Why I‘ll Never Make It

By Patrick Oliver JonesTV & Film Arts Music Performing Arts

Why I‘ll Never Make It episodes

October 25, 2019 KU Talent Agency and Artsplosure with Terri Dollar (Bite Size)
Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Terri Dollar. In the previous episode we focused on STAR, her program working with special needs theater artists in Raleigh.
Normally this would be another Final Five episode. However, after our initial conversation about her work with special needs actors I had a lot more questions about the other work that she does. So today in this bite-sized episode we chat about her talent agency and what she looks for in actors she represents as well as how she works to open up casting opportunities to all of her clients, including a couple of the STAR actors who are on her roster. We then discuss her work with Artsplosure, a huge arts festival she runs every year in Raleigh that is completely free and open to the public.
All in all Terry is one busy lady. I know that when I grow up I want to be more like Terri Dollar, and I’m sure after listening to the rest of our conversation you’re probably going to feel the same way too.
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To learn more about Terri and Artsplosure check out kutalentagency.com and artsplosure.org.
For more info on Why I'll Never Make It go to winmipodcast.com where you can also support and donate to this podcast.

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29 min
October 23, 2019 Terri Dollar - Arts Director Working with Special Needs Actors in Raleigh
If you ever feel like you can’t do something or or get down about hard this business is, then this episode it for you (and me). Terri Dollar shares her own story of working with special needs actors in Raleigh, NC. She talks about the commitment and dedication they put into each class and performance and how hard she pushes them to do their very best at all times. You’re bound to walk away from this episode with a greater appreciation of the work we do as artists and how it can truly change lives.

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

Also, reach out to me via email with your questions and comments about this episode or any other topic you want to discuss. I love getting your feedback and will answer your questions at the end of each month: contact.winmipodcast.com

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1 hr 1 min
October 18, 2019FINAL FIVE: Lauren Kennedy
Welcome to another FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions each guest will be asked all season long, giving concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to Lauren Kennedy...
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 both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
9 min
October 16, 2019 Lauren Kennedy - Broadway Actress and Artistic Director on Auditioning and Being Your Authentic Self
Having worked with Lauren Kennedy at Theatre Raleigh on BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, she joins the podcast today to talk about her transition from Broadway back to doing theater in her hometown of Raleigh. From her time growing up and studying theater in college to landing her first Broadway show and ultimately deciding to direct, Lauren shares her own experiences in auditions and what she now looks for on the other side of the table. It's a great conversation about the business and how she found fulfillment in what can often be a trying and frustrating profession.
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Contact me with your own "why I'll never make it" story or ask me a question you'd like to have answered on this podcast. Email me at [email protected] or leave a voicemail message at contact.winmipodcast.com. As the WINMI community continues to grow there are two ways you can help:
1) Please consider subscribing or donating to support the work that goes into each episode.
2) Share this podcast with those who you think would benefit from the stories and conversations featured on each episode.

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46 min
October 11, 2019FINAL FIVE: Bret Shuford
These are the five questions I'll be asking each guest all season long, giving concise and focused insights not covered in our conversations on Wednesday.
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?
Today, Bret talks more about dream roles, his autistic brother, and the most important life lesson he's learned.
Reach out to me directly with your own questions or comments via email ([email protected]) or on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com
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The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 min
October 09, 2019 Bret Shuford - Broadway Actor and Life Coach on Being Sober and Dealing with Our Inner Critic
Bret Shuford has dedicated his life to creating theatre. Most recently, he played Robbie in Cirque Du Soleil’s Paramour. Other credits include Broadway shows, national tours, and principal roles in feature films; including Martin Scorsese's The Wolf Of Wall Street.
As the Broadway Life Coach, Bret helps people find their full potential, get clear about their purpose, and create balance and self-confidence.
He also gives us all a chance to be a part of his FIVE-DAY BALANCE ON BROADWAY CHALLENGE. Click here to sign up.
I also mentioned my blog post on Dealing with Our Own Inner Critic.
Reach out to me directly with your own questions or comments via email ([email protected]) or on the website: contact.winmipodcast.com
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The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.
I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
51 min
October 04, 2019FINAL FIVE: Caroline Bowman & J. Harrison Ghee
The very first FINAL FIVE Bonus Episode! These are the five questions each guest will be asked all season long, giving concise and and focused insights not covered in our main conversation. The answers given are surprising and revealing, showing another side to both Bowman and Ghee...
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?

Listen to Parts One and Two of my conversation with these two talented stars.

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

Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 min
October 02, 2019 Caroline Bowman & J. Harrison Ghee (Part 2) How to Handle Criticism and the Importance of Recognizing Your Gifts
Welcome to Season Three and part two of my interview with J. and Caroline! These two Broadway performers join me to share their own journey to the Great White Way. We also discuss how to deal with detractors, handling disappointment in auditions, and finding confidence in being yourself.
Caroline Bowman has played Elphaba in WICKED, Eva Peron on the EVITA National Tour, and is Elsa in the current National Tour of FROZEN. J. Harrison Ghee has performed in Tokyo Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, and taken on the role of Lola in KINKY BOOTS.
In fact, this past summer all three of us were in the first regional production of KINKY BOOTS since it closed on Broadway. We put up the show in 11 days in St. Louis at The Muny for the 101st musical season.

Find Part One here and the Final Five bonus episode.

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Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32 min
September 30, 2019 Caroline Bowman & J. Harrison Ghee (Part 1) Their Broadway Debuts in KINKY BOOTS and Leadership in a Cast
Welcome to Season Three! These two Broadway performers join me for three episodes to share their own journey to the Great White Way. We also discuss the pressure of playing a leading role, handling criticism, and knowing who you are.
Caroline Bowman has played Elphaba in WICKED, Eva Peron on the EVITA National Tour, and is Elsa in the current National Tour of FROZEN. J. Harrison Ghee has performed in Tokyo Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, and taken on the role of Lola in KINKY BOOTS.
In fact, this past summer all three of us were in the first regional production of KINKY BOOTS since it closed on Broadway. We put up the show in 11 days in St. Louis at The Muny for the 101st musical season.

Find Part Two here and the Final Five bonus episode.

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Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.

Join the WINMI community by following on Instagram or Twitter as well as reaching out to Patrick with any questions or comments: contact.winmipodcast.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
44 min
September 22, 2019 Season Three Preview
Welcome to Season 3 of Why I’ll Never Make It, a weekly show, featuring insightful conversations with actors and fellow creatives on the realities of a career in the arts. In each episode we explore the setbacks and stumbles each of us face and how we overcome them, sometimes...all while challenging the notion of what it really means to “make it” in the entertainment industry.
I’m your host Patrick Oliver Jones, a professional actor and singer for than 25 years. From national tours and pre-Broadway productions, to developmental workshops and regional theaters across the US. I’m also a director, producer, and coach who knows first-hand how hard this industry is and the passion and dedication it takes to keep going.
This podcast typically runs between 45 to 60 minutes and releases every Wednesday. Every now and then, you’ll also get some bonus episodes from The Spotlight Series, where I talk to non-profit organizations making a difference in the arts and beyond. Also this season, Why I’ll Never Make It is going on the road...or rather out to sea. I’ve taken a contract on Norwegian Cruise Lines doing the musical FOOTLOOSE. So you’ll be getting some bite-size episodes at the end of each month about performing life, discussions on issues we artists face as well as taking your questions and comments.
It’s going to be a great season and I can’t wait for you to join me and my guests on Why I’ll Never Make It! Think of anyone you know who could also benefit from this podcast and tell them it’s available for free on any app that supports podcasts as well as the website, winmipodcast.com. Now go dive into the episodes and remember the reasons for not "making it" may be countless and arbitrary, but the reasons to keep going are even more numerous and rewarding.
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The time and expense needed to bring these guests and conversations to you each week is both sometimes challenging but always rewarding. Please consider buying me a coffee to support this work that goes into each episode.
Your donation will go directly into the podcast, helping to grow the WINMI community and allowing me to do so with greater ease and effectiveness. I wouldn't be here without listeners like you, so your donations are greatly appreciated. All donors will be recognized in a future episode for their generosity.
2 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…