Story Matters: Recent Episodes
Curt Mega
A weekly podcast with creators Curt Mega, Kim Whalen and Mike Tobias, exploring the art of storytelling with retrospectives on films and stories new and old, examining their impact, their legacy and their lessons and applying them to the world today. Each episode we will take a deep dive into stories across a wide variety of genres and mediums to gain better insight and understanding into how the stories we tell shape our lives, impact our culture and transform our world. Special guests and in-depth conversations about the creative process and the art of storytelling. New episodes every Monday. Available on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast or wherever you listen to podcasts! You can also find all episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com
In this episode of Story Matters, Bryce Charles (Ella Ashmore) joins me to talk about the creative whirlwind of bringing Starkid’s Cinderella’s Castle to life. From developing Ella’s emotional journey to exploring the dynamic between Ella and Tadius, Bryce shares what it was like to take on the lead role in a brand-new Starkid musical, all while building the show from scratch in record time. We dive into:
• How the tone of the show was discovered • The pressure and joy of creating something this fast • Behind-the-scenes stories from the rehearsal room • The process of shaping a fairytale heroine with modern heart 👑 Cinderella’s Castle was written by Nick and Matt Lang, directed by Nick Lang, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim. 🎵 Get the album on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cinderellas-castle-original-starkid-cast-recording/1801909042 🎙️ Story Matters is a show about the stories that shape us, hosted by Curt Mega. Join my Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/curtmega Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/curtmega Follow me on Bluesky: @curtmega.bsky.social
We're back with the only Academy Award discussion you need! Joey Richter returns to talk all things Oscars 2025! Join us as we dive into the year's best films! Join my Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/curtmega Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/curtmega Follow me on Bluesky: @curtmega.bsky.social
On this episode of the podcast, I had the absolute joy of chatting with the brilliant and delightful Meredith Stepien. We dove into our shared love for VHS Christmas Carols, the art of crafting cinematic vibes that radiate coziness and calm, and the beauty of embracing imperfection. Meredith also shares her perspective on releasing the weight of ambition and rediscovering joy in the creative process. You can check out VHS Christmas Carols right now at https://starkid.vhx.tv/products/vhs-christmas-carols-2024-digital-rental. Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on BlueSky, IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega
Janaya Mahealani Jones, star of the newest Starkid musical 'VHS Christmas Carols', joins me to chat about the show! Check out the VHS Christmas Carols digital ticket, available now through the end of 2023! For live episodes, join me on Twitch at Twitch.TV/curtmega Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega
Director James Tolbert joins me to chat about directing the newest Starkid musical, VHS Christmas Carols! Check out the VHS Christmas Carols digital ticket, available now through the end of 2023! For live episodes, join me on Twitch at Twitch.TV/curtmega Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega
Joey Richter joins me for our annual Oscars roundtable as we talk about the films that marked the surreal, bizarre and crazy year that was 2020.
Every few months I host an interactive art collaboration called Project Create where Patrons from my Patreon create artwork based on a prompt that I share. This most recent prompt was Back on Track. As we attempt to figure out a new normal in the uncertain world of 2020, I felt compelled and inspired by the idea of getting my life back on track despite the difficulties in the way. I invited my Patrons to create as they were inspired and these are some of the amazing written submissions I received.
"Back on Track" poem by Emily Lettau
"Back on Track" music and lyrics by Vica Radziwon
"On Track" poem by Anna Riots (also featuring her original music)
"In a Courtyard That's Not Mine" poem by MSN
"June's Revenge" short story by Jessica McQuillan
"Maggie the Brave" short story by Emaley Rose
"The Race of the Century" short story by RCT
"On the Right Track" from Pippin Trombone Aarrangement by Emily McCulloch
"Journal Entries" from anonymous
"The Train is Coming" by Curt Mega
Featuring the voices of Kim Whalen and Curt Mega narrating
Become a Patron at Patreon.com/curtmega
In this special installment of the podcast, my Warbler bros, Riker Lynch, Dominic Tracy, Jon Hall, Telly Leung, Eddy Martin, Brock Baker and Tim Davis join me to reflect on our time working on Glee, how the experience has impacted out lives and what we've been up to since then!
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This week on the podcast, we discuss strategies to cope during this crazy and uncertain time. From baking, to watching dystopian films, to setting small, realistic and achievable goals, we have all been finding different ways to stay mentally sharp and emotionally stable. How do you battle the impulse to be constantly productive when you are stuck at home? Is there a healthy balance of goal setting without pushing yourself to an unrealistic and unhealthy level of expectation?
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In this Advice Corner episode, we tackle the obstacle of CREATIVE ROADBLOCKS! How do you navigate around them before they become insurmountable? Then, a bonus radio-play sketch from my January Writer's Room... MURDER PLANE!
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It's a strange, scary and chaotic time right now. This week, in the wake of the coronavirus that has engulfed every aspect of society and culture as we know it, we discuss strategies for coping as artists and storytellers to maximize creativity, stay motivated, and find the silver lining in the midst of chaos.
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com
In this month's ADVICE CORNER, we tackle the question: "How are you able to keep yourself focused on current projects and see them all the way through?". How do we overcome creative roadblocks while maintaining healthy life habits at the same time?! Join us as we share our insight into this question and more!
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Joey Richter (from Tin Can Brothers, Team Starkid, Jesseon Disney Channel and more) joins us for the 4th year in a row for our 2020 ACADEMY AWARDS OSCAR SPECTACULAR! We dive into each of the nominated films along with the main categories. So put on your best tux or gown, hop in a limo and join us on the RED CARPET for this year's STORY MATTERS OSCARS PODCAST!
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Vijay Nazareth, creator of Pixel Playhouse and AVbyte , joins us on this week's episode to talk about the FUTURE OF THEATRE! How does theatre adapt for the digital age in a way that's both accessible and relevant? Vijay's mission is to bring theatre TO THE INTERNET, to make it more accessible and break down the barrier between creator and audience.
- LINK: Check out Pixel Playhouse on Twitch!
- Find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com
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Where will the next decade of filmmaking take us? How will technology and A.I. affect the creative process and what will its impact be on storytellers and creators? In this episode, we take a look ahead at the next decade of filmmaking and storytelling and try to imagine what the future of storytelling will look like and how we can be prepared for it.
- Article link: Warner Bros. Signs Deal for AI-Driven Film Management System
- Article link: How Will the Movies (As We Know Them) Survive the Next 10 Years?
- Find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com
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In this month's ADVICE CORNER episode, we tackle the question; How do you deal with feedback and criticism, both positive and negative, in a way that is useful to your own creative process? Then in part two of the episode, a special GROUP COLLAB radio-play titled The Wedding from Hell!
We discuss the media, stories and events that defined the decade, both for us on a personal level and on a cultural and global level. From The Social Network, to Game of Thrones, to Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly, to the the impact of Netflix changing the streaming game with House of Cards, to the rise of the Disney Empire, to the Me Too Movement, the past decade has had a profound impact on the stories we tell and how we tell them.
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Curt and Kim react to the most recent Star Wars film, The Rise of Skywalker, and share their thoughts and perspective on whether or not the film is a worthy end to the Skywalker Saga. They also discuss the cultural discourse around the film and what it means for the future of Star Wars.
NON-SPOILER section is 0:00-13:47!
SPOILERS SECTION begins at 13:48!
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We talk candidly about what lessons we've learned along the way as artists and storytellers over the past ten years in Los Angeles. For all three of us, the beginning of this decade marked a huge transition, leaving behind our lives in Texas for the glitz, the glamor and the rude awakening that is Hollywood. We've experienced a lot of ups and downs along the way and in this episode, we share our perspectives as we look back at this last chapter of our creative lives.
- Link: Mike Tobias's poetry collection
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In this episode, we explore the definition of poetry, duality in storytelling and examine four different approaches to revisionism in creating historical fiction.
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Curt, Mike and Kim dive into the world of revisionist storytelling, starting with Quentin Tarantino's newest film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. What is the moral responsibility of the storyteller to get the facts right when dealing with an actual historical event in their story? Can they play fast and loose with history? What sort of impact can this have on not only the audience but also the memory of the historical figures in question? Join them for this new, in-depth exploration of this fascinating aspect of the creative process of storytelling.
- Find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com
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Ty Simpkins (Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man 3, Jurassic World, Insidious, The Nice Guys and more) joins us to talk about his experience as a young actor working in a slew of major franchises and creating characters that are part of a global phenomenon. We also talk spoiler culture, water-cooler conversations, and what it's like to know the end of a story years before the world gets a chance to see it. You can listen to all episodes of Story Matters at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
How do you make a character death really count? In the wake of Avengers: Endgame and Game of Thrones: The Long Night, we break down the question of how to go about sticking the landing of a character's final chapter and fate with a NON-spoiler conversation reacting to Marvel's epic conclusion to their 22 film Infinity Saga and the much anticipated Fire vs. Ice battle for Winterfell! Then, at the 31:15 minute mark, we move into an IN-DEPTH SPOILER-FILLED discussion about both the film and the episode. Enjoy!
You can email us at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com and you can listen to all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
In the wake of spoiler leaks surrounding Avengers: End Game, Game of Thrones and even Star Wars, does science actually prove that spoilers are a good thing in helping the audience better appreciate the story?! In this episode of the podcast, Curt, Mike and Kim dive into the world of spoilers to examine their impact on the viewing experience and the weight of responsibility storytellers have in creating suspense while also sticking the landing of a dramatic and shocking ending. How do YOU feel about spoilers? Do you seek them out? Do you avoid them at all costs? We'd love to hear from you! You can email your thoughts and answers to storymatterspodcast@gmail.com and you can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com
As the final season of Game of Thrones begins to roll, we ask the question; Does the show mark the end of the water cooler conversation as we know it? Has the binge-watching model changed the way we engage with stories? We'd love to hear from you! Email us your thoughts at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com.
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Corey Lubowich (Tin Can Brothers, Starkid) joins us to talk about how internet criticism affects the creative process and shares some personal insights on how fandom and audience interaction has impacted the way he creates and collaborates with other artists and storytellers.
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and you can email us your questions, comments and feedback to storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
Are expectations ruining the way we watch movies? In this episode of the podcast, we explore what sort of films were impacted by negative reviews but have come to be fan favorites in hindsight, despite an initially poor critical reception. Then we take a deep dive into Jordan Peel's newest nightmare with a spoiler-filled roundtable discussion about the meaning, symbolism and interpretations of Us!
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and you can email us your questions, comments and feedback to storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
We wade into the controversial waters of the recent J.K. Rowling backlash and examine what sort of authority creators have over their own work once it’s released out into the world. Should they be allowed to explain their intentions with a character or story when those elements are seemingly missing from the text? Does the demand for a creator to stay relevant put them in a position of baiting an audience without really paying it off in the material they create? What sort of authority or weight should we give to creators commenting on their own work? We then continue the conversation about how sites like Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic and Cinema Score impact the moviegoing experience and ask whether or not the need to rate movies in a black and white sort of way actually... ruins them? How does expectation affect our perception of the quality of the stories we listen to?
You can find all episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Each episode of Imagined Life takes you on an immersive journey into the life of a world-famous person. It’ll be someone you may think you know, or even admire. You’ll get clues to your identity along the way. But only in the final moments will you find out who “you” really are. So sit back, let go, and -- imagine your life. Subscribe now at wondery.fm/storymatters.
Curt, Kim and Mike brave the sea of internet trolls to examine the function of movie review sites like Rotten Tomatoes and explore their impact on the filmgoing experience. We also explore the validity of "hot takes" for the sake of clickbait and the nature of toxic criticism.
Story Matters alum Joey Richter returns for the 3rd year to take a deep dive into THE ACADEMY AWARDS! We break down the wins and losses, the snubs and successes, and we ask the question... what sort of impact will this year's awards have on future generation of filmmakers and artists?
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
We break down the ups and downs of the 2019 Academy Awards as we ask the question... In the age of the streaming video and niche fandom, do the Academy Awards still hold the power and relevance they once did?
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
In this episode of the podcast, we react to the 2019 SAG Awards and explore what it could mean for the current Oscar race. Then we continue our exploration of awards season by asking the question... what is the IMPACT of winning The Oscar? We continue our film retrospectives on recent Best Picture winners Spotlight, Moonlight and The Shape of Water and examine what sort of impact the awards they received have had on the artists who created them, the creative process and culture at large.
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
In this episode of the podcast, we react to the 2019 Oscar nominations and then take a deep dive into recent Best-Picture winners with film retrospectives on Spotlight, Moonlight, and The Shape of Water as we ask the question… what makes for a best-picture winning film?
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
In this episode of the podcast, Curt, Kim and Mike tackle the age-old question of... DO AWARDS EVEN MATTER?! We break down the differences between some of the major awards shows and begin our exploration of how awards season impact storytelling, the creative process and culture as a whole.
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! We'd love to hear from you! Email us at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com!
In this first episode of 2019, we talk resolutions, setting creative intentions for the new year, the films that most impacted us in 2018 and we finish off our exploration of the Disney Remake with a double feature retrospective on 1977 Pete’s Dragon and the 2016 remake directed by David Lowery!
Curt’s favorite films of 2018:
You Were Never Really Here
Hereditary
Eighth Grade
Mission Impossible: Fallout
Annihilation
Bad Times at the El Royale
Game Night
Searching
Private Life
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Upgrade
Mike’s favorite films of 2018:
Roma
Into the Spider-Verse
Blindspotting
Eighth Grade
Mission Impossible: Fallout
Crazy Rich Asians
Ballad of Buster Scruggs
Suspiria
Kim's favorite films of 2018:
Won’t You Be My Neighbor
A Quiet Place
Eighth Grade
Isle of Dogs
Bad Times at the El Royale
Game Night
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts!
In our third entry of our Disney December, we take a look at the 1964 classic Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dykeand compare it to 2018’s Mary Poppins Returnsstarring Emily Blunt and Lin Manuel Miranda in a spoiler filled roundtable discussion on the film! Where does this film fall on the sequel/remake spectrum? Does the newest entry into this universe continue the legacy created by Disney and company in the 1960’s? What are the essential benchmarks that captures the spirit of what makes the original Mary Poppins perhaps the most iconic of all Disney films? Grab your umbrella and join us for part 3 of DISNEY DECEMBER!
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
We continue Disney December on the podcast with a Disney double feature, exploring the 1950 animated classic Cinderellacompared to the 2015 live action remake directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Lily James and the 1967 classic film The Jungle Book up against the 2016 live action remake directed by Jon Favreau. You can find all episodes of Story Matters at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
We kick off DISNEY DECEMBER with an in depth exploration of the 1991 animated classic Beauty and the Beast and compare and contrast it to the 2017 live action remake starring Emma Watson. Along the way we ask the question of what defines a good remake? What does this trend of Disney remaking all of its animated classics add to the conversation? Does it tarnish the legacy of the originals or does it revamp and reinvent these classic stories for a new age? You can find all episodes of Story Matters at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Jon Cozart joins the show to take a deep dive with us into the world of Amadeus, the 1984 Academy Award winning musical biopic directed by Milos Forman about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as we cap off our exploration of the musical biopic genre with what is considered by many as the greatest biopic of all time! We also examine how this film speaks directly to our culture today (specifically us as artists), our own personal struggle with jealousy, ego, the fear of not being good enough and the madness that is the creative process.
You can find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
We've all been there. The crowds. The grabbing hands. The pushing. The shoving. It's the most American of all the holidays... yep, it's BLACK FRIDAY!
In episode 48 of the podcast, we have an honest and candid conversation about the struggle to prioritize creativity when life and work seem to constantly to get in the way. Then, we continue our exploration of the musical biopic with a retrospective on the 2004 film Ray starring Jamie Foxx in an Oscar winning performance. How does the film hold up 14 years later? What similarities and tropes does it use from the biopic genre and how do these compare to our two previous entries of Bohemian Rhapsody and Walk the Line? You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
ARTICLES:
- Jamie Foxx Was an ‘Embarrassment’ During ‘Ray’ Oscar Season, Until Oprah and Sidney Poitier Intervened
Curt, Kim, and Mike, along with special guest Eric Carroll, continue their exploration of the MUSICAL BIOPIC with an in-depth retrospective on the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. We compare and contrast this 2005 biopic classic alongside last week’s film focus of Bohemian Rhapsody and examine the similarities and tropes that both films share. We also take a look at the 2007 comedy masterpiece Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and examine how it deconstructs the biopic genre with both reverence and scathing sarcasm. You can find all episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING:
Kim - Private Life (streaming Netflix)
Mike - Mad Men (streaming Netflix)
Eric - The Office (streaming Netflix)
Curt - Young Adult (streaming on Amazon)
Articles:
-"DRUGS AND JUNE CARTER’ – JOHNNY CASH’S FIRST WIFE REVEALS WHAT RUINED THEIR MARRIAGE"
-"Johnny Cash's first wife tells of romance, heartbreak"
-"Johnny Cash's Daughter Storms Out of 'Walk the Line' Premiere Over Portrayal of Mother"
-"THE UNPOPULAR OPINION: WALK THE LINE"
-"Walk the Line Movie Review & Film Summary (2005) | Roger Ebert"
We launch our November exploration of the MUSICAL BIOPIC genre by taking a deep dive into Bohemian Rhapsody, the Freddie Mercury/Queen biopic from 20th Century Fox. We also ask the question of what makes a good biopic? What is the moral responsibility the storyteller has to tell the story exactly as it happened versus creating under the banner of “based on a true story”? When does artistic license cross the line into assassination of character?
You can email us your feedback, questions and comments to storymatterspodcast@gmail.com! You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Overcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! Please rate and review this podcast on iTunes and tell your friends, your family and your fellow storytellers!
Article link: New Rules for "Based on a True Story" by Ann Hornaday | Washington Post
We are OVERHAULING THE SHOW in a major way and are very excited to share the details about this new format with you in this episode. We also discuss our ongoing creative projects, examine the the value of reprioritizing and simplifying your life to better achieve your creative goals and talk about the power and freedom that comes from learning to FINISH PROJECTS. In our WHAT WE'VE BEEN WATCHING SEGMENT, we talk about The Amazon original series Forever,the new Drew Goddard film Bad Times at the El Royale,the new Netflix horror series The Haunting of Hill House, the new horror film by Luca Guadagnino Suspiria, the 2018 Halloween lega-sequel starring Jamie Lee Curtis. You can email us your feedback, questions and comments to storymatterspodcast@gmail.com! You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes/Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Overcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts! Please rate and review this podcast on iTunes and tell your friends, your family and your fellow storytellers!
In this episode of the podcast, we take a look back on the summer movies of 2018 and the films that most impacted us, disappointed us, excited us and made us fall in love with the cinema all over again. We also take a hard look at the trend of sequels and prequels and the fact that the top 10 grossing films of 2018 are ALL tied directly to a previously existing franchise. Then for our deep dive, we explore the rise and fall of MoviePass and its impact on the movie-going experience as a whole and ask the question of what exactly defines a "cinematic experience".
You can listen to all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast@gmail.com and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts by visiting us on iTunes!
In this episode, Curt, Mike and Kim sit down with actor Wesam Keesh (MTV's Awkward, ABC's For the People and more) to tackle the recent headline news of The Cosby Show's Geoffrey Owens' candid discussions on the realities of the jobs we take to pay our bills while trying to pursue a career in the arts. In this roundtable episode, we talk openly about the craziest side-hustles we've all had to work to pay the bills, the societal stigma and shame that seems to be applied to people working regular day-jobs to support their art, the discipline of training like an athlete even when it comes to creativity, and the value of trying new things that scare the living daylights out of you.
You can find all episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us a review and rating and let us know how the show has inspired you in your storytelling journey!
About Wesam Keesh: Wesam was raised most of his life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Union High School and followed up the rest of acting, theater, and film study at the University of Tulsa. He spent a summer in London at Imperial College focusing on theatre and the arts. Wesam moved to Los Angeles immediately after college to begin his professional film and television career. For more info on Wesam or to see some of the amazing projects he's worked on, check out his IMDB at https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3967234
It's the 10 year anniversary of Christopher Nolan's genre changing super hero crime drama The Dark Knight! In this episode, Curt, Kim, Mike and Eric take a deep dive into the 2nd installment of Nolan's Batman trilogy and examine the influence the film has had on the super hero genre as an art form, explore Heath Ledger's brilliant performance as The Joker and examine how the film holds up 10 years after its release.
We take a look at the life and legacy of Fred Rogers and break down our reactions and thoughts to Morgan Neville's latest documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor, an in depth look at the the life, philosophy and heart of Fred Rogers. We also talk about Mister Roger's Neighborhood and the impact it had on our lives as both children and adults and its call to action for our modern age. In our What We've Been Watching segment, we dive into HBO's brilliant documentary Spielberg, Season 2 of the harrowing Hulu original series The Handmaid's Tale, and the poignant and essential manual for aspiring writers Letter's To a Young Novelist. You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com! If you like what you hear, head on over to iTunes and leave us a review!
In this SUPER episode of the podcast, we take a look back at Pixar's groundbreaking 2004 film The Incredibles to discuss what influences it's had on the superhero genre as a whole and examine how it holds up 14 years later upon a rewatch. Then, we then delve into an in-depth, spoiler-filled roundtable conversation on Incredibles 2 to discuss our reactions, thoughts and takeaways on the super-sized super sequel 14 years in the making!
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com! If you like what you hear, head on over to iTunes and leave us a review!
Join the Story Matters Community: Patreon.com/storymatters
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Twitter: @storymatterspod
In this SUPER-SIZED episode of the podcast, Eric Carroll joins Curt and Mike to remember the amazing storytelling that Anthony Bourdain brought to the world. We also talk about the incredible new horror/drama film Hereditary. Then we delve into the delicate and controversial waters of toxic tribalism, specifically in reference to the backlash of The Last Jedi and the fallout of bullying on social media. Is the pop culture we consume a substitute for virtue and what is the right way to approach criticism over a particular franchise, fandom or story?
LINKS:
WHY TOXIC TRIBALISM IS DESTROYING OUR SOCIETY AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT https://medium.com/@zaiderrr/why-toxic-tribalism-is-destroying-our-society-what-to-do-about-it-e05c3391d143
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com! If you like what you hear, head on over to iTunes and leave us a review!
Join the Story Matters Community: Patreon.com/storymatters
Facebook: www.facebook.com/storymatterspodcast
Instagram: @storymatterspodcast
Twitter: @storymatterspod
In this episode of the podcast, Curt, Kim and Mike reflect on their vacation travels throughout the Caribbean and South America and see what stories inspired/impacted them during their adventures! They also discuss the positive impact that rest and reflection can have on the creative process. Take a listen as they share with each other how travel inspires story!
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com! If you like what you hear, head on over to iTunes and leave us a review!
Join the Story Matters Community: Patreon.com/storymatters
Facebook: www.facebook.com/storymatterspodcast
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In this episode, the conversation continues with our "Story Matters Film Retrospective"! We take a look at Mike's film choice with LA Confidential and its examination of police corruption and institutionalized coverup and look how it mirrors so much of the real world that we see today. Then we delve into Curt's pick of The Social Network and its insightful critique of social media and its sharp examination of a system that was specifically created to keep us distracted by and addicted to a never-ending validation feedback loop. We are so excited for this new roundtable format of the show and can't wait for you to hear what we've been working on! You can email your thoughts and feedback on this week's conversation and more by emailing storymatterspodcast@gmail.com. You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Story Matters is made possible by Patreon.com/storymatters!
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Please welcome new co-hosts Kim Whalen (@itskimwhalen) and Mike Tobias (@miketobias) to the show! In this first episode of the new format of Story Matters, join Curt, Mike and Kim as they take a look at the world through the lens of story. In this episode, we talk about what we've been working on creatively and what obstacles we're facing in our own storytelling journey including the play Mike is writing, the stage musical Kim is directing and the feature film Curt is about to begin editing. We also take a look at the world around us and the stories we observe in our first "There's a Story Here" segment featuring an abandoned coffee shop, an open house and an Uber full of complete strangers! And then for our main course of the episode, the first edition of our "Story Matters Film Retrospective" where we take a deep dive into a trio of films that have all come to mean far more to us now years after their release on both a personal and cultural/societal level. First up is Kim's pick: the Pixar classic WALL-E! We take a deep dive into the futuristic world of Wall-E and examine what it means now for us in 2018. We are so excited for this new roundtable format of the show and can't wait for you to hear what we've been working on! You can email your thoughts and feedback on this week's conversation and more by emailing storymatterspodcast@gmail.com. You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Story Matters is made possible by Patreon.com/storymatters!
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In this episode, I take you back to the first time I donned a costume and became The Texas Ranger, hero of the Wild West. Along my journey into my past, I rediscover the power of embodying a character, the wonder of imagining a world beyond your reality, and the magic of superhero cape made from the leftover scraps at the craft store. You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Story Matters is made possible by Patreon.com/storymatters!
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In this special bonus radio play episode of the podcast, David is in WAY over his head on a first date with date Zoe, a comic-book super-fan and cosplay aficionado, at the midnight premiere of Avengers Infinity War. Unfortunately for David, his dad, Bruce, is making the date even more awkward then he could have possibly imagined...
This episode is brought to you by the amazing Patrons over at Patreon.com/storymatters and was written by Sebastian Gregory, Alex Barrett, Sammi-Jayne Blackman and Curt Mega. It features Rachid Fakhoury as David, Kim Whalen as Zoe and Curt Mega as Bruce!
You can find all episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com and become a Patron of Story Matters at www.Patreon.com/storymatters!
We live in a world of instant connection. The fact that we can share our thoughts and ideas with millions of people all over the world with the tap of a fingertip is an incredible and miraculous thing... right? Or is it? What are the drawbacks? What are the dangers? What do we stand to lose when our entire culture becomes fueled by instantaneous reaction? This episode also features the guest voice talents of Kim Whalen!
