The Art of Kindness: Pop Culture & Positivity with Robert Peterpaul

Bestselling Author Emma Straub's new book American Fantasy has pulled into port! The acclaimed writer joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her joyful writing process, the kindness and power of nostalgia, being kind to yourself as a creator and more. This episode features: Why Emma Straub's book American Fantasy meets the current moment, thanks to a healthy dose of nostalgia Embracing the "uncool-ness" of being a passionate fan Creating community with her bookstore Books Are Magic in Brooklyn How vulnerability can unlock kindness, creativity and more Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of six books for adults: the novels This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. She is also the author of a picture book, Very Good Hats.  Her books have been published in more than twenty languages.   She and her husband are also the beloved owners of Books Are Magic, an iconic independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ Follow Emma @emmastraub Follow us ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pretty Lethal writer, director and producer Vicky Jewson joins the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to dive deep into her personal act of kindness/ mission: infusing the action genre with more women. Episode takeaways: The tangible and unique way that onscreen legend Uma Thurman showed everyone kindness onset. Why kindness is SPECIFIC and creates communities. How Vicky is fighting to tell more female-driven stories in the action space (including an upcoming female Rambo), and more. PRETTY LETHAL: An action-packed thriller where five ballerinas (Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Maddie Ziegler)⁠⁠⁠, on their way to a prestigious dance competition, are barely on speaking terms when their bus breaks down in a remote forest. With no other options, they reluctantly seek shelter at an unsettling roadside inn run by Devora Kasimer (Uma Thurman), a reclusive former ballet prodigy. From the moment they arrive, something feels wrong—and their worst instincts prove right. As the situation turns deadly, the fractured team must set aside rivalries and weaponize years of brutal training, turning grace, discipline, and even pointe shoes into tools for survival. Now streaming on Prime! Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ Follow Vicky ⁠@vicjewson Follow us ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony-nominee and TikTok sensation Kevin Chamberlin says kindness is the key to longevity. The When Playwrights Kill actor joins host Robert Peterpaul for a morning chat on The Art of Kindness to discuss: How kindness and authenticity built his legendary acting career from Wicked to Seussical to Addams Family. Going viral on TikTok years after his Disney Channel hit Jessie and embracing a whole new digital chapter. Surviving Broadway chaos, on-stage mishaps, and finding humor in it all. Why you should “let it ruin your breakfast, not your lunch.” The importance of finding one moment of joy every day—and much more! KEVIN CHAMBERLIN is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor. Kevin is best known for his work on stage in Dirty Blonde, Seussical, and The Addams Family as well as on-camera in Disney Channel’s “Jessie”. Following his time on “Jessie”, Kevin quickly rose to online prominence, accumulating an audience of 12 million engaged fans across social media platforms. Check out: WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠ Follow Kevin @chamberlin.kevin Follow us ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix star Alyvia Alyn Lind says kindness is the way(ward)! The actor joins host Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness to discuss: Working with kind leaders like Mae Martin, Toni Collette and Dolly Parton. How her kind family and friends keep her grounded. Her love of ducks and much more! ALYVIA ALYN LIND is an emerging powerhouse actress. This fall, she starred opposite Toni Collette in Wayward, Netflix’s hit psychological thriller series from creator Mae Martin. The series premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and ranked in the top 10 on Netflix in over 35 countries. Lind previously starred as the female lead of the Peacock/Syfy horror series Chucky. She also led Roku’s Spiderwick Chronicles with Christian Slater and Netflix’s Daybreak alongside Matthew Broderick. In 2015, Lind played the role of Dolly Parton in Coat of Many Colors, which earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination. Lind was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her work on The Young and the Restless. Her additional television credits include the Hulu comedy series Future Man, Showtime’s acclaimed drama Masters of Sex and AMC’s The Walking Dead. In film, Lind starred with Adam Sandler in Warner Bros Pictures’ Blended, alongside Drew Barrymore in Netflix’s Overboard, and across Bella Thorne in Masquerade. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠ Follow Alyvia ⁠@alyviaalind Follow us ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American Idol runner up-turned author David Archuleta joins the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss his authentic new memoir Devout. From the 'blur' of being on Idol to finding the courage to practice self-acceptance later in life, David and Robert openly discuss: Life-changing acts of kindness that saved David on his journey to coming out. Connecting with celebrities like Dolly Parton, Loren Allred and Demi Lovato. Plus, a surprise from his mom and BFF, and more! DAVID ARCHULETA: On Season 7 of American Idol, David Archuleta made over 30 million television viewers swoon with his angelic voice, ultimately winning runner-up on the show at the age of seventeen. His journey has included turning out multiple platinum-selling hits, achieving global acclaim as a live performer, and emerging as an undeniable fixture on the pop-culture scene. Since his first single “Crush,” he has released eight studio albums, twenty-four singles, and twenty-one music videos. Hit singles “Crème Brulée” and “Hell Together” have marked a striking evolution and new chapter for David as an artist and creative entrepreneur while continuing to expand his audience globally. Having grown up as a poster child for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, David struggled to be his true self and didn’t come out as queer until 2021. He now advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Los Angeles, California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony-winning Broadway star Stephanie J. Block (The Cher Show, 9 to 5) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss making the rehearsal room a kinder place, cracking up onstage in Into the Woods, what she learned from Dolly Parton, and so much more. Plus, there's some STAR-STUDDED surprises from her The Cher Show co-star Teal Wicks and her husband Sebastian Arcelus. (Originally recorded in 2023) With a career spanning over two decades, Stephanie J. Block-Arcelus is one of Broadway's most versatile talents. You may have been lucky enough to see her starring opposite Hugh Jackman in The Boy from Oz or perhaps she is your Elphaba! Stephanie actually originated Elphaba in the early workshops of Wicked and later went on to play her both in the first national tour and on Broadway. She has earned acclaim for starring turns in shows like Little Miss Sunshine, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Falsettos and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. In 2019, Stephanie won the Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Tony Award for playing the title role in The Cher Show.  In addition to her stage and screen work, Stephanie has also taken her incredible voice to symphony orchestras across the US. Her solo concerts have earned her critical acclaim in both New York City and London, and her recording work includes several original cast albums, as well as her own album, This Place I Know. She also lends her voice to her own beautiful podcast Stages. Onscreen you’ve seen in her shows like Orange is the New Black, Homeland, Madame Secretary and the new film iModercai.   Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠ Follow Stephanie ⁠@stephaniejblock⁠ Follow us ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award-winning designer and producer Clint Ramos joins host Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness for a textured chat on joy and kindness as an act of revolution. From Costume Designing hit shows like MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, to being a Producing Creative Director for Encores! at New York City Center, Clint shares experiences from the many hats he dons. - How his upbringing in the Philippines and the People Power Revolution inspired his journey into theater, using art as a powerful tool for social change. - How his historic Tony win changed things. - Tangible advice to bring kindness to the forefront of a busy life. Follow Clint: @clintramos Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day, friends! Thank you to News 8 WTNH for having us on your show to talk all things The Art of Kindness, recommend science-based kind acts (from kindness.org), our new musical and more. We had the kindest time and hope this inspires you to choose kindness in your own life! How kind are you? Find out your KQ now at kindness.org/kq Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jasmine Amy Rogers (Boop! and Spelling Bee) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul in this re-release episode from March 2024! The Tony-nominee discusses bringing icon Betty Boop to life onstage in Boop! The Musical, battling imposter syndrome, amplifying historically underrepresented voices and more this women's history month. Jasmine Amy Rogers earned a Tony Award® nomination for her Broadway debut as the titular role in BOOP! THE MUSICAL, and garnered “a star is born” reviews. She received Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for her portrayal, as well as Drama League and Chita Rivera nominations. Rogers played Anita in the Pasadena Playhouse production of JELLY’S LAST JAM, Gretchen Wieners in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS, Melody Green in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of THE WANDERER and in the world premiere of BECOMING NANCY at the Alliance Theatre. TV includes “EVIL”. She was a Jimmy Awards’ finalist and studied musical theatre at the Manhattan School of Music. To learn more about Maestra Music, please visit: maestramusic.org/amplify/ Follow Jasmine: @jasmine_amy_r Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway's Helen J. Shen (Tony-winning Maybe Happy Ending) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her whirlwind rise to theatre stardom during a thoughtful conversation about artistry, ambition, and staying human even when you're playing a robot. This kind-hearted episode covers: How classical piano training shaped her work ethic The intersection of kindness, diligence, and authenticity Navigating imposter syndrome with childlike joy Tips for handling tech frustrations during rehearsals The importance of community and supporting co-stars Lessons from working with legendary leaders like Michael Arden and Meryl Streep Insights into recording a Broadway cast album and its lasting impact Broadway theatre ghost encounters and more! HELEN J SHEN (she/they) is an actor, musician, and writer who has quickly established herself as a force within the entertainment industry. Helen currently stars in the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, which won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical. For her performance, she received rave reviews and was recognized with the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre, the Theatre World Award, and nominations for a Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Drama League Award. She recently wrapped filming the highly anticipated sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to be released this upcoming May. They previously starred in the musical The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and the Geffen Playhouse. For her performance as JJ, Helen received a 2025 Lucille Lortel Award Nomination for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical. Helen also captivated audiences in the musical Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Their regional credits include starring in Man of God at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut. Helen earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. She has been recognized in TIME100 Next, Variety’s 2024 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the 2025 Gold House A100 List. Follow Helen: @helenjshen Follow us: ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Marisha Wallace (Cabaret) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her internationally-acclaimed career as a musical theatre performer and the kindness that powers it. This episode touches on: - How Marisha says she manifested her entire journey in the arts. - Life-changing acts of kindness from Disney's Aladdin to Billy Porter in Cabaret. - The importance of representation in iconic theatre works like Cabaret and much more. MARISHA WALLACE has earned Olivier Award nominations for Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide) and Oklahoma! (Ado Annie). She’s captivated London audiences as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, originated Becky in Waitress, and made her West End debut as Effie White in Dreamgirls. Marisha received widespread critical acclaim for her performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, London, with many critics hailing it as her career-defining role. She reprised this role on Broadway, and her performance was featured as one of the 16 best theatre moments of 2025 by the New York Times. She headlined a solo concert at the Adelphi Theatre, with her live album. Her powerhouse voice and magnetic presence have led to multiple performances for His Majesty the King and The Royal Family Follow Marisha: @marishawallace Follow us: ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's High School Musical turns 20 this year, so let's revisit our Corbin Bleu episode from the 2025 library. The real-life Chad Danforth joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss navigating the industry with kindness from tv sets to Broadway stages. The performer gets a starry surprise (spoiler alert) from his DCOM co-star and friend Lucas Grabeel. CORBIN BLEU (Joe Ross) is a versatile actor, singer/songwriter, dancer, voiceover artist and host. Bleu is best known as Chad Danforth in the Emmy-winning HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise. Recently, Bleu starred in the TV movies Love, For Real and A Christmas Dance Reunion and special guest-starred in Seasons 3 and 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. On Broadway, Bleu starred in the Tony-nominated 2019 revival of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54, earning a Drama Desk nomination. He headlined as Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, winning the Chita Rivera Award, and also appeared in Godspell (Jesus) and In the Heights (Usnavi). Additional stage highlights include Hairspray (Seaweed) and Mamma Mia! (Sky) at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2018, he played Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at The Muny and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes at Arena Stage, earning a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. That same year, he was named Entertainer of the Year at the Tremaine National Gala for his contributions to dance. Most recently, Corbin starred as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre in New York, completing a three-month run with Constance Wu followed by a three-month run with Jinkx Monsoon. ⁠Support Our Mom Barbara’s Second Cancer Journey⁠ Follow Corbin: ⁠@corbinbleu⁠ Follow Lucas: ⁠@mrgrabeel⁠ Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's High School Musical director-choreographer Kenny Ortega is in the studio, wildcats! The legendary creative (also behind classics like Newsies, Hocus Pocus and the Descendants franchise) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to celebrate 20 years of "breaking free" with the DCOM. This episode touches on: - How gratitude and kindness have shaped Kenny Ortega's legendary career and the enduring legacy of High School Musical. - Incredible behind-the-scenes stories and leadership insights from Hocus Pocus, Newsies, and, of course, the HSM franchise. - The impact of collaborating with folks like Cameron Boyce, Bette Midler and Gene Kelly have had on him + so much more. - There may even be a surprise from a High School Musical star! KENNY ORTEGA a is a renowned director, producer, and choreographer famous for creating family-friendly musical hits like Disney's High School Musical and Descendants franchises, cult classics Hocus Pocus and Newsies, and choreographing beloved films such as Dirty Dancing and Pretty in Pink, plus extensive work with icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Cher. He started in theater and music videos, then transitioned to film and TV, earning acclaimed and awards like a Disney Legends Award for his genre-bending work. Support the Cameron Boyce Foundation: https://www.thecameronboycefoundation.org/ Follow Kenny @kennyortegablog Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠! (⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the best 2026 new year's resolution? Kindness! Join Robert Peterpaul as we fly to Pasadena, California and chat with Lori Milgard and JR Dzubak about their inspiring journey with the Kindness is Free initiative. From the Kindness is Free Hall of Fame to their epic participation in the Rose Bowl Parade, discover how small acts of kindness can lead to significant change. This conversation is a celebration of community, empowerment, and the transformative power of kindness. Kindness is Free is a transformative initiative, powered by the Boys & Girls Clubs, that promotes compassion, respect, and empathy to build safer, more connected communities through small, actionable acts of kindness. To learn more and find out how to get involved, please visit: www.kindnessisfree.org Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠! (⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway's Desi Oakley joins The Art of Kindness podcast for our holiday extravaganza! The Wicked and Waitress star gets festive with host Robert Peterpaul about: Her new holiday single Christmas on the Coast + holiday favorites The challenges and rewards of working on Broadway during Christmas The power of "trying" and much more! DESI OAKLEY is a self-described Jane of all trades. She’s a Broadway performer and recording artist you’ve seen in Waitress, Chicago, Wicked, Annie, and