instagram.com/margaret_cho/Website: https://margaretcho.com/Lucky Gift: https://music.apple.com/us/album/lucky-gift/1781345032Mr J Wags: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJWags -- Instagram: https://instagram.com/MrJWagsSecond City NYC: https://www.secondcity.com/shows/new-yorkDisney's Hercules on the West End Tickets: https://www.herculesthemusical.co.uk/TnT/Bloop Networkhttps://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 ***** ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Hayley and Amy discuss funding shifts in the arts in 2025. We get ourselves up to date on what's been happening with the National Endowment for the Arts, chat about alternative funding visions for theatre and the arts, and share action steps you can take to support the arts in your own community. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:National Endowment for the Arts websitePittsburgh Arts Council - Trump's Impact on the Arts: A Running List of UpdatesBroadway World - The NEA Grant Terminations and What it Means for the Future of American Theatre by Cara Joy DavidAmerican Theatre - NEA Abruptly Pulls Arts Grants on a Massive ScaleBroadway League - Broadway's 2024– 2025 Season Wraps with 14.7 Million Attendances and Grosses Of $1.89 BillionOregon Arts RisingWomen & Theatre Podcast S4E9: Danielle DeMatteo5 Calls appThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode Neil Callin chats with his fellow cast members, Jack Divers, Meg Walker and Charlie Williams from Two feather's upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors which opens at the Gaiety Theatre on Saturday 12th July 2025.

And the EGOT goes to... US! Because we finally snagged ourselves the EGOT- with Aussie Oscar-winner Tim Chappel! This week, AW sits down for a game of King Diamond's 'Them' Vs La Cage aux Folles with the 2010 Revival Cast. Plus, we chat the impact of The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, winning the Oscar- and the Oscar curse, Heavy Costumes, RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, Runway Credits, Logies Categories, Death of the Helpmann Awards, Sewing Injuries, and Tim spills the tea on the upcoming sequel, Priscilla 2, because even Showgirls deserve a happy ending!Hop on board the bus for this incredible Pride Month episode!  --SOCIALS--Tim: https://www.instagram.com/xtcostumeTim's Website: https://timchappel.com/Disney's Hercules on the West End Tickets: https://www.herculesthemusical.co.uk/TnT/Bloop Networkhttps://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 ***** ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

*THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN*This episode we are joined by Tony Award winning actor Gabriel Ebert!  Gabriel is currently starring in the Tony nominated play, John Proctor is the Villain for which he also received a Tony nomination.  Some of his other credits include Matilda, Brief Encounter, Time and the Conways, Red, Thérèse Raquin and 4000 Miles.We speak with Gabe about some of his Broadway credits and all things John Proctor is the Villain!As someone who has seen John Proctor is the Villain many times, I encourage everyone to go and see the show!

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with composer and music director Deborah Wicks La Puma about the critical importance of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), championing women musicians and writers, building pipelines to support young people of all backgrounds falling in love with theatre, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Deborah Wicks La PumaMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:She Persisted by Chelsea ClintonMo Willems booksBardcore Pink Pony ClubMaestra MusicCenter for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLATrailblazers of the Week:Joy Huerta - Real Women Have CurvesNikki Lynette - Get Out AliveGuest Bio:Composer and music director Deborah Wicks La Puma (she/her) is one of the most produced Theatre for Young Audiences artists working today. Popular titles include Ella Enchanted (based on the book by Gail Carson Levine) with Karen Zacarías, She Persisted (based on the book by Chelsea Clinton) with Adam Tobin, and Elephant and Piggy's We Are in a Play and Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus with bestselling children's author Mo Willems. With Willems, she also created the animated movie Naked Mole Rats Getting Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience and the upcoming animated series Unlimited Squirrels. She has music directed at theaters across the country, including the Guthrie, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Honors include the Harold Oaks Award for Sustained Excellence in TYA, an off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Family Musical, two Parents' Choice Awards, and a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical Adaptation. A proud Mexican American and “Navy brat” who grew up in Brazil, Portugal, and California, La Puma is a member of TYA/USA, ASCAP, and the Dramatists Guild.Find Deborah Online:Visit Deborah's websiteFollow Deborah on InstagramThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode Neil Callin chats with Sarah Radcliffe and Linda Mann from The Service Players ahead of their production of Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced" which opens this Thursday, 26th June 2025, at the Gaiety Theatre.

This episode we are joined by writer and producer Marco Pennette!  Marco is the book writer of Broadway's Death Becomes Her and received their first Tony nomination for it! Death Becomes Her marks Marco's Broadway debut after a very successful career as a writer and producer in the TV world. Here is to Marco making many more returns to the Broadway stage! We talk with Marco about how to came to write Death Becomes Her, him always wanting to write a musical (and how we hope to write more), plastic surgery and much more!

Hot patootie, bless my soul! Because we're joined by the legendary Aussie actor, Steve Bastoni! (Say what?! *faints*) This week, everybody's favourite former-Neighbour, Matrix reloader, and Bad Boy Prophet of Doom joins AW to review the Prophets of Rage's sole titular effort, before praying-upon Bad Boy Johnny and the Prophets of Doom with the original Australian cast.Plus, we chat wrestling crocs, Steve's awkward experiences performing as the titular Rocky Horror, playing real-life criminals, the Peninsula Film Festival, honesty with mates, why we don't need to see people make omelettes, being mistaken for characters, and heaps more in this stunningly honest and warm interview!--SOCIALS--Steve: https://www.instagram.com/stevebastoni/Peninsula Film Festival: https://www.peninsulafilmfestival.com.au/Disney's Hercules on the West End Tickets: https://www.herculesthemusical.co.uk/TnT/Bloop Networkhttps://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 *****#saveneighbours!  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with puppeteer and puppetry advocate Julia Schemmer about keeping the art form of theatrical puppetry visible and vibrant, the importance of apprenticeship for learning a craft and creating opportunities for emerging talent, being at peace with where you are in transitional moments, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Julia SchemmerMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Puppetry on BroadwayBest of Broadway Puppetry Halloween Spectacular at 54 BelowGlorious Ladies of Puppetry (GLOP)Disney Dreamers AcademyTrailblazers of the Week:Cole Escola - Oh, Mary!Burnout by Emily and Amelia NagoskiGuest Bio:Julia Schemmer (she/her) is a puppeteer, producer, and pal based in New York City! She's the founder of Puppetry on Broadway, a collective of puppeteers, fabricators, and designers working on, off, and around Broadway. Select production credits include Broadway: A Beautiful Noise, Back to the Future, Lempicka, MJ, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. TV: American Idol, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Saturday Night Live, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Schemmer holds a BA from Wilmington University in Communications and Marketing.Find Julia Online:Follow Julia on InstagramFollow Puppetry on Broadway on InstagramVisit Puppetry on Broadway's websiteWho do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.Thanks for listening!The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 78th annual Tony Awards were held last Sunday night, and it was a memorable show with some shocking wins, some expected wins, delightful musical performances, moving and rousing speeches, and a terrific job from Tony Award Winner & Academy Award-nominee Cynthia Erivo as host. What did Dan Bayer & Lauren LaMagna think of the show? In this final episode of the season, tune in below to listen to their thoughts and how wrong or right they were regarding their winner predictions. Thank you, and we hope you enjoy it! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a masterclass in following your gut, showing up fully, and creating your own path—even when it's not the one you planned. Nick Rashad Burroughs joins us to share the wild and wonderful story of how a missed ride after school led to an accidental audition… and an entirely new life trajectory. From growing up in a deeply religious, sports-focused family in Alabama to starring on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Something Rotten, and Tina, Nick has lived a life powered by guts, grit, and creative risk. Nick opens up about the struggle to reconcile his artistic truth with his upbringing, the challenges of coming out, and what it meant to have his mother watch him perform in drag on Broadway. He also shares the deeply personal origin of his music career, his viral music video that Beyoncé reposted (!!!), and how he's living in the center of a manifestation with his latest role in Goddess at The Public Theater. This conversation is packed with honesty, vulnerability, inspiration—and a whole lot of laughter. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: Inspiration is a gift—don't waste it. You can do it scared. Self-advocacy creates opportunities. Your unique voice and background are assets, not limitations. Fear doesn't go away—it just gets quieter when you're doing what you love. Connect with the Hosts & Show:

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The 78th annual Tony Awards will be held this Sunday, June 8th, and for this latest episode of Next Best Theatre, we are here with special guests to deliver our final predictions on who we think will win in all 26 categories. For this comprehensive episode, Cody Dericks, Lauren LaMagna, and Dan Bayer are joined by Joselyn Safadi and Tom O'Brien. We'll be back with another episode this season to give you our reactions to the show and winners. Thank you, and enjoy the show this Sunday! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just in time for Broadway's biggest night, the 2025 Tony Awards, Survival Jobs hosts ⁠Jason A. Coombs⁠ and⁠ Samantha Tuozzolo⁠ drop a special bonus episode today featuring The Theatre Podcast host and Broadway insider Alan Seales. This fun, laid-back conversation is packed with 2025 Tony Award predictions, hot takes, and heartfelt reflections on this year's standout nominees. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or just catching Tony fever, this bonus episode is the perfect companion to the excitement building up to Sunday night. This episode is powered by WelcomeToTimesSquare.com, the billboard experience where you can be a star for a day. This celebratory episode shines a spotlight on the incredible artistry represented in this year's nominees and invites listeners to laugh, debate, and cheer along as the trio shares their favorite picks and unexpected predictions. Don't miss out—stream the episode now on all podcast platforms, and get ready for the 2025 Tony Awards airing Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS! Connect with the Survival Jobs Peeps: Broadway World Article on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Season 3 Launch Party⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Samantha: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Jason on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason's Official Website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Samantha's official website here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out and support ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Bridgeport Film Fest⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alan Seales ⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Theatre Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram If you enjoy Survival Jobs: A Podcast be sure to subscribe and follow us on your preferred podcast listening app! Also, feel free to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you!! Important Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Supporting Transgender People in Your Life...⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the citizens of Gaza⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Native Land Map⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Abortion Funds Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Plan C Pills Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ National Write Your Congressman ⁠⁠⁠⁠Link⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Where to Donate to Support Access to Abortions Right Now⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please don't become complacent: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the Black Mamas Matter Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Families Detained and Separated at the Border. ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support Black Trans Folx here⁠⁠⁠⁠ Donate to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the People of Palestine⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠How to be an Ally to the AAPI Community⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠168 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities of Color⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠The New York Times: On Mexico's Border With U.S., Desperation as Migrant Traffic Piles Up⁠⁠⁠⁠ Opening and Closing Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠"One Love" by Beats by Danny⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Game Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠"Wake Up" by MBB.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award-winning performer Lena Hall joins Heather and Alan for a wide-ranging and often hilarious conversation about discovering her true creative voice—literally and metaphorically. From her roots as a ballerina bred by artistic parents, to reinventing herself after vocal surgery, Lena shares how a mix of chance, grit, and gutsy choices helped her chart a bold path in musical theater, TV, and rock music. Whether she's fronting a band, redefining her Broadway persona, or belting out Radiohead in her latest TV role, Lena proves that creative success comes from embracing the unexpected—and never losing your sense of play. You'll hear about her journey through roles in Cats, Kinky Boots, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, her stint on All My Children as a hooker-turned-potential-series-regular, and the life-changing audition that landed her a role opposite Jon Hamm in Your Friends and Neighbors. Lena opens up about perimenopause, social media pressures, creative burnout, and how she's learned to stop taking rejection personally—well, mostly. Key Takeaways: Lena's vocal transformation after tonsil surgery that unlocked a whole new range and sound Why she left ballet and the Broadway grind to find a truer, edgier artistic path Her surprising and circuitous road back to Broadway—and then into TV and film How taking bold, creative risks (like bringing her own amp to an audition) led to breakout roles The importance of having financial and creative buffers to survive the industry's constant rejection How Lena navigates social media with a “learned skin,” not just a thick one Follow Lena:

It's time we stop, children... What's that sound?! Only The Umbilical Brothers!!! (Say what?! *faints*)This week, Australia's funniest Microphonic mates join AW and Mr J Wags for some 'Absurd-Ditties' by The Toy Dolls, before proving that they truly are Blood Brothers with the cult British musical!Plus, we chat Filming Furiosa, Spontaneous Comedy, Touring with Robin Williams, Performing in USA Post-9/11, Aussie Sketch Comedy, Their New Show The Distraction (ticket details below), Creating DVD Menus, and heaps more on this EXTRA-noisy episode!--SOCIALS--The Umbilical Brothers: https://www.instagram.com/umbilicalbrothers/The Distraction Tickets: https://www.telecharge.com/The-Umbilical-Brothers-The-Distraction-TicketsMr J Wags: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJWags -- Instagram: https://instagram.com/MrJWagsSecond City NYC: https://www.secondcity.com/shows/new-yorkTnT/Bloop Networkhttps://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 ***** ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What does it mean to live gutsy? In this episode, we sit down with mindset coach Becky Mollenkamp, the powerhouse behind the Gutsy Boss brand. Becky's journey from journalist to entrepreneur to feminist coach is full of brave pivots, hard-earned wisdom, and a whole lot of intentional unlearning. After the sudden loss of her brother, she started asking the big questions—and her life hasn't been the same since. We talk about what it takes to break free from patriarchal conditioning, how people-pleasing sneaks into our lives and businesses, and why redefining success is an act of rebellion. Becky shares how she helps women-identified and nonbinary folks reclaim their agency, set boundaries without guilt, and build lives aligned with their values. If you've ever felt stuck in who you “should” be, this conversation will light something up in you. Connect with Becky:

THIS IS A PREVIEW PODCAST. NOT THE FULL EPISODE. Please check out the full podcast episode on our Patreon Page by subscribing over at - https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture The nominations for the 78th annual Tony Awards were announced earlier this week and were led by "Buena Vista Social Club," "Death Becomes Her," and "Maybe Happy Ending," with ten nominations each. "Dead Outlaw," "The Hills of California," "John Proctor Is the Villain" and "Sunset Boulevard" followed with seven nominations each. What did Cody Dericks, Lauren LaMagna & Dan Bayer think of this year's nominees? Which nominations surprised them, made them happy, and left them feeling the most disappointed? Please tune in below to listen to their thoughts and find out. NBT will return with a winner predictions episode shortly before the 2025 Tony Awards on June 8th. Thank you for all of your support. Enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cast off the shackles of yesterday, because we're shoulder-to-shoulder with Anthony Drewe! (Say what?! *faints*) This week, the legendary lyricist of Mary Poppins the Musical joins AW for a spoonful of Green Jelly with a 'Cereal Killer Soundtrack', before celebrating the 40th anniversary of Drewe and Stiles winning the Vivian Ellis Prize with their charming musical 'Just So'. Plus we chat Star Quality, Casting "cold, hard" Mary Poppins, Working with Steven Spielberg, Honk! beating The Lion King to the Olivier, Ants details his recent horrific accident, and AW tries not to lose his Temper, Temper over deleted Poppins bops. As well as a special bonus cameo appearance from George Stiles with this week's sneak peek of 'Talk Musicals to Me' in this practically perfect episode!--SOCIALS--Anthony: https://www.instagram.com/antsdrewe/TnT/Bloop Network - Thrash 'n Treasure, Around the World in 80 Plays, And The EGOT Goes To..., Talk Musicals to Me, and MORE!https://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure, and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 ***** ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What happens when you blend ancient wisdom with modern science? Meet Mei Lee, a powerhouse entrepreneur who retired from a 30-year career in finance to follow her passion for natural healing and skincare. Growing up in Hong Kong, Mei watched her father practice traditional Chinese medicine, instilling in her a deep respect for holistic wellness.  After years as an avid tennis player, the sun took a toll on her skin, leading her back to her roots. She founded Ageless Zen, merging herbal healing with cutting-edge research to create a skincare line that's as effective as it is natural. But Mei didn't stop there—she built a technology platform to help others launch their own skincare brands and launched the Ageless Zen Community Partnership to give back. In this episode, Mei shares the differences between Eastern and Western medicine, the power of persistence in entrepreneurship, and why integrity is non-negotiable. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about reinvention, resilience, and giving back. Connect with Mei & Ageless Zen: Ageless Zen Website – Explore and shop the products. Ageless Zen Community Partnership – Support an organization or become a partner. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com. Connect with us on TikTok and LinkedIn and help us grow those platforms! More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Eastern medicine focuses on natural healing with fewer side effects, a philosophy Mei built Ageless Zen on. After 30 years in finance, Mei embraced a new passion—creating a skincare line rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and scientific research. She's personally tested her products for five years, ensuring top quality and effectiveness. Entrepreneurship is a long game—don't quit, and surround yourself with a supportive community. Integrity is everything. She's committed to making sure her products actually work! Mei's Circle of Giving Foundation and Ageless Zen Community Partnership support important causes like metastatic breast cancer awareness and community fundraising. Failure isn't an end—it's a business opportunity. Mei's optimism helps her take risks and keep going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode we are happy to welcome back Matt DeAngelis and talk about all things The Janice Jam!  Matt founded The Janice Jam to honor his mother, Janice, who he lost in 2022 to metastatic breast cancer, and the countless people affected by this disease, he, alongside a group of friends and Broadway industry colleagues, is culling another evening of Celebration, Remembrance, and Awareness, that will have guests singing, dancing, and helping bring funding to this very special cause.There's an amazing lineup this year with people such as Ariana DeBose, John Gallagher Jr., Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lindsay, Jenn Colella, Stark Sands and many more! The Janice Jam is on May 5th at Sony Hall and you get go onto Matt's social's for tickets (link in his bio).

Pour a glass, and fire up the ovens because this week we're toasting and roasting the host the who boasts the most intros! To celebrate AW's 40th Birthday (Say what?! *JFC*), we're joined by the Queens of British Theatre, Dianne Pilkington and Caroline Sheen as Mr JWags throws TnT's very first Comedy Roast! On this extra-EXTRA scorching episode, we review Savatage's Power of the Night (Apr 15th, 1985), before we 'Take Me Along' for a Broadway revival disaster (Apr 14th, 1985!) - and wonder which is the biggest disaster to come out of that time.Plus, we chat Mr. Burton, Dracula: a Comedy of Terrors, Re-writing Classics, hear an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek of Talk Musicals to Me- hosted by Caroline Sheen, and heaps more in this painfully funny episode!And special thanks to Jonathan X for his wonderful message!--SOCIALS--Caroline on IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolinesheen/Talk Musicals to Me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/talkmusicalstome/Dianne on IG:  https://instagram.com/dipilkyDracula Tickets: https://www.draculacomedy.com/londonMr J Wags: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrJWags -- Instagram: https://instagram.com/MrJWagsSecond City NYC: https://www.secondcity.com/shows/new-yorkTnT/Bloop Networkhttps://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 ***** ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

1 weekend, 2 episodes, 3 guests, 40 years of living! And AW is LIVING to be joined by Pamela Bob! (Say what?! *faints*) To kick off Aaron's Birthday weekend, we give LA Guns a shot and dig up their 2012 album 'Hollywood Forever', before reloading and firing off on all cylinders about Annie Get Your Gun. Plus, we chat Little House on the Prairie, Living on a Prairie, Silence! the Musical, Pamela Anderson's Oscar snub, and heaps more in this hilariously warm episode!  --SOCIALS--Pamela: https://www.instagram.com/thepamelabob/ Cracked Open Tickets: https://crackedopentheplay.com/*****Juxtaposing Metal with Musicals - joined by iconic guests from the worlds of Music, Broadway, Hollywood, and more! https://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 *****   ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This episode we are joined by awarding winning playwright, librettist and activist Catherine Filloux. Catherine's works have been performed nationally and internationally and her new play Third Person will be make its premier this fall at Culture Hub. Her other works include How to Eat and Orange, whatdies, Eyes of the Heart and Lemkin's House. We speak with Catherine about what got her into activism and how it relates to her works, working on operas and musicals, her new play Third Person and much more!

