Stage Combat The Podcast

Bonus Episode: "Why Actors Bully Other Actors"
Hey Stage Combat listeners! We're sharing with you a special full episode sneak preview of one of our companion series from Stage Combat at Patreon:  THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.  In this episode of THE MENTAL HEALTH POD, Sean and Broadway actor Michael McGurk ask the question "Why Actors Bully Each Other."  And Michael shares his own experience of bullying while working on Broadway in The Wedding Singer.

If you're only listening to Stage Combat the Podcast, you're only getting half the Stage Combat experience.  Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
Listen to Bonus Content from Stage Combat the Podcast episodes with extended conversations and Sean's personal post-show wrap up.  Plus you can experience our companion series:  JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.
We are member supported programming.  We simply can't bring you Stage Combat the Podcast without your support at Patreon.  So consider becoming part of the Stage Combat at Patreon community today!

Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
or email us at [email protected]

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.   

SEASON 3 Episode Four. "It's All In Your Mind(fulness)"

Synopsis:   Almost five years after his collapse from a panic attack on the Goodspeed Opera House stage, Sean looks back at his own search for mindfulness and checks in with a few friends along the way to see how their doing it.

Special thanks to somatic psychologist Dr. Brian Tierney @thesomaticdoctor; actor and yoga instructor MaryJayne Waddell @maryjaynewaddell; West End actor Alexander Evans @thepilatestenor; Coloring Broadway CEO Andrea Koehler @coloringbroadway and Joschi.

Editing by Alex Griffitt.  Mixing and sound design by Justin Gerrish.
Written and directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

If you're only listening to Stage Combat the Podcast, you're only getting half the Stage Combat experience.  Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
Listen to bonus content from this episode:   More of Sean's conversation with the Yogi Master and Sean's personal post-show wrap up of the episode.
PLUS experience our companion series:  JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.
Your support at Patreon enables us to continue to do our work at Stage Combat the Podcast. Become part of the Stage Combat at Patreon community today!

Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
or email us at [email protected]

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.   

SEASON 3 Episode Three. "Looking for Jeff"
Special Double Length Episode.
Synopsis:   Sean undertakes a compassionate investigation into the tragic 2018 suicide death of Chicago The Musical actor Jeff Loeffelholz.

Content warning: strong language; content and conversations about suicide.
Dial or text 988 24/7 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are in crisis.

Special thank you to David Sabella, Brian Rardin, Willem Bart Ebbink, Brian Martin, Brien O'Brien, William Harrison and Bridget McCarthy.

Editing by Alex Griffitt.  Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

For more Stage Combat the Podcast, check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
Listen to bonus content from this episode:   More of our conversation with Chicago actor David Sabella and Sean's post-show wrap up on the episode.
PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series:  JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
or email us at [email protected]

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.   

SEASON 3 Episode Two. "How Are We All OK With This?" Part 2.
Synopsis:  Synopsis:   Sean continues to explore the problem with toxic stage managers and investigates whether our jobs can physically make us sick.

Content warning: strong language.

Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

Special thank you to Pamela Bob, Bret Shuford and Brad Bass for CLAIMING THEIR STORIES and for special contributions from Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, Dr. Brian Tierney, and Taylor Meszaros.

Want more Stage Combat community?  Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
Listen to bonus content from this episode PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series:
JUST ACTING:  It's like getting an acting lesson in your earpods!
THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations all artists, and the people who love them, need to hear.


Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
or email us at [email protected]

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.   

Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.

Dr. Brian Tierney, Ph.D., brings a wealth of expertise to the field of psychology. He's internationally recognized as a practitioner and educator in neuroscience and trauma resolution therapy. Based in California, Dr. Tierney operates a private practice where he offers compassionate care to individuals, couples, and families.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tierney serves as a professor of clinical neuroscience and Psychological Assessment at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.

SEASON 3 PREMIERE! Episode One.  "How Are We All OK With This?" Part 1.
Synopsis:  One year after telling his own podcast story of trauma while working at one of the country’s most powerful theatres, Sean explores the stories of listeners who responded to his story.  First up: there seems to be a problem with toxic stage managers on Broadway.

Content warning: Contains strong language.

Editing by Alex Griffitt.  Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

Special thank you to Bret Shuford, Brad Bass and Pamela Bob, for CLAIMING THEIR STORIES and for contributions from Taylor Meszaros, Natasha Jackson and Dr. Alisa Hurwitz.

Want more Stage Combat community?  Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
Listen to bonus content from this episode PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series:
JUST ACTING:  It's like getting an acting lesson in your earpods!
THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations all artists, and the people who love them, need to hear.

Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
or email us at [email protected]

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.   

Hi Stage Combat listeners!  We are thrilled to announce STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON is officially open!

Simple follow this link:
patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast  or download the Patreon app and enter search terms "Stage Combat the Podcast"

While we wait for the premiere of our mainstream series, Stage Combat the Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts on July 23rd, you don't have to wait for new content.    You can enjoy all new Stage Combat content right now at Patreon. 

Not only will you get bonus content from our mainstream Stage Combat The Podcast, you will also experience our all-new Stage Combat podcast series which have been created exclusively for the Stage Combat community. 

What's debuting on Patreon?  NEW CONTENT EVERY WEEK in rotation of episodes of:

JUST ACTING:  It's like getting an acting lesson in your earpods!

STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY:   Sean and Ian spill the tea on what got left out of the Goodspeed Opera House story the first time around.

THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations all artists, and the people who love them, need to hear.

WHATCHA POSTIN': Social media commentary about our favorite posts when it comes to theatre, entertainment and lifestyles.

So come join the community at Stage Combat At Patreon!  We can't wait to see you over there!

patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast

Hi Stage Combat listeners!  It's our FINAL sneak preview of our all-new Stage Combat Bonus Content available only on Patreon.   We know you're all getting ready for the premiere of our mainstream series, Stage Combat the Podcast, busting out on July 23rd! You'll listen to that bi -weekly podcast wherever you get your podcasts. 

But there is a whole new world that's going to be waiting for you over at Patreon. Not only will you get bonus content from our mainstream Stage Combat The Podcast episodes, but you will also experience our all-new Stage Combat podcast series which have been created exclusively for the Stage Combat community. 

What's debuting on Patreon?
JUST ACTING:  It's like getting an acting lesson in your earpods!
WHATCHA POSTIN': Social media commentary about our favorite posts when it comes to theatre, entertainment and lifestyles.
STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY:   Sean and Ian spill the tea on what got left out of the Goodspeed Opera House story the first time around.

AND we're previewing right here, before we even open Patreon to the public, a short preview of our mental health podcast, THE MENTAL HEALTH POD? 

And in this episode Sean is joined by Season 2 mental health contributor, Courtney Loving.  Have you ever been called "highly sensitive?"  Sean and Courtney have a few words to say about that!

Enjoy this sneak preview of The Mental Health Pod with Courtney Loving as well as the ANNOUNCEMENT DATE FOR THE OPENING OF STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON (Psst...it's Tuesday July 9th!)

This episode Hosted by Sean Hayden.
Editing by Alex Griffith.  Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
The Mental Health Pod is a Stage Combat Podcast produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband,  Ian.

Courtney Loving is a licensed trauma therapist based in Sun Valley, Idaho and she is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association. 

Hey there! It's our THIRD sneak preview of our all-new Stage Combat Bonus Content  coming later in July available only on Patreon.   We know you're all getting ready for the premiere of our mainstream series, Stage Combat the Podcast, busting out on July 23rd! You'll listen to that bi -weekly podcast wherever you get your podcasts. 

But there is a whole new world that's going to be waiting for you over at Patreon. Not only will you get bonus content from our mainstream Stage Combat The Podcast episodes, but you will also experience our all-new Stage Combat podcast series which have been created exclusively for the Stage Combat community. 

What's debuting on Patreon in July?
JUST ACTING: Two dudes talking about the craft of acting.
THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations every performing artist needs to hear.
STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY:   Sean and Ian spill the tea on what got left out of the Goodspeed Opera House story the first time around.

AND we're previewing right here, before we even open Patreon to the public, a short preview of WHATCHA POSTIN'?  It's our social media commentary podcast about your favorite posts when it comes to theatre, entertainment and lifestyles cohosted by a Stage Combat listener.

And in this episode Sean is joined by listener and Broadway veteran performer LaQuet Sharnell Pringle!

Enjoy this sneak preview of Whatcha Postin'?  !!

This episode Hosted by Sean Hayden and LaQuet Sharnell Pringle.
Editing by Alex Griffith.  Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Whatcha Postin'? is a Stage Combat Podcast produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband,  Ian.

Welcome to our SECOND sneak preview of our all-new Stage Combat Bonus Content  coming in July available only on Patreon.   We know you're all getting ready for the premiere of our mainstream series, Stage Combat the Podcast, busting out on July 23rd! You'll listen to that bi -weekly podcast wherever you get your podcasts. 

But there is a whole new world that's going to be waiting for you over at Patreon. Not only will you get bonus content from our mainstream Stage Combat The Podcast episodes, but you will also experience our all-new Stage Combat podcast series which have been created exclusively for the Stage Combat community. 

What's debuting on Patreon in July?
JUST ACTING: Two dudes talking about the craft of acting.
THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations every performing artist needs to hear.
WHATCHA POSTIN'? :  Social media commentary by Sean and a special listener co-host.

AND we're previewing right here, before we even open Patreon to the public, a short preview of
STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY:   In this podcast, Sean and Ian spill the tea on what got left out of the Goodspeed Opera House story the first time around as well as give you inside information on the making of the original series.

Enjoy this sneak preview of STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY!

Hosted by Sean Hayden and Ian Southwood.
Editing by Alex Griffith.  Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Stage Combat Director's Commentary is a Stage Combat Podcast produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband,  Ian.

Ian Southwood is a screenwriter who has worked for Disney Studios, Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Dreamworks, and Spinmaster.   He's originally from Niagara Falls, New York and calls New York City home. 

Welcome to our first sneak preview of our all-new Stage Combat Bonus Content  coming in July available only on Patreon.   We know you're all getting ready for the premiere of our mainstream series, Stage Combat the Podcast, busting out on July 23rd! You'll listen to that bi -weekly podcast wherever you get your podcasts. 

But there is a whole new world that's going to be waiting for you over at Patreon. Not only will you get bonus content from our mainstream Stage Combat The Podcast episodes, but you will also experience our all-new Stage Combat podcast series which have been created exclusively for the Stage Combat community. 

What's debuting on Patreon in July?
STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY:   Sean and Ian spill the tea on what got left out of the Goodspeed Opera House story the first time around.
THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations every performing artist needs to hear.
WHATCHA POSTIN'? :  Social media commentary by Sean and a special listener co-host.

AND we're previewing right here, before we even open Patreon to the public, the full premiere episode of our acting podcast, JUST ACTING, featuring Professor of Acting at Boston Conservatory at Berklee Christopher Webb.   

Enjoy this sneak preview of JUST ACTING!
Content warning: Strong language; brief references to plays which contain a miscarriage and self harm content.

Just Acting hosted by Sean Hayden and Christopher Webb.
Editing by Alex Griffith.  Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
Just Acting is a Stage Combat Podcast produced for Haywood Productions, LLC.

Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC.  As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country.    He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association.  As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students.  He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace.  Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.   

Christopher Webb is a director and award-winning actor who has been working professionally for almost 30 years.  He is a professor of theatre at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he has been a faculty member for 16 years.  He lives outside Boston with his partner, Jessica Webb, and their two children, Henry and Portia.