Episodes

  • #65 - Andy Mientus: tick... tick... BOOM... He's in The Flash

    #65 - Andy Mientus: tick... tick... BOOM... He's in The Flash
    May 21 2024
    Welcome to "Was it Chance" where we peel back the layers of serendipity to uncover the hard work and opportunities behind what looks like mere chance. In today's episode, we bring you a conversation with the extremely handsome and talented Andy Mientus, a true maverick of the stage and screen. From accidentally becoming one of Broadway's first social media managers to his heartwarming experience with Dolly Parton on the set of Heartstrings, and one amazing Broadway production credit after another, Andy's journey is one you don’t want to miss. Andy shares with us his belief in staying proximate to your aspirations, even if the connection seems tangential, and how this philosophy led him to astounding opportunities—like touring with Spring Awakening and soaking in the Wicked Tour which felt like a "warm bath.” We're also have some juicy revelations—such as Alan Seales' surprising stance on Sondheim, the unexpected significance of The Met Gala for the theatre community, and the personal tales of failure that Andy calls his "close friends," teaching him resilience and the art of bouncing back. Moreover, Andy gives us a glimpse into his life beyond the stage lights. As a best-selling author of YA books and an actor who's not shied away from portraying significant LGBTQ+ roles, like the openly Gay character Hartley Rathaway in The Flash, Andy is a testament to the diverse avenues of artistic expression. And, if you stick around till the end, you'll be treated to pecial rendition of "Shut the Fuck Up Alan!" by Andy himself. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and perhaps a little starstruck—this is an episode you won't want to miss! Connect with Andy on Instagram. Get his books The Backstagers series: Backstagers and The Ghost, Backstagers and The Theater of the Ancients, Backstagers and the Final Blackout as well as his latest book, Fraternity. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Live Theatre may be the last frontier when it comes to avoiding AI Andy says he stumbled in the back door for every professional experience he’s ever had Back in college, Andy stumbled upon Spring Awakening (by past WIC Guest, Stephen Sater) and he fell madly in love. He started a Facebook group for fans of the show and, thus, became one of the first-ever Broadway Theater social media managers. Not long after that, he auditioned for a role in Spring Awakening and joined the tour. Choose to be close to your goals, even if they are tangential. NEWSFLASH - Alan Seales doesn’t resonate with Sondheim! Working with Dolly Parton was a highlight for Andy and he was thrilled to act with her in an episode of Heartstrings that featured a Gay storyline with a happy ending. Tune in to hear why The Met Gala is a super important event for the theatre world (which most people don’t know!). Being part of the Wicked Tour was like “a warm bath” for Andy because the show is always a wonderful, welcoming experience. Mientus has a rare neurological disorder called HNPP (Hereditary Neuropathy with Pressure Palsies). Andy is not just a live theater actor, he’s also a TV and Film actor including playing the supervillain, Hartley Rathaway, in The Flash who is an openly Gay character in the series! Failure is one of Andy’s close personal friends. He says he fails several times a week and it never gets easier but it’s always a learning opportunity you can get better at dealing with, most of the time. Stay until the end of a special Andy Mientus rendition of Shut the Fuck Up Alan! tick, tick…Boom! runs June 5 to June 15 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA where Broadway goes to summer since 1927 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • #64 - Katie Horwitch: Turning Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment!

    #64 - Katie Horwitch: Turning Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment!
    May 7 2024
    Turn Self-Doubt into Self-Empowerment! Katie Horwitch, the powerhouse behind WANT: Women Against Negative Talk joins Heather and Alan to explore a world where our inner critic often holds the mic, Katie shares her journey of flipping the script on negative self-talk, providing listeners with the tools to craft a more empowering internal narrative. Discover the subtle childhood origins of our adult self-talk and unravel Katie's personal transition from the stage to being the mastermind behind WANT. This episode is an amalgamation of personal anecdotes, deep-seated wisdom, and actionable advice on navigating (and embracing) the risks of pursuing your true calling. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that promises to challenge, motivate, and equip you with the language of self-love. Connect with Katie on her Website and Instagram. Tiktok, and YouTube. And grab a copy of her best-selling book, WANT YOURSELF. Tune into her podcast WANTcast as well. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Limiting voices and negative self-talk are often rooted in the smallest moments from our childhood. We often don’t realize how these “small” experiences can have such a big impact. Self-talk is the inner dialogue and story we tell ourselves all day long Katie’s deep seeded negative self-talk was centered around creating and performing for others but never being able to enjoy and experience for herself. Negative self-talk is not inherently good or bad - it’s information and how you process tat information. Mental health was the catalyst for Katie to move away from theater and into the work of coaching. A dangerous eating disorder began to physically affect her ability to sing and perform, which is what she was in school to study. This is when she started to do the internal work to shift her patterns and behaviors. Changing negative self-talk can be very difficult for many people. You can’t just “change your mind” and things are better. Everything requires a game - it’s about the game you’re willing to play. There can be a lot of fear and risk associated with following a purpose or “calling.” The biggest risks Katie felt she took were unknown financial possibilities getting into a newish field with blogging and online magazines and she felt the pressure of risk on being approved of and accepted in these new fields. Everything has a shadow side and can be manipulated. Do all things with integrity. Self-deprecation is dangerous but it helps people bring themselves together and find things in common. The key is recognizing the language you are using on a regular basis. Check yourself by asking this question “Do I want the reality of actually shifting? Or do I just like the drama of trying to figure it out?” Her book, Want Yourself, is based on the curriculum Katie created over the last decade. Discover your own personal “through line.” Katie has embraced being flexible in order to achieve desired outcomes. It’s all give and take WANTCast is in its 9th year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • #63 - Mark Daley: Wrong Door, Right Time

    #63 - Mark Daley: Wrong Door, Right Time
    Apr 16 2024
    Mark Daley describes his life as a series of wrong doors at the right time. Tune in as Mark shares his remarkable journey from growing up closeted and steeped in shame to political campaigns to pioneering LGBTQ+ rights, becoming a foster parent, and then reshaping foster care for at-risk youth. This episode will challenge everything you think you know about risk, family, and the power of unexpected moments to lead you home. Mark's story is a masterclass in turning the unexpected into the unforgettable. Tune in to uncover the life lessons hidden in unexpected places and learn why sometimes, the wrong door can lead you to exactly where you need to be. Don't miss this beautiful conversation with a man who found his voice, his purpose, and his family by embracing the twists of fate. Connect with Mark on his Website and Instagram. Learn more about The Foster Parent here. And grab a copy of Marks best selling book, Safe. Listen on Spotify Premium for free or support Indie bookstores and listen on Libro.fm. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Mark’s life has been all about “wrong door, right time.” Working on an election campaign is crazy because you know you’re going to lose your job at some point. Mark started as an intern working on The Hill while still a college student. This led to eventually working on Hillary Clinton’s first presidential campaign. Being around politics as a teenager sparked this interest in public office. Safe was about telling Mark and his family’s story and seeing if it could make a difference for other families. Several members of Mark’s family had come from Foster Care and it always held a special place in his heart. Growing up Gay often comes with a sense of shame, especially for people growing up in the 80’s. What is One Iowa - The idea came to Mark in the shower (where all good ideas start). The message was not really about equality, it was about fairness. Thefosterparent.com was founded because Mark knew he could really offer was a way to recruit more foster parents and get more awareness of this issue. They do this via very targeted micro-campaigns. Foster Care should always be about reunification but sometimes that simply is not possible. Mark connected with Lara Love Hardin as a Foster Parent who was empathetic towards the parents who have had children entered into the system. Taking risks is a major part of parenting but as a foster parent, it’s more difficult because of all the rules. FINAL page of the book Failure always leads to a lesson, or perhaps the opportunity simply wasn’t the right thing for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • #62 - Alison Cochrun: Authors... They're Just Like Us!

    #62 - Alison Cochrun: Authors... They're Just Like Us!
    Mar 30 2024
    Welcome to the beautiful world of queer romance with author Alison Cochrun. Hear about the stories behind her heartwarming novels that celebrate love's many hues and the courageous journey of self-discovery that echoes through her pages. From the award-winning "Kiss Her Once for Me" to the charm of "The Charm Offensive," and the excitement building around "Here We Go Again," Alison shares her thoughts on crafting the quirkiest, most endearing characters that resonate with readers everywhere. Discover how a feverish six-day writing stint morphed into an international bestseller, and why taking risks can lead to the most beautiful of love stories — in books and in life. Grab your favorite cozy blanket and a cup of tea; this is one conversation about life, love, and literature that you won't want to miss. Connect with Alison on her website and Instagram. Get copies of her books The Charm Offensive, Kiss Her Once for Me and Here We Go Again. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales **Content warning: We do talk about mental health and suicide towards the end of this episode. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Alison Cochrun chose “quirky, Queer romance” because she’s always loved a “Happily ever after” but after reading “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Gulliory she wanted to start writing her own. Alison didn’t always intend to write Queer books because she didn’t know she was gay until she was 33. Most of her writing when she was younger was Young Adult Fantasy Writing “The Charm Offensive” helped Alison come out and embrace her Queerness From a young age Alison knew she wanted to be a writer or a teacher. Low self confidence got in the way of writing at first. In her mid twenties Alison was super risk adverse and had a massive fear of failure that turned her off of writing and taking the teaching path. Alison wrote the first draft of “The Charm Offensive” in six days - it felt like a fever dream. Sharing that messy first draft was the intentional risk Alison took that lead to what is now an international best seller. Alison writes very personal stories and, thus, gives a lot of herself to the audience when she writes a book. Writing characters that are based on different parts of herself allowed Alison to develop a beautiful feedback loop between herself and readers. It allowed her to continue to be more vulnerable in her writing. Alison shares that there is a lot of writing that happens that isn’t writing. It’s about getting to know your characters and really understand them. Alison is a big fan of former Was It Chance guest, Venessa Kelley who has done art for Alison’s work. Advice to up and coming writers: write the story you want to write - there are readers out there! Trust yourself. Winning the Lambda Literary award for best LGBTQ Romance in 2023 was an amazing moment in Alison’s life. She is currently finding opportunities to teach writing and stretch her writing skills in new genres. Leaving her teaching career to be a full time writer was the greatest risk of Alison’s life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • #61 - James Jin: Pushing Through The Visually Uncomfortable

    #61 - James Jin: Pushing Through The Visually Uncomfortable
    Mar 12 2024
    Step into a world where dance meets stillness, and artistry transcends boundaries. Join us as we uncover the magic behind James Jin's lens, where each click captures not just a moment, but a story. Discover how James's Artist Mindset transforms his subjects into empowered, expansive artists, and learn why his work is more than just photography—it's a journey of self-discovery and expansion. James Jin is a Brooklyn-based artist, singer, educator, and photographer on a mission to transform the experience of being photographed and “seeing” ones self. Through his Artist Mindset photo session, James helps clients tap into their more expansive selves, capturing stunning moments that transcend far beyond the shutter click. His work, showcased on Instagram and his website, reflects a unique blend of photo shoot, therapy, and guided meditation. Alan and James's chance encounter at a "Pretty, Witty and Gay Cabaret" (hosted by past WIC guests Jasmine and Cassidy) event sparked a conversation about the transformative power of photography as live, in-action coaching. James creates a safe, empowering space for vulnerability to shine, helping his subjects become more expansive artists. He encourages artists to step out of their comfort zones believing that discomfort leads to profound learning and growth. Connect with James on his website and Instagram. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Alan and James met by chance at one of Cas and Jas’s “Pretty, Witty and Gay Cabaret” events The James Jin process is about creating an environment where people can feel safe enough to open up to being vulnerable while on camera James wants to help his subjects feel empowered to do this work for themselves This is really a live, in-action coaching experience using the art of photography as the vessel This experience helps you be a more expansive artist James was in High School when he first picked up a camera but it wasn’t until post-college that he decided to make this a career. Dancers of New York was the “chance” encounter that really changed things for James. The idea of this was inspired by Humans of New York. His approach is “I will create opportunities for you to challenge yourself, go out of your comfort zone, and face your fears—because when you get better at doing those things consistently, you get closer to where you want to be.” Business school was how James learned NOT to do things. Ditching the “business as usual” approach. James credits Seth Godin for helping him think outside of the box with his work. The next phase of business is to work with artists for repeat sessions to build their confidence and support them as they grow and expand professionally The moments filled with regret are also the moments where you learn the most and it’s a gift to embrace them. When you feel discomfort don’t run from it, explore it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • #60 - Lara Love Hardin: Climbing Back From a Heroin Addiction

    #60 - Lara Love Hardin: Climbing Back From a Heroin Addiction
    Feb 27 2024
    From New York Times bestselling author comes a tale of personal redemption. Uncover the incredible journey of Lara Love Hardin in this intimate episode, Lara reveals her struggles, the power of self-forgiveness, and the profound impact of storytelling. Dive into a story of hope and the unyielding strength of the human spirit that promises to leave you inspired. Listen now - the story of Lara Love Hardin is one you won't want to miss. Connect with Lara on Instagram get a copy of ‘The Many Lives of Mama Love’ Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Lara didn’t expect her memoir, “The Many Lives of Mama Love” to touch so many lives and provide peace to so many The books Lara works on, as a literary agent always have impact - that’s what she’s seeking to put out into the world Prior to releasing her memoir, she was living in a constant state of fear and shame - the book was a way to release all that fear and shame. Owning your story is so incredibly powerful Lara spent so much time trying to prove she was worthy and good enough but always afraid her past would take everything away Forgiveness is easy for Lara - with everyone except herself. When she wrote the chapter on “self-forgiveness” for Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s book she had to face this head-on and it changed the game “Reading was my first addiction” - reading was an escape and a way to protect herself If you want to be a writer you have to read and read and read With a natural aptitude for writing Lara got a lot of attention and approval at school and she craved more of that Writing is a way for Lara to feel good There’s a very special gift to be able to write in the voice of others Collaborative writing and ghostwriting are, basically, the same thing Two years out of jail and on probation, Lara was struggling to get a job. When she saw a Craigslist post for a part-time literary agent assistant When someone believes in you, you rise above and beyond their expectations - we all need to be believed in Lara worked her way up to CEO from Idea Arcitechs and then left to start her own agency, True Literary. True Literary’s mission is to help create books and content that entertains, transforms, provokes, and inspires (not necessarily in that order). Starting her own agency was about the freedom to choose who she worked with and what books/authors she took on and also being able to decide how she wants to spend her time and be fully free “There is no room for creativity when you’re in survival mode” The Gemma Project is about gender and trauma-responsive care for incarcerated women Stay tuned because Lara’s memoir is being optioned for a made-for-TV film It takes a lot to shake Lara, she doesn’t fear failure because she doesn’t personalize it. It’s all just feedback Hope can be squishy but Lara’s philosophy is “I look forward to looking back on this someday” and she loves it when people underestimate her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • #59 - Anoushka Lucas: Redefining Intentionality

    #59 - Anoushka Lucas: Redefining Intentionality
    Feb 14 2024
    Anoushka Lucas is a singer, songwriter, actor and theatre composer. Raised in London, Anoushka spoke French before she spoke English, and has a degree in Russian and Italian from Oxford University. Anoushka has been writing songs since the age of 14 and has been described as “an exceptional voice and a great songwriter” (Jamie Cullum, BBC Introducing 2017). Her debut album, Dark Soul, was produced by Martin Terefe (Jamie Cullum, KT Tunstall, Martha Wainwright) and was released in July 2019.   Anoushka is starring in U.Me: The Complete Musical, which boasts a new original soundtrack and is performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The Book is by Simon Pitts and Theo Jamieson with music and lyrics by Jamieson (The Famous Five, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Here Lies Love), and the music has been produced by music producer Steve Levine, who has worked with the likes of Culture Club, The Beach Boys, The Clash and many more. Listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w13xtvgg Connect with Anoushka on: Instagram or her website. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • #58 - Venessa Kelley: Bless Your Mistakes

    #58 - Venessa Kelley: Bless Your Mistakes
    Jan 30 2024
    Venessa Vida Kelley is a Washington, DC-based author, illustrator, and sequential artist. Her work focuses on magical realism, fantasy, and culturally diverse romance. Venessa has been featured alongside the works of such authors as Casey McQuiston, TJ Klune, Everina Maxwell, Sophie Gonzales, Becky Albertalli, Sarah Rees Brennan, Alexis Hall, Jennifer Weiner, and others, as well as the marketing campaign for Amazon Studio’s highly-anticipated movie adaptation, “Red White & Royal Blue.” Her graphic novel debut, MANU FACES THE MUSIC, is in development with Oni Press, with her first illustrated adult historical fiction novel WHEN THE TIDES HELD THE MOON set to debut with Erewhon Books in 2025.  Connect with Venessa on: Instagram or her website. And support her work via Patreon and Etsy. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Venessa dreamed of being an animator as a child and fell in love with sequential art Sequential artist is the fancy term for comic art One of the original viral “fan artists,” Venesssa never lost sight of her passion even when working in voiceover and marketing for The Federal Government When her day job got a little too heavy, Venessa would retreat to a novel for pleasure and create sketches from those works. A random share on Twitter turned viral and catapulted Venessa to the core of fandom love. Much of Venessa’s artwork is driven by the desire to get books she loves in front of a larger audience. She has always worked to support BIPOC and LGBTQ authors and help raise awareness for their work. Venessa’s art is mostly digital art because it’s fast and doesn’t take a lot of expensive resources but she begins with pencil and paper sketches. Eventually, it became impossible to have a day job and make art professionally. She chose her own graphic novel and we’re all so glad she did. Be the ladder - Venessa loves helping other artists to value themselves and fight for their fair share, especially in the face of AI art. We love Venessa’s approach to “failure” She believes in a “Bless your mistakes” approach to life. In the episode, we talk about emotional deficit - what it is and how to deal with it. There is NO wasted time - ever. All of Venessa’s past experiences are showing up in her own work and she’s wildly grateful for all of her experiences. It wasn’t until Venessa was in her 30s that she began to untangle her identity and embrace her Queer identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 30 mins