Down the Yellow Brick Pod
Down the Yellow Brick Pod is a podcast community preserving and peeling back the curtain on the wonderful world of Oz and its irreversible impact on culture. Join good (trouble) witch co-hosts Emily Kay Shrader and Tara Tagliaferro over the rainbow for an escape! Past deep dives include the original 1900 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the MGM Classic, The Wiz, Return to Oz, Wicked, and more! New episodes drop every Sunday evening and we thank you for listening!
Slipperhood Series: "Before Dorothy" novel with author Hazel Gaynor
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Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be joined by another Slipperhood guest, Hazel Gaynor, author of the brand new novel "Before Dorothy"! Hazel shares her experience dreaming up a novel centered around Aunt Em's life and backstory before Oz, writing Dorothy's parents, favorite parts about writing Oz, and so much more.
Show Notes:
Hazel Gaynor@mrscscozycraftsInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the...
Wicked: Part I - âWhat Is This Feeling?â with Andreas Wyder and Kate Obedzinski (Part 2)
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Patreons Andreas Wyder and Kate Obedzinski to dive into the iconic âWhat Is This Feelingâ! Rabbit holes include Shiz student shout outs, the viral book dance, and so much more!
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPwww.andreaswyder.comShiz University: How the âWickedâ Movie Built Ozâs Epic SchoolâWickedâ Costume Designer Paul Tazewell on Creating Elphaba and Glinda Through Fashio...Wicked: Part I - âWhat Is This Feeling?â with Andreas Wyder and Kate Obedzinski (Part 1)
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Patreons Andreas Wyder and Kate Obedzinski to dive into the iconic âWhat Is This Feelingâ! Rabbit holes include first roommate memories, reddit thread silliness, and so much more.
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday!
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPwww.andreaswyder.com@JoliCreates Instagram@JoliCreates Tik TokInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
...
"Wicked: For Good" Trailer Breakdown!
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GOOD NEWS! The "Wicked: For Good" trailer is HERE and Tara and EmKay are diving into every single detail. Rabbit holes include favorite callbacks, potential theories, the Vanity Fair article, and more!Â
Note: Wicked the Musical spoilers abound!
Show Notes:
Wicked: For Good Trailer: Toto, Weâre Not at Shiz AnymoreWicked: The Graphic Novel Part IMargaret Hamilton From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz by Don BillieInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net<...
Down the YBP Live! at Green Room 42 (6/15/25 7pm)
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Tara and EmKay will be performing in their first live pod show at Green Room 42 in NYC THIS MONTH! Come on down on Sunday, June 15th at 7pm or buy a ticket for the livestream - we'd LOVE to have you. Buy tickets here!
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod
Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited by: Emily Kay Shrader
Wicked: Part I - âThe Wizard and Iâ with Amelia Zani
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Patreon Amelia Zani to  dive into the iconic âThe Wizard and Iâ! Rabbit holes include design of Elphabaâs hair and makeup, color theory, filming locations, and so much more!
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPThe Wonderful World of Wickedâs Hair Design: An Exclusive Conversation with award-winning hair artist, Frances Hannon PRETTY CURIOUS | How Does Wickedâs Hair And Make...Wicked: Part I - Welcome to Shiz Breakdown with Derek Lajeunesse and Nate Hallett (Part 2)
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Patreons Derek Lajeunesse and Nate Hallett to continue their dive into the Shiz exposition scene! Rabbit holes include construction of the Shiz set, changes from the original Broadway show, Oz cameos, and so much more.
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday!
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBP@thedreamfactorypodThe Slippers documentaryMargaret Hamilton From Cleveland, Ohio to...Wicked: Part I - Welcome to Shiz Breakdown with Derek Lajeunesse and Nate Hallett (Part 1)
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Patreons Derek Lajeunesse and Nate Hallett to dive into the Shiz exposition scene! Rabbit holes include construction of the Shiz set, changes from the original Broadway show, Oz cameos, and so much more.
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday!
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPHow âWickedâ Built Immersive Real-Life Sets, From Shiz To Emerald City@thed...Wicked: Part I "No One Mourns the Wicked" Breakdown with Kristoffer Cusick (Part 2)
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Kristoffer Cusick, original Broadway cast member of "Wicked," to dive into "No One Mourns the Wicked." Rabbit holes include Kristoffer's involvement in the film, the construction of Elphaba's hat, Easter eggs, and so much more.
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPFriends of the Slipperhood Series: Kristoffer Cusick'Wicked' Director Reveals the Iconic Prop That Was Surprisingly "Complicated" To Film...Wicked: Part I "No One Mourns the Wicked" Breakdown with Kristoffer Cusick (Part 1)
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Tara and EmKay continue their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this episode they are joined by Kristoffer Cusick, original Broadway cast member of "Wicked," to dive into "No One Mourns the Wicked." Rabbit holes include Kristoffer's involvement in the film, the construction of the tulip field, and so much more.
