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

Broadway and television star Gabrielle Ruiz joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her hack for accepting compliments, working on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, new Christmas song Twinkle Twinkle and much more. Plus, Mrs. Peterpaul joins us for your kindness tip of the week! Today’s guest is Broadway star, singer, actress and dancer Gabrielle Ruiz. The triple threat broke onto the Broadway scene starring in shows like If/Then with Idina Menzel, Evita with Ricky Martin and In The Heights with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Lin loved her work on the latter so much that he referred her to the team of a new CW pilot called Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. The rest of course is history as Gabrielle has become best known for bringing to life Valencia Perez on all four seasons of the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning musical comedy series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Gabrielle has also lent her voice to series like Star Trek: Lower Decks, a hit podcast called What Friends Are For and now new music! She released her first original holiday single this year called Twinkle Twinkle, which will give you all the holiday feels. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Gabrielle @gabrielleruiz 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

Broadway star Kate Reinders joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her role as a champion of dreams both on and offscreen, advice for aspiring musical theatre performers, working on Disney's High School Musical: The Musical: The Series and much more. Plus, a special surprise from her co-stars Matt Cornett and Mark St. Cyr! Kate Reinders was raised far from the bright lights of Broadway in Spring Lake, Michigan. One summer changed her life forever, when she attended a theater camp thanks to the support of her parents. Flash forward, Kate is now a bonafide Broadway star. In 2001, she made her debut in the short-lived Broadway musical comedy The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as a swing and understudy for characters Amy Lawrence and Becky Thatcher, played by Kristen Bell. She then joined the 2002 Broadway revival of Into the Woods as an understudy. Her first starring role came in the 2003 revival of Gypsy as June; she went on to play Caroline in the 2005 jukebox musical Good Vibrations. Later that year, Kate played Glinda in the Chicago production of Wicked, alongside Ana Gasteyer as Elphaba; for which received glowing reviews. She went on to replace Megan Hilty as Glinda in the Broadway production. On Broadway, Kate is perhaps most known for originating the role of Portia in the 2015 musical comedy Something Rotten! Onscreen, Kate has been seen in shows like Ugly Betty, Modern Family, and Anger Management. As of 2019 fans know her most for playing drama teacher Miss Jenn in the hit Disney Plus show High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Kate @katereinders 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

Nina West (RuPaul's Drag Race) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her new book The You Kind of Kind, collaborating with Dolly Parton, believing in yourself, acting in WEIRD: The Weird Al Yankovic Story alongside Danielle Radcliffe, touring the country with Hairspray and much more! Plus, don't miss surprise guest Cassie Carroll for a special kindness tip of the week before her and Rob get married. Nina West is an American drag queen, actor, singer, songwriter, and LGBTQ+ activist played by Andrew Levitt. She was named the “Most Googled Drag Queen in The World” from 2020-2021 with over 7.8 billion unique searches. She rose to national prominence in 2019 with her appearance on VH1’s Emmy-winning show RuPaul's Drag Race Season 11, where she placed sixth and won Miss Congeniality. In 2021, she returned to the show as a guest and was anointed “America’s Sweetheart” by RuPaul herself. She made history at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2019 when she became the first-ever person to walk the carpet in full drag, while her season won five Primetime Emmy Awards including Best Reality Competition Show. On June 17th, 2020, Nina released a charity partnership with country music legend and possibly the best person on the planet (besides my Cassie), Dolly Parton - The "Dolly X Nina: Kindness is Queen '' Collection - with all proceeds going to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and The Nina West Foundation to benefit LGBTQ+ youth and literacy. It sold out in hours. Speaking of philanthropy, Miss West has raised over $5million for charity and is often on the front lines of LGBTQIA issues. In 2021, she partnered with Nickelodeon and Blue’s Clues for a series of Pride videos that went viral with over 2 million views. Nina hosted the first-ever DISNEY PLUS “This Is Me: PRIDE Celebration Spectacular,” a celebration of the LGBTQ community with Disney classics reinterpreted by LGBTQ artists like Hayley Kiyoko, Todrick Hall, and Alex Newell. She returned to the show in 2022 and performed with Disney Legend Alan Menken in a tribute to Disney Legend Howard Ashman. She has also fronted major advertising campaigns for multinational companies Pepsi, Pantene, Lane Bryant, BOMBAS, Bubly, and Procter and Gamble. Nina is currently headlining the brand-new national tour of the Broadway Musical HAIRSPRAY from original Producer Jerry Mitchell in the lead role of Edna Turnblad, for which she has received rave reviews. Her first ever children’s book THE YOU KIND OF KIND is out NOW through PA Press. As if she’s not busy enough, Nina co-stars alongside Daniel Radcliffe and an all-star cast in the ROKU Original Movie WEIRD: The Weird Al Yankovic Story, which is also out now. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Nina @ninawest 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

Casting Director Karlee Fomalont (CSA) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss how we can make auditions kinder for both actors and CDs, amazing advice for artists, why she sleeps out for Covenant House and much more. Casting Director Karlee Fomalont (CSA) was born and raised in Los Angeles and currently resides in New York City. She is a 2-time Artios Award Nominee and graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where her acting training made for a seamless transition into casting. She began her career at CBS Primetime NY and ABC Primetime NY, then transitioning into independent, working on projects such as Baz Luhrmann's Netflix series "The Get Down," Steven Spielberg's "The Post" and Tamara Jenkins' "Private Life" (both for which the casting team was nominated for an Artios Award for Outstanding Achievement in Casting). Karlee has worked with Rori Bergman for over 7 years, with credits including "Yearly Departed" (Amazon), "Power Book III: Raising Kanan" (Starz), "Run the World" (Starz), "Living With Yourself" (Netflix), "Love Life" (Netflix), "The Good Cop" (Netflix). Film credits include J. Blakeson's "I Care a Lot," Charlie Kaufman’s "I’m Thinking of Ending Things," Nicole Holofcener’s "The Land of Steady Habits," among many others. Karlee also casts short films and features independently, including Amazon Studios' feature film "I'm Your Woman" starring and produced by Rachel Brosnahan. Most importantly, Karlee gives back! For her 5th year in a row, she is leading Team Casting to sleep out in support of the young people who call Covenant House home. Covenant House works tirelessly to meet the most basic and immediate needs of at risk young people overcoming homelessness, but also sets them up to work towards their brightest futures through educational programs, job training, legal + mental health services and more. Special thanks to: Rachel Brosnahan for taking part in our Compliment Game and Matt Feeney for audio editing assistance! Support Karlee's Convenant House Fundrasier here! Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Karlee @karleefomo 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

Happy Halloween! Disney's Hocus Pocus 2 Costume Designer and Costume Designer Guild President Salvador Perez joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss how he put his own magical spin on the franchise while still paying homage to the original cult classic, acts of kindness from stars like Bette Midler during brisk night shoots on Rhode Island, the fantastical alternate ending to Hocus Pocus 2 and much more! Salvador Perez is a one of a KIND costume designer with a diverse resume. He has designed for many TV series including CASTLE, MOONLIGHT, VERONICA MARS and 6 Seasons of THE MINDY PROJECT where he was nominated for an Emmy for costume design. Salvador has also worked on movies such as PITCH PERFECT 1, 2 and 3, THINK LIKE A MAN 1 and 2, MEN OF HONOR and DRUMLINE. Born and raised in Central California, Perez moved to Los Angeles to attend The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising to pursue a career in fashion design. Once other Costume Designers discovered his costume manufacturing talents, he began running the costume workrooms and assisting on films like TITANIC, THE FLINTSTONES, and BARB WIRE. Outside of film and TV, Salvador designed and developed the “Movie Legends Line” for the J. Peterman Catalog, he designed a line of Jewelry for Bauble Bar, and designed a signature line of colorful coats for GILT.COM. He most recently designed Hocus Pocus 2 with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker. Salvador is also the elected president of the Costume Designers Guild. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Sal @salvadorperezcostumes Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "I Put A Spell on You" Disney & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony-winner Gavin Creel (Into the Woods) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul LIVE from the red carpet of Jay Armstrong Johnson's I Put A Spell On You Hocus Pocus benefit to talk acts of kindness, onstage giggles and more. Enjoy this special LIVE 60th episode! Gavin Creel is a bonafide Broadway star, shining bright ever since he made his debut as Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie, for which he received a Tony nom by the way. He then starred in Broadway productions of HAIR (also Tony-no​minated​​​​), La Cage Aux Follies, She Loves Me, Waitress and Book of Mormon (which he also did on the West End and got an Olivier Award for). Gavin finally won a well-deserved Tony Award for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in HELLO, DOLLY! starring Bette Midler. Most recently, Gavin has graced the star-studded cast of New York City Center Encores! critically acclaimed production of INTO THE WOODS starring as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince. The celebrated production has transferred to Broadway and keeps getting extended. Gavin has ​also ​shone on screen in tv shows like Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Stories” and the sweet movies “Eloise at the Plaza” and “Eloise at Christmastime.”​ ​Of course, nothing makes Gavin shine brighter than the kindness he exudes. From co-founding Broadway Impact, the first and only grassroots organization to mobilize the nationwide theater community in support of marriage equality, to treating his castmates and crew with kindness, Gavin is a beacon of light. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Gavin @realgavincreel Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "I Put a Spell on You" by Jay Armstrong Johnson & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Jay Armstrong Johnson (On the Town, The Phantom of the Opera) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss acts of kindness on Broadway, his Hocus Pocus-inspired benefit concert I Put A Spell on You and more! Over the course of his 5 Broadway shows, Jay Armstrong Johnson has cemented himself as a triple threat. From his debut in Hair, which he shares a kind story about during our chat, to his more recent turn as Raoul in Phantom of the Opera’s 30th anniversary year, Jay is always a standout. Following Phantom, Jay originated the role of Banko in Roundabout Theatre Company’s world premiere show Scotland, PA. His performance earned him critical nominations from both the Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. He was also the recipient of a 2020 Outer Critics Circle Award Honor for his performance. Jay’s other Broadway credits include the original casts of Catch Me if You Can, Hands on a Hardbody, and the celebrated revival of On the Town. On screen, Jay is also known to audiences worldwide as genius hacker Will Olsen in ABC’s Quantico. Jay created the annual live show I Put A Spell on You as a tribute to the beloved cult classic movie Hocus Pocus with larger-than-life performances and choreography, over-the-top costumes and makeup and a healthy dose of Broadway magic. In their search to find beauty, youth and immortality, the bewitching and beloved Sanderson Sisters return from the dead and gather their most famous friends to help them lure the children of New York. This year, those famous friends include Broadway stars like Gavin Creel, Krista Rodriguez, Robyn Hurder and more. The show will be ALIVE at Sony Hall in Times Square on October 23 at 8PM. Most importantly, it benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Tickets start at $35 for the dance floor and are on sale now at broadwaycares.org/spell. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Jay @jay_a_johnson Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "I Put a Spell on You" by Jay Armstrong Johnson & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney Legend Jodi Benson joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss working on The Little Mermaid, her new book Part of My World, learning to let go of perfectionism and much more. Jodi Benson has been a part of all of our worlds since she swam on the scene in 1989 as the voice of Ariel in Disney's iconic animated film The Little Mermaid. Of course, Jodi has also lent her talents to some other incredible characters over the years. An accomplished, singer, dancer, and actress, Jodi got her start on Broadway performing the iconic song "Disneyland" in the Howard Ashman/Marvin Hamlisch musical Smile, and she earned a Tony nomination for her role as Polly Baker in the hit Gershwin musical Crazy for You. After striking animation gold with The Little Mermaid, Jodi went on to voice Barbie in Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 and delighted Disney fans with a cameo in Enchanted before reprising her role as Ariel once again in Ralph Breaks the Internet. In 2011, the Walt Disney company honored Jodi's contributions by officially naming her a Disney Legend. It’s a well-deserved accolade as Jodi carries the torch of being a Disney princess with such grace and joy. Of course, people on the outside always wonder what it must be like to live the life of a Disney royal. Lucky for us all, Jodi has shared a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories in her new book Part of My World: What I’ve Learned from the Little Mermaid about Love, Faith and Finding My Voice. She also wrote the forward for Disney Princess: Beyond the Tiara, which explores the legacies of the Princesses and what they represent today. Both books are available now. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Jodi @jodi.benson Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "Part of Your World" by Jodi Benson & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hocus Pocus creator and producer David Kirschner returns to The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul for part 2 of his interview spooktacular! The creative discusses the origins of Hocus Pocus, acts of kindness from the Sanderson sisters, making the upcoming sequel: Hocus Pocus 2 and much more! There may even be a special guest or two in this one... Today’s guest is the iconic producer, screenwriter, illustrator and all-around creative mastermind David Kirschner. His career is like the perfect trick-or-treat bag, brimming with a variety of treats. Kirschner began his illustrious career as an illustrator for Jim Henson's Muppet and Sesame Street characters, and also creating art for prolific talents like Neil Diamond. At 23, he wrote and illustrated a series of children's books entitled Rose Petal Place. Success struck like lightning in 1986, when Kirschner created and executive produced An American Tail alongside Steven Spielberg, which went on to become the highest-grossing non-Disney producers animated feature of all-time and spawned several sequels and a tv spinoff. In 1989, Kirschner was appointed the chairman of Hanna-Barbera Productions, where he worked on countless iconic properties from The Addams Family to the Flinstones to The Pagemaster, which is one of my all-time favorites. You may also know him as the creator of Chucky, the insidious doll that has been terrorizing viewers across a hit franchise of slasher films and most recently a television series. Currently the head of his own production company, aptly named David Kirschner Productions, here are some other highlights along the way: the golden globe-nominated film Miss Potter starring Renée Zellweger, the Curious George franchise and an animated special of Ray Bradbury’s legendary book The Halloween Tree. Of course, we are here today to focus on one particularly glorious story that was plucked from the patch of David’s spooktacular mind: Hocus Pocus. David first conjured up the idea for three evil witches vying to suck the life out of children as a bedtime story for his own kids. As magic so often does, it seemingly took on a life of its own. Almost three decades later, Hocus Pocus is a cult classic and there’s a sequel on the way! Hocus Pocus 2 soars on to Disney+ on September 30, with all three witches - Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy - reprising their wicked roles. Ahead of the sequel, David so graciously talked with me about the kindness he felt making the original and then returning to the story. As he zoomed in from his otherworldly office, he showed me the original Black Flame Candle, Winnie’s spell book, and above all else, kindness. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "Spook 2" by PeriTune, & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer David Kirschner joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul for a 2-part interview spooktacular! The creative discusses the origins of Hocus Pocus, acts of kindness from the Sanderson sisters, making the upcoming sequel: Hocus Pocus 2 and much more! Today’s guest is the iconic producer, screenwriter, illustrator and all-around creative mastermind David Kirschner. His career is like the perfect trick-or-treat bag, brimming with a variety of treats. Kirschner began his illustrious career as an illustrator for Jim Henson's Muppet and Sesame Street characters, and also creating art for prolific talents like Neil Diamond. At 23, he wrote and illustrated a series of children's books entitled Rose Petal Place. Success struck like lightning in 1986, when Kirschner created and executive produced An American Tail alongside Steven Spielberg, which went on to become the highest-grossing non-Disney producers animated feature of all-time and spawned several sequels and a tv spinoff. In 1989, Kirschner was appointed the chairman of Hanna-Barbera Productions, where he worked on countless iconic properties from The Addams Family to the Flinstones to The Pagemaster, which is one of my all-time favorites. You may also know him as the creator of Chucky, the insidious doll that has been terrorizing viewers across a hit franchise of slasher films and most recently a television series. Currently the head of his own production company, aptly named David Kirschner Productions, here are some other highlights along the way: the golden globe-nominated film Miss Potter starring Renée Zellweger, the Curious George franchise and an animated special of Ray Bradbury’s legendary book The Halloween Tree. Of course, we are here today to focus on one particularly glorious story that was plucked from the patch of David’s spooktacular mind: Hocus Pocus. David first conjured up the idea for three evil witches vying to suck the life out of children as a bedtime story for his own kids. As magic so often does, it seemingly took on a life of its own. Almost three decades later, Hocus Pocus is a cult classic and there’s a sequel on the way! Hocus Pocus 2 soars on to Disney+ on September 30, with all three witches - Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy - reprising their wicked roles. Ahead of the sequel, David so graciously talked with me about the kindness he felt making the original and then returning to the story. As he zoomed in from his otherworldly office, he showed me the original Black Flame Candle, Winnie’s spell book, and above all else, kindness. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez, "Spook 2" by PeriTune, & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Ruhl joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss breaking through the entertainment industry as a model, actress and now filmmaker and acts of kindness along the way. Emily was thirteen when she was scouted while attending New York Fashion Week. Shortly thereafter, the Dallas native signed her first modeling contract in Tokyo. She later returned to NYC to sign with top modeling agency Marilyn Management. She has since appeared in Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, WWD, Seventeen Magazine, Nylon, and Elle Canada amongst others. She has been the face of many cosmetic companies including Smashbox, Too Faced, the Kardashian’s KKW Beauty, and MAC. On the acting front, Emily starred opposite Nicholas Hoult in the film NEWNESS, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. She also made a cameo appearance in Troian Bellisario’s short film, LIFE ON MARS. The talent made her producing, directing, and writing debut with the short film BLUE MOON. Additionally, she co-wrote and produced the theme song to BLUE MOON titled HER. She is currently in production for her first TV series, 13TH STEPPING, which she also wrote, directed, and stars in. Featuring: surprise guest - the best person ever - Cassie!! Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Emily @emilyruhl 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

Kevin Tuerff, Come From Away's Real-Life Kevin T, joins the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul podcast to discuss his charity Pay It Forward 9/11's special 11 Days of Kindness campaign. Kevin Teurff inspired one of the characters featured in the hit musical Come From Away. As you see in the musical, Kevin was one of the thousands of refugees stranded in Gander on September 11, 2001 after US airspace closed. Kevin took his experience there and poured it into a book called Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11, which you can buy now. He also used it to found the charity Pay It Forward 9/11, a kindness movement that not only pays it forward, but pays tribute to lives lost in the terrorist attacks. Kevin is thrilled to once again be launching his “11 Days of Kindness” campaign TODAY, September 1. This initiative encourages people around the world to perform acts of kindness by September 11th. Learn more about Pay It Forward 9/11: www.payitforward911.org Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] 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

Tony-nominee Jared Grimes joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss Funny Girl on Broadway, acts of kindness from Beanie Feldstein, why he loves auditioning and more. Jared Grimes is a quadruple threat, making his mark on the entertainment world with singing, dancing, acting and choreographing. Though he is now a bonafide Broadway star, Grimes started out tap dancing on the New York City subways at the age of 16. As fate would have it, years later he wound up getting paid for that passion, choreographing at theaters around the nation and notably being cast as a dancer for icons like Mariah Carey, Salt-n-Pepa and even at Barack Obama’s illustrious Kennedy Center Honors. Jared’s got to flex his acting chops over the years as well, getting recognized on a wider scale for his television roles on Netflix’s hit series Manifest and HBO’s Boardwalk Empire and in films like Paramount’s The Marc Pease Experience starring Ben Stiller. Of course, he never strays too far from the lights of Broadway. Jared’s glowing stage career includes After Midnight which is performed and choreographed in, A Soldier’s Play and, most recently, Funny Girl where he plays Fanny Brice’s upbeat dancer friend Eddie Ryan. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Jared @grimeystepz 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

Actor Carson Rowland joined host Robert Peterpaul to discuss kindness on the set of his shows Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Sweet Magnolias, how his family and wife lift him up, the link between acting and neuroscience and more. Carson Rowland has been in love with acting since he can remember, first stepping into the spotlight with the recurring role of Cole Reyes in Nickelodeon's I Am Frankie. Over the years, Carson has become known for his work on shows like the ABC sitcom American Housewife, but it wasn’t until he booked the role of Tyler Townshend on Netflix’s charming series Sweet Magnolias that his star really shone. It grew even brighter this summer with the release of HBO Max’s hit Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, where Carson plays high schooler Chip. In addition to acting, Carson is also a singer-songwriter, but he mainly does that for himself. He also casually has a BS in Neuroscience from Florida Atlantic University, something he earned while simultaneously being a working actor. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Carson @carsonrowland Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Resources: 988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline National Sexual Assault Hotline 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 Little Liars: Original Sin star Chandler Kinney joins host Robert Peterpaul to discuss kindness in the arts, her new HBO Max show and much more! Get ready for a party! Chandler Kinney began performing at the age of 3. Starting out as a dancer, her love for the arts grew as she got older. As an actor, Chandler has been seen in FOX’s “Lethal Weapon,” FX’s “American Horror Story: Asylum,” the CW’s “90210,” Disney’s “Girl Meets World” and more. Hollywood has been buzzing about Chandler for her two most recent projects: “ZOMBIES 3" and "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin." The star also uses her bright light to give back, starting her own nonprofit called Chandler’s Friends, which partners with local organizations and elementary schools in various creative initiatives to serve children in need in the greater Los Angeles community. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Chandler @chandlerkinney 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

Hayley Orrantia joins host Robert Peterpaul for The Art of Kindness podcast's 50th episode! We had the best time talking about her journey from homeschool to stardom, what it’s like working on The Goldbergs, our hilarious connection and much more! From starring in hit television series to releasing chart-topping singles, Hayley Orrantia is one of the most exciting multi-hyphenate talents in the entertainment industry. Born and raised in Texas, Hayley discovered her love of performing from the young age of nine years old. Flash forward, Hayley is now most known for her celebrated role as Erica Goldberg in ABC’s hit sitcom, “The Goldbergs." Hayley has also made her mark on the reality TV world with shows like The X Factor to more recently The Masked Singer. She’s been in films like Christmas is Cancelled and God’s Not Dead, and taken to the stage in musicals like Kinky Boots. Hayley has also performed on stages around the world with headline music tours. She’s used her gifts to churn out hits like Find Yourself Somebody, Made for This and most recently Open Your Mouth. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Hayley @hayleyorrantia 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

Broadway star Claybourne Elder (Company, The Gilded Age) sits down with Robert Peterpaul at BroadwayCon 2022 for the first ever LIVE TAPING of The Art of Kindness podcast! Claybourne Elder is an actor, singer and writer who was born and raised in Utah. He made his Broadway debut in 2011 with the musical Bonnie & Clyde. The following year, he earned some well-deserved acclaim in the play One Arm, receiving a Drama Desk Award nomination. Clay went on to appear in Sunday in the Park with George opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, Torch Song and most recently Stephen Sondheim’s revival of Company. Though he’s most known today as one of Broadway’s brightest stars, Clay also has a notable onscreen presence, making memorable appearances in series like The Carrie Diaries and more recently, HBO Max’s hit show The Gilded Age. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Clay claybourneelder Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmy-winning Casting Director Mary Clay Boland joins Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness podcast to discuss approaching auditions with kindness, tips for actors, working on iconic shows like Friends and The Sopranos, returning to casting with MCM Creative and much more! Mary Clay Boland is a two-time Emmy award winning and three-time Artois nominated Casting Director who has been casting film, television and theater projects for over 18 years. She started her career at Circle Repertory Theater and then transitioned to television working with Walken/Jaffe Casting. There she was the casting associate on the first two seasons of The Sopranos as well as numerous feature films. Moving over to the casting department of Warner Brothers Studios Television, Boland cast over 40 pilots including Everwood, Smallville, Gilmore Girls, George Lopez, and Without a Trace. She also cast the first two seasons of NBC’s Third Watch and was responsible for the New York casting of Warner Brother Studio’s shows like ER, West Wing, and Friends. Boland then moved to daytime television, casting for CBS’ As The World Turns, where she won two Emmys for Outstanding achievement in Casting a Drama Series Boland went on to open her own company, Boland Casting, where she cast projects like the first season of the Adult Swim series Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell. Throughout her career, Boland has also cast many independent films that have played heavily on the festival circuit such as The Marconi Bros., Best Thief in the World and Confess, among others. Boland currently resides in Louisville, KY, where she took a hiatus to raise her daughter and be close to her family. She remains immersed in the Louisville Film community, casting such projects as the Netflix film Under the Eiffel Tower. She has taught media and film studies as a guest lecturer for the Governor’s School of the Arts and has also led multiple workshops on auditioning technique. Boland is a member of the Academy for Film and Television and IFP and Women in Film and Television. She was also on the board of the New York CSA for four years. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Show Music: Awake/ Come From Away commercial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Art of Kindness podcast is officially one years old... aw they grow up so fast. Celebrate with host Robert Peterpaul as he provides some exciting updates, including information on an upcoming LIVE taping with Claybourne Elder at BroadwayCon. Happy one year anniversary, listeners! We love you! Join us at BroadwayCon: https://bpn.fm/broadwaycon Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Becky Gulsvig talks with host (and birthday boy) Robert Peterpaul about starring in the kindest show on Broadway: Come From Away! Plus, we reveal our giveaway winner of 2 tickets to see the Tony-winning musical Come From Away on Broadway and much more. Becky Gulsvig is thrilled to join the Broadway cast of Come From Away after originating the role of Beverley/Annette and others on the first national tour. You may also know Becky from her Broadway turns in School of Rock and Legally Blonde the musical, where she originated the role of Leilani and went on to play Elle Woods both on Broadway and in the tour. Of course, Becky’s favorite role is mom to her beautiful children. We talk about how she navigates both her passions of family life and being a Broadway star, the kindness of Come From Away and so much more! Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Becky @beckygulsvig Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Show Music: Awake/ Come From Away commercial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marianna Burelli joins The Art of Kindness host Robert Peterpaul to discuss her nomadic lifestyle, making her US debut in Disney Channel's Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion, environmental activism and much more! Originally from Venezuela, Marianna has carved out a home in many countries throughout her life. From attending college in South Africa to then studying theatre and forming her own theatre company in London, Marianna is a true woman of the world. In 2009, she began her professional acting career in Mexico City and quickly became a Latin American celebrity for her roles on hit series like Paramedicos. After racking up tons of credits and acclaim, Marianna set her sights on Hollywood. She makes her U.S. debut this year in Disney Channel’s original series Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion. The comedy follows Violet, an everyday Mexican American teen who is chosen by a magical luchador mask which transforms her into Ultra Violet, a superhero fighting crime. Marianna shines on the show as Nina, Violet’s mother (who's kept in the dark about her daughter’s superhero powers) and principal of her middle school who masterfully juggles both responsibilities. The series marks an important moment for Disney, featuring a cast made up of a diverse group of all Latinx actors where Latinx culture is not only celebrated in front of the camera but behind as well with many of the writers being of Latinx heritage. Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion debuted on Disney Channel June 3, 2022 and will begin streaming on Disney + on June 8, 2022. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Marianna @mariannaburelli Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Show Music: Awake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TikTok star Isaiah Garza joins Robert Peterpaul to discuss going from a childhood of poverty and homelessness to giving back, viral kindness videos on social media and much more. You’ve no doubt come across Isaiah's moving viral videos. From surprising deserving people with money to people suffering from homelessness with houses, their videos are a bright spot in the newsfeed. Isaiah has amassed almost 8 million followers on TikTok with this kind-first content. Giving to others is second nature to the jewelry designer and activist. Isaiah’s story began in Yakima, Washington, where they grew up in poverty and often, they and their family struggled with homelessness. Many of Isaiah’s friends were killed by drug or gang violence. But Isaiah had dreams carried them to: Los Angeles. Isaiah’s big break came when Rihanna wore one of their jewelry pieces in a magazine cover shoot. We get into that amazing story during our chat. Their designs have now adorned celebrities like Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Khloé Kardashian, Chance the Rapper, and Pete Davidson. Expanding into clothing now, Isaiah’s designs can be found online at isaiahgarza.com in addition to a variety of boutiques around the world. In addition to being a social media star, Isaiah is also the Drew-Gooder Ambassador on The Drew Barrymore Show and continues to work with various organizations to make the world a better place. Please check out Everytown For Gun Safety: https://www.everytown.org/ Follow Isaiah @isaiahgarza Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NBC's Mr. Mayor star Mike Cabellon joins The Art of Kindness host Robert Peterpaul to discuss working with luminaries like Tina Fey and Ted Danson, hacks for really listening to others while in conversation and much more. Best known for his role as Tommy Tomás on Tina Fey’s hit NBC series Mr. Mayor, Mike co-stars alongside Ted Danson and Holly Hunter. Cabellon is a Filipino-American actor who trained at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in NYC. Mike’s accolades include a Webby Award and multiple iHeartRadio Podcast Awards for his work as a performer, director, and writer on the Story Pirates podcast. Previous credits for Cabellon include Netflix’s “Orange Is the New Black”, HBO’s “High Maintenance” and “Crashing”. P.S. Happy birthday to my amazing sister Julia! You are simply the best. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Mike @mikecabellon Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Show Music: Awake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is kindness the fountain of youth? Join The Art of Kindness podcast as we explore a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience and more in a special bonus episode! Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Latin Grammy-nominee Sofía Reyes joins host Robert Peterpaul to discuss seeds of kindness, believing in herself from a young age, her family and much more. Sofía Reyes is a Mexican singer and songwriter who has received multiple awards and nominations throughout her career. She has received two Latin American Music Awards nominations, four MTV Europe Music Awards nominations, and a Latin GRAMMY Award nomination for Best New Artist. Reyes has also received several Premios Juventud nominations amongst other awards. With her music, she is also a commercial success around the world. On YouTube, Reyes has amassed more than one billion views and more two billion global streams across all streaming platforms. Since releasing her debut album Louder! in 2017, Reyes has proven her versatility as a global pop star. She solidifies her top position in Latin pop music with her new album Mal De Amores. She recently teamed up with Tostitos for the Fiesta Remix campaign in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Sofía: @sofiareyes Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Kenny Leu (A Shot Through the Wall) talks with host Robert Peterpaul about Asian representation in television and film, the difference between being polite and being kind and much more. You won't want to miss his kindness tip! The only son of Chinese immigrants, Kenny Leu grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. After graduating from UC Berkeley with an engineering degree, Kenny founded startups in Silicon Valley and competed in martial arts tournaments around the world. When one of his startups was sold to Google, Kenny decided to pursue film and television. He quickly landed roles on NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles and The Player, performing all of his own stunts. He is now widely recognized as Gohan from Dragon Ball Z: Light of Hope, NatGeo’s The Long Road Home (2017), and Yakuza Princess (2021) and more. Kenny’s breakout role came with A Shot Through the Wall (2022). He plays a young Asian-American cop who is responsible for accidentally shooting and killing an innocent Black man, through a wall. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Kenny: @thekennyleu Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Adrian Martinez joins host Robert Peterpaul to discuss his directorial debut "iGilbert," acts of kindness throughout his career, finding the courage to live the life you want, his acting process and more. Adrian Martinez has over 100 television and film credits including several standout sidekick roles in “Focus,” opposite Will Smith and Margot Robbie, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” opposite Ben Stiller, “Casa de mi Padre,” opposite Will Ferrell, “I feel Pretty” with Amy Schumer and the CGI and live-action re-imagining of Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. On the television front, Adrian recently starred in ABC’s crime drama series "Stumptown," and in the CBS comedy “No Activity,” produced by Will Ferrell and Funny or Die. Adrian was also a series regular in NBC's “The Blacklist: Redemption." Adrian’s directorial debut, “iGilbert,” a drama he wrote starring himself, Dascha Polanco (“Orange is the New Black”) and Raul Castillo (”Looking”) was recently released by Gravitas Features and currently available on demand and in select theaters. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Adrian: @tasteofadrian Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everybody's Talking About Jamie screenwriter and playwright Tom MacRae joins host Robert Peterpaul to discuss adapting the musical into an Amazon film with his friends, advice for aspiring writers, and much more. Tom MacRae is a BAFTA and Olivier award-nominated screenwriter, playwright, lyricist, producer and author Tom MacRae. Born in Northampton, Tom relocated to Los Angeles in 2017 to work as a writer and producer on the US TV show The Librarians. On British television he is the creator, writer and producer of the Comedy Central sit-com Threesome, as well as contributing to many other TV shows, including Doctor Who. Tom adapted his stage play and lyrics for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie into the Amazon Prime movie version released in 2021, reuniting with his friends Jonathan Butterell and Dan Gillespie Sells to bring Jamie’s story to the big screen, and writing a few new songs in the process. Tom is now working on a variety of exciting secret projects for stage, screen and television which I wish we could’ve talked about. He lives in Los Angeles with two cats and one husband. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Tom MacRae: @tommacwriter Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Donate to Save the Children: https://www.savethechildren.org Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Ethan Slater joins Robert Peterpaul to discuss kindness in the theatre, the spectrum of grief, avoiding self-doubt while recording cast albums, learning positivity from playing SpongeBob SquarePants, and much more in this jam-packed chat. Ethan Slater is an actor, writer and musician. He was nominated for a Tony Award, and won the Drama Desk Award for playing SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical, which also happened to be his Broadway debut - casual! As a writer, some upcoming projects include the films Intervenors and Silent Mode, both of which he co-wrote and co-stars in. He’s released two EPs of original music, including Edge of the World. As an actor, other theater includes: Who’s Your Baghdaddy..., Camelot (Lincoln Center) and more recently Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins which recently released a cast recording. Some TV/film credits: Fosse/Verdon (FX), Law and Order (NBC), Murphy Brown (CBS) and of course SpongeBob: Live On Stage (Nickelodeon), which filmed the musical version for TV. Support Megan Casey's Memorial: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ahkb2-memorial-costs Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Ethan @ethanslater Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Show Music: Awake/ Ethan Slater's "Simple Sponge" Cover Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy International Women's Day! Singer Ally Brooke joins Robert Peterpaul to discuss what she learned from Fifth Harmony, embarking on her solo career, and much more. Ally Brooke Hernandez shines as not only a multi-platinum singer and songwriter, but also as an author, actress, and philanthropist. Ally first punctured the pop culture stratosphere on the reality competition series X Factor, where judge Simon Cowell (who comes up during our chat) put her with Normani, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Camila Cabello to form the band Fifth Harmony. After breaking barriers for girl bands, she placed third on Dancing with the Stars and even wrote a book called Finding Your Harmony. Now, Ally has embarked on a solo career, releasing new Spanish-Language music, including singles Mi Música and Por Ti ahead of her EP. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Ally @allybrooke Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hamilton star Joanna Alexis Jones chats with Robert Peterpaul about kindness, growing up with a Pastor father, battling stage and audition anxiety and much more. Joanna Alexis Jones is a proud California native and received a Bachelor's Degree in Theater from UCLA. She left college in the middle of her senior year after booking the West End production of a Michael Jackson musical called Thriller Live. Over the years, the triple threat has been seen in many incredible productions, including: NBC's Hairspray Live! In 2017, she made her Broadway debut with none other than Hamilton as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds. Now, Joanna takes on a new role in the same show across the country, playing Eliza Hamilton in the Los Angeles production of the smash hit musical. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Joanna A. Jones @joannaalexisjones Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star Claybourne Elder (Company, The Gilded Age) joins Robert Peterpaul to discuss the random act of kindness that changed his life, working as an actor with Stephen Sondheim, and using his platform to pay it forward. Claybourne Elder is an actor, singer and writer who was born and raised in Utah. He made his Broadway debut in 2011 with the musical Bonnie & Clyde. The following year, he earned some well-deserved acclaim in the play One Arm, receiving a Drama Desk Award nomination. Clay went on to appear in Sunday in the Park with George opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, Torch Song and most recently Stephen Sondheim’s revival of Company. Though he’s most known today as one of Broadway’s brightest stars, Clay also has a notable onscreen presence, making memorable appearances in series like The Carrie Diaries and more recently, HBO Max’s hit show The Gilded Age. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Clay claybourneelder Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Valentine's Day! Actress and activist Constance Marie joins host Robert Peterpaul to discuss her new Amazon series With Love, representation in Hollywood, being your best self and more! Constance Marie pop, locked and dropped into her career as a teenager in the Los Angeles underground break-dancing scene. She soon began acting, first appearing in the movie Salsa. Over the years, her star power grew with highlights including: Dirty Dancing, Selena opposite Jennifer Lopez, the long-running ABC sitcom George Lopez, and more. She can currently be seen starring in Amazon Prime’s With Love. In addition to acting, Constance gives back in countless ways. She advocates for PETA, Planned Parenthood and Equal Pay for Women and is also the spokesperson for the East Los Angeles Women’s Center. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow Constance @goconstance Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JoAnna Garcia Swisher joins Robert Peterpaul for The Art of Kindness season 2 premiere extravaganza! The Netflix star discusses acts of kindness that changed her career, looking up to former co-star Reba McEntire, working on the set of Sweet Magnolias season 2 and much more in this inspirational chat. JoAnna Garcia Swisher is an actress best known for the beloved show Reba where she played Reba McEntire’s daughter for six seasons.You may also remember her for leading the short-lived CW show Privileged, bringing Disney Princess Ariel to life on ABC's Once Upon A Time or perhaps the recent Hallmark film As Luck Would Have It. Of course her resume is massive! Today, JoAnna is known to fans as Maddie Townsend on the hit Netflix show Sweet Magnolias. Outside of acting, Swisher created The Happy Place and works with organizations like Step Up Women’s Network and Hills Pet Nutrition. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: [email protected] Follow JoAnna Garcia Swisher: @jogarciaswisher Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul for a sparkling season one finale with Broadway star Lesli Margherita! Lesli talks kindness on Broadway, how she connects with her villainous roles like Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, hacking self tape auditions in quarantine, growing up on a cattle ranch (where she performed Sondheim with cows), and a whole lot more. Plus, stay tuned for your final kindness tip of 2021 with special guest Cassie Carroll! Lesli Margherita is an Olivier Award-winning performer who earned the aforementioned award on the West End in Zorro. She made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Matilda in 2013, getting LOUD as the ICONIC and devilishly dazzling Mrs. Wormwood. She more recently appeared in Dames at Sea on Broadway and Off-Broadway in the one-woman show Who's Holiday, where she played a grown up Cindy Lou Who and then the musical Emojiland, as The Princess emoji. She's also got tons of incredible onscreen credits, from starting out in FAME LA to new movie The Many Saints of Newark to her upcoming role in The Fairly OddParents reboot! Thank you all for listening and being a part of our kindness community! Audio hugs all around, friends. Got kindness tips or stories? Email us: [email protected] Follow Lesli: @queenlesli Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas! Hallmark Christmas movie producer and Synthetic Cinema International owner Andrew Gernhard chats with host Robert Peterpaul about the magic of making Christmas movies, starting his own production company, spreading kindness on film sets and much more. With a successful producing career spanning nearly two decades, Andrew has worked on a variety of projects, mostly through his Connecticut-based production company Synthetic Cinema International, including a series of successful feature horror films for NBCUniversal’s Chiller Network, and the popular Christmas film Wishin’ and Hopin’ for the Lifetime Network. In recent years, Synthetic Cinema International has created strong working relationships with many prolific executive producers, major studios and networks such as Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, SyFy, Telemundo, Lifetime, Hallmark, BET, Netflix, Disney+ and others. Since it's Christmas time, we focus a lot on Andrew's holiday films, so get ready to be showered with tons of magic! Follow Synthetic Cinema: @syntheticcinema Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Email us: [email protected] Support us: Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway performer Afra Hines joins host Robert Peterpaul to talk being a Rockette in Radio City's Christmas Spectacular, taking care of her body as a Broadway dancer, acts of kindness from stars like Brian Stokes Mitchell and more. Afra is a veteran performer with 8 Broadway credits to her name. She was most recently seen in the musical Hadestown (where she understudied the role of Persephone). Some of her other favorites include: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical, Motown, and the Original Broadway Companies of In The Heights with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Shuffle Along with Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter and Joshua Henry, and Ghost the musical. She also spent a year on the First National Tour of HAMILTON. Additionally, Afra was a Radio City Rockette for 7 years. On screen, you can see Afra in the FX miniseries Fosse/Verdon, Amazon's Mozart In the Jungle and, most recently NBC's Annie Live! Happy Christmas week! Follow Afra: @afrahines Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Film Forums Interview: https://film-forums.com/the-art-of-kindness-podcast-with-actor-robert-peterpaul-i-was-sick-of-cancel-culture-i-had-to-do-something/ Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former stand-up comedian Lisa Lampanelli discusses how she went from being known as the Queen of Meaning to the Queen of Meaning with host Robert Peterpaul. With a career that spanned more than 30 years, Lisa Lampanelli is synonymous with the comedy scene. She's done numerous tours, received Grammy nominations, and appeared on TV shows like 2 Broke Girls, The Simpsons, Inside Amy Schumer, Celebrity Apprentice and more. Despite much acclaim and her lengthy resume, Lisa realized she wasn't happy, so she retired from the comedy scene in 2018. She now dedicates her life to performing and hosting the podcast Losers with a Dream. As always, say tuned after the interview for your kindness tip of the week! Follow Lisa: @lisalampanelli Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate Mara (A Teacher) and Adam Scott (Big Little Lies) pop by the AOK in our first ever double guest episode! The actors discuss kindness and making their new podcast movie Ghostwriter. Kate Mara is an actress perhaps most known for playing reporter Zoe Barnes in the Netflix political drama House of Cards. Her TV credits also include the Fox thriller series 24, the FX miniseries American Horror Story: Murder House, the FX drag ball culture drama series Pose and, and the FX on Hulu miniseries A Teacher. For the latter she created a lot of buzz, including an Independent Spirit nomination for Best New Scripted Series as an executive producer. On the film front, you may have seen Kate in My Day of Mercy, The Martian or Chappaquiddick. Adam Scott has also appeared in countless tv shows and films. He most recently starred in the acclaimed HBO series Big Little Lies. On the comedy front, he is renowned for his starring role in the beloved Emmy-nominated series Parks and Recreation. His big break in television started with the cult favorite sitcom Party Down, which he starred in and produced, and since then has appeared in The Good Place, Jordan Peele’s The Twilight Zone and Netflix’s Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later. Scott’s long list of roles in high-profiles films include Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator and Ben Stiller’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, as well as Adam McKay’s Step Brothers and Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up. Listen to Ghostwriter: cadence13.com Follow Kate & Adam: @katemara / @mradamscott Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ABC's Dancing with the Stars pro dancer Alan Bersten discusses being inspired by his season 6 partner Amanda Kloots, handling judgement on national TV, a major health scare that changed his entire life and much more. The Minnesota native is a television personality and fitness expert, who has appeared on the hit show Dancing with the Stars for the past six seasons. He also won Dancing with the Stars juniors and was a contestant on Fox's So You Think You Can Dance. Be sure to stay tuned for your kindness tip of the week from Robert! Follow Alan @alanbersten Follow Us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the holidays pick up, The Art of Kindness podcast welcomes Robert's beautiful grandmas Nanny and Nonna to share stories on kindness and why everyone should be kind. Both named Ann, these incredible women grew up in NJ and later became teachers. They have a deep appreciation for the arts and all things kind. Plus, Robert pays tribute to legendary theatre composer Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods, Gypsy, Company, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd and more) who passed away on November 26, 2021. Follow us: @artofkindnesspod, @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving (and birthday to my mom)! We're grateful for actress Haskiri Velazquez, who talks her hit Peacock show Saved by the Bell, self-care and kindness on set, the importance of having a routine and more. Growing up in a low-income area of Washington Heights, NY, Haskiri found her passion for entertaining at a young age. Though she had no connection or resources to follow those dreams, she had a strong belief in herself and support from a local nonprofit. Haskiri is now a working actress recently seen in Netflix's award-winning film The 40-Year-Old Version, which premiered at Sundance to rave reviews. She's most known for currently starring as Daisy in Peacock's hit reboot of Saved by the Bell, which is back for season two this week. We of course discuss the hit show, her dreams of starting a nonprofit, and tons of topics under the kindness umbrellas. Haskiri and I actually share an agent so I've had the privilege of speaking with her before and I'm always struck by the kindness she inherently exudes. Follow Haskiri @haskiri Follow us: @artofkindnesspod, @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe "Mr.D" Dombrowski talks going from teacher to comedian, the dangers of comparison, teaching kindness and more. Plus, Robert's fiancee Cassie Carroll makes a special