Story Matters is made possible by Patreon.com/storymatters! All episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
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In this special POST-OSCARS episode of the podcast, Curt recaps the 2018 Academy Awards, discussing all the big wins and what made this Academy Award's show stand out from year's past! Also featuring the original radio-play "THE NIGHT TOM THE INTERN RUINED THE ACADEMY AWARDS!" about a hapless intern as he single-handedly ruins the Oscars by misplacing an awards envelope on a urinal in the bathroom at the Dolby theatre during the big show. Brought to you by Patreon.com/storymatters!! All episodes of the podcast at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
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In this special OSCARS EPISODE, Joey Richter (Tin Can Brothers, Starkid) joins me once again to talk all things Academy Awards and share our takes on this year's nine nominees (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Shape of Water, The Post, Phantom Thread, Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Lady Bird, and Get Out). We also discuss some of our favorite films left out of the running for best picture and take a look back at 2017 from a cinematic perspective and what it means going forward for filmmakers, creators, and storytellers both in front of and behind the camera. I had such a blast talking Oscars LAST year with Joey so please join me on this official Story Matters tradition as Joey and I take on THE 2018 ACADEMY AWARDS!
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In this second part of my conversation with singer, actor, dancer and renaissance man Re'Sean Pates, he takes us back to his small town roots of Toney, Alabama and tells the tale of his surprising, unexpected and incredible journey from his hometown to the sets of Hollywood and stages all over the world to remind us that when we work hard, are excellent in our craft, and stay humble and stay hungry, impossibilities CAN happen!
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In this episode of Story Matters, I sit down with my Warbler Brother Re'Sean Pates! A singer, dancer, actor, and artist extraordinaire, Re'Sean is a diverse and multifaceted artist who embraces storytelling in all its forms. From his small town roots in Alabama, to the set of Glee, to stages all over the world alongside Katy Perry, Re'Sean has an amazing story to share full of insight, wisdom, humor and pure inspiration. I also talk about weathering the storm of disappointment, hating your own work and finding inspiration in the midst of self-loathing.
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This VALENTINE'S DAY EPISODE of Story Matters is all about THE "L" WORD! Love! Romance! Passion! But not in the way you might think... The creative process of storytelling is very much a mirror of romantic relationships; the highs, the lows and everything in-between. This episode also features a special VALENTINE'S THEMED radio play: "ALEXA, MY LOVE!" and may make you think a little differently about just how close of a connection and bond we have to our devices that help (and/or control) us. Love to you all!
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Sometimes, the opportunity and success we chase after comes at a price. How much are we willing to sacrifice to live out our dreams? How much are we willing to inconvenience ourselves? Are we prepared for the success we think we want to have? In this episode, I delve into the sacrifice of what it is to live a life as an artist. I also take some listener questions for our January mailbag!
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It's the ONE year anniversary of Story Matters! I am so grateful for your incredible support over the past year. On this special New Year's Eve anniversary episode, Kim Whalen joins me to talk about the importance of accomplishing one goal at a time and not letting New Year's Resolutions crush your soul. We also discuss our favorite films of 2017 and we take your questions for our December MAILBAG! You can listen to all episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com
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In this special CHRISTMAS EPISODE, get into the spirit with "Miracle on the 34th Aisle" - an original audio play followed by a special Christmas poem! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
All episodes can be listened to at www.storymatterspodcast.com
You can support the show directly at Patreon.com/storymatters
Due to the craziness of December, I've had to step away from the podcast for a few week's due to filming new projects, auditions and writing deadlines! But I will be back in 2018 with a whole new slate of stories and content! Until then, you can find ALL the episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Don't forget the December Patreon Hangout happening December 24th! For info, visit www.patreon.com/storymatters!
Black Friday. A time of joy... love... and fist-fights over Tickle-Me-Elmos. Enjoy this original poem written by Curt Mega and performed by Curt and podcast favorite Kim Whalen about the holiday we all treasure so dearly... BLACK FRIDAY!
'TWAS THE DAY OF BLACK FRIDAY!
By Curt Mega
'Twas the day of Black Friday, and all through the stores
The isles were ransacked by barbarian hordes!
There was rioting and raging and jealously fueled fights,
As the TV’s were sold at a discounted price.
The children were nestled at home in their beds,
As their parents marched like an army of undead!
The store employees stood there bracing for war,
As the hordes descended upon the store!
When out of isle 15 arose such a clatter,
The manager of the store went to handle the matter.
Two grown adults, in a fist fight, did clash!
To finish their shopping whilst saving some cash.
One pair of hands held a handful of hair,
While the other swung wildly at the air!
The manager tried to break up the quarrel.
To fight over cameras was simply immoral!
But the raging adults were too fast and too quick,
And when he pulled them apart, they swung for his… groin.
He sank to his knees, then on his face fell flat!
Mustering the words “we have more in the back!”
The onlooking crowd heard his whimpering words,
Then stormed to the back as a stampeding herd!
“Grab your weapons, this may get gory!”
As the staff stood guard over the inventory.
“Let us through” the crowd chanted “Or get ready to die!”
“For we have deals to catch and presents to buy!”
There was rage in their eyes and lust in the heart,
As they itched to tear the whole store apart.
Fearing for their life, the employees did flee,
And the crowd pillaged the store in a frenzied glee.
And on that day, discount presents were found
That would be placed under trees all around town.
Children would wake up in excited delight
To see what Santa had brought them on Christmas-Eve night.
Little did they know as they tore into their gifts,
It was the greed of their parents that gave them their wish.
The parents sipped coffee, a smile on their face,
But deep down inside there were full of disgrace.
Blood on their hands, swindled like schmucks!
By a large cooperations to save a few bucks.
So whatever the gift, whatever the season,
Remember this lesson and remember the reason.
It doesn’t have to be the newest and the latest.
True gifts come from heart, and those are the greatest.
So on this day, as you fill up your cart,
Be sure the Black in Friday isn’t the color of your heart.
In this special Thanksgiving-themed episode/ original radio play, join Grandpa Henry as he regales you with tales of family, food and... THE RUSSIAN MOB?! This story was written alongside my amazing Patron backers and features the voice talents of Kim Whalen and yours truly!
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MUSIC: Fesliyan Studios: https://www.youtube.com/user/fesliyanstudios?sub_confirmation=1
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Circus Waltz - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100291
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Continue Life by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=continue+life
Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Fame! Failure! Zac Efron's abs?! In this episode of Story Matters, I sit down with my imaginary therapist to share my neuroses, my fears and my failures and ask what it means to be a successful storyteller in the first place. How do we define success? Is it fame? Is it relevance? Is it personal growth? Is it rock hard abs and piercing blue eyes?
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In this special bonus episode, I bring on special guest Kim Whalen to bring an improvised story to life written by some of my amazing Patreon backers! This month, we tackle the most horrifying thing of all... THE WIFI GOING DOWN! What happens when a stressed college student can't study for her midterm after the wifi crashes? Will her study partner be able to calm her nerves? Will the snooty barista be able to fix the internet connection with Wizarding magic?! Find out in... THE WIFI IS DOWN!
Every month, we do a group chat and write a story one line at a time! This month's wacky, silly and tense tale: THE CASE OF THE KGB MAMMOTH! Enjoy! You can join in our monthly Group Chat's on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters!
In this SPOOKY episode of Story Matters Podcast, I sit down with Kim Whalen and Eric Carroll to talk about the art of horror films! We talk about what defines a horror film and what kind of stories we can tell and learn through the genre as an art form. We also go down our top 10 lists of our favorite horror films of all time! So grab some popcorn, unwrap some candy, plug in your headphones, and join us on this terrifying journey as we explore THE ART OF HORROR!
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Music:
Ectoplasm by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
Part 2 of my conversation with animator/creator Leigh Lahav. We talk about how she developed her specific style as an artist, her taste in parody and comedy and the changing tide of creating for the internet. Also in this episode, another installment of Story Matters Story Collab Sessions featuring Kim Whalen!
You can find all of Leigh's work on her channel at https://www.youtube.com/onlyleigh.
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Spooky Ride by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/250/spooky-ride
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org
In this part 1 of 2 episodes, I sit down with artist/animator Leigh Lahav to talk about her journey as an animator/artist coming from Israel to Los Angeles, the challenges that go into creating original animation for YouTube/internet culture, her passion for parody and fandom and the isolation that comes from living life as an artist.
You can find all of Leigh's work on her channel at https://www.youtube.com/onlyleigh.
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A special episode of Story Matters! In the first part of this week's episode, I present to you a tale of comedy and horror in BusOcalypse! Written and created in part with my amazing Patron backers during our September Story Collab session! Just in time for October 1st/AKA the beginning of Halloween season! In the second part of this week's episode, I talk with Molly Kate Tracy, a television critic, blogger and writer. We discuss about the role of the critic in the artistic process, the critic's responsibility to both the audience and creator and the need for more diversity in Television, specifically that of disabled characters where they are more than just the punch line to a joke or a burden to the main characters... but rather, the star of their OWN shows and the hero of their OWN stories with their own agency and full of life, joy and hope. You know... human.
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In this 2nd and final part of my conversation with actor Lauren Lopez (Starkid, Poe Party, Spies are Forever and more!) we talk about her experience being apart of a internet phenomenon and finding her own unique creative voice in the process, the importance of not comparing yourself or your creative journey with others, and the joy of finding a creative community and making your own work! We also talk about recent projects (The Solve it Squad Returns) and her upcoming series (Stellar People) and answer some questions from my Patrons at Patreon.com/storymatters! We also talk about adopting a rescue animal, the joy of being a pet caretaker and her daughter Diane the dog! Enjoy!
Lauren's body of work includes Starkid's A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel, Starship, Trail to Oregon, Holy Musical Batman, and Firebringer, Tin Can Brother's Spies Are Forever and The Solve-It Squad Returns, and Shipwrecked Comedy's Edgar Allan Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party! You can also find her in Muzzled the Musical and the upcoming series Stellar People! For more info on Lauren, visit http://www.lauren-lopez.com!
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In this part 1 of 2 episodes, I sit down with Lauren Lopez to talk about her journey from dancer to musical theatre, to college, to Starkid to LA and all the ups and downs in-between. We also talk about the importance on having a life and focus outside of show business and what it means to keep a balanced perspective between career, creativity and living your life in the real world. Some of Lauren's work includes Starkid's A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel, Starship, Trail to Oregon, Holy Musical Batman, and Firebringer,Tin Can Brother's Spies Are Foreverand The Solve-It Squad Returns, and Shipwrecked Comedy's Edgar Allan Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party! You can also find her in Muzzled the Musical and the upcoming series Stellar People!For more info on Lauren, visit http://www.lauren-lopez.com!
Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters!
Email me at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com
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Welcome back to Story Matters! In this first episode of Season 2, Kim Whalen joins me to recap our summer holiday through Italy, France and Spain and the stories and culture we experienced while traveling through those beautiful countries. We also talk about what we watched and read during our adventure through Europe! Enjoy! Help make Wayward Guide for the Untrained Eye happen at www.wayward.guide!
You can email me at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com, you can listen to all episodes at www.storymatterspodcast.com, and you can support the podcast at www.Patreon.com/storymatters!
In this special bonus episode, I bring on special guest Kim Whalen to bring an improvised story to life written by some of my amazing Patreon backers! Every month, we do a group chat and write a story one line at a time! This month's wacky, silly and tense tale: THE CASE OF THE KGB MAMMOTH! Enjoy! You can join in our monthly Group Chat's on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters!
In this special part 2 of 2 season finale of Story Matters Podcast, I take you back through my journey auditioning for Newsies on Broadway, the relationships I made along the way and why I am feel led to keep telling the stories I tell. In the past 6 months, Story Matters has been received with such support and encouragement and it really just blows my mind. Thank you all for listening and enjoy this very special Season 1 finale as I tie up a multi-episode arc of answering the Who, What, Where and Why of the journey that led me to this place in my life, telling stories to you. You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
In this week's episode, I sit down with William J. Stribling (director of Shipwrecked Comedy's Poe Party and so much more) to talk about his creative process from writing to directing to editing and his perspective on storytelling through filmmaking. We also go behind the scenes of Poe Party and find out what it took to shoot such an ambitious project in only 10 days! This is an AMAZING episode filled with so much knowledge and insight into the filmmaking process and I can’t wait you all to hear it and learn from Joe! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
In this special part 1 of 2 episodes, I take you back through my journey of traveling to New York City for my very first Broadway audition - my childhood dream role of Jack Kelly in the original Broadway cast of of Newsies. Travel with me to The Big Apple as I take you through the cab rides, the coffee shops and the catastrophic auditions that formed so much of what I know and love (and hate) about New York City. Enjoy!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this week's episode, I sit down with Shashona Brooks & Tommy Statler to talk about their upcoming ALL FEMALE production of Shakepeare's The Tempest at the Hollywood Fringe Festival! We talk about the inspiration behind the concept, female empowerment in the theatre and arts, the audition process and the craziness of putting this show up during the Hollywood Fringe Festival with only 9 rehearsals!
Told through the eyes of eleven women, this magical story of the struggle for power and love features a script by William Shakespeare and is directed by Shashona Brooks and produced by Tommy Statler.
Set in a women's prison, this all-female reimagining of The Tempest begins with the story of Prospero: part mother, sorceress, and rightful Duchess of Milan. Prospero and her daughter Miranda are sentenced away from their home, setting in motion a supernatural storm of intrigue, passion, and power. In a world where fate, dreams, and magic are intertwined, The Tempest tests the limits of our deepest dreams, our darkest fears, and how far we're wiling to go to change the course of our lives.
Formed in 2015 with the mission of advancing new and fresh ideas, Say Yes! Collective represents a coalition of actors, playwrights, directors and theatre artists committed to creating art in a mutually respectful and safe space. When artists are willing to say yes to the unknown, an unlimited and boundless experience of creation can occur. We say yes to cross-pollinating different talents from different walks of life to create even more expansive and vibrant stories. They say yes to encouraging women to have a strong voice and to be seen. They say yes to enriching and giving back to our communities. In an artistic landscape where it is much easier to say no, Say Yes! Collective chooses to Say Yes!
The Tempest will be presented at Studio / Stage, 520 N. Wester Avenue, in Los Angeles, for five performances only, June 4, 14, 18, 22, 24, 2017. General admission tickets are priced at $15, and are available online at hff17.com/4448.
For more information about Say Yes! Collective or The Tempest, visit www.sayyescollective.com or @SayYesCo on Twitter and Instagram.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I go back in time to figure out how I became WHAT I am. On this journey, I revisit the theatre where I grew up (Creative Arts Theatre & School in Arlington Texas), the very first show I was ever cast in, and the moment when I discovered the impossible dream of attempting to pursue of life in the arts.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
Having doused my computer in water (accidentally, mind you) and needing to abruptly delay my planned episode last minute, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to talk about how to deal with and overcome the inevitable obstacles and hurdles that accompany any and every creative venture. How do we deal with the mistakes we make, the mayhem it causes and the madness that threatens to consume our creative decision-making as we watch our ideas, hopes and dreams crash and burn in a fiery heap... or in this case... drown in a puddle of water spilled from an ill placed mason jar. How do we adapt and thrive in the face of creative obstacle? Listen and be encouraged!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with Corey Lubowich from Tin Can Brothers and Team Starkid, to talk about his journey as an artist from growing up performing and working in theatre in his hometown of Chicago, to becoming an artistic director for BasementArts the University of Michigan, back to Chicago as a member of Starkid and then to Los Angeles as a founding member of the comedy trio Tin Can Brothers! We also storytelling through design, navigating the transition to a new city, the challenge of transitioning from theatre to film/digital video creation and his newest projects Flop Stoppers and The Solve it Squad Returns!
The Solve it Squad Returns - June 15-18 and June 22-25 @ the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood, C, Directed by Corey Lubowich and starring Joey Richter, Brian Rosenthal, Ashley Clements, Gabe Greenspan & Lauren Lopez! For tickets: https://www.tincanbros.com
Flop Stoppers coming to YouTube 5/9! https://www.youtube.com/tincanbros
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this newest storytelling episode, I go back to my childhood in search of the moment when I started to become who I now am. Was it my adventures in space as the most famous astronaut in the world? Was it the moment I recited Toy Story from top to bottom in a Mexican Restaurant for a hungry but eager audience? Or was it was it the moment when I was offered the role of a lifetime...? To be an understudy in The Sound of Music.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing actor, writer, producer and improviser Michael Hitchcock (Glee, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Bridesmaids, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, The New Normal, United States of Tara, Men of a Certain Age, Party Down, The Suite Life On Deck, Madtv and MANY more) to talk about truth in comedy, character driven comedy, episodic storytelling in the process of writing for television. I learned SO much from him and I know you will too! Listen now and share! Enjoy!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Telly Leung (Broadway: In Transit, Allegiance, Godspell, Rent, Flower Drum Song, Pacific Overtures, TV: Warbler Wes on Glee) at his apartment in New York City to talk about his journey to Broadway and beyond. We also discuss learning to be present and content in the moment with what you have despite whatever success does or doesn't come, prioritizing life and relationships in tandem with career, diversity in storytelling, stories of color, stories of minorities, telling human stories that are both specific and universal and the importance of rising up as artists to serve the greater purpose of being a voice of compassion and empathy for the world to see, hear and feel.
In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Eric Carroll (Alex Brody in Buffering, photographer extraordinaire and my co-writer/co-director of my feature film project POV) to talk about our process of writing a short film only to realize we had a bigger story on our hands and being willing to start over and reinvent everything we thought we know about the project. We also revisit our characters from Buffering as Ben and Alex in an improvised Buffering reunion! Enjoy!
Eric Carroll Photography: http://www.ericcarrollphotography.com
Buffering the Series: https://www.youtube.com/bufferingseries
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Lili Froehlich and Madison Mitchell from the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and talk about the reality of working on Broadway, the grind of performing 8 shows a week in one of the most physically demanding shows of all time, the challenges of being a swing and covering multiple roles and what happens when your dream becomes your job. How do you maintain your stamina, both mentally and physically, beyond opening night? We also talk about working with Tony Winning Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights, Hamilton) and interpreting movement into story.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with actress, singer, songwriter Kathryn Gallagher to talk about her work in the recent Broadway revival of Deaf West's Spring Awakening! From a tiny theatre in LA all the way to Broadway, she shares her incredible experience of being part of the re-telling of this beautiful story in such a powerful and profound, new way through the use of sign language. We also talk creative education beyond college, the process of auditioning for theatre and Broadway and how it differs from film & television, and her work as a singer and songwriter. Enjoy! You can find links to more of her work on her website HERE: http://www.kathryngallaghermusic.com and check out her upcoming show on May 25th at 54 Below in NYC! https://54below.com/events/kathryn-gallagher/
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with actor, writer, creator, comedian and producer Joey Richter (Starkid: A Very Potter Musical, Starship, Me and My Dick, Trail to Oregon and more, Tin Can Brothers, Spies are Forever, Poe Party, Henry Danger on Nickelodeon, Jessie on Disney Channel) to talk about making a living as an artist, discovering new creative skills through unexpected opportunity, his firsthand perspective of experiencing Starkid erupt into an internet phenomenon while still being in college at University of Michigan (#GoBlue), discovering his skills as a writer, his journey to LA, and creating his own work as a core member of the dynamic comedy trio The Tin Can Brothers! We also talk comedy, improv, spoiler culture, story structure, audience engagement, and experiencing twists and turns in musicals, movies and Television! Enjoy!
Subscribe to The Tin Can Brothers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tincanbros
Follow Joey on Twitter: @JoeyRichter
Follow The Tin Can Brothers on Twitter: @TinCanBros
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, actor, singer and songwriter Titus Makin (Fox's Glee, ABC Family/Freeform's Pretty Little Liars, ABC'sGrey's Anatomy, CW's Star-Crossed, Nickelodeon's Victorious) to talk about his work as an actor, his newest album Love Addict. We discuss the journey of balancing career and passion. We also take a crack at writing some Glee Fanfiction while we're at it! ;)
Featured Music: Addict& Ropesfrom Love Addict by Titus Makin
Watch the Love Addict Music Video!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
In honor of International Women’s Day, I sat down with actress, singer and artist Kim Whalen (Being Mary Jane, Austin & Ally, Code Black, A Winter Rose, Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Fantasticks on Broadway and more!) to discuss representation of females in film & television, empowering female writers & directors to rise up as leaders in their fields and how male writers can do better when it comes to creating female characters. Enjoy!
In this third and final part of the Podcast story series Hashtag Blessed, chronicling my journey of moving to Los Angeles and being cast on the TV show Glee, I talk about the experience of recording a solo on the show as Nick the Warbler (Uptown Girl by Billy Joel), grappling with rejection, facing criticism on the internet, wondering what comes next when the idea or dream of what you think you are supposed to become doesn't translate into reality, and finding my voice as a creator. You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! This episode was mixed by Mike Chinnici. You can find more of his work at http://www.mikechinnici.com
In this special BONUS episode, I talk about the 2017 Oscar wins and what it means to me for film and storytelling as a whole.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
In this episode, I sit down Joey Richter (Starkid, Tin Can Brothers, Henry Danger, Jessie, School of Thrones, Muzzled the Musical, I Ship It, Spies are Forever) to talk about the 2017 Oscar Best Picture nominations! We also talk about our favorite films from 2016, our take on the film industry as a whole and what films and we hope will win that little gold statue! Enjoy!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
Music: The theme music of the 84th Academy Awards. Composed by German composer Hans Zimmer.
In this special Broadway-themed bonus episode of the podcast, I sit down with the awesome Tessa Netting (Broadway's Billy Elliot, Bunk'd, YouTube) for a special bonus episode to talk about Broadway, Hamilton, Les Mis, Rent, Billy Elliot, and other shows that changed our life and storytelling through the medium of theatre. Enjoy!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! And visit the show's website at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
In this episode, I sit down with the fiercely talented Mary Kate Wiles (Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Party, Spies are Forever, I Ship It, School of Thrones, Squaresville, Muzzled the Musical, Hello My Name is Frank, The Sound and the Shadow, Kissing in the Rain and MANY MORE!) to talk about her journey as an artist, creator, YouTuber, producer and all around amazing artist! You can currently catch Mary Kate in the new hit series from Shipwrecked Comedy Poe Party at YouTube.com/SHIPWRECKEDCOMEDY, support her work on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/mkwiles, subscribe to her channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/emkaysmiles, and follow her both on Twitter and Instagram at @mkwiles! We also talk about rejection, the reality of trying to pay the bills while you attempt to be a storyteller and the act of making your own work for the sake of doing something you love that’s not about getting hired and networking, but purely for the sake of creative passion.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas!
My journey from Texas to Los Angeles to becoming a Warbler on the set of Glee was strange, wonderful, crazy, and bizarre. In this episode, I talk about my journey coming to LA, living in a tiny shed covered in fleas, being chased by an angry pitbull, my meth dealing neighbors, mopping the floors of Starbucks, winning a nationwide talent search on Myspace and auditioning for the role of Sam Evans (Chord Overstreet) on the hit Fox show Glee.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas!
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Tessa Netting (Billy Elliot, Bunk'd, Voice Over Actress, Maker of Incredible Parodies and YouTuber extraordinaire) and talk about her journey as an artist from Broadway to YouTube sensation, fantasy, fandom, audience ownership of the stories they love, and the power and joy of creating your own world to escape reality.
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas!
In this episode, I had the joy of hosting a special Story Matters meetup live from Pearl Studios in New York City where we talked BroadwayCon, Broadway as a medium of story, why it matters to each of us on a personal level and what makes it such a unique and transformative art form. Enjoy!
In this episode, I talk about the time that I was (almost) invited to the Teen Choice Award's gifting suite, my addiction to social media, ruining Chord Overstreet's red carpet moment and discovering how saying one number on a little show called Glee would profoundly change the course of my life. Enjoy!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas!
It's been a strange week in America and a tough year for the world as a whole. We are on the brink of a new stage of our country as Americans and I know many of you out there are uncertain about what that means or what we can do about it... I know I sure have been. I am sometimes struck by the feeling of helplessness against the swelling tide of the world's problems. What can we possibly do? What does it matter what kind of things I put out into the universe? Who's even listening? The world is listening and it needs good stories more than ever. Story has the ability to transform us, change us, inspire us. Your creative voice matters more than ever to keep the powers that be in check and to spread love, light, compassion, and empathy and tell the stories of the forgotten and unheard. We are storytellers and our voice matters.
Riker Lynch is a man of many talents. Glee Warbler, Rockstar, Dancing with the Stars alumni and blossoming actor. In this episode, Curt sits down in Riker's dining room at the Lynch home in Southern California to talk Glee, Warblers, social media, the new yet-to-be-released R5 album, his upcoming films Voyeur and Colossal Youth, storytelling through music, creating comedy and more!
You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! He'd love to hear from you!
Welcome to the very first official episode of Story Matters! In this episode, I talk about the inspiration behind creating the show, becoming the next great American novelist at the age of six and using Ernie from Sesame Street as a stunt double for a violent scene in my feature film directorial debut. Enjoy!
You can email me your thoughts, feedback, questions and stories at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter at @storymatterspod
Welcome to Story Matters, a new weekly podcast about stories and the artists who tell them. Join me on this new, creative journey as we go backstage of the creative process and find out what drives storytellers to create the stories they tell.
You can email me at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and stories!
Website: www.storymatterspodcast.com
SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/storymatterspodcast
Facebook: www.facebook.com/storymatterspodcast
Twitter: www.twitter.com/storymatterspod
Welcome to Story Matters, a weekly podcast about stories and the artists who tell them, hosted by Curt Mega. Topics will cover all aspects of storytelling including film, television, theatre, Broadway, acting, performing, creating, fandom, nerd culture, digital content, music, writing, comedy, improv, design, production, poetry, visual arts, experimental arts and everything in-between with special guests and original content.
Website: www.storymatterspodcast.com
Email: storymatterspodcast@gmail.com
Twitter: @storymatterspod
Facebook: www.facebook.com/storymatterspodcast