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday!
Show notes:
"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPThe Magical Role of Flowers in Wicked The MovieWhere was âWi..."Wicked: Part I" Pre-Production Breakdown with Tori Calamito of The Oz Vlog (Part 2)
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Tara and EmKay begin their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this pre-production episode, they are joined by Tori of The Oz Vlog to share favorite movie musicals, reflect on similarities and differences to Jon M. Chu's "In the Heights," and so much more!
Show notes:
The Oz Vlog Tik Tok"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPWicked: The Graphic Novel Part IOddment and TweakInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara...
"Wicked: Part I" Pre-Production Breakdown with Tori Calamito of The Oz Vlog (Part 1)
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Tara and EmKay begin their journey into the bulk of season 6: breaking down each scene of "Wicked: Part I"! In this pre-production episode, they are joined by Tori of The Oz Vlog to share favorite movie musicals, reflect on similarities and differences to Jon M. Chu's "In the Heights," and so much more!
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday!
Show notes:
The Oz Vlog Tik Tok"Wicked The Musical" - The Movie (2024/2025) - DTYBPJon M. Chu Has A Hilarious Response After Lin-Manuel Miranda Claimed Wicked...Margaret Hamilton with Biographer Don Billie
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Tara and EmKay are joined by the author of the first Margaret Hamilton biography ever, Don Billie! Don's biography Margaret Hamilton From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz is a treat for all Margaret/Wicked Witch/film lovers. Don breaks down his process of capturing Maggie's spirit, the journey to publishing, favorite facts about her life, and so much more!
Show notes:
Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part IMargaret Hamilton From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz by Don BillieInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#D...
Slipperhood Series: Tori Calamito (The Oz Vlog) and Tiffany Sutton (Follow the Yellow Brick Girl)
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Tara and EmKay are joined by two very special guests and friends of the pod, Tori Calmito (The Oz Vlog) and Tiffany Sutton (Follow the Yellow Brick Girl) for a reunion Slipperhood episode! The "Oz Moms" discuss viral social media moments, the meaning of community, hopes for the future of Oz, the 2025 retreat, and more!
Check out the socials for info on the 2025 retreat!
Show notes:
The Oz VlogFollow the Yellow Brick GirlInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay...
Banned Books and Oz (Part 2)
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Tara and EmKay continue down the rabbit hole of the history of book bannings and Oz's history of being taken off shelves. Join for a discussion on how and why the Oz books were banned, how to take action in your community to keep Oz on the shelves, and more!
Show notes:
L. Frank Baum's World of Oz A Classic Series at 100 by Suzanne RahnThe Wizard of Oz (Critical Heritage Series)10 Things You Might Not Know About 'Goodnight Moon' and Its CreatorBanned Books, Burned Books: Forbidden Literary Work...Banned Books and Oz (Part 1)
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Tara and EmKay fall down the rabbit hole of the history of book bannings and Oz's history of being taken off shelves. Join for a discussion on how banned books have evolved, how they have stood the test of time, why the Oz books were banned, and how to take action in your community to keep Oz on the shelves!
Show notes:
What's a book ban anyway? Depends on who you askThe Fiery History of Banned Books (Feat. Princess Weekes) | It's LitThe Books Getting Banned From SchoolsWhatâs Go...Bond & Grace's "Alice in Wonderland" Art Novel with Ayana Christie
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Tara and EmKay complete their trip down the rabbit hole and are joined on the journey by Ayana Christie! Ayana is the Chief Product Officer and founding member of Bond & Grace, whose new "Alice in Wonderland" art novel is magnificent. Rabbit holes include Ayana's Oz background, the creation of this stunning art novel, Oz's connection to Wonderland, and more!
Show Notes:
Bond and GraceDrawn by BryanDrawn by Bryan RedBubbleDrawn by Bryan TeePublicInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay...
"Alice in Wonderland" and Oz Crossover! (Part 2)
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Tara and EmKay continue their fall down the rabbit hole to Wonderland! Rabbit holes include discussing the theme of body dysmorphia, favorite Oz/Wonderland connections, pondering if Alice and Dorothy would be friends, and so much more!
Stay tuned for an interview with Ayana Christie, Chief Product Officer and founding member of Bond & Grace, where you can find the brand new "Alice in Wonderland" Art Novel, dropping this Friday.
Show notes:
Bond and GraceThe Real Wizard of Oz: The Life and Times of L. Frank Baum..."Alice in Wonderland" and Oz Crossover! (Part 1)
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Tara and EmKay fall down the rabbit hole to Wonderland! Rabbit holes include the creation of rabbit holes, Lewis Carroll's complex history, Bond and Grace's beautiful new "Alice in Wonderland" art novel, and so much more!
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday.
Note: This episode contains discussion of pedophilia in relation to Lewis Carrol's history.
Show notes:
Bond and GraceThe Impact of the Controversial Elements of Childrenâs Authorsâ Mythobiographies on the Reception and Transformation of Their WorksThe Real Wizard of Oz: The Life..."Wizard of Oz On Ice" with Alex Wilfrand
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Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be joined by Alex Wilfrand, founder of Ice Creative Entertainment (I.C.E.), the home of the new "Wizard of Oz On Ice"! Alex shares his relationship to Oz and figure skating, his process of creating this new touring ice production, memories of the Oz ice show from the '90s, and more.
Show notes:
Wizard of Oz On IceIce Creative Entertainment GroupRyan Jay ReviewsDrawn by BryanDrawn by Bryan RedBubbleDrawn by Bryan TeePublicInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
...
"The School for Wicked Witches" series by Will Taylor from Scholastic
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Tara and EmKay are thrilled to be joined by Will Taylor, author of Scholastic's new children's paranormal fantasy series "The School for Wicked Witches"! Will shares his relationship to Oz, his process of creating Ava Heartstraw, Oz references to keep an eye out for, and more!
Show notes:
Will TaylorA 6-song study guide for watching âWickedâ with your kidsDrawn by Bryan InstagramDrawn by Bryan RedBubbleDrawn by Bryan TeePublicInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patr...
Matilda Joslyn Gage with Ciarrai Eaton, Operations Director, Matilda Joslyn Gage Center (Part 2)
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Happy close to Women's History Month, listeners! Tara and EmKay continue to dive into the rich history of women's suffrage, led in part by the incredible Matilda Joslyn Gage. Ciarrai Eaton, Operations Director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Center, joins to share her expertise on Matilda, what to expect when visiting the house, favorite Oz easter eggs, and so much more!
Show notes:
Born Criminal: Matilda Joslyn Gage, Radical Suffragist by Angelica Shirley CarpenterMatilda Joslyn Gage CenterMargaret Hamilton From Cleveland, Ohio to the Land of Oz by Don...Matilda Joslyn Gage & the Fight for Women's Suffrage (Part 1)
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Happy close to Women's History Month, listeners! Tara and EmKay dive into the rich history of women's suffrage, led in part by the incredible Matilda Joslyn Gage. Matilda worked closely with Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the fight for women's equality, but was unfortunately written out of history due to her radical goal of including ALL women in the fight. On top of all that, she was the mother-in-law of one L. Frank Baum!Â
Join as Tara and EmKay break down Angelica Shirley Carpenter's biography of Matilda, "Born C...
Snow White & Oz Crossover! with Ashley Fletcher
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Tara and EmKay are joined by Patreon Ashley Fletcher to talk all about the long history of Oz and Snow White crossing over! Rabbit holes include favorite Snow White adapations, Walt Disney's attempt to secure the rights to the Baum books to make his own Oz film, thoughts on the 2025 Snow White film, top favorite Oz and Snow White crossover moments, and so much more.
Show notes:
Ashley's LetterboxdThe history of Snow WhiteSnow White and the Seven Kajillion ControversiesA Rare Trip Inside Disneyâs Secret Animation VaultDisneyâs Snow..."Elphie" by Gregory Maguire with Aaron J. Albano (Part 2)
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Welcome back listeners! Season 6 is off to a bookish start as Tara and EmKay are joined by Broadway performer and former Wicked cast member, Aaron J. Albano to break down Gregory Maguire's new prequel novel "Elphie"! Rabbit holes include the DTYBP-style bullet summaries, favorite moments, thoughts on future prequels, and so much more.Â
Show Notes:
Aaron J. Albano Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part IElphie: A Wicked ChildhoodInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: htt...
"Elphie" by Gregory Maguire with Aaron J. Albano (Part 1)
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Welcome back listeners! Season 6 is off to a bookish start as Tara and EmKay are joined by Broadway performer and former Wicked cast member, Aaron J. Albano to break down Gregory Maguire's new prequel novel "Elphie"! Rabbit holes include pivotal moments in the book when Elphie becomes Elphaba before the reader's eyes, personal shares of growth and transition, and so much more.Â
Stay tuned for Part 2 dropping this Wednesday!
Show Notes:
Aaron J. Albano Wicked: The Graphic Novel Part IElphie: A Wicked Childhood...
Masters Behind the Curtain Series: George Faison (Tony Award Winning Choreographer Original Broadway Production "The Wiz")
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Tara and EmKay are thrillified to welcome to the pod, Tony Award winning choreographer of the original Broadway production of "The Wiz" and dream guest, George Faison! George shares his journey to dancing with Alvin Ailey, how "The Wiz" came across his desk, creating iconic choreography for the original production, and so much more.
