Episode 46: Brandon Ogborn – Part 1

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This is Brandon Ogborn. We had a two-hour-long conversation. We may be partnering up on a new show idea he has, which I think you all will enjoy, and he wrote a play called The Tomkat Project, which is the story of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. I loved it, and I know you will too, so I think you should pick up a copy here: www.brandonogborn.com/. Enjoy part one of our very long, but very entertaining chat, and thanks for listening!

Check out the continuation of our chat below:

Parts 2 3 4

Episode 45: Joshua Guerrero

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Tenor, Joshua Guerrero is my guest this week. I first met him a few years ago at LAO, where he started as a young artist. He’s since gone on to sing principle roles at the opera, and is now well on his way to having a long and fruitful career. I enjoyed our chat, and I hope you do too- thanks for listening!

Episode 44: Anthony Roth Costanzo

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Anthony Roth Costanzo is my guest this week. He is currently starring in the title role of the Philip Glass opera, Akhnaten at LA Opera. Today is our final performance, but the chance to sit with this fine gentleman arose, so I grabbed it. He’s insightful, kind, funny and very candid. I’ve really enjoyed listening to him perform this most challenging role, and I’m glad to have gained a bit of insight into what makes this fellow tick. I hope you enjoy the chat as much as I did- cheers!

Episode 43: Matthew Aucoin

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Born in 1990, Matthew Auc…. BORN IN 1990?? Yup. Welp, despite my crushing feeling of inadequacy and confusion about my life choices, I’m super-excited to have 26-year-old conductor, composer, pianist, and poet, Matthew Aucoin as my guest this week. He’s made his mainstage conducting debut with us, at the LA Opera, in our current production of Akhnaten, and he’s all of the things I’ve mentioned above, but with a large helping of modesty, graciousness, and collegiality. I hope you enjoy our chat- thanks for listening!

Episode 42: Phelim McDermott

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Phelim is the director of our current production of Akhnaten at LA Opera. I love this show. I also love the passion, conviction, and freedom that Phelim has given us to help deliver a truly powerful emotional message to our audience. Phelim also operates an experimental theater company called, Improbable- look him up at www.improbable.co.uk. Thanks for listening, and I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did!

Episode 41: Levi Petree and Sean Novak

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I met Levi through Sean, who I met through his wife, Christina, who went to college with my wife. Levi is cool. He plays country music, and I like it. Sean is also cool. We talk about music, politics, success, hardship, and keeping your nose to the grindstone in the face of adversity- Listen and enjoy!
Check out the band at: www.levipetree.com

Episode 40: Sean Gandini

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World-renowned juggler, Sean Gandini joins me today, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. We all juggle in our current (and magnificent) production of Akhnaten by Philip Glass, and Sean and his troupe are leading us in our efforts. It’s a first for all of us, and it’s thrilling. Sean’s background is fascinating, he’s kind, thoughtful and terrifically talented. I only wish our chat could have been longer- I’m sure you’ll agree. Enjoy!
PS- check out his fascinating work at: www.gandinijuggling.com

Episode 39: JonathanTalberg

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Choral director Jonathan Talberg is my guest, this week. We chat about everything from the state of music education, to the “Eric Whitacre effect” and a whole bunch of other stuff. Enjoy!

Episode 38: Jake Runestad

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Jake Runestad is my guest this week. He’s handsome, talented and really, really sweet. I mean, really- WTF? He’s a terrific composer from the mid-west who happened to be in Los Angeles AND he reached out to me to be on the show. I guess we’re officially members of the mutual-admiration club, now. I really enjoyed listening to his work in preparation for the interview, and I’m glad I got to know this fine fellow a little bit over the course of our conversation. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did!

Episode 37: Claire Friday

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Claire Friday is my guest this week. She’s gone from working backstage at the LA Opera to covering the RNC, DNC and the presidential debates for Facebook, all in the short time that I’ve known her. She’s smart, driven and easy to chat with. I like Claire and I bet you will, too- Enjoy!