Ever feel like you're living a life that doesn't quite fit? Don Mammone knows that feeling all too well. After years of thriving in the hospitality industry, Don took a leap of faith, leaving behind the “shoulds” and societal expectations to pursue photography, coaching, and a life lived authentically. Heather and Alan go deep in this heart-felt conversation with Don about their journey of self-discovery, navigating identity, and challenging the binary mindset. As a proud non-binary advocate, speaker, and brand new author of Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary, Don shares what it means to embrace your truth, even when it scares the hell out of you. Don's story is a reminder that being different isn't a flaw—it's a strength. Grab your copy of Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary and learn more about Don's work at www.donmammone.com. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com. Connect with us on TikTok and LinkedIn and help us grow those platforms! More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Authenticity Is a Superpower: Living as your true self isn't just freeing—it's transformational. Don's journey shows that embracing who you are changes everything. Risk Isn't Reckless: Real courage means owning your truth, even if it challenges the status quo. Ask the Awkward Questions: Don welcomes genuine questions about being non-binary—curiosity fosters understanding. Fail, Learn, Repeat: Don doesn't like failure, but they love what it teaches. Each setback is a setup for growth. You're Always in Control: Even when life feels out of control, you have the power to choose your path. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired Jan 30th, 2024, we are bringing this back because When the Tides Held the Moon is now available for (pre) order! Venessa Vida Kelley is a Washington, DC-based author, illustrator, and sequential artist. Her work focuses on magical realism, fantasy, and culturally diverse romance. Venessa has been featured alongside the works of such authors as Casey McQuiston, TJ Klune, Everina Maxwell, Sophie Gonzales, Becky Albertalli, Sarah Rees Brennan, Alexis Hall, Jennifer Weiner, and others, as well as the marketing campaign for Amazon Studio's highly-anticipated movie adaptation, “Red White & Royal Blue.” Her graphic novel debut, MANU FACES THE MUSIC, is in development with Oni Press, with her first illustrated adult historical fiction novel WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON set to debut with Erewhon Books in 2025.  Connect with Venessa on: Instagram or her website. And support her work via Patreon and Etsy. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Venessa dreamed of being an animator as a child and fell in love with sequential art Sequential artist is the fancy term for comic art One of the original viral “fan artists,” Venesssa never lost sight of her passion even when working in voiceover and marketing for The Federal Government When her day job got a little too heavy, Venessa would retreat to a novel for pleasure and create sketches from those works. A random share on Twitter turned viral and catapulted Venessa to the core of fandom love. Much of Venessa's artwork is driven by the desire to get books she loves in front of a larger audience. She has always worked to support BIPOC and LGBTQ authors and help raise awareness for their work. Venessa's art is mostly digital art because it's fast and doesn't take a lot of expensive resources but she begins with pencil and paper sketches. Eventually, it became impossible to have a day job and make art professionally. She chose her own graphic novel and we're all so glad she did. Be the ladder - Venessa loves helping other artists to value themselves and fight for their fair share, especially in the face of AI art. We love Venessa's approach to “failure” She believes in a “Bless your mistakes” approach to life. In the episode, we talk about emotional deficit - what it is and how to deal with it. There is NO wasted time - ever. All of Venessa's past experiences are showing up in her own work and she's wildly grateful for all of her experiences. It wasn't until Venessa was in her 30s that she began to untangle her identity and embrace her Queer identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with producer and RISE Program Manager Victoria Detres about embracing humanity through storytelling, creating a culture of care in the theatre industry and beyond, building sustainable theatrical spaces that are inclusive of artists from underrepresented groups, and more. We also highlight Hannah Cowley as part of our Women's History Month Playwrights You Should Know series, in partnership with Expand the Canon. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Victoria DetresMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Check out Victoria's mini-interview - from the Women & Theatre Season 4 RISE bonus seriesRISE TheatreTectonic Theatre ProjectThe Play CompanySOCIETY Theatre CollectiveRISE Theatre Inaugural SummitWomen's History Month:Expand the Canon - A Bold Stroke for a Husband by Hannah CowleyTrailblazers of the Week:Team Women & Theatre: Beth Rosebrook, Sylvia Blair, Courtney Seyl, Ally VaritekKate WillardAnnouncements:Join us for virtual co-working on April 8 at 11am ET on Zoom!Stay tuned for Women & Theatre Podcast Season 5 Part 2, coming June 3!Guest Bio:Victoria Detres (she/her) is a Puerto Rican and Albanian producer born and raised in New York City. She is passionate about building a platform for contemporary theatre's innovative voices, particularly those of the global majority. While highlighting these voices, Victoria also aims to dismantle the structures that do not allow for access and restructure for equity and accessibility. Formerly, Victoria has worked as the Producing Assistant at Octopus Theatricals and Associate Producer at Broadway & Beyond Theatricals. Victoria is one of the co-founders of the RISE Theatre Directory, in partnership with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Miranda Family Fund, and Maestra Music. Currently, Victoria leads RISE Theatre as the Program Manager. Additional credits include THE KITE RUNNER (The Hayes Theatre, Associate Producer), SOCIETY Theatre Collective's productions of Mona Mansour's BEGINNING DAYS OF TRUE JUBILATION and Emily Zemba's THE STRANGERS CAME TODAY (The New Ohio, Line Producer). Learn more at www.victoriadetres.com.Find Victoria Online:Visit Victoria's websiteCheck out Victoria's RISE Theatre Directory profileConnect with Victoria on LinkedInFollow Victoria and RISE Theatre on Instagram Thanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with composer and orchestrator Julie Richardson about balancing multiple personal and professional roles, redefining the boundaries of womanhood, finding a creative process that works for you and a creative community that inspires you, and more. We also highlight Lesya Ukrainka as part of our Women's History Month Playwrights You Should Know series, in partnership with Expand the Canon. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Julie RichardsonMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Space by L M Feldman at Central Square TheatreCheck out Julie's pumpkin carving and other amazing projects on her website!Musical Theatre Writing CollectiveHello Sunshine - Reese WitherspoonMake Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John ZeratskyWomen's History Month:Expand the Canon - Stone Host by Lesya UkrainkaTrailblazers of the Week:Molly MarinikChloe GellerOther:Donate to the Collective Transformation fundraiser for Transgender Law Center!Guest Bio:Julie Richardson (she/her) Jis a Boston-based musical theater composer, orchestrator, music director and sound designer. Her musical HACK, PUNT, TOOL, written with collaborators Daniel Levine, Rachel Bowens-Rubin, Zara Barryte, and Danbee Kim, was produced in 2012 by the MIT Musical Theater Guild and had a revival with the same group with a revised book and score in 2017. Julie orchestrated the world premiere production of JACK & AIDEN by Tova Katz and Lane Michael Stanley at Ground Floor Theatre in Austin, TX in 2023. She is currently composing the music for an adaptation of Virginia Woolf's TO THE LIGHTHOUSE with collaborator Amy Andrews. Julie is also a YouTube creator with a channel called Finishing the Score, in which she invites viewers to follow along with her songwriting journey and learn new skills along the way. Her video topics range from composition and lyric techniques to music software and audio gear. She is a proud founding member of the Musical Theater Writing Collective, as well as a member of The Dramatists Guild, Maestra, ASMAC and Ring of Keys.Find Julie Online:Visit Julie's websiteFollow Julie on InstagramFollow To the Lighthouse on InstagramCheck out Julie's YouTube channelThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Hayley and Amy dive into the juicy topic of Taking Control of Your Career. We discuss finding the “why” behind your goal, breaking it down into manageable steps, identifying your resources, building systems of accountability, and more. We also highlight Wakako Yamauchi as part of our Women's History Month Playwrights You Should Know series, in partnership with Expand the Canon. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Check out our Season 4 discussion about Goal Setting!SMART goalsVisualization resource: Creative Visualization by Shakti GawainWomen's History Month:Expand the Canon - And the Soul Shall Dance by Wakako YamauchiTrailblazers of the Week:Tanya Birl-TorresRachel Chavkin - SDC Foundation One on One ConversationThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

Now we're... having... the time of our lives... and we owe it all to Lonny Price! (Say what?! *faints*) This week, we're getting 'Fearless in Love' with this iconic Voyager, who Merrily Rolled Along to Broadway in the infamous Original run of the now-beloved musical! Plus, Lonny spills the tea on his stint with The Golden Girls, we chat the Dirty Dancing Soundtrack, plan our own Muppet Show episode, discuss wrangling the star-studded production of Company, Collaborating with Stephen Sondheim and Hal Prince, and heaps more in this legendary episode! --SOCIALS--Lonny: https://x.com/LonnyPrice -- https://instagram.com/lonnyprice (not updated)Stephen: Twitter: https://x.com/MusicRewindPod -- IG: https://www.instagram.com/musicrewindpodcast/Music Rewind Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3iBCPPLvFMP1nXsrPm8O2N?si=ea8a05cea62d4949Cinema Decon: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VBvSjkXR4HNGLpNi6OpKr?si=fc3d362c3ed34321--Nerves by Divisions - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/divisions1/nerves--*****Juxtaposing Metal with Musicals - joined by iconic guests from the worlds of Music, Broadway, Hollywood, and more! https://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 *****   ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jaclyn Goldis is a former estate planning attorney turned author and adventurer. After seven years practicing law in Chicago, Jaclyn left her career to travel the world with just a backpack, eventually settling in Israel to write full-time. Her fourth novel, The Safari, will be released in May '25, and her story is one of bold risks, creativity, and chasing dreams. Jaclyn always knew writing was her true passion. She describes leaving her legal career as both brave and inevitable, freeing herself from the weight of possessions and expectations. Traveling to places like South Africa, Bali, and Greece inspired her writing, and her creative process is deeply intuitive—she lets her stories guide her. Her first traditionally published book, When We Were Young, was written during her travels, though her heart lies in mystery and thriller genres, like her upcoming novel, The Safari. Jaclyn also shares how she found an agent, her relationship with failure, and the joy she finds in the creative process. Read Jaclyn Goldis's books: “When We Were Young,” The Chateau,” “The Main Character,” and pre-order “The Safari.” Connect with Jaclyn on Instagram. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Bold Choices Lead to Big Rewards: Jaclyn's decision to leave her legal career and travel the world with just a backpack was a leap of faith that ultimately allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time author. Creativity Thrives on Freedom: Letting go of material possessions and societal expectations gave Jaclyn the mental and emotional space to focus on her writing and embrace her true calling. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: Jaclyn's writing process is intuitive and fluid, allowing her stories to unfold organically rather than being rigidly plotted. Failure is Part of the Process: It took Jaclyn 20 years to kick off her career as an author, but she views failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback, focusing on joy and small successes along the way. Travel as Inspiration: Jaclyn's travels have deeply influenced her writing, with locations like South Africa and Bali serving as backdrops for her novels. Manifesting Success: Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of joy and intentionality in the creative process, whether it's finding an agent or letting a story come to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with actor and writer Maria Wirries about creating equitable spaces, telling diverse stories rooted in truth, embracing the fluidity of identity, building diversity at the highest decision-making levels of the theatre industry, and more. We also highlight Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz as part of our Women's History Month Playwrights You Should Know series, in partnership with Expand the Canon. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode NotesHosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Maria WirriesMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Old Friends - opens on Broadway March 25!BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre WorkshopStephen Sondheim: A Life by Meryle SecrestBlack Theatre UnitedActors' Equity AssociationBloody Mary at 54 BelowWomen's History Month:Expand the Canon - Los Empeños de Una Casa (House of Desires) by Sor Juana Inés de la CruzTrailblazers of the Week:Kat ZimmermanJulia Sonya KoyfmanAnnouncements:Join us for virtual co-working on Tuesday, March 11 at 11am ET on Zoom!Guest Bio:Maria Wirries (she/they) is a Performer, Composer, Lyricist, and self-proclaimed Swamp Witch. Select credits include: Old Friends (Broadway), Dear Evan Hansen (Broadway and First National Tour), Kinky Boots (Off-Broadway Revival), and Penelope or How the Odyssey Was Really Written (Off-Broadway). She is currently in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and has developed her own original musicals at the Goodspeed Opera House, the Paramount Theater, and Penn State University.Find Maria Online:Visit Maria's websiteFollow Maria on InstagramCheck out Maria's work on YouTube and SpotifyThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

This episode we are joined by the delightful Jordan Tyson!  Jordan is currently starring as June in the Broadway revival of Gypsy with Audra McDonald and made her Broadway debut as Young Allie in The Notebook.  Her other theater credits include Lempicka at La Jolla Playhouse, Into the Woods at PCLO, Bulrusher at McCarter/Berkeley Rep and Streets of New York at Irish Repertory.We speak with Jordan about her career, the importance of self care while working, making her Broadway debut, working with Audra McDonald and much more!

This is the moment, the greatest diva of them aaaaallll, Christiane Noll, joins our musical lab! (Say what?! *faints*)Making Valentine's Day 2025 extra special, the Queen of Broadway cuts into some Devilskin with their sophomore album, Be Like the River, before tapping into her evil side with Jekyll and Hyde.Plus, we chat Scene Partners, the Charlotte Black Memorial Foundation, Rebellious Teen Years, The Sound of Music Live!, Appeasing the Ghost of Gertrude Lawrence, and so much more in this wonderfully hilarious episode!--SOCIALS--Christiane: https://www.instagram.com/christiane.nollCharlotte Black Memorial Foundation: https://www.cmu.edu/engage/give/donor-recognition/andrew-carnegie-society/acs-insider/noll.html--Nerves by Divisions - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/divisions1/nerves--*****Juxtaposing Metal with Musicals - joined by iconic guests from the worlds of Music, Broadway, Hollywood, and more! https://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 *****   ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with theatre historian, author, and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper about exploring under-appreciated corners of the theatre industry, embracing the ephemeral nature of theatre and seasons of life, the historical continuum of gender equity, and more. We also highlight Zora Neale Hurston as part of our Women's History Month Playwrights You Should Know series, in partnership with Expand the Canon. Click here for a transcript of the episode!Episode Notes:Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Jennifer Ashley TepperMusic: Chloe GellerEpisode Resources:Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left OutWomen Writing Musicals accompanying playlistUntold Stories of BroadwayThe Jonathan Larson Project54 BelowWomen's History Month:Expand the Canon - Spunk by Zora Neale HurstonTrailblazers of the Week:Michael Radi - Musical Theatre Writing CollectiveKelly Bishop - The Third Gilmore Girl: A MemoirJoin us for the Women & Theatre Season 5 Launch Party on February 27 on Zoom!Guest Bio:Jennifer Ashley Tepper (she/her) is an acclaimed theatre historian, author, and producer. She is the conceiver of The Jonathan Larson Project, which starts previews in February 2025 at the Orpheum Theatre, off-Broadway, following an acclaimed 2018 concert premiere and cast recording. She has been the Creative and Programming Director at 54 Below for the past decade. She has curated or produced over 7,000 shows in this position. Her leadership at the beloved venue has gained praise from publications including The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, Playbill, Newsday, The New York Post, and more. Tepper's four volumes of The Untold Stories of Broadway book series have been called an "inspiring Must-Read" by NBC New York and occupied the #1 spot on Amazon.com's Best Sellers List in Broadway & Musicals. Her new book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, was published in November 2024. Women Writing Musicals is the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers. Tepper is the producer of the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, and Love In Hate Nation, recent projects that are part of a decade-long collaboration with the group known as Joe Iconis & Family. On Broadway, Tepper has also worked on [title of show], The Performers, Godspell, Macbeth, and The Parisian Woman. She was historian consultant on the tick, tick... BOOM! movie (directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda for Netflix) and co-creator of the Bistro Award-winning concert series If It Only Even Runs A Minute. Her work as a theatre historian also encompasses celebrated live talks and events, including at TEDxBroadway, BroadwayCon, The Museum of Broadway, Thespian Festivals, and more. Tepper received a 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. She was named one of the 10 professionals on Backstage Magazine's "1st Annual Broadway Future Power List", which stated: "Proving herself both a zeitgeist predictor and theatrical historian with her eclectic programming, Tepper is leading the conversation on contemporary musical theatre.”Find Jennifer Online:Visit Jennifer's websiteFollow Jennifer on InstagramBuy Women Writing MusicalsThanks for listening!Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here.The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

George Bush may only be 'For Now', but this episode will live on! Because we've got the iconic trailblazer Erin Quill joining us this week! (Say what?! *faints*)This week, the Fairy Princess Diarist puts down the quill and journal and journeys into our torture chamber for a Skarlett Riot with their album, Invicta, before recalling seeing Lauren Bacall in Woman of the Year!Plus, we chat Cancelling Avenue Q, Accents, Erin's Chinese-Australian Ancestry, Ghosts on Broadway, DNA casting, and we make sure that Erin's still a Happy Little Vegemite- plus heaps more in this incredibly gripping episode!  --SOCIALS--Erin: https://www.instagram.com/erinquill/ Blog: https://fairyprincessdiaries.com/*****Juxtaposing Metal with Musicals - joined by iconic guests from the worlds of Music, Broadway, Hollywood, and more! https://www.thetonastontales.com/listen -- https://www.patreon.com/bloomingtheatricals - https://twitter.com/thrashntreasurehttps://linktr.ee/thrashntreasure*****Help support Thrash 'n Treasure and keep us on-air, PLUS go on a fantastical adventure at the same time!Grab your copy of The Tonaston Tales by AW, and use the code TNT20 when you check out for 20% off eBooks and Paperbacks!https://www.thetonastontales.com/bookstore - TNT20 *****   ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

"There is enough space to go around - we can ALL show up and do the thing and be successful" - Jennifer Apple. Ever wonder what it's like to throw out the rulebook and chase your dreams full throttle? That's exactly what we're diving into on today's episode of Was It Chance with our amazing guest Jennifer Apple. From award-winning performances in "The Band's Visit" to launching the game-changing Empowered Artist Collective, Jennifer's all about keeping it real in the wild world of performing arts. She's that rare combo of crazy talented and totally genuine, and she's not afraid to color outside the lines to make things happen. In this episode, Jennifer opens up about everything from her earliest days as a child obsessed with singing to her clever (and slightly sneaky!) strategy for booking gigs. Whether you're a performer yourself or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, you'll want to hear Jennifer's fresh take on artistic life, why there's room for everyone to shine, and how embracing the messy parts of life can lead to your biggest breakthroughs. Connect with Jennifer on her website jenniferapple.net, Instagram or TikTok Check out The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Being a working artist isn't just about talent—it's about being bold enough to create your own opportunities. Jennifer's secret weapon for booking gigs proves that thinking outside the box pays off! There's no such thing as failure, only learning experiences. Jennifer's approach: give yourself grace, stay curious, and remember that every "mess up" is just data for your next attempt. Success isn't a zero-sum game. As Jennifer puts it, there's plenty of room for everyone to shine in their own unique way. No need to elbow anyone out of the spotlight! Want to grow? Embrace the gray areas! Life isn't black and white, and some of the best opportunities come from being comfortable with uncertainty. Multi-passionate isn't a curse—it's a superpower. Jennifer shows how leaning into different interests (performing, teaching, entrepreneurship) can create a rich, sustainable artistic life. The magic happens in the mess. Jennifer's love for workshopping new plays and musicals reminds us that perfect isn't always better—sometimes the best creativity comes from being willing to get messy and play. True artistry comes from staying rooted in authenticity. Through her Empowered Artist Collective, Jennifer proves that vulnerability and truth-telling are just as important as technical skill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're in for a treat today as we chat with not one but two fantastic guests: Jen Ponton and Deborah Unger are incredibly talented performers who've built remarkable careers in theatre, film, and television. Their paths intertwined fifteen years ago during an old-school teleconference with a performance coach. The episode explores their individual journeys and the enduring power of their collaborative relationship.  Their upcoming show Maiden Mother Crone features their two solo shows: Jen's autobiographical solo show, Sugarcoated, and Deborah's deeply personal play, The Longer My Mother is Dead, the More I Like Her.  Jen and Deborah share their experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of the entertainment industry, offering invaluable insights into building a career on your own terms. From Jen's powerful advocacy for body positivity and her work combating fatphobia to Deborah's evolution from musical comedy to critically acclaimed film and theater, this is a conversation brimming with inspiration and resilience. Learn how these two remarkable women have taken control of their narratives and built their own tables in a demanding industry.   Connect with Deborah and Jen to follow their incredible journey. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Building Your Own Table: Instead of passively waiting for opportunities, Jen and Deborah actively created their own paths, Authentic Storytelling's Power: Both Sugarcoated and The Longer My Mother is Dead... demonstrate the profound impact of honest, vulnerable storytelling. Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles: The episode details the numerous challenges faced by both women, from navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry to confronting personal struggles and societal biases (like fatphobia). The Value of Collaboration and Mentorship: The long-standing relationship between Jen and Deborah illustrates the immense value of collaborative partnerships and mentorship. Body Positivity and Challenging Societal Norms: Jen's outspoken advocacy for body positivity and her fight against fatphobia in Hollywood provides an important platform for discussion. Artistic Evolution and Reinvention: Deborah's journey showcases the transformative power of artistic evolution and reinvention. The Unique Demands of Solo Performance: Both women discuss the unique creative, emotional, and logistical demands of creating and performing solo shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Pepe Muñoz, the artist whose path from professional dancer to renowned fashion illustrator and now Broadway performer will leave you inspired. With a career marked by intuition and bold risks, Pepe has seamlessly merged his passions for movement and visual art. From collaborating with Céline Dion to gracing the stages of Paris Couture Fashion Week and Broadway's Moulin Rouge, Pepe's story is a testament to the power of embracing one's versatility and trusting the universe's plan. Connect with Pepe on Instagram and TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Intuition guides purpose: Pepe's decisions, from quitting a stable job to pursue illustration to taking on new performance roles, have been led by a strong trust in his gut feelings. Versatility is strength: Rather than limiting himself to one field, Pepe has allowed his various skills in dance, illustration, and theater to fuel his creative journey. Hard work meets opportunity: While Pepe has certainly seized chance opportunities, he emphasizes that his success stems from a foundation of relentless hard work and dedication. Self-definition holds power: Pepe believes that the labels you choose for yourself carry greater significance than external measures of success. Openness allows growth: Even at the height of his Broadway success, Pepe remains open to the universe's next path and how his skills can continue to evolve. Support nurtures the soul: Pepe credits his husband with providing constant reminders of his worth, highlighting the importance of a strong support system in any creative endeavor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode we are joined by actor Brandon Kalm!  Brandon was last seen in Swept Away and has also appeared on Broadway in Waitress and American Psycho. Other credits include The Tempest at Shakespeare in the Park and on tour with American Idiot. Brandon is a fellow Pace alum and also studied at the Esper Studio.  We talk with Brandon about his career, especially working as an understudy and swing, his experience working on Swept Away, beard maintenance, our mutual love of Once the musical and much more!

