Jake and I welcome Amy Sass as our next guest. Amy is a playwright, director and visual artist – a gifted painter and puppet maker. She was the artistic director of Ragged Wing Ensemble, from 2004 to 2021. We talk about Amy’s upbringing, her work with Ragged Wing, and her future.

You can learn more about Ms. Sass via her website: https://www.amysass.com/about

Amy talks about her project that uses puppets to deal with grief. You can learn more about Grief & Puppets here: https://griefpilgrim.com

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? (Shotgun Players)

March 21 – May 3

Kevin Clarke (Episode 355) is in the show

https://shotgunplayers.org

Female, Ashkenazi with a Sewing Machine (Musical Café/Inferno Theatre)

April 25 only

Jamie Greenblatt & Richard Jennings (Episode 173) are the writers

Crystal Brown (Episodes 62 & 234) is in the show

https://infernotheatre.org/festival-2026

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre)

LAST SHOW TOMORROW!

Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show

Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music

Flex (SF Playhouse)

March 26 – May 6

Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show

Brittany Sims (Episode 328) and Champagne Hughes (Episode 335) are understudies

https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/flex/

How to Make An American Son (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

April 3 – May 10

Richard Perez (Episode 314) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/americanson/

Fear & Misery Of The Fourth Reich (The Brecht Project)

THIS WEEKEND – 2pm (zoom only)

Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) is a director

Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is a director

Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 & 284) wrote When We Fight, We Win

Gene Moscy (Episodes 14 & 187) wrote The Virologists

Denmo Ibrahaim (Episode 199) wrote When They Gas Us

Reg Clay wrote Judicial Process

Christine U’Ren (Episodes 14 & 187) wrote The Informer

Craig Souza (Episode 10) wrote Worker’s Playtime

Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56), Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) and Deborah Cortez (Episodes 98 & 238) are in the show

https://www.thebrechtproject.org/

Mean Girls (Ray of Light Theatre)

May 1 – 30

Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the show

https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/meangirls

God of Carnage (Pacifica Spendrift Players)

May 8 – 17

Aaron Seymour (Episode 317) is in the show

https://www.pacificaspindriftplayers.org/shows/2025-2026/god-of-carnage-2/

Lay My Burden Down (SF International Arts Festival)

May 9-10

Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show

https://www.sfiaf.org/sfiaf2026_strange-angels-theater

anthropology (City Lights Theatre)

May 14 – June 7

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/anthropology/

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble)

Aug 22 – Sept 7

Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show

Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show

https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Veteran actor Kevin Clarke is our next guest on The Yay – he’s an actor and director who has worked with Shotgun Players for many years. He’s directing The Goat or Who Is Sylvia at Shotgun. He’s worked with: Aurora Theatre, Central Works, Crowded Fire, Boxcar Theatre and many others. Kevin also has an extensive dance background. Jake and I talk to Kevin about his diverse background, his career and where he sees himself in the future.

You can find out more about Kevin via his webpage: https://www.kevinclarkeactor.com

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? (Shotgun Players)

March 21 – May 3

Kevin Clarke (Episode 355) is in the show

https://shotgunplayers.org

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre)

March 12 – April 19

Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show

Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music

Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre)

March 12 – April 12

Nick Madracchia (Episode 43) is in the show

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/

Flex (SF Playhouse)

March 26 – May 6

Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show

Brittany Sims (Episode 328) and Champagne Hughes (Episode 335) are understudies

https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/flex/

How to Make An American Son (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

April 3 – May 10

Richard Perez (Episode 314) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/americanson/

Fear & Misery Of The Fourth Reich (The Brecht Project)

April 16 – April 19 (zoom only)

Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) is a director

Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is a director

Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 & 284) wrote When We Fight, We Win

Gene Moscy (Episodes 14 & 187) wrote The Virologists

Denmo Ibrahaim (Episode 199) wrote When They Gas Us

Reg Clay wrote Judicial Process

Christine U’Ren (Episodes 14 & 187) wrote The Informer

Craig Souza (Episode 10) wrote Worker’s Playtime

Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56), Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) and Deborah Cortez (Episodes 98 & 238) are in the show

https://www.thebrechtproject.org/

Lay My Burden Down (SF International Arts Festival)

May 9-10

Cat Brooks (Episode 283) is in the show

https://www.sfiaf.org/sfiaf2026_strange-angels-theater

anthropology (City Lights Theatre)

May 14 – June 7

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/anthropology/

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Actor’s Ensemble)

Aug 22 – Sept 7

Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) is in the show

Bruce Kaplan (Episode 294) is in the show

https://www.aeofberkeley.org/94-news/latest-news/430-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-opens-august-22nd-2026

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Our next guest on the Yay is composer/pianist Erika Oba – she has worked as a Musical Director for Berkeley Playhouse and Shotgun Players. Ms. Oba has been featured at the Oaktown Jazz Workshop and is a teacher at UC Berkeley’s Music Department. She also heads up The Erika Oba Trio, the Rice Kings and the Sl(e)ight Ensemble. We talk about Erika’s upbringing, her career in music and where she sees herself in the future.

You can learn more about Erika Oba via her webpage: https://erikaoba.com/bio

You can also follow Erika via Instagram: @erika_oba

SHOWS:

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

All My Sons (Berkeley Rep)

LAST SHOW TOMORROW

Brady Morales-Wollery (Episode 305) is in the show

https://www.berkeleyrep.org/shows/all-my-sons-npft

After Happy (Central Works)

LAST SHOW TOMORROW!

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Primary Trust (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley)

LAST SHOW TOMORROW!

Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show

Jeffrey Lo (Episodes 153 and 341) is directing the show

https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/primary-trust/

Cabaret (Pacifica Spindrift Players)

March 20 – April 5

Lauren Jiang (Episode 245) is in the show

Louis Schilling (Episode 244) is in the show

https://www.pacificaspindriftplayers.org/shows/2025-2026/cabaret-3/

Assassins (Oakland Theatre Project)

March 21 – April 5

Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show

https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/assassins

Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre)

March 12 – April 19

Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show

Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music

Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre)

March 12 – April 12

Nick Madracchia (Episode 43) is in the show

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/

Flex (SF Playhouse)

March 26 – May 6

Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show

Brittany Sims (Episode 328) and Champagne Hughes (Episode 335) are understudies

https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/flex/

How to Make An American Son (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

April 3 – May 10

Richard Perez (Episode 314) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/americanson/

Fear & Misery Of The Fourth Reich (The Brecht Project)

April 16 – April 19 (zoom only)

Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) is a director

Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 & 251) is a director

Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 & 284) wrote When We Fight, We Win

Gene Moscy (Episodes 14 & 187) wrote The Virologists

Denmo Ibrahaim (Episode 199) wrote When They Gas Us

Reg Clay wrote Judicial Process

Christine U’Ren (Episodes 14 & 187) wrote The Informer

Craig Souza (Episode 10) wrote Worker’s Playtime

Tom Reilly (Episode 40), Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56), Cynthia Lagodzinski (Episodes 96 & 266) and Deborah Cortez (Episodes 98 & 238) are in the show

https://www.thebrechtproject.org/

anthropology (City Lights Theatre)

May 14 – June 7

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/anthropology/

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Lisa Burton Guevara is our next guest on The Yay. Lisa is a talented actress who was last seen in Berkeley Shakes’ Julius Caesar. She has also been in Half Moon Bay’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Merry Wives of Winsor and SF Playhouse’s The Glass Menagerie. We talk about Lisa’s upbringing, her career in bay area theatre and where she sees herself in the future.

Lisa can be reached directly via Instagram: @notoriousmrsg

In 2020, I was a part of the Brecht Project – a group of writers, actors and directors assembled by Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) and Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 and 284) – where we would reinterpret the one act plays of Bretold Brecht and adapt them in the age of Trump. You’d think we would be beyond that age after 2021 – well 2024 happened and Trump is back. And so we’re back. In April 2026, the Brecht Project will present 10 new plays that will be performed online (including my piece, Judicial Process), and you can be a part of our production. The GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/fear-and-misery-of-the-fourth-reich) will greatly help us pay for actors and writers – and you’ll help shed even more light to our most darkest time in American history.

On the Yay, we often talk about mental and spiritual health, especially for us actors, because our emotions are our currency. My good friend Cary Ann Rosko (Episodes 77 and 296) is not only a great actress, but is a psychothearapist and she’s opening up her business to the online community. She’s offering virtual psychotherapy services to individual adults in California. Check out her website, https://www.caryannroskomft.com/what-i-offer, and take the first step in taking care of your personal health. Sometimes we need a hand to hold in healing, and Cary has her hand out, waiting to help you.

SHOWS:

M Butterfly (SF Playhouse)

LAST SHOW TONIGHT

Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/

Left Field (Theatre Rhinoceros)

Feb 19 – March 15

John Fisher (Episode 30) wrote, directs and is in the show

Gene Moscy (Episodes 14 and 187) is in the show

https://www.therhino.org/

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Primary Trust (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley)

March 4 – 29

Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show

Jeffrey Lo (Episodes 153 and 341) is directing the show

https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/primary-trust/

Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre)

March 12 – April 19

Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show

Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music

Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre)

March 12 – April 12

Nick Madracchia (Episode 43) is in the show

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/

anthropology (City Lights Theatre

May 14 – June 7

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/anthropology/

Flex (SF Playhouse)

March 26 – May 6

Margo Hall (Episode 166) is directing the show

Brittany Sims (Episode 328) and Champagne Hughes (Episode 335) are understudies

https://sfplayhouse.org/2025-2026-season/flex/

How to Make An American Son (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

April 3 – May 10

Richard Perez (Episode 314) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/americanson/

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

I know it’s been a while but we’re back! Jake and I welcome Jomar Tagatac, a gifted actor who has graced the stages of ACT, Playground, Berkeley Rep and the New Conservatory Theatre Center. Jake and I catch up on what’s happened this past month, while Jomar shares with us his upbringing, his journey in theatre and where he sees himself in the future.

Jomar can be reached directly via Instagram: @jawmer

In 2020, I was a part of the Brecht Project – a group of writers, actors and directors assembled by Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) and Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 and 284) – where we would reinterpret the one act plays of Bretold Brecht and adapt them in the age of Trump. You’d think we would be beyond that age after 2021 – well 2024 happened and Trump is back. And so we’re back. In April 2026, the Brecht Project will present 10 new plays that will be performed online (including my piece, Judicial Process), and you can be a part of our production. The GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/fear-and-misery-of-the-fourth-reich) will greatly help us pay for actors and writers – and you’ll help shed even more light to our most darkest time in American history.

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

M Butterfly (SF Playhouse)

Feb 5 – March 14

Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/

Left Field (Theatre Rhinoceros)

Feb 19 – March 15

John Fisher (Episode 30) wrote, directs and is in the show

Gene Moscy (Episodes 14 and 187) is in the show

https://www.therhino.org/

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Primary Trust (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley)

March 4 – 29

Joey Alvarado (Episode 312) is in the show

Jeffrey Lo (Episodes 153 and 341) is directing the show

https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/primary-trust/

Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre)

March 12 – April 19

Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show

Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music

Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre)

March 12 – April 12

Nick Madracchia (Episode 43) is in the show

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/

anthropology (City Lights Theatre

May 14 – June 7

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/anthropology/

How to Make An American Son (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

April 3 – May 10

Richard Perez (Episode 314) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/americanson/

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Phil Wong is our next guest on The Yay – The rare triple threat of actor, singer and comedian, I last saw him in SF Playhouse’s Into The Woods. He’s worked with TheatreWorks, CalShakes, A Contemporary Theatre and the Berkeley Rep, among others. He was a guest artist in the Tony Award winning Freestyle Love Supreme. He’s also an amazing cook! Jake and I talk about Phil’s upbringing, his amazing multiple set of skills and where the future will take him.

