I'm talking with Canadian playwright, podcaster, and arts advocate Franky Corcoran. From childhood reenactments of late-night legends to founding his own production company, Franky shares how passion, resilience, and a love for storytelling shaped his creative path.

We'll talk shop about podcasting, community theater, and Franky’s upcoming play Fractured Festivities. Plus, a game segment that puts Franky’s entertainment instincts to the test. If you love talk shows, theater, or hearing how artists build their dreams from the ground up—this one’s for you.

Guest: Franky Corcoran
Podcast: The Corcoran Entertainment Show
Socials:

• Instagram & Facebook: @CorcoranEntertainment
• Twitter/X: @FrankyCorcoran
  Upcoming Play: Fractured Festivities – Nov 14–15 at Dr. Losier Middle School Theater, Miramichi, NB

00:00 – Welcome & Waxhaw Festival Plug
Richard shares local event details and a sweet shoutout to his dad flying in from Wisconsin.

01:00 – Meet Franky Corcoran
Talk show host, theater lover, and proud Canadian joins the show.

02:00 – Late-Night Dreams & Basement Colbert
Franky recalls childhood talk show reenactments and early performance instincts.

03:30 – High School Drama & Finding His Path
How choosing drama over popularity changed everything.

05:00 – COVID Pivot & Birth of Corcoran Entertainment
Franky shares how the pandemic inspired his production company and podcast.

06:40 – Podcast Origins & Growth
From local guests to global reach—how The Corcoran Entertainment Show evolved.

08:30 – Theater Roots & Creative Expansion
Franky’s journey from stage to studio and back again.

09:30 – Spotlight on Fractured Festivities
A sneak peek at his new play: family, comedy, drama, and a hip replacement.

11:00 – How to Connect with Franky
Social handles, podcast links, and where to find updates on his work.

12:00 – Dream Guests & Manifesting Bryan Cranston
Franky shares his wish list and Richard dreams of surprise reveals.

13:00 – Game Time: Pod or Pretend
Franky plays a fast-paced game guessing podcast titles vs. plays vs. made-up names.

Choreographer, educator, and author Alexandra Beller is here for a deep dive into the creative process. From shared memories at UW-Milwaukee to the philosophy behind her new book The Anatomy of Art, Alexandra opens up about her journey through dance, theater, teaching, and parenting. We'll explore what it means to live a life fueled by curiosity, community, and artistic integrity.

Guest: Alexandra Beller
Website: alexandrabellerdances.org
Featured Book: The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theatre and Dance

00:00 – Intro & Behind-the-Scenes Banter
Richard shares updates on lighting, teleprompter woes, and the evolving rhythm of the show.

00:49 – Meet Alexandra Beller
Richard introduces Alexandra and her new book, The Anatomy of Art.

01:06 – UW Milwaukee Connection
A surprising discovery: both Richard and Alexandra attended UWM around the same time.

02:00 – Alexandra’s Artistic Journey
From New York roots to a multifaceted career in dance, theater, somatics, and coaching.

04:40 – Teaching, Movement, and Motherhood
Alexandra reflects on wearing many hats, raising two creative kids, and living a values-driven life.

06:26 – What She Loves Most Right Now
A beautiful reflection on community, creativity, and watching her children grow.

08:02 – Her Kids’ Creative Paths
Game design, skating, and deep philosophical thinking—Alexandra shares what makes her kids tick.

09:09 – Deep Dive into The Anatomy of Art
Alexandra explains how the book evolved from a list of questions into a rich, multi-layered workbook.

12:01 – What Readers Are Saying
Praise, vulnerability, and the need for a sacred creative text—Alexandra shares reactions from readers.

13:40 – How to Connect with Alexandra
Visit alexandrabellardances.org for courses, coaching, and book info.

14:43 – Her Next Book Project
A new collaboration for music conductors, blending embodiment and movement analysis.

Peter Gunn is here to talk about his new album, Hazing Hades. Peter is a poet who writes rock songs by starting with the lyrics first, crafting each song as a poem. He's here to tell us how this incredible project came to be, how he works with his bandmates in Germany via Zoom, and why this album is "poetry on steroids."

