Best Patrick Oliver Jones Podcasts (2024)

1
John David Bethel, Novelist-Episode #316 53:40

20h ago53:40

53:40

Novelist John David Bethel was a speechwriter to Cabinet Secretaries at the Departments of Commerce and Education during the Bush 41 and 43 administrations. He also served as a press secretary and speechwriter to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Additionally, David worked as a communications strategist for a number of nation…

1
FINAL FIVE with Dwayne Washington, Actor and Educator 12:06

7d ago12:06

12:06

In the previous episode you heard from actor Dwayne Washington as he shared what he learned from leaving the industry. Well, now Dwayne is back to talk about what “making it” means to him as well as one of my least favorite parts of the business, self-tapes, by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. ----…

1
Tim Stepich, TV and Movie Editor-Episode #315 59:45

8d ago59:45

59:45

TV and movie editor, Tim Stepich, was captivated by the films and TV shows of his youth in the 1970s. By the time he was in high school, he set his sights on working in show business. Tim’s abiding interest in editing goes back to when, as a teen, he’d make music montages on his home stereo. He studied television and film at Emerson College in Bost…

1
Dwayne Washington Left the Industry Twice But "La Boheme" Kept Bringing Him Back 47:06

13d ago47:06

47:06

"Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances.” This is how renowned acting teacher Sanford Meisner defined what it means to be an actor. This principle helps performers build empathy with our characters and forge meaningful connections onstage. But as our guest today reveals, this approach can also be a powerful guide for navigating…

1
Okema T. Moore, Film Producer-Episode #314 1:08:27

16d ago1:08:27

1:08:27

Okema T. Moore is an Emmy Nominated PGA producer and rising director. She’s created unscripted and branded content for Lifetime, Netflix, and Disney/Marvel, including: Beat Bobby Flay and The Kitchen on Food Network, Oprah’s Color of Care, Founding In Color on Peacock, and Nomad with Carlton McCoy on CNN. Most recently, she developed and produced D…

1
Steve Skrovan, Standup Comedian-Actor-TV Comedy Writer-Episode #313 1:21:29

25d ago1:21:29

1:21:29

Steve Skrovan has worked as a stand-up comedian, actor, and TV comedy writer since the early eighties. He’s written for many shows, most notably, Seinfeld, Hot in Cleveland, Til Death, Wendell and Vinnie, School of Rock, and the entire nine-year run of Everybody Loves Raymond, a show which he has also adapted internationally in Russia, Israel, and …

1
Patrick Oliver Jones Joins StoryBeat with Steve Cuden 1:11:19

28d ago1:11:19

1:11:19

At the beginning of this season, I spoke with writer and producer Steve Cuden about his early collaborations with composer Frank Wildhorn. He gives us the real story behind the creation of the Jekyll & Hyde musical, which differs from the way Wildhorn tells the tale. We also get into his other writings and how he transitioned into teaching and also…

1
Paul Chitlik, Writer-Producer-Director-Teacher-Episode #312 59:45

1M ago59:45

59:45

This is Paul Chitlik’s second appearance on StoryBeat. Paul has written for all the major networks and studios in both English and Spanish. He was story editor for The New Twilight Zone, and staff writer for the Showtime sitcom, Brothers. He’s directed episodes and been coordinating producer for “Real Stories of the Highway Patrol” and “U.S. Custom…

1
FINAL FIVE with Dominic Thrasher, Actor and Writer 16:01

1M ago16:01

16:01

In the previous episode you heard from actor and writer Dominic Thrasher as he shared how a diagnosis of ALS has dramatically changed his life and career. We also discussed how writing has given him a new focus for his energies and creativity. Well, now Dominic is back to talk playing one of his dream roles as well as share more lessons he’s learne…

1
Joseph B. Atkins, Author and Teacher-Episode #311 58:55

1M ago58:55

58:55

The noted author and teacher, Joseph B. Atkins, is a veteran writer and professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Mississippi. Joe’s latest book, Harry Dean Stanton: Hollywood’s Zen Rebel, won the Bronze Award for biography from the Independent Publisher Book Awards in 2021. Regarding Joe’s novel, Casey’s Last Chance, Edgar Award-winnin…

1
Dominic Thrasher Slowly Loses His Ability to Perform and Finds Another Meaning of Success 1:05:13

2M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

In the year before the pandemic, I was on a contract with Norwegian Cruise Line performing the musical Footloose. In past seasons you’ve heard me speak with some members of that company (Megan Hoxie, David Ruttura, Eric Jordan Young) And in today’s episode I’m bringing on another one of the people that I met through that show, Dominic Thrasher, one…

1
Ryan Raddatz, Actor-TV Writer-Producer-Episode #310 1:10:16

2M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Ryan Raddatz is a Los Angeles-based TV writer and producer who has worked on numerous broadcast sitcoms and kids shows including: The Neighborhood on CBS and WordGirl on PBS. And he’s developed more than a dozen pilots at various networks. Ryan won two Daytime Emmys for his writing on WordGirl and another three for his work on the Ellen DeGeneres S…

1
Listen Now - The Magical Making of Disney's Aladdin on Broadway 16:44

2M ago16:44

16:44

Few musicals have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Disney's ALADDIN. But did you know the beloved stage adaptation of the classic animation almost never came to be? This podcast pulls back the curtain on the untold story of ALADDIN's journey from conception to Broadway triumph. Join 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist for…

1
Dan Mirvish, Filmmaker and Author-Episode #309 1:05:36

2M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Filmmaker and author, Dan Mirvish’s recent feature, 18½, starred Willa Fitzgerald, John Magaro and Bruce Campbell as the voice of Nixon. The award-winning film played in 25 festivals, had a 60-city theatrical release, played on 7 airlines and is now available on Starz. Prior to that, Dan directed Bernard and Huey, scripted by Oscar and Pulitzer Pri…

1
FINAL FIVE with Sarah Hester Ross, Singer and Comedian 19:18

2M ago19:18

19:18

In the previous episode you heard from singer and comedian Sarah Hester Ross, who talked about bringing her comedic songs to Vegas piano bars and the vocal injury that almost ended her singing career. Well, now Sarah is back to talk about lessons she’s learned from those dueling pianos and why she feels like she may never truly “make it” by answeri…

1
Max Kinnings, Novelist and Screenwriter-Episode #308 1:04:11

2M ago1:04:11

1:04:11

Max Kinnings has written the feature films, Act of Grace, Alleycats, and The Pagan King, as well as various film projects currently in development including a film adaptation of his critically acclaimed play, Wireless Operator. He’s the author of four novels, Hitman, The Fixer, Sacrifice, and Baptism. I’ve read Baptism and can tell you it’s a treme…

1
Sarah Hester Ross Loses Her Voice But Finds Her Passion 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

When it comes to performing, whether in musical theater or in the pop world, a singer’s voice can be their identity, their money maker, the one instrument that often defines their careers. And so losing their voice can be life-changing and demoralizing. On my other podcast Closing Night I did an episode on the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria…

1
Patrick Oliver Jones, Actor-Singer-Podcaster-Episode #307 1:05:54

2M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

The actor, singer, and podcaster, Patrick Oliver Jones has been in the performing arts, both onstage and onscreen, for more than 30 years. Originally from Birmingham Alabama, he brought his Southern charm to New York City in 2008 with dreams of Broadway. And he’s gotten close with roles in off-Broadway world premieres, touring nationally with The A…

1
Doug Pray, Documentary Film Director-Episode #306 1:12:25

2M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

Doug Pray is a documentary filmmaker of great range and substance. His portraits of subcultures and creative visionaries have led him to numerous Sundance premieres, critical raves, and awards. His feature documentaries include: “Love, Lizzo,” “Surfwise,” and the Emmy Award-winning “Art & Copy.” His first two films, “Hype!,” the story of the Seattl…

1
Jimi Fritz, Musician-Filmmaker-Author-Episode #305 53:49

3M ago53:49

53:49

Jimi Fritz is a filmmaker, musician, writer, entrepreneur, raconteur and roustabout. He’s written two feature-length screenplays, numerous articles, and a non-fiction book about rave culture. He’s also made numerous films and music videos. His latest book, entitled, The End of Everything, An Ironic Black Comedy, is about an older man simply named F…

1
FINAL FIVE with Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at Alley Theatre 15:06

3M ago15:06

15:06

In the previous episode you heard from theater writer and director Rob Melrose, who is the artistic director of Alley Theatre in Houston. He shared what it means to create and produce his own works and others. Well, now Rob is back to talk about lessons he’s learned behind the table as well as from a heart attack he suffered two years ago by answer…

1
Dr. William J. Carl, Greek Scholar-Screenwriter-Playwright-Episode #304 1:05:52

3M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Dr. William J. Carl is a Greek scholar, screenwriter, playwright, and lyricist. He’s also a former professor, seminary president, and pastor, who’s been a U.S. Senate Guest Chaplain. He’s been a speaker at Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Cornell, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon, as well as in Russia, South Africa, India, China, South Korea, Taiwan…

1
Rob Melrose on the Joys and Challenges of Directing and Producing Regional Theater 52:32

3M ago52:32

52:32

In a recent opinion piece for The Daily Iowan, a vital point was made about the importance of regional theater. It said “not every production is ultra famous, boasting popular actors in leading rules. But every production is important.” (I even posted about it on WINMI’s instagram feed, which you can follow: @winmipodcast.) The point being made was…

1
David Stenn, Screenwriter-Producer-Director-Episode #303 1:09:02

3M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

David Stenn was hired by the TV series Hill Street Blues immediately after graduating from Yale, becoming the show’s youngest writer ever. David then wrote She Was Marked For Murder, an NBC movie that earned an Edgar nomination from the Mystery Writers Guild of America. David returned to television as Producer of 21 Jump Street, then Supervising Pr…

1
FINAL FIVE with Aaron Ronnie Almani, Actor and Producer 16:20

3M ago16:20

16:20

Last week you heard from actor and producer Aaron Ronnie Almani as he shared his creative journey from New York to Isreal and back again. We discussed audition challenges and even personal tragedies he witnessed in Isreal. Well, now Ronnie is back to talk about how to find fulfillment and balance in our creative life by answering the Final Five Que…

1
Joey Hartsone, Screenwriter-Novelist-Episode #302 1:00:05

3M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

The phenomenal screenwriter and novelist, Joey Hartstone, had his first two feature films directed by no less than Rob Reiner. The first film, LBJ, which was named to Hollywood’s highly respected Black List in 2014, starred Woody Harrelson as LBJ. Joey’s second feature, “Shock and Awe,” featured Woody Harrelson, James Marsden, Tommy Lee Jones, Jess…

1
Aaron Ronnie Almani Discovers Life Lessons from Being an Actor and Growing Up in Isreal 40:19

3M ago40:19

40:19

The art of theater and acting is a cornerstone of cultures globally, serving as a powerful medium for storytelling, expression, and communal reflection. It allows societies to explore and challenge social norms, convey historical and contemporary narratives, and foster a shared cultural identity through performances that resonate with audiences. Fo…

1
Megan Woodward, Author-Episode #301 53:23

4M ago53:23

53:23

The author, ghostwriter, copywriter, and freelance editor, Megan Woodward recently published her beautifully written and illustrated debut picture book, This Book is Definitely Not Cursed, which is published by Simon and Schuster. She’s also the author of the forthcoming book, Jake Maddox Dance, Gymnastics, and Cheerleading Jokes. Megan specializes…

1
FINAL FIVE with Schele Williams, Director of The Wiz and The Notebook Musicals 13:48

4M ago13:48

13:48

In the previous episode you heard from theater director Schele Williams as she shared her journey from actress to director. We discussed her work in two of this season’s most highly anticipated Broadway shows: The Wiz and The Notebook. Well, now Schele is back to talk about the importance of gratitude and what it means when she puts her name on a t…

1
Madolyn Smith Osborne, Actress-Episode #300 1:06:12

4M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Madolyn Smith Osborne had the kind of fairy tale show business beginning that most can only fantasize about. While still in school at The University of Southern California, she won her first paycheck with a serendipitous audition before famed choreographer, Gower Champion, when a lead dancer and understudy had to be replaced in the Broadway-bound p…

1
Schele Williams Is the First Black Woman to Direct a Broadway Musical in 40+ Years 54:22

4M ago54:22

54:22

The 2024 Tony Awards were certainly a night to remember, celebrating a very full Broadway season filled with remarkable performances and groundbreaking productions. Yet amidst the accolades and celebrations, some highly anticipated shows were left without a single nomination. One of these was The Wiz, a revival production directed by the wonderful …

1
Rob Marshall, Director-Producer-Choreographer-Episode #299 59:57

4M ago59:57

59:57

The great director, Rob Marshall, has made numerous films that have been honored with a total of 30 Academy Award nominations — winning 9 in all, including Best Picture for “Chicago,” which alone won a total of 6 of those Oscars. Also, for “Chicago,” Rob received the Directors Guild Award, and nominations for Best Director for the Oscar, Golden Glo…

1
Stephen Cole, Musical Theatre Writer-Session 2-Episode #298 58:14

4M ago58:14

58:14

Stephen Cole is back on StoryBeat for the second time. An award-winning writer of musical theatre, non-fiction books, short stories, and novels, Stephen’s work has been recorded, published, and produced worldwide, from New York City to London to the Middle East and Australia. With Matthew Ward he wrote the musicals After The Fair, Merlin’s Apprenti…

1
Kelvin Moon Loh Brings Otho to Life in Beetlejuice on Broadway (REWIND) 1:06:37

4M ago1:06:37

1:06:37

As I leave New York City to join the North American Tour of Beetlejuice (to play the role of Otho and understudy Charles and Maxie) I wanted to share a special rewind episode of my memorable conversation with Kelvin Moon Loh from 2019, the original Otho on Broadway and a wonderful friend, who was an invaluable resource during my auditions for the s…

1
Maria Baltazzi, TV Producer-Teacher-Author- Episode #297 59:46

5M ago59:46

59:46

Maria Baltazzi is a Happiness Explorer. And an extraordinarily fascinating one at that. Her experiences as an Emmy-winning producer of hit TV shows, a wellbeing teacher, world traveler, and luxury travel designer specializing in transformative adventures, has given her a unique lens into conscious living. Maria was one of the original supervising p…

1
FINAL FIVE with Conor Tague from How to Dance in Ohio 11:00

5M ago11:00

11:00

In the previous episode you heard from Conor Tague, one of the stars from the Broadway musical How to Dance in Ohio. He shared his experiences in that history-making production as well as the struggles he faced early on as an actor, both at school and in the audition room. Well, now Conor is back to talk more about his Broadway debut and share how …

1
Scott M. Hoffman, Author-Episode #296 42:20

5M ago42:20

42:20

Author Scott M. Hoffman was a witness to historical events concerning major mob families. His book, Inside, tells the eye-opening tale of the son of a mobster growing up learning the harrowing life within a ruthless crime family. Scott absorbed the inner workings of the mob from his dad, who loyally served The Chicago Outfit for over 55 years –neve…

1
Conor Tague Is an EPIC Performer Who Learns How to Dance in Ohio 48:37

5M ago48:37

48:37

Every Broadway season, one of the most heated discussions about the Tony Awards centers the snubs—those notable shows that didn’t get any nominations. This year they include musicals like The Wiz, Harmony, and The Heart of Rock and Roll. Another one of those shows that was left out made history as being the first Broadway musical to cast autistic a…

1
Richard Skipper, Entertainer-Singer-Episode #295 1:08:31

5M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Richard Skipper is an entertainer, singer and host known for his award-winning tribute to Carol Channing, which was endorsed by Carol herself. He can be seen in the film, Carol Channing: Larger Than Life. Richard’s appeared in legendary venues from Atlantic City’s Taj Mahal and Hilton to Carnegie Hall. And he’s shared stages with some of the bigges…

1
FINAL FIVE with Des McAnuff, Broadway Theater Director 19:52

5M ago19:52

19:52

Last week you heard from theater director Des McAnuff as he shared his experiences with three of his biggest shows, Tommy, Jersey Boys, and Big River. We discussed his approach to each of these unique musicals. Well, now Des is back to talk his musicianship and his composition efforts as well as share the lessons and insecurities he’s discovered in…

1
Dr. 'Niyi Coker Jr., Professor-Director-Episode #294 1:02:11

5M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

Dr. ‘Niyi Coker, Jr., is a Professor and the Director of the School of Theatre, Television, and Film (TTF) at San Diego State University in California, which is ranked by the Hollywood Reporter as a top 10 Film production program. ‘Niyi has served as Visiting Artistic Director to several theatre companies including: K3 at Malmo Hogskola in Sweden, …

1
Des McAnuff Offers a Candid Discussion on the First Revival of TOMMY and Other Musicals 52:36

5M ago52:36

52:36

The Who's Tommy is back on Broadway for its first revival, 30 years after the original production. And directing this revival is the original director from that first Broadway run, Des McAnuff. While he is known for his work in musicals, he is also quite adept in the works of Shakespeare and other classical works, having been Artistic Director of C…

1
Steven Kunes, TV and Film Writer-Episode #293 55:30

6M ago55:30

55:30

What a wonderful fun and funny interview with a fellow who’s toiled at the highest peak of Hollywood as a screenwriter. TV and film writer, Steven Kunes, has worked on numerous sitcoms and movies. At the age of 26, legendary TV producer, Norman Lear, hired Steven to write and develop half-hour comedies for his company, Embassy Television. This led …

1
FINAL FIVE with Jack Viertel, Theater Producer and Historian 20:00

6M ago20:00

20:00

In the previous episode, you heard theater producer and historian Jack Viertel share stories of how his talents and interests weren’t in acting, his interactions with playwrights like Lanford Wilson, and the process of adapting a novel into a musical. Now he’s back to talk about his new book Broadway Melody as well as share more lessons learned by …

1
Danielle Sunberg, Author-TEDx Speaker-Episode #292 59:11

6M ago59:11

59:11

Danielle Sunberg, a multi-award winning author and TEDx speaker, coaches high performers and advises social-impact organizations on authentic leadership. Specializing in conscious self-development, she guides individuals and groups to cultivate personal mastery as the key to experiencing our full potential. A former commercial litigator at a Washin…

1
Jack Viertel and the Secret Life of the American Musical 45:16

6M ago45:16

45:16

Jack Viertel has the kind of knowledge I wish I had about Broadway history, having studied the various journeys of great shows for his book The Secret Life of the American Musical, but he’s also worked with playwrights like August Wilson and Tony Kushner. He’s even conceived the long running Smokey Joe's Café and the critically acclaimed After Midn…

1
Andrew Erish, Author-Teacher-Episode #291 1:02:36

6M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Noted author and teacher Andrew Erish’s first book, Col. William N. Selig, the Man Who Invented Hollywood, was hailed by the L.A. Public Library as “One of the best books of 2012.” And The Huffington Post declared, “…it may well be the film book of the year.” Andrew’s most recent book, Vitagraph, America’s First Great Motion Picture Studio, receive…

1
Rosanna Staffa, Playwright-Author-Episode #290 50:31

6M ago50:31

50:31

Rosanna Staffa is an Italian-born playwright and author. Her debut novel, The War Ends At Four, is a beautifully rendered tale about an Italian acupuncturist in Minneapolis who returns home to Milan and rediscovers all that she left behind, who she is, and what her life is really about. I’ve read The War Ends at Four and found it to be a moving and…

1
Kerry Sandell & Marci Duncan Explore the Dissonance in Race Relations 1:06:25

6M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

Theater can serve as a powerful platform for difficult discussions, especially offering a space for nuanced exploration of racial dynamics. It allows audiences to empathize with characters from diverse backgrounds, challenging preconceptions and fostering dialogue. It provides a visceral experience that can elicit strong emotions and provoke intros…

1
Charles Rosenay, Actor-Author-Promoter-Session 2-Episode #289 59:03

6M ago59:03

59:03

This is Charles Rosenay’s second time on StoryBeat. He’s been in the entertainment business for over four decades as an actor, promoter, music aficionado, entertainer, MC, DJ, humorist, and author. Recently, he released his latest book, The Book of Top 10 Beatles Lists, which contains dozens of top ten lists from pop-culture notables, like Pete Bes…

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