Episodes

  • Episode #22 - John Riddle

    Episode #22 - John Riddle
    Sep 9 2024
    I first met John when my father-in-law asked if I would spend some time coaching one of his
    students for his upcoming CCM audition. Self-aware, incredibly gifted, and kind as can
    be...John (who was already marvelous and needed absolutely no coaching from me) attended
    CCM and in no time was charming the city and lighting up the theater scene through star turns
    as Raoul in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera and creating the role of Hans of the
    Southern Isles in Disney’s Frozen. Have a listen as we talk shop, camp, and what it feels like to
    inspire others in a space where he once sought inspiration as a young actor. John was an
    absolute joy to speak with....but see for yourself!
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Episode #21 Tom Viola

    Episode #21 Tom Viola
    Aug 26 2024
    For decades, Tom Viola has been the face of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and thus, the
    face of Broadway itself. The Executive Director of BC/EFA since 1998, Tom has been at the
    forefront of our Industry’s war against the ravages of the AIDS epidemic, fighting on the front
    lines against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Theatrical and political landscape, and helping
    to raise over $300 million dollars for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS,
    struggling with COVID-19 or facing other critical illnesses. A special TONY Award winner for his
    service to our community, Tom generously sat down with me to chat about all things gay and
    theatrical! From his time as Colleen Dewhurst’s assistant to talking about those who inspire him
    to keep doing the work he does so tirelessly, Tom is as magical and ebullient as the day I met
    him, decades ago. I so hope you enjoy the chat as much as I did!
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Episode #20 - Patrick Wilson

    Episode #20 - Patrick Wilson
    Aug 12 2024
    From the moment we met, back in August of 1997, I knew that Patrick Wilson had that special
    something which sets him apart from mere mortals. Gorgeous? Sure. Talented? Absolutely.
    Funny? Too funny for our own good.....but there’s also that something special that makes a star.
    Twenty-seven years later, he’s all of those things as well as one of Broadway’s most sought
    after leading men, a remarkable husband, father, film-maker and (casually) a bona fide movie
    star. Theatre audiences know Patrick from leading the original company of The Full Monty, as
    well as Broadway revivals of Oklahoma! and All My Sons, while moviegoers will recognize him
    from a truly extraordinary resume; Insidious, The Conjuring, Angels in America, Aquaman and
    so much more. Give a listen as Patrick and I chat about the unexpected course of a remarkable
    career, raising kids, and the state of our industry...there might be a few anecdotes about a
    certain practical joke played on your old pal, Thom...but you’ll have to tune in to learn more. Sit
    back and enjoy my chat with the delightful Patrick Wilson.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Episode #19 - Haley podschun

    Episode #19 - Haley podschun
    Jul 14 2024
    My guest today has a resume that one can only call ‘dizzying!’’ Broadway, Film, Red Carpets
    and TV hosting; all squarely in the wheelhouse of Haley Podschun, who hasn’t stopped working
    in decades! Familiar to Hairspray fans as Tammy in the film adaptation of the wildly popular
    musical, Haley also appeared in the show on Broadway and on tour, as well as starring in
    Broadway and/or touring productions of Wicked (Glinda), Hello Dolly, Something Rotten,
    Chaplin, Anything Goes, Pal Joey and her Broadway debut at the age of 12 in The Sound of
    Music! THE AGE OF TWELVE! Haley has worked in all the A-list regional theatres and was kind
    enough to take some time to talk shop with me! Loved every moment of chatting with this gem,
    and I hope you’ll give it a listen!
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Episode #18 - Grey Henson

    Episode #18 - Grey Henson
    Jul 1 2024
    I was forewarned that today's guest was nothing short of a delight, and the rumors are TRUE!
    Grey Henson talks about his formative years as a little boy who loved (and excelled at) ballet in
    Macon, GA and how those years of dance and working in youth and community theatre helped
    him to be the award-winning stage actor he is today. Most recently seen as one of the
    storytellers in Broadway’s Shucked, Grey has stolen hearts far and wide in star turns as Elder
    McKinley in both Broadway and touring (Helen Hayes Award) productions of The Book of
    Mormon, and in creating the role of Damien in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls, for which
    he was nominated for a TONY award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. Never too
    gay to function, Grey is charming, whip-smart and hilarious as he speaks on family, school,
    queer culture and this roller coaster of a business. I can’t wait to see more from this remarkable
    artist, but till then, sit back and enjoy the delightful Grey Henson!
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Episode #17 - Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer

    Episode #17 - Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer
    Jun 17 2024
    Joining me today are the Lunts of Broadway - ok, if you don’t know that reference, please head
    directly to google; Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer. Each of them a Broadway star in their own
    right, they now spend much of their time inspiring others - particularly other creatives and young
    artists - through teaching, keynote speaking and writing. Holding the world’s record as
    Broadway’s longest running leading lady, (not to mention an award-winning author), Sandra
    holds a place not only in Broadway history, but also in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to
    work with and learn from her! And Ron is the Broadway leading man that we all dream of
    loving...having led companies of The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Phantom of the Opera, Les
    Miserables and Sunset Boulevard both in New York and on the road. Married for nearly 25
    years, Ron and Sandra share their time, their humor and their extraordinary wisdom with all of
    us in what I hope you’ll agree is an absolutely delightful conversation. We talk Broadway (duh),
    self-care, imposter syndrome and finding your most authentic voice as a creative human, and I’ll
    keep this chat close to my heart for years to come! Sit back and enjoy!!
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Episode #16 - Gaelen Gilliland

    Episode #16 - Gaelen Gilliland
    Jun 3 2024
    When I think of the worker bees of Broadway - those actors whose faces show up in production
    after production and whose chameleon-like character skills allow them to seamlessly morph from
    role to role and show to show...Gaelen Gilliland is at the top of an imposing list! With a resume
    that spans the length of a CVS receipt, Gaelen has appeared in Wicked, Legally Blonde, 9-5,
    Honeymoon in Vegas, Kinky Boots, and Spongebob Squarepants on Broadway, and taken the
    road by storm in Seussical, The Addams Family, and most recently as the coolest mom ever in
    Mean Girls, Gaelen was an absolute joy to chat with. Whether leading a company or raising her
    family, Gaelen so clearly leads with grace, poise, and a stunningly tuned sense of humor, and I hope you love our conversation as much as I did!
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Episode #15 - Robert Anthony Jones

    Episode #15 - Robert Anthony Jones
    May 20 2024
    Robert Anthony Jones, or “Raj” as he’s known among his friends - has a comedic mind and
    open heart which sets him apart from mere mortals. I’d known OF Raj for decades due to
    mutual friends and finally had an opportunity to sit and laugh with him while he was in town
    starring in “The Prom” at Columbus’ own Short North Stage. A veteran of off-Broadway
    (“Bunnicula” by legendary playwright Charles Busch), Broadway (“Finding Neverland”) and
    touring (“The Phantom of the Opera”), Raj is the embodiment of a life lived magnificently in the
    theatre. Hilarious, kind as can be and a big ol’ pussycat when speaking of his gorgeous little
    boy, Raj was an absolute gem of a guest and I hope you enjoyed the chat as much as we did!
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins