Épisodes

  • #99 - David Armstrong: Broadway’s Untold Story- Who Really Created the American Musical

    #99 - David Armstrong: Broadway’s Untold Story- Who Really Created the American Musical
    Oct 14 2025
    We sit down with David Armstrong — lifelong theater-maker, educator, and author of Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical. David’s 40-year career as a director, producer, choreographer, and writer has been steeped in creative risk, from his 18 years leading Seattle’s Fifth Avenue Theatre (where Hairspray began!) to hosting the Broadway Nation podcast and now teaching Broadway history at the University of Washington. His passion for illuminating the overlooked creators of America’s most iconic art form is both inspiring and overdue. We talk about the evolution of Broadway through marginalized voices, the political power of art that doesn’t look political, and how risk-taking theaters like the Fifth Avenue became incubators for some of Broadway’s greatest hits. David shares the creative leap that led to Hairspray, how collaboration with an audience shapes a show’s success, and the “legacy chains” connecting generations of musical theater creators — from Otto Harbach to Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also gets candid about failure, what it really feels like when a show “almost” works, and why he still sees risk as essential to the creative process. 🎧 Connect with David Armstrong: 📚 Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical — available everywhere books are sold (or through Bloomsbury for a discount!) 🎙️ Listen to Broadway Nation on the Broadway Podcast Network and all major podcast platforms 🌐 Learn more: Broadway Nation Podcast Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Art created by outsiders has always shaped the mainstream. Theaters that take risks on new work keep Broadway alive. “Shows aren’t written — they’re rewritten.” Legacy and mentorship sustain creative evolution. Risk and failure are inseparable parts of artistic success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 20 min
  • #98 - Audrey Goldberg Ruoff: How Failure Fueled a Debut Novel

    #98 - Audrey Goldberg Ruoff: How Failure Fueled a Debut Novel
    Sep 30 2025
    Audrey Goldberg Ruoff knows a thing or two about living a double life—in the best way possible. By day, she’s a middle school teacher, bringing “Ms. Frizzle-level” energy to the classroom. By night (and early mornings, and stolen weekends), she’s a novelist who just released her debut adult novel, Hopelessly Devoted. This cozy, witchy rom-com blends love, humor, ghosts, and tea in a way that feels perfect for fall—and forever. In this conversation, Audrey shares the winding journey that led her from journalism to teaching to finally finishing and publishing her first book. We talk about the creative risks she’s taken along the way: querying for years, writing stories “just for herself,” and daring to put her real name on her book. From Addams Family inspiration to YA horror recommendations, to thoughtful takes on teaching, sex positivity in literature, and even the ethics of AI, this episode is full of the same warmth and wit you’ll find in her writing. 📚 Find Hopelessly Devoted wherever books are sold (support your local indie or check bookshop.org) 📸 Follow Audrey on Instagram: @audreygoldbergruoff Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Creativity often blooms when you finally write for yourself, not for the market. Failure—whether in writing or teaching—is inevitable, but it’s also the doorway to growth. Cozy, witchy magical realism can make our world feel “just a little bit better.” Teaching is a deeply powerful, creative profession that shapes future storytellers. Risk is choosing to show up authentically—even if it means students, editors, or the world will see the real you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 7 min
  • #97 - Megan Michelle: When the Universe Hands You a Saga

    #97 - Megan Michelle: When the Universe Hands You a Saga
    Sep 16 2025
    Sometimes creativity shows up in the most unexpected places. For author Megan Michelle, it was during recovery from open heart surgery and battling severe light sensitivity that her debut novel Skylark came to life. What started as a vivid story playing in her mind became the foundation for The Seales Saga—a seven-book series blending military action, slow-burn romance, and fierce patriarchy-smashing energy. In this conversation, Megan opens up about the divine-download nature of her writing process, the role crowdfunding played in bringing Skylark to print, and her passion for advocating veterans’ rights and mental health awareness. We also dig into the business side of indie publishing, how to make books beautiful inside and out, and why sometimes the universe has to force us to slow down so our true creative work can emerge. Connect with Megan Michelle: Get the book, Skylark (The SEAL Saga, Book 1) 📚 Website: megan-michelle.com 📸 Instagram: @megan_michelle_storytelling Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Creativity can be born in the most unexpected circumstances. Indie publishing is expensive—but crowdfunding and community can make it possible. Beautiful books are art, and presentation matters as much as story. Sometimes life forces you to slow down, and that pause might reveal your true creative calling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 2 min
  • #96 - Evelyn Skye: The Write Amount of Delusion

    #96 - Evelyn Skye: The Write Amount of Delusion
    Aug 26 2025
    Bestselling author Evelyn Skye joined us for this episode, and wow—what a ride. Evelyn is the author of ten novels, including The Hundred Loves of Juliet and her brand-new release The Incredible Kindness of Paper. Her books have been published in 16 languages, and she’s written for Netflix and Disney, but what we loved most about this conversation is how open she was about the rejection, risk, and a healthy dose of “delusion” it took to get here. From her early manuscripts that never sold, to switching genres mid-career, to finally finding her voice in stories rooted in kindness and joy—Evelyn’s path is a masterclass in perseverance. We also dug into her writing process (spoiler: she cranks out a messy zero draft in 30 business days and then tears it apart), the courage it took to leave her legal career behind, and why she refuses to compromise on the heart of her stories. Evelyn also shares about her Substack community Creative Inspired Happy, where she hosts a book club, author interviews, and creativity challenges. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to sustain a creative career—or you just need a reminder to stay delusionally optimistic—this one’s for you. Connect with Evelyn Skye: 📚 The Incredible Kindness of Paper – out now wherever books are sol 🌐 Website & Substack: creativeinspiredhappy.com 📸 Instagram: @evelyn_skye Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: A “healthy dose of delusion” can be essential fuel for creative careers. Rejection doesn’t mean failure—it’s feedback that the story hasn’t landed yet. Sometimes success comes when you stop writing what you think the market wants and lean into what you want to create. Creative longevity requires balancing input (reading, living life) with output (writing).Protecting the heart of your work is worth holding the line, even if it means saying no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min
  • #95 - Tad Stoermer: The Founding Fathers Were Not Your Heroes

    #95 - Tad Stoermer: The Founding Fathers Were Not Your Heroes
    Aug 5 2025
    In this deeply compelling and eye-opening episode, we sat down with historian and viral TikTok creator Tad Stoermer, whose work dismantles the "Patriot Myth" and reimagines the American narrative. With a resume that includes Colonial Williamsburg, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and a PhD in history, Tad is anything but your typical academic. We unpack how his journey from Capitol Hill to the classroom — and eventually to social media — led him to challenge everything he’d been taught about the founding of the United States. His powerful deconstruction of the sanitized version of history we’ve all been fed is nothing short of radical truth-telling. Tad’s upcoming book, Resistance: A History of the United States, aims to reframe the American story through the lens of those who have fought back — often at great personal cost — in the name of equity and justice. In this episode, we dig into why real resistance isn’t about fast wins, how joy itself can be an act of rebellion, and why he believes the stories we’ve erased are actually where the real American heroes live. Oh, and we talk about why Alexander Hamilton might’ve been, well, kind of an asshole. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll walk away changed. CONNECT WITH TAD: 📚 Look out for this book: Resistance: A History of the United States (March 2026) 📱 TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, and Substack: @tadstoermer CONNECT WITH US: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: The “Patriot Myth” isn’t just a distortion — it’s a strategic narrative rooted in exclusion. Real resistance is a long game, not a quick fix. Deconstructing history means challenging your own education. Joy, creativity, and curiosity are essential tools of resistance. TikTok might be the most unexpected — and effective — classroom in America right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 22 min
  • #94 - Victoria Christopher Murray: An Overnight Sensation After 25 Years

    #94 - Victoria Christopher Murray: An Overnight Sensation After 25 Years
    Jul 22 2025
    Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she was born to be a writer—she was literally introduced as one at the age of seven when her second-grade class performed her first play. That moment sparked a lifelong passion, even if it took decades to pursue professionally. Now a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 books under her belt, Victoria’s work blends powerful storytelling with faith, moral conflict, and deeply rooted historical truths. Her historical fiction—including the breathtaking Harlem Rhapsody—shines a light on extraordinary Black women who have been erased from the pages of history. In this candid, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Victoria shares the circuitous path that led her from corporate success to full-time author, the invaluable support of her late husband, and how she guerrilla-marketed her way into a major publishing deal. She talks about the creative joy (and challenge!) of co-authoring with Marie Benedict, immersing herself in research by living in Harlem, and her unwavering belief that it’s never too late to chase your purpose. Victoria’s art is her resistance, and this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and a little bit of magic. Connect with Victoria: 📚 Website: victoriachristophermurray.com 📘 Instagram & Facebook: @victoriachristophermurray 🎬 Watch her Lifetime movies based on The Seven Deadly Sins series 📖 Read Harlem Rhapsody, The Personal Librarian, and more wherever books are sold Connect with us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and more EPISODE TAKEAWAYS You can’t write a book in your head—start with just one word a day History untold is history erased—write what deserves to be remembered Your dream isn't just for you; it's meant to serve and inspire others It’s never too late: Victoria hit the NYT bestseller list at 65 Mistakes ≠ failure—learning from them is how we grow Guerrilla marketing 101: postcards, bookstores, and creative hustle Collaboration can unlock new creative superpowers Your path may not be linear—but it's always right on time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 min
  • #93 - Laura Wood: Therapy, Romance, and Embracing the Chaos

    #93 - Laura Wood: Therapy, Romance, and Embracing the Chaos
    Jul 8 2025
    This week’s guest is the brilliantly charming and very British Laura Wood — author of 17 (yes, seventeen!) books including her newest adult rom-com, Let’s Make a Scene. Laura is a screenwriter, novelist, unapologetic romantic, and former PhD student whose creative journey started as the ultimate procrastination project. In this episode, we dig into how a last-minute writing contest entry changed her entire life, the difference between writing for adults and young readers, and why procrastination might just be a secret creative superpower. Laura opens up about her writing process (spoiler: she’s a speed demon), her love of dual timelines, and what it really takes to create effortless, seamless storytelling. We also get into why blank pages are terrifying, how she structures her novels like a mad genius, and how therapy — both real and fictional — shapes her characters. This conversation is part author confessional, part comedy, and part creative masterclass. Also, someone please get Laura to Costa Rica. Connect with Laura: 📚 Check out her latest book Let’s Make a Scene 🌐 More about Laura: https://laurawoodauthor.com 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @lauraclarewood Connect with the Hosts & Show: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, subscribe to her ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠, and follow her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: Sometimes procrastination leads to brilliance — and publishing deals.A blank page is the enemy, but structure can be salvation. Therapy isn’t just healing; it can also be hilarious and plot gold. Adulting doesn’t mean the end of coming-of-age. Celebrate your wins. Don’t let the goalposts keep moving without you. Creative success isn’t about one big break — it’s built slowly, consistently, and authentically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 21 min
  • #92 - Serena Burdick: When Your Grandmother’s Nude Sparks a Novel

    #92 - Serena Burdick: When Your Grandmother’s Nude Sparks a Novel
    Jun 17 2025
    USA Today bestselling author Serena Burdick is living proof that creative success doesn’t follow a straight line. In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Serena shares how her journey from aspiring actor to celebrated novelist came with plenty of unexpected twists—including returning to waiting tables in her 40s while raising kids and chasing her dream. With honesty and humor, she opens up about the realities of artistic life, the power of resilience, and the value of believing in your own story—especially when others don’t see it yet. We dive into Serena’s new book, A Promise to Arlette, and the fascinating real-life inspiration behind it—her grandmother’s connection to avant-garde photographer Man Ray and a long-lost nude photograph that sparked a fictional journey through postwar France and conservative 1950s America. Serena talks about balancing fiction with history, channeling her theatrical background into richly drawn characters, and navigating the emotional tightrope of writing stories that sometimes go to very dark places. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wanted to rewrite their own story. Connect with Serena Burdick: 📘 Buy A Promise to Arlette anywhere books are sold 🖋️ Follow Serena on Instagram: @serenaburdick 📚 Learn more at Zibby Media to purchase signed copies and support indie authors Connect with the Hosts & Show: 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠, and follow her on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Your first creative dream doesn’t have to be your last Failure is part of the process—and can sometimes lead to unexpected wins Historical fiction is a powerful tool for preserving and imagining untold stories Creative careers often require privilege and sacrifice—acknowledge both Be open to feedback, but stay grounded in your artistic voice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 6 min