People Who Are Somehow Important To My Wellbeing

In this episode, I sit down with Leana Rae Concepcion, who you might recognize from the Broadway revival of Merrily We Roll Along and who is currently spelling her way through chaos (and perfection) as Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. We talk about what it’s like stepping into such an iconic role, how she balances Marcy’s intense drive with the show’s comedy, and the journey that brought her from one powerhouse production to another. Leana also shares behind-the-scenes moments, her love for the little details (yes, trinkets included), and what she’s learning about herself through these shows.Follow Leana:@leanarae@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Jennens, swing and dance captain on The Outsiders tour. We talk about what it actually means to be a swing (and why it’s way harder than it looks), the chaos of covering multiple tracks, and how she helps keep the entire show running night after night.She’s funny, honest, and unfiltered, and this conversation proves exactly why.Follow Hannah:@hannahjennens@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

This one is so fetch.This week I'm joined by Kristen Amanda Smith who recently toured the country as Gretchen on the Mean Girls 2nd National Tour. In this episode, we cover it all: life on the road, the reality of touring for 2 years, and making the decision to choose yourself. Follow Kristen:@kvistena@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

I bet you wanna know how she got this far.In this episode, I’m joined by Adriana Scalice, a Rochester, NY native who booked her first national tour before she even graduated college. What started as a “why not?” audition for Mean Girls turned into being trusted as the standby for Cady, Regina, and Janis on her very first tour. We talk about taking risks when you’re not fully ready, navigating the pressure of covering three roles, and what it’s like to go from wearing pink to wearing royal blue as Catherine Parr in Six. Adriana shares what she’s learned about preparation, patience, and surviving both high school drama and Tudor history.Follow Adriana:@adrianascalice@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, I sit down with Analise Scarpaci to hear her story of growing up on Broadway and navigating the challenges of being a child actor. Analise shares candid insights about growing up in the theater, learning from mentors, and rediscovering her voice as an artist. This conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and heartfelt reflections about finding your way in the industry, and in yourself.Follow Analise:@analise.scarpaci@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Turns out Maggie Kuntz's career has a favorite NYC block.In Life on 45th Street, we dive into Maggie's Broadway journey from The Outsiders to John Proctor Is The Villain, and how both of her experiences unfolded just a few doors down. @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, Heart of Hill Valley, Broadway performer and dance teacher Katie Laduca joins me to talk about her journey to Back to the Future on Broadway, including how her best friend helped her land the role. We dive into her love of dance, her time performing as Linda McFly, and what it meant to bring her heart and energy to the Winter Garden stage every night.Follow Katie:IG: @katieladuca_@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, we're building momentum.I'm joined by Amelia Fei, who originated the role of Caroline in How To Dance In Ohio on Broadway. Amelia also recently played the role of Dawn in Waitress with Michigan Stage. Listen as we talk about her journey to Broadway, what its like to tell stories that truly resonate with people, and what life has been like after Broadway.Follow Amelia:@amelia_bedeliafei@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

This week I'm joined by Hailey Hyde, a Broadway performer from Utah. Listen as we talk about her New Year's Eve wish that led her to Broadway, how to survive in NYC, and the people who helped her get where she is today.Follow Hailey:IG: @haileyhydeTikTok: haileyyhyde@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

This episode contains frickin multitudes.This week, I'm joined by Noah Pacht from John Proctor Is The Villain. Noah understudies the two male roles in the show, and in this episode, we talk all about it! Listen as we break down everything from his Broadway debut, to how he becomes these two roles and what it's like to be apart of such an amazing company. Follow Noah:IG: @noahpacht@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

You're gonna love what's inside this episode. This episode is equal parts heart and chaos. Listen as Delaney Brown and I talk about how she got into performing, her time on the Jagged Little Pill tour, self growth, Waitress, and what it’s been like to play a role she connects to so deeply.Delaney is the most incredible performer, person and friend, and I’m so glad you get to hear more of who she is.Follow Delaney:IG: @delaneybrown__TikTok: d3laneybrown@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, I’m joined by Sage Kellerman: MSU gymnast, team leader, and all-around powerhouse. We talk about what it really means to compete with heart for the Spartans, what you might not know about being a college athlete, and how she’s grown as both an athlete and a person during her time in East Lansing. Whether you're a gymnastics fan or just love a good story about resilience, this one’s for you.Follow Sage:IG: @sagekellerman@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Hannah Jewel Kohn, who is currently playing Marcia Murphey on the A Beautiful Noise national tour. We talk all about what it's like stepping into the world of Neil Diamond, singing iconic songs, and finding strength in a role rooted in truth and vulnerability. Plus, Hannah reflects on her time touring with Frozen, life on the road, and the importance of connection. Follow Hannah:@hannahjewelkohn@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

"He knew whenever you'd get bored you'd scribble stars on the cuffs of your jeans" <3Episode 50 is here! This week I'm joined by the wonderful Hatty Ryan King, who just finished her run as Zoe Murphy on the 2nd National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen. Listen now!Follow Hatty:@hattyryanking @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Tracy Sokat does it all: she dances, performs, teaches fitness, keeps up with politics and raises her dog, Ruby. In this episode, we talk about what drives her, how she manages it all, and why showing up—onstage or at the polls—matters.Follow Tracy:IG: @tracy_sokatTikTok: @tracy_sokat@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, Broadway’s Liana Hunt (Back to the Future, Newsies, Mamma Mia!) joins me to talk about her journey to Hill Valley, her time as Lorraine Baines, and the magic of bringing iconic stories to life on stage! Tune in for a conversation you won’t want to miss!Follow Liana:IG: @lianamariehunt@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, I sit down with Antonio Cipriano—Broadway’s original Phoenix in Jagged Little Pill and star of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. We talk about his journey from Michigan to Broadway, making the leap to television, and the chaos along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories to what’s next, Antonio shares it all in this candid and entertaining episode!Follow Antonio:IG: @antoniocipriano_TikTok: antoniocipriano_@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode, I sit down with Broadway performer Hannah Kevitt, who has graced the stage in Back to the Future and Maybe Happy Ending. Hannah shares insights from her journey in the world of theater, her experiences working on some of Broadway’s most exciting productions, and what she's learned from castmates in order to thrive in the fast-paced, ever-evolving industry. Follow Hannah:IG: @hannah.kevittTikTok: hannah.kevitt@importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In today's episode, Lizzy Legregin takes us through her journey to Broadway. From auditions, to national tours, to finally dancing the Winter Garden stage, Lizzy breaks it all down in this episode! Follow Lizzy: IG: @lizzymarrielegregin // @legregin_business TikTok: lizzymarieleg @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this episode of People Who Are Somehow Important to My Wellbeing, Kaitlyn Frank takes us behind the scenes of her incredible Broadway journey. From dancing her way through iconic shows like Newsies and Funny Girl to her love of tap that keeps her grounded, Kaitlyn shares her passion for storytelling on stage. We dive into her time in We Are the Tigers, the joy of bringing characters to life in My Fair Lady and Jersey Boys, and how her artistry continues to evolve. Follow Kaitlyn: IG: @kaitlyn_frank16 @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Happy New Year! Welcome to my year in review! Before the year ended, I wanted to sit down in front of a mic and break down my year, because I can and I want to. Listen as I think back on 2024: the good and the bad. Thanks for following and enjoying this ride with me. Here's to another great year! @importanttomywellbeingpod // @sydni_rotenberg

The party's roaring on in this episode!! This week, I'm joined by Ryah Nixon of Broadway's The Great Gatsby. Ryah is absolutely hilarious and I'm so glad we got to chat. Listen as we break down her Broadway debut in Once Upon A One More Time, the story of how she almost moved to Nashville, and what she will miss most about being in such an iconic show. Follow Ryah: IG: @ryahnixon @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

What do The Karate Kid, The Who's Tommy, and The Outsiders have in common? They all share a connection through Victor Carrillo Tracey! Now swinging and covering Darrel and Sodapop Curtis in The Outsiders on Broadway, Victor brings his unique blend of discipline, creativity, and passion to the stage. Tune in to hear about his path, his influences, and how he's making his mark in one of Broadway's hottest shows! Follow Victor: IG: @victorctracey @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Welcome to Episode 40! This week features Anna Bermudez who is currently one of the vacation swings in The Outsiders on Broadway. Anna and I talked for so long it was so hard to fit it all into this episode! We truly cover it all; from her journey to Broadway and her dance and theatre inspirations, to her manifesting her job, and the words of wisdom and advice given to her by her castmates (who she now considers to be more like siblings). Follow Anna: IG: @annakbermudez IG: @importanttomywellbeingpod // TikTok: @importanttomywellbeing

This week I'm joined by Jessie Peltier who comes from the Broadway company of Back To The Future! Jessie is a dancer and musical theater performer who is originally from Virginia. Listen as we talk about her experiences on tour with Frozen, and her journey to Broadway. Follow Jessie: IG: @jessiepeltier TikTok: jessiepeltier @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

GREAT SCOTT! This week I'm joined by Lucas Hallauer, who was recently on the Mean Girls 2nd National tour and is now on the road with Back To The Future. Listen as we go back in time to talk about what led him to where he is today, fun stories from the road, and memories from touring with both shows. Follow Lucas: IG: @lucas.hallauer TikTok: @lucashallauer @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Not Sarah, not Grace, but SarahGrace (with no space)!! I'm so excited to be joined by SarahGrace Mariani this week, who is currently playing Marcia in The Outsiders on Broadway. From touring with Les Miserables in Hawaii, to almost stepping away from performing completely, to landing the role of Marcia (and Sergei- we can't forget about Sergei), SG shares it all. Featuring a BRAND NEW podcast segment!! Follow SarahGrace: IG: @sarahgracenospace @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Call Her Emma!! Today I'm joined by Emma Pittman who is currently playing the role of Cherry Valance in The Outsiders on Broadway. You may have also seen her in the ensemble of Back To The Future or as Roxie Hart in Chicago after winning "The Search For Roxie". Listen as we talk about her journey to Broadway, what joining this cast has meant to her, and how her younger self plays a role in her performance. Follow Emma: IG: @emmapittmanofficial TikTok: emmapittmanofficial YouTube: emmapittmanofficial @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Welcome to Tulsa, 1967!! This week I had the chance to talk to Melody Rose (yes, that is her real legal name) of 'The Outsiders' on Broadway!! This shark-loving Tony-winning Juilliard grad was so much fun to talk to, and I can't wait for everyone to hear this episode and learn more about her. Follow Melody: IG: @melodyrose TikTok: xomelodyrose

She doesn't even go here!! Talking to Eric Huffman for this episode was such a treat. Eric is such a genuine person and talking to him felt like a hug. Listen as we break down everything from being in The Book Of Mormon, to playing Damian and touring with Mean Girls, to living with Ben Platt. This is a fun one!!! Follow Eric: IG: @e.j.huffman @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Episode 33!! Such a long awaited episode with Dillon Klena. This episode was so fun to edit and listen back to, and Dillon is hillarious. Listen as we talk all things Jagged Little Pill; from the moment he got the call to how he has been adjusting to tour being over. Follow Dillon: IG: @dillon_scott_klena @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Today I'm talking to Thalia Atallah, who is currently in the ensemble as Dawn Schweitzer on the Mean Girls National Tour, and understudying Gretchen and Karen! Thalia was recently on the Anastasia tour last year as well, in the ensemble and understudying Anya. Listen as she shares behind the scenes stories from both tours; including her understudy debuts and favorite moments from the road. Follow Thalia: IG: @heyy.thalia @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Brittany Conigatti is my guest on this weeks episode! With credits including A Bronx Tale (OBC), The Prom, Mean Girls (1st Nat'l) and others, this episode is loaded with stories from the road, backstage, and under the bright lights of Broadway. Brittany also has a 6 month old daughter who joins us in this interview (who she was pregnant with while on the road with MG)! Follow Brittany: IG: @brittconigatti @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Stop trying to make schquillz happen!! This week I'm talking to Caleb Mathura, who was recently on the Mean Girls National Tour as Kevin G. Caleb explains how he had a lot of full circle moments on tour; from being mentored by someone who later became a cast mate, to growing up watching someone on TV to then sharing the stage with them. Caleb also talks fun memories from tour and what he is doing now! Follow Caleb: IG: @caleb.mathura @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Imagine playing 3 different people in the span of 2.5 hours...could not be me. Kristen Seggio plays all three adult women (Mrs. Heron, Ms. Norbury, and Mrs. George) on the Mean Girls 2nd National Tour, and in this episode we break down her favorite moments from tour, how she landed the job, and how she prepares to play three people in one night. Follow Kristen: IG: @kristenseggio @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

You live, you learn, you listen to this week's episode with Liesie Kelly! All puns aside, Liesie is one of the most genuine people I have talked to thus far. We truly cover it all in this episode; from being in college while on a national tour, to breakups, to truly learning what it is like to be independent and find yourself. Follow Liesie: IG: @liesiekelly @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

This week I'm joined by former University of Michigan Gymnast Abby Heiskell! Abby graduated in 2023 after competing for the Wolverines for 5 seasons. Listen as we talk about her routine that led her team to their first Natty, being a former horse girl, and what it was like to be a part of such a strong-rooted team. Follow Abby: IG: @abby_heiskell Goodreads: abby_heiskell :) @importantomwellbeingpod:)

