Best Alex Brightman Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 188: A Book on Ya Ya with Jenn Billinson 44:05

2M ago44:05

44:05

“I think the role of the critic is to bring that nuanced understanding and historical context to explain the music.” Dr. Jenn Billinson from Nazareth University joins Brian for a deep, deep dive into Cowboy Carter, The Tortured Poets Department, and the role of music writing in today’s media world. Jenn talks about her recent research into gatekeep…

1
Episode 187: Caution is Kindness with Jen Moritz 33:58

3M ago33:58

33:58

“When in doubt, choose not to harm somebody.” Jen Moritz, senior editor and inclusive language specialist (and Brian’s wife) joins us to talk about inclusive language. What is inclusive language? So glad you asked! Jen defines the term for us, and also describes how she got interested and involved in this area of editing. She tells us how the pande…

1
BONUS EPISODE: AP Style and obesity 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

Next week, our regularly scheduled episode with Jen Moritz will be out. We’ll be talking all about inclusive language. However. Early in April, the Associated Press announced updates to its style book. Including new guidance on writing about “obese, obesity and overweight” We, um, we have some thoughts. And so, a bonus episode. Enjoy! And be sure t…

1
Episode 186: Working Stuff Out with Jared Paventi 44:55

3M ago44:55

44:55

“We all experience loss differently, but there’s common ground for all of us to find in that.” Jared Paventi joins Brian this week to talk all about his excellent Substack, Dirt Nap. Jared discusses how he came to write a weekly blog/newsletter/Substack/whatever we’re calling it about death and grieving, how watching his oldest daughter grieve the …

1
Episode 185: Slime Time with Alex Brightman 32:14

4M ago32:14

32:14

“Come in for the show, stay for the tears.” Alex Brightman joins Brian to talk about Broadway and writing, including a deep dive into his play “The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers.” A two-time Tony Nominee (for School of Rock and Beetlejuice), Alex tells Brian how a YouTube series, a production of Grease, and a shared affinity for Old Hollywood led…

1
Episode 184: Very Sparkly Writers with Joe Iconis 36:01

4M ago36:01

36:01

“Oh, I wrote a musical about me. I really did. This is just me.” Joe Iconis, one of the best writers on Broadway and one of Brian’s favorite people, joins us on The Other 51 to talk all about The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical. Yep, that’s the name of Joe’s most recent show, which debuted at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego in 2023…

1
Episode 183: Show Up with Liz Robbins 34:44

5M ago34:44

34:44

“Do the work. Show Up. Show you care by listening.” Liz Robbins joins Brian to talk about her remarkable career as a journalist, covering everything from the NBA to U.S. immigration policy. Liz tells stories about what it was like to cover sports in Cleveland in the late 1990s, including how she broke the news that the WNBA would be forming and tra…

1
Episode 182: Feel Like a Writer with Dave Karpf 32:52

6M ago32:52

32:52

“I ended up throughout the midst of the pandemic feeling like I couldn’t write anything anymore.” Dave Karpf, author of the must-read “The Future, Now and Then” on Substack, joins Brian to talk about writing, the internet, and more. Dave and Brian discuss this week’s news about Bluesky opening itself to the public, and why the years where there was…

1
#23 - How to Dance in Ohio: From Documentary to Broadway Musical 44:24

6M ago44:24

44:24

This episode features some of the key creative team behind the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio, a heartwarming musical based on a true story that follows a group of young adults on the autism spectrum preparing for a spring formal dance. The show is praised for its uplifting message, its celebration of neurodiversity, and its talented cast, w…

1
Danny Kornfeld 48:25

7M ago48:25

48:25

Danny and Matt have a candid conversation about nuance, perspective, growing up, and the new Broadway musical HARMONY. Danny Kornfeld played Young Rabbi in Harmony off-Broadway and makes his Broadway debut in this role. Select theater credits include: Aunt Caroline in Renascence (Transport Group), Sondheim On Sondheim (Kansas City Lyric Opera), Wri…

