Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, cultural omnivore and author of Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, is back for round two and the deep dive continues!

This week, Daniel tells us all about the time Stephen Sondheim visited Lin’s high school dished the dirt about West Side Story with a room full of teenage theatre kids. That's where Lin learned that not even Sondheim nails it on the first try, and the messy process can lead to something even better than the original. That could be its own episode but hell no there's so much more going on this week! Among other things Daniel talks about what *he* learned while writing the book, the power of a great cliffhanger (seriously, you'll get chills!), and the importance of finding your field of other people in bee costumes. Ahem... I trust you’ll understand the reference to the 90’s lore without my having to name that tune.

Plus, Daniel fills is in about his work on Mary Kathryn Nagle's upcoming (and currently untitled) documentary film on tribal consulting tribal sovereignty in law and theater, and the often-overlooked epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner

Hollywood: An Oral History by Jeanine Basinger and Sam Wasson

Blind Melon - No Rain

Mary Kathryn Nagle Changes the Story, in Court and Onstage by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner

The MMIW Project

Manahatta by Mary Kathryn Nagel

Sliver of a Full Moon 2022: Live Performance and Panel Discussion

Sliver of a Full Moon || Radcliffe Institute

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

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Daniel Pollack-Pelzner is an award winning author, educator, and bonafide fan of culture, Shakespeare, musicals, and artists. His new book, Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, is part biography, part deep dive, and part oral history. It’s also a very beautiful (and honest!) tribute to Lin-Manuel and all the people and steps involved in the journey to who he is today.

But if you think this is a boring stop on a press tour, think again! Daniel has been a Patreon Peep of The Hamilcast since 2018 and after years of writing about Hamilton’s cultural impact and then talking to over 150 people about Lin-Manuel Miranda for this book, he has three amazing episodes packed with story after story after story.

This week, Daniel talks about the origin story of the book, pitching the idea to Lin-Manuel, Lin’s high school screenplay about the Hamilton-Burr duel, and why LMM’s one request was that the first person to be interviewed be his mother, Luz Towns-Miranda. She is a renowned psychologist (with a focus on children and family), and her acceptance of young Lin's empathy and sensitivity became an undeniable cornerstone of his creative expression. On behalf of all of us, I say: thank you, Luz!

Over the years, Daniel has had a lot of connections to Hamilton the show, Hamilton the person, and Lin-Manuel Miranda himself. From Joanne Freeman: Badass Historian™ to knowing old high school girlfriends, it’s clear this whole thing is enthusiastically approved by The Universe.

Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist

Daniel Pollack-Pelzner

21 Chump Street

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We're wrapping up Tyler McKenzie's episodes as he continues to take questions from the Patreon Peeps. Tyler talks about his special bond with the Charlotte arts community, his experience go-go dancing for the legendary Trixie Mattel, and we won't call it a comeback but Janet Jackson is performing again and you need to get yourself there to experience it.

We also had to take some time to discuss the pure magic that was the start of the Philip Tour. It was such a moment in time and it was very, very special for a lot of people - and not just for the people in it. For Tyler, the Philip Company will always be home, and he talks a lot about community, boundaries, and relationships *outside* of work.

This is still a series about reflection so Tyler very honestly talks about what it's like to leave a show that wasn't just artistically fulfilling, challenging in all the ways, and an unparalleled learning experience but let's get real: he spent eight years answering that horrifying "so what are you up to?!" question by saying: "I'm in Hamilton." I mean come on! That's one of the biggest flexes there is! But now Tyler is left wondering: who is he without Hamilton? How does he feel significant and strong without using a brand? The good news is that this recording is not Tyler's first time reflecting or meditating on any of these questions so don't worry, there's a plan and it's an awesome. (Two hints: Bali and yoga).

Tyler on Instagram

http://www.tylermckenzie.net/

#106: I’m not falling behind or running late

#130: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part Two

#131: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part Three

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Tyler McKenzie is back for round two! Tyler just wrapped up an eight year journey with Hamilton, starting as a swing on Broadway for six months and then spending the rest of his time as a Universal Swing and the Dance Captain of the Philip Tour. Make no mistake, Tyler was traveling all over the place, but as an original member of that now-famous (infamous?) Philip Company, "Philip will always be home."

This week, Tyler talks about embracing his role as a teacher and a leader, which is absolutely pivotal when you're the dance captain. His teaching philosophy is simple: he understands that every performer learns differently. It's simple, but it feels rare! Tyler rightfully sees his ability create a safe space as his superpower, and he explains how he loves allowing dancers to learn, question, grow, and be as authentic as possible.

It was wild to hear about how he was able to find all *kinds* of stability when his phone could ring at any moment telling him he needs to get on a plane tomorrow morning to dive headfirst into another COVID outbreak. No but seriously that happened ALL THE TIME. From marrying his husband Dallin to buying a home, Tyler explains how important it is to always remember that it's all still a business and you need to keep your eye on that, always.

With Tyler, the possibilities are endless, but there's at least one thing on his mind right now: "Who wants to Blacken up yoga?! Let's do it!"

Tyler on Instagram

http://www.tylermckenzie.net/

#106: I’m not falling behind or running late

#130: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part Two

#131: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part Three

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Tyler McKenzie is back on the podcast! Tyler joined Hamilton Broadway in 2017 and only had one week off before starting rehearsals for the yet to be revealed Philip Company. He graciously spent his first night off with me, recording his first episode of The Hamilcast. Tyler would join me once again when Mike and I had a party with some members of the Philip Company in Vegas in 2018. Today, Tyler wanted to come back on the podcast to reflect on his eight year journey with Hamilton. We recorded this at the end of May 2025, just days before his final performance on tour... in Las Vegas.

Tyler went from Hamilton Broadway to an original member of Philip, and during his time on tour he went from a swing to a universal swing to being both a universal swing *and* the dance captain of the Philip company. So yes, there is a lot to unpack. Not to mention that during the COVID lockdown, Tyler worked as a professor at Penn State teaching dance and musical theatre, and using this platform to hire his fellow performers when they needed it most.

This week, Tyler reflects on his Hamilton journey from his initial audition process up through his final role as a teacher and a leader with the Hamilton crew, including flying all over the place "saving the day" when companies were dealing with COVID outbreaks in 2021. But as you'll learn, Tyler is an excellent leader and teacher. He's all about solutions and adapting to what is in front of him to get the best out of the situation.

Tyler on Instagram

http://www.tylermckenzie.net/

#106: I’m not falling behind or running late

#130: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part Two

#131: I came as soon as I heard // #LasVegust Part Three

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The news is out! After nearly ten years and what will be 500 episodes, The Hamilcast will be coming to an end on January 26th, 2026, the podcast’s official ten-year anniversary. While the community isn’t going anywhere and the archive will always remain available, the weekly episodes you’ve come to expect will soon be wrapping up. Until then, this is going to be a PARTY. Let's celebrate this journey with memories, special events, plus a few repeat episodes to bring things full circle and look back on some extraordinary moments on the pod. While there is plenty of time to get emotional, I do want to make sure that I say I've loved making this show for you for all these years. Thank you for always being excited about things with me. It's been such a fantastic ride and I'm so happy to be celebrating with you.

As we kick off the final stretch of The Hamilcast, let’s revisit when we fanned that spark into a flame, otherwise known as the time Lin-Manuel Miranda came over and ate popcorn with me and Mike for four hours while drinking a custom cocktail inspired by the bodegas of Washington Heights.

We’re going back to October 2017, when Lin-Manuel Miranda himself first joined me on the podcast. It all started with a Twitter DM, which led to Lin visiting my tiny New York City apartment (slanted floors, whistling toilet, the works) to record one of the biggest conversations of my life. It was a monumental moment for me, for the podcast, and for the listeners. What followed became known as #Lintoberfest: five episodes filled with the excitement, stories, and rare audio from that unforgettable day.

Below you’ll find today’s relevant links including the rest of Lin’s episodes, as well as the original description from when Episode 88 originally dropped in 2017.

Playbill Exclusive: After a Decade, The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast Will Drop Final Episode in 2026

Aaron Burr Panel at the South Street Seaport

/// Lin-Manuel Miranda on The Hamilcast (so far) /// 

#88: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part One

#89: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Two

#90: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Three

#91: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Four // The B-Sides

#92: Lin-Manuel Miranda // Part Five // The B-Sides

#225: Lin-Manuel Miranda Returns! // Part One

#226: Lin-Manuel Miranda Returns! // Part Two

/// Original description and links from October 1st, 2017 ///

Lin-Manuel Miranda came over to my apartment and we had so much fun that I have FIVE episodes for you! Welcome to #Lintoberfest, with my husband Michael Paul Smith joining me for these episodes. In Part One, I try to get over the fact that Lin is recording in my living room – spoiler! I don’t! – But regardless, we tell the story of how Lin ended up on the podcast, details of the early days of Hamilton, why Lin is a Hamilton/Burr hybrid, and quote The West Wing a LOT. We also eat popcorn and drink the Spark Into a Flame cocktail, made especially for Lin and inspired by his Inwood, NYC roots. Stay tuned for four more episodes: two more with Lin and then the Lin B-Sides which will be outtakes, non-sequiturs, and commentary by me and Mike (you know Mike). And no, I’m still not over the fact that this happened! No chill whatsoever!

To help Puerto Rico:https://hispanicfederation.org/donate

Donate to disaster relief:List of charities to donate to victims of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and MariaBaker RipleyOne America AppealThe Humane Society

Previous episodes referenced:Shockwave Part OneShockwave Part TwoMandy GonzalezIan Weinberger Part OneIan Weinberger Part Two

Episode Transcript

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LinManuel.com

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Desmond Sean Ellington is back for round two to further show that if you have to chase something, it’s probably not for you. This week, Desmond reflects on his five years touring with Hamilton as a standby and how he used what he learned making his Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen (after starting with the show down at The Public).

As he continues to spread the Gospel of Surrender™, Desmond expands on his Hell’s Kitchen experience including how and why he turned down a chance to go back to Hamilton (hint: Broadway was calling!). Desmond also talks about being a firm believer that we all have the power to create the world we want to live in, why his unconventional way of finding his passion continues the cycle of representation, and reminds us to stay kind because that’s really what it’s all about anyway. 

Plus, Desmond walks us through going craaaazy viral with his “One Last Time” soundcheck (if you haven’t heard it before GET READY it’s so good), how seeing Satisfied for the first time made him want to shoot up out of his seat like a rocket, and lets us in on tiny Hamilton moments where he connected with his fellow actors on stage.

Desmond Sean Ellington on Instagram

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Desmond Sean Ellington spent five years on tour with Hamilton as a Standby and recently made his Broadway debut in Hell’s Kitchen, after starting with the show down at The Public. 

Desmond’s story is so interesting because it’s a case study in what can happen when you make the hard decision to leave something behind that you know deep down isn’t meant for you - even if it’s terrifying! In Desmond’s case, he left college without a plan and even though he had no interest in theatre at the time, he always knew he “was going to be a star.” Once he walked away from what didn’t serve him, the whole world opened up. And to be fair, Desmond has an uncanny ability to speak what he wants into existence, like when he gave himself two years to be cast in Hamilton and found himself on tour with the show two months later. 

From performing in Atlanta (shout out to The Alliance Theatre) to seeing the world as a background vocalist for renowned gospel/R&B recording artists, to being bit with the Broadway bug when he saw his first Broadway show at 33 years old, Desmond brings his life experiences to every creative thing he does. 

Desmond Sean Ellington on Instagram

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Award-winning and prolific Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller has finally made it to the podcast! Jeffery has produced Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, Hamilton, The Cher Show, and revivals of West Side Story and Sweeney Todd, just to name a few. Altogether his shows (currently) have 22 Tony Awards, and he's the only Broadway producer to have put up two Pulitzer Prize winning musicals: Hamilton and Rent.

Jeffrey is the author of Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir, which the New York Times describes as “a combination coming-of-age and rags-to-riches story that is unsparing in its description of his colorfully challenged-and-challenging father, unabashed in its description of his sexual awakening, and packed with behind-the-scenes detail, especially about the birth of Rent.” Not to mention the audiobook is voiced by a stellar cast of Broadway voices, and talking about them gives Jeffrey an idea *in real time *during our recording. 

In our hour-long conversation, Jeffrey expands on his experience producing Rent with Jonathan Larson, including an emotional retelling of what it was like working on the show after Jonathan’s tragic and unexpected death. He also discusses working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on In the Heights and Hamilton, expounds on Hamilton’s social and political responsibilities (rejecting the current administration's hostile takeover of The Kennedy Center, for example), discusses ways around Broadway’s current ticket prices, and candidly opens up about Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party and The Last Ship with Sting in never-before-heard specificity. 

Plus, Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme, the power of writing a letter to get what you want, and how when it  comes down to it... it’s all about making shows with your friends. 

Jeffrey Seller on Instagram

JeffreySeller.com

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In Nevin Steinberg's second episode, the award winning Broadway sound designer gives even more insight to some of your favorite Hamilton moments including The Yorktown dance break and the stuttering gunshots heard throughout the show. And get ready to have your mind blown as Nevin shares the evolution of the Satisfied rewind, from Lin-Manuel Miranda's very first demo to the layered masterpiece we all know and love today anddddddd he shares a secret (and creepy! and awesome!) Easter egg that I promise you don't know about.

While taking questions from the Patreon Peeps, Nevin talks a lot about how each sound is specifically chosen to tell a story, and even accents like cannon explosions and snare drums each have "their own personality."  

Plus, Nevin talks about the steam whistle in 2023's Sweeney Todd revival, shares his thoughts on new cinema sound, explains his fascination with what it takes to be a great leader, and why when it comes down to it Nevin is only in it for the banter.

Lin-Manuel Miranda on Soundcloud

The Town Hall in New York City

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