Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
All content for Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast is the property of Barry Joseph & Broadway Podcast Network and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
#15-Sondheim: Ace Human Hacker, or Sondheim & Parlor Games
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
1 hour 10 minutes
1 month ago
#15-Sondheim: Ace Human Hacker, or Sondheim & Parlor Games
You are formally invited to my Sondheim game night party, already underway. Join previous guests David Spira, Kellian Adams, and James McCusker as we tackle and explore Sondheim's intricate world of parlor games, such as Running Charades, The Listening Game, Bartletts, Camouflage, Hostilities, and The Murder Game. Discussions touch on game history, clever designs, and the emotional nuances Sondheim orchestrated. Learn why Kellian calls Sondheim an “Ace Human Hacker” and why this is my favorite episode to date!
Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim
00:57 Welcome to the Halloween Party
02:06 First Guests Arrive
04:58 Discussing Parlor Games
08:33 Exploring the Listening Game
14:23 Running Charades: Sondheim's Twist
18:26 Playing Bartletts: A Creative Challenge
27:23 Camouflage: Hidden in Plain Sight
33:57 Introducing the Game 'Hostilities'
34:38 Rules and Mechanics of 'Hostilities'
38:05 Reflecting on the Brutality of 'Hostilities'
47:11 Exploring the Murder Game
58:00 Sondheim's Approach to Game Design
01:03:24 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Special Links:
Colm Molloy
Ann Morrison
Mateo Chavez Lewis
Club Drosselmeyer
Melissa Errico Sondheim In the City
The American Girl's Handy Book
Stephen Schiff
Richard Maltby, Jr.
Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. And please welcome our new line producer, Dennis Caouki.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
