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Arts Educators Save the World

Arts Educators Save the World

Erica Halverson 72 Episodes Jul 13, 2026

Arts Educators Save the World is a weekly podcast that brings successful artists into conversation with the mentors who influenced them. Season One features guests like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Robert Lopez, Josh Radnor, and Annaleigh Ashford. The show explores how arts educators and mentors have shaped the lives and careers of these artists. Listeners can follow the podcast on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe for weekly episodes.

Episodes

Steve & Jerry Rosen... aka The Rosens!
Steve & Jerry Rosen... aka The Rosens! Jul 13, 2026 4154 If you thought Steve and Jerry Rosen was the name of name of a borscht belt comedy duo… you would be close to correct. Steve Rosen is “that guy” in a lot of TV shows and Broadway musicals including Sir Belvedere in Spamalot and Benny Southstreet in Guys & Dolls. He’s also a successful writer - The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation is coming this year! But he’d be nothing without his dad, retired pediat
Adena Varner & Jonathan Burke with Kenyatta Hardison
Adena Varner & Jonathan Burke with Kenyatta Hardison Jun 29, 2026 4574 Get ready to have your socks knocked off by the son and daughters of Baltimore! Jonathan Burke, Current Mungojerrie in Broadway’s Cats the Jellicle Ball, shares the mic with his bestie Adena Varner, Director of Arts Engagement for the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. Together, they celebrate the genius of their childhood mentor Kenyatta Hardison who took them both from awkward middle schoolers to s
Tony's Wrap-Up with Nicole Hudson!
Tony's Wrap-Up with Nicole Hudson! Jun 15, 2026 2859 Tony’s recap alert! On this episode, Erica is joined by Nicole Hudson, Broadway Producer (The Wiz, Appropriate) and regional theatre genius, as they answer the question, “Why are theatre kids so into mentorship and arts education?” The discussion spans the magic of live performance, a focus on mentors within the awards show itself, and a deep dive into joy as resistance. To learn more about Nic
Poets Jason Morphew & Joe Wenderoth
Poets Jason Morphew & Joe Wenderoth Apr 14, 2026 3945 This one's for all you poetry stans out there! On this episode, Erica sits down with two very singular gentlemen of letters, each of whom both teach and write poetry for a living. They discuss what poems are, what people are, and how to connect with students today in such a niche literary field. Jason Morphew is the author of the collections Eject City (Poets Wear Prada, 2024) and dead boy (Spuy
LIVE at the Comic Con Museum: Anjali Bhimani & Owyn P Taylor
LIVE at the Comic Con Museum: Anjali Bhimani & Owyn P Taylor Mar 31, 2026 3663 In this live podcast, Arts Educators Save the World podcast hosts Dr. Erica Halverson and Alek Lev will interview the actor Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, The Legend of Vox Machina, Overwatch, Apex Legends) in conversation with her mentee Owyn P Taylor about the role of arts learning in her success as a multi-hyphenate actor . Using stories from Bhimani’s career and her role in Owyn's development, th
LIVE at the Comic Con Museum: Joshua Pruett & Scott Peterson
LIVE at the Comic Con Museum: Joshua Pruett & Scott Peterson Mar 19, 2026 3685 In this live podcast, Arts Educators Save the World podcast hosts Dr. Erica Halverson and Alek Lev will interview Emmy Award–winning writer Joshua Pruett (Phineas and Ferb, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Doctor Who, The Last Comics on Earth) alongside his mentor, Emmy Award–winning head writer and co-producer Scott Peterson (Phineas and Ferb, The Last Kids on Earth) about the role of learning as an
Emily Deschanel & Scott Weintraub
Emily Deschanel & Scott Weintraub Mar 5, 2026 3437 No “Bones” about it, this episode features the great Emily Deschanel, waxing nostalgic with high school pal and Arts Educators Save the World Executive Producer Jamie Salka and their high school drama teacher, the great Scott Weintraub! Scott is a true polymath, professional actor, teacher and director of students k-12, and responsible for mentoring Emily and many other household names to televisi
How They Met Each Other: Craig Thomas and Rob Greenberg REDUX
How They Met Each Other: Craig Thomas and Rob Greenberg REDUX Feb 25, 2026 3602 Revisiting another Oldie-But-Goodie this week while we're recording new episodes at the Comic Con Museum in San Diego!! More to come soon!! Our dear friend Craig Thomas, working at the highest levels of network television, is proof positive that mentorship doesn't end at graduation. Craig is the co-creator of CBS's smash sitcom HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, which received 30 Emmy Award nominations i
Showrunners (& Sisters) Lilla & Nora Zuckerman
Showrunners (& Sisters) Lilla & Nora Zuckerman Jan 29, 2026 4741 The Zuckerman sisters have been partners-in-crime their whole lives. From the time they bought a secret TV to watch Twin Peaks without their parents knowing to their collaboration as showrunners of the Peacock hit show Poker Face, Lila and Nora Zuckerman are powerhouse women together and as solo acts. The hour we got to spend with them was pure delight - 10 out of 10, no notes!
Lili-Anne Brown & Nadia Guevara
Lili-Anne Brown & Nadia Guevara Jan 19, 2026 4772 We’re welcoming you back to new episodes with a bang! Lili-Ann Brown is one of the leaders of American regional theatre, directing all over the country from Chicago’s Goodman Theatre to the New York City Center Stages. We hosted an amazing conversation between emerging superstar director Nadia Guevara and Lili-Ann, two powerhouse women who explore everything from the crucial role of social capital
Sharif Bey & Bill Strickland REDUX
Sharif Bey & Bill Strickland REDUX Dec 22, 2025 2875 One more from the vault! This one is producer Doug's favorite Season 1 episode. Bill Strickland is the founder of Manchester Craftmen’s Guild and Bidwell Corporation. He's also a MacArthur Fellow. Sharif Bey is an artist and professor, whose work is focused on the visual heritage of Africa, Oceana, and contemporary African American Culture. He's also the winner of The United States Artist fellow
Rachel Axler & Jim Shepard REDUX
Rachel Axler & Jim Shepard REDUX Dec 12, 2025 3341 This week we're bringing back another episode from the vault for some of our new listeners! On this episode, we talk to an Emmy-award winning writer from “The Daily Show.” We talk to a writer from “How I Met Your Mother,” one from “Parks and Recreation,” one from “Veep,” and one from the deeply under appreciated “Bored to Death.” We also reconnect with a friend from our high school with the sing

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