appearance! Joe broke the internet in 2017 with a fake spelling test that he gave to his 4th grade class as an April Fools prank. Since being launched into the spotlight with over 20 million views, Joe has been featured on shows such as The Ellen Degeneres Show, Pickler and Ben, GMA and Buzzfeed just to name a few. However, his viral video was no mistake! Joe has been performing and writing comedy professionally since 2010 which is when he got his start in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Follow Joe: @mrdtimes3 Follow us: @artofkindnesspod, @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Shelly Tygielski discusses her life-changing new book “Sit Down to Rise Up: How Radical Self-Care Can Change the World," kindness and empathy, planting "seeds" and much more. Shelly Tygielski is also the founder of Pandemic of Love, a global, grass-roots, volunteer-led mutual aid community that has directly matched nearly to two million people since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for over $60 million in direct transactions. Her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets including CNN Heroes of 2020, Forbes, Upworthy, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS This Morning and the New York Times. Shelly has been hailed by individuals from President Joe Biden to Arianna Huffington, and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to Maria Shriver. Shelly is a trauma-informed mindfulness teacher named one of the “12 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful Magazine in 2019. She teaches formalized self-care and resilience practices at organizations around the world, and is widely regarded as a self-care activist. She is happily married to her husband, Jason, and is an adoring mother to her son, Liam. As part of her own self-care, Shelly makes time for skateboarding, playing guitar and making craft cocktails. Since mid-2020, Shelly and Jason have been relocating every few months, exploring and adapting to a modern nomadic lifestyle. Learn more about Shelly & buy her book at www.shellytygielski.com. Follow us: @artofkindnesspod, @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WWE Superstar Kofi Kingston is a champion both in the ring and in the mind. The powerhouse discusses the chain reaction of positivity, his life-changing work with UNICEF and more in this fun and inspiring chat. Spoiler alert: his sons Khi and Orion make some adorable cameos! Kofi Kingston is powered by positivity, and he’s used it to catapult himself to new heights, including the WWE Championship. Since joining WWE in 2007, Kingston has established himself as one of WWE’s premier high-flyers. That, paired with his upbeat attitude, made him a perennial favorite of the WWE Universe as he racked up Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team Championships. Kingston also cemented his place in WWE history with a series of daredevil moments where he saved himself from elimination in several Royal Rumble Matches. Kingston is a former WWE Champion, four-time Intercontinental Champion and three-time Untied States Champion. Along with The New Day, Kingston is a 14-time Tag Team Champion and holds the record for longest Tag Team Championship reign in WWE history. Kingston is of Ghanian descent and visited his home country with UNICEF in 2019. He supports various WWE Community initiatives, including UNICEF Kid Power and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He is the father of two boys. Follow Kofi: @truekofi Follow us: @artofkindnesspod, @robpeterpaul Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina star Kiernan Shipka discusses her new podcast movie Treat (which she stars in and produces) in a spooktacular Halloween episode of The Art of Kindness. Robert also shares three exciting pieces of news and, as always, ends the episode with a practical kindness tip of the week! Kiernan Shipka most recently played the title role of Sabrina Spellman in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and starred as Sally Draper on seven seasons of the Emmy-winning drama Mad Men. She appeared in FX’s Feud: Bette and Joan, and is starring in the upcoming HBO series The White House Plumbers and Roku limited series Swimming with Sharks. Shipka won a Screen Actors Guild award in 2009 and 2010 for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Mad Men. Follow Kiernan Shipka: @kiernanshipka Follow us: @robpeterpaul, @artofkindnesspod Support the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway star and internationally-acclaimed opera singer Zachary James opens up about working on The Addams Family, coping with a horrific family tragedy, mental health in America and more. Zachary James, described as a "true stage animal" by Opera News, is a globally lauded opera, concert and cabaret singer, stage and screen actor, and recording artist. Zach was named BroadwayWorld's 2010-2020 Vocalist and Performer of the Decade, the 2019 Breakout Opera Artist of the Year by Verismo Magazine, Most Innovative Opera Singer by The Classical Post and serves as an official ambassador for Opera America. He has appeared on Broadway (The Addams Family and South Pacific), on television's 30 Rock, Murphy Brown, and Succession, and on some of the world's most acclaimed opera stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, English National Opera, Teatro Real, LA Opera, and more. Follow Zachary: @theofficialzacharyjames Follow us: @robpeterpaul, @artofkindnesspod Sponsor: The Be Kind Shop Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halloween Giveaway #1 is LIVE: Schmackary's cookies! The Art of Kindness podcast presents No Tricks, Only Treats: a Halloween spooktacular with Robert Peterpaul featuring giveaways, ghoulishly good interviews, and more. This week we're giving listeners a chance to win a $30 gift card from famed NYC cookie shop Schmackary's. Enjoy this short & sweet episode, where Robert also discusses a kindness study that is sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy. Click to enter the Giveaway! Follow us: @robpeterpaul, @artofkindnesspod Swing Time Music: Music By Pedro Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's Halloweentown star Kimberly J. Brown kicks off the Art of Kindness podcast's No Tricks, Only Treats - a Halloween spooktacular with Robert Peterpaul featuring giveaways, ghoulishly good interviews, and more. The actress talks all things kindness, growing up in the spotlight, working with the legendary Debbie Reynolds and, of course, shares behind-the-scenes treats from the Halloweentown franchise. While Kimberly J. Brown is perhaps most known for Halloweentown, 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 was seen in her recurring roles in the popular ABC soap opera “General Hospital,” the “Crossword Mysteries” movie series on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. On the feature film side, right out of the gate Kimberly earned rave reviews and an Independent Spirit Award for her role in the indie film Tumbleweeds. Some other film highlights include playing John Travolta and Uma Thurman’s assistant in Be Cool, she starred opposite Steven Martin and Queen Latifah in Bringing Down the House. Though she was also in the Disney Channel Original Movie Quints, she is stitched onto the fabric of pop culture for her magical turn as Marnie in Halloweentown 1, 2 and 3! 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

Country singer Brittney Spencer talks little acts of kindness that changed the course of her career, how she recently gave back at a Cracker Barrel, Dolly Parton's influence and much more. Brittney Spencer is a country star on the rise. The Baltimore native toured and performed as a background singer for artists like Carrie Underwood and Christopher Cross before stepping into the spotlight with her EP Compassion, which earned rave reviews. Brittney was recently named a class member of CMT's "Next Women of Country," and chosen by Jennifer Nettles to be her mentee in efforts of uplifting and shining a light on women of color in the country music industry. Follow Brittney: @brittneyspencer Follow us: @robpeterpaul, @artofkindnesspod Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices