Why I‘ll Never Make It

By: Patrick Oliver Jones
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  • Summary

  • The actor’s journey is one of occasional highs and frequent lows. It is a path riddled with self-doubt and frustration as we question our career choices, wondering if we’ll ever really ”make it.” But it is those few moments of glory on stage or screen that can sustain us through all the setbacks and challenges. On this award-winning podcast, New York actor Patrick Oliver Jones invites fellow creatives to share three stories that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative life rarely seen in the glitz and glam of this industry. These conversations remind us we’re not alone in this often bumpy and winding journey of the performing arts.
    ©2024, WINMI Media
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Episodes
  • Jennifer Tepper Explores Women Writing Musicals and the Legacy That History Books Left Out

    Jennifer Tepper Explores Women Writing Musicals and the Legacy That History Books Left Out
    Dec 11 2024
    In this special video podcast combo between Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night, I’m joined by theater historian and author Jennifer Ashley Tepper, who has written a truly remarkable book - Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out. Jennifer’s work is the first comprehensive exploration of women who have shaped Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals over the last century and beyond. From Tin Pan Alley composers to protest writers of the 1970s, and the voices shaping today’s theater landscape, this book is a treasure trove of history and inspiration. Together, we explore the hurdles these women faced, their remarkable stories, and the profound ways they’ve shaped the art form. And Jennifer’s book resonates deeply with both podcasts: Why I’ll Never Make It delves into the challenges of building a creative career Closing Night reflects on the legacy of shows may not always get the spotlight they deserve In our conversation, we highlight trailblazers like Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins, a Black playwright and novelist whose multi-hyphenate career began in the late 1800s; then there’s Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford, the longest-running female duo in musical theater history that began in 1955 and continues today; and then Shaina Taub, the Tony Award-winning force behind the Broadway musical Suffs. These are just a few of the extraordinary women we discuss—names that, thanks to Jennifer's book, are finally getting their due. --- Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night are independent productions of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of these podcasts please subscribe or donate. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Stephanie Torns Has Been Both WICKED and a WAITRESS and Now Brings Her Talents to EPIC Players

    Stephanie Torns Has Been Both WICKED and a WAITRESS and Now Brings Her Talents to EPIC Players
    Dec 4 2024
    When it comes to Broadway, few shows have captured hearts quite like Wicked. Its spellbinding story, unforgettable songs, and iconic performances have become a cultural phenomenon—especially now, with the movie adaptation igniting fresh excitement. And among the very few to take on one of the hardest roles in all of musical theater is our guest, Stephanie Torns. Stephanie has soared to incredible heights—literally—during her time in Wicked, where her breathtaking performances have cemented her place among Broadway’s finest. She's also won hearts in Waitress, showcasing her extraordinary talent and the resilience needed to shine in some of Broadway’s most demanding roles. But Stephanie’s impact isn’t limited to the stage. As a board member of EPIC Players, an inclusive theater company dedicated to empowering neurodivergent performers, she’s forging vital connections between the Broadway community and EPIC's mission. Her work here is as authentic and meaningful as the performances she's known for, highlighting her dedication to creating space for talent in all its forms. In today’s episode, we explore Stephanie’s journey to EPIC Players and her passion for supporting the neurodivergent community. Along the way, we’ll reflect on her unforgettable time with Wicked, the lessons she’s learned from tackling the role of Elphaba, and how her Broadway experiences continue to shape her work both onstage and off. ---------- Subscribe to get ad-free access to the full conversations, which include auditions stories. Donate to WINMI and support podcast production with a one-time or ongoing contribution. Contact me directly if you'd like to support WINMI but have limited funds to do so, then I can offer you reduced-price or even free access to the subscription. Follow WINMI: Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Why I’ll Never Make It is an award-winning, Top Theater Podcast with actor and singer Patrick Oliver Jones and is a production of WINMI Media. Theme music created by Patrick Oliver Jones, and background music is used under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • FINAL FIVE with Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Actor and Writer

    FINAL FIVE with Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Actor and Writer
    Nov 27 2024
    In the previous episode, you heard from actor and writer Ryan Bauer-Walsh and the creative journey to composing and producing an LGBTQ lullaby album. Well, now Ryan is back to talk about the importance of finding happiness outside of being an actor as well as a humorous discussion on khakis and corduroys by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. --- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-free, become a subscriber today. Podcast theme music created by host and producer Patrick Oliver Jones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins

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