Local with Laura Ekstrand

Listen to Laura's conversation with the multi-talented Michael Aquino, a musician, actor, and creative audio producer from Northern New Jersey -- and don't miss Aquino perform an original song at the end of the episode.

Find Aquino at michaelaquino.com

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Music by Johnny Ripper

Hear Laura's conversation with New Jersey actor, improviser, and small business owner Lulu French. Lulu shares what it takes to teach and perform improv comedy -- to children, to adults, and to businesses -- and she brings out some of her go-to comedic characters.

Find Lulu at lulufrench.com and her business at rocketimprovcomedy.com

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Music by Johnny Ripper

This month Laura sits down with playwright James McLindon to talk about his dark comedy Dead and Buried, which the Detroit Free Press calls "funny, sad and heartwarming, often at the same time." McLindon discusses some of the inspirations for his play, as well how he thinks about his work as a playwright and theater in general.

Here's more on the study Laura mentions about theater and the synchronization of heartbeats:

https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/theatre-news/news/research-finds-theatregoers'-hearts-synchronise-during-performances

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Music by Johnny Ripper