Stan Zimmerman, the creative force behind The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls, joins us to discuss his new memoir, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. From a gawky Jewish boy in Detroit dreaming of Hollywood to a celebrated writer, producer, director, and playwright, Stan shares stories of his friendships with remarkable women, journal entries from his early career, and behind-the-scenes tales of some of television’s most iconic female ensembles.

The conversation is moderated by Tony Award-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray, What We Do in the Shadows), who brings her insight from Broadway, television, and film to explore Stan’s career, his creative process, and the enduring impact of the women who shaped his journey.

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In this episode, playwright Miranda Rose Hall joins Robert Duffley and Geoff Kanick of LubDub Theatre Co to discuss To Tell a Story About the Earth—a playful, inventive piece that’s part traditional play and part MadLib-style guide to creating original theatre about the natural world. Blending artistry, collaboration, and climate awareness, the conversation dives into how this ensemble-driven work invites communities to devise their own stories in celebration of Earth Day and beyond.

Learn more about their work and explore a devising guide at www.lubdubtheatre.com.

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In this episode, Javier Muñoz—star of Hamilton and In the Heights—sits down with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner to explore Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, the definitive look at how a creative kid from Washington Heights became one of the most influential storytellers of our time. Drawing from over 150 interviews, Pollack-Pelzner traces Miranda’s journey from high school musicals to global hits like Hamilton, Moana, and Encanto, uncovering the drive, collaboration, and cultural fusion that shaped his artistry. It’s an inspiring, behind-the-scenes portrait of genius, heart, and the making of a modern Broadway legend.

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In this episode, David Rigano sits down with Chris Adams, author of Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical, for a deep dive into one of Broadway’s most notorious flops turned cult sensation. Joined by Tony and Olivier Award winner Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat), composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), and some unforgettable audience cameos, the conversation explores the chaotic origins of Carrie, its spectacular crash, and the passionate fandom that brought it back to life. Stick around for a surprise finale you won’t want to miss!

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More than fifty years after Jesus Christ Superstar first shocked, thrilled, and redefined what a musical could be, we revisit the rock opera’s journey with journalist and playwright Ellis Nassour. Author of the definitive book on the making of Superstar, Nassour takes us behind the scenes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s early collaborations, the risky leap from record to stage, and the controversies that followed. From avant-garde Broadway choices to the landmark film adaptation, he shares untold stories, rare photos, and insider interviews that bring this revolutionary work to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about how a “concept album” became a worldwide phenomenon, this episode is a deep dive into a piece of theater history that continues to resonate.

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In this episode, we explore three essential books on the craft of playwriting: Letters to a Young Playwright by Adam Szymkowicz, Playwriting with Purpose and Writing Adaptations and Translations for the Stage by Jacqueline Goldfinger. The discussion covers practical advice for early-career and emerging playwrights, from developing characters and writing dialogue to adapting works for stage performance, all enriched with insider tips and real-world insights from award-winning dramatists.

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In this episode, we explore Tommy Jamerson’s dynamic plays Amityville ‘74, The House on Haunted Hill, and The Jungle Book. Amityville ‘74 delves into the chilling events at the infamous Dutch Colonial where Ronald “Butch” Defeo committed a horrific family murder. The House on Haunted Hill brings Vincent Price’s classic to life with a twisted, humorous story of greed, ghosts, and betrayal. The Jungle Book reimagines Kipling’s timeless tale, following Mowgli’s adventures through the jungle with heart, action, and a fresh perspective.

The discussion is moderated by Mark-Eugene Garcia, highlighting Jamerson’s remarkable global reach, his diverse works for children and adults, and his signature blend of suspense, comedy, and theatrical innovation.

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Step into the world of audio drama with Barry M. Putt, Jr., renowned dramatist, screenwriter, and author of Stories Told Through Sound. This episode explores the essentials of crafting engaging audio dramas, including creating compelling characters, developing exciting plot twists, and building scripts that resonate with audiences.

Drawing on his prolific career—over fifty audio dramas for companies like Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air and Radio Theater Project—Barry shares practical strategies and hands-on guidance for developing a fully realized audio-drama script. Writers, storytellers, and audio enthusiasts alike will find inspiration and actionable insights to bring their stories to life in the ever-expanding world of audio drama.

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Think you know Broadway inside and out? In this episode, we sit down with theater historian, author, and Broadway commentator Peter Filichia to test your stage smarts. His latest book challenges even the most seasoned fans with brainteasers spanning decades of musicals—from Cats to Dear Evan Hansen. We’ll explore how he crafted these puzzles, swap a few tricky questions, and talk about what makes Broadway trivia so endlessly fun. With eight books, countless articles, and years of award committee experience under his belt, Filichia brings a lifetime of theater knowledge to the mic. Are you a Broadway genius? Tune in and find out!

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In this episode, playwright and memoirist Alvin Eng joins Shoshana Greenberg of the Thornton Wilder Society to discuss his book Our Laundry, Our Town. Eng reflects on growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants in 1970s Flushing, Queens—balancing life inside his parents’ hand laundry with the turbulent, inspiring world outside. His memoir traces the journey from punk rock and downtown theater to discovering the Chinese influence on Thornton Wilder’s Our Town––a result of Wilder spending part of his childhood in China. 

This discovery of this influence, ultimately, helped Eng to reconnect with his ancestral and artistic roots in China. Together, Eng and Greenberg explore themes of identity, culture, and storytelling, while considering Wilder’s lasting legacy in American theater.

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