Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff Dwoskin

Billy Aronson on Sparking RENT and Surviving the Creative Struggle


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Playwright, author, and creative force Billy Aronson dives deep into his journey, from conceiving the idea behind RENT to writing for iconic kids' shows and opening up about personal struggles with depression.

This candid and humorous conversation explores the ups and downs of a life in the arts, his Emmy-winning work in children's television, and the powerful inspiration behind his new book Out of My Head. Billy shares what it really means to create, collaborate, and keep going, even when the applause isn't guaranteed.

Episode Highlights:

  • The origin of RENT and his collaboration with Jonathan Larson
  • What it's like to watch your concept become a global phenomenon
  • Why failure is more powerful than success — and what it teaches you
  • Behind-the-scenes stories from Peg + Cat, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Short Attention Span Theater
  • Honest talk about depression, resilience, and finding joy in creating

You're going to love my conversation with Billy Aronson

  • Billy's book: Out Of My Head - Learning to Reach People Through the Arts

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Classic Conversations: Pop culture Interviews with Jeff DwoskinBy Jeff Dwoskin

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