Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Ross Baum & Angelica Chéri on Trust, Collaboration & the Road to Broadway

What does it take to stay connected to yourself while building a dream over more than a decade?

In this inspiring and deeply human conversation, I sit down with Broadway-bound collaborators Ross Baum and Angelica Chéri, creators of WANTED, the acclaimed new musical opening this fall at the James Earl Jones Theatre.

Together, Ross and Angelica reflect on their 12-year creative partnership, from meeting as graduate students at NYU to bringing an original musical to Broadway. We explore the trust, resilience, leadership, and presence required to sustain both a creative vision and a meaningful collaboration over time.

Along the way, we discuss the emotional realities behind large-scale creative work, navigating uncertainty, staying grounded amid success, letting go of attachment to outcomes, and why the journey itself may be the true destination.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that extraordinary work is rarely created alone—and that the most meaningful collaborations often transform us as people as much as they shape the work itself.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The origin story of WANTED and how Ross and Angelica first found each other creatively

• What it takes to sustain a 12-year creative partnership

• Trust, communication, and navigating feedback in collaborative work

• Staying present while pursuing long-term goals

• Creativity, leadership, and co-creation

• The role of faith, forgiveness, and resilience in the artistic process

• Letting go of control and attachment to outcomes

• The emotional realities of the road to Broadway

• How collaboration can help us become better versions of ourselves

• What younger versions of themselves would think about where they are today

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, leader, or simply someone pursuing a meaningful dream, this conversation offers wisdom on patience, partnership, and the courage to keep moving forward.

🎭 Learn more about WANTED https://wantedmusical.com/

Connect with Lisa Hopkins:
www.wideopenstages.com

Subscribe to STOPTIME: Live in the Moment for conversations at the intersection of mindfulness, creativity, leadership, and living fully in the present moment.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

What has happened to the art of capturing genuine, spontaneous moments? Join me, Lisa Hopkins, as I reflect on the essence of photography and the elusive beauty of imperfect memories. From the joyous chaos of photo booths during our teenage years to the meticulous curation of our lives on social media, I ponder the balance between capturing real experiences and our pursuit of digital perfection. Together, we explore the profound shift in how we perceive and engage with the world through the lens, and I challenge you to consider your own motivations for taking and sharing photos in this ever-evolving landscape.

Photography is not just about the image itself; it’s a reflection of our perspective and a window into our personal narratives. As I share my journey as an amateur photographer, I invite you to reminisce about the days of film and imperfect snapshots, urging a return to living in the moment. While technology has granted us access to breathtaking images and experiences, it’s crucial to remember the value of authenticity in our digital interactions. Let’s embrace the beauty of imperfect memories and cherish the connections we forge through photography. Stay safe, stay healthy, and continue finding meaning in the images that speak to us.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

When the world gets loud, motivation can feel slippery. This short motivational grounding practice is your calm, focused reset—a reminder to stop forcing momentum and start remembering the steady confidence already within you. Through simple breathwork, clear affirmations, and gentle visualization, you’ll invite your nervous system to settle and your focus to return to what truly matters. The goal isn’t hype; it’s peace. A grounded signal that says: you are capable, you are prepared, and you are ready for whatever comes next.

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Are you tethered to your comfort zone, mistaking it for true happiness? This episode, hosted by Lisa Hopkins, embarks on a transformative journey, challenging you to confront 'what-if' scenarios that shake the very foundations of our daily lives. We delve into the art of questioning our dependencies and attachments, guiding you to make more enlightened choices that resonate with your values and purpose. It's not about predicting a grim future; it's about awakening to the parts of yourself you may have inadvertently let slip away.

Embark on this enlightening conversation with me as we unearth the lessons learned from life's curveballs, including the global pandemic. Through this dialogue, you're invited to uncover the areas where you might have settled for less and ignite inspiration to infuse your life with more passion, potential, and purpose. Discover the beauty in every circumstance and how to seize the moment, creating a life of fullness and meaning. Join me, and let's explore together how to live authentically and wholly connected to what truly matters.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Freedom awaits just outside your front door. When was the last time you stepped out with absolutely no agenda, no timeline, and nowhere specific to be? 

Wandering deliberately through life might be the most revolutionary act in our overscheduled world. This reflective exploration delves into how we've become prisoners of direction—constantly told where to go since childhood, whether it's to bed, to school, or to work. Even our precious leisure time hasn't escaped this conditioning, as we frantically plot the perfect vacation itinerary or reach for our phones the moment we feel slightly disoriented.

What magic are we missing in our rush to the next destination? As I share my experiences meandering through Manhattan's numbered streets, discovering hidden cafes on cobblestone pathways, and watching the world pass by from new vantage points, I invite you to consider the cost of always knowing where you're going. We've cornered ourselves into narrow thinking and default behaviors, avoiding the discomfort that comes with straying from the familiar.

Yet it's precisely in those unplanned moments that we find serendipity—that delightful companion who introduces us to new perspectives, broader horizons, and perhaps even our true selves. All it requires is a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Your next adventure isn't on a map or a carefully curated itinerary; it's in allowing spontaneity to be your playground.

Take a moment today to look around, think again, and then unthink altogether. Simply be. The endless possibilities waiting for you might change everything. Will you accept the invitation to wander?

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

We’re all moving so fast — planning ahead, rushing toward the next thing, trying to get it all right. But what if the clarity we’re searching for only arrives when we slow down long enough to notice what’s right in front of us?

In this episode, Lisa narrates Leo Tolstoy’s beloved parable “The Three Questions” — a timeless story that reveals the power of presence, the wisdom of tending to this moment, and the truth that the “right time” is rarely somewhere in the future…it’s now.

After the story, Lisa offers a reflective breakdown exploring:
 ✨ Why slowing down is a strategy, not a setback
 ✨ How presence sharpens clarity
 ✨ Why the right people are often the ones who are already here
 ✨ What it means to tend to the moment you’re actually in
 ✨ How energetic choice influences every decision we make

This is a grounding, spacious listen — perfect for a walk, a cup of tea, or any moment you need to reconnect with yourself.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Ever wished you had a quick reset button for life's stressful moments? Our latest meditation session offers just that—a six-minute sanctuary designed to bring you tranquility and balance right where you are. We guide you through mindful breathing techniques and gentle movements, helping you release tension and embrace a moment of pure self-connection. This session is perfect for those jam-packed days when you need a quick escape to recalibrate and find your center.

Start by tuning into your breath and let go of the hustle and bustle around you. We’ll encourage you to reflect on gratitude, using it as a powerful tool to shift your mindset and bring a sense of calm. Then, we’ll guide you to stand up, stretch, and ground yourself, ensuring you leave the session feeling refreshed and ready to face the challenges ahead. Join us for this brief yet powerful meditation and gift yourself a moment of peace and mindfulness.

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

This week on STOPTIME: Live in the Moment, Lisa sits down with powerhouse producer and global live entertainment leader Anna Robb for a deeply thoughtful conversation about creativity, leadership, risk-taking, and what it truly means to live fully in the present.

Originally from Australia and now based in Hong Kong, Anna has spent more than 25 years producing and leading some of the most ambitious live entertainment projects in the world — from The Beatles LOVE with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas to The House of Dancing Water in Macau and large-scale global productions across five continents.

But beyond the titles and productions, this conversation explores the human being behind the extraordinary career.

Together, Lisa and Anna dive into:

•  Why the biggest leaps in life often happen when we jump into the unknown 
•  The difference between reckless risk and grounded, intentional risk 
•  Leadership under pressure and making high-stakes decisions in real time 
•  The beauty of imperfection in live performance and in life 
•  Raising children while navigating a demanding global career 
•  Creativity, discipline, and finding flow state 
•  Cross-cultural leadership and understanding people deeply 
•  Presence in a digitally distracted world 
•  Why community and human connection matter more than ever 
•  Letting go of control and releasing responsibility for others’ behavior 
•  Mortality, legacy, and living without regret 

Anna also shares moving reflections on motherhood, resilience, creative purpose, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, connected, and inspired.

This episode is a masterclass in grounded leadership, creative courage, and remembering what truly matters.

About Anna Robb

Anna Robb is one of the world’s leading producers of live entertainment. Originally from Australia and now based in Hong Kong, her career has spanned more than 25 years across five continents.

She began backstage at the Sydney Opera House before joining Cirque du Soleil as Stage Manager for The Beatles LOVE in Las Vegas. She later became General Stage Manager for The House of Dancing Water in Macau and served as COO for visionary director Franco Dragone.

Today, Anna is the Executive Producer at Our Legacy Creations and CEO of StageLync, where she continues to shape the future of the global performing arts industry through innovative storytelling, leadership, and community-building.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

Can cultivating gratitude truly transform your life? Join us on a journey of self-discovery as we explore the profound impact of gratitude meditation on our well-being. This episode promises to guide you through a powerful exercise that not only lifts your mood but also enhances creativity and problem-solving skills. Imagine starting with a simple breathing technique, releasing all tension and distractions, and then shifting focus to the countless gifts life has bestowed upon you—from the basic joys of existence to the unsung heroes who enrich our daily lives. 

As we guide you further into this practice, you'll discover how maintaining a gratitude journal can be a game-changer, providing you with a reservoir of positivity and resilience. Whether it's jotting down three things you're thankful for or reflecting on personal reasons for gratitude, this exercise is designed to invigorate your spirit and contribute to a ripple effect of positivity in the world. We end by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to you, our listener, for embarking on this transformative meditation journey with us. Together, let's celebrate the enhancement of your gratitude practice and look forward to continuing this meaningful exploration. Namaste.

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg

Let us know what you enjoy about the show!

What if your home was not just a place to live, but a living, breathing extension of your very essence? Inspired by the poignant words of Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet," I, Lisa Hopkins, invite you on a journey through the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of what it means to call a place home. We uncover Gibran's insightful vision of houses that inspire freedom and untamed passion, challenging the notion that comfort should define our living spaces. Through his eloquent prose, we are urged to see our homes as masts that propel us forward, not anchors that hold us back, and to fill our spaces not just with objects, but with peace, beauty, and meaningful memories.

This episode asks you to reflect deeply on what you truly hold within the walls of your home. Are they shelters of peace and beauty, or merely fortresses of comfort that stifle the soul's yearning for freedom? As we explore Gibran's poetic call to live restlessly within rest, we delve into the idea of letting your spirit dwell in the vastness of the sky, unconfined by physical boundaries. Join me in embracing the wisdom of Gibran, and let his words inspire you to live in the moment, with a newfound understanding of the profound essence of home. Stay safe and healthy, and allow this exploration to resonate with you as it has with me.

If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated!

Support the show

🌟✨📚 **Buy 'The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities'** 📚✨🌟 
Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 
🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC

🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 
🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com

📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/

💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME

🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 
🔗 [Listen on Spotify]
https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg