Hear Us Out

This week on Hear Us Out, we’re joined by actor, artist, and all-around creative Lucas Grabeel. From his breakout role in High School Musical to his powerful, career-defining turn on Switched at Birth , Lucas opens up about growing up in the spotlight, redefining success, and finding fulfillment beyond the roles people expect you to play. We talk navigating life after a generation-defining franchi...

If you have been a consistent listener to the show, you know one of our favorite bands is OAR. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Marc Roberge—lead singer, songwriter, and one of the founding members of O.A.R. For three decades, Marc has been a part of a band that doesn’t just make music—it creates moments people carry with them and shows that feel less like performances and more like sha...

In this episode, we sit down with Randy Faustino, sound mixer for American Idol and The Voice, to pull back the curtain on the high-pressure world of live broadcast audio. Randy shares what it’s really like balancing artist requests, technical precision and broadcast demands in real time, how he approaches accessibility and clarity in live mixes, and the skills that separate a good mix from a grea...

On this episode of Hear Us Out , we’re joined by Fabian Chavez, saxophonist for the Jonas Brothers, for an inside look at life as a modern touring musician. Fabian takes us through his musical journey, from early inspirations to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, while sharing stories from collaborating with some of today’s top bands and artists. We dive into the realities of tourin...

In this episode of Hear Us Out , we sit down with Dave Eggar — cellist, composer, producer, and one of the most genre-defying musicians of our time — for a wide-ranging conversation about sound, creativity, and the human experience. From classical stages to rock arenas, film scores to intimate studio sessions, Dave has spent his career moving effortlessly across musical worlds. We explore how thos...

In this episode, we sit down with Broadway actor Matthew Magnussen, currently a standby in Just in Time , to talk about life on stage and what it really takes to be prepared to perform at the highest level night after night. Matthew shares his journey to Broadway, the discipline behind preparation, and what happens behind the curtain that audiences never get to see. From auditions and rehearsals t...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Paul Kartelias, touring bassist for O.A.R. and master of the low-end groove that drives the band’s live energy. Paul opens up about his journey from local gigs to national tours, what it takes to lock in night after night, and how he’s built a reputation for musicality, reliability, and rock-solid pocket playing. We get into life on the road, how he...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Dr. Michael Santucci, music audiologist, researcher, and founder of Sensaphonics, the groundbreaking company dedicated to protecting the hearing of musicians and audio professionals around the world. For decades, Dr. Santucci has been at the forefront of hearing conservation in the music industry; from pioneering custom in-ear monitors to educating...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Dr. Joe Manjaly, a leading ear surgeon known for his patient-centered approach and innovative surgical techniques. Dr. Manjaly takes us inside the world of modern ear care—breaking down common hearing problems, demystifying ear surgery, and sharing real stories from the operating room. Whether you’re curious about how hearing works, wondering when t...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Dr. Rod Berger to examine how strategic storytelling is becoming a core leadership competency in high-performance organizations. Drawing from his book The Narrative Edge , Dr. Berger breaks down why narratives shape decision-making, accelerate alignment, and influence stakeholder trust in ways data alone cannot. We explore how CEOs and executive tea...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Vanessa Marano and Katie LeClerc, stars of the groundbreaking series Switched at Birth . Together, they reflect on the show’s cultural impact, its authentic portrayal of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and the friendships that grew from it. We talk about the craft of acting, the importance of representation on screen, and the ways storytelli...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Melissa Wikoff, audiologist, tinnitus specialist, and owner of Peachtree Hearing in Georgia. Dr. Wikoff shares her expertise in tinnitus management and music audiology, helping us understand what happens when the sounds in our ears don’t stop — and how musicians and everyday listeners alike can protect and preserve their hearing. From exploring the science behi...

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Sherman — Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award–winning composer, arranger, and music director — to explore the creative rhythms behind some of today’s most beloved music and theater. From his work on Hamilton and In the Heights to his role as music director for Sesame Street, Bill shares his journey through the worlds of Broadway, television, and beyond. We dive into...

