Are Your Parents Proud Of You? is a conversation among artists. Interviewees discuss their process, their inspiration, and how their parents felt about their career paths. Conversations with some of the Chicago area’s most highly active artists in the Chicago area range from the humorous to the serious to the informational.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/21/17/e045f804-63b3-4a5f-a5dd-ae37fdc3b9eb_d_of_you_episode_7-4_-_cassidy_slaughter-mason.mp3

Matt chats with actor and writer Cassidy Slaughter Mason. Currently being seen in Birds of North America as A Red Orchard Theatre. They talk about traveling, growing up in nature, and revisitng a show and exploring deeper in it. Birds Of North America plays until October 4th.

Cassidy Flies Across North America With The Birds

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Matt chats with actor that can be currently be seen in Writer&#39;s Theatre current production of Job; Rae Gray. They talk about silent train rides, devices, baseball, and the process.Job is currently running at Writers Theatre till June 14th. (Episode recorded April 23rd)

Rae Gray Needs To Walk In Silence

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Matt chats with friend and technical director of the Athenauem Center For Thought and Culture; Mike Goebel. The two talk about favorite events at the Athenaeum, reading, friends, and being a class clown.

Mike Goebel Knows Everything Like The Back Of His Hand

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Hello! Matt is back with a limited run of episodes! First up, Steppenwolf Theatre co-founder and actor Jeff Perry! Jeff can be currently be seen in Steppenwolf Theatre&#39;s production of The Dance of Death! They talk about the production, growing up in Highland Park, and his parents as teachers. The Dance of Death runs till March 22nd. * Episode recorded February 25th.

Jeff Perry Will Do Anything

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Matt talks with musician and teacher; Roger Reupert. They talk about working at the Athenaeum, the trumpet, Wicked, and the importance of education.

Roger Is ALL IN On Positivity

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Matt chats with actor and playwright; Deana Velandra. They talk about sketch comedy, funny corn, and Deana&#39;s work on her play; We Should Kill Him

Deana's Home Is With The Corn

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/5/31/17/3b126ffa-376e-46aa-9196-e1ed4d983f9a__parents_proud_of_you_episode_6-6_-_wm_bullion.mp3

Matthew talks with Artistic Director of The Conspirators; W.M Bullion. They talk Vaudeville, UCLA, and embracing the weird. W.M also talks about his Viva La Mort playing until June 9th!

W.M Bullion's Merry Melodies

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Matthew talks with actor Ayanna Bria Bakari. Currently in Purpose at Steppenwolf Theatre, Ayanna talks about being directed by Phyliciaphotot Rashad, growing up in Washington D.C, and her time at Depaul.

It's All About Family With Ayanna

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Matthew talks with actor Mikha&#39;el Amin. They talk about Mikha&#39;el&#39;s production of Topdog/Underdog with Invictus Theatre Company, working with other actors, the journey in acting.

The Long and Beautiful Road With Mikha'el Amin

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Matthew talks with comedian and actor Ron Popp. They talk about storytelling, movies, and writing jokes.

Before Going To Judy Garland's House; Find Ron Popp

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Matt talks with director and new-play developer; Laura Alcalá Baker. They talk about Laura&#39;s directorial work on the Steppenwolf production; A Home What Howls (Or The House What Was Ravine). They also talk about Chicago, rehearsal rooms, and theatre for young adults.

Laura Feels The Story In Her Gut

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Matthew talks with Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre; Michael Weber. They talk about Candlight Theatre, picking shows, and Porchlight&#39;s current production of Anything Goes.

Michael Weber: Bust-boy By Day; Director By Night

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Matt talks with actor and Steppenwolf and Steep Theatre Ensemble Member Caroline Neff. Currently being seen in Another Marriage, Caroline talks about her time at Columbia, workshops, and moving around as a child.

Caroline Almost Didn't Graduate....Twice!

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Matthew talks with two tine Tony Nominee Gavin Lee. They talk about Mary Poppins, the rules of playing Squidward Q. Tentacles, and Gavin&#39;s upcoming production of The 39 Steps

Gavin's Mustache Is For A Role

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Matthew talks with director and teaching artist Dana Anderson. They talk about Dana directing Aston Reps final production The Language Archive, Dana career in teaching, and why Aston Rep is ending.

Dana Has A Room Of Creativity Behind Her

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Matthew talks with the artistic director and the founder of The Artistic Home Kathy Scambiatterra. They talk about the origins of the Artistic Home, ISU, and the current ensemble members.

All Kathy Needs Is A Classroom

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Matthews talks with actor and improviser Tyler DeLoatch. They talk all things improv, tennis-ball, and The Friends Experience.

Tyler Is Very Good At Everything (Gilbert Would Be Proud)

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Matthew talks with actor Erica Stephan. At the time, Erica was finishing up her run in the acclaimed production of Cabaret and talks about her time during the production as well as growing up and being a teacher and starting her own camp.

You Can Trust Erica! She's A Teacher!

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Matt interviews comedian St. James Jackson at The Second City. They talk about St. James growing up in Georgia, his show Chill A.F, and the first time he&#39;s done comedy.

St. James Jackson Was The Cool Kid That Smoked Weed

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Matt interviews actor Jonah D. Winston. They talk about being actors who are tall, siblings, and Jonah&#39;s time in Australia.

Jonah D. Winston; 90's Kid

Are Your Parents Proud Of You? is a conversation among artists. Interviewees discuss their process, their inspiration, and how their parents felt about their career paths. Conversations with some of the Chicago area’s most highly active artists in the Chicago area range from the humorous to the serious to the informational.