Amusing(s) podcast highlights the ​human side of hospitality and ​entertainment.

As a happy surprise, a mystery guest is revealed, and ​what ensues is genuinely improved and authentic ​conversations, sharing peak moments, lessons ​learned, mishaps, recovery, and laughable amusing(s) ​that come with serving and entertaining others. You ​meet people from Broadway, film, and TV, artists, ​authors, inventors, and more who have the best (and ​almost unbelievable) stories and connections, with a ​few name drops in between.

photo by Lindsay Gauthier

Meet Frank X.Gallagher

Great Sound, Good Food

“The word ‘career’ is not in my ​vocabulary,” says Frank Gallagher, Vibe ​Merchant and live sound engineer for ​some of the greatest bands in history—​Talking Heads, Simple Minds, B-52s, ​to name a few. Frank has also mastered ​the art of name-dropping without ​name-dropping, and you’ll hear more ​than a few of his run-ins with your ​music idols during this episode. These ​hosts are thrilled to befriend the best ​cookie chef we know. And if you want ​more Frank—and trust us, you will—​check out his podcast, Sound Man ​Confidential, where he hosts the artists ​that make up your favorite playlist.

Meet Rodney Fong

Meet Mike Windish

Begin on the UPBEAT

Adrea drums up another maestro of a guest in Mike ​Windish, a renowned Teacher, Musician, Performer, ​Producer, Entrepreneur, and Human Connector in the ​entertainment production industry.

Mike is the driving force behind Windish ​Entertainment and is on a mission to unite people ​through his shows. In this episode, he enlightens us ​about the profound connection between the human ​element and entertainment and how to outsmart ​your blind spots to strengthen the central audience ​relationship.

Mike produces amazing shows in markets worldwide ​and cares about training and developing entertainment ​talent and potential by focusing on human patterns -​crescendoing into shows that reach audiences at the ​gut level.

Music class is in, so let’s begin on the upbeat!

Meet Susie ​Singer Carter

Care Into The Future:

Susie Singer Carter has created multilevel successes, including ​Writer/Director/Producer,/Actress, and mostly cares about ​how to show us the future. To name a few achievements in ​film, Sussie has produced the Oscar Qualified short film, "MY ​MOM AND THE GIRL," written and produced "BRATZ," and ​coproduced "SOUL SURFER."

In this interview, we heard about her most recent project, the ​documentary "NO COUNTRY FOR OLD PEOPLE," where ​Sussie uses her skills, talents, and soul to show us the future of ​aging care. Bravely sharing about her mother and her ​discovery and learning journey, Sussie requires us to look into ​the current systemic elder care crises and face our own future ​of care.

This conversation surrounding aging and care is essential, ​complex, honest, and way more supportive with friends; join us ​as we celebrate all that comes with being human together.

Meet Samme Chittum

We are amused by literary heritage and ​the impact of the written word.

Integrity Has Grit: It’s a page-turner or whatever the ​equivalent podcast analogy is to meet Samme ​Chittum. , Samme is a distinguished writer, editor, ​and publisher with over four decades of experience ​in print journalism. She is a Columbia University ​graduate and was awarded a Pulitzer Traveling ​Fellowship. She holds master's and Ph.D. degrees in ​English literature and writing. Samme has reported ​for major media outlets like the New York Times ​and deep-dived into a book series on air disasters ​for the Smithsonian.

Samme is most excited about becoming a ​publisher with her passion project as the first ​venture in the republication of her mother Ida ​Chittum's book "Tales of Terror” and more.

We love every word and you will too!"

Ida and Samme Chittum

Meet Austin Jetton

We are amused by the community of ​chocolate.

The Singing Chocolatier: We talk about giving ​first, and the get comes later in this sweet ​song of an episode as Adrea introduces long-​time friend Austin Jetton.

With a voice that melts you, Austin shares his ​journey from entertainment at Carrowinds ​Theme Park to paying tribute on stages ​worldwide as one of The Platters and ​performing in CATS, Starlight Express, ​Showboat, and Moving Mountains.

If that is not enough of a spotlight for one ​lifetime, Austin is also a chocolatier in his ​beloved Sharon Springs, NY, community.

Meet Chris ​Degner

We are amused by a cat hero and the ​best bad guy around!

Join Lesly and Rachel on a nostalgia trip as ​Adrea reconnects with her high school friend, ​Chris Degner. Chris is a renowned villain on ​screen, with over 28 credits in spine-chilling ​roles in TV and film, including Criminal Minds, ​Secrets of Deception, and The Player. We ​know how talented Chris is because he is the ​best at playing the bad guy on screen and the ​most sincere cat hero and friend in person. He ​is surrounded by his cats, Checkers, Patches, ​Midnight, and Tuggles, whom he adores. Chris ​discusses the underbelly of the liquor business ​and shares some tips on washing. Meeting ​with Chris reminds us that genuine people are ​multi-faceted and full of surprises. So, listen to ​every part of this conversation because you ​can't assume anything.

“It’s a ​podcast ​and I ​brought ​props”

Meet Jonathan ​Stahl

We are amused by the dance of a good ​swordfight and the best way to level up.

In this episode, Jonathan reflects on his ​journey through the world of dance, from a ​one-stoplight town to stages around the ​world.

Beyond the applause, he shares the ​challenges faced and lessons learned. The ​group discusses responsible growth and ​how to level up, emphasizing the ​importance of embracing passion and ​taking risks.

We learn the two rules of stage combat:

1) eye contact and

2) safety first.

We also learn that the path to mastery is as ​much about resilience and adaptability as it ​is about skill.

Meet ​NormaLynn ​Cutler

“You never ​know what you ​can do until ​you try to do... ​EVERYTHING”

We are amused by the importance of nonsense ​and get up and go to engage always!

In this episode, Adrea introduces Lesly and Rachel to the ​extraordinary Normalynn Cutler, celebrated for her singing, ​entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. With accolades like the ​Women of the Year award and five New York Film Festival ​Awards, Normalynn's journey unfolds with humor and high ​notes.

Explore the diverse tapestry of her career in real estate, ​marketing, nunnery, film, music, automotive, resorts, and ​beyond; Normalynn claims her spot in the esteemed LA ​Business Journal's Top 10 Women-Owned Businesses. As ​NormaLynn tells us, “Engagement is necessary!” and you can ​start now by joining us in this fabulous episode.

Meet Dan ​Metcalfe

We are amused by training your brain, the ​recovery journey and being the age of awesome.

This episode is a step above as Adrea introduces Dan Metcalfe - ​a multi-talented athlete, performer, and dancer who can ​balance it all. Dan has played soccer in England's leagues and ​coached elite athletes worldwide. He has showcased his talents ​as a performer and dancer in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's West ​End shows. When faced with setbacks, Dan leaped forward by ​dedicating himself to understanding how the brain can remap ​balancing and stabilization movements. He is passionate about ​inspiring others to lead healthier and more aware lives.

Meet Walter ​Mayes

We are amused by libraries and the man that ​girls learn to rail against.

Walter Mayes, Adrea's friend and now Rachel and Lesly's ​favorite librarian, is a witty, knowledgeable, and helpful giant of ​words. Walter is a Jeopardy champion, author, and performer ​and sets an example by welcoming interruptions with a simple ​sign. All the hosts get personalized book selections from Walter, ​and book reports are due soon. Get your pencils out; you will ​have a reading list at the end of this episode, as there are no ​banned books and no whispering in this library; let's get talking.

Meet Dana ​Daniels

We are amused by magic, psychic parrots, and the ​bear necessities of good friends.

Rachel and Lesly are thrilled to meet Adrea's good friend Dana Daniels, who ​embodies life's magic. Dana is a master magician, comedian, Broadway ​performer, and virtual entertainer, spreading joy and wonder wherever he ​goes. Alongside his feathered companion, Luigi the psychic parrot, Dana ​captivates audiences with his enchanting performances. With a busy ​corporate schedule and as a regular headliner at Maui's Warren & Annabelle's ​Magic, Dana's talent shines brightly. He is also known as the star of the hit ​touring show, The Illusionists-Turn of the Century. Dana's remarkable ​achievements in the world of Magical Arts and Comedy have earned him ​numerous accolades, and he even shares a special connection with our ​beloved Disney characters.

Meet Christine Toy ​Johnson

We are amused by growing from discomfort, writing ​to shift perceptions, knowing your story matters, and ​the alchemy of going to the theatre.

In this episode, get ready to be inspired as we delve into the world of ​playwriting, lyrics, and inclusion. Join us as Adrea introduces Christine Toy ​Johnson, a Tony-honored Obie and Rosetta Lenoire award-winning artist. ​Christine brings relatable stories to life through her plays and captivating ​characters, bridging the gap between us and celebrating our unique ​differences. From the stages of New York Broadway to television and film, ​Christine has mastered the art of uniting audiences and creating a sense of ​familiarity in our world.

Meet Michael D. ​McCarty

We are amused by boldly telling ​your story, laughing our way to ​positivity, and doing what we ​can where we are.

The story goes . . . Adrea introduces Michael D. McCarty, an attitude lifter with ​brightness like a Skittles rainbow, to Rachel and Lesly. Michael brings a ​treasure chest of tales filled with gratitude, wisdom, intriguing historical ​moments, and the importance of discovering your story. Micheal teaches, ​advocates, and uncovers people's stories, all while embracing a few simple ​mottos: "Have mouth, will run it" and "If you can read, you can do anything, so ​read your butt off."

Skittles Commercial

Meet Linda Siples ​Hulet-

We are amused by guest empathy, overcoming biases, and what it means to be an educated girl clown.

Lesly juggles her fear of clowns with meeting a new friend, while Rachel enjoys getting into the clown p.o.v. when Adrea introduces the group to Linda Siples Hulet, the ultimate in clowning and unique views on empathy. Linda shows us the gags, bits, and business of clowning with her delightful insights from years of entertaining worldwide. There's a whole world behind those big noses and fake teeth, and it's time to dive in with open minds and arms with our clown friend, Linda. Get ready for a beautiful and eye-opening show!

Clown of Many Faces Website

PLAYBILL

Meet Lance Roberts-

We are amused by believing in your dreams, your absolutes and giving your best every time.

Adrea surprises Lesly and Rachel by introducing Lance Roberts, a real showman! In this uplifted episode, Lance opens up about his incredible journey to Broadway and the unforgettable experiences he's had along the way. From starring in iconic shows like CATS and The Pee-Wee Herman Show with the legendary Paul Reuben to sharing the spotlight with Hugh Jackman in The Music Man and now captivating audiences in I Need That with Danny Devito, Lance's talent knows no bounds. But that's not all – he's also made his mark in the TV and film industry. Tune in to Lance's Broadway is Calling podcast to hear inspiring stories and discover the power of staying true to yourself while chasing your wildest dreams. Get ready to be inspired, laugh, and be challenged to dream.

Broadway’s Calling

Photos by Brett Stanely

Photos by Brett Stanely

Photos by Brett Stanely

Meet Roberta Nedry -

We are amused by excellence, en francais and MERMAIDS!

Photos by Brett Stanely

Meet Randy Slovacek -

We are amused by a dachshund dynasty, good attitudes and peace over ego.

Get ready for the premiere episode of Amusing(s) where Adrea introduces Lesly and Rachel to the one and only Randy Slovacek. He's not just your average guy – he's a Broadway performer, journalist, podcaster, and ruler of a dachshund dynasty with his amazing husband.

Randy is also a political and pop culture guru, with a focus on all things LGBTQ. He knows how to use a comma and is not intimidated by a semicolon, folks. Check out his brilliant work at The Randy Report and The Randy Report Podcast.