Beltline to Broadway

Bekah Brunstetter, the book writer behind Broadway’s highly anticipated musical The Notebook, joins the pod squad to dive into the creative process of adapting Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel for the stage. Hear what she says about the intersection of theater and video games, the challenges of writing for Broadway versus regional theater, and how artists navigate creative freedom while handling ind...

Sammi Cannold joins the pod squad to discuss disability representation in theater, the creative process behind adapting the documentary into a stage production, and the broader impact of inclusive storytelling in the industry. Sammi Cannold is an acclaimed theater director known for her innovative and immersive storytelling. A rising star in the industry, she has been recognized for her work on pr...

Actor, lawyer, and advocate Sean Hayden joins the pod squad to open up about how landing a dream role in Billy Elliot led to a full-blown mental health crisis. Through his podcast Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story, he aims to spark a larger conversation about how theaters can better protect and support their artists. Sean Hayden is a multi-talented performer, attorney, and mental health advocate...

Broadway powerhouse Amy Spanger joins the pod squad to discuss her incredible journey from community theater to starring on Broadway. Hear how Amy took a leap of faith to pursue her dreams and moved to New York with no plan but a clear vision of making it to the big stage. They explore her experiences originating roles in Elf, Rock of Ages, and The Wedding Singer, as well as her work in Tick, Tick...

Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey join the pod squad to discuss the importance of live theater in a world increasingly dominated by screens and the magic of performing in regional theaters. Kara Lindsay is best known for her Broadway performances as Katherine Plumber in Newsies, Glinda in Wicked, and Cynthia Weil in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Her husband, Kevin Massey, has starred in A Gentle...

Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning actress Rachel Bay Jones joins the pod squad to discuss the unexpected path that led her to the stage—from dreaming of becoming a marine biologist to finding her voice in theater. She reflects on the evolving industry, the struggles actors face, and why she once left the business entirely. They also discuss the emotional weight of portraying complex mothers on...

Tony-nominated actress and Paralympian Katy Sullivan joins the pod squad for an insightful conversation about representation, accessibility, and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. She opens up about the challenges of navigating the industry as a performer with a disability, including the changes made at the Tony Awards, and why creating truly inclusive spaces should be a priority acr...

Michael Kushner joins the pod squad to discuss how his lifelong passion for storytelling—sparked by an early obsession with Titanic—led him to embrace multiple artistic roles. He dives into what it truly means to be a multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry, offering insights from his new book, How to Be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business, which aims to dismantle industry gatekeeping...

Diane Nicoletti joins the pod squad to discuss the importance of preserving theater history, the advocacy work the Museum of Broadway is doing for the arts, and how theater lovers of all ages can engage with the magic of Broadway first hand. Diane Nicoletti is an expert in experiential entertainment, having created immersive fan experiences for major brands, from Game of Thrones to Frozen to Comic...

Rob Marnell joins the pod squad to discuss the power of storytelling in jukebox musicals, his deep roots in the Raleigh theater scene, and how Bob Gaudio changed his perspective. Rob Marnell is a Broadway and television actor known for his work in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and Jersey Boys. A graduate of Elon University, Rob has performed on stages across th...

This episode explores two powerful new works that bring history to life through theater and opera. First, Tristan André talks about They Do Not Know Harlem, a deeply personal multimedia piece inspired by James Baldwin. André reflects on how Baldwin’s legacy as a Black queer artist shaped his journey and how the work serves as a love letter to marginalized communities. Then, Lauren chats with accla...

Turner Classic Movie's Dave Karger joins the pod squad to discuss the cultural significance of musicals, whether we're entering a new era of film musicals, and how contemporary audiences are embracing (or resisting) the genre. Dave Karger is an award-winning entertainment journalist, Turner Classic Movies host, and a leading expert in film history. A longtime red carpet correspondent and Oscars in...

Shae Marie Tolbut (Black Stage Everything) joins the pod squad to discuss her journey from stage management to playwriting, the challenges of creating space for plus-size Black performers, and why she’s passionate about centering Black joy on stage. Shae Marie Tolbut is a writer, director, and co-founder of Black Stage Everything, a platform dedicated to amplifying Black voices in theater. With a...

Libby Parker (aka The Broadway Dietician) joins the pod squad to discuss the challenges theater artists face when it comes to body image, the pressures of casting expectations, and how the industry can be more inclusive. She also offers tips on how performers can fuel the body for performance and avoid diet culture pitfalls. Libby Parker is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorder re...

Actor, director, and lifelong theater fan Aaron Simon Gross joins the pod squad to discuss how his early passion for musical theater shaped his career, the importance of audience engagement in modern theater, and why collaborating with playwrights on new works thrills him. Aaron Simon Gross is a multi-talented actor, director, and creative mind with deep roots in the theater world. He made his Bro...

Playwright Jason Odell Williams joins the pod squad to discuss the intersection of theater, activism, and gun sense legislation. They discuss the impact of Williams' play Church and State, a thought-provoking drama that has become a vehicle for community conversations on gun violence. With reflections on past productions, audience reactions, and the evolving dialogue around gun reform, this episod...

Telly Leung joins the pod squad to discuss the deeply personal journey of his immigrant parents, their harrowing escape from communist China, and how their sacrifices shaped his artistic path. The conversation then delves into the power of storytelling and the ongoing fight for Asian American representation in theater. Telly Leung is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is known for his w...

Randy Redd joins the pod squad to share stories from his experiences working on Parade with the legendary Hal Prince, his serendipitous audition for Ring of Fire, and deep influence of Johnny Cash and Jason Robert Brown. Randy Redd made his Broadway debut in PARADE at Lincoln Center directed by Harold Prince. Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include MAY WE ALL, Max Vernon's THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, ALL...

In this episode, host Lauren Van Heemert speaks with two playwrights using theater as a tool for social change. David Blakely discusses his adaptation of Enemy of the People, which modernizes Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, tackling environmental and political corruption in Oklahoma. He reflects on the role of theater in exposing uncomfortable truths, his approach to writing non-binary characters, an...

David Loud joins the pod squad to share captivating stories from his career, including working with Stephen Sondheim on Merrily We Roll Along, collaborating with Kander and Ebb, and conducting iconic productions like Ragtime, Curtains, and The Scottsboro Boys. He reflects on the power of musical storytelling, the challenges of shaping a Broadway show, and how his Parkinson’s diagnosis reshaped his...

Cindy Williams joined the pod squad to share stories from her early days in Hollywood, working with icons like Gene Kelly and Ron Howard, and how a chance meeting with Penny Marshall—and a blessing from Little Richard—led to Laverne & Shirley. Cindy Williams is best known for her role as Shirley Feeney in the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, one of the most successful television shows of its time. Sh...

Legendary actor Glynn Turman joins the pod squad to reflect on his extraordinary career spanning theater, television, and film. Glynn shares personal stories about his friendship with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, his passion for horseback riding, and his dedication to mentoring young people through his Camp Giddy Up program. He also speaks candidly about the evolution of representation in entertainment and...

Dramaturg and literary manager Ken Cerniglia joins the pod squad to discuss dramaturgy's crucial role in theater. en shares insights from his work on Hadestown and Disney Theatrical’s Aladdin and The Lion King, reflecting on how storytelling evolves with time. The conversation also delves into theater criticism, audience engagement, and the evolving role of dramaturgy in today’s industry. Ken Cern...

Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, known as Dr. Drama, joins the pod squad to discuss the impact of media representation on perceptions of gender identity. From analyzing Broadway’s approach to inclusion to dissecting the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s comedy special, this thought-provoking discussion challenges listeners to reconsider the narratives we consume and their real-world consequences. Dr. Ali...

Kevin Tuerff joins the pod squad to discuss the remarkable generosity of the Gander community and how the kindness he experienced following 9/11 forever changed his outlook on the world. Kevin Tuerff is an author, speaker, and social entrepreneur whose experience in Gander led him to create Pay It Forward 9/11, an initiative that encourages acts of kindness in honor of the lives lost on September...