Best Steven Esposito Podcasts (2025)

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Dian Marie Bridge 53:25

Play Pause

7h ago53:25

53:25

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Dian Marie Bridge, Artistic Director of the Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) in Montreal. Dian discusses the legacy of BTW, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year , as one of Canada's oldest Black and ethnocultural theatre companies. The conversation delves into t…

1
Aaron Joel Craig & Stephanie Hope Lawlor 50:51

7d ago50:51

50:51

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Aaron Joel Craig (Same Boat Theatre) and Stephanie Hope Lawlor (Rooks Theatre) to discuss their co-production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in Hamilton. This episode explores: Reimagining A Doll’s House as a story for 2025 audiences The intersection of feminism, capitalism, and pe…

1
Will Parry 45:14

14d ago45:14

45:14

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Will Parry, actor, singer, and content creator based in Toronto. Known for his work as a musical theatre performer and social media consultant for artists and theatre companies, Will shares insights into how creatives can better express their authentic selves online while build…

1
Steven Hao 50:19

21d ago50:19

50:19

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Steven Hao, actor, director, and artistic director of Puckers Theatre Company. Currently in his second season at the Stratford Festival, Steven shares his journey from Victoria, BC, to the national stage, performing in acclaimed productions like Anne of Green Gables, Forgivenes…

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Emily Dix 1:02:42

28d ago1:02:42

1:02:42

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Emily Dix, artistic executive director of Bygone Theatre and the lead behind their mixed use affordable arts space, The Bridge. Emily shares the company’s journey from its beginnings in classic theatre to its evolution into original Canadian works that blend vintage aesthet…

1
Michael Esposito II 55:50

1M ago55:50

55:50

About This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by actor, singer, and producer Michael Esposito II. Michael discusses the challenges and rewards of mounting Daniel MacIvor's solo play, Monster, which he is producing and performing in Kelowna, B.C. He shares the creative process of integrating projections and music into the…

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Michael Kras 59:09

1M ago59:09

59:09

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Chloë Whitehorn 52:56

2M ago52:56

52:56

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Chloë Whitehorn, who is currently based in Kingston, Ontario. Chloë, a former actor, discusses her journey to becoming a prolific writer, focusing on themes of women's rights and mental health. She talks about how her plays—which include The Pigeon, Blood River, and Fall Af…

1
Courtney Stoltz 46:14

2M ago46:14

46:14

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Courtney Stoltz, the production manager for a new community theatre company in Kenora, Ontario, called So I guess we're doing this. Courtney shares her journey from actor to production manager. She provides a look into the theatre scene in Northwestern Ontario and the exper…

1
Liz Buchanan 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Liz Buchanan, a Hamilton-based actor, writer, and director who is also the artistic director of 9M Theatre. Liz shares her journey as a playwright and performer, focusing on her two Hamilton Fringe shows Gnomes A Traumatic Comedy (2023) and Liz A Traumatic Comedy (2024). Sh…

1
Chelsea Woolley 52:35

2M ago52:35

52:35

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by playwright Chelsea Woolley. Chelsea discusses her latest play, Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs, which is being produced by Nightwood Theatre. She shares the fascinating, eight-year journey of the play's development, from its original concept to a workshop pr…

1
Solo: Funding cuts and the future of theatre in Canada 14:47

3M ago14:47

14:47

About This Episode:In a solo episode of Stageworthy, host and producer Phil Rickaby discusses the looming threat to Canadian theatre and arts due to government funding cuts. He reflects on the recent mandate that all government departments, including the Canada Council for the Arts, must find 15% in savings, which will result in significant cuts to…

1
Virgilia Griffith 51:16

3M ago51:16

51:16

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Toronto-based actor Virgilia Griffith, who is currently appearing in two shows at the Shaw Festival: Blues for an Alabama Sky and Murder on the Lake. In this conversation, Virgilia discusses the unique demands of each production and how they complement one another, keeping …

1
Iain Moggach 54:24

3M ago54:24

54:24

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Iain Moggach, former Artistic Director of Theatre by the Bay in Barrie, Ontario. In this thoughtful conversation, Iain shares his journey from actor, administrator, and ultimately artistic director, reflecting on what it means to build theatre outside of a major city centre…

1
Nancy Kenny 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Nancy Kenny, an actor, writer, and producer whose latest show, I Don’t Feel Pretty/Chu pas cute, will have readings at the 2025 Halifax Fringe Festival. In this warm and insightful conversation, Nancy shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her show, the balance betwe…

1
Evan Bawtinheimer 1:12:49

3M ago1:12:49

1:12:49

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Evan Bawtinheimer, a Toronto-based, Dora Award winning playwright. Evan shares the inspiration behind his play award winning play, Patty Picker. In this candid and thoughtful conversation, Evan opens up about playwriting, his journey of personal growth and mental health, an…

1
Michelle Langille 1:08:09

4M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Michelle Langille, an actor, director, and burlesque performer whose journey has taken her from Toronto to Cape Breton. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Michelle talks about her roots in musical theatre, what it means to redefine success on your own te…

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ted witzel 1:03:46

4M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

About This Episode:This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes ted witzel, Artistic Director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, to discuss the company’s 2025–2026 season and the vital role Buddies plays locally and globally. In this wide-ranging and passionate conversation, ted talks about the curatorial ethos behind the season, how queernes…

1
Aisling Murphy 57:25

4M ago57:25

57:25

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Aisling Murphy, theatre reporter for the Globe and Mail. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Aisling shares the journey from musical theatre student to one of Canada’s leading theatre critics. They discuss her early roots in Baltimore, her move to Canada, and how a moment of personal uph…

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annemieke wade 1:05:22

4M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes annemieke wade, Executive Director of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA). annemieke shares insights from her first six months in the role, her vision for TAPA’s future, and her deep commitment to building frameworks of care and collaboration in Toronto’s arts sector. From revital…

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Toronto Fringe Extra 4 1:11:43

5M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a fourth and final Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Ronit Rubenstein, creator and performer of Things My Dad KeptSHOW INFO AND TICKE…

1
Laura Paduch & Rachel Kennedy 1:00:21

5M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Rachel Kennedy and Laura Paduch, the co-leads of the Toronto Fringe Festival. With the 2024 edition just days away, Rachel and Laura share insights into what makes this year’s festival unique, including the exciting new partnership with Soulpepper Theatre, the return of beloved venues, and the co…

1
Toronto Fringe Extra 3 1:08:31

5M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a third Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Laura Piccinin, co-creator and producer of the new musical ApothecarySHOW INFO AND TICKETS:…

1
Ben Yoganathan 1:00:06

5M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ben Yoganathan, a Toronto-based actor, writer, and director whose latest work, Zeitgeist, will premiere at the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival. In a lively and wide-ranging conversation, Ben shares the inspiration behind Zeitgeist, his theatre journey from Guelph to Toronto, his experience with unco…

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Toronto Fringe Extra #2 1:09:43

5M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you another special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Emma Golden the writer and producer of the true Halifax story, Potato PotatoSHOW IN…

1
Toronto Fringe Preview 1:10:43

5M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby assembles a who's who of Toronto theatre podcasters, to talk about Toronto Fringe, shows you should see, the Next Stage Festival, ticket prices and much more! This episode features podcasters:Alison Mullings from Creative Full TimeJanine Marley from A View From the BoxAlexandra Lean from Being DramaticRya…

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Toronto Fringe Extra #1 1:10:18

5M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode:Dawna Wightman, playwright and performer in HOODY, an edgy retelling of Little Red Riding…

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Phil Rickaby: Solo 23:58

5M ago23:58

23:58

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby presents a solo episode. With the Toronto Fringe Festival on the horizon and multiple episodes currently in production, Phil takes a moment to reflect on the state of Canadian theatre, the importance of building audiences, and the challenges facing the industry today. In a passionate and thought-provoking…