You can reach Phil directly via Instagram: @phillywongsteak

In 2020, I was a part of the Brecht Project – a group of writers, actors and directors assembled by Susan E. Evans (Episode 23) and Scott Munson (Episodes 13, 53 and 284) – where we would reinterpret the one act plays of Bretold Brecht and adapt them in the age of Trump. You’d think we would be beyond that age after 2021 – well 2024 happened and Trump is back. And so we’re back. In April 2026, the Brecht Project will present 10 new plays that will be performed online (including my piece, Judicial Process), and you can be a part of our production. The GoFundMe page (https://www.gofundme.com/f/fear-and-misery-of-the-fourth-reich) will greatly help us pay for actors and writers – and you’ll help shed even more light to our most darkest time in American history.

On the Yay, we often talk about mental and spiritual health, especially for us actors, because our emotions are our currency. My good friend Cary Ann Rosko (Episodes 77 and 296) is not only a great actress, but is a psychotherapist and she’s opening up her business to the online community. She’s offering virtual psychotherapy services to individual adults in California. Check out her website, https://www.caryannroskomft.com/what-i-offer, and take the first step in taking care of your personal health. Sometimes we need a hand to hold in healing, and Cary has her hand out, waiting to help you.

SHOWS:

Sunday In the Park With George (Shotgun Players)

Extended until Feb 15th

Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the show

https://shotgunplayers.org/

The Mountaintop (Oakland Theatre Project)

Feb 5 – 15

James Mercer II (Episode 326) is a co-director of the show

https://oaklandtheaterproject.org/mountaintop

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre)

Jan 22 – Feb 8

Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show

https://www.hillbarntheatre.org

M Butterfly (SF Playhouse)

Feb 5 – March 14

Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/

Playground SF Solo Performance Festival

Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead

Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8

Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show

When You Are Called

Feb 5, 7 & 8

Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Girls – Chance – Music (ACT/Vineyard Theatre)

March 12 – April 19

Pam MacKinnon (Episode 350) is directing the show

Sharon Shao (Episode 176) is an understudy in the show

https://www.act-sf.org/whats-on/2025-26-season/girls-chance-music

Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre)

March 12 – April 12

Nick Mandracchia (Episode 43) is in the show

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

We are blessed to have Tony Award-winning director Pam MacKinnon, the woman who has been artistic director at ACT since 2018. This will be her last season at ACT. Jake and I will talk about Pam’s amazing legacy, her views on what’s happening with bay area theatre today and where she sees herself in the future.

You can learn more about Ms. MacKinnon via her Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pam_MacKinnon

.. and her IMDB page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5068999/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_pam%2520mackinnon

Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It’s the Clarity Journal – it’s a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it’ll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/.

Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid

We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It’s a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they’ll even serve you a complimentary drink.

Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

Sunday In the Park With George (Shotgun Players)

Extended until Feb 15th

Marah Sotelo (Episode 124) is in the show

https://shotgunplayers.org/

Julius Caesar (SF Shakes)

Feb 26 – April 29 (check website for details)

Brandon DiPaola (Episode 306), Evan Held (Episode 226) and Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) are in the show

https://www.sfshakes.org/performance/tour/

What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre)

Jan 22 – Feb 8

Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show

https://www.hillbarntheatre.org

M Butterfly (SF Playhouse)

Feb 5 – March 14

Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/

Playground SF Solo Performance Festival

Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead

Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8

Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show

When You Are Called

Feb 5, 7 & 8

Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show

Clara

Jan 17, 22, Feb 1 and 6

Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote and is performing this show

https://playground-sf.org/solofest/

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Dial M For Murder (City Lights Theatre)

March 12 – April 12

Nick Madracchia (Episode 43) is in the show

Maria Marquis (Episode 331) is in the show

https://cltc.org/event/dial-m/

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Jake and I next welcome Richard Silberg, a voice actor and teacher that specializes in teaching English through storytelling. He has worked in Cambodia, Uzbekistan and Timor-Leste. We’ll talk about his upbringing, his work overseas, the power of storytelling and his future.

You can learn more about Richard via his website: https://www.richardsilberg.com

Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It’s the Clarity Journal – it’s a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it’ll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/.

Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid

We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It’s a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they’ll even serve you a complimentary drink.

Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026

Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/

Into The Woods (SF Playhouse)

Nov 20 – January 17, 2026

Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/

What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre)

Jan 22 – Feb 8

Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show

https://www.hillbarntheatre.org

M Butterfly (SF Playhouse)

Feb 5 – March 14

Dean Linnard (Episode 336) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/m-butterfly/

Playground SF Solo Performance Festival

Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead

Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8

Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show

When You Are Called

Feb 5, 7 & 8

Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show

Clara

Jan 17, 22, Feb 1 and 6

Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote and is performing this show

https://playground-sf.org/solofest/

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

Teri Whipple is our next guest on The Yay – she’s an actress and a life coach. Teri has worked with SF Playhouse, among many other bay area theatre companies. We talk about her upbringing, her work in bay area theatre and where she sees herself in the future.

Teri can be contacted directly via Instagram: @teriwhipp and @coachingwithteri

Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It’s the Clarity Journal – it’s a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it’ll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/.

Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid

We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It’s a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they’ll even serve you a complimentary drink.

Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026

Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/

Into The Woods (SF Playhouse)

Nov 20 – January 17, 2026

Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/

What The Constitution Means To Me (Hillbarn Theatre)

Jan 22 – Feb 8

Kim Donovan (Episodes 80 & 223) is in the show

https://www.hillbarntheatre.org

Playground SF Solo Performance Festival

Good Grief! Tales from a Persistent Blockhead

Jan 26, 31, Feb 1 and 8

Carolyn Doyle (Episode 56) wrote and is performing this show

When You Are Called

Feb 5, 7 & 8

Diana Brown (Episode 242) wrote and is performing this show

Clara

Jan 17, 22, Feb 1 and 6

Linda Ayers-Frederick (Episode 31) wrote and is performing this show

https://playground-sf.org/solofest/

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)

It’s 2026 – hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and wishing everyone have a great year. Our first guest for 2026 is Liam Kirk, a stage manager at the New Conservatory Theatre Company – he last stage managed We Are Continuous, back in November. We talk about his upbringing, the ins and outs of stage managing and where he sees himself in the future.

Liam can be contacted directly via Instagram: @director.liam

Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It’s the Clarity Journal – it’s a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it’ll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/.

Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid

We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It’s a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they’ll even serve you a complimentary drink.

Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com

Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/

SHOWS:

Ruthless (New Conservatory Theatre Center)

Dec 5 – Jan 11, 2026

Melissa Momboisse (Episode 140) is in the show

https://nctcsf.org/event/ruthless-the-musical/

Into The Woods (SF Playhouse)

Nov 20 – January 17, 2026

Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show

https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/

After Happy (Central Works)

Feb 28 – March 29

Patricia Milton (Episodes 270 & 303) wrote the play

https://centralworks.org/after-happy/#showtab=details

Barry Graves (Episode 104) has a new podcast out!

The Black Man’s Heart

On Spotify and all your podcast apps

ShawnJ West (Episode 146), along with Elizabeth Jones and Phaedra Tillery-Boughton is a part of a new and exciting theatre podcast called Creatively Shaded. Check them out on any podcast app.

Will Hammond (Episode 9) has a new podcast called Will Wonders Why – a podcast where he explores his adventures in music, food and seeking out the answers to random thoughts – you can find it exclusively on Spotify.

Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) has a new podcast called A Side / B Side, a podcast that features spirited conversations about superheroes, fantasy and all other cool and nerdy stuff.

Central Works Script Club is a podcast where you download and read a play script and then listen to an audio interview with the playwright. Delivered semi-annually. You can find the Central Works Script Club on any podcast app.

Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)