Arts Educators Save the World

Ever wonder how musicians who don’t go to music school learn to play? Professor of video games and informatics Kurt Squire gives us the gift of his mentor, the greatest living harmonica player Mickey Raphael and their virtual mentorship relationship. You will not want to miss hearing how Mickey has played with everyone from Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to U2 and Snoop Dogg, and how he has taught everyone from our friend Kurt to greats like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan! For real!

Music director, composer, and virtuoso pianist Dan Lipton has performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, on Live with Kelly Ripa, The Today Show, PBS Great Performances, Late Show with David Letterman, and with major symphony orchestras across the country. He has also been in my life since we were 13. He even wrote the music to this podcast. So the thrill of hearing him talk with his musical mentor, Gena Raps is an episode you won’t want to miss. And the Easter egg? We've got archival audio of a high-school-age Dan Lipton playing Rhapsody in Blue! It's the best!

We launched this podcast in Season One with a conversation between Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robert Lopez, and Ms. Barbara Ames, who was not only their mentor (and elementary school music teacher), but Erica's as well. We now end Season Two with Bradley Whitford, whose mentor (and university theater professor) was, in fact, Alek's as well. Bradley Whitford is, of course, a three-time Emmy Award-winner actor, known for his work on THE WEST WING, TRANSPARENT, and now, as the enigmatic Commander Joseph Lawrence on THE HANDMAID'S TALE. As Brad explains, he's "now at the age when his mentors are no longer... mentoring." So we are thrilled to have with us Paul Milisch, the producing director of theater at Madison East High School, where a certain Mr. Whitford was a student years ago. Without further ado, enjoy this fantastic conversation about acting, directing, mentorship, and arts education--and we confront Brad's fundamenal question about students' access to the arts: "Are we expanding opportunity, or are we preserving privilege?" Follow Bradley: X: @bradleywhitford IG: @bradleywhitford

Join Emmy-nominated Chelsea Devantez, a versatile TV writer known for her work on Girls5Eva, and Anne Libera, the Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City. They dive into how arts education nurtures individuality and helps comedians shape their identities. Chelsea shares her journey of rapid skill growth through intensive training, while Anne explains the importance of comedic structure. They discuss using comedy as a tool for meaningful conversation and how improvisation benefits professionals. Plus, learn about their exciting upcoming projects!

In this engaging conversation, Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony-winning mastermind behind Hamilton, reflects on arts education and his philanthropic efforts. Joined by Robert Lopez, co-creator of Frozen, they reminisce about their childhood music teacher, Barbara Ames, who nurtured their talents. The trio discusses how arts programs unveil hidden potentials in students and the transformative power of music. Lin-Manuel shares his current initiatives aimed at increasing access to arts education, while Barbara's heartfelt memories highlight the lasting impact of mentorship.

In this bonus episode, Erica talks with our good friend, writer Daniel Pollack-Pelzner about the myriad wonderful stories he encountered—ALL of them inspiring and ON POINT—while researching his new biography Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist (Simon & Schuster). EXTRA! EXTRA! Listen all about it... in this bonus episode where Erica talks with friend of the pod and author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner about his new book, Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist. You will love the myriad wonderful stories he encountered - ALL of them inspiring and ON POINT - and focused on teaching and learning with the mind, the body, and the heart.

In this engaging discussion, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Robert Lopez, both acclaimed composers and former students of Barbara Ames, reminisce about their elementary music teacher's profound impact. They share how Barbara transformed student theater and inspired original musicals, sparking their passions for songwriting. Listen as they recount vivid memories of early performances, discuss the evolution of their creative talents, and highlight the importance of collaboration and confidence learned in her classroom. It's a heartfelt tribute to the power of arts education!

To round out the summer and mosey back into the school year over the next few weeks, we'll be revisiting a few of our favorites episodes from prior seasons. For any new listeners, be sure to check out our back catalogue -- we've got some DOOZIES!! In this episode, Broadway's reigning Tony-award winner for Best Actor, Jonathan Groff (Merrily We Roll Along, oh yeah, and Frozen, oh yeah, and Hamilton), and his elementary school music teacher, Linda Tough, talk about music-making, education, and their shared passion for "I Love Lucy."

Join Sarah Becker, an experienced early childhood educator, as she shares insights on the transformative power of early childhood principles in education. Discover how emergent and project-based curricula can enrich learning at any level. Sarah introduces the concept of 'professional love,' emphasizing respectful connections that enhance teacher-student relationships. Learn practical tips like observing one student to forge deeper connections and creating moments for self-care to stay present in the classroom. This conversation is a treasure trove for educators seeking to foster meaningful interactions!

Live and in person! Arts Educators Save the World kicks off our new series of super hero interviews, in partnership with the Comic-Con Museum, with a live recording at The Con with Marvel comics writer Gerry Duggan (X-men, Deadpool) and DC comics writer Heath Corson (Justice League, Bizarro). Listen to them discuss their creative evolution, their mentors, and how those lessons forged them into the artists they are today!