The Hamilcast: A Hamilton Podcast
by Gillian Pensavalle
In this podcast about all things Hamilton, host Gillian Pensavalle speaks with guests, and sometimes co-host/all time husband Michael Paul Smith, about the innerworkings of the show, how it came together, what it takes to put on all around the world, finding Hamilton references in everyday life, and much more. The Hamilcast has played host to every member of the original creative team, aka "The Cabinet", including repeat visits from Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Hamilcast features interviews with cast members from every Hamilton tour, Broadway, and UK company--crew members, musicians, creatives, and the hard working people behind-the-scenes that keep the production alive. Plus: historians, super fans, celebrity Hamilton enthusiasts, and group cast recordings!When I started this podcast in January of 2016, I could not have imagined the incredible community that has grown around the show and the amazing experiences that have come my way. Thank you to everyone who has liste
Episodes
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#500: Lin-Manuel Miranda Returns! // Part Two
Here we are! We've hit the 500th and final episode of The Hamilcast (at least for now). Please excuse the shameless reference, but I am honored and thrilled that in this episode, Lin-Manuel Miranda really and sincerely teaches me how to say goodbye. And honestly, we have a blast! This episode is...
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#499: Lin-Manuel Miranda Returns! // Part One
Lin-Manuel Miranda returns to The Hamilcast for the third and final time… at least for now. Lin was first on the show in 2017, and it was true Russell Hammond partying with "real Topeka people" moment when he came over to a then-stranger's apartment and recorded in my living room for about four...
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#498: Thomas Kail Returns! // Part Two
Hamilton director Thomas Kail is back for round two and he usually makes me cry at the end of the episode, but this time he's switching it up and doing it at the top of the second episode. But don't worry, I deflect and change the subject pretty quickly! Whew! Tommy is as thoughtful as he is...
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#497: Thomas Kail Returns! // Part One
Hamilton's brilliant director Thomas Kail helps me wrap up the podcast with two thoughtful, insightful, and sweet episodes. Tommy is known as "The Architect" and I'm telling you, the guy lives up to the title and then some. This week T.Kail unpacks a lot of the HamilTen celebrations and how they...
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#496: Alex Lacamoire Returns! // Part Two
Alex Lacamoire is back for round two and I hope you're ready because not only does he put that keyboard to very good use, but Alex was also kind enough to bring isolated stems from the Hamilton cast album. Yep, I know, it's insane. Not only does he play some of his favorite parts (the Stevie…
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#495: Alex Lacamoire Returns! // Part One
Hamilton's award winning music director and orchestrator Alex Lacamoire is back after his legendary three episode series in 2018 and he's here to help wrap this show up right! Lac never comes to the pod empty handed and once again brought a keyboard, a laptop full of Hamilton music that no one…
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#494: Andy Blankenbuehler Returns! // Part Two
Hamilton choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler is an absolute treasure trove. There's really no other way to say it. This is his fifth episode of The Hamilcast and he's still dropping details and Easter eggs and insight into a show we've all been talking about for over ten years. HOW DOES HE DO IT?!…
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#493: Andy Blankenbuehler Returns! // Part One
Here we go! The grand finale of The Hamilcast is officially underway with the return of Hamilton's mastermind choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler! Andy was the last guest before lockdown, coming over in person in February of 2020. Five years later, he's back to celebrate #HamilTEN and reflect on…
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#492: Leslie Odom, Jr. // Hamilton Broadway's Original Aaron Burr
It feels very fitting that after ten years and speaking to dozens of actors who have played Aaron Burr, the very last one to grace the podcast is Hamilton Broadway's original (inimitable!) Leslie Odom, Jr. We didn't have a long time, but let me tell you... we had a GREAT time. This episode is...
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THROWBACK // Episode #93: Anna-Lee Craig (2017)
This is the last throwback before we really dive in and start wrapping up The Hamilcast. Anna-Lee Craig is HamiltonBroadway's A2 (assistant sound), and when she came on the podcast all the way back in 2017, she made all of our heads explode. It actually keeps happening because I STILL hear from...
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THROWBACK // Episode #77: Mandy Gonzalez (2017)
Time for another throwback! The truly effervescent Mandy Gonzalez came on the podcast in 2017 and gave new meaning to "I'm about to change your life." It was so important that she came on the show because, duh, she is THEEEEEEEE Mandy Gonzalez. Mandy was kind, gracious, and generous, and her...
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Bonus B-Side: Back to Basics with Michael Paul Smith!
As The Hamilcast starts to wrap up, I couldn't end this thing without jumping on the mic with Michael Paul Smith and making a podcast love letter to every listener, guest, Patreon Peep, and cool experience from these last ten years. Of course I couldn't mention everything and even as I type this,...
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#491: Aaron Burr, Sir(s) // #HamilTEN Event at South Street Seaport
On August 21st, 2025, I hosted a #HamilTEN event where I was asked to moderate a conversation with five actors who have played Aaron Burr over the years: Nik Walker, Donald Webber Jr., Jared Dixon, Marc delaCruz, and Deon'te Goodman. It was extra fun because they are all my friends and have all...
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#490: Renée Elise Goldsberry // Hamilton Broadway's Original Angelica Schuyler
Renée Elise Goldsberry is on the pod and yeah no there are no typos detected this actually happened! We covered so much ground and I am still in awe of what a warm, generous, honest, and thoughtful person Renée is. This episode is *packed.* Want to hear about her album Who I Really Am and what it...
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#489: Jennifer Simard // Part Two
Jennifer Simard is back for round two and I do not at all regret to inform you that this is now a First Wives Club fan podcast. As she takes questions from the Patreon Peeps, Jennifer talks a lot about her process as Helen Sharp in Death Becomes Her, from respecting the source material without...
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#488: Jennifer Simard // Part One
The multi-talented Jennifer Simard is on the pod! Can you believe?! The three-time Tony nominated star of Death Becomes Her on Broadway AND bonafide TikTok sensation was generous enough to chat with me for so long that she has *two* episodes. Unreal. This week, Jennifer tells me her Hamilton…
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#487: Daniel Pollack-Pelzner // Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist // Part Three
As I wrap up with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, we have a first for the pod! A Patreon Peep is taking questions from his fellow Peeps! The deep dive continues as Daniel shares more stories that didn't make the book (Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist) and even tells us more details...
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#486: Daniel Pollack-Pelzner // Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist // Part Two
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, cultural omnivore and author of Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, is back for round two and the deep dive continues! This week, Daniel tells us all about the time Stephen Sondheim visited Lin's high school dished the dirt about West Side Story with a room…
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#485: Daniel Pollack-Pelzner // Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist // Part One
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner is an award winning author, educator, and bonafide fan of culture, Shakespeare, musicals, and artists. His new book, Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist, is part biography, part deep dive, and part oral history. It's also a very beautiful (and honest!) tribute to...
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#484: Tyler McKenzie // Hamilton Dance Captain and Universal Swing // Part Three
We're wrapping up Tyler McKenzie's episodes as he continues to take questions from the Patreon Peeps. Tyler talks about his special bond with the Charlotte arts community, his experience go-go dancing for the legendary Trixie Mattel, and we won't call it a comeback but Janet Jackson is performing...
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#483: Tyler McKenzie // Hamilton Dance Captain and Universal Swing // Part Two
Tyler McKenzie is back for round two! Tyler just wrapped up an eight year journey with Hamilton, starting as a swing on Broadway for six months and then spending the rest of his time as a Universal Swing and the Dance Captain of the Philip Tour. Make no mistake, Tyler was traveling all over the...
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#482: Tyler McKenzie // Hamilton Dance Captain and Universal Swing // Part One
Tyler McKenzie is back on the podcast! Tyler joined Hamilton Broadway in 2017 and only had one week off before starting rehearsals for the yet to be revealed Philip Company. He graciously spent his first night off with me, recording his first episode of The Hamilcast. Tyler would join me once…
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A Special Announcement from Gillian + Lin-Manuel Miranda's First Appearance on the Pod (2017!)
The news is out! After nearly ten years and what will be 500 episodes, The Hamilcast will be coming to an end on January 26th, 2026, the podcast's official ten-year anniversary. While the community isn't going anywhere and the archive will always remain available, the weekly episodes you've come…
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#481: Desmond Sean Ellington // Hamilton Standby // Part Two
Desmond Sean Ellington is back for round two to further show that if you have to chase something, it's probably not for you. This week, Desmond reflects on his five years touring with Hamilton as a standby and how he used what he learned making his Broadway debut in Hell's Kitchen (after starting...
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#480: Desmond Sean Ellington // Hamilton Standby // Part One
Desmond Sean Ellington spent five years on tour with Hamilton as a Standby and recently made his Broadway debut in Hell's Kitchen, after starting with the show down at The Public. Desmond's story is so interesting because it's a case study in what can happen when you make the hard decision to…
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#479: Jeffrey Seller // Broadway Producer
Award-winning and prolific Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller has finally made it to the podcast! Jeffery has produced Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, Hamilton, The Cher Show, and revivals of West Side Story and Sweeney Todd, just to name a few. Altogether his shows (currently) have 22 Tony Awards,...
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#478: Nevin Steinberg // Hamilton Broadway's Sound Designer // Part Two
In Nevin Steinberg's second episode, the award winning Broadway sound designer gives even more insight to some of your favorite Hamilton moments including The Yorktown dance break and the stuttering gunshots heard throughout the show. And get ready to have your mind blown as Nevin shares the...
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#477: Nevin Steinberg // Hamilton Broadway's Sound Designer // Part One
Award winning sound designer Nevin Steinberg has made it to the pod! Nevin is such a captivating storyteller and everything he talks about is infused with gorgeous detail and a palpable feeling of both awe and gratitude. You know how they say "how can you not be romantic about baseball?" How can...
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#476: Jonathan Dinklage // Hamilton Broadway's Concertmaster // Part Two
After a quick detour talking about the magic of Rush, Jonathan Dinklage is back for round two and we're diving into his Hamilton story. After participating in that reading he almost didn't go to, Jonny says it was all over for him. He knew Hamilton was phenomenal and now he gets to be a part of…
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#475: Jonathan Dinklage // Hamilton Broadway's Concertmaster // Part One
Grab your Rush t-shirt and your record collection because Jonathan Dinklage, Hamilton Broadway's concertmaster, is here to blow your mind. He's one of the coolest dudes ever and has stories for days, so buckle up. Concertmaster is a very fancy way of saying that he's the first violinist in the…
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#474: Manny Schvartzman // Hamilton Music Director and Conductor // Part Three
Manny Schvartzman (Hamilton Music Director and Conductor) wraps up his episodes with some of the best questions he's ever been asked thanks to the Patreon Peeps. Manny discusses his favorite musical moments from the show, little details we should all look for, how he's still learning things even...
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#473: Manny Schvartzman // Hamilton Music Director and Conductor // Part Two
Manny Schvartzman (Hamilton Music Director and Conductor) is back for round two as he continues discussing his experience putting up Rent in Cuba with Andy Señor, Jr in 2014. The whiplash of going from the shiny, multimillion dollar On Your Feet to a space with daily power outages and a lack of...
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#472: Manny Schvartzman // Hamilton Music Director and Conductor // Part One
I hope you're ready for a deep dive on Team Music because Manny Schvartzman is here! Manny is the music director, conductor, and keyboard one player on Hamilton's Angelica Tour. In his first episode, Manny walks us through the early stages of his career, which started at around eight years old,...
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#471: Robbie Rozelle // International Cabaret Artist & Record Producer // Part Three
Robbie Rozelle wraps up his episodes with the moment we've all been waiting for: Stephen Sondheim stories!! Robbie talks about extensively working so closely with the legend he calls a "deity" and why you always, always (always!) sing what Sondheim wrote on the page. Robbie also takes us through...
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#470: Robbie Rozelle // International Cabaret Artist & Record Producer // Part Two
Robbie Rozelle is back for round two and I think it's safe to say that we are officially off the rails. After passing up lottery tickets to Hamilton at the Public in 2015, Robbie eventually saw it in previews and promptly had an out of body experience, prompting a StubHub debacle the very next…
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#469: Robbie Rozelle // International Cabaret Artist & Record Producer // Part One
Robbie Rozelle is a beloved cabaret artist, director, producer, housewives aficionado, and my friend. He identifies as a Charles Nelson Reilly with a Paul Lynde Rising. And guess what?! We're going back to basics! Robbie joins me in person, in my living room, and we talk about his Hamilton...
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#468: Vanessa Magula // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Three
Vanessa Magula wraps up her episodes by taking questions from the Patreon Peeps! This week, she talks about her connection to all three Schuyler sisters including having such a soft spot for Eliza and why performing Satisfied is like playing Hamlet. From owning the room as Angelica, to accessing...
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#467: Vanessa Magula // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two
In her second episode, Vanessa Magula talks about what it was like to join the Philip tour as a Hamilton superfan, including learning harmonies she didn't know existed and doing her best *not* to sing Burr's part in Non-Stop. But now she's in Hamilton and as a friend told Vanessa: time to dream a...
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#466: Vanessa Magula // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One
Vanessa Magula went from being a Hamilton superfan studying pre-health at UCLA to being cast as the standby for all three Schuyler sisters on the Philip tour. No, for real. Vanessa has always been a self-described theatre kid, evidenced by the fact that Deaf West's Spring Awakening is what…
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#465: Paul Louis Lessard // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Three
In their third episode, Paul Louis Lessard reflects on their one year anniversary playing King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour. Booking the show was a surreal experience, but Paul is having the time of his life and has never felt more beautiful than when he's wearing those *perfectly…
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#464: Paul Louis Lessard // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two
Paul Louis Lessard currently plays King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour and this week they tell us about how playing King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar helped them get there. Paul was admittedly one of those people who had an "aversion" to Hamilton back in the 2016 era, but eventually he…
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#463: Paul Louis Lessard // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One
Paul Louis Lessard (he/they) is currently King George III on Hamilton's Philip Tour and this week is all about authenticity. Starting from a very young age, Paul describes the allure of performing as a siren song that was calling to them, even down to the intoxicating smell and feel of the show...
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#462: Jennifer Geller // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Three
As I wrap up with Jennifer Geller, she talks about starting and managing a thriving business while *also* performing in Hamilton on Broadway. Plus, her love of croissants, that badass jump rope number from Legally Blonde that's still in her muscle memory, and why we need to stop gatekeeping...
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#461: Jennifer Geller // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Two
In Jennifer Geller's second episode, she talks about how heartbroken she was not to book Hamilton Chicago after being personally invited to audition by Andy Blankenbuehler. But when she eventually booked Hamilton's first national tour, Andy reminded her it was all about trusting the process.…
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#460: Jennifer Geller // Hamilton on Broadway // Part One
Jennifer Geller has been in the ensemble of Hamilton since 2017 on the first national tour and she is currently on Broadway. In her first episode Jennifer talks about her fantastic experience with Bring It On and how amazing it was to tour North America and Japan doing a show she loves so much....
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#459: Shonica Gooden // Hamilton on Broadway // Part Two
Shonica Gooden (Hamilton Broadway's Woman 4) first joined Hamilton in December of 2015, just in time for the full on Hamilton madness with the original cast, including that legendary trip to the White House. Shonica reflects on over ten years of Hamilton, explaining how her life experiences…
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#458: Shonica Gooden // Hamilton on Broadway // Part One
Shonica Gooden (Hamilton Broadway's Woman 4) was born and raised in Atlanta, where she focused on what was supposed to be a thriving modern dance career. She had zero interest in musical theatre and didn't see herself as a triple threat. Luckily, her teachers at DanceMakers of Atlanta did see her...
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#457: John Devereaux // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Three
This week wraps up my series with John Devereaux, a standby on Hamilton's Philip Tour covering George Washington, King George III, Mulligan/Madison, and Lafayette/Jefferson. Remember when John told the story about booking Hamilton and almost passing on it? Yeah well that almost didn't even happen...
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#456: John Devereaux // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part Two
John Devereaux (standby on Hamilton's Philip Tour) is back for round two and this episode is all about authenticity and being as present as possible. For John, he never wants to "lose his elasticity", so a lot of his work as an actor has to do with constantly learning and being curious about...
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#455: John Devereaux // Hamilton's Philip Tour // Part One
John Devereaux is currently on Hamilton's Philip Tour covering George Washington, King George III, Mulligan/Madison, and Lafayette/Jefferson. He grew up in Houston, Texas, loving sports and wanting to eventually practice medicine. In high school, he did some friends a favor by stepping in as a…
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About this show
In this podcast about all things Hamilton, host Gillian Pensavalle speaks with guests, and sometimes co-host/all time husband Michael Paul Smith, about the innerworkings of the show, how it came together, what it takes to put on all around the world, finding Hamilton references in everyday life, and much more. The Hamilcast has played host to every member of the original creative team, aka "The Cabinet", including repeat visits from Hamilton creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Hamilcast features interviews with cast members from every Hamilton tour, Broadway, and UK company--crew members, musicians, creatives, and the hard working people behind-the-scenes that keep the production alive. Plus: historians, super fans, celebrity Hamilton enthusiasts, and group cast recordings!When I started this podcast in January of 2016, I could not have imagined the incredible community that has grown around the show and the amazing experiences that have come my way. Thank you to everyone who has liste
Hosted by
Gillian Pensavalle
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