Best Matt Koplik Podcasts (2025)

1
Theater and Tonys Guru Matt Koplik on the 2025 Season 1:32:52

18d ago1:32:52

1:32:52

This episode dives deep with Matt Koplik, host of the Broadway Breakdown Podcast, as we unpack 2025’s state of Broadway. Matt shares candid thoughts about how social media, rising costs, and risk-averse creative institutions are challenging artistry in the theater - from standing ovations that mean nothing, to the pressure on performers and critics…

1
Your Creative Career Isn’t Broken, Your Expectations Might Be 37:08

4d ago37:08

37:08

THIS IS A SEGMENT OF A PATREON EXCLUSIVE EPISODE What if your career isn't actually broken-what if your expectations are? Joshua and Mike dive deep into one of the most uncomfortable truths facing artists today: that most creative careers stall not because of lack of talent or even circumstances, but because of unrealistic expectations that were ne…

1
Matt Reviews CALL ME IZZY 49:01

7d ago49:01

49:01

"Blue..." The 2025-2026 Broadway season kicks off with icon Jean Smart's one woman show CALL ME IZZY. Plus a production of MACHINAL, which launches the first season of the brand new New York Theatre Company. What did Matt think? Well...take a listen... Join the Broadway Breakdown Substack here! https://bwaybreakdown.substack.com/ Or the Broadway Br…

1
Broadway’s Living Archive: The Vision of Jennifer Ashley Tepper 1:25:39

11d ago1:25:39

1:25:39

In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with writer, producer, historian, and all-around powerhouse Jennifer Ashley Tepper for an expansive conversation about creative sustainability, self-made opportunity, and the legacy of women in musical theater. From her start as a theater-obsessed kid in Boca Raton to becoming the programming direc…

1
The 2025 Tony Awards w/ Robert W. Schneider 3:19:42

13d ago3:19:42

3:19:42

"And what did YOU think of that performance...?" The 2024-2025 Broadway season has come to a close and with it, the Tony Awards. Daddy of the pod Robert W. Schneider returns to Breakdown to discuss with Matt the highs of the ceremony, debate some winners, and some tea Matt got from the Maybe Happy Ending after party! KICK IT! Wanna join the Broadwa…

1
2025 Tonys: Predictions and Personal Picks w/ Sam Eckmann 2:18:12

19d ago2:18:12

2:18:12

"What I expect...what I want...and what I dream..." The 2025 Tony Awards are ALMOST HERE! This means it's time for a final, FINAL prediction episode with Awards Expert Sam Eckmann (GoldDerby). Unfortunately this has been a chaotic race and thus, Matt and Sam find themselves talking in circles convincing each other of what might happen and what they…

1
Actor to Tony Nominee: Sound Design Career & Creative Hustle w/ Taylor Williams 1:02:32

20d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Are you a struggling artist juggling creative passion with the need to pay the bills? 😔 Many actors & filmmakers face the same challenge: How do you make a sound design career sustainable in a tough industry? Can you balance creative risk-taking with the practical realities of making a living? 🤔 In this Raw & Rising episode, Tony-nominated sound de…

1
Aging as an Artist: The Fear, the Freedom, and the Fight 2:03:48

25d ago2:03:48

2:03:48

In this special episode of Creative Risk, Joshua \ explores what it means to age as an artist-through candid, intimate conversations with three remarkable performers at different stages of their creative lives. From Broadway veterans to multi-career pivots to young actors wrestling with pressure and purpose, this episode is about time, identity, an…

1
The Tony Awards: Myths and Trends 2:01:12

26d ago2:01:12

2:01:12

"Ever hear about...?" Matt goes through the last couple of decades of winners to debunk and clarify some ol' Tony Awards myths...as well as discover some trends! Take a listen and win your Tony pool! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/RDs2Bz47By Matt Koplik

1
Faking It Till You Make It - Confidence or Deception? 30:38

1M ago30:38

30:38

THIS IS A SEGMENT OF A PATREON EXCLUSIVE EPISODE In this episode, Joshua and Mike unpack the ever-complicated mantra: "fake it till you make it." What begins as a discussion of creative confidence quickly spirals into deeper territory-where's the line between confidence and deception? When does “faking it” become fraud? And how much success actuall…

1
West End Shows/London Trip (w/ Mom!) 1:51:26

1M ago1:51:26

1:51:26

BIG NEWS! MATT GOT A NEW MIC! But he isn't quite sure if he's figured it out yet. So be patient this episode. Oh! And Matt went to London again with his mom and sister! Matt's mom joins for the first half to discuss their London adventures as well as the 5 shows they took in while staying in Fitzrovia for the week: -The Comedy About Spies, Oliver!,…

1
The Power of High School Theater Pt.2 2:08:31

1M ago2:08:31

2:08:31

In part two of our high school theater deep dive, Mike sits down with his most influential teachers from the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts-Joni Weisfeld and Brian Jennings-for a conversation that’s part love letter, part reckoning. Together, they unpack the messy, magical alchemy of arts education: where rigor meets vulnerability, and where …

1
Raw + Rising: Makayla McIntosh 50:18

1M ago50:18

50:18

In this episode of Raw + Rising, we go deep with Makayla McIntosh-actor, producer, and founder of not one, but two creative companies. From children's entertainment to indie film production, Makayla's journey is a masterclass in creative self-sufficiency. She shares how a birthday party side hustle turned into a 14-year business, how a serious acci…

1
Ranking All 42 Broadway Shows This Season (22-1) 2:38:38

1M ago2:38:38

2:38:38

And just like that...we finished! Matt wraps up his *unofficial* ranking of every Broadway show for the 2024-2025 Broadway Season. Was it worth it??? Join the fun at the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here! https://discord.gg/UTGVBprYtrBy Matt Koplik

1
Ranking All 42 Broadway Shows This Season (42-23) 2:49:54

1M ago2:49:54

2:49:54

And episode so long...we have to split it in two! Matt saw Every. Single. Broadway. Show. This. Season. And my God is he gonna do the Lord's work and rank it all for you. Because why the F**K NOT?! Enjoy Part 1! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here! https://discord.gg/UTGVBprYtrBy Matt Koplik

1
The Power of High School Theater Pt.1 1:50:49

2M ago1:50:49

1:50:49

In this personal, winding, and emotionally resonant episode of Creative Risk, the boys crack open a sacred, formative chapter: high school theater. But this isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s an excavation-of early validation, teenage fragility, creative discovery, social hierarchy, and the kinds of teachers who see something in you before you know …

1
Matt Reviews REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES, OLD FRIENDS and DEAD OUTLAW 1:50:32

2M ago1:50:32

1:50:32

And a few other shows, actually... Matt saw a whole bunch of stuff. Not just what's in the title. He also saw WONDERFUL TOWN at Encores, the final performance of ZORBA at J2 Spotlight and had a second viewing of DEATH BECOMES HER. It's a lot! Maybe he said some coherent things? Let's see! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!: https://d…

1
Theater That Lives: Building New American Ensemble 1:22:11

2M ago1:22:11

1:22:11

In this inspiring episode of Creative Risk, Mike Labbadia sits down with the founders of New American Ensemble - a bold, new player-focused theater company in NYC - to explore what it really takes to build something that matters. Michael DeFilippis, Gianna Kiehl, and Scott Gordon aren’t just creating theater; they're reimagining the role of ensembl…

1
Tony Nominations are Here!!! (2025) w/ The Theater Lovers 2:47:42

2M ago2:47:42

2:47:42

"Where's the pudding at?!" The 2025 Tony nominations have arrived! And boy are there THOUGHTS. Joining Matt is Breakdown friends Rachael and Will Anderson aka The Theater Lovers!! Listen to their thoughts on the whole slew of nominations, Taylor Swift lore, and a new series of movies Matt plans to make. Enjoy! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Ch…

1
Raw + Rising: Method Fitness 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

In this high-energy episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with Method Fitness founders Danny Keenan and Christian Hopper-two performers-turned-trainers reshaping what fitness means for artists. Forget six-pack abs and protein powder: this is about reclaiming strength, rebuilding confidence, and building sustainable careers in chaotic, body-dema…

1
2025 Tony Nominations: FInal Predictions 1:38:03

2M ago1:38:03

1:38:03

'Cause why the f**k not?! Let's be bold and brave with the Tony nominations before the big announcement day! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/bbcbvZauBy Matt Koplik

1
Matt Reviews FLOYD COLLINS, PIRATES! & JUST IN TIME 1:39:01

2M ago1:39:01

1:39:01

"This is IT!" Matt saw SOOOO much Broadway this week, he couldn't fit it all into one episode. So, he's chosen to cover LCT's revival of FLOYD COLLINS, Roundabout's revisal of PIRATES and 54 Below's...sorry, Broadway's JUST IN TIME. Listen! Discuss! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!!! https://discord.gg/bbcbvZau…

1
Control vs. Surrender: The Artist’s Balancing Act 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE In this solo episode of Creative Risk, Joshua Morgan cracks open one of the most tender and universal tensions in any creative’s life: the balance between control and surrender. With sharp introspection and his signature candor, Joshua explores how control offers structure, discipline, and the abi…

1
2025 Tony Noms: Listener Predictions 1:16:14

2M ago1:16:14

1:16:14

"And what do YOU think of pudding?" Matt scans the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel to get a sense of what listeners feel are likely to get nominated at the 2025 Tony Awards. And the responses are something!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here: https://discord.gg/FqnJwJrrBy Matt Koplik

1
Matt Saw Broadway's Expensive Shows, But... 1:19:40

2M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

...were they worth it? Matt went and saw GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, STRANGER THINGS, GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK and OTHELLO and talks briefly about all of them, but more importantly what their very existence means for Broadway. Plus! Two Off-Broadway musicals that might've restored his faith. *Might* have. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel here!:…

1
From Center Stage to Backstage: Alan Bennett’s Unlikely Second Act 1:41:35

2M ago1:41:35

1:41:35

What happens when your career takes a turn you never planned for - and it ends up being exactly where you're supposed to be? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua sits down with Alan Bennett, a performer-turned-Broadway wardrobe supervisor, for a deeply candid and often hilarious conversation about longevity in the arts, reinvention, and the une…

1
Raw + Rising: Deah Love Harriot 37:35

2M ago37:35

37:35

In this soul-nourishing episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with the unstoppable Deah Love Harriot - an artist whose spirit is as bold as her résumé. From musical directing on Broadway to serving as a minister of worship, Deah’s journey is as expansive as it is rooted. But this isn’t just a career highlight reel - it’s a conversation about pr…

1
Matt Reviews PURPOSE & JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN 1:11:49

2M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

"To quote Taylor Swift..." Matt sees the latest work by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, PURPOSE, as well as the Broadway premiere of JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN. Was JOHN *actually* Matt's nightmare? Which actor in PURPOSE gave Matt life? Find out!! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE…

1
Showing Up as Your Boldest Self: The Real Reason Artists Stay Invisible 1:51:33

2M ago1:51:33

1:51:33

In this wide-ranging episode, Joshua and Mike explore what it really means to show up as your boldest self - not just as a creative, but as a human being navigating a world that often punishes risk and rewards conformity. Through personal stories, cultural critique, and behind-the-scenes examples from the entertainment industry, they unpack the com…

1
Matt Reviews SMASH 1:02:48

2M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

"Fade in on a girl..." Matt has returned from SMASH and is here to talk about what he thought did and didn't work about the new Comedy about a Musical! Enjoy! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here! https://discord.gg/QssGH9KEBy Matt Koplik

1
Matt Reviews BOOP & THE LAST 5 YEARS 1:14:59

3M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

"I can do better than that..." Matt goes to see the new comic musical BOOP and has a *lot* of suggestions, plus the first Broadway production of THE LAST 5 YEARS and...well, has thoughts on that as well. Take a listen! (L5Y review starts around 40:00 ) Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel (and the Tony fun) Here: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE…

1
Why Chasing Your Potential Might Be Killing Your Joy 2:10:00

3M ago2:10:00

2:10:00

In this deeply reflective episode of Creative Risk, Joshua and Mike tackle the complex and emotionally charged topic of unmet potential. Through candid, individual reflections and joint discussion, they dive into the pressures of maximizing life's potential in a society obsessed with hyper-optimization. From personal regrets to the tension between …

1
New 2025 Tony Award Predictions w/ Half Hour 2:01:30

3M ago2:01:30

2:01:30

"OK, now we know..." It's been two months since Matt made some bold predictions for the 2025 Tony nominations. So it's time to make some new ones!! Matt is joined by Richie Grasso and Jeff Maline (Half Hour) to discuss the latest of the season and where everyone sees nominations heading this year. Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: …

1
Raw + Rising: Coleman Ray Clark 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with theater-maker and artistic multi-hyphenate Coleman Ray Clark for an insightful discussion on embracing creative fluidity and breaking traditional artistic molds. Coleman shares how his non-linear career path—from directing and sound design to general management on Broadway—allowed him to thrive…

1
Matt Reviews: LOVE LIFE & THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY 56:24

3M ago56:24

56:24

"I would give my soul for that..." Matt took a trip back to Encores to see the little-known LOVE LIFE and saw one of the final previews for THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY! What did Matt think of the weird Lerner/Weill show often cited as the "first concept musical"? And did Matt agree or disagree with Jesse Green abut DORIAN GRAY's screens? Let's find …

1
Finding Balance: Growing Creative Careers Without Burning Out 34:41

3M ago34:41

34:41

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE What does balance really look like for an artist? In this episode of Creative Risk, Joshua and Mike tackle one of the most elusive yet essential aspects of a creative career: maintaining balance without sacrificing ambition. They dig into the reality of navigating artistic pursuits alongside perso…

1
Birthday Breakdown: Answering Your Questions 3:01:59

3M ago3:01:59

3:01:59

It's Matt's birthday! 35! And now that he's old enough to play Bobby in COMPANY, he's celebrating by doing a Good Ol' Fashioned Q&A. Make sure to join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KEBy Matt Koplik

1
Matt Reviews: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB and OPERATION MINCEMEAT 1:16:26

3M ago1:16:26

1:16:26

"We do what we can..." Matt had a nice week of theatre before flying to judge the Florida State Thespian Festival. First: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB and the Tony chances of Natalie Venetia Belcon. Next: OPERATION MINCEMEAT and whether it's "Too British" or if Matt liked it better on Broadway. For those who don't want spoilers: BUENA VISTA review start…

1
The Artist's Sales Funnel: Why Talent Isn't Enough 1:41:36

3M ago1:41:36

1:41:36

Marketing isn’t just for corporations - it’s essential for artists, too. In this episode, we break down the concept of the artist’s marketing funnel and why understanding it can be the difference between staying unseen and building a sustainable creative career. Joshua and Mike explore how audiences discover your work, what keeps them engaged, and,…

1
Ranking Tony Winners: An Experiment (and What I Learned) 3:59:32

3M ago3:59:32

3:59:32

Matt took to social media to try something out...what IS the legacy of a Tony winner? Find out! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Here! https://discord.gg/QssGH9KEBy Matt Koplik

1
Raw + Rising: Courtney Romano and Queens Bird Films 57:40

3M ago57:40

57:40

In this episode of Raw + Rising, Joshua sits down with writer, director, and creative powerhouse Courtney Romano for an unfiltered conversation about forging an independent artistic career. As the founder of Queens Bird Films and QB / Arthouse, Courtney shares how she’s built a creative life on her own terms - one rooted in intuition, adaptability,…

1
Five Years Later: Covid’s Lasting Impact on the Arts 2:33:27

3M ago2:33:27

2:33:27

Five years after the world shut down, we take a hard look at how COVID changed the entertainment industry—and the lives of the artists within it. From the collapse of institutional power structures to the rise of digital-first artistry, we unpack the lingering effects of the pandemic, both economic and personal. What does sustainability look like n…

1
ANGELS IN AMERICA (Final Episode) w/ Robert W. Schneider 2:07:09

3M ago2:07:09

2:07:09

"I wish I was an octopus..." We've come to the end of ANGELS IN AMERICA and, as it happens, Grab Bag!! Friend of the pod Robert W. Schneider (Broadway Bound) stops by the Breakdown to discuss his history with the play, the weirdness of the 1993 Tony Awards, and which character Matt's ex could play. REJOICE! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Chann…

1
Bonus! SIX w/ Kelsie Watts 1:09:38

4M ago1:09:38

1:09:38

"You can build me up, you can tear me down..." Oooohhh It's a March BONUS episode! SIX's new Jane Seymour, Kelsie Watts, stops by the Breakdown to do a mini-deep dive on the British pop sensation that's still rocking it on Broadway. Matt and Kelsie talk about the complexity of 16th century womanhood, navigating vocal challenges, and re-introducing …

1
Jelani Remy on Longevity, Joy, and Thriving on Broadway 1:07:27

4M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

In this episode of Creative Risk, Broadway star Jelani Remy joins us for an open and inspiring conversation about longevity, adaptability, and joy in the industry. From his early days at Paper Mill Playhouse to leading The Lion King as Simba for nearly a decade, Jelani has built a career defined by passion, perseverance, and an infectious love for …

1
ANGELS IN AMERICA (2nd Episode) w/ Ali Gordon 3:04:45

4M ago3:04:45

3:04:45

"Nothing's lost forever..." We're back with some more ANGELS! Podmother Ali Gordon returns to the Breakdown to discuss with Matt why Joe Pitt is her favorite character, her undying friendship with Matt, and why love needs to be in all dramatic scenes. LET'S DO IT! Join the Broadway Breakdown Discord Channel Here!: https://discord.gg/QssGH9KE…

1
Am I Giving Up on My Dreams? 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

THIS IS A SEGMENT FROM AN EXCLUSIVE PATREON EPISODE In this deeply personal solo episode, Mike grapples with a question every artist faces at some point—am I quitting, or am I just redefining success? He reflects on his journey, from early artistic passion to professional wins and disillusionments, and explores how shifting cultural and economic la…

1
ANGELS IN AMERICA (1st Episode) w/ Alex Weisman 2:52:12

4M ago2:52:12

2:52:12

"F**k you, I'm a Prophet!" We're wrapping up GRAB BAG with the Big One. A play so big we can't possibly contain it to one episode. So friend Alex Weisman (HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD) comes back to the Breakdown to talk all things ANGELS IN AMERICA. The two also discuss the repetition of history, the privilege of self-preservation and being s…

1
Raw + Rising: Hannah Pauley 32:49

4M ago32:49

32:49

In this episode of Raw + Rising, we sit down with actress and creator Hannah Pauley. Hannah shares her candid insights on creative survival as a dual UK and American citizen and the unexpected journey that took her from Pittsburgh to Glasgow to London, to the resilience required to navigate an unpredictable industry, . She also introduces The Jaded…

1
Adapt or Fade: How Multi-Hyphenate Artists Stay Ahead with Ruggero Vittorini 1:08:06

4M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

In this episode of Creative Risk, Mike sits down with multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur Ruggero Vittorini, founder of Inward Studio. From his early days as a musician and visual artist to working in high-end kitchens, to ultimately launching a creative agency, Ruggero’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability. He shares how he transitioned…

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