Is that really legal? with Eric Ruben

Frances started with a no-w famously defunct publisher, got the rights to her books back, and has not stopped. Like many authors, she's self-publishing her romance novels across numerous platforms. Find out more at https://francesstocktonauthor.wordpress.com.Support the show

Chavala started her career as a dancer/musician/actress, attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She travelled to over 30 countries working in Fashion, Marketing, and worked in the non-profit sector related to cancer, diabetes, food and community sustainability and Aboriginal affairs.In 2017 she moved to Australia and attended law school. She was one of four students selected for the ICC Moot Team Competition in the Hague. Most recently she has been admitted as a New York Attor...

Living in Nashville, Emmaline started life in small town Australia. She writes and performs trippy pop music and is also a music supervisor and soundtrack creator. Support the show

Tammy Dahlstrom currently stars as the as the take-no-b.s. undercover U.S. Marshall ‘Diane’ in the new Dekkoo original comedy series, MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE.Previously, she gained tons of fans recurring as the farmer-turned-frontier woman ‘Martha’ alongside Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi in Season 3 of the TBS comedy series, MIRACLE WORKERS: OREGON TRAIL.She also recurred as the uber-assistant ‘Gloria’ in Season Three of Mike Judge’s critically acclaimed HBO series, SILICON VALLEY. Her...

Chris is a podcaster who has provided a platform for the voices of survivors of abuse. He's made a career in tech and writes as well.Support the show

Since 1998, Terri’s more than 50 historical and paranormal romance novels, novellas and short stories have been published by Berkley, Harlequin, Kensington, NAL and SMP Swerve and released in 20 languages in 25 countries! While also self-publishing a few works, Terri is working on more stories that will be released through 2024 with Harlequin, Dragonblade Publishing and Oliver Heber Books. You can connect with Terri here on her website terribrisbin.com.Support the show

Professor Ruben teaches criminal law, professional responsibility, and a seminar on the Second Amendment. His scholarly work has been published in the California Law Review, Duke Law Journal, Georgetown Law Journal, Iowa Law Review, and Yale Law Journal Forum. He's provided legal commentary for ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNN, The Atlantic, NPR, and CBS Radio.Prof. Ruben was a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and an adjunct pr...

Anna Krieger, is a talent recruiting professional. She talks with me about talent, queer issues, pronouns, intersectionalism, the great resignation and more!Support the show

In the brand new Dekkoo-Original Comedy Series Marriage of Inconvenience, two total strangers entering a witness protection program must pretend to be happily married to hide their identities from the dangerous people who want them dead!Franklin (David Singletary) is an even-tempered English professor who prides himself on his attention to detail in every area of his carefully structured life. Owen (Jason T. Gaffney) is a messy, street-smart dropout with anger issues, forced into a life of cr...

Paula Plum is one of Boston’s leading actresses. Her most notable performance have been as Cleopatra and Lady Macbeth at the Actors’ Shakespeare Project. She's been a staple at the Lyric Stage, the SpeakEasy Stage, and the American Repertory Theatre.Her movie credits include Irrational Man, Next Stop Wonderland, Mermaids, Malice, and The March Sisters at Christmas. Television credits include voicing characters on Squigglevision (ABC), The Dick and Paula Celebrity Special (FX), Hey Money(Oxyge...

Mariano grew up in Hamburg, visited the U.S. as an exchange student, studied acting and performing in Germany and married an actress he met in school. He has performed all over Europe. Support the show

Kristina fell in love with musical theater as a child and, as a result, became an actress, singer, and educator. Born and raised in Germany, she's traveled extensively and has an exciting future in front of her.Support the show

Demetri studied mathematics and theater at Swarthmore College and Villanova University, piano and music theory and harmony at Athens Conservatory, Commedia dell’Arte, neutral mask, clown and bouffon, and classical voice. He speaks English and Greek fluently, intermediate French and Italian, and Ancient Greek.Support the show

Peter Kelley is an acting coach and director of film and theatre. His clients include Chris O'Donnell, Eliza Dushku, L.L. Cool J and Eric Ruben. He currently works on the network TV show, NCIS: Los Angeles. Support the show

Fareeda is a native New Yorker whose Pakistani background is more similar to my Jewish background than I would have thought. Her credentials are impeccable. She is a brilliant consultant and an up and coming singer.Support the show

