Episode 18 - Nico Juber, Joe Barros, Jade McLeod, Diana Huey, and Gabby Boera: Winner Part 2

Update: 2025-07-22

Description

In this episode we continue our conversation with Nico Juber, Joe Barros, Jade McLeod, Diana Huey, and Gabby Boera about the new musical Winner. Winner was written by Nico Juber and Joe Barros.

Inspired by the queer journeys and bi erasure of its writers, Winner tells a coming out and coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a rigged election at a Southern California high school in 1999. The musical explores a female-identifying queer narrative and is one of the first to explore bisexuality.

The story centers around Autumn, a high-achieving senior vying for the position of student body president, and her secret girlfriend Stevie, who unexpectedly becomes her opponent in the election. The musical incorporates a time loop, where the day resets three times, and a different girl wins the race each time.

The plot unfolds as Autumn, desperate to win the election to secure a college scholarship, discovers that the new electronic voting system at school was manipulated. This revelation sets off a chain of events that forces Autumn to confront her identity and the consequences of hiding her relationship with Stevie. Autumn's decision to prioritize her relationship with Stevie and her truth over winning the election leads to a public coming out that ultimately breaks the time loop, redefining what it means for Autumn to win.

This episode features the songs “Let’s Start Again”, performed by Alex Wyse and Jade McLeod, and also “Wildefire” performed by the Concept EP Cast of Winner The Musical.

Connect with Joe Barros:

Website: https://www.joebarros.com/

Instagram: @bisforbarros

Connect with Nico Juber:

Website: https://www.nicojuber.com/

Instagram: @stuffnicolikes

Connect with Jade Mcleod:

Instagram: @jademcleod

Connect with Diana Huey:

Instagram: @dianahuey

Connect with Garry Boera:

Instagram: @gabby.boera