Yes But Why Podcast

This week on Yes But Why, we chat with Seattle based actor Phillip Wheeler.

A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, Phillip has been working in TV, Film and Theater for over a decade.

In our conversation, we talk about developing your craft as an actor and about how to deal with the boring parts. Phillip mentions that he is taking a Zoom workshop with the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival right now! (SO FUN!)

Phillip is a character actor who plays a lot of bad guys. He shares stories about his first experience onstage in Three Musketeers and about making the horror film, “Junkie.”

We discuss how we think our current lockdown will change the film industry. Phillip notes the importance of learning the business side of acting. We chat about being supportive of your fellow actors and filmmakers, especially right now.


Phillip knows the hustle never stops when you’re an actor. Support Phillip Wheeler by checking out the short films he’s shot over the last few years.
Western Sol: https://vimeo.com/256450685
Exposure: https://vimeo.com/263546092
Transitions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHdR8_CDAMQ

And keep your eyes peeled for Phillip’s upcoming acting performances -- he will be appearing in the feature comedy film, “All Sorts,” the comedy pilot, “US+,” the Cold War short film, “The Assignment,” and a film about moonshine called “Hundred Proof”.

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this episode of Yes But Why, I had a really great conversation with actor/writer/director, Tracey B. Wilson.

Tracey B. Wilson started her professional career as a theatre actor. Onstage, Tracey performed improv and sketch comedy in NYC in the late 1990s. In our conversation, we talk about her experience with the NYC sketch group, Living Room Live.

Tracey also works in film and television, both in front of, and behind the camera. As well as starring in a few national commercials and several indie features, Tracey has co-written, directed and starred in several award-winning short films!

Tracey gives some great advice for freelance performers about standing up for yourself as a businessperson and getting paid what you are worth. We talk about putting in the hard work and about giving yourself the chance to change it up and have some fun. We chat about Tracey’s career in physical comedy from party mime to sports mascot to Curious George on tour! This woman is a ball of energy!

We talk about how awesome it was that event producer Jim Striebich hooked Tracey up with a traveling show playing “Vanna” for the Wheelmobile as well as two Lady Gaga tours! What??! It’s true! Tracey had a solo performance-art photography gig on Lady Gaga’s “Monster Ball” and “Born This Way Ball” tours. After this life changing experience, Tracey published the book, HEAL THIS WAY – A LOVE STORY. (Buy it for me.)

Tracey has been making the most of her time quarantining alone in NYC, becoming well acquainted with her green screen. Support Tracey B. Wilson by checking out her newest sketches at www.traceybwilson.com

Also, available now on Amazon, Tracey plays the title character in DIARY OF A LUNATIC, TREW'S CALLING - a film about finding your awesome. Watch it immediately.


Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this episode of Yes But Why, we talk to prolific and impressive writer, Ken LaSalle.

Ken LaSalle writes and writes and writes. Ken is the author of over 60 books and plays. He produces a YouTube show called To Be Honest and he hosts the Monday Morning Show Podcast.

Novelist Ken LaSalle was writing long before he ever considered himself a writer. And from paying the bills to dealing with a divorce, the road blocks to writing went up in front of Ken. As we talk, Ken says that putting pen to paper is the way he processes his life. The stories he tells helps him to cope with his real world struggles.

In this conversation, we talk about embracing who you really are. We chat about finding a partner who supports your artistic dreams. Ken shares his daily writing process and his aspirations for the future!

Support Ken La Salle by buying one of his books, listening to his podcasts or watching him on YouTube!

Ken is working on so many different projects at once! And all of his latest projects are book series!
Check them all out on Amazon:
the Heaven trilogy
DC Home Series
Work of Art
The Breakthrough

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this episode of Yes But Why, we talk to British comedian Steven Morgan about his experiences doing comedy across the world.

Steven Morgan is a comedian, improviser, storyteller, actor, writer, and musician that has been featured on Australia’s ABC and the UK’s BBC. Currently living in Nijmegen, Netherlands, where he moved from Brisbane, Australia, Steven has toured and performed in famous comedy clubs and festivals around the world. Since moving to The Netherlands, he has become a performer and teacher with Amsterdam’s easylaughs.

In our conversation, Steven shares stories of his journey, from performing in the UK band, Neon Highwire to hosting “Real Power Talk,” the wild comedy interview show made by Netherlands-based media company, All Things Loud.

Steven talks about how being a comedian was always something that was bursting to come out of him. I totally get that. Me too. But he didn’t get to it straightaway. It wasn’t until he moved to Brisbane and saw the vibrant comedy community that he was moved to join them. There, he immersed himself in classes and shows and fell in love with comedy.

We deep dive into discussing organizing comedy festivals when Steven mentions having organized the “Bris Funny Fest” one year. We talk about improv theory and providing context in your comedy. Steven stresses the importance of community and friendship.

My big takeaway from my talk with Steven was to make the most of every adventure you have. No matter where the world takes you, have fun with it.

Support Steven by watching “Real Power Talk” or by connecting with Amsterdam’s easylaughs to take online classes or just to donate to keep the comedy flowing.

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this episode of Yes But Why, we talk to Mardi-Ellen Hill, New York City-based composer, writer and thought leader.

By trade, Mardi-Ellen Hill is a musical composer, college professor, and business analyst. During her career, she won many grants and awards but for most of her life, Mardi-Ellen has been working on the story and the technology of the MEND™ universe.

MEND™ is rooted in a fictional narrative written by Mardi-Ellen and it extends to the business she built around the idea of her interactive story. She and her team created the MEND™ (Music ENcode/Decode) operating system that allows readers to decode the secret languages of the story and to discover clues as the plot unfolds. The MEND™ technology is also an invention within the story that is fought over by the characters. The story follows female protagonist, Lily Barrington, whose family’s checkered past places her in grave danger.

Mardi-Ellen notes that her biggest challenge with the project has been differentiating between MEND™, the work of fiction and MEND™, the real time operating system. Mardi-Ellen is a visionary in the world of business synergy, new media integration, and the mobile world of streaming content. She combines all of her skills with her creation of the MEND™ universe.

In our conversation, Mardi-Ellen shares the inspiration for her story as well as the journey of the piece. We talk about entertainment, education, and family power struggles. We discuss curiosity as the key to success.

Mardi-Ellen talks about the original play she wrote that got her an NEA grant to start the building blocks of the MEND universe. Mardi-Ellen talks about music and its connection to memory.

Mardi-Ellen Hill is an amazingly intelligent woman who has worked so hard to build this universe and she cannot wait to share it with the world! Support Mardi by checking out her website for the MEND Universe and by enjoying the music she composed for the story. Listen here for the main character’s theme song!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this episode of Yes But Why, we talk to performer and scientist, Mithra Vankipuram.

Mithra Vankipuram is a performer and improv instructor from the Bay Area. She is the Producer-in-Chief at The San Francisco Improv Festival as well as a Senior Research Scientist at HP Labs. She is a community builder in the San Francisco improv scene. She is also the Chair of HP's Palo Alto Women's Impact Network. Mithra believes in evolving the cultural growth of her science/technology workplace by leading initiatives to empower women and minorities.

In our conversation, Mithra shares her philosophy on being your most authentic self. We talk about how to use improv in the real world for making friends and for dealing with awkward situations.

Mithra shares stories of her own journey as an actor. We talk about navigating emotions onstage and off. We discuss integrating the yes and philosophy of improv into your daily life.

Support Mithra by supporting the San Francisco improv scene and The San Francisco Improv Festival.

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

In this episode of Yes But Why, we talk to San Francisco-based performer, director and educator, Radhika Rao.

Radhika Rao is an actor, improviser, storyteller, director, writer, and arts educator/consultant. She has performed theater in the United States and abroad. Radhika has an Ed.D from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and specializes in creating curriculum that integrates theater into diverse learning situations for various populations and organizations. She works as a communications coach with Life Theatre Services, Leela Improv, Peers & Players, University of San Francisco, and Stanford University.

In our conversation, we talked about weaving theater into every part of our lives.
Radhika talks about her theater experience she had in college in India – learning Shakespeare and classics as well as new playwrights. We discuss the ways in which Radhika has always been drawn to theater.

Radhika is a ray of sunshine. She talks about the ups and downs of her path but she still appreciates the overall journey. Radhika shares her experience finding Buddhism and connects that to the strength that keeps her positive and moving forward.

Radhika is excited about her upcoming projects. She teaches improv and she directs plays and one woman shows in the Bay Area. And recently, she acted in an episode of the Amazon series, “Hiraeth,” available now.

Check out Radhika’s website radhikarao.org to support her future performance and educational adventures!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week, Yes But Why Podcast interviews Lisbon, Portugal based improviser, Stephen Thornton!

Stephen Thornton has been studying, performing and teaching improvisation since 2001 when he was first introduced to the theater games of Viola Spolin. From 2006 to 2018, he continued his improv education in New York City, taking classes at The Peoples Improv Theater (PIT) and studying with some great improv teachers from around the country.

Since 2010, he has been coaching improv teams and teaching Improvisational Theatre workshops in NYC and abroad. In 2019, he founded his own company, Stephen Thornton Improv and shortly thereafter, moved to Lisbon, Portugal. Stephen is currently active in building the Lisbon improv community. He teaches and performs with his short-form English-speaking group, "4Misfits,"which features previous Yes But Why guest, Andre Sobral. Stephen also hosts an improv jam called Jelly Jam alongside co-host/producer, Luana Proença.

In our conversation, Stephen and I talk about being improvisers who are extroverted onstage but introverted in private life. We talk about liking the attention but how we need to recuperate after all that energy exchange.

Stephen talks about moving from Hawaii to Colorado as a kid. Stephen tells me how he got into performing in high school. Stephen shares some of the issues he had with casting calls after graduating at New York Film Academy and how that inspired him to do improv full time.

Stephen talks about how happy he is to have improv in his life. Stephen talks about one of his mentors, Scotty Watson, and the acting training that he folded into his improv classes. Stephen and I discuss his recent move from NYC to Lisbon to be on the front lines of developing the improv scene in Portugal. This was a fun conversation with lots of good advice throughout!

Support Stephen by taking an online improv course with him RIGHT NOW! Stephen has been teaching online improv courses during this socially distant time. Next week, there are 4 opportunities to learn from Stephen --. 2 workshops for beginners and 2 workshops for experienced improvisers. Visit his website for workshop descriptions and to register NOW  www.stimprov.com

ALSO -- Very recently, Stephen was able to perform with his NYC troupemates from “3.14 pronounced PIE” both of whom have been interviewed by this podcast -- Irene Carroll and Scotty Watson! They did it via Zoom! And I am excited to see it! Link to the Zoom recording of their performance coming soon!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week, Yes But Why Podcast presents a conversation with Sarah Rhea Werner, host and star of the popular audio drama podcast, Girl In Space!

Sarah Rhea Werner is a professional podcaster, a writer, a speaker, a contributor to Forbes, and the creator and executive producer of both the Write Now podcast and the award-winning audio drama Girl In Space.

Sarah was an absolutely delightful guest from the very beginning of this interview. I can’t believe I confessed so much to her about my own creative rut! I felt a little awkward and fan-girly but she was so kind and supportive throughout the whole chat!

In this conversation, we kick off deep diving into a discussion on imagination as a survival instinct. Then, Sarah talks about her own creative process and I ask how the popularity of Girl In Space has affected her.

We discuss the impact we can have on people with our podcasts and we talk about searching for creative inspiration in everything we do.

Sarah shares the story of how she started her sci-fi podcast, Girl In Space. We talk about how to get the work done.

Support Sarah Rhea Werner by listening to and watching her shows - the Write Now podcast for writers and the sci-fi audio drama, Girl In Space. Also, Sarah teaches classes as a Podcasting Expert to help new podcasters get started! Contact her for help now!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This week on Yes But Why, we talk to actor and personal trainer, Melissa Sledge.

Melissa Sledge is an Austin based fitness professional, who after losing 50 pounds herself, dedicated her life to teaching others how to look beyond the scale and focus on making daily healthy living practices. In between helping her clients live their best life, Melissa is also active as an actor and model.

Melissa and I met on a photo shoot. In between shots, Melissa and I bonded over the hard work it takes to keep a creative career going. Like so many others, I was inspired by her so I asked her to be on the podcast.

In this conversation, we chat about the pull to be responsible and practical and how it can keep you away from doing what you are really meant to do. Melissa talks about her journey from salesperson to college counselor to fitness professional.

Melissa shares her love of acting in commercials and films. She talks about sinking her teeth into commercial workshops and acting classes to hone her craft.

We discuss her experience getting attention from the fitness press when she lost 50 lbs on her own and how that led her to create her own fitness business. She loves having the opportunity to help people live a healthier life.

You can support Melissa right now by visiting her website and taking advantage of the virtual personal training and fitness nutrition coaching she is currently offering!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.