Liz started in San Diego, sailed with adventurous parents, went to school in Washington D.C. and London, lived in Africa and returned to the U.S. at the start of the pandemic. Her brilliance and flexibility are inspirational.Support the show

Heike is an actress, dancer, model, and teacher. Born in Germany, she came to New York City to study acting but spent some time in Canada as a result of the tragedy of 9-11. Since then, she's acted, danced, become a mother, and then a model. Her story is another example of how our lives are not lived in a straight line.Support the show

Soon-to-be attorney Tracy (she graduates law school in December and takes the bar exam in February) is already an expert on art related law and helped found a business that assists people and organizations in the navigation of national and international money laundering laws and regulations. We talk about art, money laundering, and other fun subjects.Support the show

Stefanie studied fine art at the Städelschule in Frankfurt/Main, with Per Kirkeby, and was also a master student there. In London she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art with Bruce McLean. Her work is inspired by her travels and love of story telling.Support the show

Angela Gant received two national playwriting awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, including the Paula Vogel Award for Social Darwinism (published by Samuel French). Ms. Gant also enjoyed attending the Sundance Theatre Laboratory as the Kennedy Center Grantee. Support the show

It's the 100th episode!!! I keep it short and sweet. I thank people and I implore you to get involved.Support the show

Walt started life as a farmer, became a gym rat, a poker player and a podcaster. His podcast, Be Raw can be found at www.berawpodcast.com. He's honest, frank and, well, raw.Support the show

Steve Walter is a fixture of the New York music scene. A Berkley Music School graduate and guitar player, Steve worked his way from being a garment district worker to owning one of the most influential clubs in the world. Along the way he became friends with the biggest names in the business and continues to support live music.Support the show

Patrick and I met acting in. an off-Broadway musical together. He's taught and acted a lot and recently created the award-winning documentary, Just a Broadway Baby: Mary Ellen Ashley. We talk about creativity, queerness, and a lot of other fun stuff. Support the show

Daniel Monte's over ten years of classical training through the Royal Conservatory of Music in violin and piano, coupled with his passion of music, allows him to fuse symphonic arrangements with contemporary music to create a unique sound. His arrangements blend classical instrumentation and film-like motifs with pop sounds featuring electric guitars and synthesizers. Support the show

Bass virtuoso Clint Bahr just released a new solo album “PUZZLEBOX” on Moonjune Records. The album features members of King Crimson, YES, Van Der Graaf Generator, Sun Ra and others. His passion for music is unparalleled. Support the show

Best known for her role as Jody Banks in The Fall Guy (starring Lee Majors), Heather talks about being the Blonde Archetypical character, navigating life as an attractive young woman in Hollywood and the world at large. We also discuss stalking, fly fishing, politics, chickens and more. Support the show

Jessica can be heard hourly on NPR's hundreds of member stations throughout the US, and internationally, acknowledging and thanking the financial supporters and partners of public radio. She coaches on-air hosts and reporters in voice techniques and delivery. She also is a top-notch actress with whom I've worked professionally.Support the show

Ed Gaffney is a veteran criminal defense attorney specializing in appellate work. He's also a multi-published legal thriller author who was nominated for an Edgar, a prestigious award from Mystery Writers of America. They talk about Ed's new streaming project, "A Marriage of Inconvenience" (soon to appear on the gay streaming service Dekkoo ) as well as the law, prejudice, and America's criminal justice system. Support the show

I first met Tom in college. Now we're neighbors in Brooklyn and he's worked with Tom Hanks, Al Pacino, Rami Malek, and many more great people. We talk candidly about sexuality, growing up in Long Island, the fact that Tom Hank's is really that nice, and more. The sound quality is a little off because I changed computers, but it's still a great episode.Support the show

Bertina is on a mission to advance equity in the tech industry and disrupt the status quo to build a more inclusive workplace. A Berkeley trained engineer with a Harvard MBA, Bertina was a big shot business woman who had an epiphany and now runs a non-profit dedicated to inspiring interest in IT professions, building tech skills, and launching successful careers for youth from traditionally underserved communities and for military veterans. Support the show

I graduated from New York City’s Cardozo School of Law and have represented New York Times bestselling authors, screenwriters, actors, Oscar-nominated producers, and theatrical and film production companies. I’ve worked as an actor and performer with experience that includes commercials, film, and New York theater. I’m a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, the film, television, and stage acting unions. I'm tired of the lack of integrity and compassion in this country and the world.Su...