Imagine having a clarity of purpose and drive to pursue your passions that allows you to achieve more before age 17 than many do in a lifetime. Welcome to the world of Maddie Price, a teenage theatrical powerhouse who's turning her creative vision into a Broadway-bound reality. From her early days as the Mayor of Munchkinland to becoming a playwright, producer, and founder of her own production company, Maddie's journey is a testament to the power of embracing your talents, taking bold action, and believing in the impossible. With her sights set on showcasing teen voices and creativity, Maddie is not just making waves in the theater world - she's creating a revolutionary new model for what's possible when young people are given the chance to lead. Get ready to be inspired by her story, practical advice, and reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a bit of serendipity, we can turn even our biggest dreams into reality, no matter what our age. Connect with Maddie on Instagram, TikTok See, "355" in February at 54 Below.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Embrace your passion: For Maddie, her love of theater was clear from a young age. She encourages listeners to lean into their own passions, even if they seem lofty or challenging. The power of cold pitching: Maddie's a fan of reaching out to people and organizations she admires, even if it feels daunting. She believes there's little risk and potentially huge reward in putting yourself out there. Leverage available resources: As a teenager in today's digital age, Maddie knows that creativity and collaboration are more accessible than ever. She uses technology to work with her team and bring her vision to life. Failure is part of the journey: Maddie views setbacks and rejections as opportunities to learn and grow. She believes in facing challenges head-on and persevering, even when things get tough. The importance of community: Surrounding herself with like-minded, supportive people is crucial for Maddie. She's found valuable connections through her special school program and by seeking out other young creatives. Stay open to possibilities: While Maddie's focused on musical theater for now, she's also interested in exploring other creative outlets like books and screenplays. She advises listeners to remain open to where their passions might lead them. The power of teen voices: Maddie's work on "355 Revolution" showcases the talent and perspective of teenagers. She's proof that young people can create meaningful, impactful art when given the chance. Take calculated risks: From putting on a full musical production to networking with industry professionals, Maddie understands that taking risks is necessary for growth and success. Celebrate your wins: With her show headed to 54 Below and her production company thriving, Maddie knows how to acknowledge and enjoy her accomplishments along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welp, we made it through yet another year around the sun. Or the sun has made one more revolution around the earth? Nope, flat earthers, you wrong. Anyhoo, join us for our final episode of the year - discussing some of our favorite interview moments, and moments in general, from 2024. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Martha Steketee from Women Count. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Martha Steketee, Women CountMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Visit the Women Count website About Women Count: The Women Count report series looks at Off- and Off-Off-Broadway hiring patterns to inform national conversations about gender parity in the American theater. The goal of the report series is to change the conversation from anecdotes to advocacy on behalf of female and non-binary playwrights, performers, and off-stage theater workers. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Susan Danish from the National Women's History Museum. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Susan Danish, National Women's History MuseumMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: National Women's History Museum Report: Where Are the Women? Resource: For Educators, By Educators America 250 About National Women's History Museum: Founded in 1996, the National Women's History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative virtual-first museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women's diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women's history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women's impact—past, present, and future. They strive to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Broadway director Schele Williams about authentic representation onstage and off, storytellers' responsibility to choose values over biases, the diverse manifestations of women's power, becoming friends with failure, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Schele WilliamsMusic: Chloe Geller Episode Resources: The Notebook The Wiz Aida “We Fall Down” Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History Your Legacy Begins: First Words to Empower Black Theatre United Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Women & Theatre: Hannah Coffman interview Guest Bio: Schele Williams (she/her) is a director committed to cultivating new musicals and devised work with authentic representation on stage and off. Profiled in Variety's Top 10 Broadway to Watch, she is currently directing the upcoming Broadway revivals of Aida (Disney Theatrical Group) and The Wiz, as well as the premieres of Mandela the Musical and Indigo. She made her Broadway directorial debut this season with The Notebook (co-directed with Michael Greif). She will also be helming Hidden Figures, currently in development (Disney Theatrical Group). Schele has directed at regional theatres and festivals across the country and has a long history of work on Broadway in Rent, Aida, and Motown: The Musical. Passionate about pairing social justice with the arts, Schele is a founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization committed to dismantling systemic racism on our streets and stages. She has been a member of Broadway Inspirational Voices for over two decades and serves as Chairperson of the Board, and also serves on the board of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Schele is the author of the children's book Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History and recipient of a 2022 Boston Globe-Horn Book honor. Find Schele Online: Visit Schele's website Follow Schele on Instagram Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Sandy Sahar Gooen from TEMPO. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Sandy Sahar Gooen, TEMPOMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Follow TEMPO on Instagram Follow Sandy on Instagram About TEMPO: TEMPO (Trans & Expansive Music Professional Organization) is an organization for artists under the trans/gender expansive umbrella as well as the music umbrella, predominantly within musical theatre. We work intercommunally and intracommunally. We partner with other organizations that share our goal of opportunities for growth as music makers for groups who have been historically overlooked. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

Meet Rowan Jetté Knox, the award-winning Canadian writer and human rights advocate who embodies the power of embracing change and living authentically. Rowan courageously shares his family's journey towards acceptance of both his middle child and wife's transgender identity in his bestselling memoir "Love Lives Here". This journey, marked by vulnerability and unconditional love, has normalized the existence of LGBTQ2S+ families and sparked international change. Rowan's advocacy extends beyond his personal narrative, confronting the stigma of mental illness and championing the rights of transgender youth. His work has earned him recognition such as the Order of Ottawa. Rowan's story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing truth and living authentically. He first started questioning his own gender while in therapy for deep trauma. Despite the challenges, Rowan has learned valuable lessons about self-worth, the importance of community, and the intentional risks necessary for growth. He reminds us that you don't have to transition to be Trans and encourages those questioning their gender to seek out Trans voices. Rowan's journey, including his own transition and non-monogamous relationships, is a powerful example of what it means to live a life true to oneself. Connect with Rowan on Instagram, Threads, or his website and grab a copy of his books Love Lives Here and One Sunny Afternoon. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales If you are struggling and need some support here are trusted resources. United States: The Trevor Project: A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people. Available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678678. Trans Lifeline: A peer support service by trans people for trans and questioning folks. Call 877-565-8860. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Canada: Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 service providing support for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. Trans Lifeline Canada: A peer support service by trans people for trans and questioning folks. Call 1-877-330-6366. Canada Suicide Prevention Service: Available 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Rowan's Journey: In 2014 Rowan would have described his family as a Mom, Dad and three sons. Shortly thereafter their middle child came out as a Transgender girl (later, non-binary), and then less than two years after Rowan's spouse came out as a Transgender woman. Consciousness of Truth: “We are more subconsciously aware of our truths than we think we are.” When Rowan's middle child came out he was, at the time, a well-known “mommy blogger” and the post sharing the coming out story of his child went completely viral. There was a little hate but also a massive out pouring of love. Expanding Love: Rowan's family adopted their middle child's best friend at the age of 15 and beautifully extended their circle of love. It was much easier for Rowan to give love and support to his Trans family members than it was to give it to himself. Self-Worth: When the world constantly teaches you that you are NOT worthy of love, it's nearly impossible to find yourself worthy. Rowan and his wife Zoè are in a Polycule relationship that began in 2022 and now they all live together, very happily, in Toronto. Important Reminders: Rowan wants to remind everyone that you do NOT have to transition to be Trans. If you're questioning your gender start following some trans folks on social media listen to what they have to say and learn from the source. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Was it Chance, we're joined by Lyndsay Rush, the poet behind the viral Instagram account @maryoliversdrunkcousin. With her debut collection A Bit Much, Lyndsay has been making readers laugh and think about the big questions of life. From body image to aging to whether or not to have kids, Lyndsay tackles it all with her signature blend of humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of female empowerment. Tune in as we chat with Lyndsay about her journey from comedy writing to poetry, and how she's built a community of women who celebrate their true selves, weirdness and all. Connect with Lyndsay on Instagram, TikTok, or her website, and grab a copy of her book A Bit Much. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Episode Takeaways: The humorous origin of her username "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" Lyndsay's non-traditional career path from comedy writing to copywriting to branding Her journey deconstructing from evangelical Christianity and the "rage" she experienced How Lyndsay uses humor and joy to tackle big topics like body image and aging The surprising story of publishers competing for her work after she went viral Lyndsay's advice: embracing your weirdness is key to building a loyal community The distinction between Lyndsay and her persona, "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" Lyndsay's acceptance of failure as part of the creative process The humorous discussion about conspiracy theories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices