Shows
Was It Chance?Nick Rashad Burroughs: Living the Life You Were Meant to CreateThis episode is a masterclass in following your gut, showing up fully, and creating your own path—even when it’s not the one you planned. Nick Rashad Burroughs joins us to share the wild and wonderful story of how a missed ride after school led to an accidental audition… and an entirely new life trajectory. From growing up in a deeply religious, sports-focused family in Alabama to starring on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Something Rotten, and Tina, Nick has lived a life powered by guts, grit, and creative risk.
Nick opens up about the struggle to reconc...2025-06-101h 00
Was It Chance?Lena Hall: Finding Your True Voice by Saying “F** It”*Tony Award-winning performer Lena Hall joins Heather and Alan for a wide-ranging and often hilarious conversation about discovering her true creative voice—literally and metaphorically. From her roots as a ballerina bred by artistic parents, to reinventing herself after vocal surgery, Lena shares how a mix of chance, grit, and gutsy choices helped her chart a bold path in musical theater, TV, and rock music. Whether she’s fronting a band, redefining her Broadway persona, or belting out Radiohead in her latest TV role, Lena proves that creative success comes from embracing the unexpected—and never losing your sense of pla...2025-05-271h 19
Was It Chance?Becky Mollenkamp: Redefining Success on Your Own TermsWhat does it mean to live gutsy? In this episode, we sit down with mindset coach Becky Mollenkamp, the powerhouse behind the Gutsy Boss brand. Becky’s journey from journalist to entrepreneur to feminist coach is full of brave pivots, hard-earned wisdom, and a whole lot of intentional unlearning. After the sudden loss of her brother, she started asking the big questions—and her life hasn’t been the same since.
We talk about what it takes to break free from patriarchal conditioning, how people-pleasing sneaks into our lives and businesses, and why redefining success is an act of...2025-05-061h 12
Was It Chance?Mei Lee: Blending Ancient Practice with Modern ApplicationsWhat happens when you blend ancient wisdom with modern science? Meet Mei Lee, a powerhouse entrepreneur who retired from a 30-year career in finance to follow her passion for natural healing and skincare. Growing up in Hong Kong, Mei watched her father practice traditional Chinese medicine, instilling in her a deep respect for holistic wellness.
After years as an avid tennis player, the sun took a toll on her skin, leading her back to her roots. She founded Ageless Zen, merging herbal healing with cutting-edge research to create a skincare line that’s as effective as it is...2025-04-2256 min
Was It Chance?Don Mamone: Different Doesn't Mean BrokenEver feel like you’re living a life that doesn’t quite fit? Don Mammone knows that feeling all too well. After years of thriving in the hospitality industry, Don took a leap of faith, leaving behind the “shoulds” and societal expectations to pursue photography, coaching, and a life lived authentically. Heather and Alan go deep in this heart-felt conversation with Don about their journey of self-discovery, navigating identity, and challenging the binary mindset. As a proud non-binary advocate, speaker, and brand new author of Different Doesn’t Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary, Don shares what it means to e...2025-04-091h 12
Was It Chance?Venessa Vida Kelley (from the vault)Originally aired Jan 30th, 2024, we are bringing this back because When the Tides Held the Moon is now available for (pre) order!Venessa Vida Kelley is a Washington, DC-based author, illustrator, and sequential artist. Her work focuses on magical realism, fantasy, and culturally diverse romance. Venessa has been featured alongside the works of such authors as Casey McQuiston, TJ Klune, Everina Maxwell, Sophie Gonzales, Becky Albertalli, Sarah Rees Brennan, Alexis Hall, Jennifer Weiner, and others, as well as the marketing campaign for Amazon Studio’s highly-anticipated movie adaptation, “Red White & Royal Blue.” Her graphic novel...2025-03-261h 35
Was It Chance?Jaclyn Goldis: The World Traveling NovelistJaclyn Goldis is a former estate planning attorney turned author and adventurer. After seven years practicing law in Chicago, Jaclyn left her career to travel the world with just a backpack, eventually settling in Israel to write full-time. Her fourth novel, The Safari, will be released in May '25, and her story is one of bold risks, creativity, and chasing dreams.Jaclyn always knew writing was her true passion. She describes leaving her legal career as both brave and inevitable, freeing herself from the weight of possessions and expectations. Traveling to places like South Africa, Bali, and...2025-03-051h 04
Was It Chance?Jennifer Apple: There Is Enough Space To Go Around"There is enough space to go around - we can ALL show up and do the thing and be successful" - Jennifer Apple.Ever wonder what it's like to throw out the rulebook and chase your dreams full throttle? That's exactly what we're diving into on today's episode of Was It Chance with our amazing guest Jennifer Apple. From award-winning performances in "The Band's Visit" to launching the game-changing Empowered Artist Collective, Jennifer's all about keeping it real in the wild world of performing arts. She's that rare combo of crazy talented and totally genuine, and she's...2025-02-181h 10
Was It Chance?Jen Ponton & Deborah Unger: Maiden Mother CroneYou’re in for a treat today as we chat with not one but two fantastic guests: Jen Ponton and Deborah Unger are incredibly talented performers who’ve built remarkable careers in theatre, film, and television. Their paths intertwined fifteen years ago during an old-school teleconference with a performance coach. The episode explores their individual journeys and the enduring power of their collaborative relationship. Their upcoming show Maiden Mother Crone features their two solo shows: Jen's autobiographical solo show, Sugarcoated, and Deborah's deeply personal play, The Longer My Mother is Dead, the More I Like...2025-02-061h 27
Was It Chance?Pepe Muñoz: It’s Not Talent, It’s TylenolMeet Pepe Muñoz, the artist whose path from professional dancer to renowned fashion illustrator and now Broadway performer will leave you inspired. With a career marked by intuition and bold risks, Pepe has seamlessly merged his passions for movement and visual art. From collaborating with Céline Dion to gracing the stages of Paris Couture Fashion Week and Broadway's Moulin Rouge, Pepe's story is a testament to the power of embracing one's versatility and trusting the universe's plan.Connect with Pepe on Instagram and TikTok.
Make sure to follow th...2025-01-221h 08
Was It Chance?Maddie Price: Age Is Only a NumberImagine having a clarity of purpose and drive to pursue your passions that allows you to achieve more before age 17 than many do in a lifetime. Welcome to the world of Maddie Price, a teenage theatrical powerhouse who's turning her creative vision into a Broadway-bound reality. From her early days as the Mayor of Munchkinland to becoming a playwright, producer, and founder of her own production company, Maddie's journey is a testament to the power of embracing your talents, taking bold action, and believing in the impossible. With her sights set on showcasing teen voices and creativity, Maddie is...2025-01-0742 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2024 Wrap up with Alan Seales and Sarah Goodman (and a little Jackie Burns)Welp, we've finally made it to the end of 2024. This year was full of changes, ups, downs, and some overall just weird behavior across the board. But hey, we got some amazing shows out of the new 2024-2025 season, and fortunately between the two of us, guest host Sarah Goodman (from the GOOD SHOW Podcast) and I were able to see a lot of them! Listen in as we recap some of our fav's, not-so-fav's, and tucked inside the episode is even a quick appearance from Jackie Burns. Happy new year! Connect with Sarah:2024-12-3154 min
Was It Chance?2024 End of Year ReflectionWelp, we made it through yet another year around the sun. Or the sun has made one more revolution around the earth? Nope, flat earthers, you wrong. Anyhoo, join us for our final episode of the year - discussing some of our favorite interview moments, and moments in general, from 2024.
