Why I‘ll Never Make It

The previous episode with Trisha Paytas covered so much ground, from her recent Broadway debut in Beetlejuice to her rise as a YouTube star. But one of the best parts of every conversation is when we get to discuss the Final Five Questions.  It’s where we hear about personal lessons, hopes for the industry, and those moments that truly define an artist’s career. --- Why I’ll Never Make It is an in...

Trisha Paytas joins the podcast to talk about her unexpected and much-talked-about Broadway debut in Beetlejuice. She shares what drew her to the show, how the opportunity came about, and what it’s been like stepping into a completely new kind of spotlight. We also get into her family background and the early days of her online career, how she first gained attention, and the twists and turns of tw...

In this brief update, I open up about the last several weeks—Broadway opening week, getting sick, and a recent injury—and how all of it pulled me away from releasing new episodes. I share what’s been going on, why the silence stretched longer than I wanted, and how grateful I am for the patience and support of this community as I get things back on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

In the previous episode, Abbie Goldberg and Mason McDowell dove into their new musical 504 as well as the obstacles they’ve faced trying to produce their own works, and it was such an insightful conversation. But there’s still so much more to explore! That’s why I’m thrilled to have Abbie and Mason back here with me for the Final Five Questions—where we get a little more personal by uncovering les...

Writers Abbie Goldberg and Mason McDowell are the creative team behind 504: The Musical — a new show inspired by the real-life 1977 sit-in that ignited the disability rights movement. What started as a 25-day protest in San Francisco became a landmark moment in history, paving the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Abbie and Mason share what drew them to musicalize this event and how the...

Bienvenidos y gracias por acompañarnos en esta edición especial de Why I’ll Never Make It! En esta segunda parte de mi serie sobre historias hispanas, escucharán a mis invitados anteriores compartir sus propias historias y experiencias en español. Roberto Araujo y Final Five Bianca Marroquín y Final Five Luis Salgado Jaime Lozano y Final Five Alina Alcántara y Final Five Tadeo Martinez y Final Fiv...

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I wanted to share a episode from 2020. This is part one in a series of former Hispanic guests of the podcast coming back to share their stories in their own words. The second part - la segunda parte - will be en español.  Matt Zambrano was the very first guest on the podcast. He and I did Man of La Mancha together in Orlando. Dan Domingues is a NY actor...

It’s been several seasons since the last time Audition Stories took center stage, but they’re finally back — and this time with a brand-new collection of unforgettable moments from the audition room. These are the kinds of stories that stick with you long after the casting table has cleared: the ones that make you laugh, cringe, and nod in recognition at just how unpredictable this business can be...

Jennifer Apple returns for this bonus episode to tackle the Final Five Questions. From her very first professional show of Spring Awakening to the lessons she’s still learning today, Jennifer opens up about how she defines success, the advice she’d give her younger self, and the changes she hopes to see in the industry’s future. A future she’s shaping through here Empowered Artists Collective. It’...

A serious back injury could have ended her career before it really began. Instead, it became the turning point that led to new opportunities—earning an MFA at ACT in San Francisco, training in Italy, and finding fresh ways to grow as a performer. In this episode, we talk about resilience, artistic reinvention, and how those setbacks eventually inspired the creation of the Empowered Artist Collecti...

Patricia McGregor’s first steps into the world of professional theater were marked by a sense of awe and a drive to make every moment matter. From performing under Orlando’s bright lights as a child to taking on demanding roles and responsibilities backstage in New York, Patricia learned early how powerful a single theatrical moment could be—sometimes just a gasp in the audience, or a split-second...

Patricia McGregor’s journey to becoming artistic director of New York Theatre Workshop has been anything but linear. Growing up in the Virgin Islands, she and her sister created performances wherever they could, laying the foundation for a lifelong devotion to storytelling. Later, in New York, Patricia faced tough choices, financial struggles, and unexpected opportunities that tested her resolve b...

In the previous episode, Sònia Victoria Werner and I dove into her background as an artist and the creation of Lighthouse Ladies, and while that was such an insightful conversation, there’s still so much more to explore! That’s why I’m thrilled to have Sonia back here with me for the Final Five Questions. These are where we get a little more personal—uncovering lessons learned, hopes for the indus...

From childhood improv classes to building a women-led production company, Sònia Victoria Werner has carved out an artistic path that’s as bold as it is inspiring. An actor, writer, producer, director, makeup artist, content creator, and entrepreneur, she thrives on telling authentic stories that cross cultures and push boundaries. You’ll soon hear her voice in a highly anticipated Netflix animated...

Joseph Zellnik is back for a candid and insightful bonus conversation about his journey as a writer and composer in the world of musical theater. Through these five final questions, Joseph shares personal stories from his early career including the lessons learned from his first professional show and the challenges of trying to resonate with an audience. He opens up about the evolution of his writ...

Joseph Zellnik is a musical theater composer, and along with his playwright brother David they are best known for their 2010 musical, Yank! This Off-Broadway production picked up Best Musical nominations from the Drama Desk Awards, the Outer Critics’ Circle, and the Lucille Lortel Foundation. Beyond that, Joseph has also written mystery novels, including The Sound of Murder, the first in his "Musi...

 In the previous episode, we explored Nick Rashad Burroughs' journey from Alabama to Broadway. And now we're getting even more personal. Join us as Nick answers the Final Five questions, revealing key lessons he's learned, his hopes for the performing arts industry, and what truly drives him as an artist. Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones....

Think Alabama isn't a breeding ground for Broadway stars? Think again! This week, we're joined by the phenomenal Nick Rashad Burroughs, who defies expectations and proves that talent truly knows no geographical bounds. From his early life in a deeply religious family in Birmingham, Alabama, Nick's sports-focused journey took an unexpected turn with an accidental audition that led him away from spo...

Theater Tol was founded in 1998 by Lot Seuntjens, and this international company became known for its multidisciplinary performances, using images, drama, music, amd hardly any spoken text. And while they do perform all over the world, They don't use conventional theaters, instead preferring “unusual” locations: the site of an old factory, a park, a market square, a beach or the banks of a river....

In the previous episode, Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes shared the winding paths that led them to co-lead Why Not Theatre, and how they’ve forged careers on their own terms. It was an incredibly honest and inspiring conversation—but there’s still more ground to cover. That’s why I’m so glad to have them both back with me for the Final Five Questions. This is where we get a little more personal—dig...

Toronto is home to the third-largest English-speaking theatre district in the world—and at the heart of its thriving independent scene is Why Not Theatre, co-led by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes. In this episode, they share their winding and deeply personal journeys through an industry that often made them question whether there was a place for artists like them. Ravi opens up about balancing the...

Now in his third Broadway show, Aubie answers five final questions about his career and theater journey. In this bonus episode, Aubie Merrylees returns to answer the Final Five—a set of questions I ask every guest to close out their time on the podcast. From memories of his first professional show to the lessons he’s still learning today, Aubie opens up about what success means to him and the kind...

With Boop! The Musical earning three Tony nominations this year—including Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, and Best Leading Actress for Jasmine Amy Rogers—I’m joined by cast member Aubie Merrylees for a conversation that goes beyond the awards buzz. We talk about the fun and energy of Boop!, but also the moments that shaped his career long before this Broadway run. From a season of missed o...

Every June, Broadway’s biggest night reminds us just how thrilling and transformative live theater can be. The Tony Awards don’t just celebrate excellence—they spotlight the stories, the voices, and the people who are shaping the stage and pushing it forward. Since 1947, the Tonys have been honoring some of Broadway’s best, and this year is no exception, with Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes...

This is a special presentation of The Spotlight Series, which highlights organization making a difference in the arts and beyond... Stephanie Torns is a Broadway actress known for her standout roles in the Broadway hits like Wicked and Waitress. Over the past decade she has shown incredible dedication and stamina, bringing some of Broadway's favorite characters to life night after night. But Steph...