MAKERS: JONATHAN GROFF PART 1: REHEARSAL ROOMS, THE O FACE + TELLING THE TRUTH
In the latest bonus episode from The Spark File, Susan and Laura snuggle up with actor/singer/dancer/truth-teller, Jonathan Groff. Jonathan shares his visceral responses to most everything, including his approach to choosing roles and relationships. We talk the bravery of coming out, and the importance of telling one's own truth.
CONTENT WARNING: Sexually explicit language
MAKERS: LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA PART 2: CREATIVE MISDIAGNOSES, PASSION PROJECTS + SENSORY SEEKING
This is part 2, Lin-Manuel Miranda shares how he restocks his creative fishpond whenever the well runs dry, and reveals his secret to avoiding creative blocks. Find out how he fuels his creativity and gains inspiration from “the sensitive" and “the sensory seeker" in his life.
MAKERS: LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA PART 1: FRIDAY NIGHT MEET UPS, THE LAUNDRY ROOM + MAKING SPACE
This episode is Part 1 of Susan and Laura's chit chat with writer-performer-director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether taking 7 years to write Hamilton, or 7 seconds to spit out a rhyme in the 100% improvised Freestyle Love Supreme, this guy is firing on all pistons. Find out how he uses "time and a deadline" to make it all happen.
MAKERS: LESLIE ODOM, JR: THE LION, THE BEAR + THE BRAND NEW ALBUM, ‘MR’
In the latest bonus episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura talk to Leslie Odom, Jr, on the eve of his new album launch. Leslie reflects on the life lessons learned from 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Francis Turner, mentor Billy Porter, and so many more. Always open to the next challenge, Leslie shares the vulnerability and the joy that comes with truly taking a swing.
CREATIVITY SPARKS: AOKIGAHARA FOREST + MERCEDES MCCAMBRIDGE
In this special spooky episode of The Spark File, Susan and Laura share Halloween inspired sparks from the dark side: the eerie calling of Aokigahara Forest in Japan and the spine-chilling true life story of The Exorcist's voice of satan: Mercedes McCambridge.
Content Warning: suicide, addiction, violence.
A video referenced in this episode of Linda Blair’s performance, followed by Mercedes McCambridge’s voiceover performance in The Exorcist.
MAKERS: CELIA KEENAN-BOLGER: AUTHENTICITY, BRIDGE-BUILDING + WANTING THE TONY AWARD
Episode #19 is brimming with sparks of creativity as Susan and Laura talk theater with TONY Award winner, Celia Keenan-Bolger. Celia shares her origin story, how she learned she was a bridge-builder, and the freedom of owning her desire to win a TONY award. Celia's theatrical career spans To Kill a Mockingbird to Glass Menagerie, Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher, The Light in the Piazza and so much more.
MAKERS: RODNEY EVANS: VISION PORTRAITS, LIMINAL SPACE + TRUTH TELLING
In this week's maker-sode, Susan and Laura talk with award-winning filmmaker Rodney Evans about his very personal documentary, Vision Portraits. Rodney shares the details of his loss of vision and and what it means to be a blind or visually impaired creative artist. Rodney shares the power of channeling his fear into his creativity, illuminates the difference between sight and vision, and shares his belief that going blind just might create new ways of seeing. According to The New York Times, Vision Portraits “has the power, however briefly, to alter your perception."
MAKERS: ZACHARY QUINTO PART 1: UNCERTAINTY, INSPIRATION + AUTHENTICITY
Part One of a conversation between co-hosts Susan and Laura and prolific actor, producer, creator Zachary Quinto. Zach gives us the 411 on his backstory, key moments in his creative career, and how "uncertainty" can be the most enticing guide. Zach takes us from Broadway to blockbuster films, Glass Menagerie to Star Trek and well beyond.
