This Should Have Been a Phone Call

ABOUT THIS EPISODE This week's guest is a non-stop original — Mr. Fergie L. Philippe. He is an actor, director, musician, and puppeteer who, at the time of this interview in 2022, was starring as Mulligan/Madison in Hamilton on Broadway. We talk about working on the iconic production, growing up as a die-hard Muppet fan, and how the entertainment industry worked to rebound in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. MENTIONS

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

I've been enjoying my guest's artwork since before I could read — it's the one and only Joe Mathieu. Since 1971, he has drawn illustrations for countless toys, apparel, and storybooks for Sesame Street.

We talk about working for Jim Henson during the early days of Sesame, how the book industry has evolved over his six-decades-long career, and what about his art techniques makes him the 'Matisse of the Muppets.'

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Our guest may not be magic, but she is the reason people believe in magic — it's Madeleine Bundy. An actress and designer, she is known for Puffs off-Broadway, the KAPOW-i GOGO Saga, and Netflix's Russian Doll.

We talk about her role in designing and building the iconic production, the importance of strong art direction in visual storytelling, and how pop culture has influenced her creative point of view.

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With many conversations I have for this show, there's often great conversation that I can't fit it all into an hour-long episode. Lest I throw away these moments, I've pieced them together in a tapestry of bonus content.

We're talking about creative inspiration with Taylor Bibat, finding out what scared Wally Feresten as a kid, and Catie Osborn teaches me why I should play Dungeons and Dragons — plus a whole lot more.

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If you've ever had a question about life experiences as someone with ADHD, there's a good chance it's been answered by my guest — Catie Osborn. Better known online as Catieosaurus, she is an ADHD advocate, sex-educator, TikTok star, theater nerd, and professional DnD player.

We talk about the before, during, and after of her ADHD diagnosis, the responsibilities that come with building a content creation empire, and why Titus Andronicus is the best text by Shakespeare.

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Let's give a big hand for our guest — Austin Costello, puppeteer and my best friend. He is a member of the Sesame Street mentee program as well as the Resident Puppet Artist at Long Island's Children's Museum.

We talk about fulfilling his life-long dream of getting to work with the Muppets, the different ways he has learned to express his faith,  and what he hopes for his future in the puppet arts.

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Cue up the fanfare because we’re talking to Wally Feresten. He is the owner of New York City Q Cards, running cue card departments at Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Amber Ruffin Show, and more.

We talk about the importance of trust between him and an SNL host, his rise as a featured actor during Late Night’s monologues and A Closer Look, and what he hopes for the legacy of his department within the history of comedy on television.

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This guest's name is Mariah Rose Faith and she is a massive deal. She starred as Regina George in the first national tour of the Mean Girls musical.

We talk about getting picked by Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond to perform this iconic role, the physical and mental toll of an 8-show-week schedule, and what goes into making a song your own.

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Give a job to a busy person and they'll get it done; give a job to my guest Adam Kreutinger and he may turn it into a puppet. Puppeteer, art teacher, father, podcast host, he never stops making art every day.  

We talk about creating his YouTube channel, its role in teaching millions of people how to become puppeteers as well as helping him overcome personal struggles.

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It's time to stand up and cheer because today's guest is the cheerful stand-up—Myq Kaplan. He has made countless appearances on late night television and released numerous comedy albums.

We talk about his approach to crafting stand-up comedy, the influence of Eastern Philosophies on his writing, and how he demonstrates the value of truth in storytelling.

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This conversation is going to pull on your heart-strings, and not just because today's guest is a puppeteer. Taylor Bibat joins us today: actress, producer, professional wearer of many hats, and my dear friend.

We talk about what elements in theater make for the most effective puppetry, why she'll never get caught in a lie , as well as the role of grief and heartbreak in storytelling.

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I've been lucky enough to share a good number of Patronus-memories with my guest Adrienne Bermingham. National Program Director of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, she has mentored countless young people as they work to save our planet.

We talk about her "season of motherhood"—her resiliency through postpartum depression and anxiety, becoming a single mom, and wielding her creativity into strength.

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You don't have to adjust your antenna much before you find yourself enthralled by the work of my guest Bob Runkel. Host of The DJ Bob Show for over 11 years, he can't stop celebrating pop culture past and present.

We go behind the scenes of his podcast (which has welcomed guests like Broadway's Josh Dela Cruz and Bill Sherman) and being an advocate for disability representation throughout media.

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Don't swipe past this episode—my guest today is Samantha Dockser. An up-and-coming actress you can see in The Sex Lives of College Girls on HBO Max, she puts in the time making her own, original content on TikTok.

We talk about what's involved in breaking out while being a working actor, finding her voice as a content creator, and the projects she's most excited to produce.

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This brand new show is coming in January of 2022. I'm doing everything we can to get the show ready to go, but wanted to introduce myself and what you can expect next year!