The Art of Kindness: Pop Culture & Positivity with Robert Peterpaul

Broadway's Helen J. Shen (Tony-winning Maybe Happy Ending) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her whirlwind rise to theatre stardom during a thoughtful conversation about artistry, ambition, and staying human even when you're playing a robot.

This kind-hearted episode covers:

HELEN J SHEN (she/they) is an actor, musician, and writer who has quickly established herself as a force within the entertainment industry. Helen currently stars in the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, which won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical. For her performance, she received rave reviews and was recognized with the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre, the Theatre World Award, and nominations for a Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Drama League Award. She recently wrapped filming the highly anticipated sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to be released this upcoming May. They previously starred in the musical The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and the Geffen Playhouse. For her performance as JJ, Helen received a 2025 Lucille Lortel Award Nomination for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical. Helen also captivated audiences in the musical Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Their regional credits include starring in Man of God at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut. Helen earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. She has been recognized in TIME100 Next, Variety’s 2024 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the 2025 Gold House A100 List.

Follow Helen:

@helenjshen

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⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠

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Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Broadway star Marisha Wallace (Cabaret) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her internationally-acclaimed career as a musical theatre performer and the kindness that powers it.

This episode touches on:

- How Marisha says she manifested her entire journey in the arts.

- Life-changing acts of kindness from Disney's Aladdin to Billy Porter in Cabaret.

- The importance of representation in iconic theatre works like Cabaret and much more.

MARISHA WALLACE has earned Olivier Award nominations for Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide) and Oklahoma! (Ado Annie). She’s captivated London audiences as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, originated Becky in Waitress, and made her West End debut as Effie White in Dreamgirls. Marisha received widespread critical acclaim for her performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, London, with many critics hailing it as her career-defining role. She reprised this role on Broadway, and her performance was featured as one of the 16 best theatre moments of 2025 by the New York Times. She headlined a solo concert at the Adelphi Theatre, with her live album. Her powerhouse voice and magnetic presence have led to multiple performances for His Majesty the King and The Royal Family

Follow Marisha:

@marishawallace

Follow us:

⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠

⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠!

(⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

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Disney's High School Musical turns 20 this year, so let's revisit our Corbin Bleu episode from the 2025 library.

The real-life Chad Danforth joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss navigating the industry with kindness from tv sets to Broadway stages. The performer gets a starry surprise (spoiler alert) from his DCOM co-star and friend Lucas Grabeel.

CORBIN BLEU (Joe Ross) is a versatile actor, singer/songwriter, dancer, voiceover artist and host. Bleu is best known as Chad Danforth in the Emmy-winning HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise. Recently, Bleu starred in the TV movies Love, For Real and A Christmas Dance Reunion and special guest-starred in Seasons 3 and 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. On Broadway, Bleu starred in the Tony-nominated 2019 revival of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54, earning a Drama Desk nomination. He headlined as Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, winning the Chita Rivera Award, and also appeared in Godspell (Jesus) and In the Heights (Usnavi).

Additional stage highlights include Hairspray (Seaweed) and Mamma Mia! (Sky) at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2018, he played Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at The Muny and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes at Arena Stage, earning a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. That same year, he was named Entertainer of the Year at the Tremaine National Gala for his contributions to dance. Most recently, Corbin starred as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre in New York, completing a three-month run with Constance Wu followed by a three-month run with Jinkx Monsoon.

⁠Support Our Mom Barbara’s Second Cancer Journey⁠

Follow Corbin:

⁠@corbinbleu⁠

Follow Lucas:

⁠@mrgrabeel⁠

Follow us:

⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠

⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's High School Musical director-choreographer Kenny Ortega is in the studio, wildcats! The legendary creative (also behind classics like Newsies, Hocus Pocus and the Descendants franchise) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to celebrate 20 years of "breaking free" with the DCOM.

This episode touches on:

- How gratitude and kindness have shaped Kenny Ortega's legendary career and the enduring legacy of High School Musical.

- Incredible behind-the-scenes stories and leadership insights from Hocus Pocus, Newsies, and, of course, the HSM franchise.

- The impact of collaborating with folks like Cameron Boyce, Bette Midler and Gene Kelly have had on him + so much more.

- There may even be a surprise from a High School Musical star!

KENNY ORTEGA a is a renowned director, producer, and choreographer famous for creating family-friendly musical hits like Disney's High School Musical and Descendants franchises, cult classics Hocus Pocus and Newsies, and choreographing beloved films such as Dirty Dancing and Pretty in Pink, plus extensive work with icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Cher. He started in theater and music videos, then transitioned to film and TV, earning acclaimed and awards like a Disney Legends Award for his genre-bending work.

Support the Cameron Boyce Foundation:

https://www.thecameronboycefoundation.org/

Follow Kenny

@kennyortegablog

Follow us:

⁠⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠!

(⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the best 2026 new year's resolution? Kindness! Join Robert Peterpaul as we fly to Pasadena, California and chat with Lori Milgard and JR Dzubak about their inspiring journey with the Kindness is Free initiative. From the Kindness is Free Hall of Fame to their epic participation in the Rose Bowl Parade, discover how small acts of kindness can lead to significant change. This conversation is a celebration of community, empowerment, and the transformative power of kindness.

Kindness is Free is a transformative initiative, powered by the Boys & Girls Clubs, that promotes compassion, respect, and empathy to build safer, more connected communities through small, actionable acts of kindness. To learn more and find out how to get involved, please visit: www.kindnessisfree.org

Follow us:

⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠!

(⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway's Desi Oakley joins The Art of Kindness podcast for our holiday extravaganza! The Wicked and Waitress star gets festive with host Robert Peterpaul about:

DESI OAKLEY is a self-described Jane of all trades. She’s a Broadway performer and recording artist you’ve seen in Waitress, Chicago, Wicked, Annie, and Les Misérables, with TV appearances on Elsbeth, Gotham, The Gilded Age, and Only Murders in the Building. You’ve also heard her voice in films like Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, tick, tick… BOOM! and Spirited. Beyond the stage and screen, Desi is a heartfelt mental-health advocate, music educator, and NYC-based coach.

Follow Desi

@desioakley

Follow us:

⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠

⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Cowan , Fashion Designer turned Costume Designer (Queen of Versailles) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul as he makes his Broadway debut.

This episode covers:

- the kindness of embracing your unique style

- learning on the job as Broadway Costume Designer with Queen of Versailles

- working with legends like Paris Hilton, Kristin Chenoweth and more

CHRISTIAN COWAN is a celebrated fashion designer known for his bold vision and exuberant sense of glamour. His collections have been worn by stars including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya, and featured in Vogue and The New York Times. A fixture of New York Fashion Week, Cowan champions individuality and joy. His shows are known to bring drama, spectacle, and unapologetic self-expression. Queen of Versailles marks his Broadway costume design debut.

Follow Christian:

@christiancowan

Follow us:

⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠

⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stranger Things: The First Shadow star Dora Dolphin discusses acts of kindness on Broadway with The Art of Kindness podcast. Her and host Robert Peterpaul cover:

- Dora's wild audition process for Netflix and the Duffer Brothers.

- Her kind meeting with onscreen counterpart Cara Buono, and the wisdom she shared.

- Upside-Down kindness her and her Tony-winning company take part in + more.

DORA DOLPHIN makes her Broadway debut in First Shadow! Originated Young Karen Wheeler in the first workshop. Favorite credits: world premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol, Coco’s Diary, Disney’s “Villains of Valley View,” GYLT. Gratitude to God, family, friends, CESD/ZOOM/ Luber-Roklin. @doradolphinofficial

Follow Dora:

@doradolphinofficial

Follow us:

⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠

⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merrily We Roll Along's Broadway and film director Maria Friedman joins The Art of Kindness for a chat on translating her Tony-winning take on the hit Stephen Sondheim production to a SONY film, starring Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez.

The kind musical theatre titan and host Robert Peterpaul discuss:

MARIA FRIEDMAN is a 4-time Olivier Award-winning star and Tony-nominated director, celebrated as one of the definitive interpreters of Stephen Sondheim’s work. She most recently directed the 4-time Tony Award-winning Broadway Revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Her acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along originated in London and conquered Broadway with sold-out houses, securing the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. As an actress, Maria is best known for starring in classic Sondheim roles, including Dot in Sunday in the Park with George and the Olivier Award-winning Fosca in Passion. Her illustrious career is a masterclass in musical theatre excellence across the West End and international stages. And let's not forget her starring turn as the Narrator in the Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat feature film!

Follow Maria:

@mariafriedman

Follow us:

⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠

⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Christiani Pitts talks Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) on the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul during a scrumptious conversation.

The episode covers:

CHRISTIANI PITTS can currently be seen on Broadway in the musical TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK), currently in previews and opening on Thursday, November 20th. She is best known for her performance of ‘Ann Darrow’ in the Broadway musical KING KONG. Previously she appeared in the leading role ‘Jane’ in the Broadway musical A BRONX TALE. Christiani had a recurring role on STARZ's POWER BOOK III: Raising Kanan and starred in the Netflix feature RESORT TO LOVE. Her other credits include: DEAD RINGERS, BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD FIGHT, EVIL, ELEMENTARY. Christiani is repped by Buchwald Talent and Authentic Talent & Literary Management.

Follow Christiani:

@christianiworld

Follow us:

⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠

⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠

⁠Support the show⁠!

(⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠)

Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us:

[email protected]

Music:

"Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices