Best Broadway Block Podcasts (2025)

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Broadway Block - Episode 215 22:01

Play Pause

6d ago22:01

22:01

After an OT thriller at MSG, the Rangers finally have a home win they can feel good about. In a game they dominated from start to finish, they rallied at 6 on 5 with the net empty and carried those heroics into overtime, hopefully marking a turnaround for their unlucky spell that's plagued them at the Garden. With a tough stretch of opponents comin…

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Lara St. John on Empowerment and the Making of Dear Lara 1:02:42

4d ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Violinist Lara St. John joins me to discuss her upcoming documentary Dear Lara, her remarkable career, and her ongoing work to ensure a safe and inclusive music community . Lara’s creativity, warmth, humour and brilliance come through in this wide-ranging interview and you’ll hear about her decision to become the first classical soloist to start he…

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Ben Garnett: Crafting Acoustic Beauty on Kite's Keep 1:07:19

11d ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Guitarist Ben Garnett has released a beautiful new album, Kite’s Keep, and this episode features clips and insights from the project. The record includes collaborations with acoustic music greats familiar to listeners of this podcast, including Darol Anger and Brittany Haas. Ben’s mentor, Chris Eldridge of the Punch Brothers, also appears, and Ben …

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Broadway Block - Episode 214 27:36

13d ago27:36

27:36

With another disappointing stretch for the Rangers, they still somehow find themselves in a very tight race in the Metropolitan division, which further complicates the task at hand for Chris Drury and company. Do we completely let the wheels fall off, or is now the time to get aggressive and make some moves? With potential free agency looming for p…

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Yolanda Bruno Celebrates Jeanne Lamon: The Story Behind Dear Jeanne 1:11:15

18d ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Canadian violinist Yolanda Bruno spoke to me about her new album Dear Jeanne and her film The Immortal Serafin, which both honour the late Jeanne Lamon, the renowned baroque violinist, and Music Director of Tafelmusik for 34 years. Yolanda explains how she explores the story of Jeanne’s 1759 Santo Serafin baroque violin, which was generously loaned…

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#22 – “Season Finale Block Party: Friendsgiving!” ft. Andrew Levitt (Nina West), Lesli Margherita, Josh Dela Cruz, and more neighborhood friends! 1:14:17

19d ago1:14:17

1:14:17

It’s giving season finale energy meets Friendsgiving vibes as beloved neighbors Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West), Lesli Margherita, and Josh Dela Cruz crash the Neighborhood Block Party—complete with our first-ever HypeFriend BINGO, a surprise singing telegram from Josh Strickland, and drop-ins from James Monroe Iglehart and Ashley Brown. But being a …

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Broadway Block - Episode 213 35:12

20d ago35:12

35:12

Where could the New York Rangers realistically find themselves in the standings should this continue? It hasn't been all doom and gloom, with the power play surging of late, and one of the most healthy rosters in their division, but something is clearly still missing. In this episode, we talk over the nagging injury that JT Miller is still evidentl…

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How We Cancel the Noise: Mack Hagood on Sound, Tech, and Attention 1:15:11

25d ago1:15:11

1:15:11

I really enjoyed this opportunity to speak with Mack Hagood, author of Hush: Media and Sonic Self-Control, to explore how we use sound to manage our minds, moods, and modern lives. From white noise apps and noise-cancelling headphones to tinnitus and sound therapy, Mack helped me understand the complex relationship between media, technology, and th…

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#21 Stephen Oremus - “The Wicked Episode: Defying Gravity, Opening Doors, and Breaking Stereotypes” ft. Dr. Ariana Hoet! 1:35:35

26d ago1:35:35

1:35:35

Two-time Tony and Grammy Award-winner Stephen Oremus takes us behind the sound of the modern musical—WICKED, THE BOOK OF MORMON, KINKY BOOTS, FROZEN, and AVENUE Q—and the friendships that power it. We trace how opening doors for others can build careers (including the story of Stephen bringing Michael into THE BOOK OF MORMON, what it really takes t…

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Broadway Block - Episode 212 featuring Matt Mugno 34:31

28d ago34:31

34:31

After a well rounded win, and finally doing it on home ice, the New York Rangers have reason to believe in themselves with the long-awaited return of Vincent Trocheck adding some much needed depth back into the lineup Gabe Perreault, the organization's top prospect, got the call up as well and slotted in on the first line with some power play time,…

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Michael Stephen Brown: Composer and Pianist with Album Preview Twelve Blocks 1:06:53

1M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Michael Stephen Brown is both a fantastic pianist and composer, and in this episode you’ll be hearing some excerpts from his upcoming album Twelve Blocks, which is a very personal project for him of chamber music and solo piano pieces. You’ll hear the stories and personal connections with each of these works that he’s composed. He shared his experi…

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#20 TWiNSAUCE - “Twin Science + The Great HypeFriend Bake-Off" ft. Bret Iwan! 1:33:46

1M ago1:33:46

1:33:46

Creator duo TWiNSAUCE—Paul & Luke Harwerth—join HypeFriend for a joy-baked, Disney-dusted, double-powered episode to talk about how twin chemistry becomes community. Plus a quick bonus drop‑in from friend of the show Bret Iwan (the official voice of Mickey Mouse) to celebrate his new Expedition Mickey Mouse collection! The whole crew is together in…

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Broadway Block - Episode 211 26:34

1M ago26:34

26:34

With three straight wins on the road in impressive fashion, the New York Rangers were up to their usual tricks at Madison Square Garden, losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in what is now their 4th shutout loss on home ice this season, and their 6th home loss on the season. It's difficult to stomach, especially considering they led in shot edge for m…

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Jennifer Johnson: How Body Mapping Transforms the Way We Play and Live 1:15:11

1M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

This week’s episode is a personal one for me, since Jennifer Johnson has been helping me gain more ease and comfort in violin playing and living in general. An understanding of Body Mapping will help you whether you play an instrument, sing, or simply go about your daily life. Jennifer Johnson is a violinist, film maker, and the author of several b…

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#19 “Friendship at the Finish Line” with runDisney and the Halloween Half Marathon Racers 1:17:37

1M ago1:17:37

1:17:37

From Halloween candy debates to inspiring runDisney stories, we’re celebrating the magic of friendship and community at the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend where costumes, courage, and community come together! Michael gripes about ungrateful trick-or-treaters, Ashley makes a very controversial Halloween snack confession (spoiler: it’s no…

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Broadway Block - Episode 210 featuring The Prospect Don 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

It's always much easier to do this show after a win, and the Rangers may have put some of you to sleep with their shutout victory over the Canucks, but it was a strong representation of the defense-first style they should be striving to play with. In today's episode, we talk to NHL scout The Prospect Don and cover a wide variety of topics, first to…

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Agalisiga Mackey: Cherokee Language, Alive in Song 1:06:24

2M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Cherokee singer-songwriter Agalisiga “The Chuj” Mackey shares the story behind his debut country-folk album, created entirely in the Cherokee language with producer Jared Tyler. He discusses language revitalization, the Cherokee syllabary, immersion schools, and the impact of boarding schools. Agalisiga also reflects on Indigenous history, cultural…

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#18 “I’m Gonna Keep Calling” with Joey Fatone 1:34:04

2M ago1:34:04

1:34:04

Grab your frosted tips and denim jackets because we’ve got a member of 90s music royalty in this episode! From his rise to *NSYNC superstardom to Broadway hits like & JULIET, Joey Fatone drops into the neighborhood for a big-hearted convo about how friendships last when life gets loud. He dishes on about being the “harmonic glue” of *NSYNC, why tou…

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Broadway Block - Episode 209 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

With loads of optimism all year, the results are finally getting to the fans and unfortunately to us as well. As crazy as it is, only 8 games into the season, the New York Rangers find themselves in what I would call a must win game as they take on the winless Sharks. In this episode, we talk about potentially lineup switches the team could make as…

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Autumn Plans, HCBS Benefits Appeal, And Halloween Audio Fun 3:45

2M ago3:45

3:45

Send us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. Autumn brings momentum—and a little mischief. We’re sending a compact update packed with big announcements: real progress on a benefits appeal that affects daily life, and a creative sprint toward Halloween with a brand-new horror audio piece in the works. Think of this one like a voice …

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Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea, Disability Rights Activist Tiny Desk to Broadway: The Creative World of Gaelynn Lea, Musician and Disability Rights Activist 1:14:26

2M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

Gaelynn Lea is a violinist, singer-songwriter, disability rights advocate, author, and public speaker. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, Gaelynn began her musical journey with the support of a childhood music teacher and her musical family. You’ll hear about how her big break happened when she won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, which led t…

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#17 "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” with Arian Moayed 1:23:42

2M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

Emmy-nominated multi-hyphenate Arian Moayed, (From Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Succession, to the Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize-winning stage alongside Robin Williams in Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo with Robin Williams), sits down with Michael and Ashley to discuss the friendships and philosophy that power his work. We trace the moments that shaped…

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Broadway Block - Episode 208 26:57

2M ago26:57

26:57

The New York Rangers set an NHL record after the Oilers game but not the one anyone expected them to break. In the history of the NHL, no team has ever been shutout in their first 3 home games of the season...until Tuesday. Obviously the second the game starts for their first home game back against the Wild that record will only increase, and as mu…

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#16 "Blue Friends" with Josh Dela Cruz 1:39:33

2M ago1:39:33

1:39:33

From paw prints to magic carpets, Josh Dela Cruz, host of BLUES CLUES & YOU!, has been chasing clues and chasing dreams as long as he can remember. Josh shares his HypeFriend journey — from performing opposite Michael James Scott on stage as “Aladdin” in ALADDIN on Broadway to inspiring millions of kids with “Blue.” Along the way, Josh opens up abo…

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Sam Sadigursky: Clarinetist for Philip Glass Ensemble, The Band’s Visit, The Solomon Diaries 1:21:34

2M ago1:21:34

1:21:34

Sam Sadigursky is a renowned clarinetist, composer, and member of the Philip Glass Ensemble. In this episode, we explore his latest project The Solomon Diaries with Nathan Koci, his work on Broadway in The Band’s Visit, and his career spanning jazz, classical, and contemporary music. Sam shares stories from touring with Philip Glass, mentors Brad M…

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Broadway Block - Episode 207 featuring Sam Rosen 34:52

2M ago34:52

34:52

With over 40 years in the business, Sam Rosen is likely the first person that comes to mind as a New York Rangers broadcaster. This week, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down to chat with the legend himself talking about the current status of the team, his long and illustrious career in the booth, the famed "farewell tour", and some of the …

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Benefits, Gonzo in a Dress, and Upcycling; a Catch‑Up 33:33

2M ago33:33

33:33

Send us a text message to say hi! We’d love to hear from you. A benefits renewal went sideways, and the fallout hit hard: cognitive rehabilitation therapy vanished, routines unraveled, and a household had to rebuild momentum from the ground up. We open the door on that process—what the county measured, what they missed, and why “not qualifying for …

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Pat McCusker: Scoring The Ezra Klein Show, Touring with David Duchovny, and Composing for Podcasts 1:17:19

2M ago1:17:19

1:17:19

Composer and audio producer Pat McCusker joins me to talk about his work creating music for The Ezra Klein Show, his role at The New York Times, and what it’s like touring the world as a musician with actor David Duchovny. Pat's music also appears on The Daily, Modern Love, and many more. 🎶 What we talk about in this episode: Composing the theme fo…

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#15 "The Friendship Trio Behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars" with Matt Lanter & James Arnold Taylor 1:31:13

2M ago1:31:13

1:31:13

We’re hanging out with the voices of a galaxy far, far away— Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker) and James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) drop into HypeFriend for a fast, funny, wide-open conversation about the friendship that outlasts the recording studio! Get a peek behind-the-scenes of a generation’s favorite Saturday morning Star Wars saga, includin…

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Broadway Block x Overtime Chicks - Episode 206 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

On this episode of the Broadway Block, we did a fun crossover featuring two co-hosts of the Overtime Chicks show, Jarrod and Jess. We talk about the expectations on the Rangers this season, prospects that have stood out during the preseason, and touch around the league, including the newly minted contract for Kirill Kaprizov. Today's episode is spo…

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Clay Zeller-Townson of Ruckus Early Music 1:18:27

2M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

I have become a big fan of Ruckus, a dynamic Early Music ensemble, and I so enjoyed this uplifting conversation with Clay Zeller-Townson, their Artistic Director and bassoonist. ou’ll be hearing clips from The Edinburgh Rollick with music from the Niel Gow collection, featuring the violinist Keir GoGwilt, and because this music is very much at the …

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#14 “How Friendship Powered the #1 Radio Show of the Last 30 Years” - Delilah Rene & Janey Bulman 1:24:29

3M ago1:24:29

1:24:29

Radio legend Delilah Rene and her longtime producer—and best friend—Janey Bullman pull back the curtain on 30 years of late nights, love song dedications, and the friendship that built the airwaves’ iconic #1 show. We rewind to the prank call that started it all, get the scoop behind the iconic “De-lil-lah” jingle, and find out the songs they’d ded…

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Broadway Block - Episode 205 25:00

3M ago25:00

25:00

With the news only breaking last week fresh off wrapping an episode, we begin today's by discussing JT Miller's promotion to captain, and dive straight into the first two preseason games for the New York Rangers against the Devils and Bruins. Trying not to put too much stock into wins and losses, we focus on players that stood out in both a negativ…

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Leif Karlstrom's Volcano Listening Project: A Unique Fusion of Science and Music 1:02:37

3M ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Join me in getting to know the fascinating world of Leif Karlstrom, a musician and scientist who combines data sonification in his outstanding collaborative exploration, The Volcano Listening Project. Leif is an Earth scientist at the University of Oregon who studies fluid motions in and on volcanoes and glaciers, landscape evolution, and geodynami…

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#13 "Color Me Confident" with Courtney Quinn 1:16:24

3M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Style icon and creator Color Me Courtney (Courtney Quinn) goes beyond the rainbow to show how color becomes confidence—and how to build a real community by being radically transparent. She traces the path from MBA at 21 to the Coach stockroom, blogging for her grandma, and finally betting on herself; shares her “say it out loud” habit that helped t…

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Broadway Block - 204 featuring "BigCeaz" Cesar Lucero 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

With the Rangers preseason scheduled to begin in less than a week, we've been privileged enough to finally enjoy some exhibition hockey with the New York Rangers prospects splitting the series against the Flyers in the Rookie Series. On today's show, we chat with Florida Panthers super fan BigCeaz, who shares his perspective on similarities between…

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Martha Redbone: Blending Afro-Indigenous Identity and Appalachian Traditions Through Bold Creative Projects 1:15:47

3M ago1:15:47

1:15:47

Martha Redbone is acclaimed for her powerful performances as a singer, as well as her prize-winning song-writing, composition and arranging. For over 30 years she’s been in a successful collaboration with her partner Aaron Whitby and we talked about some of their new theatrical projects including Black Mountain Women, The Sex Variants of 1941, and …

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#12 "Brick by Brick: The Friendship Behind LEGO® Star Wars" with Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit 1:28:21

3M ago1:28:21

1:28:21

Screenwriting duo Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (Spaceballs 2, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, The Addams Family 2) drop into HypeFriend to show how a friendship‑first partnership delivers laughter to audiences—including their next project, LEGO® Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy - Pieces of the Past on Disney+. We trace their theater k…

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Broadway Block - Episode 203 24:12

3M ago24:12

24:12

Today, the New York Rangers began their yearly rookie development camp, headed by top prospects Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann, the latter of whom will now be joining his 5th consecutive camp, and the former beginning his first. All eyes are on these two as the preseason is set to begin in less than two short weeks, and Rangers fans alike are c…

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Tammy Takaishi on Music Therapy, Creative Careers & Hosting Creative Peacemeal Podcast 1:09:23

3M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

Tammy Takaishi is a Board Certified Music Therapist, Podcaster and writer based in New York. We talked about her podcast Creative Peacemeal, her meaningful and multi-faceted career as a Music Therapist, and her full creative life including her writing. If music therapy is a career you’re curious about, you’ll be inspired by her stories and insights…

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#11 “Finding Your Voice” with Jodi Benson 1:19:05

3M ago1:19:05

1:19:05

Ariel herself drops by! Disney Legend Jodi Benson dives in with us to talk about using your voice in IRL, building friendships rooted in mutuality, and knowing when a chapter has lovingly run its course. We also get Jodi’s no-cooking recipe for a perfect friends’ night—plus her ideal Disney park day. Bring your dinglehopper; leave with courage! Joi…

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#10 "Back to Old School" with James Monroe Iglehart 1:22:47

3M ago1:22:47

1:22:47

Are y'all ready for some double trouble? This week, we have two Genies in the HypeHouse as we welcome the Tony Award-winning legend who originated the role of the Genie in Broadway's ALADDIN, James Monroe Iglehart! James talks with the hosts about sending the kids back to school, being a life-long self-described geek, and how everything comes back …

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Broadway Block - Episode 202 29:17

3M ago29:17

29:17

As we inch closer and closer to the start of preseason hockey for the New York Rangers, we review Metropolitan Division rivals and the offseason they've all had. In this episode, we also touch on the liklihood of players like Matt Rempe cracking the opening night roster, and the reasons Rangers fans should be excited about the year to come. Today's…

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Carla Patullo: GRAMMY-Winning Composer on her album Nomadica, Grief, LGBTQ+ Mentorship & Healing 1:08:40

3M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Welcome to Conversations with Musicians with Leah Roseman with powerful, in-depth conversations with a fascinating diversity of musical guests wordwide. In this moving episode, I sit down with GRAMMY-winning composer Carla Patullo. Carla shares her deeply personal journey as well as audio clips from Nomadica, her gorgeous new album born from grief,…

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#9 "The In Between" with Lesli Margherita 1:11:05

4M ago1:11:05

1:11:05

This week, Ashley and Michael welcome Olivier Award-winning actress Lesli Margherita! After a groundbreaking run in GYPSY as the iconic “Tessie Tura”, Lesli and the hosts reflect on wins, losses, and staying real with everything “in between.” Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one episode) at a time!…

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Acoustic Legend Darol Anger: ‘Diary of a Fiddler 2’ Preview + Reflections on a Life in Music 1:25:21

4M ago1:25:21

1:25:21

Darol Anger is an acoustic music legend known as much for his innovative fiddle style beyond Bluegrass and Jazz traditions, and his teaching. Darol has helped drive the evolution of the contemporary string band through his involvement with numerous pathbreaking ensembles such as the Turtle Island String Quartet, the David Grisman Quintet, and his c…

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Broadway Block - Episode 201 23:33

4M ago23:33

23:33

Officially less than a month before preseason hockey for the New York Rangers and we finally get some word from coach Mike Sullivan regarding the lines and projected changes. In this episode we touch on an article written by Dan Rosen of NHL.com where he details a telling interview with Coach Sullivan. In the interview, Sullivan mentions Will Cuyll…

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Electric Strings, Classical Roots: Tracy Silverman on Turtle Island, Strum Bowing, and Creative Freedom (re-release) 2:07:20

4M ago2:07:20

2:07:20

Originally released in 2022: Tracy Silverman is truly an inspiring musician in every respect and it was such an honour to meet him and be able to record this memorable episode! This interview is also available as a video; the transcript is also linked on my website We talked about his classical roots, studying with legendary teachers Lewis Kaplan a…

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Broadway Block - Episode 200 27:28

4M ago27:28

27:28

As we count down the days until the puck drops for the New York Rangers, it seems like a sense of optimism is buzzing online as fans gear up for another season. In this episode, we talk at lengths about the captaincy vacancy, rank historic Ranger greats at the forward position, and chew over lineup combinations in anticipation for the upcoming year…

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#8 "The Ryans" with Ryan Key and Ryan Mendez 1:33:19

4M ago1:33:19

1:33:19

This week, Ashley and Michael welcome Ryan Key and Ryan Mendez, two members of the hit rock band, Yellowcard! Key and Mendez delve into how they built their friendship through the years and the music they make together. Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one episode) at a time!…