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on...2024-12-2337 min
Was It Chance?Rowan Jetté Knox: Normalizing Trans YouthMeet Rowan Jetté Knox, the award-winning Canadian writer and human rights advocate who embodies the power of embracing change and living authentically. Rowan courageously shares his family's journey towards acceptance of both his middle child and wife's transgender identity in his bestselling memoir "Love Lives Here". This journey, marked by vulnerability and unconditional love, has normalized the existence of LGBTQ2S+ families and sparked international change. Rowan's advocacy extends beyond his personal narrative, confronting the stigma of mental illness and championing the rights of transgender youth. His work has earned him recognition such as the Order of Ottawa. Rowan's s...2024-12-101h 21
Was It Chance?Lyndsay Rush: Butt-Cracks of Light and Resurrectile DysfunctionThis week on Was it Chance, we're joined by Lyndsay Rush, the poet behind the viral Instagram account @maryoliversdrunkcousin. With her debut collection A Bit Much, Lyndsay has been making readers laugh and think about the big questions of life. From body image to aging to whether or not to have kids, Lyndsay tackles it all with her signature blend of humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of female empowerment. Tune in as we chat with Lyndsay about her journey from comedy writing to poetry, and how she's built a community of women who celebrate their true selves, weirdness...2024-11-251h 16
Was It Chance?Janusz Domagala: Baking with Pride on on Reality TVJoin us for a delightful conversation with Janusz Domagala, the charming and talented baker from The Great British Baking Show and Crime Scene Kitchen. Janusz shares his inspiring journey from Poland to the UK, driven by a desire to improve his English and live openly as his authentic self. We dive into his natural passion for baking, which began as a therapeutic hobby with his mother. Janusz reveals the surprising way he ended up on The Great British Baking Show, the intense casting process, and the unique experience of competing during the COVID season. He shares candid insights about...2024-11-121h 14
Was It Chance?Kaitlin Johnstone: Kindess Rooted in Justice, Grounded in Action and Open to Change"You can't be what you can't see.' This is the hard reality many kids face when they don't see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This week on Was it Chance, we're shining the spotlight on the entrepreneur on a mission to change that narrative. Meet Kaitlin Johnstone, the powerhouse behind Kind Cotton. What started as a frustration in Kaitlin's kindergarten classroom has blossomed into a movement to put diverse books into the hands of kids. Through her clothing brand, Kaitlin is not just selling t-shirts – she's sparking a more inclusive future. With refreshing honesty, Kaitlin shares th...2024-10-2257 min
Was It Chance?Nikki Payne: Writing Black Women Into Their Happily Ever AfterWhat happens when a passion for social justice meets a gift for storytelling? You get Nikki Payne. By day, Nikki works as a civic anthropologist, making government services more accessible. But by night, she's a celebrated novelist, using her words to challenge the status quo and write Black women into the spotlight. Nikki's debut novel, Pride and Protest, has earned widespread acclaim, and she's joining us on Was It Chance to discuss how her diverse pursuits fuel her creativity. From her childhood love of documentaries to her current work in philosophy and fiction, Nikki is proof that embracing multiple...2024-10-081h 09
Was It Chance?Lili Thomas (From the Vault)This episode was originally released Feb 28, 2023 as episode 34. To listen to Lili's episode from Dec 2023 on The Theatre Podcast, click here.--- ORIGINAL NOTES ---Do you remember when our collective hearts broke watching “Connor's mom” breakdown in Dear Evan Hansen? Yeah, that was traumatic! And Lili Thomas does it every single night on stage as she performs the beautiful and devastating role of Cynthia Murphy for the North American touring company of Dear Evan Hansen.The child of two world-renowned classical musicians, Lili made her own path in the arts. She became a tr...2024-09-241h 03
Was It Chance?The Broadway Husbands, Bret Shuford & Stephen Hanna: Love, Fatherhood, and Broadway DreamsJoin Heather and Alan as they welcome the inspiring Bret Shuford and Stephen Hanna, known as the Broadway Husbands, to the "Was it Chance?" podcast. This charismatic couple's love story began in the bright lights of New York's Broadway scene, where they met in 2007 while pursuing their passions for the performing arts.After falling in love and tying the knot in 2011, Bret and Stephen took a leap of faith in 2020, leaving the Big Apple behind and relocating to Houston to build a family of their own.Tune in as the Broadway Husbands open up about...2024-09-101h 10
Was It Chance?Isaac Mizrahi: Becoming a Fashion Icon by AccidentA true New York City legend from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the stages of Broadway and the forefront of fashion, Isaac Mizrahi has left an indelible mark on every field he touches. With a career spanning decades, he's become a household name known for his sharp wit, bold designs, and magnetic personality. Whether behind the scenes or in the spotlight, he consistently pushes boundaries and redefines what it means to be a modern-day Renaissance man. Was it chance that led him on this extraordinary journey? We'll find out as we speak with the iconic designer, performer, and...2024-08-271h 09
Was It Chance?Dallas James Pritt: Turning Rejection into FuelGet ready to have your heartstrings tugged and your faith in new talent restored! This week, we’re thrilled to welcome the soulful, soaring voice of Dallas Pritt to the Was it Chance mic. Dallas is the rising star the music scene didn't know it needed until now, and we can't get enough of his unique blend of pop, R&B, and soul.From Cold Emails to CollaborationThis isn't a story about waiting for opportunity to knock – it's about dragging opportunity in by the lapels. Dallas shares how a bold, cold email to producer Joey...2024-08-2054 min
Was It Chance?Matthew Hubbard: Failure is a Chance to Take the Scenic RouteWhat do mountain top farms, hockey, and a passion for queer romance have in common? You're about to find out! Get ready for a conversation that's as Southern-charming as sweet tea on the front porch.Meet Matthew Hubbard, the bestselling author of "The Last Boyfriend's Rules for Revenge". Growing up gay in rural Alabama, Matthew knows how it feels to be an outsider. But he turned that experience into fuel for writing the queer YA romances he wished he'd had as a teen. From mountain top farms to becoming a published author, Matthew's journey is all about...2024-08-061h 09
Was It Chance?Alison Luff: The Power of 'No'Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration, because Alison Luff's story is about to take your breath away. This talented triple threat has dazzled audiences in everything from Waitress to Wicked to a swashbuckling turn as a singing pirate (because, why not?!). But Alison's journey to the top wasn't always a cakewalk. Tune in to hear how she navigated the ups and downs of the industry, learned to trust her gut, and proved that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards. With her infectious energy and a heart of gold, Alison is the ultimate reminder that...2024-07-171h 18
Was It Chance?Meg Shaffer: The Lost StoryMeg Shaffer is a true artist with a heart full of words and a soul full of stories, and her passion is nothing short of infectious.Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder and words! This week, USA Today bestselling author Meg Shaffer joins Heather Vickery and Alan Seales on Was It Chance to discuss her lifelong passion for reading and writing. Meg opens up about how she's always been inspired by the idea of crafting stories that transport us, much like her childhood hero Willy Wonka. She shares how the loss of her...2024-07-041h 06
