Shows
Life On Tour35. Thriving from gig to gig to gig ft. Hayden BaumSend us a textIn this episode, Manon sits down with industry veteran Hayden Baum to talk all things longevity. They talk about:His career so far and how he felt upon graduationWhat he loves/doesn’t love about touringHow tour life has impacted his personal lifeBurnout and how to deal with itHow he approaches a gigThe best mindset a touring performer can haveHow he’s changed over the course of his careerHow he takes care of himselfHis advice to new gradsYou can follow Hayden on instagram @haydenibaumYou can follow the...2024-08-1645 minLife On Tour34. Thriving Through Rejection ft. Natasha CraneSend us a textThis episode is not one to miss, featuring the incredible life coach and emotional healer Natasha Crane. We talk about:Tash’s background and what led her to coachingRejection and your mental healthHow to stop rejecting yourselfYour audition mindsetKeeping your heart open after multiple rejectionsConstructive reflection post-rejectionWe’re all delusionalHow to process rejectionHow to stay motivated after knock-backsWant to reach out to Tash? You can do so via:Instagram: @natashacranecreationsEmail: natashacranecreations@gmail.comYou can support the podcast by following us on insta...2024-08-081h 02Life On Tour33. A Veteran of Rejection...and proud of it!Send us a textWell well well, I'm baaaaaaaaack!In this solo episode, Manon explains the valuable things she has learnt through auditioning over the last 12 months and why these lessons have changed her life!You can follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontourpodYou can support the podcast by buying me a coffee!https://buymeacoffee.com/lifeontourpod2024-07-2522 minLife On Tour32. The 12 Slays of Christmas: looking back on 2023Send us a textWelcome to the final episode of 2023!In this episode, Manon shares excerpts of 12 episodes of the podcast during 2023. It's a fun episode full of variety and recaps some important lessons. Yo can support the pod by buying Manon a coffee 2023-12-2052 minLife On Tour31. Standing By with Zoe CoppingerSend us a textIn this episode, Manon chats with industry pro Zoe Coppinger (currently playing the Elphaba standby in Wicked Australia). They talk about:Zoe's experiences with a psychicHer journey with Elphaba and WickedWhat her average week looks likeHer pre-show routineHer career journey so far and how she follows her instinctsHer mindset when standing byThe qualities a standby must haveDealing with nerves when going onHer advice to her younger selfBut first, Manon talks about:What a standby isThe importance of coverageWhether you'd like to support the podcast via the link below:...2023-12-131h 12Life On Tour30. Slaying your career without drama school ft. Blake EricksonSend us a textIn this amazing episode, Manon chats with Tina The Musical star Blake Erickson about his career path. They talk about:Blake's work at the momentHis career journey and where it all startedThe difference between qualifications and suitabilityDeciding to pursue your dreamHow his background influences how he approaches a jobHow character, ability, attitude and knowledge matters above trainingPedestalling and imposter syndromeThe impact of legacyThe biggest lesson he’s learntHis advice for anyone who is auditioning without going to drama schoolHow to navigate the ups and downsBut first, Manon chats about:How...2023-12-0750 minLife On Tour29. Stage Bloopers 3.0Send us a textThis episode is all about Stage Bloopers and features various anonymous stories plus two wonderful guests, Tom Sharah and Stef Jones. While sharing some wild blooper stories, the episode also focuses on how mortifying bloopers can be and how epople cope with them. You can follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontourpodIf you love the pod, please share a rating and review. 2023-11-2223 minLife On Tour28. Surviving and Thriving in the In-Between ft. Doug HansellSend us a textIn this episode, Manon sits down with friend and recent castmate Doug Hansell to talk about the last few months post-tour and how it is impacted them both. They talk about:How the last few months have been post-tourThe impact of the in-between on identity and self esteem Saying goodbye to a huge part of your life, and post-show bluesAudition mindset during the In-Between, and getting back into the audition circuitBut first, Manon talks about:Audition poosAudition energy and recoveryHer personal experience of the In-Between and the huge lesson s...2023-11-1535 minLife On Tour27. How to Slay at Long Distance on Tour ft. Stef JonesSend us a textIn this episode, Stef Jones rejoins the podcast to talk all about long distance and relationship communication! Manon and Stef cover topics such as:Planning a wedding while touringHow she met her fiancee How they’ve navigated long distance over the years, and how they planThe communication that shapes a life together while touringHow to stay connected while apartThe power of memes and communicationBur first, Manon talks about:A recent blooperTheatre ghosts!You can follow the podcast on instagram, @lifeontourpodHere's the link to the Spring Awa...2023-11-0129 minLife On Tour26. "I didn't book my first commercial Aussie show until I was 27" ft. Catty HamiltonSend us a textIn this episode, Manon chats to Catty Hamilton about her career experience so far and how that has shaped Catty's mindset. They cover topics such as:Her mindset when graduating uniHow no job is too big or too small, and taking every opportunity Mental resilience and mental healthFinding joy and growth in the realities of the industry“Don’t let rejection get to your heart and don’t let success get to your head”The experience of booking her first pro show at 27How her career timeline has influenced how she approaches work nowT...2023-10-2453 minLife On Tour25. Navigating relationship challenges on tour ft. Joseph and Brydie NaimSend us a textIn this relationships-focused episode, Manon talks openly and honestly with her ex-castmate Joseph Naim, and his partner Brydie about their relationship and touring. They cover topics such as:Their backgrounds/how they got togetherNavigating touring and life challenges in the early stages of a relationshipThe mindsets they naturally had that make their relationship workThe premature birth of their son, EliTouring, NICU and how they copedWhat touring looks like with Eli at homeTheir communication failsafes, and the beauty of long distance You can follow the podcast on instagram, @lifeontourpod2023-10-1052 minLife On Tour24. When to Call Out (part 2) ft. Stef JonesSend us a textIn this second instalment of the When to Call Out series, Manon sits down with the legendary Stef Jones to talk about all the issues surrounding this topic. They discuss:How to know when it’s time to call out and how it’s different on each showCall-Out guilt, and reminding yourself that you aren’t a robotThe impact of covidReputational, role and industry pressureHow the tour culture has changedBut first, Manon talks about:Performing and sporting careersSome recent insightsYou can follow the podcast on instag...2023-10-0434 minLife On Tour24. When to Call Out (part 2) ft. Stef JonesIn this second instalment of the When to Call Out series, Manon sits down with the legendary Stef Jones to talk about all the issues surrounding this topic. They discuss:How to know when it’s time to call out and how it’s different on each showCall-Out guilt, and reminding yourself that you aren’t a robotThe impact of covidReputational, role and industry pressureHow the tour culture has changedBut first, Manon talks about:Performing and sporting careersSome recent insightsYou can follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontourpod2023-10-0342 minLife On Tour23. When to Call Out (part 1) ft. Tom SharahSend us a textWe're back baby! My apologies for the extended hi-slay-tus. In this special return episode, Manon chats to fellow industry member Tom Sharah about "calling out" of a show and all the challenges/nuance associated with it. They talk about:The in-between/ups and downsThe mentality of when to call out, and why it feels so bigThe influence of covid on tour culture and pushing through when you shouldn’tThe nuance of show quality vs commitment vs life balanceThe insecurities of calling outKnowing your limitsAccidentally bringing gastro to workBut fir...2023-09-2639 minLife On Tour22. Stage Bloopers 2.0 ft. Gareth Isaac, Sarah Nairne and David SilvestreSend us a textIn this episode, host Manon chats to (and laughs heavily with) special guests Gareth Isaac, Sarah Nairne and David Silvestre about their stage blooper stories. They talk about:Stage bloopers we've doneHow they make us feelHow we deal with themBut first, Manon has a chat about:End of contract existentialismWisdom tooth surgeryThe SAG-AFTRA strike and how important it is to be part of the unionLiza Minnelli SNL skit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVvxOwxuk_wYou can follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontourpod2023-07-1852 minLife On Tour21. The Final Show of Tour ft. Michael Lee Porter, Zoe Gertz, Kat Harrison, Phillip Lowe and David SilvestreSend us a textIn this episode, Manon has a chat to Come From Away cast members Michael Lee Porter, Zoe Gertz, Kat Harrison, Phillip Lowe and David Silvestre more minutes before the final performance of Come From Away in Australia. They talk about:Their favourite thing about Come From AwayTheir favourite memory of Come From AwayWhat they're looking forward to after the tour is overBut first, Manon has a chat about:A drastic hair changeThe inertia of closing a show after so longWhy Come From Away was so important to her...2023-07-1136 minLife On Tour20. Parenthood On Tour ft. Angela ScundiSend us a textThis week, Manon interviews the incredible performer and mother of two, Angela Scundi about touring with kids. They discuss:Functioning on low sleep while caring for two kids and learning 3 tracksThe decision to tour and all the factors that went into itThe challenge of finding childcare on tourHow Angela told her kids that they’d be touring with her first postpartum full time jobAngela’s decision to have kids while balancing her career, fomo and “having it all”How performing arts workplaces can better support working parentsWhat an average day looks like for Ange...2023-07-041h 16Life On Tour19. Slaying Your Vocal Health On Tour ft. Jennifer PeersSend us a textIn this special episode, Manon chats with singing teacher, actor and singer Jennifer Peers about how to best maintain your voice on tour. They talk about:Jen’s journey in the industryThe balance of a healthy voice, mind and bodyTechnique and being a “small muscle athlete”The biggest vocal challenges of touringJen’s vocal “must haves”Vocal loads and rehearsalsWhy singers don’t take their vocal needs seriously sometimesMaintaining your vocal practice on tourYour “vocal budget”What you should do if something doesn’t feel rightYour “voice squad”Nerves and your voiceDifferent environments and your vo...2023-06-271h 10Life On Tour18. Audition Rejection (Part 2) ft. Noni McCallum, Jasmine Vaughns and Doug HansellSend us a textIn this episode, Manon is joined by three special guests. First, Manon sits down with Noni and Jasmine to talk about:The week that wasThe end of the seasonNoni’s new roleWentworth, and a false accusationA surprise visitNoni and Jaz’s advice on audition rejection and how top cope with itThen Manon sits down with Doug to talk all about:His experience of rejectionBooking the room instead of the jobBeing a professional auditioner Signing your workHow every audition countsHaving multiple captains in the airThe pressure we put on ourse...2023-06-2146 minLife On Tour18. Audition Rejection (Part 2) ft. Noni McCallum, Jasmine Vaughns and Doug HansellIn this episode, Manon is joined by three special guests. First, Manon sits down with Noni and Jasmine to talk about:The week that wasThe end of the seasonNoni’s new roleMikey Ralph’s iconic farewellWentworth, and a false accusationA surprise visitNoni and Jaz’s advice on audition rejection and how top cope with itThen Manon sits down with Doug to talk all about:His experience of rejectionBooking the room instead of the jobBeing a professional auditioner Signing your workHow every audition countsHaving multiple captains in the airThe pressure we put on ourselvesKnowing your worthBe...2023-06-2047 minLife On Tour17. Audition Rejection (Part 1) ft. David Silvestri and Sarah NairneSend us a textIn this episode, Manon sits down with special guests David Silvestri and Sarah Nairne (separately) to discuss their thoughts on audition rejection. They talk about:Their experiences of audition rejectionThe mindsets that help them cope with itEgo, moving forward and much much more!But first, Manon talks about:How Canberra is THE vibeThe tour nearing its closing dateEmily Kristen Morris' advocacy for mental health on stageA recent rejection experience2023-06-1352 minLife On Tour16. Meanwhile On Our Plane: In Memory of Laura TownsendSend us a textIf you are interested in listening to Laura's podcast "Meanwhile On Our Plane", here is the link below:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/meanwhile-on-our-plane/id15281764042023-06-0604 minLife On Tour15. Training for Tour: Maintaining Physical Health on the Road ft. Luke Smith CoachingSend us a textIn this episode, Manon talks to personal trainer and life coach Luke Smith about all things physical maintenance. They cover topics such as:Quokka sleeping patternsManon’s first experience at a gymWhat “training” actually is and the myths surrounding itPrehabThe balance of training while doing a showThe biggest challenges for performers on tourThe importance of adapting your training to fit your lifestyleHow to relax with supportMotivation on tourWhy exercise is importantBut first, Manon talks about:How this episode is not about physical "aesthetics"A big big weekThe end of the Pe...2023-05-3049 minLife On Tour14. Mental Health On Tour And Off (Part 2) ft. Will CenturionSend us a textIn part 2 of the discussion around mental health on tour with counsellor and life coach Will Centurion, Manon and Will discuss:The athlete's mindsetAudition anxiety and how to stop itStage fright and how to stop itReputation anxiety and social mediaHow to keep an open mindHow to get back in the game after a breakHow to reset when you don't have a day offBut first, Manon and fellow castmates (and housemates)Noni McCallum and Jasmine Vaughns discuss:The Alice PalaceThe "show report" of their weeksBlue pooTheir obsession with Wentworth...2023-05-2346 minLife On Tour13. Mental Health On Tour and Off (Part 1) ft. Will CenturionSend us a textIn this episode, Manon speaks to counsellor, life coach and performer Will Centurion about the many mental health challenges faced by performers. They cover:Will's mental health journey in the artsThe main issues that come up in his sessionsImposter syndrome vs belonging and trustBurnout and what to do about itDe-rollingLoneliness and disconnection on tourBut first, Manon talks about:A vicious fartDry mouthMy brain playing tricks on meA Come From Away debutA celebration of understudiesContact Will via his website:https://www.mrwillcenturion.com/...2023-05-1651 minLife On Tour12. Networking: Just Be Yourself ft. Kat HarrisonSend us a textIn the second instalment of the Networking series, Manon chats with Kat Harrison about her experiences with networking. They talk about:Keeping networking ethicalHow you are your best asset, so be yourselfThe importance of not putting people on a pedestalConnecting with humans, not resumésHow you should just send the emailBut first, Manon talks about:Some big insecuritiesCome From Away in PerthThe Airbnb with a very patient hostSelf tapesYou can follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontour2023-05-0955 minLife On Tour11. Networking: How to Slay the Foyer ft. Jeremy Carver-JamesSend us a textIn this episode, Manon talks with special guess Jeremy Carver-James about all things networking. They talk about:What networking is and why it is importantOpening Nights and social ammoHow a person is not their resuméTiming is everythingEmpowering yourselfFangirlingAlcohol and industry eventsBut first, Manon talks about:A horrifying stage blooperAn emotional showOverwhelm and feeling funkyA poorly-timed workoutHow every performance is different and Eva NoblezadaFollow the podcast on instagram: @lifeontourpod2023-04-2551 minLife On Tour10. Theatre EtiquetteSend us a textIn this episode, Manon and special guest Doug Hansell discuss all things theatre etiquette in light of a recent incident in the UK. They also discuss etiquette when you're onstage. But first, Manon gives a few clarifications, a tour update, colon update, and chats about excess saliva. Follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontourpod2023-04-1840 minLife On Tour9. Money Money Money (Part 2) ft. Rachel ColeSend us a textIn this second episode with Qualified Property Investment Advisor Rachel Cole, Manon and Rach talk all about PAYG, Super and Property. It's a big chat, but it's totally worth it. But first, Manon talks about how her fart once stopped a rehearsal, and a tour update. Follow the podcast on instagram here: @lifeontourpodYou can follow Rachel here: @getrichwithrach Here are Rach's recommendations:Super comparison tool: https://www.ato.gov.au/Calculators-and-tools/YourSuper-comparison-tool/BOOKS:Any book by Noel WhittakerShe's on...2023-04-1133 minLife On Tour8. Money Money Money ft. Rachel Cole (Part One)Send us a textAfter a brief tour update, Manon takes it back to basics with Qualified Property Investment Advisor/ professional performer Rachel Cole. We talk about:Our industry-specific needsWhat to think about before a contractBudgeting on variable incomeRoutine vs spontaneity on tourHow to read your payslipHow tax worksAs mentioned in the episode, here are the resources Rach described:The ATO page:https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/In-detail/Occupation-and-industry-specific-guides/Performing-artists---income-and-work-related-deductions/?page=2#Deductions Pay Calc:https://paycalculator.com.au/2023-04-0452 minLife On Tour7. Bloopers: The Rare Reality of Live Theatre ft. Zoe Gertz, Michael Lee Porter and David SilvestreSend us a textIn this episode, Manon chats to industry pros Zoe Gertz, Michael Lee Porter and David Silvestre about the hilarious yet mortifying occurrences that are stage bloopers. But first, Manon talks about an unfortunate incident with a cucumber, an update of the Come From Away tour in Adelaide, a colon update, and the ethics of laughing at one's mistakes in a workplace. Follow the podcast on instagram @lifeontourpod2023-03-2849 minLife On Tour6. What To Do Between Gigs (Part 2) ft. Phillip Lowe and Natalie O'DonnellSend us a textIn this episode, Manon chats to Pip Lowe and Nat O'Donnell about what they do between gigs. They reflect on how these jobs have changed over the years and the mindset they have about the ups and downs of the industry. But first, Manon gives an update and recommends the "Just Not Australian" exhibition at the Museum of Sydney. Follow the pod on instagram: @lifeontourpod2023-03-2127 minLife On Tour5. What To Do Between Gigs (Part 1) ft. Jeremy Carver-James and Kat HarrisonSend us a textIn this episode, Manon interviews Come From Away castmates Jeremy Carver-James and Kat Harrison about what they do between gigs. But first, Manon gives updates on the tour, her colon, and a recent episode of another podcast that celebrated musical theatre. 2023-03-1454 minLife On Tour4. POV: you didn't get the gig — reflection on rejectionSend us a textIn this solo episode, Manon reflects on a recent audition rejection and shares the steps she takes to bounce back. Includes a brief colon update. 2023-03-0724 minLife On Tour3. Imposter? I hardly know her! Talking imposter syndrome with Emma Powell and Zoe GertzSend us a textIn this episode, Manon talks to industry heavyweights Emma Powell and Zoe Gertz about their experiences of imposter syndrome, and the ways they have dealt with it. But first, Manon talks about imposter syndrome, her colon again, and gives an update on the tour. 2023-02-2834 minLife On Tour2. Even the Best Job is a Job ft. Kat Harrison, Doug Hansell and Emma PowellSend us a textWelcome to Episode 2!This episode features some very special guests from the cast of Come From Away — Kat Harrison, Doug Hansell and Emma Powell.First, Manon has a chat about missing Opening Night because of the flu, and what it means to be both tired and happy simultaneously. Then we get into the chats with Kat, Doug and Emma. We talk about their favourite aspects of the job, but also the things that challenge them. Give us a follow @lifeontourpod and don't forget to subscribe2023-02-2137 minLife On Tour1. The AudacitySend us a textWelcome to Episode 1! Thanks for tuning in! In this episode I talk about:My colon (I'm sorry)Who on earth I amAustralian musical theatreCome From AwayMy colon againSubscribe/follow the pod if you'd like, and follow on instagram @lifeontourpodThanks for listening!2023-02-2110 min
Stage Door PodcastThe Muffin Man?! - Interview with Manon Gunderson-BriggsIn this week's episode Tori and Eliza are once again joined by the hilarious Manon Gunderson-Briggs! Together they discuss Manon's journey into the world of theatre, her professional debut in "Muriel's Wedding The Musical" originating the role of Cheryl, her upcoming journey to Newfoundland and how she is coping with Sydney's latest round of lockdown's! Resources and suggestions from the episode:- Mental Health Organizations Beyond Blue, Headspace and Lifeline- "Hamilton" at Her Majesty's Theatre Melbourne - "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at QPACLeave us a rate and review, and l...2021-07-2152 min