State of the Arts Episode 273: The Lunar New Year Special is now streaming on Spotify! I'm thrilled to welcome back the incredibly talented Ahra Sung, a content creator, cosplayer, photographer, illustrator, painter, and meetup organizer who embodies the spirit of artistic expression. In this extraordinary episode, we dive into the boundless world of conventions, cosplay, anime and more, as Ahra shares her remarkable experiences and insights. This episode is your ultimate guide to navigating the vibrant realm of comic-cons, fantasy, sci-fi, and anime, offering endless possibilities for creativity and connection. Whether you're a seasoned convention-goer or just starting out, Ahra's expert tips and infectious enthusiasm will empower you to unleash your inner fan and explore the multiverse of immersive entertainment. Join us on this uplifting journey through a world of imagination, camaraderie and inspiration, as we uncover the magic of conventions and cosplay together.

State of the Arts Episode 272: The Valentine’s Day Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! My dear husband Joseph Thomas returns to my podcast to take a deep dive with me into the unforgettable love story of Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler from hit series “Better Call Saul” by the brilliant Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. A riveting show that was brought to life by the extraordinary performances of Bob Odenkirk and Rhea Seehorn. Together we explore the loyalty, the ambition, the boldness and the high stakes that define Jimmy and Kim’s bond — and how some pieces of their unconventional love story mirror our own.

State of the Arts Episode 271 now available for streaming on Spotify! This week we go behind the scenes with sound designer/technician and assistant lighting designer Nikki Belenski, whose work has illuminated stages of indie productions, international tours, Off-Broadway and Broadway shows. Nikki shares insight into the creative and technical artistry that brings theatre to life, discussing her work on major productions. Her impressive resumé includes “Wicked,” “Into the Woods,” and most recently, the Off-Broadway masterpiece “This is Not a Drill” by Holly Doubet. She works along side sound designers Shannon Slaton and Scott O’Brien for many productions. Join us as we explore the collaborative magic of stage production, the evolution of theatrical design, and the passion it takes to create unforgettable live performance experiences.

State of the Arts Episode 270: The Black Heritage

Special is now available on Spotify! This week content creator and YouTube show host Dith returns to my podcast for a second time. “DatBoiDith” is Dith’s flourishing YouTube channel with over 10,000 followers. Reaction videos, tributes to singers, “guess the movie” segments, dance reels and holiday specials are some of the high-energy content on this entertaining channel. Dith has had many special guests on his show, including a very popular uncle, imaginative friends and on one occasion, his entire family. A huge shout out to Brandy Renée Baker, his cousin who was on my podcast multiple times in the past. She is an associate producer for Dith’s channel. Dith is on multiple forms of social media including Instagram (dithdayyoutuber) and Tik Tok (DatBoiDith). This podcast episode is an update on new reels and videos this creative host has been posting and another peek into the vibrant world of DatBoiDith.

State of the Arts Episode 269 is now available on Spotify! This week, I’m joined by return guest Josh Berkowitz for a Taylor Swift tribute episode with a deep exploration of The Swiftie culture and all topics centered on this modern music icon. Together we delve into how this fan community creates shared traditions and how fandom itself becomes a space for connection, interpretation, and creativity. From lyric analysis and era-based storytelling to online discourse and collective experience, this episode looks at how fans actively participate in shaping the life of her legendary music. Thoughtful, insightful, and grounded in cultural observation, this is an episode about fandom as a flourishing community and the inpact this superstar has had on pop music. I am so excited to have Josh Berkowitz back on my podcast once again to walk me through this captivating phenomena.

State of the Arts Episode 268 now available on Spotify! My guest this week is IMDb-credited actor Tap Rudra. Based out of NYC, my talented guest specializes in improv and comedy. He is also a musician and filmmaker. This creative, who embraces his Ukrainian and Indian heritage, has directed and contributed to film projects as a script supervisor, editor, and more. He is a part of a successful improv team and is familiar with several musical instruments. Along with being a fellow member of Short Cuts NYC, this multifaceted creative is also a part of Shared Manifest Entertainment and Boogie Manja. I am thrilled and honored to welcome this versatile artist to my podcast this week!

State of the Arts Episode 267 is now available for streaming on Spotify! This week I’m joined by Ashley Wren Collins who is an accomplished, award-winning actor, producer, director, choreographer, and writer. This successful creative trained at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her B.A. in English and Theatre Arts, and at the American Repertory Theater/Moscow Art Theater School Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University. We take an upclose look at her artistic career, including her work as associate director and choreographer for Holly Doublets smashing Off-Broadway Musical “This Is Not a Drill.” My dynamic guest, who has written five books, lets me in on the upcoming release of her first fictional novel. She also shares reflections on creativity and careers in the arts. Tune in for a warm, inspiring conversation with this esteemed creative I am greatly honored to have as my podcast guest!

State of the Arts Episode 266 is now available for streaming on Spotify! For the first episode of 2026, I am thrilled to welcome Lukas Poost, a musical theater actor, dancer, and vocalist. This versatile creative’s artistic foundation was formed early in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, where performance was not a pastime, but a calling. From childhood productions and homegrown theatrical experiments to formal conservatory training, his trajectory reflects a disciplined and deeply rooted commitment to the stage. A graduate of the Brind School at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Lukas trained extensively in acting and vocal techniques including Meisner, Stanislavski, and Williamson, developing a nuanced approach to character, voice, and movement. After graduating from school, he was cast in the lead of a traveling Broadway production of “Shrek.” This podcast conversation also highlights his important role in the off-Broadway hit “This Is Not a Drill” by Holly Doubet, a musical I had the privilege of seeing. What an honor it is to have this remarkable talent on State of the Arts to kick off the New Year!

State of the Arts Episode 265: The New Year Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! I’m immensely proud to feature casting director Holly Buczek, who recently cast “This Is Not a Drill,” the off-Broadway musical by Holly Doubet that I had the opportunity to see. With over fifteen years in the casting industry, Holly Buczek shares insight into her approach to casting and her commitment to creating respectful, structured spaces where performers can show up authentically. We talk about her extensive work as an educator, workshop leader, and faculty member at institutions including the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYU, and Molloy University/Cap 21. Tune in for a thoughtful podcast conversation about casting, the performing arts, and the creative behind the audition.

State of the Arts Episode 264: The Holiday Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! I am thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented director and actor Gabriel Barre to my podcast this week. Together we embark on an inspiring journey as we explore Off-Broadway show “This is Not a Drill” by Holly Doubet and Joe McDonough, which Gabriel Barre directed. We delve into his remarkable career, from Broadway hits like Amazing Grace to Almost, Maine to the many productions he directed across various continents. My highly esteemed guest shares a behind-the-scenes glance at his legendary journey in theatre, offering invaluable insights and inspiration. It is an honor to bring the perspective of a true theatre legend like Gabriel Barre to this epic podcast episode.