Little Known Facts With Ilana Levine

Brendan McDonald is the co-creator and executive producer of "WTF" with Marc Maron. He is an Emmy-winning producer and veteran of television, radio and digital media. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and son. Brendan McDonald, Emmy Award winner and co-creator/producer of "WTF" with Marc Maron, discusses the evolution of their ground-breaking podcast and how they made history when President Obama came on the show. Brendan grew up in a family devoted to the arts and the seeds were planted at an early age to appreciate and create art with integrity. His own performance background and his encyclopedic knowledge and obsession with "Saturday Night Live" all played a part in his becoming the co creator of "WTF." He met Marc Maron in the early days of Air America when they were hired to create a live radio show together and it was clear to Brendan that Marc was the next Howard Stern. As a kid, Brendan performed in school plays but he understood early on what it would take to chase a career as a performer. So he set

At 23, actor Ben Platt won the Tony Award for the physically and emotionally demanding role of Evan Hansen in the Tony Award winning musical, "Dear Evan Hansen." Platt has said in order to take on such a demanding role he lives a monkish existence. As long as he is performing the role everything he does on stage and off is in service of the play. He has changed his diet, works carefully with a vocal coach, physical therapist and even endures the ancient form of alternative medicine known as "cupping." In this intimate conversation with Ilana Levine, host of Little Known Facts, he describes his childhood, his lifelong passion for musical theater, his love of Judaism, family, sexuality, what he learned from Meryl Streep about acting and more never heard before details about this uniquely gifted rising star. BEN PLATT originated the title role in "Dear Evan Hansen" to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations) and won the 2017 Tony Award for his Broadway performance. Platt w

Jen Rudin, author of “Confessions of a Casting Director,” offers listeners a unique behind the scenes experience of the casting process. A child actress herself, Jen shares tips and stories for both the seasoned actor and young professionals, on how to best navigate the often harrowing and unruly process of auditions. In this funny, candid and insightful interview, Jen explains the process of auditions from the perspective of the casting director. Learn why going in and doing the best you can is always better than not taking advantage of every opportunity. Even when the call comes in the night before... Jen Rudin is an award-winning casting director who began her thirty-year career in show business as a child actor at age eight. As a casting executive at the Walt Disney Company, Jen conducted extensive talent searches all over the United States, identifying and hiring actors who went on to star on Broadway in "The Lion King," "Mary Poppins" and "The Little Mermaid" and in beloved Disney movies like "The Incre

Jerry Mitchell, Tony Award winning director and choreographer, is a living legend! He is the creator of Broadway Bares, a burlesque show that has raised millions of dollars for Broadway Cares -- an organization devoted to supporting people living with HIV. His midwestern upbringing and his talent uncovered at a young age are all part of his unique and inspiring success story. JERRY MITCHELL (Director/Choreographer) is currently represented on Broadway as the Director of the Gloria Estefan bio-musical, On Your Feet, having previously received TONY Awards in recognition of his choreography for the 2013 TONY-Award winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots, for which he was also nominated as Director and the 2005 revival of La Cage Aux Folles. He was nominated for an Olivier Award for his choreography in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which he also directed and co-produced in the West End. In the 35 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with over 50 Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End and touring productions, starting as a da

Nikka Graff Lanzarone comes from a long line of  Broadway performers and Tony Award winners. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she spent her youth figuring out how to get to New York City. Nikka was always clear from a young age that she needed to live where there was a Broadway and to Broadway she arrived. Cast in the Pedro Almodovar musical, "Women on the Verge," Nikka quickly became a beloved member of the Broadway community and her one woman show, "Hero Worship," made her an immediate darling of the Cabaret world. She and Mo Brady co-host "The Ensemblist," a Broadway podcast that shines a light on all the people who make a Broadway show happen, both on stage and off. Nikka Graff Lanzarone is a New York City-based performer, writer, podcaster, cat lady, lover of the Internet, wife, and nerd. She’s appeared on Broadway in Chicago (Velma Kelly)andWomen on the Verge… (Marisa) and Off-Broadway in Sweet Charity (Ursula, New Group) Hello Again (The Whore, Transport Group), Zorba (Encores!), and Seussical (Lucille

Alex Gansa, creator of "Homeland," takes us on a behind the scenes journey of his career as an award winning writer in Hollywood. He and Co-creator Howard Gordon, began their professional lives in out west as Test Prep instructors for the children of Hollywood elite. From there they went on to write for television. Hear how these two young upstarts  went from wide eyed hopefuls to being two of the most successful writers and show runners working today. Gansa shares deep personal stories of his struggles and successes and if you love "Homeland" you will learn about how the show came together, casting stories and never before heard anecdotes from the set of the Showtime award winning series. Alex Gansa is the showrunner, co-creator and executive producer of Showtime’s thriller HOMELAND, starring Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin. HOMELAND premiered in October 2011 to critical acclaim and the highest debut ratings for a freshman drama on the network. HOMELAND won the 2012 and 2013 Golden Globe for Best Television

Gus Birney, the youngest actress to date on the podcast, gained her reputation as the new "it girl" with her starring role in the prestige cable drama, "The Mist." At 17 she has already walked the runway for Kanye West during fashion week and co-starred with Marisa Tomei in the critically acclaimed production of "The Rose Tattoo." The daughter of Tony award winning actor Reed Birney and OITNB star Constance Schulman, she shares with great candor the day to day life of growing up in a household with actors who sometimes worked and sometimes didn't, why high school wasn't a great fit for her, and how a 3a.m. trip to a downtown NYC salon is normal in the world of modeling. Gus shares her struggles with the constant reality of being the youngest person in an ensemble and also shares how she negotiates her creative desires with the downtime that actors face and the trauma and hilarity of self taping with her mother -- all of which make for a hilarious and poignant interview with this remarkable young talent who is

Ryan Raddon known as Kaskade to his millions of fans is a world renown Electronic Dance Music DJ and chart topping artist. In this episode of "Little Known Facts" he sits down with Ilana and discusses his life as a trailblazer in the house music world and describes the choices he has to make in order to balance his life as a family man and a devout Mormon and his life on the road ten months out of the year. From growing up in his close knit family in Chicago, the birthplace of House Music, to his international fame as one of the most successful DJ's in music history - this is a one of a kind  conversation where Ryan reveals things about himself he has not discussed in previous interviews. Multi GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer and remixer Kaskade is a titan in the dance music world, and a groundbreaking innovator in the music industry as a whole. Bending the curve by which his contemporaries measure themselves, Kaskade has an unprecedented string of “firsts”. He was the first DJ to land a L

Tony Award Winner, Ben Platt and Academy Award nominee, Lucas Hedges share the podcast stage on this episode of "Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine". These two huge stars are old friends and share their history, passions, struggles and triumphs with great candor on this special episode. Go behind the scenes backstage at "Dear Evan Hansen" and listen to Lucas share what he does before he performs. The two talk about how they handle fame, family, pressure, next projects and what they do for fun-which may surprise you! Ben Platt - Ben Platt originated the title role in Dear Evan Hansen to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations). Platt was the original Elder Cunningham in the Chicago production of The Book of Mormon and reprised the role on Broadway (dir. Trey Parker and Casey Nicholaw). Film: Benji Applebaum in Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, Ricki and the Flash (dir. Jonathan Demme), Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (dir. Ang Lee), Drunk Parents (dir. Fred Wolf). ŒN

Alan Alda has been a household name for decades. He is a rare breed of celebrity -- down to earth, funny, kind and a deeply thoughtful human. He is an advocate for women's rights, a passionate devotee of science and an artist still fiercely committed to the craft of acting, writing and directing. On this episode of Little Known Facts, Alda shares very personal stories from his life. He discusses in heartbreaking detail growing up as the only child of a schizophrenic mother in a time when no one spoke of such things; he talks of his father who was a well known performer on the Burlesque circuit, someone who went on to international stardom only to go back to square one again and again. Alan Alda saw firsthand from an early age the great highs and lows of an acting career. Yet with the role of 'Hawkeye Pierce' on the groundbreaking, iconic hit television series M*A*S*H, Alda became a huge star  He reinvents himself with every role and in his conversation with Ilana, he shares his process for creating a characte

In honor of these two brilliant actors and their 2017 Tony Award nominations here are interviews with the star of Falsettos and Girls, Andrew Rannells, and the star of Dear Evan Hansen and Pitch Perfect, Ben Platt.  Andrew Rannells -  Andrew Rannells plays Elijah on the hit HBO series, Girls. He is also known for his work as Elder Price in the 2011 Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, which earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. As a featured soloist on the musical's Original Broadway Cast Recording, he won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. His other Broadway credits include Jersey Boys, Hairspray, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Falsettos. He portrayed King George III in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton on Broadway.  Ben Platt -  Ben Platt originated the title role in Dear Evan Hansen to critical acclaim (Obie Award, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League nominations). Platt was the original Elder Cunningham in the Chicago product

Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon are both nominated for 2017 Tony Awards for their roles in The Little Foxes. These two stars of stage and screen switch roles nightly which is a stunning achievement, especially because the women they play are polar opposites. Here are my interviews with Cynthia and Laura, revisited in honor of their nominations and their beautiful work in Lillian Hellman's Tony Award nominated play. Laura Liney - Laura Linney is an American actress who works in film, television and theatre. Her film work includes Genius, Nocturnal Animals and The Dinner. Most recently she has been seen in Mr. Holmes, You Can Count On Me, Kinsey, The Savagaes, The Fifth Estate, Hyde Park on Hudson, The Squid and the Whale, Mystic River, Absolute Power, The Truman Show, Primal Fear, The Mothman Prophecies, Love Actually, The House of Mirth, The Details and Congo, among others. She starred in and produced the Showtime Series The Big C for four seasons for which she won a few awards, as she did for her portrayal o

Andy Cohen, host of Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live and bestselling author, takes Ilana behind the scenes of his life. From the Real Housewives franchise to his friendship and show with Anderson Cooper, listeners will feel like a fly on the wall as these two old friends catch up. Ilana first met Andy when they both came to New York City in their 20’s and found themselves on the beach invited their by mutual friend, the Tony Award winner John Benjamin Hickey. Andy recounts his youth in St. Louis, coming out to friends and family, his views on marijuana, the loss of dear friend Natasha Richardson, and his rise in the entertainment business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Octavia Spencer, Academy Award winner, shares her journey from a small town in Alabama to a huge career in Hollywood. Raised by a single mom and one of 7 children, hers is a story of perseverance and passion. One of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, Octavia Spencer has become a familiar fixture on both television and the silver screen. Her critically acclaimed performance as Minny in 2011’s The Help won her the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award, among numerous other accolades. Throughout the past year she has taken on many different characters, such as Johanna in Allegiant and Miss Harris in The Great Gilly Hopkins, as well as lending her voice to the character of Mrs. Otterton in Zootopia. Octavia can be seen in the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures, a drama that follows the true story of three African American women who were instrumental to NASA catching up in the Space Race. Octavia’s performance as Dorothy Vaughan has earned her SAG, Golden Globe, NAACP Ima

Orfeh, the Tony nominated Broadway star, shares incredible stories of her life growing up in NYC, her godmother, Cher, and marriage to Broadway star Andy Karl. Hear how (and why)  she handles the non stop discussion about her unique name. Orfeh is known for her astonishing vocal gifts that Seth Rudetsky is “Obsessed” with! -- and describes how as a young kid she knew she wanted to be a pop star and found her way into a Bubble Yum commercial and never looked back. From jingles to worldwide tours as a pop star with her duo “Or n More” to Broadway -- be a fly on the wall for this thrill of a ride with this powerhouse actress. Broadway: Paulette in Legally Blonde: The Musical (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, Broadway.com Audience Award), Saturday Night Fever, Fascinating Rhythm, Footloose. Off Broadway: Love, Loss, and What I Wore, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Love, Janis. TV/Film: Sleeping with the Fishes (with Gina Rodgriguez), Across the Universe, Film U, L&O CI, Sex and t

Christopher Hanke, star of stage and screen, shares personal stories of triumph and frustration that actors experience every day, on this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Little Known Facts. Originally slated to go to medical school Christopher deferred to give acting a shot. Quickly after arriving in New York City he booked a job and never looked back. Be a fly on the wall as Christopher and Ilana share stories, sing, laugh and go deep! Christopher is an actor and theater nerd.  He most recently starred in the hit one-man comedy Buyer & Cellar in New York and Toronto, to rave reviews and the new play Perfect Arrangement at Primary Stages in NYC. Before that he ate the scenery as Bud Frump in the Broadway revival of How to Succeed… Other Broadway credits include: Rent (Mark), Cry-Baby (Baldwin)and In My Life (JT). Additionally, Hanke played Tommy Boatwright in director George C. Wolfe’s Tony Award-winning production of The Normal Heart at Arena Stage in DC and starred as Claude in the Public Theater's Shak

Emily Skeggs, Tony and Grammy nominated actress, shares her life story on this compelling episode of Little Known Facts. At a young age she is already a magnificent talent as well as a voice in the world of political activism. She has taken on difficult acting roles and manages to make it seem effortless. She describes the joy and responsibility she feels when playing real life heroes. Hear her journey from working at kid's birthday parties to landing a role on Broadway and taking the theater community by storm. She is warm and kind and funny and will leave you wishing she was your best friend. Listen to this inspiring actress who is just beginning what promises to be a huge and important career. In December, Emily wrapped one of the lead roles in Desiree Akhavan’s feature film The Miseducation of Cameron Post, based on the popular YA novel. Emily also stars in Dustin Lance Black's eight-part miniseries When We Rise for Gus van Sant, airing on ABC. Emily was nominated for duel Tony and Grammy Awards as the le

J. Smith-Cameron, star of stage and screen, grew up in the south as Jeannie Smith. How she went from a small town Southern life to taking the New York theater community by storm and her marriage to the Oscar nominated screenwriter and playwright Kenneth Lonergan, is revealed in this very intimate conversation. From the first day of shooting the "Rectify" pilot to the controversial film "Margaret," J. Is candid about her process and both the joys and struggles of the life of an artist. J. Smith-Cameron has appeared in numerous theatre productions Off and On Broadway. Highlights include "Our Country’s Good" (TonyNomination), "Sarah" (Drama Desk nomination), "Fuddy Meers" (Outer Critics and Drama Desk Nominations) and "As Bees in Honey Drown" (Obie award, Drama Desk and Outer Critics nominations). Recent credits include "Sweet and Sad" (Drama Desk and Obie Awards) by Richard Nelson at the Public, as well as "That Hopey Changey Thing" and "Sorry," by the same author. Also "Midsummer Night’s Dream" at La Jolla Pla

Danny Burstein has been a Tony Award nominee multiple times. He is a beloved Broadway star and has played iconic roles that have left an indelible mark on the lives of theater audiences lucky enough to see him on stage. On this episode of Little Known Facts, Mr. Burstein shares stories of his time working with theater legends like Stephen Sondheim, Tony Randall, and Bernadette Peters among others. He opens up with Ilana about a cancer scare that changed him forever and together with his wife Rebecca Luker (another Broadway star) he got through that terrifying time and changed his outlook on life. Be inspired and fall in love with this Broadway legend. Danny is a 6-time Tony Award nominee whose 16 Broadway credits include: Fiddler on the Roof (2016 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards; Tony & Grammy Award nominations); Cabaret (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations); The Snow Geese; Golden Boy (2013 Tony and Outer Critics Circle nominations); Follies (2012 Drama Desk and Outer Criti

Edie Falco, the multi award winning actress, takes Ilana through her life and career in exquisite detail. From her early days waitressing to her early indie films. How she got the role of Carmela on "The Sopranos," the script she originally read for "Nurse Jackie." Ilana and Edie talk about sobriety, adoption, fame, single motherhood, pet psychics, and much more on this fascinating episode of "Little Known Facts." Edie Falco is best known for her roles as Diane Whittlesey on the HBO series "Oz," Carmela Soprano on "The Sopranos," and in the title role of Showtime’s "Nurse Jackie." She has also appeared in the films "Trust," "Reversal of Fortune," "Cop Land," "Random Hearts," "Freedomland," "Sunshine State," "Gods Behaving Badly," and most recently, "The Comedian." She has earned several Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG awards and is the first female actor to receive the Television Critics Association Award for Individual Achievement in Drama. She has appeared on Broadway in "Sideman," "Frankie and Johnny in the Cl