In this episode of Hear Us Out , we sit down with legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, a true master of the fingerstyle art form whose playing has inspired musicians around the world. Known for his boundless energy, joyful spirit, and spellbinding performances, Tommy opens up about his hearing loss and lifelong love affair with the guitar, the discipline behind his artistry, and the emotional stori...

We’ve all been told to keep trying — try harder, try smarter, try until you make it. But what if that mindset is actually what’s holding you back? In this episode, we’re joined by Carla Ondrasik, longtime music executive and author of Stop Trying , to unpack why trying sets us up for failure — and how breaking free starts with one simple shift: stop trying, start doing. Carla shares real talk from...

Thank you Oaktree Products for sponsoring this episode. In this episode of Hear Us Out , we're joined by MickeyJoTheatre — the UK-based theatre commentator, critic, and content creator behind one of YouTube’s most popular musical theatre channels. We explore how sound and hearing influence the audience experience of live theatre, and how MickeyJo approaches reviewing and discussing shows with a sh...

In this episode of Hear Us Out , we sit down with Dan Schinder—the energetic force behind Drum Talk TV, the global hub for drummers, percussionists, and music lovers alike. Dan shares how his passion for drumming evolved into one of the most widely recognized platforms for rhythm and storytelling, connecting artists from every corner of the globe. We dive into the art of the interview, the univers...

What does it take to make a moment on stage feel real, haunting, or unforgettable; all through sound? This week on Hear Us Out , we sit down with Tony-nominated sound designer Adam Fisher to explore the often-invisible art of theatrical sound design. Learn about behind the scenes events on the set of Sunset Boulevard. From subtle shifts in atmosphere to explosive special effects, Adam shares the t...

In this inspiring episode of Hear Us Out , we sit down with Jenna Bainbridge, the groundbreaking Broadway actor who made history as the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose in Wicked . Jenna shares her journey to the stage, the challenges and triumphs of performing in one of the world’s most beloved musicals, and how her lived experience has shaped her artistry and advocacy. We explore the powe...

Can you believe it? It's been a whole year of Hear Us Out ! In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back on the laughs, the lessons, the hot takes, and the unforgettable moments that made our first year so meaningful. We’re sharing behind-the-scenes stories, revisiting our favorite topics, and reflecting on how far we’ve come—thanks to YOU, our amazing listeners. Whether you’ve been wit...

This week on Hear Us Out , we're joined by Maya Sulkin of The Free Press — a journalist known for cutting through noise and telling stories others won’t touch. In a time when media trust is at an all-time low, Maya offers a candid look at what it means to report freely, think independently, and challenge dominant narratives. We talk about the pressures facing journalists today, the rise of indepen...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Danny Black — guitarist, producer, and solo artist — whose music has taken him from intimate indie stages to iconic venues like Red Rocks and Madison Square Garden. Best known for his work as a founding member of the band Good Old War and playing alongside Gregory Alan Isakov and Stephen Kellogg, Danny brings a deep sensitivity and cinematic style t...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Hite—performance psychologist, educator, and professional stuntman—for a powerful conversation about how the mind operates in high-stakes environments. From the film set to the therapy room, Dr. Hite brings a rare combination of academic insight and lived experience. We talk about the psychology behind decision-making under pressure, how to train focus an...

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Mikel Paris—multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and long-time touring member of the chart-topping band O.A.R. Known for his signature blend of keys, guitar, and innovative guitar drumming, Mikel brings a rhythmic energy that’s as captivating as it is unique. We explore his musical journey, from life on the road with O.A.R. to the intimate ener...

From the front row to the mixing desk, few people know the sound of Muse better than Marc Carolan. As the band’s longtime front-of-house engineer, Marc has shaped the sonic experience for millions of fans around the world—turning stadiums into immersive, electrifying spaces. In this episode of Hear Us Out , we dive into his journey, from his early days in live sound to the technical artistry requi...