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales"CATS: The Jellicle Ball" Recap with Alan Seales of The Theatre Podcast"I love this show and I love this production. This production was so much fun because it spans all theater fans, all ballroom fans, and just people who want to go have a good time will like this." This bonus episode is a recap of "CATS: The Jellicle Ball" featuring Mike and Alan Seales of the Theatre Podcast recorded immediately after seeing a preview of this incredible production. This episode contains a few spoilers about the show but gives a breakdown of the what to expect when you enter the PAC. Mike and Alan give the production high praise...2024-06-2238 min
Was It Chance?Anna DeShawn: The Founder of The QubeWhat happens when a passionate broadcaster with a dream to be the next Robin Roberts transforms the media landscape for BIPOC and QTPOC creatives? Join us on "Was it Chance" as we dive into the inspiring journey of Anna DeShawn, the trailblazing force behind E3 Radio and The Qube. Discover how Anna's visionary drive and relentless pursuit of inclusivity are reshaping digital media and giving voice to those who need it most.Anna DeShawn is a celebrated multi-award and Ambie-winning podcast producer and host from Chicago, known for her pioneering work in media. She founded E3 Radio...2024-06-181h 00
Was It Chance?Laura Larios: It's a Called a "Nervous" System for a ReasonLaura Larios is a nervous system coach who’s revolutionizing entrepreneurship for high-achieving women. Our conversation explores the profound impact of the nervous system on our thoughts, decision-making, and ability to avoid burnout, emphasizing the idea that our nervous system shapes our thinking patterns, rather than the other way around. Laura's approach is about fostering awareness of our often-overlooked nervous system, enabling individuals to transition from mere survival to growth and self-improvement.Through her journey from a creative student immersed in theater to a hospitality professional and ultimately a trailblazing entrepreneur, Laura is as compelling as her co...2024-06-041h 18
Was It Chance?Andy Mientus: tick... tick... BOOM... He's in The FlashWelcome to "Was it Chance" where we peel back the layers of serendipity to uncover the hard work and opportunities behind what looks like mere chance. In today's episode, we bring you a conversation with the extremely handsome and talented Andy Mientus, a true maverick of the stage and screen.From accidentally becoming one of Broadway's first social media managers to his heartwarming experience with Dolly Parton on the set of Heartstrings, and one amazing Broadway production credit after another, Andy's journey is one you don’t want to miss.Andy shares with us his bel...2024-05-211h 08
Was It Chance?Katie Horwitch: Turning Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment!Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment!Katie Horwitch, the powerhouse behind WANT: Women Against Negative Talk joins Heather and Alan to explore a world where our inner critic often holds the mic, Katie shares her journey of flipping the script on negative self-talk, providing listeners with the tools to craft a more empowering internal narrative. Discover the subtle childhood origins of our adult self-talk and unravel Katie's personal transition from the stage to being the mastermind behind WANT. This episode is an amalgamation of personal anecdotes, deep-seated wisdom, and actionable advice on navigating (and embracing) the risks of pursuing...2024-05-071h 05
Was It Chance?Mark Daley: Wrong Door, Right TimeMark Daley describes his life as a series of wrong doors at the right time. Tune in as Mark shares his remarkable journey from growing up closeted and steeped in shame to political campaigns to pioneering LGBTQ+ rights, becoming a foster parent, and then reshaping foster care for at-risk youth. This episode will challenge everything you think you know about risk, family, and the power of unexpected moments to lead you home. Mark's story is a masterclass in turning the unexpected into the unforgettable. Tune in to uncover the life lessons hidden in unexpected places and learn why sometimes...2024-04-161h 02
Was It Chance?Alison Cochrun: Authors... They're Just Like Us!Welcome to the beautiful world of queer romance with author Alison Cochrun. Hear about the stories behind her heartwarming novels that celebrate love's many hues and the courageous journey of self-discovery that echoes through her pages. From the award-winning "Kiss Her Once for Me" to the charm of "The Charm Offensive," and the excitement building around "Here We Go Again," Alison shares her thoughts on crafting the quirkiest, most endearing characters that resonate with readers everywhere. Discover how a feverish six-day writing stint morphed into an international bestseller, and why taking risks can lead to the most beautiful of...2024-03-301h 13
Was It Chance?James Jin: Pushing Through The Visually UncomfortableStep into a world where dance meets stillness, and artistry transcends boundaries. Join us as we uncover the magic behind James Jin's lens, where each click captures not just a moment, but a story. Discover how James's Artist Mindset transforms his subjects into empowered, expansive artists, and learn why his work is more than just photography—it's a journey of self-discovery and expansion. James Jin is a Brooklyn-based artist, singer, educator, and photographer on a mission to transform the experience of being photographed and “seeing” ones self. Through his Artist Mindset photo session, James helps clients tap into thei...2024-03-1259 min
Was It Chance?Lara Love Hardin: Climbing Back From a Heroin AddictionFrom New York Times bestselling author comes a tale of personal redemption. Uncover the incredible journey of Lara Love Hardin in this intimate episode, Lara reveals her struggles, the power of self-forgiveness, and the profound impact of storytelling. Dive into a story of hope and the unyielding strength of the human spirit that promises to leave you inspired. Listen now - the story of Lara Love Hardin is one you won't want to miss.Connect with Lara on Instagram get a copy of ‘The Many Lives of Mama Love’
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you f...2024-02-271h 17
Was It Chance?Anoushka Lucas: Redefining IntentionalityAnoushka Lucas is a singer, songwriter, actor and theatre composer. Raised in London, Anoushka spoke French before she spoke English, and has a degree in Russian and Italian from Oxford University. Anoushka has been writing songs since the age of 14 and has been described as “an exceptional voice and a great songwriter” (Jamie Cullum, BBC Introducing 2017). Her debut album, Dark Soul, was produced by Martin Terefe (Jamie Cullum, KT Tunstall, Martha Wainwright) and was released in July 2019. Anoushka is starring in U.Me: The Complete Musical, which boasts a new original soundtrack and is perform...2024-02-141h 11
Was It Chance?Venessa Vida Kelley: Bless Your MistakesVenessa Vida Kelley is a Washington, DC-based author, illustrator, and sequential artist. Her work focuses on magical realism, fantasy, and culturally diverse romance. Venessa has been featured alongside the works of such authors as Casey McQuiston, TJ Klune, Everina Maxwell, Sophie Gonzales, Becky Albertalli, Sarah Rees Brennan, Alexis Hall, Jennifer Weiner, and others, as well as the marketing campaign for Amazon Studio’s highly-anticipated movie adaptation, “Red White & Royal Blue.” Her graphic novel debut, MANU FACES THE MUSIC, is in development with Oni Press, with her first illustrated adult historical fiction novel WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON set to deb...2024-01-301h 29
Was It Chance?Steve Kamb: Not All Heroes Wear Capes (but this one might)Imagine leveling your life up video game style. Well, good news - you don’t have to imagine it because Steve Kamb has created it. Steve is the nerd who founded NerdFitness.com to help average folks, nerds, and misfits level up their lives. White working a job he hated, Steve started NerdFittness as a way to bring a little joy into his life and share what he’s learned about fitness as a nerd who didn’t make the team and, ok, also to help people avoid the same mistakes he made when he started his own journey.C...2024-01-101h 03
Was It Chance?2023 End of Year ReflectionWhat's your word for 2024? Happy holidays and have a wonderful new year, everyone!
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2023-12-2625 min
Was It Chance?Paula Lafferty: The TikTok WhispererPaula Lafferty is a writer whose story is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. From the early days of jotting down snippets of imagination in journals that littered her parent's house, Paula's journey led her to a pivotal moment during the pandemic when she discovered the vibrant communities of BookTok and WriterTok on TikTok. It was there that she rediscovered her voice and reignited her passion for storytelling.Fueled by her unwavering determination, Paula is standing on the cusp of releasing her debut novel, "La Vie De Guinevere," in the fall of 2024.But this isn't...2023-12-1256 min
Was It Chance?Chris Sabol & Billy Aberle: They Are Anything but "Straight Forward"Meet Chris Sabol and Billy Aberle the creative team behind the new musical, Straight Forward a musical built on a true story.Billy is the Founder and CEO of a theatrical tech startup, Prodooser and the co-founder and a board member of StraightForward’s producing partner, Pivotal Productions, a non-profit educational-based theatre company. Chris is a proud public school music educator in New Jersey. He is also a co-founder and current Artistic Director of Pivotal Productions.Their collective directorial credits are vast and if we ever want to get to this interview we don...2023-11-281h 05
Was It Chance?Brenden Kumarasamy: The Master ManifestorIt’s time to meet Alan’s twin. Ok. Brendon Kumarasamy is not actually Alan’s twin but they are two peas in a pod for sure and it’s so much fun to hear them ignite ideas and inspiration off of one another. The energy in this episode is pure fire with a heavy dose of laughter because that’s what we do here on Was It Chance! Brendon Kumarasamy is a master manifestor who created his business, Mastertalk at the age of 22 by showing up and showing up and showing up - he embraced really unexpected...2023-11-141h 22
Was It Chance?Rashan Brown: Allowing Us to Feel All the FeelsWe talk with Spoken-Word Poet, Rashan Brown, or you may know him by his stage name, Rush (The Mic). Rashan is the brilliant mind behind "Poetry Me, Please" – a vibrant community platform and event series that serves as a global stage for poets to let their creativity flow through the power of words. With showcases in NYC drawing in a whopping 500 people on an average night. Rashan has created something really extraordinary not only for the artists but also for audience members. Rashan has been featured in PIX11, NBC, Ebony, REVOLT & The Grio. Rashan's voice and brand hav...2023-10-3155 min
Was It Chance?Jai Rodriguez: An Original 'Queer Eye' Guy Who Won't Punch DownYou might recognize him as the original 'Culture Vulture' from the groundbreaking show “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy,” but there's so much more to this incredible soul. Meet Jai Rodriguez, a force of creativity and passion who has been shaping American culture for nearly two decades. Jai is most well known for his role as a member of the original Fab Five in Queer Eye For The Straight Guy and we get so many great stories from his time on Queer Eye in this conversation but his journey is rich and beautiful. This is such an inspir...2023-10-171h 12
Was It Chance?Drew Stern: Creating Theater's First Digital Collectible MarketplaceLike all good 80’s kids, Drew Stern loves a good Choose Your Own Adventure story. In fact, it’s this approach that has led this former musical theater actor turned award-winning technology CEO to such great success. With three high-growth tech exits in the last decade, Drew's innovative spirit and passion for creative success have made him a trailblazer in the world of technology and the performing arts.Discover how Drew embraced chance and combined his two passions—performing and tech—to create Stageyo AI, the world's 1st digital marketplace and AI engine connecting stage performers with their su...2023-10-0359 min
Was It Chance?Asi Wind: The Magician's MagicianA globally renowned magician and performer, Asi Wind shares his journey in the world of magic and the art of performance, including his childhood encounter with a magician that shaped the rest of his life. He shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he designs and refines his tricks, always striving to balance perfection and enjoyment. Asi reflects on his views on failure, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and finding beauty in imperfections. He speaks about the unique connection between a performer and their audience, highlighting the role of empathy and sensitivity in delivering a memorable...2023-09-191h 20
Was It Chance?Analena Fuchs: Human Designing Her Way to SuccessSometimes those with the quietest voice make the biggest impact. Analena is an experienced Human Design & Energetic Alignment Coach, Life, Health, and Mastery Level Coach. She is also certified in Energy Healing modalities like Emotional Acceptance, Infinity Healing, and the Rapid Relief Technique. She supports Conscious Introvert Leaders to create Success on their own terms so they can enjoy life more while creating more Impact with Ease (and without the Burnout!). After going from BORED & UNFULFILLED TO... FIRED, she developed the BLOOM Framework, which integrates Human Design and helps her Clients activate and listen to their birth-given S...2023-09-051h 13
Was It Chance?Jasmine Rafael & Cassidy Hamilton: Three Lesbians and an AlanWhoa buddy are y’all in for a treat! For this episode Alan and Heather were live and in person in the middle of Time Square with Jasmine Rafel and Cassidy Hamilton - two brilliant Queer artists who are truly shaking things up! It was a conversation that none of us wanted to end. Jump in on this truly exceptional conversation between three lesbians and an Alan. From deconditioning gender “norms” to learning to express yourself no matter what and so much more. Don’t wait to dive into this episode.Jasmine has over a decade of experien...2023-08-221h 14
Was It Chance?Javier Muñoz: Just Call Him "Sexy Javi"Performance is as much science as it is art says this week’s guest, Javier Muñoz. But Javier also knows that the Universe is vast and always looking out for him. Javier is one of the kindest, most sincere people on Broadway and this conversation is filled with beautiful moments so don’t miss a second.With stage credits that include the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival's off-Broadway show hit All Is Love, In the Heights, and of course Hamilton (where he took over for Lin-Manual Miranda and earned the title of “Sexy Hamilton”). TV and fil...2023-08-151h 18
Was It Chance?Erica Lynn Cunanan: Learning How to Spray Tan from Ryan MurphyErica Lynn is an American actress and dancer born in Bakersfield, California where she began her dance training at the tender age of 3. By 6 years old, she had caught the performing bug in her first theatrical performance as Molly in Annie the Musical. Erica began to pursue a professional career as an actress in 2016, starring in her first short film, It's the Taste. In 2020 she made her feature film debut in Netflix's The Prom, directed by Ryan Murphy.Follow Erica and learn more on Instagram.
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a...2023-08-0145 min
Was It Chance?Maria Shehata: Making London FunnierFrom Alan’s dad jokes to real comedy! Afraid but failing forward anyway - This week we bring you Maria Shehata, a multi-award-winning Egyptian-American comedian based in London who has been featured on Showtime's Bridging the Gap, Comedy Central's The Watch List, Dave Channel’s Comedy Guide to Life, Comic Relief’s viral Modern Dating Horror Stories, and BBC’s Period Dramas and Breaking the News. Her writing has been featured in Modern Love in the New York Times, Comic Relief, and BBC Radio 4. Maria was shortlisted as Top Five Best New Acts at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe and showcased as Pick...2023-07-191h 00
Was It Chance?Lauren Lee Crane: The 8th Grade Health Class You Should Have HadOrgasms, vulvas, cramps, Oh My … Tune into this wildly fascinating conversation with Lauren Lee-Crane, founder of Semaine Health. Semaine Health provides plant-based, science-backed supplements that help people experience a better quality of life at every stage. Lauren and Semaine help break the taboos around periods, women's health, and menopause with their clinically backed supplements.Lauren embraced this journey after her own traumatizing and painful experience with stage IV endometriosis and says that starting her own supplement company wasn’t nearly as painful as dealing with endometriosis!Connect and learn more: Semainehealth.com and on social media...2023-07-051h 25
Was It Chance?Jeff Madoff: Creating more PERSONALITY!It turns out this guest is the older version of our very own Alan Seales. Get ready for excellent Dad jokes and a lot of laughs. Seriously though - Jeffery Madoff has a wildly inventive and creative brain and a masterful entrepreneurial spirit. For Jeff, barriers are simply not something that exists because his creative spirit always finds a way to thrive. Jeff is a Fashion designer, teacher, author, playwright, and producer who helps dispel the myth that artists can’t be good business people and that good business people can’t be creative! Jeff has di...2023-06-231h 12
Was It Chance?Amber Trueblood: The Headmaster at the School of Rock!Amber Trueblood traveled across the country supporting her two oldest sons as they starred in the hit musical The School of Rock and along the way she picked up some lessons, while traveling and homeschooling, that eventually made their way into her new book The Unflustered Mom. This book teaches moms (and all parents) practical and achievable strategies for reducing anxiety and overwhelm. She’s also a licensed marriage and family therapist, best-selling author, speaker, and mother of four sons. She has over 25 years of experience in mental health and co-founded The M.E.C.A. Project to h...2023-06-061h 10
Was It Chance?Julie Civiello Polier: The Aesthetician to the StarsCreative success comes in many many different formats and we’re sharing something totally new to Was It Chance today! Meet Julie Civiello Polier - she is, literally, the aesthetician to the stars. Julie is a licensed aesthetician – specializing in gua sha and reflexology – Reiki Master, an intuitive guide, and a celebrity facialist. Julie also specializes in facial mapping because Our skin is a message board for everything that is going on inside of us. Our faces are a map of our whole body, all our organs, and their corresponding emotions.In 2020, Julie launched LINEA, a holis...2023-05-231h 14
Was It Chance?Joe Rosko: Training Better Than Thor Hemsworth DoesTune in to hear how The Avengers lead to this week's guest accepting his claim to fame as “The Broadway Trainer.”We even get a few off-the-cuff renditions of Shut the Eff Up Alan!Joe Rosko is the founder of Built For The Stage, Broadway’s #1 online fitness training platform, and its accompanying podcast on Broadway Podcast Network (with over 200 episodes to date!). In the past six years, Built For The Stage has trained clients in over 50 Broadway shows and on international stages around the globe. BFTS clients can currently be seen in such Tony-nominated and To...2023-05-091h 05
Was It Chance?Joanne Lipman: NEXT! That's What She SaidJoanne Lipman knew she wanted to be a journalist at the age of 7. What happened next was a combination of hard work and embracing chance and opportunity and perhaps a little luck in working with folks who truly wanted to see her succeed and believed in her.Joanne is a bestselling author and pioneering journalist who began her career reporting for the Wall Street Journal, rising to the position of deputy managing editor (the first woman to attain that post). She subsequently was the founding editor-in-chief of Conde Nast Portfolio magazine, was Chief Content Officer of Gannett...2023-04-251h 03
Was It Chance?Alex Donnelly: From Finance to the StageAlex Donnelly grew up a theater lover but believed had to pursue a “real career” and decided to get a finance degree. Although the voice inside his head told him to fully walk away from theater, he simply couldn’t do it. Fast forward years later and Alex is producing the Corkscrew Theater Festival. While securing in-kind donations for the festival, Alex is offered an unexpected turn (some may call it chance!?) in the form of a job with Production Resource Group (aka PRG), the longtime global live event innovation company that turns creative dreams into technical realities.Alex...2023-04-111h 01
Was It Chance?Anthony Norman: Accidentally Becoming SuccessfulAnthony Norman takes the stage by storm in the lead role of Evan Hansen for the touring cast of Dear Evan Hansen. But he’s also an incredibly nice guy with a great sense of humor. In fact, Anthony and our co-host, Alan, are two peas in a pod. Heather had her hands full for sure ;)A talented musician who plays multiple instruments, Anthony thought his career would be in Jazz and then he started getting cast in Musicals and the two roads diverged. Anthony has performed in many wonderful shows including The Prom, Newsies, Love...Reconsidered, an...2023-03-2859 min
Was It Chance?Donnie Brown: THE Reality TV Wedding PlannerGrab your popcorn and get ready to hear some amazing stories from Reality TV wedding planner, Donnie Brown. Donnie starred in the very first wedding planning reality TV show, “Who’s wedding is it anyway” on The Style Network and then went on to start in 10 of the show's 11 seasons and its spin-off! Co-host, Heather Vickery had the opportunity to share the virtual stage with Donnie at a celebration of our friend, Eddie Babbage, and his podcast Wedding Industry Insider.Donnie Brown is considered one of the leading wedding and event planners in the indu...2023-03-1457 min
Was It Chance?Lili Thomas: Connor's Mom Has Got It Going OnDo you remember when our collective hearts broke watching “Connor's mom” breakdown in Dear Evan Hansen? Yeah, that was traumatic! And Lili Thomas does it every single night on stage as she performs the beautiful and devastating role of Cynthia Murphy for the North American touring company of Dear Evan Hansen.The child of two world-renowned classical musicians, Lili made her own path in the arts. She became a triple threat by training extensively in acting, singing, and dancing in addition to, of course, learning several instruments. She plays professionally on 6 different instruments. Lili recently completed the pre...2023-02-281h 01
Was It Chance?Sami Moog: Alchemy of ImaginationMANIFESTATION, BABY! This week Heather and Alan talk with Manifestation expert, Sami Moog, about how we can all create the future we desire. We are, in fact, constantly creating our futures whether we’re aware of it or not.This was such a fun, eye-opening and exciting conversation. You’re going to want to soak up every moment of it.Sami discovered manifestation in 2007 when The Secret came out and since then he’s been on a lifelong journey to try and understand, and expand upon, these principles! He’s the author of “Alchemy of Imaginatio...2023-02-141h 13
Was It Chance?Lee Zlotoff: MacGyver the MusicalMost of you have heard of MacGyver … Not only was it an internationally successful television show, but it’s also become a full-on verb for many (especially us Gen Xers) “Hold on, let me go MacGyver that!”In this episode, Alan and Heather got to chat with Lee Zlotoff brainchild behind the world-renowned MacGyver franchise. Lee is an award-winning writer, producer, and director of film and television. In addition to creating the original MacGyver TV series, he also wrote and directed the indie hit film The Spitfire Grill which won the coveted Audience Award at the Sundance Film Fes...2023-01-311h 01
Was It Chance?Mikayla Petrilla: Just a Damn Good PersonMikayla Petrilla realized early on in her career that there was a “side door” to nearly everything. Although she hadn’t been a serious actor in school, Mikayla knew acting was her desired career. So she took all of her other skills and went to work supporting theatre companies, shows, and other theater-adjacent businesses. Eventually, she grew her acting resume and now has an impressive resume including Saturday Night Live, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Inventing Anna, and more.In addition to her acting and “side door” work, Mikayla is dedicated to lifting up gender equality in the theater an...2023-01-171h 14
Was It Chance?2022 End of Year ReflectionLike it or hate it, 2022 is over! Alan and Heather chat about all of the incredible guests from the past year while sharing some of their favorite moments. Good times were had by all.
Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
More about Heather via @heather_ vickeryandco on Instagram and Threads, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales
Learn...2022-12-3023 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2022 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Diana Salameh2022 - the first full year of theatre since Broadway shutdown in 2020. It was full of highs and lows, but one thing's for certain we're glad Broadway is back! Once again, Diana Salameh, Vice President of Brand Integration at Serino Coyne, co-hosts the final episode of the year. Serino Coyne is the nation's longest-running theatrical advertising agency, so Diana brings some fun insider insight to how this strange business of show actually goes down.Spoiler alert - I've never seen a single production of Into the Woods, and she's never seen the Back to the Future movies. Um...2022-12-2948 min
Was It Chance?Mauricio Martínez: Leading Man Energy!Follow that leading man energy and never lose sight of the goal!Mauricio Martínez is a major international star of both stage and screen most recently seen in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of Unmasked: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. In addition to playing Emilio Estefan in Broadway's On Your Feet!, He is an International Emmy Winner and tells novella superstar and was a household name in Latin America before crossing over to Broadway.We got a little silly with this live interview in the heart of Time Square but don’t let that...2022-12-0658 min
Was It Chance?Nicole Carosella: Energy, Manifestation, Witches, and Jewelry OH MY!Nicole is one half of a sister/sister duo that co-founded a high-end jewelry brand called Sorllina. Nicole and her sister Nicole grew up on the north shore of Long Island, NY, where they were raised with a deep appreciation for the arts and shared a love of design. After graduating with a Fine Arts degree from USC, Nicole studied Jewelry Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kim attended Tulane University for Art History and then relocated to Florence, Italy to continue her studies. Upon Kim’s return to New York, the sisters decided to...2022-11-221h 04
Was It Chance?Steve Silverman: "Go Home and Write, Steve"Critically acclaimed, award-winning writer/director/producer Steve Silverman’s work has been called ‘Sly’ by the Los Angeles Times, which is his all-time favorite single-word review. Theatre includes All About Steve, not a one-man show but a twist on the classic film All About Eve, his horror comedy 666 Westbourne Drive, and his musical mashups Jesus Christ Super Star Wars & The King and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Speaking of the force, he’s the force behind the one-woman show festivals 15 Minutes of FEM and the standup comedy show Slideshow. To eat and get health insurance, Steve is an award...2022-11-081h 04
Was It Chance?#26 - Justin Guarini: Creating Unbreakable Confidence with our Favorite American IdolYou probably know Justin from the very first season of American Idol in 2002 - or you may know him from his appearances on the Broadway stage, including Wicked, American Idiot, Romeo & Juliet, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and In Transit. He’s Lil Sweet in the Diet Dr. Pepper commercials, the host of the Audition Secrets Podcast, was just seen down in Washington DC in the out-of-town production of Once Upon a One More Time, a show inspired by the music of Britney Spears. He is a public speaker, coach, author, and CEO and it was our...2022-10-261h 28
Was It Chance?Jesse McAnally: This Mega-Nerd's Gone Feature-Length!Jesse McAnally is a mega nerd – and therefore one of our absolute favorite people. He’s a film director, actor, YouTuber, songwriter, podcaster, and a Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast. He has been making movies since he was 5, acting out elaborate plots with dolls, and forcing his family to watch. After graduating from Wayne State with a degree in Media Arts and Studies, he decided to return to his high school hobby: sharing his passion for musical theatre with others through his podcast, Musicals With Cheese, where he teaches a layperson new to the community the ins and outs of bein...2022-10-121h 06
Was It Chance?Benjamin S. Ptashinsky-Skinner: aka "Equity Ben"A comedian, a theater nerd, and a coach walk into a room …Ok, this sounds like a bad dad joke set up but it’s actually what happened when Heather and Alan welcomed Ben Ptashinsky-Skinner to the podcast. Listen close because in between jokes and hilarity is some serious content. Ben is a stay-at-home dad, husband, and part-time performer. Voted Orlando’s best comedian in 2021 & 2022 as well as Orlando’s Best Actor in 2018, 2019, & 2021, Ben has become a viral sensation on social media. Host of his own cooking show, “Any Schmuck Can Cook,” Ben believes that budget-friend...2022-09-271h 08
Was It Chance?Jay Clouse: Enabling Creators to Be More Creative (and Earn More Money)Jay Clouse helps people become professional creators. He is the writer of Creator Science and the host of Creative Elements, a narrative-interview podcast exploring how today’s top creators make a living with their art and creativity. He previously led the Community Experience team for Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, designing their paid membership community and cohort-based course programs. Jay is also the creator of the wildly successful, #Tweet100 campaign.This is another live interview Heather and Alan did during PodcastMovement in Dallas. Prepare for some incredible truth bombs, but laughter and silliness also ensued!...2022-09-1458 min
Was It Chance?Lindsay McMahon: The Master of Edu-tainment - All Ears English“You only have to make a few of the right decisions to line up your career and your life for fulfillment. And then it’s just work. You’re going in the right direction. Keep going.” This week’s guest, Lindsay McMahon, joined hosts, Aland and Heather LIVE from Podcast Movement ‘22 in Dallas.Lindsay’s innovative approach to marketing and teaching English as a second language has made Lindsay and the All Ears English team one of the world's go-to resources for ESL. Listen in as these three friends have a hilarious but heartfelt conversation about being entrepreneurs...2022-08-301h 03
Was It Chance?Ian Eisendrath: Being An Artist is Like Coming HomeFor Ian Eisendrath, being an artist is like coming home. So many kids, Ian shares, don’t feel like they fit or belong until they find their creative outlet. By embracing chance, trusting his gut and putting himself out there in big ways, Ian has done just that.The University of Michigan School of Music graduate could never have predicted the path he would forge that has included various roles on the original Broadway version of Come From Away, which led him to a 2018 Olivier award and a 2017 Grammy nomination. Ian served as the Music Supervisor, Executive Mu...2022-08-0251 min
Was It Chance?Nicholas Hussong: Projecting His Creative DestinyDigital projection has changed the face of theater and other immersive, creative experiences. No one does this work better than Nicholas Hussong. Nicholas is an artist, designer, and creative producer who was recently nominated for a Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play for his work as Projection Designer on the recent Broadway production of Skeleton Crew. With an impressive resume including graduating from Yale School of Drama, Nicholas has worked as a creative programmer for Marc Jacobs, director of design for Smith & Westward, and is the co-creator of FEAST, an immersive dining experience with Listen&Breathe...2022-07-191h 04
Was It Chance?Mary Rutt: Meet this Latter-Day LesbianMary Rutt is a podcaster who has spent the majority of her career in radio and television production. She’s the co-host of two LGBTQ-focused podcasts: Latter-Day Lesbian and Queer Life Crisis Which, of course, you can access anywhere you find podcasts. Mary decided to use her production talents to offer a voice to marginalized folks within the queer community and unexpectedly created a safe space for those who decided to leave their religion(s). Mary’s podcasts support folks who are experiencing PTSD and trauma due to past religious affiliations. You can learn more about Mary’s person...2022-07-051h 00
Was It Chance?Sammi Cannold & Dori Berinstein: The Show Must Go On (with Andrew Lloyd Webber)For the first time ever, we have two amazing guests on the show.Dori Berinstein and Sammi Cannold directed and produced the Apple TV Documentary, The Show Must Go On which chronicles the race against time to save live theater in the wake of a global pandemic. The film focuses on some of the theater-makers determined to win the race. In March of 2020 and for the first time in history, the performing arts were decimated worldwide when theater shut down indefinitely in every country except one: South Korea. From the frontlines in Seoul, this film f...2022-06-211h 03
Was It Chance?Morgan James: From Broadway to Indie Artist SuperstarThis week we welcome the brilliant Morgan James to the show. Morgan is a singer/songwriter with a set of pipes that can blow the roof off of any house she’s performing in. She made her Broadway debut in The Addams Family, nabbed a few other Broadway credits including Godspell and Motown the Musical, and signed with Epic Records before deciding to take her creative destiny into her own creative hands. Morgan takes a completely unique approach to producing her own albums with the direct support of her fans. She frequently collaborates with Postmodern Jukebox, has her...2022-06-071h 07
Was It Chance?Mike Abrams: “Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. Welcome to my Ted Talk.”“Grizabella was the wrong cat to die. Welcome to my Ted Talk.”Mike Abrams, a fellow Broadway Podcast Network member, never imagined his life would revolve around the musical … CATS!Born and raised in Indianapolis, Mike is an avid sports fan who spends the majority of his free time watching early 2000’s sitcoms. In 2016, he moved to New York and made the decision to embrace every unique opportunity that came his way. And this is how he ended up seeing the revival of CATS. He never knew this one decision would completely change his life.Afte...2022-05-241h 08
Was It Chance?José Rolón: Turning Tragedy into TriumphJosé Rolón calls himself a “nuptial maestro” which, as a recovering wedding planner, our host Heather thinks is hilarious!! For almost a decade, José has made a name for himself with his chill vibe and generous command in wedding planning and design. Making him one of the top wedding planners in NYC.Now, where this story takes an unexpected and delightful turn is that during pandemic quarantine, José and his family chose to take TikTok by storm! And as a result, he’s been featured on the TODAY Show, NowThis News, Ellen’s Game of Games, Tamron Hall...2022-05-101h 05
Was It Chance?Denise Duffield-Thomas: The money mentor helping to change the worldDenise Duffield-Thomas is THE money mentor for the new wave of online entrepreneurs who want to make money and change the world. She helps women charge premium prices, release the fear of money and create First Class lives. Her books, Lucky Bitch, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch, and Chillpreneur give a fresh and funny roadmap to living a life of abundance without burnout. She describes herself as a lazy introvert and an unbusy mother of 3 who is, like our hosts, Heather and Alan, a big fan of Hamilton an American Musical!Make sure to follow Denise on...2022-04-261h 24
Was It Chance?Christina Ray-Lynn Connelly: Artist, Actor, Dangerbot, & creator of Vagina Plushies!This week you get to enjoy the soothing sounds of a tropical rainstorm whenever Alan speaks and … yes … we really DO talk about anatomically correct Vagina plushies and so much else. WOW! We had way, way too much fun in this interview. It’s one of those conversations where the laughter can’t help but make you laugh. Christina Ray-Lynn Connelly AKA Danger bot is a voice-over artist, comedian, animal lover, fitness buff, and improviser. She’s also the designer of anatomically correct Vagina plushies that she hand makes! She has an incredibly funny Instagram account and is bursting...2022-04-121h 01
Was It Chance?Jenny Steingart: Tony Award-Winning Producer and Professional Chance TakerUnexpected tragedy may have led Jenny to her amazing successful theatrical producing career. After losing her brother in her late 20s, she founded Ars Nova to honor him and continue his legacy in the arts. Jenny is a Tony Award winner who started in “the biz” as an entry level intern and is now a producing powerhouse. She’s worked alongside some of the greatest in our industry including Tina Fey, Joel Gray, Sir Patrick Stewart, Josh Groban, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, just to name drop a few. She co-founded Ars Nova, co-founded a Japanese animation studio called Ultra S...2022-03-291h 03
Was It Chance?Lulu Picart & Alison Burns: The Masterminds Behind the 10KDollarDay PodcastHow do you take a $10,000 fantasy and make it feel like reality? Well, we have no idea but Alison Burns and Lulu Picart, hosts of 10KDollarDay do! This hilarious and creative podcast came to life because Alison and Lulu embraced chance over and over again. In this episode, Heather and Alan chat with Alison and Lulu about the crazy, winding road of chance and manifestation they kept putting them together and eventually led to their two wildly successful podcasts.From high school theater to Disney World, to Broadway, and now taking over the podcast scene, t...2022-03-151h 01
Was It Chance?Lauren Jelencovich: Just Traveling The World As Yanni's Lead Singer. No Biggie.Who’s excited to hear our theme song, “STFU Alan" sung as an Aria!? Well, tune in because this week's guest, Lauren “Nightingale” Jelencovich does it and it’s ah-maz-ing. She gives previous “STFU Alan” composers, James Harkness, Drew Gasparini, and Josh Breckenridge a run for their money, that’s for sure! The incredible list of achievements Lauren Jelencovich has under her belt is, quite frankly, astounding! From winning Star Search to being the featured singer on tour with Yanni (where she earned the nickname “Nightingale”), this lady is the real deal.While still in high school, Lauren w...2022-03-011h 16
Was It Chance?Xochitl Gonzalez: Olga Dies DreamingSometimes our dreams take decades to manifest. And while this is completely true, we can also have several different successes on the way to what is most meant for us.This week's guest, Xochitl Gonzalez, has worn many hats in her professional life but none so rewarding as finally becoming a published author. Her debut novel was a New York Times bestseller months before its release and they also made a pilot for a series on Hulu. While we won’t know if the pilot will be picked up for another few weeks, there’s no doubt that...2022-02-151h 13
Was It Chance?Jim Jimirro: The Inventor of The Disney Channel and co-founder of J2 Spotlight Musical Theater CompanyThere are no words to describe how honored and excited Alan and Heather were to sit down with the incredibly brilliant, Jim Jimirro (except these words we just used). But when the opportunity to interview the founder of The Disney Channel presents itself, you ask no questions and just get it on the schedule. Jim Jimirro is the creator and founding President of The Disney Channel and Walt Disney Home Video. During his tenure at the helm of The Disney Channel, Mr. Jimirro was responsible for the conception, development, and launching of the fastest-growing pay service in hi...2022-02-011h 22
Was It Chance?Rain Ross: A Series of Dance EncountersArt brings us hope. This week’s guest, Rain Ross, has embraced an artistic approach to life in every possible way. She uses dance as a way to create community connections. Rain helps people find themselves through movement as a dance professor at Stockton University. In 2011, she participated in the first annual International Dance Day Festival in Lebanon and then became the Guest Artist Coordinator for the festival, which ran for a decade until COVID-19 shut it down. Her most recent work with the Lebanese dance community is a dance film that just finished the editing process. The...2022-01-2556 min
Was It Chance?Josh Breckenridge: He Is Anything But MonotonousWhen chance met the thirst trap that is Josh Breckenridge the angels began to sing...Ok. Maybe not, but our hosts Heather and Alan fell in love with Josh and we’re pretty sure you will also!Josh Breckenridge is a Broadway superhero - otherwise known as a swing and standby. He’s currently working in Come From Away on Broadway and serving as a super hero for several different roles as well as the dance captain. This guy seriously does it all! Josh is also a musician who recently released a brand new album, Mono...2022-01-121h 06
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2021 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Ayanna PrescodWe've successfully completed yet another year around the sun (sorry flat Earthers, the truth hurts), this time with only about 4 months of Broadway theatre to talk about, and we're already seeing more shows permanently closed than expected due to Omicron breakthrough cases. Sheesh.Ayanna Prescod, a Broadway producer, critic, writer, and creator, and host of What's Up Broadway joins us for this final episode of the year as we discuss our favorite moments, shows, and what we're looking forward for in 2022.A big shout out to all the shows of 2021 that closed too early:
...2021-12-3133 min
Was It Chance?Drew Gasparini: From College Dropout to Broadway ComposerMeet Drew “Fuckin’” Gasparini.Get ready to be greatly entertained in this hilarious episode with composer and lyricist Drew Gasparini. Honestly, these show notes are hard to write because we had so much fun and talked about such a vast array of topics. You’re gonna have to listen to the entire thing folks, it’s just that good.From meeting his childhood hero, Marc Summers, and becoming BFFs, to proudly declaring that his newest Broadway project, “The Karate Kid - The Musical” is going to blow our minds - Drew’s lively personality draws you in over and...2021-12-291h 10
Was It Chance?Steven Sater: Tony/Grammy/Olivier/Lortel/Drama Desk Award-Winning Awesome GuyA chance encounter with Burt Bacharach led Steven Sater to collaborate on a decade-long project to produce a full-length musical concept album featuring some of the industry's biggest artists. Now 93, Burt hasn't written anything for the stage since Promises, Promises in 1968. Steven felt drawn to Burt, this project, and their mission to explore what it's like to write love songs for couples after the "newness" of the relationships are over, and they've settled into their routines. This album is a must-listen, and this podcast episode is ... an even muster-listener.Find Some Lovers on Spotify, or everywhere you...2021-12-1453 min
Was It Chance?Erica Swindell: Lead Violinist / Concertmaster for The EaglesThe broadway actress and lead violinist for The Eagles, Erica Swindell, gets straight to the heart of the matter of how taking a massive chance opened doors she actively tried to previously keep closed.She first picked up a violin at the age of three but after joining her high school theater program decided to pursue acting rather than music. That’s not, however, what fate had in store for Erica. While performing in Broadway Tour of Once, an unexpected audience member completely changed the course of Erica’s life. Who was the audience member? None other than...2021-12-061h 13
Was It Chance?James Harkness: Navy Vet turned Broadway ActorActor James Harkness made his Broadway debut in Aida back in 2001 before moving on to productions such as Chicago, The Color Purple, Guys and Dolls, the Dreamgirls tour, and Beautiful. Now that Broadway has returned he resumed his role as Paul Williams in Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway. A navy veteran, James seized an unexpected opportunity and took a chance when he walked into a dance studio while on leave and forever changed the trajectory of his life.James shares how embracing chance, taking intentional risks, and learning to trust his instincts lead hi...2021-11-291h 13
Was It Chance?What is this about? Introducing "Was It Chance?"People talk about manifestation as a thing that you can just think into existence. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. When it comes to making your creative dreams come true, what really matters is putting yourself in a position to thoughtfully and intelligently take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. And sometimes these opportunities show up in very unexpected ways.We’re Heather Vickery and Alan Seales, two perfect strangers who met by chance and embraced opportunity! Listen in as we chat with other successful people about the risks they took, and continue taki...2021-11-2531 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2020 {C,W}rap up with Alan Seales and Diana SalamehLet's face it -- 2020 was a dumpster fire, at best. In this episode, Diana Salameh, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Serino Coyne, co-hosts the final episode of the year - a year which has been unprecedented for the theatre industry. And not only for performers. Serino Coyne, the nation's longest-running theatrical advertising agency, was just embarking on the beginning of the Spring theater season - openings, etc - when Broadway suddenly shut down.Diana and Alan discuss everything from their favorite shows they were able to see before everything closed, the blossoming of virtual storytelling...2020-12-2836 min
West of Broadway PodcastYoung Actor, Jacob Laval and Alan Seales from Broadway Podcast NetworkIt’s curtains up on another episode of West of Broadway. I’m Broadway Veteran Will Armstrong and this is a continuation of our Broadway Con Series. That’s right, the West of Broadway crew went all the way to NYC for the 5th annual Broadway Con. We met celebrities, broadway fanatics and some innovators really changing the way broadway fans connect with their favorite shows and personalities.While walking the Marketplace floor, we ran into someone I just had to interview. Maybe you’ve seen the Netflix special John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch? If not, put it o...2020-02-1020 min
BPN LIVE! ReplaysBroadwayCon 2020: West of Broadway: Young Actor, Jacob Laval and Alan Seales from BPNIt’s curtains up on another episode of West of Broadway. I’m Broadway Veteran Will Armstrong and this is a continuation of our Broadway Con Series. That’s right, the West of Broadway crew went all the way to NYC for the 5th annual Broadway Con. We met celebrities, broadway fanatics and some innovators really changing the way broadway fans connect with their favorite shows and personalities.While walking the Marketplace floor, we ran into someone I just had to interview. Maybe you’ve seen the Netflix special John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch? If not, put it o...2020-02-1020 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2019 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Mo BradyIt's the end of the year (and the end of a decade)! Along with special co-host Mo Brady, host of The Ensemblist podcast, Alan takes you through some of his favorite shows, performances, events, and more from the past year... and even what they're looking forward to in 2020. Happy holidays, everyone!Connect with Mo & The Ensemblist:
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Alan's personal Instagram...2019-12-3019 min
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales2018 Wrap Up with Alan Seales and Jillian HochmanThis week host Alan Seales and Producer Jillian Hochman present their favorite shows of 2018, both on and off Broadway. Favorites include: Spongebob Squarepants The Musical, Head Over Heels, The Prom, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two, Hamilton, The Band’s Visit, Daniel’s Husband, The Cher Show, Lifespan of a Fact, King Kong, and many more.A special shout out to all of our guests this year on the podcast and all of their brilliant performances this and past years. We’re looking forward to all that’s to come in 2019 including Oklahoma!, Hadestown...2018-12-2616 min