Behind the Magic of the Holidays | Hey Stamford!

In this episode, we sit down with Joel Jeske and Shereen Hickman to hear about their journeys through acting, Clown College, the circus, and Cirque du Soleil — and the magic they bring each year to Holiday Wish Express here in Stamford. Joel Jeske is a three-time Drama Desk–nominated actor, writer, teacher, director, and multi-disciplinary clown, with creations for Ringling Bros., Cirque du Soleil, and The Big Apple Circus. Locally, he’s known as Phineous Flywheel, Santa’s Master Toy Maker — the guy who keeps the holiday magic running like clockwork (and occasionally off the rails). Shereen Hickman is a world-traveling performer best known for creating and starring in iconic Cirque du Soleil roles, from Las Vegas to Broadway to the big top. She’s currently touring nationally as “Grandma” in The Addams Family. Every November, she returns to Holiday Wish Express in a role that keeps her very close to the Big Guy in Red… if you catch our drift.  Learn more about The Holiday Wish Express at https://theholidaywish.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/holidaywishexpress/  Follow Joel at https://www.joeljeske.com  Keep tabs on Shereen at https://www.shereenhickman.com  ###### The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by:  Serafresca at the IC: Plan your holiday celebration at Serafresca at the IC—where elegant ambiance and exceptional service make every party unforgettable. Book now at https://serafrescaic.com/ Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com/   Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.heystamford.com/ Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystamford  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@HeyStamford   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyStamford  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@heystamford  X: https://x.com/HeyStamford  ###### 00:00 Meet the Guests: Joel & Shireen 03:19 Path to Holiday Wish: Acting & Comedy Journeys 04:46 Joel's Clown College & Circus Background 07:00 Life on the Circus Train 08:08 Cirque du Soleil Careers: Shireen's Story 13:00 Inside Cirque Shows and Themes 15:27 Circus Skills & Performing Arts 17:24 Character Work: Bringing Magic to Holiday Wish 19:05 Transformative Holiday Memories 21:19 Journey Through Holiday Wish: The Experience 24:01 Special Rooms & Events at the North Pole 27:00 Unique Holiday Wish Activities & Traditions 30:07 Creative Character Building: Phineas Flywheel 34:09 Family Traditions & Heartwarming Stories 38:05 Holiday Wish: Returning Magic This Year 39:01 What's New at Holiday Wish 40:10 Wrapping Up & Inviting All to Experience the Magic