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

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

Wicked: For Good movie is in theaters this week, so please enjoy this wonderful conversation from the AOK library with the film's director Jon M. Chu. He and Robert Peterpaul to discuss being a kind leader on set, acts of kindness from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, his spellbinding memoir Viewfinder and more. Rejoicify - this is a thought-provoking chat filled with STAR-studded surprise guests! We're OBSESSULATED! Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, as well as his kinetic work across various genres from groundbreaking series to commercials and films. Additionally, his unique storytelling ability has earned him the honor of inclusion on the Hollywood Reporter’s Power 100 list as well as Variety’s New Hollywood Leaders. Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed WICKED 1 & 2, starring Oscar-nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the feature-film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon released in theaters on November 22 and quickly became a box-office hit, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaption in domestic box office history in its second week earning over $350 million globally. His memoir, Viewfinder, is his journey from growing up in the Silicon Valley to transitioning to Hollywood and helming major studio projects, released Summer 2024. The book is an uplifting tale of belonging, creativity and learning to see who you truly are. His other projects include the critically acclaimed adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical IN THE HEIGHTS for Warner Bros. Studios as well as the worldwide phenomenon CRAZY RICH ASIANS, which was nominated for numerous awards, including a SAG Award, a Golden Globe and PGA Award. It is one of the top 10 highest grossing romantic comedies of all time and the highest in a decade. It was also the first contemporary studio picture in more than 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast and opened a new chapter in Asian-American representation in Hollywood. Chu is attached to direct the highly anticipated biopic for Britney Spears based on her memoir, The Woman in Me, with Universal. He is also in development on Dr. Seuss’ OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! with Warner Bros and JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, which will be his first animated film. His previous films include GI. JOE: RETALIATION, NOW YOU SEE ME 2, JUSTIN BIEBER’S NEVER SAY NEVER and many more representing over 1.3 billion dollars in the worldwide box office. Thank you to Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh and Simon Hayes for the special surprise, and to Welcome to Times Square for supporting our Big Apple dreams. Follow Jon: @jonmchu 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. Let us be glad. Let us be grateful. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony-nominated Broadway star Lorna Courtney joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul for our World Kindness Day special! The multi-hyphenate shares how leading with love keeps her grounded on and off the stage. From &Juliet to Heathers: The Musical, the powerhouse performer opens up about confidence, community, and the acts of kindness that helped shape her journey. Happy World Kindness Week! Taped live in the Welcome To Times Square Studio, this kindness podcast episode covers: How kindness became Lorna’s secret to strong, authentic leadership. A touching fan story that reminded her what Broadway is really about. The self-care rituals that keep her voice and spirit healthy through eight shows a week. The power of bubble baths + much more. LORNA COURTNEY currently stars as Veronica Sawyer in the hit cult classic Heathers and will next be seen in The Greatest Showman musical. She previously completed a triumphant run as Juliet in the Broadway musical & Juliet, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, a Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, and won the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre. She was a guest lead in CBS’s premiere of THE EQUALIZER opposite Queen Latifah, appeared in Dear Evan Hansen and the Broadway revival of West Side Story. Lorna received her BFA from the University of Michigan and graduated from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. This episode is sponsored by Grether's Pastilles, the premium Swiss lozenges that are kind to your voice. It's also powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Thank you for supporting kindness! Follow Lorna ⁠@lornaacourtney Let's be friends! ⁠⁠⁠@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

Legendary illusionist Rob Lake joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul on the heels of his Broadway debut. "The World's Greatest Illusionist" discusses the magic of kindness and his new show Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets. This spectacular episode covers: - Leading with kindness as he brings broadway's greatest magic show to life - What it's like to work with Kermit and the Muppets, alongside Disney - How we can all find wonder in our lives and more! ROB LAKE is a world renowned illusionist who’s dazzled audiences in over 60 countries. From NBC’s America’s Got Talent to sold-out residencies in Las Vegas and beyond, Rob’s spellbinding work blends jaw-dropping spectacle with storytelling on the grandest scale. He’s been named “The World’s Greatest Illusionist” by NBC and was the youngest ever to receive magic’s highest honor - the Merlin Award. Which is the equivalent to an actor getting an Oscar… manifest! Rob has designed illusions for Grammy-winning artists, Broadway shows like Death Becomes Her, Disney Imagineering, and more. Now, he brings his magic to Broadway in a brand-new show alongside none other than the Muppets! Follow Rob ⁠⁠@roblakemagic Let's be friends! ⁠⁠⁠⁠@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

Happy Halloween! We're releasing our episode with Halloweentown star Kimberly J. Brown as an extra treat! The Disney legend joined The Art of Kindness to discuss: - growing up in the spotlight - working with the iconic (and kind) Debbie Reynolds - behind-the-scenes treats from the Halloweentown franchise + more! While Kimberly J. Brown is perhaps most known for the Halloweentown franchise, she is an award-winning powerhouse who’s rocked every medium. By age 9 she had appeared on Broadway in shows like: “Les Miserables” and the Tony-winning revival of “Showboat.” She went then on to rock TV, earning an Emmy nomination for “Marah Lewis,” on TV’s longest running daytime drama, “Guiding Light,” which she played from 1993-1998 and in 2006. Other TV credits include “Law & Order: SVU,” “Touched By An Angel,” “Two of a Kind,” and more. More recently, she has been seen lighting up the Hallmark Channel. Some other film highlights include playing John Travolta and Uma Thurman’s assistant in Be Cool and starring opposite Steve Martin and Queen Latifah in Bringing Down the House. Follow Kimberly J. Brown: ⁠@officialkjb⁠ Follow us: ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠, ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ Halloween Music: FreeUseMusic on youtube ⁠Support the show⁠ (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix's Ginny & Georgia star Antonia Gentry joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul, opening up about learning to drop expectations - of herself, her work, and others - in favor of curiosity and compassion. She reflects on the power of flexibility, the quiet confidence that comes from grace, and how kindness is not about pleasing people but meeting them where they are. This 'just peachy' episode covers: - Why kindness thrives when we let go of rigid expectations - How Antonia practices flexibility and self-grace in her creative life - Acts of kindness from co-stars like Brianne Howey and more! ANTONIA GENTRY currently shines bright as the titular character, “Ginny” in the Netflix hit original series, GINNY & GEORGIA, which we LOVE and is currently in production on a new season. She’s earned an MTV Movie & TV Award nomination for her role. And was also honored as a member of Variety’s 2021 “Power of Young Hollywood Impact List.” You may have also caught Toni on Netflix in TIME CUT on Netflix or Hulu’s Prom Dates. Follow Toni ⁠⁠@alysonstoner⁠ Let's be friends! ⁠⁠⁠⁠@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

Bestselling author and former Disney star Alyson Stoner joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to redefine kindness in a broken system. The mental health advocate unpacks their transformative new memoir Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything and breaks down how kindness can heal the world. This kindness podcast episode covers: Why kind acts alone won't cut it (and what will). What it really takes to unlearn perfectionism and embrace your authentic self. How writing can be an act of self care. Rob's grandma and much more. Tune in for an empowering pick me up! ALYSON STONER is a multi-disciplinary entertainer, author, and founder/CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company offering therapist-led content to improve well-being. Known for their award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast advocating for child protection in media, Stoner has also contributed to initiatives with the UN, WHO, and leading universities. A former child star seen in Camp Rock, Step Up, Phineas & Ferb, and Missy Elliott’s iconic videos, they now focus on impact-driven projects like Artist Wellbeing Essentials. Thank you to Kindness is Free for being this season's Riverside sponsor. KIF empowers the next generation of youth by instilling the values of respect, equality and compassion for others. Follow Alyson ⁠@alysonstoner Let's be friends! ⁠⁠⁠@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

The Voice winner Cassadee Pope joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss unlocking vulnerability, shedding perfectionism as a storyteller, self-kindness on Broadway and tour, her new show Rolling Thunder and more. CASSADEE POPE rose to fame as the first female winner of the hit reality show The Voice. After fronting pop-punk band Hey Monday and releasing a chart-topping solo country album, she’s made a powerful return to her roots with her pop-punk album Hereditary—a raw and emotional exploration of life, love, and legacy. She’s recently enjoyed lighting up the stage in a different way, starring in the off-Broadway productions Titanique as Rose and, now, Rolling Thunder: A Rock Journey as Linda. Follow Cassadee @cassadeepope Follow us ⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠!⁠ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maybe Happy Ending Director Michael Arden speaks on kind leadership and more live from the 2025 Tony Awards winner's room, where The Art of Kindness podcast was stationed. Follow us ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jamie Lloyd take home Best Revival for their gripping, radically reimagined production of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway starring Nicole Scherzinger. In this episode, the Lloyds step into the Tony Awards Winner’s Room fresh off their big win to speak with members of the press. AOK recorded as the duo opened up about artistic risk-taking, their creative partnership, and the power of entrusting bold new visions to tell timeless stories. Follow us ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Erika Henningsen (Mean Girls) joins The Art of Kindness podcast with Robert Peterpaul to discuss all kinds of kindness from her sparkly gold kindness to Jonathan Groff's blue. Speaking of, she also touches on kind leadership, like with her new show Just in Time (starring Jonathan Groff) and the Netflix series The Four Seasons (led by Tina Fey). ERIKA HENNINGSEN stars in the Netflix series THE FOUR SEASONS opposite Tina Fey and Steve Carrell and can currently be seen on stage starring in the Broadway production of JUST IN TIME, opposite Jonathan Groff. Erika originated the leading role of 'Cady Heron' in MEAN GIRLS on Broadway and received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for her work. Other TV credits include GIRLS5EVA, HARLEM, BLUE BLOODS, and FBI: INTERNATIONAL. Erika also voices the lead role of Charlie Morningstar in the hugely popular A24/Amazon animated musical comedy series HAZBIN HOTEL. Follow Erika ⁠@erikahenningsen Follow us ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmy Award® winner Sarah Snook (Succession) wins the 2025 Best Actress Tony Award for her performance in THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY on Broadway. In an acting coup for the ages, Snook takes on all 26 roles in this gripping, witty and vibrantly contemporary production that breathes new life into Oscar Wilde’s classic tale. In this episode, Sarah walks fresh off the Radio City Stage into the Tony Awards Winner's Room, where she speaks with Robert Peterpaul and other members of the press. Follow us ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway Director & Choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter (Bad Cinderella, School of Rock) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss creating kind communities in theatre, her magical new production of Disney's The Little Mermaid at Paper Mill Playhouse, why she only wants to work with compassionate people and more. JOANN M. HUNTER (Director & Choreographer). Always an honor and treat to be back at Paper Mill Playhouse! Over 30 Broadway, West End, and Australian first-class credits. Directed and choreographed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Early and infant stages: director-choreographer of Jo: The Little Women Musical, Yasuke: The Legend of the Black Samurai, and Birds of New York by Sophie B. Hawkins. I have worked with some extraordinary creatives in my career. How very lucky was I. In honing my craft, I keep my mentors in my heart. I am proud to be a Japanese American woman, and am more than just that. Follow JoAnn ⁠@joann_m_hunter Follow us ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the AOK archive: Broadway star Megan Hilty joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her incredible career through the lens of kindness. From Idina Menzel's career-changing act of kindness to what she learned from Dolly Parton herself, Megan shares countless inspiring stories and quips while reflecting on her journey. Megan Hilty is probably most recognizable for her portrayal of Ivy Lynn in the NBC Musical Drama “Smash.” Before that, Hilty started her career on Broadway, playing Glinda in “Wicked,” Doralee Rhodes in “9 to 5 The Musical,” and Brooke Ashton in “Noises Off,” which earned her a Tony Award Nomination. Other stage credits include Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” (Kennedy Center), Annie Oakley in “Annie Get Your Gun” (Encores/NY City Center) and Lorelei Lee in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (Encores/NY City Center). Her numerous television credits include “Sean Saves The World” with Sean Hayes, “Difficult People,” “Braindead,” “The Good Fight,” playing the iconic Patsy Cline in “Patsy and Loretta” and Lily in NBC’s “Annie Live!” Megan’s voiceover work spans from audiobooks to kids animated favorites on Disney, Nickelodeon, Netfilx, Hulu & Cartoon Network. Hilty continues to tour her cabaret show with her band, led by Grammy Nominated Matt Cusson, which has been taped for “Live from Lincoln Center” on PBS, and regularly appears with world renowned orchestras including the NY Pops, Boston Pops and the National Symphony Orchestra. Follow Megan @meganhilty Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com 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-nominated actor Marjan Neshat (English) unpacks the kindness of her journey to Broadway on The Art of Kindness. The performer joins Robert Peterpaul to discuss $15 therapy that changed her life, what her history-making nomination means to her, the power of live theatre and more. MARJAN NESHAT emigrated to America from Iran as a child, leaving her homeland for safety and new opportunities amid difficult circumstances. Nowadays, you may recognize her from hit TV shows like New Amsterdam, The Blacklist, and a recent stint on The Night Agent or iconic films like RoboCop.  She’s also a stage veteran, most recently earning a Tony nomination for her stunning performance in English at the Atlantic Theater Company. Not a bad way to make a Broadway debut. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play English, by Sanaz Toossi, is a comedic and thought-provoking drama about Iranian adults preparing for the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam. The play explores themes of language acquisition, identity, and empathy… Follow Marjan @marjie33 Let's be friends! ⁠⁠@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

Actor, writer, and director Max Talisman joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss the power of creating inclusive stories, redefining queer romance on screen, and leading with kindness on set of his new film Things Like This. MAX TALISMAN is rapidly emerging as a leading voice in Hollywood, with standout performances in the indie thriller Super Dark Times, the Jennifer Lopez film Marry Me, and hit series including Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, and Search Party. Now, he makes his highly anticipated directorial debut with Things Like This, a bold reimagining of queer romance that follows two men with the same name as they navigate love and self-discovery in New York City. Starring Joey Pollari (Love, Simon), Jackie Cruz (Orange is the New Black), and Cara Buono (Stranger Things), the film steers away from traditional coming-out or trauma-centered stories, instead embracing humor, complexity, and the universal joy of connection—positioning it as one of 2025’s most exciting indie releases. Follow Max @themaxtshow Let's be friends! ⁠@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