Why I‘ll Never Make It

By Patrick Oliver JonesTV & Film Arts Music Performing Arts

Why I‘ll Never Make It episodes

May 27, 2020Douglas Sills - Broadway’s Leading Man Almost Led Another Life
His iconic Broadway debut in SCARLET PIMPERNEL may have made Douglas Sills a Broadway star, but his head has never been in the clouds. In today's episode, he has his feet firmly on the ground and shares how he left the business (twice) and what brought him back.
His insights are a seasoned look not only at his career but at the kind of person he wants to be. From understanding luck's role in his career to realizing that having a life means so much more than making a living, Douglas is both confident and vulnerable in this honest look at what "making it" really means.
That Tony Awards performance that inspired me and made me a fan of Douglas Sills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpAXrY2rf_s&list=RDgpAXrY2rf_s&start_radio=1
Follow Doug: Twitter / Instagram
Follow WINMI: Instagram / Twitter
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May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com
WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast
Music in this episode: "Little Idea" by Scott Holmes is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial License.

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57 min
May 22, 2020FINAL FIVE: Mykal Kilgore and Hannah Elless
After our conversation on the previous episode, Mykal and Hannah answer the Final Five questions. They share stories of the individuals who have inspired them as artists as well as their interests in education and geology. They finish with why it's so important to be on time and the proper place for performance in an artist's life.
Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodast.com.
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The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.
For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/
Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/

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19 min
May 20, 2020Hannah Elless & Mykal Kilgore - Broadway Performers Who Crave New Works and Musicals
Hannah Elless and Mykal Kilgore (and myself) first met doing a reading of a new musical called THE STAR CHILD. They have each gone on to do three Broadway shows, but they still love that new-car smell of a fresh, unknown piece of theater.
In today's conversation they explain why new works are so important, how their big families taught them to collaborate, and what success means to them and how they are still striving for it. Plus, they talk about the dream of a Broadway debut versus the reality of getting one.
- Listen to my episode with Jenny Stafford, book writer for STAR CHILD.
- Hear a song from Mykal's A MAN BORN BLACK.
- Watch Hannah's multi-instrument talents on display in "Ashville" from BRIGHT STAR.
Follow on Instagram: Hannah Elless / Mykal Kilgore
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May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com
Support WINMI through your kind donations: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast

Music used in this episode from Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. "Sidecar" • "Kitty in a Window" • "Smooth Actor"

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1 hr 3 min
May 15, 2020FINAL FIVE: Andrew Lippa
Welcome back to my talk with Andrew Lippa as he answers the Final Five questions. This is a bonus episode to the conversation we had previously, covering topics we didn't get to last time. From political aspirations to advice he gives to aspiring artists, this is a deeper dive into a talented composer and performer.
Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com.
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May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/
Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/
WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 min
May 13, 2020Andrew Lippa - Composer and Lyricist on Being a Big Fish in a Little Broadway Pond
From his first intimate musical, john and jen, to his bigger productions on and off Broadway, Andrew Lippa has been a prolific and award-winning writer. He joins the podcast to talk about his growth along that sometimes bumpy path and what it means to bring a bit of himself into his compositions and lyrics.
He shares the disappoints he felt with The Wild Party and Big Fish, the lessons he learned from The Addams Family, and the personal journey he took in becoming Harvey Milk.
Learn more about Andrew...
Website: https://andrewlippa.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lippaofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lippaandrew/
His recent shows: The Man in the Ceiling, I Am Harvey Milk, Unbreakable
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May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: twitter.com/winmipodcast/
Quotes and unreleased audio clips: instagram.com/winmipodcast/
Reach out to me with comments or questions: contact.winmipodcast.com
WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: ko-fi.com/winmipodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53 min
May 08, 2020FINAL FIVE: Hal Luftig
After our conversation on the previous episode, Hal Luftig answers the Final Five. He shares his love of teaching and his dream to work with Audra McDonald as well as what he learned from famed Broadway producer Emanuel "Manny" Azenberg.
Do you have other ideas for Final Five questions? Let me know at contact.winmipodcast.com.
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May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast/
Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast/
WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 min
May 06, 2020Hal Luftig - Broadway Producer Finds Value in the Hit Musicals As Well As the Flops
Welcome to a month-long look at previous Broadway seasons...the nominations, the wins, and the losses.
With four Tony Awards to his name, including two as lead producer, and two Olivier Awards, also as lead producer, Hal Luftig knows and thing or two about theatrical success. But he also knows the pitfalls that come and how not every show finds an audience or makes a lot of money.
Today, he shares those insights and more from the heights of success with KINKY BOOTS to his disappointment with the early closing of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD. He opens up about the lessons he's learned and what keeps him going.
Website: https://www.halluftig.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rialtoguy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/halluftig
Previous guests who have appeared in his productions:
J. Harrison Ghee - KINKY BOOTS
Caroline Bowman - KINKY BOOTS and EVITA
James Monroe Števko - FIDDLER IN YIDDISH
John McGinty - CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD
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Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter (@winmipodcast) as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55 min
May 01, 2020FINAL FIVE: Alina Alcántara
Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode with Alina Alcántara! After our last conversation about staying motivated and the joy she found in performing, Alina sat down to answer five questions on topics and insights not covered in the previous episode. She also mentioned mutual friend and fellow artist Juan Cantu as someone who inspires her both personally and professionally.
If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be?
What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day?
Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you.
Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day?
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
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The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with me: contact.winmipodcast.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
11 min
April 29, 2020Alina Alcántara - Actress and Singer Found Passion and Purpose in Theater
Former flight attendant Alina Alcántara is a New York native of Dominican heritage, who has lived in Florida for most of her life. And in this episode she shares the rocky road to finding her true calling in life as an actor and singer. But even with this love and passion for performing she has her bad days of feeling inferior and unmotivated. So what keeps her going? Her story will inspire you and put a smile in your heart.
Follow her online and social media:
twitter.com/BroadwayBaby73
instagram.com/broadwaybaby1973
https://alinaalcantara.com/
Listen to her on Diagon Alley - https://youtu.be/fwuk_UxndlY
----------
May this podcast be a resource for you as you discover more ways to pursue a career in this industry and sustain it through the many ups and downs that follow.
For further insights on the topics covered in this episode: https://twitter.com/winmipodcast
Quotes and unreleased audio clips: https://www.instagram.com/winmipodcast
Reach out to me with comments or questions: https://contact.winmipodcast.com
WINMI is supported through kind donations of listeners like you: https://ko-fi.com/winmipodcast
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Music in this episode:
"Elephants On Parade" and "Shines Through Trees" by Podington Bear is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License. (Based on work at http://soundofpicture.com)

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46 min
April 24, 2020FINAL FIVE: Seán Cullen
It's been a month-long break, so welcome back to the FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode!
After our last conversation, Seán answers five final questions not covered in the previous episode. He talks about his bucket list Sondheim musical and reveals his comedic idol...
If you could have any other job outside of the arts what would it be?
What is a bucket list role or show you still hope to do one day?
Who do you look up to? A mentor or someone who inspires you.
Name a lesson or trait that took you awhile to learn or one that you are still learning to this day?
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
----------
The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

Do you have questions or stories of your own? Share them with the WINMI Community: contact.winmipodcast.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
13 min

About Why I‘ll Never Make It

From the publisher's feed

The actor’s journey is one of occasional highs and frequent lows. It is a path riddled with self-doubt and frustration as we question our career choices, wondering if we’ll ever really ”make it.” But…