1
Rebecca Perry 59:49

6M ago59:49

59:49

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes back actor, singer, playwright, and producer Rebecca Perry, marking a full-circle moment as Rebecca was Phil’s very first podcast guest nearly eight years ago. Rebecca shares the journey of her acclaimed solo show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl, which debuted at the Toronto Fringe te…

1
Javier Vilalta 51:24

6M ago51:24

51:24

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Javier Vilalta, a Mexican-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, stage director, movement coordinator, translator, and co-founder of 8ROJO Theatre. Based in Calgary, Javier shares his journey through performance, directing, and devising unique and often non-verbal theatre experiences. He reflects on …

1
Nicole Obidiaka 50:30

6M ago50:30

50:30

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Nicole Obidiaka, a passionate playwright, arts advocate, and business professional based in St. John's, Newfoundland. Nicole shares her journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Newfoundland, her work as a playwright amplifying Black voices, and her mission to make theatre more inclusive. She also discusse…

1
Ethan Persyko 56:28

6M ago56:28

56:28

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ethan Persyko, a multi-talented actor, playwright, and theatre creator. Ethan shares their journey in the theatre world, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their latest projects. They also discuss their experience working across different genres and the importance of storytelling …

1
Amanda Lin & Julia Dickson 56:51

7M ago56:51

56:51

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Amanda Lin and Julia Dickson, the co-leadership team behind the Paprika Theatre Festival, now celebrating its 24th season. Amanda and Julia share the story of Paprika’s evolution, recent strategic programming changes to prioritize artist and staff well-being, and the organization's commitment to …

1
Ruth Lawrence 1:08:04

7M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Newfoundland-based actor, writer, director, producer, and self-described instigator Ruth Lawrence. Ruth reflects on a career deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and creative activism. In this rich and thoughtful conversation, she discusses her early theatre influences, why she returned to …

1
Tahirih Vejdani 55:37

7M ago55:37

55:37

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Toronto-based performer, voice educator, and multidisciplinary artist Tahirih Vejdani. Born in Saint John, NB, and raised in Regina, Tahirih shares the inspiring and non-traditional journey that led her from classical music training in the Prairies to becoming a sought-after artist and e…

1
Cole Hayley 1:02:04

7M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Cole Hayley, a theatre artist known for his innovative work and dedication to the Canadian theatre scene. Cole shares insights into his creative journey, the challenges and triumphs of working in theatre, and his latest projects.This episode explores: Cole’s path into theatre and his art…

1
Mariel Kathryn Hunter 56:06

7M ago56:06

56:06

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with actor, director, and casting professional Mariel Kathryn Hunter. Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Mariel has worked extensively in theatre, film, and television, both as a performer and behind the scenes.Mariel shares her journey from Saint John to Vancouver and back, discussing how an unex…

1
Scott Garland 1:18:25

8M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with actor, writer, and theatre creator Scott Garland. A fixture in Toronto’s theatre community, Scott is passionate about playwriting, dramaturgy, and fostering creative spaces. He was one of the curators of Sing for Your Supper, a monthly play reading series that gave playwrights a chance to h…

1
Graham Isador 58:51

8M ago58:51

58:51

Stageworthy is back! After a year-long hiatus, host Phil Rickaby returns to celebrate and amplify Canadian theatre. In this first episode of the relaunch, Phil sits down with playwright, journalist, and Globe and Mail staff writer Graham Isador. Graham discusses his latest play, Truck, a powerful exploration of automation, AI, and the future of lab…

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The Three Monkeys - Part 2 of my conversation with Herta Peter 44:10

11M ago44:10

44:10

Hello Radio GDR listeners! I am so pleased to bring you the second episode of two with my new friend Herta Peter. My favorite thing about doing this podcast is hearing stories from those of you who lived in the GDR. Your stories are always extremely compelling, and we welcome them with open arms. History deserves to be preserved, and Radio GDR has …

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How the Grey Disappeared from Greyland - Part 1 of my conversation with Herta Peter 46:10

1+ y ago46:10

46:10

Hello Radio GDR listeners! I am so pleased to bring you the first episode of two with my new friend Herta Peter. My favorite thing about doing this podcast is hearing stories from those of you who lived in the GDR. Your stories are always extremely compelling, and we welcome them with open arms. History deserves to be preserved, and Radio GDR has b…

1
Peter Hinton-Davis 55:05

2y ago55:05

55:05

In this final episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby talks with theatre and opera director, playwright and educator, Peter Hinton-Davis. In addition to his work work as a director, playwright, and educator, from 2005-2012, he took over as the artistic director of English theatre at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, shaping how Canada conceptualizes…

1
Shifting Ground Collective 55:06

2y ago55:06

55:06

In this episode, Shifting Ground Collective founding members, Joshua Kilimnick, Shannon Murtagh, and Colette Richardson join me to unpack the story behind their latest production, "Merrily We Roll Along." Their journey reflects not just the highs and lows of the creative process, but also the resilience and enthusiasm needed to bring a classic Step…

1
Steven Mayoff 58:04

2y ago58:04

58:04

Steven Mayoff (he/him) was born in Montreal, lived in Toronto for 17 years and moved to Prince Edward Island in 2001. His fiction and poetry have appeared in literary journals across Canada, the U. S. and abroad. His books include the story collection Fatted Calf Blues (Turnstone Press, 2009), the novel Our Lady of Steerage (Bunim & Bannigan, 2015)…

1
Emilio Vieira 59:33

2y ago59:33

59:33

This week, as we count down the final episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby talks with the passionate Emilio Vieira, who takes on the role of Palamon in Shakespeare BASH'd unique production of "Two Noble Kinsmen." Together, we explore the thrills and challenges of performing one of the Bard's less frequently staged plays. Emilio reveals the int…

1
Deborah Drakeford 56:01

2y ago56:01

56:01

In this episode, Phil Rickaby talks with the outstanding Deborah Drakeford and unpacking the Canadian premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith's "Rockabye." From the first costume fitting that sets the stage for character metamorphosis to the electric anticipation of performing an original rock anthem, this episode is a tribute to the craft. The camaraderie…

1
Fringe Performer Roundtable 1:03:56

2y ago1:03:56

1:03:56

To kick off 2024, Stageworthy host Phil Rickaby convenes a round table discussion of Fringe Festival performers. The months of November and December are when a lot of the festivals on the Canadian Fringe circuit hold their lotteries, and so a lot of performers are planning out their summer touring schedules. In this round table discussion, Phil is …

1
Kevin Shea & Jill Harper 52:55

2y ago52:55

52:55

What does it take to script an audio drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats? What goes into creating compelling characters and casting the perfect voice actors? Join us as we unravel these fascinating aspects of audio drama with our guests Kevin Shea and Jill Harper, creators of the successful project, Feedback. They share with us…

1
Lowen Morrow 1:02:08

2y ago1:02:08

1:02:08

In this episode, host Phil Rickaby, talks with Sex T-Rex member, Lowen Morrow. Together, we explore everything from the dynamic theatre scene in Canada to the origins of D&D live shows, the joys and challenges of self-promotion in the entertainment industry, and much more. Lowen gives us insight into Sex T-Rex's hit show Swordplay, discussing its p…

1
Katie Kerr & Matthew Stodolak 53:25

2y ago53:25

53:25

Get ready for a holiday treat! This week, host Phil Rickaby chats with Katie Kerr and Matthew Stodolak, as they share the behind-the-scenes details of their new holiday musical, "Chris, Mrs.", a delightful fusion of elements from The Santa Clause and The Sound of Music. We also discuss their unique musical backgrounds and how their differences comp…