Actress, singer, and producer Gabrielle Ruiz joins the HarmonyTALK podcast to share her inspiring journey from growing up in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to performing on Broadway and starring in hit television shows.

Raised in Edinburg, Texas, Gabrielle discovered her passion for the performing arts through public school arts education, while navigating life as a proud Mexican American artist. On HarmonyTALK, she talks openly about moving to New York City, facing rejection, and building resilience as a working performer.

Gabrielle’s career includes Broadway productions such as In the Heights, Evita, and If Then, as well as her breakout television role as Valencia Perez on Crazy Ex Girlfriend, which she landed after being recommended by Lin Manuel Miranda. She currently voices T’Lyn on Star Trek Lower Decks and is producing new musical work, including The Randy Andys, a post-modern Broadway style musical revue.

In this episode, Gabrielle also discusses arts education advocacy, mentoring young performers, and what it means to build a sustainable creative career.

HarmonyTALK showcases inspiring conversations with Dreamers and Doers who have turned their dreams into reality, often against great odds.

 

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Former NFL defensive tackle Marc Spindler joins HarmonyTALK Podcast to share his powerful journey after retiring from the Detroit Lions. In this episode, Marc opens up about identity loss, resilience and finding purpose beyond football, including the life philosophy he teaches his children: Staying Healthy, Hungry, and Humble. A must-listen for athletes, sports fans, and anyone navigating life after a major transition.

As HarmonyTALK continues its mission of sharing stories from Dreamers and Doers navigating life’s toughest pivots, Marc’s journey stands as a masterclass in resilience, identity transition, and personal growth. He reflects on walking out of the locker room for the final time, the silence that replaced the stadium noise, and the humbling process of embracing new roles as a husband, father and man beyond the game. Listen now and discover what it truly means to tackle life after the game ends.

 

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The holidays are here, and at HarmonyTALK, that means it’s time to hit pause, look back, and smile a little.

This special holiday episode is our end-of-year highlight reel- a celebration of the dreamers, doers, and big ideas that shaped our conversations throughout 2025. Hosted by Lisa Champeau, Greg Frigoletto, and Todd Stephens, this episode revisits some unforgettable moments and the people behind them.

We hear from guests who followed curiosity instead of certainty. Who chased bold ideas. Who found purpose in unexpected places. From a lifelong camp dream turned into a thriving reality, to a young scientist tackling microplastics, to powerful reflections on creativity, courage, and staying curious, each story reminds us why we love these conversations so much.

This episode isn’t about perfection or tidy endings. It’s about momentum. About what happens when people say yes to possibility, lean into the process, and keep showing up for what excites them.

As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a brand-new year, we’re grateful for our guests, our listeners, and the stories that connect us all. We hope this holiday special leaves you inspired, energized, and ready for whatever comes next.

Happy holidays from all of us at HarmonyTALK—and here’s to more dreamers and doers in 2026.

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Dive into the rich history of jazz with Loren Schoenberg, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, conductor, and senior scholar at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. In this HarmonyTALK episode, Loren chats with host Lisa Champeau about his experiences performing with jazz legends, his work preserving American jazz history, and his journey as a respected educator at institutions like Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. 

If you’ve ever had an interest in the inside look at the career of a multi-faceted musician, this episode uncovers the stories, sounds, and cultural impact of jazz music and offers unique insights into Loren's career, dedication, and passion for the genre.

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Join us on this captivating episode of HarmonyTALK Podcast hosted by Lisa Champeau as we delve into the fascinating world of "Lover's Eyes" with Nan and David Skier, a remarkable couple from Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. David, a retired ophthalmologist, and his wife Nan have spent the past two decades amassing an extraordinary collection of these unique and historical artworks.

Lover's Eyes are miniature portraits featuring disembodied eyes, meticulously painted on ivory and often surrounded by intricate frames. Originating in Europe around the 1800s, these intimate pieces were typically commissioned to commemorate a secret love or a deep, personal bond, often with the identity of the sitter remaining a mystery.

In this episode, Nan and David share the story behind their collection, which began with David's professional fascination with the human eye and evolved into a passionate quest to preserve these delicate mementos of affection and intrigue. With around 100 pieces in their possession, discover how these tiny works of art have become a bridge between the past and the present, and how the Skiers' dedication has brought to light a little-known yet profoundly touching aspect of art history. 

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the unusual, this episode is for you. Nan and David Skier will discuss their journey, their collection, and the timeless allure of Lover's Eyes.

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In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stephens engages with Tyus Williams, a passionate environmental scientist and educator. Tyus shares his journey from a childhood fascination with wildlife to pursuing a PhD in environmental science. He discusses the complexities of domestic cats as invasive species and emphasizes the importance of understanding human-wildlife interactions. Tyus also opens up about his experiences as a neurodivergent individual navigating social connections and the significance of science communication in making science accessible to all. 

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In this conversation, Emily Bright delves into the nuances of storytelling and poetry, exploring how everyday experiences can inspire creative expression. It highlights beauty found in the mundane and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our daily interactions. Emily also discusses the multifaceted identity of motherhood, emphasizing that becoming a mother does not erase one's previous self. She highlights the importance of maintaining one's aspirations and relationships while navigating the challenges of parenting.

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Bob Eckstein, an award-winning writer, illustrator, and cartoonist, discusses his latest book, 'Footnotes from the World's Greatest Museums.' He shares his motivation for delving into museums and highlights the diverse range of museums featured in the book. Bob emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the book, catering to a wide audience beyond art lovers. He also talks about the power of art to move and inspire, sharing personal experiences from his visits to museums. Bob reflects on his career as a cartoonist and the challenges he faced, as well as his passion for writing and teaching.

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HarmonyTALK is thrilled to welcome Dan Micciche, the Music Director and Conductor of WICKED on Broadway. With over nine years working on this iconic production, Dan offers a unique look behind the curtain at what it takes to keep one of the world’s biggest shows running. 

Host Lisa Champeau dives into Dan's impressive career journey, from his start on Broadway in CHICAGO to his work across international tours, and the moments that led him to this incredible role. Whether you're a theater lover, a WICKED fan, or simply curious about the inner workings of Broadway, this episode will leave you spellbound!

Key Takeaways:

• Behind the Scenes of WICKED: Dan shares what it takes to conduct and direct music for one of Broadway's most beloved productions, plus the unique challenges and joys of leading the show.

• Broadway Journey: Hear about Dan’s transition from performer to conductor, starting as the youngest actor to play Mary Sunshine in CHICAGO to becoming a key member of WICKED's casting and music team.

• Building Connections Through Music: Dan’s insights on creating memorable performances and his passion for coaching emerging talent through his work with the International Music Theatre Academy and Hit It Productions Inc.

 

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In this episode of Harmony Talk, host Todd Stephens interviews Kim Stevens, a visionary leader in real estate, who shares her journey from childhood memories at Lake Wallenpaupack to her unique leadership philosophy of 'structure with a healthy dose of magic.' Kim discusses the influence of her entrepreneurial family, the challenges she faced in the real estate market, and her personal hero's journey through adversity, including a battle with cancer. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, modeling behavior for others, and her commitment to giving back through her 'Commissions for a Cause' initiative. Kim's inspiring story highlights the power of mentorship, personal growth, and the belief that everything happens for a reason.

 

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