Amanda Faulkerson is the owner of the candle company, Beauty from Ashes. We're going to dive into the wonderful world of crafting as she shows us how to make beautiful beeswax and essential oil candles. We'll learn about her business, the therapeutic process of making candles, and the powerful meaning behind the name of her company. Get ready to be inspired to get crafty and create something beautiful!

Oliver Crooms, founder of the Carolina Film Festival, stops by for a heartfelt and high-energy conversation about creativity, community, and the power of independent film. From his musical roots and acting journey to suiting up as Spider-Man for hospital visits, Oliver shares how passion and purpose fuel his work—and how Charlotte’s film scene is rising to meet the moment. Whether you're a filmmaker, dreamer, or festival fan, this episode will inspire you to create, connect, and celebrate the stories that matter.

We have someone truly magical on the show today: the one and only Ms. Unicorn! She's a second-grade teacher and literacy advocate whose students gave her that perfect name. She's here to tell us how she brings the fun back to reading by going live on Facebook and YouTube to help kids across the country and give those single parents a much-needed break! Plus, she'll share her powerful personal story of overcoming a serious car accident to continue her mission.

Kelly Orchard is a radio veteran, psychotherapist, author, and full-time RV traveler exploring the intersections of grief, creativity, and reinvention. From caring for aging parents to launching a podcast from a fifth-wheel trailer, Kelly’s journey is one of courage, curiosity, and connection. She shares the story behind her novel Dead Air: The Day the Music Died, her mental health advocacy, and the serendipitous encounters that fuel her life on the road. It’s a conversation about finding purpose in transition, and joy in the unexpected.

Dennis Quinn has been a real-life big brother for over 40 years! He's here to tell us all about his incredible 13-year journey with his "little brother" Michael, which inspired his amazing new book, "Stick Figures, A Big Brother Remembers." He's going to share the emotional, honest story, including how he used stick figure drawings to help Michael navigate tough transitions and the amazing, unexpected lesson that the little brother often changes the big brother's life even more. Get ready to laugh, maybe shed a tear, and be totally inspired by this incredible story of a two-way friendship!

Scott Pacitti's journey from overflowing creativity to life-changing impact is anything but ordinary. We're exploring how improvisation—beyond the stage—can unlock resilience, imagination, and real-world skills in underserved communities. From middle school classrooms to nonprofit boardrooms, Scott shares how his nonprofit, Planet Improv, is planting seeds of possibility and helping students reclaim their voice, confidence, and joy. Whether you're an educator, artist, or simply someone who believes in the power of play, this conversation will leave you inspired to say “yes, and” to life.

In this episode, we cover:

• Scott’s origin story and the birth of Planet Improv

• Why creativity is a survival skill, not just an artistic one

• The emotional and educational impact of improv in Title I schools

• How fear and self-judgment block creativity—and how to gently dismantle them

• The difference between performance improv and educational improv

• What employers are really looking for in the next generation

• How you can support Planet Improv through funding, volunteering, and connection

Jennifer Sims, Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Piedmont Tri-County, is here to talk about mental health, community support, and the healing power of showing up. Jennifer shares her personal journey, her passion for advocacy, and the incredible work NAMI is doing across Lancaster, Chester, and York counties. From teen support groups to crisis intervention training for first responders, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and hope. Whether you’re seeking help or looking to help others, this episode is a must-listen.

• 🧠 Guest: Jennifer Sims, Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Piedmont Tri-County

• 🌱 NAMI’s Mission: Free mental health support, education, and advocacy across three counties

• 🧒 Teen Support Groups: Led by licensed therapists, open to ages 13–17

• 🚓 Crisis Intervention Training: 35-hour CIT program for law enforcement and EMS

• 🏥 Mental Health First Aid: Jennifer trains nurses, counselors, and first responders

• 🧩 Personal Story: Jennifer’s experience supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder

• 🏃‍♀️ NAMI Walks: October events in Rock Hill, Chester, and Lancaster—family-friendly and full of heart

• 💻 Website: namipiedmonttricounty.org

• 📞 Contact: Jennifer’s direct line is 803-762-9165

• 💖 Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/makeyourdayricher