State of the Arts Episode 266 is now available for streaming on Spotify! For the first episode of 2026, I am thrilled to welcome Lukas Poost, a musical theater actor, dancer, and vocalist. This versatile creative’s artistic foundation was formed early in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, where performance was not a pastime, but a calling. From childhood productions and homegrown theatrical experiments to formal conservatory training, his trajectory reflects a disciplined and deeply rooted commitment to the stage. A graduate of the Brind School at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Lukas trained extensively in acting and vocal techniques including Meisner, Stanislavski, and Williamson, developing a nuanced approach to character, voice, and movement. After graduating from school, he was cast in the lead of a traveling Broadway production of “Shrek.” This podcast conversation also highlights his important role in the off-Broadway hit “This Is Not a Drill” by Holly Doubet, a musical I had the privilege of seeing. What an honor it is to have this remarkable talent on State of the Arts to kick off the New Year!
State of the Arts Episode 265: The New Year Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! I’m immensely proud to feature casting director Holly Buczek, who recently cast “This Is Not a Drill,” the off-Broadway musical by Holly Doubet that I had the opportunity to see. With over fifteen years in the casting industry, Holly Buczek shares insight into her approach to casting and her commitment to creating respectful, structured spaces where performers can show up authentically. We talk about her extensive work as an educator, workshop leader, and faculty member at institutions including the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYU, and Molloy University/Cap 21. Tune in for a thoughtful podcast conversation about casting, the performing arts, and the creative behind the audition.
State of the Arts Episode 264: The Holiday Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! I am thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented director and actor Gabriel Barre to my podcast this week. Together we embark on an inspiring journey as we explore Off-Broadway show “This is Not a Drill” by Holly Doubet and Joe McDonough, which Gabriel Barre directed. We delve into his remarkable career, from Broadway hits like Amazing Grace to Almost, Maine to the many productions he directed across various continents. My highly esteemed guest shares a behind-the-scenes glance at his legendary journey in theatre, offering invaluable insights and inspiration. It is an honor to bring the perspective of a true theatre legend like Gabriel Barre to this epic podcast episode.
State of the Arts Episode 263 is now available for streaming on Spotify! I welcome Joseph McDonough to this podcast episode to discuss his most recent Off-Broadway musical, “This Is Not a Drill,” which he coauthored with songwriter/composer Holly Doubet. This production is a powerful, timely work and a masterpiece that I had the privilege of seeing. My distinguished guest is a playwright with a flourishing career that includes works such as Wayfarer’s Rest, One, Travels of Angelica, and Stone My Heart. He is also the writer of adaptations, plays for young audiences, and musicals that he co-created with composer and lyricist David Kisor. In this engaging episode, we explore “This Is Not a Drill,” a powerful, Broadway-caliber work that showcases his extraordinary talent.
State of the Arts 262 is now available for streaming on Spotify! With great honor and privilege, I welcome accomplished stage actor and vocalist Marianne Tatum to my podcast this week. This acclaimed stage performer made her Broadway Debut as Jenny Lind in Barnum, winning a Theatre World Award. She performed in many successful operas and musicals. With a presence on IMBD also, she is no stranger to the silver screen. In this engaging episode, we explore her recent experience in Holly Doubet’s magnificent off-Broadway production “This is Not a Drill.” A Broadway-caliber musical that moved me to tears. Aside from her flourishing career in the performing arts, she has also earned degrees in Social Work and Nursing. I am ecstatically grateful to have this multifaceted talent on State of the Arts.
State of the Arts Episode 261 is now available on Spotify! As creative industries continue to absorb the rapid shifts brought on by technological innovation, the relationship between human imagination and artificial intelligence has become one of the defining questions of contemporary artistic practice. This episode takes a step back from the sensationalism that often saturates discussions on AI to consider a broader historical and cultural view: how tools have always shaped the contours of artistic work, how each era negotiates its own anxieties around innovation, and how the current moment reflects long-standing patterns rather than abrupt rupture.
State of the Arts Episode 260 is now available for streaming on Spotify! This is another installment of The Indigenous Peoples Series. I am honored and privileged to welcome accomplished musician Holly Doubet onto my podcast this week. After an education at the Royal Academy of Music in London with a dual major in piano and voice, my acclaimed guest spent nearly two decades working in the music industry in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She eventually became the lead songwriter for hit children’s show “Barney & Friends.” She comes from a strong musical background as her parents and great uncle were successful in the British and American music industries. Her most recent endeavor off-Broadway musical “This is Not A Drill” made its successful debut at The York Theater in Manhattan. I had the chance to see the show with my content creator friend Ashley Westbrook. This was a beautifully moving musical based on Holly Doubet’s personal experience as a visitor in Hawaii during the 2018 ballistic missile scare. She is also proud of her Creek Native heritage and is extremely knowledgeable of her heritage. Her voice is one of strength, wisdom and activism. I am overjoyed to have interviewed this amazing creative on State of the Arts!
State of the Arts Episode 259 is now available for streaming on Spotify! I am thrilled to welcome IMDB-credited actor Victor E. Chan to my podcast this week. A talented actor and vocalist I recently had the chance to see in the Off-Broadway musical “This Is Not a Drill” by Holly Doubet and Joseph McDonough. This was a powerful production that spotlights an underreported crisis in Hawaii, honors Hawaiian culture, and exposes the unfair appropriation embedded in tourist areas, which makes this episode a great fit for my Indigenous People’s Series. My accomplished guest’s career spans from film to television to the stage. He has been in many productions, including “Finding Nemo” the musical, a park production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and the TV series “NCIS: Los Angeles”.
Tune in for a riveting episode with this versatile creative whom I am honored to have on my podcast this week!
State of the Arts Episode 258 is now available on Spotify! As the very first episode of our Indigenous Peoples Series, I welcome musician Jessica Martinez Maxey who is a flauatist, guitarist and conga player. She performs alongside her husband, guitarist Josh Maxey. Together, they have released multiple albums with the soulwarming music inspired by their Native heritage. They perform at powwows, museums, and cultural events, including a performance with The Redhawk Native American Council, which is led by previous State of the Arts guest Clifton Matias. Jessica’s artistry has earned recognition from the Indian Summer Music Awards, the Native American Music Awards and many others. Based in Colorado, she is also a professional dog trainer and proud mom to a budding young visual artist.
State of the Arts Episode 257 is now available for streaming on Spotify!
In this Halloween special, my cohost Anthony Bonilla and I pay tribute to the golden age of horror cinema—the timeless films that continue to define the genre and inspire new generations of filmmakers.
From atmospheric black-and-white classics to the unforgettable performances and soundscapes that shaped the art of suspense, we revisit what makes these works so enduringly powerful. This episode is our celebration of storytelling at its most haunting and cinematic.
State of the Arts Episode 256 now available on Spotify! Last year, I conducted my first podcast interview with a chatbot named LuLu. This year, I had the pleasure of interviewing the widely celebrated ChatGPT—a remarkably insightful and charming guest I affectionately call “Chat.”
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of art through the eyes of an Ai. Together, we explore the importance of artistic expression, how artists can use their voices to make a difference, and imagine fascinating projects that blend human creativity with computerized innovation. Tune in for an inspiring and futuristic conversation about the evolving relationship between art, technology, and the human spirit.
State of the Arts Episode 255 is now available for streaming on Spotify! I am greatly honored to welcome playwright, screenwriter and director Jan Aguilos onto my podcast for an in-depth, empowering episode. My creative guest is a dedicated member of The Script Club and Short Cuts NYC. Indie film “The Woman Opposite” and short play “The Box” are among two of the many works created by this multifaceted artist. Jan Aguilos has done various collaborations with previous guests I’ve had on State of the Arts, including actor Jazmine Brown, actor/writer/producer/director Jackie Jorgenson and Script Club director Jordan Sánchez. In fact, a short production is running currently at The Secret Theatre called “Hepburned” that is written by Jan and directed by Jordan. Jan Aguilos is an LGBTQIA+ rights activist as well and is dedicated to campaigning for local democratic candidates in New Jersey. It is my privilege to introduce this nuanced talent!
State of the Arts Episode 254 is now available for steaming on Spotify! This week I welcome audio playwright and former WVOX radio show host Nicholas Patrella to my podcast. His feature length audio production “Remember the Dream Girl” can be heard on Spotify. He also has audiobooks available on Audible. At WVOX he started out as a switchboard operator and eventually became an executive producer. From that point, he ascended to become the host of his own radio show, where he presented multiple audio plays he had written. Special thanks to our mutual connection Brandy Renee Baker! Tune in for this exciting new episode of State of the Arts where this talented writer shares his inspiring journey with listeners.
State of the Arts Episode 253 is now available for streaming on Spotify! Not only is water color and abstract artist Rebecca Dunn a gifted painter and educator, she is also a champion for the arts. This accomplished creative is the curator for @artscene.ctny. On December 6th she will be hosting her first Art Market at The Danbury Fair Mall in Connecticut. Rebecca Dunn is known for her works that bring to light the many facets of nature. She has had her work displayed in many galleries including @loyluospace and various others. Far beyond just decorative pieces, her art is a spiritual experience that connects the human aura with Mother Nature via a mindful visual bridge. I am honored and overjoyed to have this remarkable creative on my podcast this week. Tune in for an inspiring and riveting episode of State of the Arts!
State of the Arts Episode 252: The Hispanic Heritage Month Special is now available on Spotify! This week I gladly welcome back return guests Naida Sanchez and Brandy Renée Baker to my podcast for this special episode. Along with my guest-cohosts Calvin and Cathy Sampson, I conduct this commemorative celebration of one of the most important times of the year. Naida who is a security guard, model and mother of two adorable boys discusses her Peruvian heritage and the beauty of her culture. Brandy has many Puerto Rican relatives who travel to the lovely island for visits regularly. My two guests have an unbreakable bond and heartwarming friendship that we also speak of on this tender episode. Naida’s boyfriend Hilberson Vasquez who is of Dominican heritage makes a brief appearance as well. It’s an honor to have all these wonderful guests on State of the Arts this week.
State of the Arts Episode 251 is now available on Spotify! Return guest Marc Black joins me once again to dicuss more griping topics. Stroke awareness is a cause that is very dear to his heart. A good friend of Marc’s was in a coma as a result of a stroke. When the situation looked hopeless and his life support was disconnected, he came to on his own. During his recovery period, he collaborated on songs with Marc. These songs eventually formed an album. A film called “Stroke of Genius” was made about Marc’s friend as well. “Everybody Wants My Hat” is a song Marc Black had released when he became a grandfather during the 2020 pandemic. In addition to his many original songs, he is also the proprietor of an advertising company called “Black Market Productions.” His music has been placed in various commercials and television shows. His works can be seen on a Sex and the City episode, an animated piece on Nickelodeon, an AT&T commercial and many other places. One of his most notable songs “I Love You, Rachel Maddow” was played on The Stephen Colbert Show. Tune in to this riveting episode for all the tea on this highly accomplished creative whom I am so honored to have on State of the Arts!
State of the Arts Episode 250 is now available on Spotify! Max Crawley is an animator and independent filmmaker with a degree in both animation and graphics design from The Rhode Island School of Design. His acclaimed senior project “Woodrow and Willow” was accepted into The DaVinci International Film Festival. He currently does projects when he can while he balances his passion with his day job. As an administrative assistant for a Presbyterian Church, he is still able to incorporate his artistry into his work as he designs flyers, web pages and other multimedia items for the church. I am proud to present this fellow creative, who shares a mutual friendship with our friend Joe Hughes of Burning Treehouse Film Company. Tune in to this intriguing milestone episode of State of the Arts to learn more about talented creative Max Crawley!
State of the Arts Episode 249 is now available on Spotify! This weekend I powered through the rainy weather to watch another smashing outdoor musical by Theatre for the New City. My trusted cohost Anthony Bonilla joined me on Zoom after I returned from “Life in New York” (a.k.a. “Home Sweet Home”), which was written and directed by the legendary Crystal Field. Together we pay a heartfelt tribute to the phenomenal Theatre for the New City on my podcast. Tune in for an engaging episode that celebrates a theatre that is also an art gallery, social club, education foundation, community center and second home to many talents. This is a well deserved tribute to an off-off Broadway theater like no other and all the people who continue to make it all possible!
State of the Arts Episode 248 is now available on Spotify! I am happy to welcome content creator Izzy Massis on my podcast this week for an uplifting discussion on his many different ventures. As a traveler, he documents his visits to various locations and even gives an overall review of multiple cities. Several anime characters are featured on his social media pages because he is an avid anime enthusiast. He also belongs to a few social groups including Relationspot. With a full calendar of social get-togethers and a heart for advocacy, Izzy Massis finds himself out every day in the excitingly vast city of New York. This endearing episode is a celebration of an intelligent creative who I am proud to have on State of the Arts!
State of the Arts Episode 247 now available on Spotify! Return guest Daniela Marini joins me once again with an exciting career update. Her dream of having her own store has been realized as she has recently opened up a jewelry boutique and healing nook. Celestial Art Gifts has found a permanent home in Woodstock, New York (40 Mill Hill Road). This jewelry designer and energy healer left her job in education to pursue a career in the creative field she is the most passionate about. After a few years of setting up booths at festivals and a steady stream of online sales, she has reached her goal of opening up a shop for her self designed products and healing practices. Her merchandise includes handcrafted pieces, imported crystals, natural stones and enchanting ornaments. As a gifted energy healer, she is also available for house clearings. In this riveting episode, we delve into her intriguing journey and many other topics. I am honored to have her back on State of the Arts! I am also delighted to conduct this interview in a pair of earrings she designed. If only this was not an audio-only podcast!