Best Matt Koplik Podcasts (2024)

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EP. #27 | Broadway Insider: From Actor to Producer - Clayton Howe Unveils the Secrets Behind the Scenes 1:29:40

1d ago1:29:40

1:29:40

Ever wondered what it takes to create a smash-hit Broadway production? Join us for an exclusive interview with Clayton Howe, the mastermind behind some of the biggest shows on the Great White Way and beyond. In this episode, Clayton pulls back the curtain on his incredible journey from Broadway actor to successful producer. He reveals the secrets t…

1
The American Musical w/ Ben West 2:05:41

2d ago2:05:41

2:05:41

Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel and get in on the fun! Link: https://discord.gg/qkZXHBwv This week Matt is joined by author and historian Ben West to talk about his new must-have book: The American Musical, Evolution of an Art Form! The two discuss the variety of genres in which the musical theatre has its origins, deep-cut songs, and t…

1
EP #26 | The ULTIMATE Guide to Becoming a Successful Actor (ft. Brian O'Neil)l 1:36:50

8d ago1:36:50

1:36:50

What does it REALLY take to make it as an actor? Brian O'Neil, the brains behind "Acting As a Business," pulls back the curtain on the industry. Brian has guided stars like Adam Driver and Danielle Brooks, in this ULTIMATE guide covering auditions, self-pitching, personal branding, and the business strategies you need to know. Don't miss this game-…

1
CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (and an Invitation!) 1:18:01

10d ago1:18:01

1:18:01

"Hal...it's no longer about CATS." Oooohhh boy! Matt went and saw CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL, the wild, crazy and invigorating new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Feline Fantasia! Listen up for Matt's chaotic thoughts as well as his time sitting with Cynthia Erivo! PLUS!!! An invite to Broadway Breakdown's Discord Channel! Invite Link: https://dis…

1
EP #25 | Mastering the Art of Communication: Your Key to Success 1:25:00

15d ago1:25:00

1:25:00

It's just the boys this time so you know there are TANGENTS GALORE (Kevin Spacey's father, anyone?). In this episode they dive deep into mastering the art of communication, its importance and how it can lead to your ultimate success or demise. This includes managing all the modes of communication, collaborating with others, managing your own expect…

1
FOLLIES, TITANIC, Plays and An Idea 1:15:39

17d ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Matt saw FOLLIES! TITANIC! HOME! HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES! And he's gonna talk about all 4! Plus a glorious 1-star review he got Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Matt Koplik

1
The Tony Awards Happened. Kinda. Let's Talk About It (w/ James Seol) 3:35:47

24d ago3:35:47

3:35:47

"Stop texting me..." The 2024 Tony Awards occurred. Some shows won and some lost. People performed and the TV cameras got waaayyy to close for comfort. And Matt's royally annoyed at Alicia Keys. So let's talk about it! Friend of the pod James Seol (KPOP, COME FROM AWAY) is back to discuss the WHOLE Get Down and to wade through some of your comments…

1
EP #24 | Discovering Your Creative Voice through Social Media with Gus Heagerty 1:32:01

29d ago1:32:01

1:32:01

Navigating the world of social media can be daunting for artists, with the fear of producing cringey, try-hard, and inauthentic content always looming. And yet, in 2024, mastering social media is essential for capturing attention in order to grow an audience. In this episode, we welcome Gus Heagerty, a true multi-hyphenate artist who has found succ…

1
Matt's London Trip w/ Mom 2:33:30

1M ago2:33:30

2:33:30

"Oi!" Hello again! Matt went to London! With his mom! And they saw some shows and did some things! Listen as the two discuss their London outings, plus their takes on OPERATION MINCEMEAT, GUYS AND DOLLS, STANDING AT SKY'S EDGE, and THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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EP #23 | The Tonys 2024 with Matt Koplik of Broadway Breakdown 2:19:53

1M ago2:19:53

2:19:53

It's awesome to have Matt Koplik of "Broadway Breakdown" on the show with the boys. Matt is a writer and critic who Mike is literally obsessed with (no joke). In this sassy and (as always) fun episode we cover a wide variety of topics including how Matt's podcast has brought him closer to the community he loves and has created wonderful opportuniti…

1
The Tony Awards: A Celebration in Excellence w/ Eila Mell 48:08

1M ago48:08

48:08

The Tony Awards: A Celebration in Excellence by Eila Mell is out in bookstores now! Find out more about Broadway's biggest night with an order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Matt Koplik

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EP #22 | Becoming a Workaday Broadway Actor with Nick Rehberger 1:53:59

1M ago1:53:59

1:53:59

We were thrilled to have Broadway’s Nick Rehberger on Creative Risk to talk about the modern challenges of becoming a workaday actor. Nick is currently appearing in Patriots on Broadway and was recently seen as Laertes in the latest production of Shakespeare in the Park, now featured on PBS' Great Performances. Since graduating from Carnegie Mellon…

1
2024 Tony Awards: Predicting the Winners (w/ The Theater Lovers) 2:37:02

1M ago2:37:02

2:37:02

Everyone is a winner. Except for those who aren't. It's almost June, which means it's almost Tony month, which means we have to get off our butts and start predicting some WINNERS! Friends of the pod Rachael Joyce and Will Anderson aka The Theater Lovers are BACK! And together, the Lovers and Matt try to figure out who exactly is gonna win this f*c…

1
A Meandering Chat: Full of Gossip, Trauma and BROADWAY! (w/ Robert W. Schneider) 1:52:50

2M ago1:52:50

1:52:50

It was supposed to be a discussion about Tony Award Snubs...oops, "omissions." But leave it to BROADWAY BOUND'S Robert W. Schneider to keep Matt distracted with tons of Broadway gossip and a foray into Matt's past trauma. Enjoy the shortest episode in weeks :) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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EP #21 | The Actor's Showcase, Does It Help or Hinder? 2:05:08

2M ago2:05:08

2:05:08

It’s showcase tiiiiiiime! Yay? The question the boys ask in this episode is “do senior actor showcases really prepare graduates for the business or inadvertently work against them”? There are guests galore, including members of the 2024 UNCSA class and fellow alum, Robyne Parrish (’98) all sharing their experiences, opinions, wins and disappointmen…

1
The Art of Predicting the Tonys (w/ Sam Eckmann) 2:18:52

2M ago2:18:52

2:18:52

"It's an art..." Goldderby's Sam Eckmann stops by the Breakdown to discuss Tony trends, myths and what you need to take into account when making your predictions! DOLL OUT THE PUDDING! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Matt Koplik

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EP #20 | Standing Out as an Actor 1:29:56

2M ago1:29:56

1:29:56

Purists, be damned...despite what artsy fartsy culture has told us, there are practical realities of operating as a freelancer of any kind including making sure you’re standing out from the rest of the competition. In this episode, the boys examine what it means to "stand out" both in terms of talent and strategic positioning within this saturated,…

1
Ranking Every Show This Broadway Season...'Cause F**k It, Why Not 4:11:10

2M ago4:11:10

4:11:10

Oh look...it's the longest episode in Broadway Breakdown history. Matt saw every show of the 2023-2024 Broadway season. Now he wants to rank them. Because what else is there to do now? Feel free to listen to this episode while crossing Atlantic. Or while stuck in a 12 hour traffic jam. Or waiting for your souffle to rise. And feel free to yell at M…

1
BONUS! Interview w/ MARY JANE's Susan Pourfar 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

Motherhood...Sisterhood...and Silent Broadway Contracts... We've got another lovely surprise for you! Award-winning actress Susan Pourfar stops by the Breakdown to discuss her journey with MTC's MARY JANE, from its production at NYTW to its Broadway premier with Rachel McAdams. Matt and Susan also discuss the performance Matt attended when an audie…

1
EP #19 | Drag Superstar, Actor and Producer Alexis Michelle 1:19:29

2M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

Drag superstar, actor and producer Alexis Michelle joins the boys in this episode to discuss their astounding creative journey. This episode truly lives up to the “art, entrepreneurialism and everything in between” tagline, because that’s what it takes to be a successful drag artist. In this intimate chat, Alex/is tells us about the blending of ide…

1
2024 Tony Nominations Are Here! Reading YOUR Takes 2:12:16

2M ago2:12:16

2:12:16

Well...they're here. After much speculating, predicting and dreaming...the 2024 Tony Nominations have ARRIVED. And there were CHOICES made. Matt takes to instagram to read what y'all had to say about the new crop of nominations...and what a few of you had to say about HIM. It's a fun journey!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad…

1
2024 Tony Nominees: What We Predict vs. What We Want (w/ Dan Rubins) 2:23:58

3M ago2:23:58

2:23:58

Two more days... Recorded Sunday April 21, before Matt saw MOTHER PLAY, CABARET and others...and before the final Tony eligibility rulings...Slant critic Dan Rubins stops by the Breakdown to discuss what they both think the Tony nominees will be and what they WANT them to be. Take a listen! Dan's podcast, The Present Stage: https://www.thepresentst…

1
2024 Tony Predictions (Part 2): PRE- Eligibility Rulings!! (w/ David Lynch) 2:02:34

3M ago2:02:34

2:02:34

"OK, who do you have?" The TONY nominations are in 5 days, y'all!! That means we gotta start making some new PREDICTIONS. Recorded a mere 2 hours before the Tony Committee released their second round of Eligibility Rulings, Broadway producer David Lynch stops by the Breakdown to share possible nominations. The two also discuss Matt's actions when t…

1
BONUS! Interview w/ SPAMALOT/THE GREAT GATSBY Lighting Designer: Cory Pattak 1:31:56

3M ago1:31:56

1:31:56

"Find your light..." Y'all have been so good that we're treating you to a BONUS episode! An interview with lighting designer extraordinaire Cory Pattak! Cory made his Broadway debut this season with not one, but TWO musicals: SPAMALOT and THE GREAT GATSBY! Cory stops by the Breakdown to discuss the thrill and stress of putting together two very sud…

1
EP #18 | Approaching Your Creative Career From a Place of Love or Fear 1:54:09

3M ago1:54:09

1:54:09

The guys dive deep, tackling the impact of fear versus love on decision-making and actions (or inactions) on our artistic journeys. Covering everything from taking risks, battling perfectionism and the constant comparison game, LABOD and Joshua draw from their own experiences, good and bad. The key takeaway? It's all about finding that sweet spot b…

1
THE GREAT GATSBY, SUFFS and Some Broadway Bullsh*t 1:28:18

3M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

"Everyone's a critic..." We're wrapping up the season very soon!!!! And before we do, we got some more shows for you: THE GREAT GATSBY, PATRIOTS and SUFFS! Matt discusses his opinions on all three. Plus some talk about some of the crazy that's been happening online this week in the community. Let's have fun. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

1
EP #17 | Working With "Bad" Creative Collaborators 1:27:18

3M ago1:27:18

1:27:18

We all know what it's like to work with sh**ty people, but might WE actually be the sh**ty ones? In this episode the boys talk about collaboration, tackling everything from the importance of defining clear responsibilities to dealing with bad collaborators. They kiki on their own personal experiences working with not great people (a lot of tea, hen…

1
LEMPICKA, STEREOPHONIC & More...and Jack Viertel!! 2:12:15

3M ago2:12:15

2:12:15

"Woman is...or is she?" It's a bonanza!! Matt starts off with his reviews on seeing MERRILY a second time (now *with* Lindsay Mendez), LEMPICKA, THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL and STEREOPHONIC! Plus a new review that has notes for Matt. Plus after all of THAT is an interview with Broadway legend and Jack of All Trades: Jack Viertel. Jack talks with Mat…

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EP #16 | Broadway Producer + Performer E. Clayton Cornelious 1:20:12

3M ago1:20:12

1:20:12

We have a dear friend and legitimate LEGEND on the pod! E. Clayton Cornelious joins us! A Tony nominated investor/producer and a 25-year Broadway veteran, who has appeared in over 10 Broadway shows! Currently producing The Who's Tommy and Spamalot on Broadway and coming off starring on the Ain't Too Proud tour, E. Clay is a truly fierce multi-hyphe…

1
TOMMY, THE OUTSIDERS & Your Tony Predictions! 2:05:40

3M ago2:05:40

2:05:40

"See Me...and Stay Gold." It's April!!! Which means Tony season has sprung! Matt sees TOMMY and THE OUTSIDERS and gives you his thoughts...and then reads YOUR thoughts on upcoming results for the 2024 Tony Awards. And some of you are BOLD. Let's get some hardware!!! Tix for NYC Gay Men's Chorus concert "Bubblegum Pop" available here: https://nyuski…

1
EP #15 | Was Acting Conservatory Worth It? 1:32:31

4M ago1:32:31

1:32:31

These boys went to one of the best acting conservatories in the world (according to some very "important" industry lists). However, these world-class institutions may not be all they're cracked up to be! In this episode they discuss various topics related to the pros and cons of choosing a conservatory over a liberal arts program, including some me…

1
Notebooks, Elephants and Protestors OH MY! (Reviews and Updates on the Season) 1:10:42

4M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

"There is nothing like New York in the SPRING!" A *lot* has changed since our first Tonys episode so Matt has come on to talk through some of it. First Matt gives thoughts after having seen WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and THE NOTEBOOK. Plus what it was like being at the infamous performance of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE attended by protestors! Matt then goes t…

1
EP #14 | The Appearance of Authenticity 1:04:54

4M ago1:04:54

1:04:54

The most searched for word of 2023 was "authenticity" and it makes sense. The boys talk about this elusive yet loaded topic and how the connotations around it can often hinder and stunt an actor's business. It's a spicy episode, full of hot takes, disagreements and stimulating (sexy) conversation “CREATIVE RISK”, is a new podcast hosted by actors J…

1
THE INHERITANCE w/ Robbie Rozelle 2:34:13

4M ago2:34:13

2:34:13

"He has a story to tell..." It came to Broadway touted as the next ANGELS IN AMERICA. And yet...not every gay man was into it. Then it won the Tony...and some people still weren't into it. But does that make something "Problematic"?? Friend of the pod Robbie Rozelle comes back to the Breakdown to discuss THE INHERITANCE. Matt and Robbie spend an ep…

1
EP #13 | 2024 Oscar Predictions 1:40:23

4M ago1:40:23

1:40:23

It's Oscar time! And although no one watches this strange and bloated event anymore we thought it'd be fun to give our take on what we believe should win and what we believe will win. You're gonna wanna watch somewhere cool because there are A LOT of hot takes in this one: from the boys take on Kengate, the overhype of Lily Gladstone and the proble…

1
AIDA w/ Will Van Dyke 2:31:04

4M ago2:31:04

2:31:04

"We all lead such elaborate lives..." It's sexy! It's dangerous! It's Disney! It's AIDA!!! Broadway music director Will Van Dyke (Pretty Woman, The Heart of Rock n Roll) comes on the Breakdown to discuss with Matt the first Broadway Disney musical "for adults." The two also discuss casting, fashion shows, and duty. TAKE ME IN!!!! Learn more about y…

1
SLAVE PLAY w/ Marcus Scott 2:37:37

5M ago2:37:37

2:37:37

"Thank you, baby. Thank you for listening..." Welcome back to Problematic(?)! And ooooh boy do we have a DOOZY! Alum of the pod, Marcus Scott, returns to discuss SLAVE PLAY. The show that angered, excited and confused many theatergoers. Matt and Marcus get into the weeds of SLAVE PLAY's 12 Tony nominations and 0 wins, what intimacy is, and whether …

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EP #12 | The Power of an Owned Audience For Actors 1:32:27

5M ago1:32:27

1:32:27

Dive deep with the boys in this thought-provoking episode. As the traditional Hollywood landscape devolves into a hellscape, they advocate for fixating not on your headshots or mediocre representation, but of a direct connection with your fanbase. In addition to dissecting this very powerful asset, they contemplate the prospect of homeownership wit…

1
2024 Tony Predictions: Bold, Brave and Early (w/ Dylan MacDowell) 2:37:09

5M ago2:37:09

2:37:09

Confident and Uninformed. That's the way to make predictions for Tony nominations THIS early. Breakdown alum Dylan MacDowell (DRAMA) returns to go through every possible candidate for this year's Tony Awards. And Matt spills some tea about exactly *what* Broadway thinks about some of its offerings... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon…

1
Tony-Nominee Sally Mayes is here to SING and DISH 1:29:03

5M ago1:29:03

1:29:03

"This bird is singing..." Sally Mayes has been there and back and she can sing all about it to you! A Tony nominee for SHE LOVES ME with multiple awards under her belt, Sally stop by the pod to talk about her upcoming concert series (link for tix below), as well as how her Broadway debut as a swing lead to her winning a Theatre World Award, the 199…

1
EP #11 | Taxes and the Actor with Farrell Parker of Artist Tax Prep 1:24:33

5M ago1:24:33

1:24:33

It's tax time, b**ches! We're not gonna say that "It doesn't have to be complicated," because IT IS. Especially for us actors and artists. THat's why we have our dear friend, actor and tax preparer, Farrell Parker on the show of Artist Tax Prep to get down and dirty with it and most importantly make it accessible and understandable for you. We'll b…

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THE BOOK OF MORMON w/ Kyle Marshall 2:26:14

6M ago2:26:14

2:26:14

"Turn it off..." Hello! Our name is Broadway Breakdown. And we would like to share with you a Tony winning show. It has so many awesome parts. You simply won't believe how much this show has angered crowds. That's right...it's THE BOOK OF MORMON. The Broadway phenomenon from the creators of SOUTH PARK and AVENUE Q that swept the world, wowed critic…

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EP #10 | Casting Director, Amanda Lenker-Doyle: The Future of the Industry | Creative Risk Podcast 1:29:47

6M ago1:29:47

1:29:47

In this latest episode, the boys have on casting director Amanda Lenker-Doyle (Black-ish, Fuller House) who is *also* a producer and metalsmith. She has a unique perspective and gets real about the current state of the industry—from the highs and lows of her own career, to the rarely spoken of lack of job security casting is facing as well as what …

1
MISS SAIGON w/ James Seol 3:28:48

6M ago3:28:48

3:28:48

"The heat is on..." To cover a giant show with giant controversy...you need a giant episode. Yup: it's MISS SAIGON. James Seol (COME FROM AWAY, KPOP) makes his Breakdown debut to discuss the last of the British mega-musicals with Matt. The two discuss a LOT: a mutual belief that Chris is the show's villain, how Kim is actually a survivalist genius …

1
HEATHERS w/ Chelsea Williams 2:16:21

6M ago2:16:21

2:16:21

"What's your damage?" CONTENT WARNING: This episode covers a show that contains and discusses suicide, sexual assault, and mental illness. Please listen with caution. We're venturing back to Off-Broadway with the musical that launched a thousand nodes and a million TikTok accounts...we're talking HEATHERS, y'all. The musical based on the classic cu…

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CAROUSEL w/ Juan A. Ramírez 2:47:54

7M ago2:47:54

2:47:54

"If I loved you..." Oh Boy. It's the one listeners of BREAKDOWN have been waiting for. It's Matt's favorite musical. It's perhaps the most famous "problematic" musical. That's right...it's CAROUSEL, BABY!! Theatre critic Juan A. Ramirez (Theatrely, The New York Times) joins the pod to discuss all things Rodgers and Hammerstein. Juan and Matt discus…

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EP #9 | An Actor's End of Year Review: Goal-Setting | Creative Risk Podcast 1:37:11

7M ago1:37:11

1:37:11

In the final episode of 2023, Joshua and Mike delve into where an actor’s journey really needs to begin: goal setting. Surprisingly, many actors neglect setting goals for the future so the boys passionately make the case for the significance of goal-setting and share insights on how to make 2024 the year you elevate your creative business. More spe…

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DEAR EVAN HANSEN (Part 1) & The Broadway Season w/ Ruthie Fierberg 2:18:47

7M ago2:18:47

2:18:47

"All we see is sky for forever..." STORY TIME! Due to reasons, Broadway Breakdown is covering DEAR EVAN HANSEN in two parts...with the second part coming sometime between now and later. Journalist and podcaster Ruthie Fierberg (Why We Theater) joins the Breakdown to lay out her reasonings as to why DEAR EVAN HANSEN is NOT problematic (with no quest…

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EP #8 | Growing a Community: The Importance of Giving aka The Holiday Episode | Creative Risk Podcast 1:16:43

7M ago1:16:43

1:16:43

HO HO HO! In this special holiday episode Mike and Joshua get out of the transactional nature of networking and discuss the value of "community cultivation." We all know the importance of relationships and yet cultivating those relationships can still feel elusive at times (maybe a bit slimy?) However, the holidays are one of the best and most effe…

1
PROMISES, PROMISES w/ Adam Elsberry 2:51:19

7M ago2:51:19

2:51:19

"I'll never fall in love again..." It's turkey lurkey TIME, people! Guncle of the Pod Adam Elsberry returns to talk about one of the hottest shows of the 1960's: PROMISES, PROMISES. Based on the Oscar-winning film THE APARTMENT, it's a show that got HAMILTON level reviews...and wasn't heard from again for a very long time. Matt and Adam discuss the…

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