The 250th episode!

Dan is joined by photographer, Matty Parker!

We chat about the long apprenticeship one has to take before calling themselves a photographer, growing up in the country, the country work ethic, leaving Sydney, figuring out what you actually want to do, spending too long researching and procrastinating, having nothing to lose, filming and documenting the process of learning to be a photographer, buying the first camera, growing into something, finding interesting people, looking at the world differently, the distraction of phones, taking a photo that matters, telling a story, burn out, having to tend to life, getting honest feedback from the places you least expect, realising what a good photo can be, the grunge and grit of Melbourne, being the guy with the camera, resetting, perfectionism, taking people's photos, connecting the love of cars and photography, the brief time of owning a keyboard, pushing through the frustration, surprising yourself, enjoying what you do, affecting others, gear, video games, putting yourself out there, just needing to start, entering the lonely stage, collaboration, and a whole lot more!

Follow Matty's work! Links below.

https://www.youtube.com/@Matty_p115

https://www.instagram.com/matty_p115

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by the soon to be Elder Price in the new upcoming Australian production of Book of Mormon, Sean Johnston!

We start off the podcast with Sean responding to a message left from Australia's first Elder Price, Ryan Bondy. Sean then answers a couple of questions left by Nick Cox, his soon to be Elder Cunningham!

We then go on to chat about the audition process of The Book of Mormon, finding out he got the role, preparing for the show, leading the company, the anticipation of working alongside Nick Cox, chemistry reads, the upcoming rehearsals, removing the obstacles of learning how to dance, teaching yourself how to sing and act, the shock and specialness of receiving compliments, the no clear cut path, working on Hairspray, objectivity, being a little bit more reserved, learning from others, not loosing the love and the passion, allowing for things to go wrong, fighting the urge to compare yourself to others, working at Her Majesty's, watching Nick Cox in Beauty and the Beast, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by legendary and iconic actress, presenter, director, and writer, Colette Mann!! So many good stories in this one! Need to get Colette back on the podcast for a part two!

We chat about the overused word of legend, living and working in London, raising the roof off a tent, being on Neighbours for ten years, reinvigorating a career, staying sane while working on a soap opera, being able to go back to your roots over the course of Neighbours, Godspell, becoming a dance captain, a roleplaying gig for the medical profession, working as an assistant stage manager, asking for work, being told no, Tiki and John's, always learning, changing your style of acting & teaching, giving back, championing other people's success, Follies, younger talent, singing, auditions, having a lack of feedback, being in the industry of communication, Prisoner, staying engaged, embracing change, Anthony Warlow, and so much more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by musical theatre superstar, Matthew Prime!

We chat about Matt's time working on Tina, Black Out Night, wrapping up a show, the lifestyle of freelance work, having a show cut short, investing yourself in a show, wanting to be an architect, music theatre camp, not associating fun with jobs, quitting commerce, the VCA foundation course, putting yourself on show everyday, the tangible career path, booking Jersey Boys, serendipity, the fear of singing, the love of duets, nerves, being part of new works, having flexibility, pursuing film and TV work, giving it a crack, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Groundhog Day week continues onto Day 14 as Dan is joined by Rachel Cole (Swing) & Kate Yaxley (Joelle) for yet another trip down memory lane!

We talk about the Groundhog Day group chat, the talent within the cast, the end of the show, the fanbase, wanting to be Bob Hawke growing up, juggling two careers, clinging to security and stability, Rachel's financial advice within the music theatre community, the tangible career path, not thinking long term, approaching what you love with realism, passion not being limited, not knowing your future self, going for everything, building the resilience, lift classes, covering, soprano one, getting outside your comfort zone, transforming your voice, always being ready, the ski gear, removing anxiety with preparation, commiserating & celebrating yourself, rechanneling your energy, what they enjoy about each other's performance, seeing Matthew Hamilton as Phil Connors, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Groundhog Day Week returns!

Dan is joined by Matt Hourigan (Swing) & Connor Sweeney (Ralph) as Groundhog Day Week continues onto Day 13 after an extended hiatus!

We chat about missing the show and the people, appreciating the casting process, the fast paced audition turnaround, an acting job for management training in the construction industry, looking at the rehearsal process from a swing's perspective, meeting Tim Minchin, learning new lessons about life through the show, saying goodbye, celebrating the show, listening to the soundtrack, feeling fulfilled by the show, watching Matthew Hamilton as Phil Connors, stage mishaps, visual art & architecture, set design, gymnastics, clowning, affirming moments, changes in environment, seeing that there's more work to be done, objectivity, having warped views of yourself, communication, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by comedian, writer, satirist, and former radio presenter, Sammy J!

We chat about getting back into stand up comedy, the first time I saw Sammy perform in Canberra, talking to your younger self, ambition outweighing talent, not being afraid to be on your own, the complex relationship with nerves, the underrated skill of communication, not straying far from the dream, musical comedy, Tom Lehrer, his album, the fear of looking unoriginal, putting yourself out there, weird gigs, self awareness, rediscovering the world again after working in radio, being in control of your day, letting things rest, muscle memory, being compassionate to your younger self, providing company, the pros and cons of radio, feedback, working with Randy, collaboration, The Kangaroo Effect, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by musical theatre superstar Josh Gates, who is currently in the ensemble for the new Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar!

We chat about the intensity of working on Jesus Christ Superstar, feeling more connected as a member of the ensemble, not feeling static, knowing there's always more in the tank, the rehearsal period, the importance of previews, starting out in the industry at nine years old, the emotion behind having to leave a safe creative space, a Hugh Jackman story, expanding your brain, being an all or nothing type of person, changing as a performer, collaboration as an artist, knowing what jobs you want, anxiety, journaling, writing, being all about the feeling, the risk of loosing nuance in the moment, having a 'you made it' moment, saving your money, burnout, introspection, knowing you get better with time, shrinking yourself, working with incredible narrator's in Rocky Horror, and a whole lot more!

I had the best time with Josh! This was a very open and candid chat!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by musical theatre superstar from London's West End, Iroy Abesamis, recorded during the thick of the most recent production of Guys and Dolls.

We chat about swinging on Guys and Dolls, the immersive show experience, starting out with the Miss Saigon tour, life in London, working for Disneyland in Hong Kong, being in a supportive environment, wanting to be a priest, studying, finding inspiration from friends and family, having to go on stage at a moments notice, still getting use to swing life, maintaining the discipline, realising there's always another show, auditioning, good preparation, luck, moving away from the Philippines, the massive pool of talent in London, knowing what you can and can't do, exploring other things, work and play, not having the education to back you up, pursuing research in Indigenous culture, enjoying the moment, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor Lucas Neff, who you have seen in television shows including Raising Hope, Downward Dog, The Handmaid's Tale, and Carol's Second Act, to name a few.

We chat about the initial ignorance of the business while working on Raising Hope, being the number one on the call sheet, taking a minute with things, learning on the job, working with the more experienced cast members, approaching constructive criticism with the right mindset, being overweight and insufferable as a kid, the benefit of time, developing an internal process, not identifying with any one thing, moving on, life being a big adventure, getting recognised, the joys of establishing a unique relationship with the people you meet, the circus and clown school, loving when people laugh, absurdity in comedy, holding paper while nervous, irrational confidence, the chaotic side of the industry, being surrounded by strange people, bringing more of yourself to the work, sharing our insecurities out loud, just saying yes, and a whole lot more!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.