Sacramento raised Early Times is a blues guitarist who started playing professionally when he was sixteen. His new album, Electric City, Debuts on May 6, 2022. It features amazing musicians and original songs.Support the show

Thea's journey has so far included being a journalist, a screenwriter represented by a major international talent agency, and work in the field of venture capital. She is a great example of what is possible for life-long learners.Support the show

Jamie was born and raised in the American South. After getting her degree from the University of Pennsylvania, she lived in New York City and then moved to France where she lives today. She's studied psychology, art, and now runs a hotel, makes jam, writes cook books and hosts a podcast. Hers continues to be a fascinating journey.Support the show

Jay Messina is a veteran engineer/producer who's worked on albums by legendary artists like Aerosmith, KISS, Miles Davis, John Lennon, Peter Frampton, Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Supertramp, many, many others.Support the show

A graduate of Brooklyn's Pratt Institute, Shea is a gifted artist, a musician, and the creator and host of the podcast and story series The Green Country. Support the show

Benedict is a director and assistant director with a large page full of credits on the Internet Movie Database. He grew up in the Bavarian region of Germany, lives in Munich, and works all over the world.Support the show

Born into a musical family in Montana, Colleen was raised on country music. With a degree in musical theater, she moved to New York City and formed the band Sweetgrass. They performed regularly and released a CD called Primal. After Sweetgrass, she continued as a solo artist and has released three EPs: The One Who Listens, In The Clouds, and the most recent Cowgirl Royalty .Support the show

Theresa's commercial photography business, Terri Diamond, is one of the most successful businesses of its kind. Theresa started photography thanks to a teacher's suggestion and has been creating amazing photographs ever since. Support the show

Professor Ruben teaches criminal law, professional responsibility, and a seminar on the Second Amendment. His scholarly work has been published in the California Law Review, Duke Law Journal, Georgetown Law Journal, Iowa Law Review, and Yale Law Journal Forum. He's provided legal commentary for ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CNN, The Atlantic, NPR, and CBS Radio.Prof. Ruben was a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice and an adju...

Scott has been a carwash attendant, a legislative staffer for three State Senators, and now a published author. Scott writes gritty literary fiction about maddeningly dysfunctional humans. Though primarily a novelist, he has had his short fiction and poetry featured in many publications. Support the show

Wendy grew up in Rochester, went to the illustrious RIT, then went to the big city and never looked back. She's worked for several major corporations and business entities. We also talk about the magic of diversity in New York City.Support the show

Sathya is the creator, writer, and director of the award-winning web series, "Doggy Style", and many other projects. His journey started in Sri Lanka and is currently in New York City. This multi-hyphenate is even building an electric car!Support the show

Rebecca has worked literally all over the world as a chef, but she didn't realize that was her calling until she was in college cooking for everyone. She now has her own personal chef business based in Brooklyn.Support the show

Carolee started acting and singing and stumbled into becoming one of the most requested and heard voiceover talents in the United States. She shares the winding road of her creative life and even gives helpful hints for aspiring voiceover artists.Support the show

Featured in dozens of media outlets including The New York Times, New York Magazine, New York Post, Daily Mail, The Daily Beast, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, CNN, USA Today, Gothamist, Humans of New York, and Gawker, Morgan Gliedman’s high-profile arrest for explosives possession captivated the press. How did a Park Avenue doctor’s daughter end up hooked on heroin, handcuffed in her West Village apartment at nine months pregnant? Support the show

Corinne is an experienced executive and entrepreneur who conceived and created a brand of designer eyewear and carved a new niche in the optical industry. She's written a memoir and now has a successful real estate business.Support the show

Ursula comes from a family of musicians and performers. She moves seamlessly between these roles and talks about the joy in all of them.Support the show

Samantha is a disabled veteran, professional dog trainer, skydiver and author. She speaks several languages, has been a model, worked in national security, and says she's an introvert but is a great conversationalist. Support the show

Joshua is a Naval Academy graduate, Marine combat veteran, helicopter pilot, car collector, beekeeper, and storyteller. A former client, you can find his previous series, the Shifter Chronicles, wherever digital books are sold.Support the show

Hank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of 13 thrillers, winning the most prestigious awards in the genre: five Agathas, four Anthonys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, with 37 EMMYs and dozens more journalism honors. Hank is a founder of MWA University and The Back Room; and National Sisters in Crime past president. Visit Hank online at HankPhillippiRyan.com, on Twitter @HankPRyan, on Instagram @hankprya...

Joe Newberry is a Missouri native and North Carolina transplant who has played music most of his life. His powerful and innovative banjo playing, as well as his songwriting, guitar skills, fiddling, and singing delights audiences around the world. Find him on Twitter at @joenewberry. http://joenewberry.me/wordpress/Support the show

Claire Bethke is an award-winning artist, designer and writer. She studied fashion, costume history and English literature at University of Washington and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She has worked in fashion design, costume for television, product design, fine art and home styling.Support the show

Sandy has been a friend of mine for a long time and I had no idea the magnitude of her work as a film editor. She's worked all over the world on film and TV projects. She's worked with amazing people and accomplished great things. Usually living in Munich, in this episode she spoke to me from Berlin while working on her latest project. Her work is listed at her IMDB page.Support the show

Aaron is an international touring and recording artist. He has performed solo and chamber music in Europe, Russia, Taiwan, and across the United States including El Palacio de Linares in Madrid, Spain, Sheremetev Palace in Russia, and Palazzo del Te & Ducale in Mantova, Italy. A gifted performer and speaker, he is sought for his deft programming of new and standard repertoire, while connecting with audiences with a Bernstein-esque ease. In 2019 Aaron received a medal from the Sociét...

Trained in journalism and project management, Faith used her skills to publish several self-help books including. The Real Book on How to Cook: Secrets Mother Never Told You, which won 'Best Cook Book' at the African American Literary Awards. Faith has writen several children's books as she follows in the footsteps of her cousin, legendary children's author Virginia Hamilton. Faith is a former Web producer for MSNBC.com and the Discovery Channel.Support the show

From her days in Europe during the mid-80's as a sidekick on Radio Luxembourg to today, Liz has been a commercial/industrial voice talent for 20 years. You can see her on screen in films like Little Women and TV shows like Kevin Can F**k Himself. Find out more on her IMDB page. Support the show

Jennifer is a historical fantasy writer, an MFA graduate, medical writer, editor, proofreader, online instructor. We met at a writers conference and she became a client of my literary agency. After I closed my agency she moved on to other representation. We talk about how the creative journey is never a straight line.Support the show

Kathy's latest book. It's Your Funeral, helps demystify death, decrease anxiety, and put the fun back in funeral. Every stage of the legacy planning process is considered, from a burial outfit to a funeral theme. Practical and cheeky questions alike are answered. Kathy's work has appeared on various sites including Uproxx and Playboy’s The Smoking Jacket. She is also a regular contributor to Cracked. After pit stops in New Jersey, California, and the UK, Kathy now resides in Austin...

Laurence started his writing career working on the TV comedy, Desmond’s, a show about a "non-conforming" family and the regulars of his hairdressers shop in Peckham, London. While still working as a screenwriter, he became a Diversity Consultant for Universities and the British government. Support the show

Duncan is a professional film and television actor, as well as an award winning screenwriter and producer. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, his credits include “The Judge,” “Mystic River,” “R.I.P.D.,” “The Town,” & “Brilliant Mistakes,” and TV commercials. Support the show

Alan Haber was a public defender for three decades and then had a private legal practice. Years earlier he was a gun-carrying drug dealer earning thousands of dollars a day. He had numerous drug-related felony convictions in his 20s and early 30s . In our interview, he discusses how he went from foster homes and prisons to NYU Law School and a successful legal career. Support the show

Shonna Cirone is an award winning actor, singer, and narrator with credits including The Huntington Theater, Lyric Stage Company, Speakeasy Stage, Greater Boston Stage Company, Moonbox Productions, Wheelock Family Theater, and the Hanover Theater. She sings with cover band Close Enough and is embarking on a new chapter of her career, narrating audio books. You can find her at https://www.shonnacirone.com.Support the show

After growing up in Georgia, Cheryl hit the high seas and worked in the cruise industry. After taking a break and waitressing, Cheryl discovered her talent for writing and coaching others to write. You can learn more about Cheryl and her business at www.CopyLuv.com.Support the show

Anna is the Executive Director of The Conversationalist. She is a writer, attorney and scholar of Soviet history, censorship, and human rights, with degrees from Duke University, Harvard Law School and Princeton University.Support the show

As a stage manager, general manager, and producer on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway, Tony, Drama Desk, OBIE, and IT Awards pepper Bailie’s resume. She is the founder of Entertaining Finance and is a financial advisor. For more information, go to http://www.entertainingfinance.com.Support the show

A critically acclaimed author of Young Adult novels, Sarah is also an instructor in the Writing Department at Western Connecticut State University and teaches creative writing at the Yale Summer Writers’ Conference. She is also an award-winning opinion columnist. https://sarahdarerlittman.com.Support the show

Holes in the Wall Collective is a non-profit organization that engages with the world, acknowledging the deep wounds at the hands of humanity, while actively supporting those courageous enough to transform it. Dhira Rauch & Julia Meeks are cofounders and discuss their mission. You can learn more at https://www.holesinthewallcollective.org.Support the show

Lydian comes from Nashville and, as an actor who studied at NYU, brings a theatricality to her songs and performances. We talk about music, guitars, coming out, gender roles and more! Find Lydian on instagram at @lydiagranered or Spotify or other music services.Support the show

Sarah is the author of the book, "Guac is Extra But So Am I." Sarah is a NYC based writer with a background in content strategy, copywriting, journalism, and social media. Her journey has taken her from Massachusetts to Philadelphia to New York City. Her writing career includes considerable experience in the fashion industry. For more information, go to https://www.sarah-sol.com.Support the show

I met Tal Shulman at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival where he blew me away in a small role in Shakespeare in Love. We talk about being Canadian, Jewish, Gay, socialism and so much more.Support the show

Alex is a friend and client who's been on Oprah! You saw her as a vegan chef in Super Size Me for which she was nominated for an Oscar. We talk about her art, her encouragement and coaching of other artists, and how creativity fights fascism. You can check out her art at www.alexandrajamieson.com/home/art.Support the show

Before I started this podcast, I grew up in the same area as Jerry Seinfeld and Alec Baldwin. I graduated from New York City’s Cardozo School of Law and have represented New York Times bestselling authors, screenwriters, actors, Oscar-nominated producers, and theatrical and film production companies. I’ve worked as an actor and performer with experience that includes commercials, film, and New York theater. I’m a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA, the film, television, and stage acting unions...

Originally from the Northeast, Patience has lived in France, Connecticut, Ohio and New Mexico and now resides in New York City. She has a master’s degree in French literature and is an editor for Harlequin.Support the show

Sara graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Summa Cum Laude/Phi Beta Kappa with a dual major in English and Hispanic Studies and a minor in creative writing, including courses in children's literature, copyediting, and screenwriting. She joined HarperCollins in 2019 after starting her publishing career at Penguin Random House. She works on picture books up through teen. She's also an author herself. You can find her at saraschonfeldbooks.com.Support the show

Sean is a director of sitcoms, husband or an actress & dialogue coach, and father of Katelyn. She's a sports photographer who's shot events like the World Series and Sugar Bowl, just to name a few. Understanding that showbiz doesn't mean constant employment, Sean studied personal finance and shares what he's learned with Katelyn on an enjoyable and educational podcast, Dads, Daughters, and Dollars.Support the show

I met Dorothy at a Romance Writers Convention before she was a writer. She started as a fan and ultimately became a multi-published author. She spent her days in the corporate world and her nights with her Mac on her lap. Now she has her own business in addition to her writing. Find out more at http://www.dorothyfshaw.com.Support the show

Barbara is an Ivy-League educated clown whose work transcends performance art. She's also an ordained minister who performs many kinds of weddings. We talk about serving audiences and recognizing who they are. You can learn more about her at www.jesterofthepeace.com.Support the show

Elia is an award-winning writer of erotic romance. She also reviews sex toys. We discuss these topics as well as log cabins and more!Support the show

Shannon has been a writer and studied literature and criminal justice. A chance meeting lead to her becoming Eric Ruben's literary intern. Her performance in that role lead to her becoming his junior agent. When he had to fold his agency for personal reasons, Shannon started her own agency and many of Eric's clients followed her. She has built on that and now leads www.VictressLiterary.com.Support the show

Dee started her journey in Texas as an athlete. As you'll hear, she became an actress, moved to Los Angeles, became "the Tide Lady" and ended up working for and with Roseanne Barr. If that's not enough of a ride, she became a Romance writer and has numerous books available. For more info on that, go to www.deejadams.com.Support the show

Phyllis started life in New Jersey and along the way to Maine she has written, performed and recorded great music. She's become a therapist who has created mental health resources that are actually fun! You can find them at www.possibilityprintables.com. We talk about it all including the adventures of addiction, recovery, and discovering sexual identity!Support the show

A New Yorker who's a veteran of numerous productions all over the world, Mara is equally comfortable with computers as she was a "genius" with Apple. When not performing or teaching theater, she helps people become more comfortable with their technology. You can learn more about her at www.marajillherman.com and www.technotherapynyc.com.Support the show

Terry Kitchen's latest album, Lost Songs, has hit #13 on the national Folk-DJ airplay chart. The Boston Globe has called Terry "one of New England's best songwriters." In 2020 his CD "Next Time We Meet" hit #5 on the national Folk-DJ chart and his single "Party on the Roof" hit #4 on the song chart. A native of Ohio who went to college in Los Angeles and chased him music dreams to Boston, Terry has been a friend of mine for 40 years. Few people know more about the history and creation of pop ...

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, and Denver, Debra Lynn Shelton is a young adult, women’s fiction, and mystery writer, and former rock princess. You can listen to her music at https://www.reverbnation.com/debralynnlazar.Support the show

Nicco comes from a Show Business family and was on his way to a movie-related career when working with the famous film director, Roger Corman. But his path took a sharp turn and led him to become an award nominated novelist. He also bakes, makes furniture, and is married to the brilliant and talented author, Zoe Archer. Support the show

Cindy McKeown graduated Cornell and seemed headed for law school, thanks to a scholarship at a top school, but she took a significant turn and became a political activist and, ultimately, a filmmaker. Her latest film, Unacceptable Risk, tells the story of a prominent cancer researcher who began rethinking her assumptions about the causes of cancer and the true burden of environmentally induced cancers.Her latest 16-minute documentary can be viewed any time at https://www.cancerfreeecono...

Carly is a Canadian who has an actual Masters Degree in Publishing Studies. She represents a wide variety of authors and is a Senior VP of the P.S. Literary AgencySupport the show

Since studying vocal performance at NYU and Mannes College of Music, Greg has toured in several productions with Philip Glass, and performed in pieces created by avant-garde luminaries Meredith Monk and Anthony Braxton.His show, "BABALU-CY! The Art of Desi Arnaz" debuted at Metropolitan Room in 2007, won a Backstage Bistro Award in 2008 and went on to an Off-Broadway run at the Actor’s Temple in New York’s Theater District. A presentation of the show at Hofstra University’s Monroe Cente...

Zoë earned her MFA in Fiction from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, but she’s lived almost her entire life in California. She's married to fellow romance author Nico Rosso. Support the show

Kim Masters covered the legal profession and politics before becoming an expert on the entertainment industry. She is an editor at large with the Hollywood Reporter and hosts a show on public radio's KCRW called The Business. She was instrumental in covering Harvey Weinstein and the #metoo movement. Ms. Masters has served as a correspondent for NPR, contributing editor at Vanity Fair, and has written for Time, Esquire, and The Washington Post.Support the show

J.D. Kelly and I grew up a few blocks from each other. We were both loved, and were in, musical theatre. J.D. talks about being in "hair bands", living happily, being the lead singer for Eaglemania (the world's premier Eagles tribute band) and so much more. Support the show

Gem Blackthorn is a Tampa-based writer, editor, podcast co-host, and Tarot reader.Support the show

Zoe was a New York City kid with enormous talent. She attended the Fame School (Laguardia High) and Hunter College and works as both a teacher and artist.Support the show

Andrea lives and works in Switzerland but records and performs internationally. Her inspiration comes from sources as interesting and diverse as folk music of Switzerland and Ireland to Mozart to English pop music. Support the show

After studying acting in Minnesota, and starring in a production of Romeo & Juliet where the star-crossed couple lives happily ever after, Leah came to the Big Apple and has been on Broadway, TV and more. Support the show

Andy came to New York City soon after September 11. Since then he's been in movies like Bridge of Spies and TV shows like Orange is the New Black. He also teaches in some of the most prestigious schools. He does all of it with joy and generosity.Support the show

Jason has been acting since he was very young. An out and married gay man, he is now creating his own projects and discusses what it's like to navigate all these waters before and during the pandemic.Support the show