Best Weird Existence Productions Podcasts (2025)

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Ep399 - Jeffrey Seller: Storytelling, Struggle, and the Rise of a Broadway Giant 1:02:18

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14d ago1:02:18

1:02:18

From growing up in a modest neighborhood known as "Cardboard Village" in Oak Park, Michigan, to becoming one of the most influential producers in Broadway history, Jeffrey Seller's story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep love of musical theater. In this candid and insightful conversation, Jeffrey reflects on the pivotal moments that shap…

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14 Times Whole Towns Became Delusional Springfield-style | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:02:27

15d ago1:02:27

1:02:27

This week on The Simpson's Taught Me Everything, Michael Swaim sits down with Robert Brockway of Cracked fame to unpack14 Times Whole Towns Became Delusional Springfield-style.

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BONUS - "The Little Mermaid" Cast & Creatives at Papermill Playhouse 49:50

18d ago49:50

49:50

Dive into a magical behind-the-scenes journey with the cast and creative team of The Little Mermaid, now running at Paper Mill Playhouse through June 29th! This special bonus episode takes you inside the rehearsal room and onstage with the artists who are reimagining the classic Disney tale with heart, humor, and fresh perspective. From the emotion…

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Ep398 - Molly Griggs: Between Southern Comfort and Broadway Grit 1:01:31

21d ago1:01:31

1:01:31

What starts as a conversation about acting quickly turns into a heartwarming reunion between two North Carolina natives who had no idea they practically grew up next door. Molly Griggs opens up about her Southern roots, early theater experiences at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and how growing up in Fayetteville shaped her worldview both on and o…

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A Master of Scams and Cons Reacts to Marge vs. The Monorail (featuring Brian Brushwood) | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:08:47

23d ago1:08:47

1:08:47

Michael Swaim brings in Brian Brushwood (Scam School/Scam Nation, Modern Rogue), a magician and his expert witness in scams, for episode three of The Simpsons Taught Me Podcast to delve more into the musical con man influence behind the classic Simpsons episode, Marge vs. The Monorail. They also debate whether the end result determines if someone w…

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Ep397 - Rob Madge: A Smoke Machine Wish, Tons of Wigs, and a Dream 55:02

28d ago55:02

55:02

Rob Madge grew up staging living room musicals with wigs, smoke machines, and the unwavering support of their parents and grandmother—but what started as childhood play eventually became the viral, heartfelt, and Olivier-nominated solo show My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?). In this episode, Rob shares how those home videos evolved into a the…

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The Simpsons Reference That Unlocked Buddy Hackett's Best Joke | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 49:15

30d ago49:15

49:15

On episode two of the Simpsons Taught Me Everything Podcast, Michael Swaim is joined by fellow comedy writer, Danielle Radford (Honest Trailers), to continue to delve into more Music Man references from the Conan O'Brien written episode, Marge vs. The Monorail. They also dissect Buddy Hackett's famous duck joke that he told on the Tonight Show with…

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Ep396 - Anthony Veneziale & Aneesa Folds: Hip Hop, Humanity, and Hacking the Stage 1:01:10

1M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Anthony Veneziale and Aneesa Folds return to the podcast with the same brilliance and warmth that made their first appearances unforgettable—this time teaming up to talk about their new boundary-breaking musical, Co-Founders, premiering at ACT in San Francisco. With its Bay Area hip hop roots, tech satire, and cutting-edge stage visuals powered by …

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BONUS - 2025 Tony Awards Predictions with Samantha Tuozzolo and Jason A. Coombs from Survival Jobs, a Podcast 27:05

1M ago27:05

27:05

Just in time for Broadway’s biggest night, the 2025 Tony Awards, Survival Jobs hosts ⁠Jason A. Coombs⁠ and⁠ Samantha Tuozzolo⁠ drop a special bonus episode today featuring The Theatre Podcast host and Broadway insider Alan Seales. This fun, laid-back conversation is packed with 2025 Tony Award predictions, hot takes, and heartfelt reflections on th…

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Ep395 - Julia Knitel: Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Herself 48:11

1M ago48:11

48:11

Julia Knitel grew up immersed in theater, with parents who ran a community company out of a church basement. From an early age, she was surrounded by costumes, sets, and the collaborative chaos that comes with putting on a show — and she was hooked. After booking her Broadway debut as a teen in Bye Bye Birdie, Julia continued to carve her own path …

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The Sex-Crazed Con Man Who Inspired Conan's Monorail Episode | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:03:31

1M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Each and every week, Michael Swaim & his guests are going to zoom way, way too far in on a single Simpsons bit and unpack it for a month's worth of jokes, Simpsons games, and education.

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Ep394 - Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez: Pop Meets Plot in a Tony-Nominated Twist 1:02:52

1M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez might come from very different musical worlds — Latin pop and musical theatre — but their collaboration on Real Women Have Curves proves just how powerful a cross-genre partnership can be. Meeting for the first time over Zoom in the middle of the pandemic, these two composers built trust, respect, and a Tony-nominated …

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Ep393 - Taylor Trensch: A Pink-Eared Dog and a Tony Nominee Walk Into a Theater… 38:18

1M ago38:18

38:18

After first joining the podcast back in episode 96, Taylor Trensch returns with a Tony nomination under his belt and a powerful performance in Floyd Collins that's leaving audiences breathless. We dive into the fascinating real-life story behind the show, his emotionally raw portrayal of journalist Skeets Miller, and how a tragic event from 100 yea…

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Ep392 - Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg 55:59

2M ago55:59

55:59

Kevin Csolak shares his journey from growing up in his mom’s New Jersey dance studio to starring as Tulsa in the Broadway revival of Gypsy. He opens up about performing alongside Audra McDonald and Danny Burstein, the artistic influence of the live orchestra, and how the cast is breathing new life into a classic. Kevin also reflects on what it mean…

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Introducing: The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:00

2M ago1:00

1:00

Everything Michael Swaim knows about the world, he learned from The Simpsons—and now, he's passing on all that useless information to you. On Simpsons Taught Me Everything, Michael Swaim takes a single joke from The Simpsons and pulls the thread of its origins, unraveling bits of history, pop culture, and otherwise random trivia we never knew we ne…

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Ep391 - Erika Henningsen: From Mean Girl to Sandra Dee and Everything Between 53:31

2M ago53:31

53:31

Erika Henningsen opens up about the real ups and downs of a life in the spotlight, from early rejection to career-defining roles. Known for originating Cady Heron in Mean Girls on Broadway, Erika dives into the emotional rollercoaster of auditioning, the shift from seeking audience approval to prioritizing collaboration, and why working with people…

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Ep390 - Julia Lester: Acting with Carell, Singing with Sondheim 51:54

2M ago51:54

51:54

Julia Lester brings heart, humor, and honesty to this deep-dive into her journey from a theatre-loving kid in LA to a Tony-nominated Broadway star. She talks about growing up surrounded by performers, how Into the Woods became a defining chapter in her career, and the surreal moment when Stephen Sondheim personally approved her audition tape. Julia…

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Ep389 - Erich Bergen: He Can Doo-Doo This! 1:12:06

2M ago1:12:06

1:12:06

From recreating music videos on VHS as a kid to being cast by Clint Eastwood with no callback, Erich Bergen’s path in entertainment has always been uniquely his own. In this episode, he shares the early influences that sparked his creativity—like turning Brio trains into the New York subway system—and how his love of producing was hiding in plain s…

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Ep388 - Norm Lewis: Fame, Failure, and the Phantom Mask 1:01:19

2M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

From church choir in Eatonville, Florida, to becoming the first Black Phantom on Broadway, Norm Lewis opens up about his unique path to the stage. He shares how early dreams of a tennis career turned into a life in music and theatre, and the surprising way a cruise ship job launched it all. In this candid conversation, Norm reflects on near-misses,…

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Ep387 - Ana Gasteyer: From SNL to Broadway and Beyond 51:10

2M ago51:10

51:10

From opera student to comedy icon to Broadway belter, Ana Gasteyer’s career has been anything but ordinary. In this candid conversation, Ana opens up about her winding path through improv comedy, the creative chaos of Saturday Night Live, and why live performance continues to mean so much in a media-saturated world. She shares the real backstage re…

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BONUS - "Floyd Collins" Press Day with Jeremy Jordan, Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Trensch, and more (Mar 11, 2025) 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

Exclusive, behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and creatives from LCT's Floyd Collins musical. Recorded on March 11, 2025 in a rehearsal space at Lincoln Center Theatre. Interview order as follows: Ted Sperling Lizzy McAlpine Jeremy Jordan Sean Allen Krill Taylor Trensch Tina Landau Adam Guettel Jessica Molaskey Marc Kudisch Jason Gotay Get your…

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Ep386 - Caesar Samayoa: Trust the Team, Tell the Story 1:00:48

3M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Whether he’s helping shape a brand-new show or breathing life into real people onstage, Caesar Samayoa brings authenticity and heart to every role. In this conversation, Caesar shares what it's like building Just in Time from the ground up—balancing daily rehearsals with nightly performances, and trusting in the collaborative energy of a veteran ca…

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Ep385 - Cassie Silva: Surviving Reality TV and Thriving on Broadway 1:43:55

3M ago1:43:55

1:43:55

It’s safe to say you’ve never heard an episode quite like this one. Cassie Silva joins me for a conversation filled with raw honesty, surprising twists, and a lot of laughter. We dive into everything from her unexpected life-changing trip to London, where & Juliet reignited her passion for performing, to the deeply complicated and emotional afterma…

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Ep384 - Terrence Mann: Backstage with the Man, the Myth, the Tugger 54:23

3M ago54:23

54:23

What do you get when you mix Broadway royalty with sci-fi cloning, environmental theater, and a dash of boogie-woogie piano? A wildly entertaining conversation with the legendary Terrence Mann. From his earliest days growing up in a musical household to helping launch the North Carolina Theatre, Terry’s journey is packed with passion, persistence, …

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BONUS - "Real Women Have Curves" Press Day (Mar 4, 2025) - Cast & Creatives 25:02

3M ago25:02

25:02

The cast and creative team behind Real Women Have Curves: The Musical gathered for an exclusive press day, and we were there to soak in the joy, passion, and powerful stories that define this new Broadway production. From bold choreography to songs that stick in your head long after the final note, this episode captures the spirit of a show that ce…

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Ep383 - Joanna Gleason: Be the Protein on the Plate 48:57

3M ago48:57

48:57

Joanna Gleason’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, she’s graced Broadway in I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet. Beyond the stage, her work spans film and television, with memo…

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Ep382 - Matt Doyle: Singing Sinatra and Surviving Sondheim 1:08:03

4M ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Matt Doyle has built an impressive career on stage, from originating roles on Broadway to stepping into legendary ones. He reflects on his journey, from his early breakout in Spring Awakening to his Tony-winning turn as Jamie in Company. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from unexpected career pivots, the realities of show business, and how …

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Ep381 - AnnMarie Milazzo: Vocals, Vision, and Very Real Ghosts 56:20

4M ago56:20

56:20

AnnMarie Milazzo is a musical storyteller with an incredible gift for shaping sound and emotion. Her concept album The Shape of Things, inspired by Joy the Musical, has completely captured my imagination, and in this conversation, we break down how it all came together. She opens up about her creative process, the organic way she approaches vocal a…

Weird Existence Productions Podcasts

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The Cracked Podcast

Literally Media

1
The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales

Broadway Podcast Network

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Off The Notepad

Weird Existence Productions

1
Lifehackers

Kerr Drummond and Sara Damergi

1
Ep399 - Jeffrey Seller: Storytelling, Struggle, and the Rise of a Broadway Giant 1:02:18

1
14 Times Whole Towns Became Delusional Springfield-style | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:02:27

1
BONUS - "The Little Mermaid" Cast & Creatives at Papermill Playhouse 49:50

1
Ep398 - Molly Griggs: Between Southern Comfort and Broadway Grit 1:01:31

1
A Master of Scams and Cons Reacts to Marge vs. The Monorail (featuring Brian Brushwood) | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:08:47

1
Ep397 - Rob Madge: A Smoke Machine Wish, Tons of Wigs, and a Dream 55:02

1
The Simpsons Reference That Unlocked Buddy Hackett's Best Joke | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 49:15

1
Ep396 - Anthony Veneziale & Aneesa Folds: Hip Hop, Humanity, and Hacking the Stage 1:01:10

1
BONUS - 2025 Tony Awards Predictions with Samantha Tuozzolo and Jason A. Coombs from Survival Jobs, a Podcast 27:05

1
Ep395 - Julia Knitel: Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully Herself 48:11

1
The Sex-Crazed Con Man Who Inspired Conan's Monorail Episode | The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:03:31

1
Ep394 - Joy Huerta & Benjamin Velez: Pop Meets Plot in a Tony-Nominated Twist 1:02:52

1
Ep393 - Taylor Trensch: A Pink-Eared Dog and a Tony Nominee Walk Into a Theater… 38:18

1
Ep392 - Kevin Csolak: Stages, Stadiums, and Spielberg 55:59

1
Introducing: The Simpsons Taught Me Everything 1:00

1
Ep391 - Erika Henningsen: From Mean Girl to Sandra Dee and Everything Between 53:31

1
Ep390 - Julia Lester: Acting with Carell, Singing with Sondheim 51:54

1
Ep389 - Erich Bergen: He Can Doo-Doo This! 1:12:06

1
Ep388 - Norm Lewis: Fame, Failure, and the Phantom Mask 1:01:19

1
Ep387 - Ana Gasteyer: From SNL to Broadway and Beyond 51:10

1
BONUS - "Floyd Collins" Press Day with Jeremy Jordan, Lizzy McAlpine, Taylor Trensch, and more (Mar 11, 2025) 41:47

1
Ep386 - Caesar Samayoa: Trust the Team, Tell the Story 1:00:48

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Ep385 - Cassie Silva: Surviving Reality TV and Thriving on Broadway 1:43:55

1
Ep384 - Terrence Mann: Backstage with the Man, the Myth, the Tugger 54:23

1
BONUS - "Real Women Have Curves" Press Day (Mar 4, 2025) - Cast & Creatives 25:02

1
Ep383 - Joanna Gleason: Be the Protein on the Plate 48:57

1
Ep382 - Matt Doyle: Singing Sinatra and Surviving Sondheim 1:08:03

1
Ep381 - AnnMarie Milazzo: Vocals, Vision, and Very Real Ghosts 56:20