Betsy Aidem is fresh off a hugely successful Broadway run in the Pulitzer Prize -winning play Liberation  when she joins Katie and Melanie in this vibrant conversation. She tells of the windfall of work that’s come her way since turning 60, and the years that came before when she balanced a career on the stage while raising her son as a single mom, during which time she often felt everyone had an intact family except her.

 Betsy speaks openly about the challenge of parenting through a divorce, how she turned down jobs so she wouldn’t miss bedtime, and how her now-grown son became enamored of the world of artists—and is one himself. 

Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, Betsy thoroughly researches her roles through reading and traveling, and in between jobs, that same curiosity keeps her busy and inspired, whether she’s taking an art class, perfecting her chef skills or seeing the world.

Melanie and Katie also get to hear more about Liberation, the play that has taken the theatre world (and the world at large) by storm. Since this interview was recorded, Liberation has been nominated for 5 Tony awards, the script has been published, and productions are scheduled in multiple theatres. Betsy shares her experience playing the famous nude scene for 8000 people a week, the impact of performing this play during tense political times in the country, and the gifts this play offered both to the actors and the audiences. 

 Betsy Aidem is a testament to what happens when you choose positivity over bitterness, and a shining example of what tenacity, relentless commitment to craft, and a genuine love of the art form of acting can lead to.

More on Betsy

@liberationbway

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/11/03/betsy-aidem-working-woman