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This week, Uncommon Sense welcomes Broadway star and *Back to the Future: The Musical tour cast member Alyssa Carol! Hosts Christopher Smith and Charna Lopez take a nostalgic journey through Alyssa’s rise from a dedicated student to a professional performer. From her early days in musical theatre at OCSA to tackling the intense demands of Broadway swings and understudies, Alyssa shares the challenges, triumphs, and hilarious behind-the-scenes moments of life on the road. She dives into her time with Bad Cinderella, the audition process that changed everything, and the whirlwind of performing eight shows a week. Plus, ever wondered what happens when a crucial prop breaks mid-performance? Alyssa spills on tour mishaps, her creative process for keeping performances fresh, and why staying artistically engaged beyond the show is key. This episode is packed with Broadway insight, inspiring stories, and, of course, plenty of laughs. Tune in and visit uncommonpod.com for more!
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Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
Tune in for an exciting episode of The Real Lives of Charnopher. Well, maybe not quite a reality Podcast eposide, but Reality TV is the topic of the day. From The Real World, to The Bachelor and The Real Housewives of (insert any city here) Charnopher discusses the evolution of reality TV. Can you guess who is a sucker for this type of entertainment? Is is Charna? Is it Christopher? Or...is it Charnopher?
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Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
Welcome to 2025, Uncommon Sense style! In this episode, Christopher Smith and Charna Lopez ring in the New Year with a hilarious deep dive into global traditions, quirky superstitions, and pop culture moments from 2024. From eating grapes under a table (thanks, TikTok) to breaking plates in Denmark, they uncover the wildest ways people welcome the New Year. Plus, a fast-paced pop culture quiz reveals just how much—or how little—they know about last year’s biggest headlines. Did Sharna predict the right color underwear for good luck? Did Christopher finally get on the Barbie bandwagon? Tune in for fun, laughs, and maybe a resolution or two that won’t last past January!
Subscribe wherever get your podcasts and please like and subscribe on YouTube.
Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
What exactly does Charnopher consider a White Elephant Gift Exchange? Silly gifts? Spending limit? Should it be usable? And par for the course - charnopher also discusses Secret Santas, Ugly Sweater Contests, gift giving and #yourenotJesus. It's everything "Christmasy" wrapped into one action-packed episode. Grab your egg nog and some cookies and settle in Charnophanz.
Subscribe wherever get your podcasts and please like and subscribe on YouTube.
Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
The Wicked journey continues! Charnopher is joined by returning guest Tyler Jenkins to dive deeper into Wicked Part 1, tackling its storytelling choices, choreography, and musical changes. They explore memorable moments like Elphaba’s childhood, Defying Gravity’s cinematic reimagining, and a controversial tap-dancing wizard scene. The trio debates standout performances, including Michelle Yeoh’s turn as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum’s portrayal of the Wizard. With plenty of laughs, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes tidbits, this episode is a must-listen for fans of the musical and its cinematic adaptation.
Subscribe wherever get your podcasts and please like and subscribe on YouTube.
Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
Join Charnopher for a magical dive into *Wicked Part 1* in this episode. Decked out in Elphaba-inspired outfits, the dynamic duo breaks down their initial thoughts, favorite moments, and hot takes on the film’s length, choreography, and casting—especially Ariana Grande’s surprising turn as Glinda. Plus, they’re joined by returning guest Tylor Jenkins for even more laughs and insights on this highly anticipated adaptation. Did the movie live up to the hype? Tune in for candid opinions, a sprinkle of Broadway love, and plenty of witty banter.
Subscribe wherever get your podcasts and please like and subscribe on YouTube.
Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
A very merry Un birthday to you =) Half birthdays? Dog Birthdays? Sweet 16? There are so many different things to celebrate and ways to celebrate. Let's just say we learn what "bark-uterie" is! Charnopher talks birthday celebrations from the usual to the unusual.
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Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
Welcome to our Veterans Day episode. Charnopher discusses some Veterans Day history and helpful information (like no apostrohe in Veterans)! A true heartfelt thank you and nod of gratitude to all the Veterans who have served our country. We salute you!
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Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
It's only November, but dare we say… Christmas! It's not in true Charnopher style, but we focus on Christmas shopping strategies and the latest holiday trends for 2024. From creating detailed gift checklists to tracking flash sales and Black Friday deals, we share some good tips to make holiday shopping more enjoyable and less stressful. Plus, they dive into this year's Christmas decor trend!! Join us for a fun, laughter-filled conversation to kick off your holiday prep with style and a few laughs.
Subscribe wherever get your podcasts and please like and subscribe on YouTube.
Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
Charnopher welcomes back the fantabulous Elise Arndt! After leaving you Charnophanz on a cliffhanger last time, followed by a brief hiatus, Elise dives into her powerful work with Segerstrom Center for the Arts outreach programs. She shares insights from her teaching experiences in juvenile detention centers and underserved youth programs, emphasizing the transformative impact of theater on life skills and self-confidence. Alongside lighter moments and Halloween fun, this episode balances deep discussions on youth empowerment with laughter, giving listeners a heartfelt, insightful glimpse into education and the arts.
Subscribe wherever get your podcasts and please like and subscribe on YouTube.
Stay in touch with us on IG @charnopherofficial
Want some Merch?! Or do you just want to know more about us? Head over to Uncommonpod.com and check it out!!
From the publisher's feed
Are you ready for a peek behind-the-scenes of theater, education and all that jazz? Welcome to Uncommon Sense, where stories are told with a dash of drama, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of…
If you are a teacher, a student, a theater geek, a mom, a dad. Heck - if you are just a person who wants to be inspired while also having a good time listening to true stories, you're in the right place.
The tone of this show is decidedly comedic, making it ideal for those who want to take a break and enjoy a few belly laughs at some hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Hear insight into the world of Broadway, theater and education from 2 parents who can relate to you.
Known as “Charnopher”, hosts Christopher Smith and Charna Lopez take you on a ride through the highs and lows of working in theater and education while finding a work life balance for their families. They recount personal stories and interview guests from many backgrounds to offer insight into film, theater, education and parenting. It’s the whole shebang!!!
Charna has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism which she currently teaches to 10th graders. She went on to receive her Masters in Education and has 16+ years of experience in the education realm. Charna has directed and choreographed over 70 musical productions, and is the Artistic Director of Yorba Linda Spotlight Theater Company. Meanwhile, Christopher holds a Master of Fine Arts and has been in the business for over 25 years. He is a seasoned pianist, music director, teacher and producer. He works throughout all of Southern California. Charna and Christopher work and teach together at the Orange County School of the Arts.
Together, Charnopher offers a wealth of industry-related knowledge and connections. They discuss their own struggles and victories, and they invite guests from all walks of the entertainment industry to do the same. Listen in on Broadway's working actors, directors, and teachers as they discuss their professions. Get ready to learn insider tips from the pros, as well as sound career and life guidance.
To get a glimpse behind the scenes of education and the entertainment industry or just to find some commonality with two working parents, subscribe to Uncommon Sense: The 11 O’Clock Number and check out our website at UncommonPod.com. Don't miss out on the drama, energy and laughter that comes with living your dreams!!