Down the Yellow Brick Pod: A Wizard of Oz Podcast
Show Notes:
George FaisonInstagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon...
Patreon 2025 Bonus Content Teaser!
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Tara and EmKay hop on the mic to invite YOU to join Down the YBP on Patreon, where your Emerald hosts will be covering Danielle Paige's "Dorothy Must Die" series novellas, Gregory Maguire's "Tales Told in Oz," and so much more before launching Season 6 this spring. Visit the link below to join at any tier!
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod
...
Season 5 End of Season Recap! (And Final Wicked Thoughts.. For Now)
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Tara and EmKay recap an epic Season 5 to close out 2024! Rabbit holes include highlights and challenges of the season, personal Oz Awards, final Wicked thoughts (for now) and hopes for 2025. Thank you for another incredible season, listeners!
Show Notes:
Instagr...
Slipperhood Series: Allison Lehr (Museum Manager, All Things Oz Museum)
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Tara and EmKay are joined by their final guest of the season, Allison Lehr! Allison is the first Museum Manager at the All Things Oz Museum in Chittenango, NY and lifelong Oz fan. Rabbit holes include highlights of working at the museum, favorite parts about living in L. Frank Baum's birth place, experiences cosplaying, and more!
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
...
New Oz Book Release! A Conversation with "Toto" Author A.J. Hackwith
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Welcome back listeners! Tara and EmKay speak with A.J. Hackwith, author of the recently published novel "Toto." Rabbit holes include finding Toto's voice, other mediums this story could exist in, favorite Oz fan fiction, and more!
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod
Music by: Shane Chapman<...
2024 End of Season Giveaway Winners!
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Congratulotions to our 2024 Giveaway Winners! A huge thank you to all who entered our giveaway by writing an Apple review, sending in additional screenshots, and to our Patreons new and old. This is one of our favorite traditions and it's thanks to you, listener, for enabling us to keep it alive. Thank you and stay tuned for a few more episodes to end the season!
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www...
"The End of Oz" by Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die Series #4)
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Welcome back listeners! Tara and EmKay complete the journey into Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die Series by finishing with her 2017 thriller "The End of Oz"! Rabbit holes include 2017 pop culture, comparisons to headlines in the news today, thoughts on the series overall, and more!
Show Notes:
Wicked Press Tour and Premiere Fashion with Abbey Shrader
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Tara and EmKay are joined once again by their official Gen Z correspondent and younger sister of EmKay, Abbey Shrader! Abbey joins to share about favorite looks from the Wicked press tour, premieres, favorite new merch, and more. See our instagram for a visual companion to this episode!
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow...
Wicked Fandom with Lauren Gienow
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Pod squad member Lauren Gienow is here to talk all things Wicked fandom and beyond! Rabbit holes include breaking down the psychology of fandom, highlights of Lauren's Wicked experiences, her impressive Wicked party trick, and so much more.
Show Notes:
Holding Even MORE Space for Wicked Part 1 (SPOILERS!)
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Tara and EmKay hold even MORE space for more Wicked thoughts after further viewings, including reviews, a 4DX screening, updates from the Wicked socials, and more!
Show Notes:
Good Witches of the Concrete Jungle: Olivia Valli (Elphaba, Wicked National Tour)
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Tara and EmKay welcome Olivia Valli to the pod, who recently hung up her hat playing the role of Elphaba in the 2nd National Tour of Wicked! Olivia shares her experience as the Elphaba understudy on the road, highlights of playing the role full time, her thoughts on the Wicked film, and more.
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www...
Holding Space for Wicked Part 1 (SPOILERS!)
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Tara and EmKay hold space for more Wicked thoughts after further viewings, as well as shout out favorite trends and reactions, attending the Wicked LA premiere, and more!
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick...
Conor Devoe: Toto in "The Wizard of Oz" on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Sea
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Tara and EmKay are joined by return guest Conor Devoe! Slipperhood sister, Wicked the Musicalâs #1 Fan, and Toto currently aboard the worldâs largest cruise ship ever, The Icon of the Sea, in Royal Caribbean's "The Wizard of Oz"! Rabbit holes include anticipation for the Wicked film, Conor's audition process for the ship, highlights of playing Toto, unique facets of this production, and more!
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#Down...
Aaron Teoh: Avaric in the Wicked Film!
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Tara and EmKay are joined by Aaron Teoh, who portrays Avaric in the Wicked film! Rabbit holes include Aaron's audition journey, highlights of filming, premiere anticipation, and more.
Show Notes:
Instagram:
@downtheyellowbrickpod
#DownTheYBP
Tara: @taratagtickles
EmKay: www.emilykayshrader.net
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/downtheyellowbrickpod
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/market/down_the_yellow_brick_pod
Music by: Shane Chapman
Edited...