Episode 26 is here! Carly was so sweet and so great to talk to. In this episode we talk all things Legally Blonde; from the audition process, to making her understudy debut as Margot! Follow Carly: IG: @carlycaviglia TikTok: @carlycaviglia @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Today I'm joined by Felicia Hano, who was a member of the UCLA Gymnastics team. Listen as we talk all things UCLA; from her perfect 10, to her season getting cut short due to COVID. As always, thanks for the support and stay tuned for more exciting iepisodes coming soon! Follow Felicia: IG: @felicia_hano X: @felicia_hano TikTok: fish_hano @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Where do I begin with this one? This is one of my favorite episodes I've ever done! Victoria was the best and so fun to talk to. Listen as we talk all things Mean Girls tour; from her injury on day 2, to her dance self-tape filmed next to a Quinceñera rehearsal, to her understudy debuts as Janis and Regina. This is a super dense fun-filled episode, it is worth the listen! Follow Victoria: IG: @victoriamesa_ TikTok: @vmesaa_ @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

Happy 2024! Join me for my first episode of the new year as I talk all things Mean Girls tour with Mary Beth Donahoe. MBD is the sweetest and it was so great to chat with her, live from her closet:) Follow MBD: IG: @mbdonahoe @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I thought there was no better way to celebrate the end of 2023 than to break down my year. This has been a year full of ups and downs, rejections, personal growth, and lots of changes, so I wanted to talk about it. As always, thank you everyone for the tremendous amount of support in regards to this podcast. I never imagined anyone would listen to it, and I am so proud of how far it has come. Here's to 2024! Follow Me: IG: @sydni_rotenberg // @importanttomywellbeingpod

I'm so excited to have Sydney on this episode with me today! Sydney was a member of the Michigan State Gymnastics team from 2018-2022. It was so fun to finally get to talk to her after cheering her on in Jenison. Listen as we talk all things gymnastics, what being a Spartan means to her, and how her sport led her to her current job. Follow Sydney: IG: @sydneyeewing @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this week's episode, I'm talking to Brianna Apple, who is an influencer from New York. Brianna gives her advice on what makes a good TikTok, how to go viral, and how her upbringing influenced the content that she makes today. It was so great to chat with her! Follow Brianna: IG: @briannaapple_ TikTok: @briannapple

Joining me today is Ixchel Cuellar, who recently toured with the Mean Girls National Tour and the &Peggy Company of Hamilton. Listen as we talk about a "freak accident" that led to her Broadway debut, living in Hawaii, and what it was like to be apart of two iconic shows. Follow Ixchel: IG: @itsixchel @importanttomywellbeingpod :)

Today I'm chatting with college rival Olivia Karas about all things gymnastics! Listen as she walks me through her "first date" with Michigan, life in Ann Arbor, and how she became an analyst for Big Ten Network. Follow Liv! Instagram: @livkarass X: lil_livkay @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Allison Sheppard, who currently plays the role of Bella Fox on the national tour of Jagged Little Pill. Listen as we talk all things Jagged, from how she becomes Bella, to how she leaves with a sense of hope that people who can relate to Bella feel seen. It's always so fun to catch up with Allison, make sure you give this one a listen! Follow Allison: Instagram: @allieshepps TikTok: allieshepps @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

In this week's episode, I'm talking to Jesse Lynn Harte, musical theatre TikTok queen and prettiest girl in the world! Listen as we talk all things touring and slime tutorials, and reminisce on our bang phases. You may even get to hear an unreleased cover of a super special song:) Follow Jesse Lynn: Instagram: @jesselynnharte TikTok: jesselynnharte @importanttomywellbeingpod:)

This week I'm talking to Alexa Magro, who was recently seen as Kaylee in The Prom National Tour, and a swing on the &Peggy Tour of Hamilton! Listen as we talk about her audition processes, life on tour (especially living in Hawaii for 2 months), and what it's like to be in Hamilton. Follow Alexa: Instagram: @alexa_magro Website: alexamagro.com @importanttomywellbeingpod :)

In this weeks episode, listen as I talk to Kendal Poston, who is a former UCLA Gymnast. Kendal is super talented on and off the mat; a talented gymnast, natural born leader, and maybe future lawyer (?). Join us as we talk all things UCLA, what its like to be a college athlete, and what life is like after the sport. Kendal is such a sweet person and it was so great to catch up with her after meeting her in March! Follow Kendal: IG: @kendalposton @importanttomywellbeingpod:)