Jesse James Keitel and Candido Cornejo Jr, actor/writer and casting director respectively, speak to advocacy, intentional casting, and their trans-identity & experiences navigating the casting process and on set in a climate that’s healthy, safe and creative both as artists and for artists.

Casting Executive and Producer Kim Williams strives to elevate the industry, making a significant impact both on-screen and behind the scenes. Kim discusses how her degree in sociology informs her career, particularly in understanding the dynamics of human behavior, collaboration, and social networks. She emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and shares her passion for mentoring the next generation of artists.

Sammi Cannold and Liam Pearce, director and actor respectively, from Broadway's award winning How To Dance in Ohio discuss the impact of the show in de-stigmatizing neurodiversity, accessibility and accommodations on our sets, stages, and community, how the casting process and production embodied equal parts art and activism, and the meaning of the key motto in the disability and autistic communities “nothing about us without us.”

Michelle Sugihara, Executive Director of CAPE, shares how the Coalition of Asian Pacific’s in Entertainment is fostering collaboration among diverse organizations, creating a supportive network within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, coalition-building, and amplifying voices and driving systemic change on stage and in front of and behind the camera.

Intimacy Professionals Raja Benz & Greg Geffrard, open a window to the role of intimacy directors, choreographers and educators on stage and screen. We discuss navigating the complexities of power dynamics, and their commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces where all voices are respected and where the stories of underrepresented communities are told with integrity and care on stage and screen.

Aurin Squire, producer, playwright and screenwriter speaks with us about the importance of representation in the Writers Room and perspectives in storytelling at this pivotal moment in the industry

As Vice President, Health & Human Services for Musicares, Theresa Wolters leads on executing and advancing the vision and direction of all mission-based programs and services for MusiCares. Her passion for humanitarian services runs deep with a global journey that brings her to this dynamic conversation covering the impact Musicares has in serving our vast community of music professionals, “helping the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world".

Casting Directors Kim Montelibano Heil and Victor Vazquez talk with us about regional casting, the economics and equity of theatre post-pandemic, and thriving as an actor and artist in regional markets.

Broadway actress & producer, LaChanze talks with us about the important work of Black Theatre United and The New Deal, her own journey as an actress and what inspired her to become a producer and soon-to-be director, changing the face of professional theatre.

As Chief Labor Policy Officer and New York Local Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA, Rebecca Damon talks with us about the importance of sister unions, the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, and the need for actors to stay informed, get involved, and take control of their careers.

Welcome to In the Podlight, the podcast where we shine a spotlight on creatives from all walks of life. In this teaser episode, hosts Caroline Liem and Grant Kretchik introduce the show’s mission: to celebrate and explore the diverse experiences and identities within the creative industry. This season, we're diving into thought-provoking discussions with a range of guests who share their unique insights and experiences in the post-pandemic entertainment world.