1
Alex Brightman 1:13:07

9M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

On this episode, a heartwarming, eye-opening, and candid conversation with two-time Tony Award nominee, writer, actor, and just all-around good dude, Alex Brightman. We go deep on everything from his relationship with mental health and medication over the last few years to what all the twists and turns of the entertainment business have taught him,…

1
Arielle Jacobs 1:12:34

9M ago1:12:34

1:12:34

Arielle and Matt have an honest and heartfelt conversation about HERE LIES LOVE, her Bells Palsy diagnosis, what it looks like to truly love yourself, and the incredible story of her family's journey to the United States. Arielle Jacobs, a first-generation Filipino-American actress, was last seen on Broadway starring as Princess Jasmine in the smas…

1
Episode 181: Working with Words with Wendell Barnhouse 35:59

10M ago35:59

35:59

Wendell Barnhouse joins Brian to talk about his long and storied career as a sports journalist. Wendell talks about what it was like to cover Duke-Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA men’s Tournament (the Christian Laettner shot), how doing layout and editing stories for 13 years helped him be a better writer, and why he views himself as more of a craftsman …

1
Episode 180: Get It On the Page with Joe Posnanski 33:34

11M ago33:34

33:34

Joe Posnanski joins Brian this week to talk all about his new book, “Why We Love Baseball.” In the introduction to this book, Joe writes that "This is the book I always hoped would be on the shelf” of his library when he was a kid. In this episode, he tells Brian why this would have been the perfect book for him when he was 10 years old. Joe discus…

1
Episode 179: North Star with Sam Borden 34:15

11M ago34:15

34:15

Sam Borden of ESPN joins Brian this week to talk about reporting, interviewing, and life as a foreign correspondent. Sam has probably the best job title of anyone we’ve had as a guest on the podcast — Global Sports Correspondent for ESPN. Sam talks about how he got that job, how he built a successful career as a sports journalist despite not being …

1
Episode 178: Post-Threads World with Jenn Billinson 35:14

11M ago35:14

35:14

Dr. Jenn Billinson from Nazareth University joins us to talk about the state of social media, and what the heck is going on with Twitter and Twitter replacements. Short answer: It’s a mess Jenn and Brian talk about their reactions to Threads, why that seemed to fizzle out, and what’s next for space. Twitter/BlueSky/Threads. Jenn tells us how social…

1
#22 - BroadwayCon: Making Magic Happen 39:19

12M ago39:19

39:19

BroadwayCon 2023 is here!!! This thrilling, not-to-be-missed, immersive Broadway experience is jam-packed with Broadway Stars, Panel Discussions, Cosplay, Games, Performances and so much more. No surprise that it takes a year to organize!! How do they do it?? Join us for a fascinating discussion with BroadwayCon Founder Melissa Anelli, Creative Dir…

1
Episode 177: A Newsman's Newsman with Chuck Pollock 47:33

1y ago47:33

47:33

How did a guy who started his career in radio become one of the most influential newspaper sports journalists in the history of Western New York? Chuck Pollock, Brian’s former boss and the longtime sports editor and columnist for The Times Herald in Olean, N.Y., joins Brian to talk about column writing, journalism, and his 50-year career. Chuck tra…

1
Epsiode 176: Adams Was a Baller with Bob Crawford 30:33

1y ago30:33

30:33

Bob Crawford, podcaster, history buff, and the bass player for The Avett Brothers (Brian’s favorite band), joins Brian this week to talk his new podcast series, Founding Son: John Quincy’s America. Bob and Brian talk about what made John Quincy Adams stand out as a story worth telling, how Adams is the bridge between Washington and Lincoln, a vesse…

1
Kevin Cahoon 1:10:39

1y ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Kevin Cahoon, Tony Award Nominee, "The World's Youngest Rodeo Clown", writer, director, and seasoned Broadway veteran, sits down for a joy-full conversation about his almost 30 years in the industry, what he loves most about what we do, and how SHUCKED has changed him. Kevin currently plays Earl Clark on FOX’s “Monarch.” Broadway: The Who’s Tommy, …

1
Episode 175: Everything's About Us with Scott Nover 31:18

1y ago31:18

31:18

Scott Nover, a technology and media reporter for Quartz, joins Brian to talk about AI, media economics, and why it’s so interesting to write about media. Scott takes a break from watching the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on artificial intelligence for this episode. For real, though … politicians can’t understand Facebook. Scott discusses hi…

1
Jordan Donica 1:09:43

1y ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Jordan Donica, Tony Award Nominee and a truly philosophical prince charming, sits down for a conversation about community, what makes things contemporary, the fun in the work, and what he's learning and leaning into. Jordan is currently starring as Sir Lancelot in the Lincoln Center Theater production of Camelot, for which he received a Tony nomina…

1
Episode 174: Ride the Writing Wave with Arielle Beth Klein 31:22

1y ago31:22

31:22

Arielle Beth Klein, a playwright and actor, joins Brian to talk about her newly published play, "My Shiksa Boyfriend," and all things writing and creative. Arielle tells us what it's like seeing her play for sale in the Drama Book Shop, and what it's like signing copies of her play to sell in the famed NYC book store. We bond over the awesomeness o…

1
Episode 173: Low-Risk Person with Will Leitch 37:53

1y ago37:53

37:53

Will Leitch returns to the show to talk all about the writing of his excellent new novel, "The Time Has Come." Will tells Brian how the writing of this book (“a feel-good book about a shooting!”) differed from his first novel, “How Lucky.” Will discusses how he structured the book, whether the plot or characters came first, and how he was able to m…

1
Micaela Diamond 1:00:50

1y ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Micaela Diamond, Tony Award nominee and culinary celestial sits down for a conversation about everything from validation and vocal breaks to partnership, pasta, and PARADE. On May 2nd, 2023, Micaela was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as Lucille Frank in the Broadway revival of Jason Robert Brown's PARADE. This conversation was recor…

1
Khris Davis 55:50

1+ y ago55:50

55:50

Khris Davis, dedicated actor and star of the new movie BIG GEORGE FOREMAN, sits down for an honest conversation about his passion for the work, spirituality, and what he's learned along the way. Khris Davis made his NY stage debut starring in The Royale at Lincoln Center (winner of Obie, Drama Desk, Theatre World and Clive Barnes awards; Drama Leag…

1
Episode 172: Primed to Write with Jenn McClearen 35:29

1+ y ago35:29

35:29

Dr. Jenn McClearen, an assistant professor at the University of Texas and author of the Substack newsletter Publish not Perish, joins Brian to talk about what makes academic writing so vexing, and some strategies to improve your writing and time management. They talk about the crazy coincidence of the both being at the same, relatively small confer…

1
Karli Dinardo 1:14:20

1+ y ago1:14:20

1:14:20

Karli Dinardo, Australian native and one of the most powerful dancers I've ever met, sits down for a conversation about the spiritual nature of dance, her role in Bob Fosse's DANCIN, and how being an immigrant in this city and business have shaped the woman she is today. At the time of recording and release, Karli is in Bob Fosse's DANCIN on Broadw…

1
Episode 171: Now I Just Cry with Alysa Auriemma 51:35

1+ y ago51:35

51:35

For the record seventh time, Alysa Auriemma joins Brian to talk about writing. This time, the main topics are social media, making space for creative work, her next novel, and (of course) so much more. Alysa talks about the reaction her first novel, All Daughter’s Rise, received and what the self-publishing process was like on the back end. She als…

1
Grace McLean 1:07:04

1+ y ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Grace McLean, a one-of-a-kind performer, writer and composer, sits down for a conversation about finding your voice, creating your own work, embracing your weird, the Marx brothers, and BAD CINDERELLA. When this episode was recorded and released, Grace was performing as The Queen in Andrew Lloyd Webber's BAD CINDERELLA on Broadway. Grace is a perfo…

1
Harry Turner 1:32:38

1+ y ago1:32:38

1:32:38

Harry Turner, filmmaker and conservationist, sits down for a heartfelt conversation about the relationship between us and nature, mental health, and the power of the jungle. This episode was recorded in mid-February 2023. ‘Wildcat’ tells the story of Harry, a veteran suffering from depression and PTSD who enters the Peruvian Amazon and meets an Ame…

1
Leo Reich 1:03:41

1+ y ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Leo Reich, queer comedian/writer and sardonically self-referential member of Gen-Z, sits down for a conversation about not being funny, self-promotion, and straight people. When this was released, Leo had just closed his solo show LITERALLY...WHO CARES Off-Broadway. Leo Reich is a comedian and writer - his smash debut show Literally Who Cares?! was…

1
James T. Lane 1:08:09

1+ y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

James T. Lane, saintly song and dance man and beacon of light, sits down for a conversation about the divine nature of creativity, addiction, recovery, showing up when it's hard, letting go of perfection, and making space for grace. When this was recorded and released, James was starring as Billy Flynn in the Broadway revival of CHICAGO. James grew…

1
J. Harrison Ghee 1:09:21

1+ y ago1:09:21

1:09:21

J. Harrison Ghee, minister of love and transcendent triple thread, sits down for an inspiring conversation about intention, purpose, love, and how each of us can free ourselves so that we can truly see ourselves. When this was recorded and released, J. was starring as Jerry/Daphne in SOME LIKE IT HOT on Broadway. J. Harrison Ghee is a North Carolin…

1
Episode 170: Under the Hood with Evan Drellich 39:17

1+ y ago39:17

39:17

Evan Drellich joins Brian to talk about his new book, Winning Fixes Everything, about the Houston Astros' cheating scandal. Evan — who worked with Brian at the Press & Sun-Bulletin in Binghamton, N.Y. another lifetime ago — discusses how he and Ken Rosenthal broke the story of the Astros cheating scandal for The Athletic, what it's like when your r…

1
Constantine Rousouli & Carrie St. Louis 1:09:21

1+ y ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Constantine Rousouli and Carrie St. Louis, TITANIQUE's Jack and Rose, sit down for a kooky crazy candid conversation about creating your own work, friendship, and building a life you love. This episode was recorded in January of 2023, while Constantine and Carrie were playing Jack and Rose, respectively, in the Off-Broadway hit TITANIQUE at the Dar…

1
Arty Froushan 54:53

1+ y ago54:53

54:53

Arty Froushan, an actor and truly gentle man, sits down for a conversation about craft, identity, discipline, the definition of "artist", and this podcast. When this was recorded, Arty was in the midst of the Broadway run of Tom Stoppard's LEOPOLDSTADT. British Iranian actor Arty stars as 'Jonah' in both seasons of Amazon’s fantasy drama ‘Carnival …

1
Episode 169: Damar Hamlin with Tyler Dunne 26:29

1+ y ago26:29

26:29

Tyler Dunne of Go Long tells us all about Damar Hamlin, what it was like to be in Cincinnati on Monday night, and about watching and covering football going forward. Why Damar Hamlins is exactly what the Buffalo Bills need The light in football’s most horrific hour Podcast: Damar Hamlin, life, and football The Chris Borland Effect The Chasing MS Fo…

1
Melanie La Barrie 56:42

1+ y ago56:42

56:42

Melanie La Barrie, a generous soul with a Calypsonian spirit, sits down for a candid conversation about the relationship between artist and audience, spirituality, new musicals and tiny miracles. When this was recorded, Mel had just made her Broadway debut in "& Juliet". Mel is originally from Trinidad where she was a Calypsonian and a radio DJ bef…

1
Krysta Rodriguez 1:03:08

1+ y ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Krysta Rodriguez, true triple threat and my OG Wednesday Addams, sits down for a candid conversation about identity, community, Sondheim, and the next generation of artists and actors. When this was recorded, Krysta had just wrapped up "double duty" performing as Cinderella in the revival of Into the Woods and rehearsing for The Collaboration. Krys…

1
Episode 168: Digital Media Suburb with Jeremy Littau 33:53

1+ y ago33:53

33:53

Jeremy Littau, a professor at Lehigh University, an expert in social media with some unfortunate opinions about candy, joins Brian to talk about the present and future of Twitter and new social platforms. Jeremy talks about where things stood with Twitter as of Dec. 7, when we recorded this. He talks about the migration to Mastodon, why it’s Why it…

1
Zachary Noah Piser 53:51

1+ y ago53:51

53:51

Zachary Noah Piser, hilarious friend and awe-inspiring actor, singer, and (now) KPOP-er, sits down for a candid conversation about navigating the emotions that come with mounting a new show vs joining a long-running one, how he felt about being the first Asian-American Evan Hansen (in Dear Evan Hansen), and all things identity, relationships, and h…

1
Bonnie Milligan 1:06:02

1+ y ago1:06:02

1:06:02

Bonnie Milligan, powerhouse performer and literal beam of light, sits down for a candid conversation about grief and faith, friendship, working with your heroes, and what she's learned in the past three years. Plus, how bonnie launched my entire career. At the time of release, Bonnie is starring in the new broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo. Bonnie w…

1
Lena Hall 1:30:46

1+ y ago1:30:46

1:30:46

Lena Hall, inimitable actress and singer and the realest rock-chick you've ever met, sits down for a candid conversation about what happens after you win a Tony Award, work culture in the arts, giving 100%, social media, and her ideas for the future of the theater. At the time of release, Lena is starring as Audrey in the off-broadway hit: Little S…

1
A Re-Introduction 2:04

1+ y ago2:04

2:04

A quick re-introduction, 3 years later, for the new season of The Come Up. On The Come Up, host Matt Rodin sits with creative people to find out where they’re at, today, in the journey of becoming who they are. What unfolds are often inspiring, transcendental, and candid conversations about the reality of being a growing artist. Matt believes that …

1
Episode 167: Rabbit Holes with Pablo Torre 39:07

1+ y ago39:07

39:07

Pablo Torre, host of ESPN Daily, joins Brian to talk about interviewing, curiosity in reporting, and how podcasting sits at the middle of his professional Venn Diagram. After a brief delay in starting this episode, Pablo talks about the career path that brought him to ESPN. He tells Brian how he brings a magazine-writer’s sensibility to a daily spo…

1
Episode 166: Kendall Oilers with Tyler Dunne 56:38

1+ y ago56:38

56:38

In our first-ever live event, Tyler Dunne returns to talk about his new book, “The Blood and Guts: How Tight Ends Save Football.” Listen to this episode for your chance to WIN A SIGNED COPY OF TY’S BOOK. Tyler tells Brian why he decided to write a whole book about tight ends. Because, let’s face it, that’s an oddly specific topic. If, as Tyler said…

1
Episode 165: Walking Through Your Fear with Jeff Pearlman 28:23

2y ago28:23

28:23

Jeff Pearlman is back for either his 83rd or 905th appearance, depending on who’s counting. Jeff is back to chat about “The Last Folk Hero,” his outstanding new biography of Bo Jackson that is out this week. Jeff describes what makes Bo Jackson so iconic and interesting, and why the first thing he did when he decided to write about Bo was to visit …

1
Episode 164: A 70-Word Sentence with Dr. Denny Wilkins 30:34

2y ago30:34

30:34

Denny Wilkins' story is that of a geology major from Massachusetts turned into a journalism professor at St. Bonaventure. It’s also the story of a professor who taught a generation of St. Boanventure journalism graduates — Brian included — to omit needless words. Denny and Brian, now colleagues at the Jandoli School of Communication, bring faculty …

1
#21 - Alex Edelman: Award-Winning Comic Genius 51:59

2y ago51:59

51:59

Comic genius, Alex Edelman, star of the hysterical one-man show JUST FOR US, joins Deep Dive Broadway for a fascinating look inside the world of a creative mastermind. Alex is an award-winning stand-up comedian, a television writer and an accomplished writer for magazines and documentaries. He worked as a speechwriter for the Los Angeles Dodgers an…

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