Netflix's Love on the Spectrum star Tanner Smith and mom Nicci Smith join The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss their journey to reality television, being an example for others affected by autism, and spreading kindness everywhere they go. Happy Random Acts of Kindness day!

Tanner Smith is a South Carolina native thriving on the autism spectrum, whose self-proclaimed mission in life is to "Spread Joy All Around the World." Tanner was diagnosed with autism at age 4 and has gone on to complete and graduate from the ClemsonLIFE program at Clemson University, and is currently employed at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson where he lives independently with roommates.

Tanner came into the public eye after appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, and has captured the hearts of his many followers on social media. Tanner’s hope is to be an example of what is possible for others affected by autism and to bring joy and kindness to everyone he encounters, as shown by his signature thumbs up, big smile, and high fives.

Tanner also hopes to be a strong advocate for employment for the disabled community, and to show what valuable assets they are in the workforce.

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@tannerwiththe_tism

https://tanner.meteor.land/

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Music:

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

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Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer Rachel Bay Jones joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss how her career from Broadway (Dear Evan Hansen) to television (Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage) has been fueled by kindness and so much more.

Rachel Bay Jones is an Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning actress best known for originating the role of 'Heidi Hansen' in the Original Broadway Cast of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, and received the aforementioned awards (plus many others) for her performance. Additional Broadway credits include PIPPIN, HAIR and WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. She also has quite the regional resume and has infused her performance power into the solo album "Showfolk" which can now be purchased on iTunes and Amazon.

Rachel also lights up the screen. She has starred in films like "Ben Is Back" opposite Julia Roberts and in "Critical Thinking," directed by and opposite John Leguizamo, and will soon be seen in the independent film "Rise & Shine." Speaking of indies, you can catch Rachel in the indie flick “Bob Trevino Likes It,” this March 21.

Jones tv credits include: NBC's "Law & Order: SVU," ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Family." She’s had recurring roles on "The Good Doctor," "The United States of Al," "Panic," "Why Women Kill," "Modern Family,” "God Friended Me,” and, of course, "Young Sheldon”... where her character Audrey McCallister was created. Rachel continues to breathe life into Audrey on the hit spin-off series “Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage,” which premiered this past fall on CBS. 

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@rachelbayjones

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Music:

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

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High School Musical icon Corbin Bleu 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.

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Follow Corbin:

@corbinbleu

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@mrgrabeel

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Music:

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

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Corn Puddin! Step inside Schmigadoon! the musical's NYC rehearsals for the Kennedy Center world premiere (running January 31–February 9, 2024) with The Art of Kindness. Join Robert Peterpaul as he talks with stars like Tony-nominee Alex Brightman on translating the show from screen to stage, finding joy in the rehearsal room, kindness tips and more.

In this episode, you'll hear from Tony-winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Gattelli, as well as the show's star-studded cast: two-time Tony Award-nominee Alex Brightman (Beetlejuice, Spamalot), Sara Chase (The Great Gatsby, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), Emmy Award® winner and Tony Award® nominee Kevin Del Aguila (Yellow Face, Some Like it Hot), Ann Harada (Cinderella, Avenue Q, who is reprising her role from the Apple Original series), McKenzie Kurtz (The Heart of Rock and Roll, Wicked), Isabelle McCalla (Water for Elephants, The Kennedy Center’s Footloose), Javier Muñoz (Hamilton, In the Heights), Tony  Award-nominee Brad Oscar (Something Rotten!, Mrs. Doubtfire), Tony Award-nominee Emily Skinner (Suffs, The Cher Show), and Ryan Vasquez (The Notebook, Hamilton).

For more on Schmigadoon!:

kennedy-center.org

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Music:

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

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Another opening night on Broadway! Join The Art of Kindness live from the EUREKA DAY red carpet in December 2024, as Robert Peterpaul chats with all the stars about listening, decision making and, of course, kindness.

In this episode, you'll hear from Eureka Day cast members Tony Award nominee Amber Gray (Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812, Hadestown), two-time Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht (Summer, 1976 at MTC, A View from the Bridge), Tony Award winner Bill Irwin (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Largely New York), Emmy Award nominee Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”), Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz (“Scandal,” “The Flash”) and playwright Jonathan Spector. You'll also hear from VIP guests Michael Cyril Creighton ("Only Murders in the Building") and comedian Sam Morrison.

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Music:

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

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Actress and filmmaker Heather Graham joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss acts of kindness throughout her lengthy career, how her new film Chosen Family helped her learn to keep people pleasing under control, holding unconditional self-love and more.

HEATHER GRAHAM discovered her passion for acting at an early age and caught the attention of filmmakers with her breakout role in Gus Van Sant's DRUGSTORE COWBOY, for which she received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Graham went on to land unforgettable roles in the 1997 classic BOOGIE NIGHTS, for which she received the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance, in 1999's AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME and in 2009’s THE HANGOVER alongside Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifinakis. 

Graham has expanded into writing, directing, and producing, proving herself to be a multi-hyphenate leading talent with critically acclaimed, HALF MAGIC, a film she wrote and directed, which was released in theaters and on VOD February 2018. The raunchy, female-driven comedy follows three women set out on a hilarious search for self-fulfillment while overcoming the roadblocks in their personal and professional lives. Graham also executive produced and starred in the feature film CAKE, a romantic comedy also starring Sandra Oh and Cheryl Hines.

That self-fulfillment theme, along with a throughline of people pleasing is prevalent in her latest flick - CHOSEN FAMILY. Graham wrote, directed, and starred in the rom-com, which debuted in 2024. This movie is a centerpiece to today’s conversation, along with kindness, of course. In addition to more producing, up next, Graham will be featured alongside Nicolas Cage in the Western THE GUNSLINGERS.

Follow Heather:

@imheathergraham

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Music:

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

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Legendary Emmy and Tony-winning performer Judith Light joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul and we couldn't be more excited. The Who's the Boss? lead discusses kindness to others and yourself, life-changing acts of kindness, researching spooky occurrences for her new Apple show BEFORE and more in this heart-lifting conversation.

JUDITH LIGHT is known for her extensive body of work onstage, as well as in television and film, recently receiving a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Her recent projects include Peter Hedge’s film The Same Storm, “Julia,” HBO Max’s drama series on Julia Child, Starz’ horror comedy “Shining Vale” and Searchlight’s dark comedy The Menu, alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Fiennes. Second seasons of both “Shining Vale” and “Julia” are currently available for streaming. Light starred in The Young Wife and Down Low for FilmNation, both of which premiered at SXSW, and Out of My Mind for Disney+ which premiered at Sundance and can now be streamed on Disney+. Her 2019 film Ms. White Light also premiered at SXSW. She can also be seen in the second season of “American Horror Stories” and Rian Johnson’s series “Poker Face” for Peacock, for which she won the Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Primetime Emmy.

She currently stars in the Apple TV+ series “Before” alongside Billy Crystal. The full season can now be streamed. Next up, she stars in “The Terror: Devil in Silver” for AMC and Scott Free Productions. Additionally, she is working on a series of producing projects with her production company and Brillstein Creative Partners. Light also co-starred in Ryan Murphy’s “Impeachment: American Crime Story” on FX, appeared in Lin Manuel Miranda’s film, tick, tick…Boom! for Netflix as well as “The Accidental Wolf,” created by Arian Moyad and now streaming on Topic.

In addition to her current projects, Light starred in the anthology series “Manhunt: Deadly Games,” which can currently be found on Netflix, as well as Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series “The Politician,” and in the musical finale series of “Transparent,” Amazon Prime’s Golden Globe–winning show, created by Joey Soloway, for which Light received a Golden Globe nomination and multiple Emmy and Critics’ Choice nominations. Her role in Ryan Murphy’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” garnered her an Emmy nomination and Critics Choice nomination.

 In 2012 and 2013, Light won two consecutive Tony and Drama Desk awards for her performances in Other Desert Cities and The Assembled Parties; these two performances made her the first actress in nearly two decades to win consecutive Tony Awards. Light also received the 2019 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for her extensive philanthropy work. She was also recently awarded the Excellence in Media Award from GLAAD in May 2022. Light sits on the board of directors of the MCC Theater in New York.

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Support the show!

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

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Music:

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

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WICKED's Broadway Music Director and Conductor Dan Micciche joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss kindness during the long-running theatrical blockbuster, starting out as a history-making performer in CHICAGO, his advice for actors auditioning for WICKED - oh - and, of course - we do touch on his teeny involvement in the WICKED movie!

Dan Micciche is the current music director, conductor of WICKED on Broadway and has been with the show for over 10 years - including the national and international tours. He was recently inducted as a member of the Grammy's Recording Academy this year. Prior to WICKED, Dan began his acting career as the youngest actor to play Mary Sunshine in CHICAGO for 2000 performances on Broadway as well as the national tour, Japanese, Alaskan and Thailand companies. He is one of the other performers to sing solo and conduct at The Kennedy Center. His TV / FILM work includes: WICKED (universal), The Tonight Show - with Jimmy Falon, 2021 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, Good Morning America, Cake Boss. Concert work: Soloist at Carnegie Hall/ The Kennedy Center: Bernstein’s MASS. Recordings: Bernstein’s MASS (Grammy nom 08’)  During 2021, Dan started a company that brings Broadway into your home, company or event. 

For more on Dan:

danmiccichemusic.com/coaching and broadwayconcerts.com

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Support the show!

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

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Music:

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

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Wicked movie director Jon M. Chu joins The Art of Kindness podcast with Robert Peterpaul to discuss being a kind leader on set, acts of kindness from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, his spellbinding memoir Viewfinder and more. Rejoicify - this is a thought-provoking chat filled with STAR-studded surprise guests!

Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres from groundbreaking series to commercials and films. Additionally, his unique storytelling ability has earned him the honor of inclusion on the Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 list as well as Variety’s New Hollywood Leaders.

Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed WICKED, starring Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the feature-film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon released in theaters on November 22 and quickly became a box-office hit, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaption in domestic box office history in its second week earning over $350 million globally. His memoir, Viewfinder, is his journey from growing up in the Silicon Valley to transitioning to Hollywood and helming major studio projects, released Summer 2024. The book is an uplifting tale of belonging, creativity and learning to see who you truly are.

His recent projects include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS for Warner Bros. Studios as well as the worldwide phenomenon CRAZY RICH ASIANS, which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and PGA Award. It is one of the top 10 highest grossing romantic comedies of all time and the highest in a decade. It was also the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast and opened a new chapter in Asian-American representation in Hollywood.

Chu is in post-production on WICKED: PART TWO, which is set to release on November 21, 2025, and is attached to develop to direct the highly anticipated biopic for Britney Spears based on her memoir, The Woman in Me, with Universal. He is also in development on Dr. Seuss’ OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! with Warner Bros and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, which will be his first animated film. His previous films include GI. JOE: RETALIATION, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEVER SAY NEVER and many more representing over 1.3 billion dollars in the worldwide box office.

Thank you to Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Simon Hayes for the special surprise, and to Welcome to Times Square for supporting our Big Apple dreams.

Follow Jon:

@jonmchu

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Music:

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

Let us be glad. Let us be grateful.

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Acclaimed author and artist Morgan Harper Nichols (All Along You Were Blooming) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss: kindness through artistic spaces, the thoughtfulness of kindness, the kindness of memes and much more.

Morgan Harper Nichols is an artist, writer, and creator based in Georgia. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, Morgan’s work often explores themes of embracing life’s narrative and creating room to breathe. She began creating art and poetry in response to social media messages she received in 2017, and since then, her practice has expanded to include digital art, collage, coding, and 3D environments. Morgan is the creator of the app Storyteller and the online shop Garden24. Her WSJ bestselling book, All Along You Were Blooming, is one of several published works, and she currently serves as Vice President on the board of TWLOHA, a mental health organization. Morgan is passionate about the intersection of art, storytelling, and health, and her long-term goal is to teach and develop resources that explore how we create and interact with narratives in our lives.

L Morgan Lee's "Reaching for Help from Drowning" Fundraiser:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/reaching-for-help-from-drowning

Follow Morgan:

@morganharpernichols

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Support the show!

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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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