I first met John when my father-in-law asked if I would spend some time coaching one of his
students for his upcoming CCM audition. Self-aware, incredibly gifted, and kind as can
be...John (who was already marvelous and needed absolutely no coaching from me) attended
CCM and in no time was charming the city and lighting up the theater scene through star turns
as Raoul in Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera and creating the role of Hans of the
Southern Isles in Disney’s Frozen. Have a listen as we talk shop, camp, and what it feels like to
inspire others in a space where he once sought inspiration as a young actor. John was an
absolute joy to speak with....but see for yourself!

For decades, Tom Viola has been the face of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and thus, the
face of Broadway itself. The Executive Director of BC/EFA since 1998, Tom has been at the
forefront of our Industry’s war against the ravages of the AIDS epidemic, fighting on the front
lines against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Theatrical and political landscape, and helping
to raise over $300 million dollars for essential services for people living with HIV/AIDS,
struggling with COVID-19 or facing other critical illnesses. A special TONY Award winner for his
service to our community, Tom generously sat down with me to chat about all things gay and
theatrical! From his time as Colleen Dewhurst’s assistant to talking about those who inspire him
to keep doing the work he does so tirelessly, Tom is as magical and ebullient as the day I met
him, decades ago. I so hope you enjoy the chat as much as I did!

From the moment we met, back in August of 1997, I knew that Patrick Wilson had that special
something which sets him apart from mere mortals. Gorgeous? Sure. Talented? Absolutely.
Funny? Too funny for our own good.....but there’s also that something special that makes a star.
Twenty-seven years later, he’s all of those things as well as one of Broadway’s most sought
after leading men, a remarkable husband, father, film-maker and (casually) a bona fide movie
star. Theatre audiences know Patrick from leading the original company of The Full Monty, as
well as Broadway revivals of Oklahoma! and All My Sons, while moviegoers will recognize him
from a truly extraordinary resume; Insidious, The Conjuring, Angels in America, Aquaman and
so much more. Give a listen as Patrick and I chat about the unexpected course of a remarkable
career, raising kids, and the state of our industry...there might be a few anecdotes about a
certain practical joke played on your old pal, Thom...but you’ll have to tune in to learn more. Sit
back and enjoy my chat with the delightful Patrick Wilson.

My guest today has a resume that one can only call ‘dizzying!’’ Broadway, Film, Red Carpets
and TV hosting; all squarely in the wheelhouse of Haley Podschun, who hasn’t stopped working
in decades! Familiar to Hairspray fans as Tammy in the film adaptation of the wildly popular
musical, Haley also appeared in the show on Broadway and on tour, as well as starring in
Broadway and/or touring productions of Wicked (Glinda), Hello Dolly, Something Rotten,
Chaplin, Anything Goes, Pal Joey and her Broadway debut at the age of 12 in The Sound of
Music! THE AGE OF TWELVE! Haley has worked in all the A-list regional theatres and was kind
enough to take some time to talk shop with me! Loved every moment of chatting with this gem,
and I hope you’ll give it a listen!

I was forewarned that today's guest was nothing short of a delight, and the rumors are TRUE!
Grey Henson talks about his formative years as a little boy who loved (and excelled at) ballet in
Macon, GA and how those years of dance and working in youth and community theatre helped
him to be the award-winning stage actor he is today. Most recently seen as one of the
storytellers in Broadway’s Shucked, Grey has stolen hearts far and wide in star turns as Elder
McKinley in both Broadway and touring (Helen Hayes Award) productions of The Book of
Mormon, and in creating the role of Damien in the musical adaptation of Mean Girls, for which
he was nominated for a TONY award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. Never too
gay to function, Grey is charming, whip-smart and hilarious as he speaks on family, school,
queer culture and this roller coaster of a business. I can’t wait to see more from this remarkable
artist, but till then, sit back and enjoy the delightful Grey Henson!

Joining me today are the Lunts of Broadway - ok, if you don’t know that reference, please head
directly to google; Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer. Each of them a Broadway star in their own
right, they now spend much of their time inspiring others - particularly other creatives and young
artists - through teaching, keynote speaking and writing. Holding the world’s record as
Broadway’s longest running leading lady, (not to mention an award-winning author), Sandra
holds a place not only in Broadway history, but also in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to
work with and learn from her! And Ron is the Broadway leading man that we all dream of
loving...having led companies of The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Phantom of the Opera, Les
Miserables and Sunset Boulevard both in New York and on the road. Married for nearly 25
years, Ron and Sandra share their time, their humor and their extraordinary wisdom with all of
us in what I hope you’ll agree is an absolutely delightful conversation. We talk Broadway (duh),
self-care, imposter syndrome and finding your most authentic voice as a creative human, and I’ll
keep this chat close to my heart for years to come! Sit back and enjoy!!

When I think of the worker bees of Broadway - those actors whose faces show up in production
after production and whose chameleon-like character skills allow them to seamlessly morph from
role to role and show to show...Gaelen Gilliland is at the top of an imposing list! With a resume
that spans the length of a CVS receipt, Gaelen has appeared in Wicked, Legally Blonde, 9-5,
Honeymoon in Vegas, Kinky Boots, and Spongebob Squarepants on Broadway, and taken the
road by storm in Seussical, The Addams Family, and most recently as the coolest mom ever in
Mean Girls, Gaelen was an absolute joy to chat with. Whether leading a company or raising her
family, Gaelen so clearly leads with grace, poise, and a stunningly tuned sense of humor, and I hope you love our conversation as much as I did!

Robert Anthony Jones, or “Raj” as he’s known among his friends - has a comedic mind and
open heart which sets him apart from mere mortals. I’d known OF Raj for decades due to
mutual friends and finally had an opportunity to sit and laugh with him while he was in town
starring in “The Prom” at Columbus’ own Short North Stage. A veteran of off-Broadway
(“Bunnicula” by legendary playwright Charles Busch), Broadway (“Finding Neverland”) and
touring (“The Phantom of the Opera”), Raj is the embodiment of a life lived magnificently in the
theatre. Hilarious, kind as can be and a big ol’ pussycat when speaking of his gorgeous little
boy, Raj was an absolute gem of a guest and I hope you enjoyed the chat as much as we did!

The Mark Fisher Fitness (or, MFF for those in the know) website leads with “Serious Fitness, Ridiculous Humans,” and the brand built upon that foundation is one of the most remarkable business ventures I have had the honor to witness. Mark is a dear old pal from his days as a working actor, during which time he began to train his friends as a side hustle. Over the past decade, Mark and his team of unicorns (IYKYK) have not only built an extraordinary fitness empire housed in midtown Manhattan but have also worked within the theatre community to affect positive change with a National impact. Rooted in service, Mark and his magnificent gym of artists, weirdos, and one-time outcasts; all of whom hold magic within them - have changed countless lives for the better. Theirs is a gym for those who hate gyms; a community of like-minded humans moving through space with the goal of functional movement and optimal health...all while laughing, singing along, and often opening countless doors of self-discovery along the way. Sit back and listen as Mark and I chat about his time as a working actor and how his community of magical beings works with an endless array of Theatre artists to have agency over their own health and well-being.

Stephanie Amber - one half of the Columbus-based Indie Soul band “Honey & Blue” sits down and
talks shop! Her history with musical theatre is what inspires her and her partner as they continue
to build Honey & Blue’s sexy, soulful catalog of music; all while doing much of the hands-on
work of recording, editing, mixing, and filming themselves. Steph and I met a few years back
when I had the honor of directing her in a production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” and I have
found every SINGLE moment of sharing space with her to be inspiring. Sit back and enjoy, and
she’ll surely inspire you as well!