Stan Zimmerman, the creative force behind The Golden Girls, Roseanne, and Gilmore Girls, joins us to discuss his new memoir, The Girls: From Golden to Gilmore. From a gawky Jewish boy in Detroit dreaming of Hollywood to a celebrated writer, producer, director, and playwright, Stan shares stories of his friendships with remarkable women, journal entries from his early career, and behind-the-scenes tales of some of television’s most iconic female ensembles. The conversation is moderated by Tony Award-winning actress Marissa Jaret Winokur (Hairspray, What We Do in the Shadows), who brings her insight from Broadway, television, and film to explore Stan’s career, his creative process, and the enduring impact of the women who shaped his journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, playwright Miranda Rose Hall joins Robert Duffley and Geoff Kanick of LubDub Theatre Co to discuss To Tell a Story About the Earth—a playful, inventive piece that’s part traditional play and part MadLib-style guide to creating original theatre about the natural world. Blending artistry, collaboration, and climate awareness, the conversation dives into how this ensemble-driven work invites communities to devise their own stories in celebration of Earth Day and beyond. Learn more about their work and explore a devising guide at www.lubdubtheatre.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Javier Muñoz—star of Hamilton and In the Heights—sits down with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner to explore Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, the definitive look at how a creative kid from Washington Heights became one of the most influential storytellers of our time. Drawing from over 150 interviews, Pollack-Pelzner traces Miranda’s journey from high school musicals to global hits like Hamilton, Moana, and Encanto, uncovering the drive, collaboration, and cultural fusion that shaped his artistry. It’s an inspiring, behind-the-scenes portrait of genius, heart, and the making of a modern Broadway legend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, David Rigano sits down with Chris Adams, author of Out for Blood: A Cultural History of Carrie the Musical, for a deep dive into one of Broadway’s most notorious flops turned cult sensation. Joined by Tony and Olivier Award winner Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat), composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), and some unforgettable audience cameos, the conversation explores the chaotic origins of Carrie, its spectacular crash, and the passionate fandom that brought it back to life. Stick around for a surprise finale you won’t want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than fifty years after Jesus Christ Superstar first shocked, thrilled, and redefined what a musical could be, we revisit the rock opera’s journey with journalist and playwright Ellis Nassour. Author of the definitive book on the making of Superstar, Nassour takes us behind the scenes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s early collaborations, the risky leap from record to stage, and the controversies that followed. From avant-garde Broadway choices to the landmark film adaptation, he shares untold stories, rare photos, and insider interviews that bring this revolutionary work to life. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious about how a “concept album” became a worldwide phenomenon, this episode is a deep dive into a piece of theater history that continues to resonate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore three essential books on the craft of playwriting: Letters to a Young Playwright by Adam Szymkowicz, Playwriting with Purpose and Writing Adaptations and Translations for the Stage by Jacqueline Goldfinger. The discussion covers practical advice for early-career and emerging playwrights, from developing characters and writing dialogue to adapting works for stage performance, all enriched with insider tips and real-world insights from award-winning dramatists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore Tommy Jamerson’s dynamic plays Amityville ‘74, The House on Haunted Hill, and The Jungle Book. Amityville ‘74 delves into the chilling events at the infamous Dutch Colonial where Ronald “Butch” Defeo committed a horrific family murder. The House on Haunted Hill brings Vincent Price’s classic to life with a twisted, humorous story of greed, ghosts, and betrayal. The Jungle Book reimagines Kipling’s timeless tale, following Mowgli’s adventures through the jungle with heart, action, and a fresh perspective. The discussion is moderated by Mark-Eugene Garcia, highlighting Jamerson’s remarkable global reach, his diverse works for children and adults, and his signature blend of suspense, comedy, and theatrical innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the world of audio drama with Barry M. Putt, Jr., renowned dramatist, screenwriter, and author of Stories Told Through Sound. This episode explores the essentials of crafting engaging audio dramas, including creating compelling characters, developing exciting plot twists, and building scripts that resonate with audiences. Drawing on his prolific career—over fifty audio dramas for companies like Colonial Radio Theatre on the Air and Radio Theater Project—Barry shares practical strategies and hands-on guidance for developing a fully realized audio-drama script. Writers, storytellers, and audio enthusiasts alike will find inspiration and actionable insights to bring their stories to life in the ever-expanding world of audio drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you know Broadway inside and out? In this episode, we sit down with theater historian, author, and Broadway commentator Peter Filichia to test your stage smarts. His latest book challenges even the most seasoned fans with brainteasers spanning decades of musicals—from Cats to Dear Evan Hansen. We’ll explore how he crafted these puzzles, swap a few tricky questions, and talk about what makes Broadway trivia so endlessly fun. With eight books, countless articles, and years of award committee experience under his belt, Filichia brings a lifetime of theater knowledge to the mic. Are you a Broadway genius? Tune in and find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, playwright and memoirist Alvin Eng joins Shoshana Greenberg of the Thornton Wilder Society to discuss his book Our Laundry, Our Town. Eng reflects on growing up as the son of Chinese immigrants in 1970s Flushing, Queens—balancing life inside his parents’ hand laundry with the turbulent, inspiring world outside. His memoir traces the journey from punk rock and downtown theater to discovering Thornton Wilder’s influence, and ultimately to reconnecting with his ancestral roots in China. Together, Eng and Greenberg explore themes of identity, culture, and storytelling, while considering Wilder’s lasting legacy in American theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we explore Blood Type: RAGU, written and performed by Frank Ingrasciotta. This hilarious and heartfelt solo play follows Frank’s journey as the son of Sicilian immigrants in Brooklyn, blending food, family, and forgiveness in a story that’s equal parts comedy and drama. Having wowed audiences Off-Broadway and beyond with over 1,200 performances worldwide, Blood Type: RAGU showcases Frank’s tour-de-force portrayal of more than 20 unforgettable characters. Frank joins us to share his journey from Off-Broadway to international acclaim, reflecting on culture, identity, and the joy of bringing family stories to life onstage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark-Eugene and Dylan dive into auditions, on-camera work, stage fright, and Dylan’s college journey. Later, David speaks with Ellen Novack about her book Taming the Cyclops, a guide to mastering on-camera auditions. With decades of experience as a casting director and teacher at Yale, Juilliard, and beyond, Ellen shares invaluable insights that have shaped the careers of actors like Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, and Brian Tyree Henry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark-Eugene and Dylan share stories from their performing journeys before David sits down with voice teacher Gabriel Weiner to discuss his book How to Sing Without Thinking. A celebrated singer, actor, and teacher, Weiner offers a fresh approach to singing—one rooted in trust, emotion, and rediscovering the voice we’re all born with. His philosophy: if you can laugh, cry, or speak, you can sing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark-Eugene and Dylan kick things off with an update on their latest playwriting adventures. Then, Paul Wontorek (Broadway World) sits down with six-time Tony nominee Chad Beguelin to discuss his debut novel Showmance—a funny and heartfelt story about a failed Broadway writer, a community theater revival, and the unexpected romance that blooms in his small hometown. Beguelin, known for The Prom, Aladdin, and The Wedding Singer, draws from his own life as a queer theater kid turned Broadway vet. Showmance is a witty, warm, and redemptive tale about second chances, small-town surprises, and the messy truth about our pasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mark-Eugene and David chat with playwright Sophie McIntosh and director/producer Nina Goodheart, co-founders of Good Apples Collective. They discuss their upcoming production Road Kills, their creative partnership, and the mission behind their collaborative work. Sophie’s plays spotlight queer voices, small-town life, and the wild ways animals mirror us. Nina brings stories to life with heart and purpose, with directing credits Off-Broadway and on Broadway. Together, they’re building space for bold stories and marginalized voices—one fearless play at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special twist for this episode, David interviews Mark-Eugene Garcia during a Friday the 13th birthday book signing celebrating the publication of his three plays: With Bated Breath, Eight Tales of Pedro, and Goat Blood. They dive into Mark-Eugene’s two-decade journey as a Chicano playwright—from his first musical Up in the Air, which evolved into the wild, sex-fueled satire With Bated Breath, to his current work exploring Latine stories rooted in heritage, myth, and horror. Joining them are Sergio Caetano and Hraban Luyat, two original cast members from Goat Blood, who give a chilling live performance of the play’s opening scene. The featured works span a mythic border-crossing folktale (Eight Tales of Pedro), a monster thriller layered with grief and identity (Goat Blood), and a surreal small-town comedy about religious repression and pharmaceutical chaos (With Bated Breath). It’s a rich conversation about storytelling, culture, performance, and the monsters—real and metaphorical—that shape us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Pride episode, Mark-Eugene and Dylan team up with DPS/Broadway Licensing for an author roundtable celebrating queer voices in the theatre. Moderated by Emmy-winning journalist Patrick Pacheco, the conversation features an all-star panel: Charles Busch (The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom), C.A. Johnson (All the Natalie Portmans), Michael Korie (Grey Gardens, Flying Over Sunset), and Lisa Kron (Fun Home, 2.5 Minute Ride). Together, they reflect on the power of queer storytelling, the evolution of representation onstage, and what it means to write with pride. It's a dynamic, heartfelt discussion with some of the most influential and exciting voices in American theatre today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In season 2 episode 8, Mark-Eugene and Dylan spotlight two favorite non-binary playwrights, then introduce a panel celebrating the groundbreaking anthology Beyond the Binary: Eight Non-Binary Plays. Though non-binary voices have a rich theatrical history, they’re still underrepresented on today’s stages. Beyond the Binary shifts that narrative with short plays exploring identity at the intersections of race, religion, class, politics, and pop culture. From Joan of Arc to talking toys, New York apartments to family bonds—these works capture the breadth of non-binary experience and joy. Featuring: Jonathan Alexandratos, M Sloth Levine, Dani Martineck, J.C. Pankratz, and Ashley Lauren Rogers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, playwrights David, Mark-Eugene, and special guest Dylan Glick discuss their playwriting journeys, creative processes, favorite writers, and best advice for fellow dramatists. Later, David interviews playwright and professor Justin Maxwell about his book The Playwright’s Toolbox—a dynamic resource filled with exercises from nearly 60 playwrights, designed to guide writers through every stage of crafting a play. From idea generation to final revisions, Maxwell offers tools for both new and experienced playwrights looking to sharpen their skills and build stronger work for the stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special bonus episode, Mark-Eugene introduces the conversation as guests Jonathan Spector and Jessica Hecht sit down with Ruthie Fierberg to discuss the Tony-nominated play Eureka Day. From the origins of the script to its powerful themes, they explore the story behind the show and its journey to Broadway. The Tony countdown continues! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices