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PODCAST

Why I‘ll Never Make It

Patrick Oliver Jones

The actor’s journey is one of occasional highs and frequent lows. It is a path riddled with self-doubt and frustration as we question our career choices, wondering if we’ll ever really ”make it.” But it is those few moments of glory on stage or screen that can sustain us through all the setbacks and challenges. On this award-winning podcast, New York actor Patrick Oliver Jones invites fellow creatives to share three stories that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creative life rarely seen in the

arts performing arts

All Episodes

16:04

FINAL FIVE: Nick Rashad Burroughs, Broadway Actor in...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/07/25

In the previous episode, we explored Nick Rashad Burroughs' journey from Alabama to Broadway. And now we're getting even more personal. Join us as Nick answers the Final Five questions, revealing key lessons he's learned, his hopes for the performing arts industry, and what truly drives him as an artist.Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe or donate. Thank you!Learn more about

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65:43

Nick Rashad Burroughs Embraces His True Self and...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/07/18

Think Alabama isn't a breeding ground for Broadway stars? Think again! This week, we're joined by the phenomenal Nick Rashad Burroughs, who defies expectations and proves that talent truly knows no geographical bounds. From his early life in a deeply religious family in Birmingham, Alabama, Nick's sports-focused journey took an unexpected turn with an accidental audition that led him away from sports and the idea of becoming a pastor.Nick also shares the raw and inspiring story of how he reconciled

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84:03

Theater Tol Takes Performing Arts to New Heights -...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/07/04

Theater Tol was founded in 1998 by Lot Seuntjens, and this international company became known for its multidisciplinary performances, using images, drama, music, amd hardly any spoken text. And while they do perform all over the world, They don't use conventional theaters, instead preferring “unusual” locations: the site of an old factory, a park, a market square, a beach or the banks of a river. Whether its summer or winter, performances are held outdoors, sometimes tailor-made for a specific

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16:53

FINAL FIVE: Ravi Jain & Miriam Fernandes, Artistic...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/06/27

In the previous episode, Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes shared the winding paths that led them to co-lead Why Not Theatre, and how they’ve forged careers on their own terms. It was an incredibly honest and inspiring conversation—but there’s still more ground to cover.That’s why I’m so glad to have them both back with me for the Final Five Questions. This is where we get a little more personal—digging into the lessons they’ve learned along the way, the changes they hope to see in this industry, and

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78:22

Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes Push the Bounds of...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/06/20

Toronto is home to the third-largest English-speaking theatre district in the world—and at the heart of its thriving independent scene is Why Not Theatre, co-led by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes. In this episode, they share their winding and deeply personal journeys through an industry that often made them question whether there was a place for artists like them.Ravi opens up about balancing the security of institutional roles with the pull of founding his own company, while Miriam talks about

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18:21

FINAL FIVE: Aubie Merrylees, Actor in BOOP! and a...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/06/13

Now in his third Broadway show, Aubie answers five final questions about his career and theater journey.In this bonus episode, Aubie Merrylees returns to answer the Final Five—a set of questions I ask every guest to close out their time on the podcast. From memories of his first professional show to the lessons he’s still learning today, Aubie opens up about what success means to him and the kind of change he hopes to see in the industry. It’s a thoughtful and honest reflection on growth,

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70:50

Aubie Merrylees on the Joys of BOOP! and the...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/06/06

With Boop! The Musical earning three Tony nominations this year—including Best Choreography, Best Costume Design, and Best Leading Actress for Jasmine Amy Rogers—I’m joined by cast member Aubie Merrylees for a conversation that goes beyond the awards buzz. We talk about the fun and energy of Boop!, but also the moments that shaped his career long before this Broadway run.From a season of missed opportunities that led him to grad school, to the high expectations and quick closure of KPOP, Aubie

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30:49

Tony Winner J. Harrison Ghee Finds Joy and Freedom in...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/05/23

Every June, Broadway’s biggest night reminds us just how thrilling and transformative live theater can be. The Tony Awards don’t just celebrate excellence—they spotlight the stories, the voices, and the people who are shaping the stage and pushing it forward. Since 1947, the Tonys have been honoring some of Broadway’s best, and this year is no exception, with Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending leading the pack at 10 nominations each.But the Tonys also mark milestones

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33:43

SPOTLIGHT: Stephanie Torns Brings Broadway to EPIC...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/05/09

This is a special presentation of The Spotlight Series, which highlights organization making a difference in the arts and beyond...Stephanie Torns is a Broadway actress known for her standout roles in the Broadway hits like Wicked and Waitress. Over the past decade she has shown incredible dedication and stamina, bringing some of Broadway's favorite characters to life night after night. But Stephanie's impact goes way beyond just the stage. Recently, she’s taken on a new role with EPIC Players, a

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41:40

Closing Night - Anthony Rapp Almost Makes His...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/05/02

Back in 2022, I had the chance to talk with Anthony Rapp—which, for me, was both a thrill and a bit surreal. I’d been following him on Instagram for a while, and one day as I was leaving an audition here in New York I happened to walk right past him. I stopped for a second, unsure if I should say anything. But then I thought, "when am I ever going to run into him again? "So I introduced myself and mentioned that I had a podcast—and that I’d love to talk with him about his Broadway debut. Or more

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21:41

FINAL FIVE: George Heslin, Actor, Director and Producer.

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/04/25

In our last episode, George Heslin shared some incredible stories about founding the Origin Theatre Company and his work as an Irish actor coming to New York. But as always, there’s more to discover. And these Final Five Questions are where we really get to know George, from personal lessons and thoughts on the future to offering some advice for those just starting out. We also debate one of my favorite topics to rant about: the good and bad of self-tapes (mostly bad, of course).— Why I’ll Never

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49:30

George Heslin Helps Bring Irish Theater to New York City

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/04/18

George Heslin came to New York in the mid-‘90s, but it wasn’t quite his idea to come here. So when he landed in the city he didn’t exactly hit the ground running. Instead, he spent four years as a struggling actor trying to find his footing, but mostly feeling lost and lonely. But with the help of a legendary acting teacher, out of that struggle came something remarkable.In 2002, George founded the Origin Theatre Company—literally with a credit card and a dream—and spent almost 20 years bringing

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56:18

Bret Shuford Turns Broadway Lessons into Guidance for...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/04/04

Bret Shuford has spent his career balancing two passions—performing on Broadway and helping others achieve their creative goals. From The Little Mermaid to Paramour, he built a successful stage career while also becoming a sought-after coach for actors and artists. But finding that balance wasn’t always easy. In this rewind episode from 2019, Bret shares how he navigated the highs and lows of the industry, the importance of authenticity in his work, and why he’s passionate about guiding others

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19:13

FINAL FIVE: Moshe Lobel, Actor and Filmmaker

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/03/28

In last episode with Moshe Lobel, we covered so much ground, from why he left his Hasidic roots and pursued a career as an actor to his latest film project that forced him to confront his past and reconcile who he is with who he was. But one of the most enlightening parts of every conversation is when guests answer the Final Five Questions. It’s where we hear about personal lessons, hopes for the industry, and those moments that truly define an artist’s career.— Why I’ll Never Make It is an

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54:24

Moshe Lobel Leaves Hasidic Roots to Pursue Theater...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/03/22

Leaving behind everything he once knew, Moshe Lobel walked away from his Chasidic faith and roots to pursue a life in theater and film—an unthinkable choice for most in his community. A native Yiddish speaker from Brooklyn, he made his New York stage debut as the lead in Awake and Sing! with New Yiddish Rep before joining the award-winning Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish, directed by Joel Grey. His career has since expanded into film and television, including HBO’s High Maintenance,

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24:25

Final Five: Akiko Aizawa, Actor and Teacher of...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/03/14

In our previous conversation with the talented Akiko Aizawa, we delved into her journey from a modern dancer to a dedicated actress facing challenges in New York City. But there's always more to uncover, and that's where the Final Five Questions come in. This is when Akiko opens up even further to share personal lessons learned, her hopes for the theater industry, and those intimate moments that define her artistic passion. Join us as we explore what success and making it truly mean to her, relive

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53:56

Akiko Aizawa Leaves the Dance World and Embraces...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/03/07

When I worked at Tokyo DisneySea, I fell in love with Japan—the culture, the food, the people. But working there was a whole different experience. The structure, the discipline, the expectations—it took time to adjust. As much as I admired it, adapting wasn’t always easy.Akiko Aizawa knows that challenge firsthand, but from the other side. Originally from Akita, Japan, she built a career in modern dance before transitioning to theater and eventually moving to New York. But that transition wasn’t

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16:44

FINAL FIVE: Elizabeth Hess, Founder and Director of...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/02/28

Last week, actor, director and playwright Elizabeth Hess shared some of her missed opportunities as well as the creation of her own theater company The Hess Collective. And while that was such an insightful conversation, there’s still so much more to explore! And that’s why it’s exciting to have Elizabeth back here for the Final Five Questions. These are where we get a little more personal—uncovering lessons learned, hopes for the industry, and a deeper look at what drives her as an artist.— Why

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71:43

Elizabeth Hess Brings Resilience and Creativity to...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/02/21

Elizabeth Hess is Founder of The Hess Collective and has developed various theater projects off-Broadway as well as traveling the globe with her own acclaimed solo works. (Their latest production is No Reservation.) And she joins us today to talk about the early years in her career as she tried to join a theater company in Canada. We also discuss her Broadway debut in M. Butterfly as well as the rather unconventional route that led her to her biggest television role in the Nickelodeon series

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17:01

FINAL FIVE - Lynn Nottage, Two-Time Pulitzer Prize...

Why I‘ll Never Make It ·

2025/02/14

Last week you heard from the award-winning playwright Lynn Nottage as she shared the joys and struggles of being a writer. Well, now Lynn is back to talk about how the industry has changed throughout her decades as a writer as well as sharing one important lesson she learned from August Wilson by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It.--- Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing

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