Les Misérables, with TV appearances on Elsbeth, Gotham, The Gilded Age, and Only Murders in the Building. You’ve also heard her voice in films like Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, tick, tick… BOOM! and Spirited. Beyond the stage and screen, Desi is a heartfelt mental-health advocate, music educator, and NYC-based coach. Follow Desi @desioakley Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Cowan , Fashion Designer turned Costume Designer (Queen of Versailles) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul as he makes his Broadway debut. This episode covers: - the kindness of embracing your unique style - learning on the job as Broadway Costume Designer with Queen of Versailles - working with legends like Paris Hilton, Kristin Chenoweth and more CHRISTIAN COWAN is a celebrated fashion designer known for his bold vision and exuberant sense of glamour. His collections have been worn by stars including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya, and featured in Vogue and The New York Times. A fixture of New York Fashion Week, Cowan champions individuality and joy. His shows are known to bring drama, spectacle, and unapologetic self-expression. Queen of Versailles marks his Broadway costume design debut. Follow Christian: @christiancowan Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stranger Things: The First Shadow star Dora Dolphin discusses acts of kindness on Broadway with The Art of Kindness podcast. Her and host Robert Peterpaul cover: - Dora's wild audition process for Netflix and the Duffer Brothers. - Her kind meeting with onscreen counterpart Cara Buono, and the wisdom she shared. - Upside-Down kindness her and her Tony-winning company take part in + more. DORA DOLPHIN makes her Broadway debut in First Shadow! Originated Young Karen Wheeler in the first workshop. Favorite credits: world premiere of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, Guthrie Theater’s A Christmas Carol, Coco’s Diary, Disney’s “Villains of Valley View,” GYLT. Gratitude to God, family, friends, CESD/ZOOM/ Luber-Roklin. @doradolphinofficial Follow Dora: @doradolphinofficial Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merrily We Roll Along's Broadway and film director Maria Friedman joins The Art of Kindness for a chat on translating her Tony-winning take on the hit Stephen Sondheim production to a SONY film, starring Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. The kind musical theatre titan and host Robert Peterpaul discuss: How kindness is at the core of Merrily. How to lead with kindness on Broadway and beyond. Her close relationship with Stephen Sondheim and more. MARIA FRIEDMAN is a 4-time Olivier Award-winning star and Tony-nominated director, celebrated as one of the definitive interpreters of Stephen Sondheim’s work. She most recently directed the 4-time Tony Award-winning Broadway Revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Her acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along originated in London and conquered Broadway with sold-out houses, securing the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. As an actress, Maria is best known for starring in classic Sondheim roles, including Dot in Sunday in the Park with George and the Olivier Award-winning Fosca in Passion. Her illustrious career is a masterclass in musical theatre excellence across the West End and international stages. And let's not forget her starring turn as the Narrator in the Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat feature film! Follow Maria: @mariafriedman Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Christiani Pitts talks Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) on the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul during a scrumptious conversation. The episode covers: the act of kindness from her drama teacher that made a lasting impression. the key to finding common ground with strangers. the dreamy process of bringing Two Strangers to Broadway and more! (We may even play a game all about cake). CHRISTIANI PITTS can currently be seen on Broadway in the musical TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK), currently in previews and opening on Thursday, November 20th. She is best known for her performance of ‘Ann Darrow’ in the Broadway musical KING KONG. Previously she appeared in the leading role ‘Jane’ in the Broadway musical A BRONX TALE. Christiani had a recurring role on STARZ's POWER BOOK III: Raising Kanan and starred in the Netflix feature RESORT TO LOVE. Her other credits include: DEAD RINGERS, BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD FIGHT, EVIL, ELEMENTARY. Christiani is repped by Buchwald Talent and Authentic Talent & Literary Management. Follow Christiani: @christianiworld Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney legend Jodi Benson - the iconic voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid - returns to The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to catch up on how kindness is showing up in her life and more. This episode covers: Learning self-kindness while leading a life of service. Working on new projects like Wingfeather Saga. Lessons learned from Ariel and Disney, plus more. JODI BENSON is best known around the world as the beloved voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Disney feature film, The Little Mermaid. She also gave voice to Barbie in Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 and delighted Disney fans with a surprise cameo in Disney’s Live-Action The Little Mermaid, Disney’s Enchanted and reprising her role as Ariel in Ralph Breaks the Internet. In 2011, Disney honored Jodi's contributions by making her a Disney Legend. An accomplished singer, dancer, and actress, Jodi made her starring role debut on Broadway, performing the iconic song "Disneyland" in the Howard Ashman/Marvin Hamlisch musical Smile. She earned a Tony nomination for her role as Polly Baker in the hit Gershwin musical Crazy for You. Still entertaining audiences across the country and around the world, Jodi is currently living in North Georgia with her wonderful husband, Ray. They enjoy spending time with their amazing children, their daughter Delaney, their son McKinley, and his wife Mackenzie. Follow Jodi: @jodi.benson Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices