Special Episode: Sara Bareilles episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 30, 2026 · 34 MIN

Special Episode: Sara Bareilles

from eleven · host Broadway Podcast Network

She’s the Grammy-winning music powerhouse that’s been the soundtrack to our lives for more than two decades and produced some of the most moving music offerings of all-time – few greater than her Tony-recognised musical Waitress, which took New York by storm when it first began performances back in 2016.  Now, in an exclusive conversation marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s Broadway debut — and as a thrilling new touring production moves audiences across the UK — its Tony-nominated composer reflects on the life-changing journey of writing for Jenna, the pie-maker with a heart of gold. So direct from Stateside and taking a break from her time in the studio, we deep dive into the original creations of Waitress in this 14-year journey; including overcoming imposter syndrome while writing her first Broadway musical, writing soaring anthems like She Used to Be Mine, Soft Place To Hand and What Baking Can Do — and the honour of bringing Adrienne Shelly’s beloved story to the stage with a history-making creative team. We also discuss the emotional impact of Jessie Mueller’s original performance, how developing the role with her gave the composer the courage to step into Jenna’s shoes herself and understanding the value of feeling uncomfortable when creating new art. And she celebrates the power of new storytelling for her show with new faces and new audiences as Waitress tours the UK in this 10th anniversary year.  Sugar. Butter. Sara. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell waitressthemusical.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She’s the Grammy-winning music powerhouse that’s been the soundtrack to our lives for more than two decades and produced some of the most moving music offerings of all-time – few greater than her Tony-recognised musical Waitress, which took New York by storm when it first began performances back in 2016.  Now, in an exclusive conversation marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s Broadway debut — and as a thrilling new touring production moves audiences across the UK — its Tony-nominated composer reflects on the life-changing journey of writing for Jenna, the pie-maker with a heart of gold. So direct from Stateside and taking a break from her time in the studio, we deep dive into the original creations of Waitress in this 14-year journey; including overcoming imposter syndrome while writing her first Broadway musical, writing soaring anthems like She Used to Be Mine, Soft Place To Hand and What Baking Can Do — and the honour of bringing Adrienne Shelly’s beloved story to the stage with a history-making creative team. We also discuss the emotional impact of Jessie Mueller’s original performance, how developing the role with her gave the composer the courage to step into Jenna’s shoes herself and understanding the value of feeling uncomfortable when creating new art. And she celebrates the power of new storytelling for her show with new faces and new audiences as Waitress tours the UK in this 10th anniversary year.  Sugar. Butter. Sara. Host: William J Connolly Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell waitressthemusical.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Mel Gibson - Biography Flash Inception Point AI Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson was born on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York. He was the sixth of eleven children in a devout Catholic family. When Gibson was 12 years old, his father, Hutton Gibson, decided to move the family to Australia. This relocation was motivated by Hutton’s concerns about the Vietnam War draft and his belief that Australia offered a safer and more stable environment for his children. Settling in Sydney, Gibson experienced significant cultural and environmental changes, which would later shape his identity. Gibson attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, where he studied acting alongside future luminaries such as Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis. While at NIDA, Gibson honed his craft and developed a reputation for his charismatic and intense performances. After graduating, he began his career in Australian television and theater, earning early praise for his dramatic range. Gibson’s breakout role came in 1979 when he starred as Max Rocka Mel Gibson - Biography Flash Inception Point Ai Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson was born on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York. He was the sixth of eleven children in a devout Catholic family. When Gibson was 12 years old, his father, Hutton Gibson, decided to move the family to Australia. This relocation was motivated by Hutton’s concerns about the Vietnam War draft and his belief that Australia offered a safer and more stable environment for his children. Settling in Sydney, Gibson experienced significant cultural and environmental changes, which would later shape his identity. Gibson attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, where he studied acting alongside future luminaries such as Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis. While at NIDA, Gibson honed his craft and developed a reputation for his charismatic and intense performances. After graduating, he began his career in Australian television and theater, earning early praise for his dramatic range. Gibson’s breakout role came in 1979 when he starred as Max Rocka The Trouble with Transformation - A Serialised Novel Alison Whipp The Trouble with Transformation is a serialised novel for ages 10 and up. Eleven years after his disappearance, Ginger Jones's Dad re-enters her life... via a note. His instructions are clear: Find the blueprints for his matter transformation machine and return them. But Ginger has moved on, and it hasn't been easy. If she's going to risk the new life she's made for herself, then her Dad will have to do things her way. Miscellaneous Essays of G. K. Chesterton by G. K. Chesterton (1874 - 1936) LibriVox These eleven files are miscellaneous short essays or stories from G.K. Chesterton. They were chosen for not only their brevity but also for being shining exemplars of Chesterton's wit and whimsy. A fun but powerful introduction into the mind of the man that is G.K. Chesterton. (Summary by GK Cleveland)

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She’s the Grammy-winning music powerhouse that’s been the soundtrack to our lives for more than two decades and produced some of the most moving music offerings of all-time – few greater than her Tony-recognised musical Waitress, which took New York...

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