From childhood improv classes to building a women-led production company, Sònia Victoria Werner has carved out an artistic path that’s as bold as it is inspiring. An actor, writer, producer, director, makeup artist, content creator, and entrepreneur, she thrives on telling authentic stories that cross cultures and push boundaries. You’ll soon hear her voice in a highly anticipated Netflix animated reboot and an upcoming AAA video game, but that’s just one part of her ever-expanding career. In ou...
Aug 22, 2025•1 hr•Season 9Ep. 24
In the previous episode, Sònia Victoria Werner and I dove into her background as an artist and the creation of Lighthouse Ladies, and while that was such an insightful conversation, there’s still so much more to explore! That’s why I’m thrilled to have Sonia back here with me 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 I’ll Never Make It is an independent p...
Aug 22, 2025•16 min•Season 9Ep. 25
Joseph Zellnik is back for a candid and insightful bonus conversation about his journey as a writer and composer in the world of musical theater. Through these five final questions, Joseph shares personal stories from his early career including the lessons learned from his first professional show and the challenges of trying to resonate with an audience. He opens up about the evolution of his writing style how he now defines success and the importance of finding stories that you are uniquely qua...
Aug 05, 2025•17 min•Season 9Ep. 23
Joseph Zellnik is a musical theater composer, and along with his playwright brother David they are best known for their 2010 musical, Yank! This Off-Broadway production picked up Best Musical nominations from the Drama Desk Awards, the Outer Critics’ Circle, and the Lucille Lortel Foundation. Beyond that, Joseph has also written mystery novels, including The Sound of Murder , the first in his "Musicals Are Murder" series, which cleverly combines fictional crimes with real theater history. He eve...
Aug 01, 2025•59 min•Season 9Ep. 22
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 abou...
Jul 25, 2025•16 min•Season 9Ep. 21
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 recon...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 9Ep. 20
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 l...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 9Ep. 19
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,...
Jun 27, 2025•16 min•Season 9Ep. 18
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 abou...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 17 min
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, resili...
Jun 13, 2025•19 min•Season 9Ep. 16
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 , Aubi...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 9Ep. 15
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 miles...
May 23, 2025•30 min•Season 9Ep. 14
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 Player...
May 09, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 13
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 mor...
May 02, 2025•40 min•Season 9Ep. 11
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 Neve...
Apr 25, 2025•21 min•Season 9Ep. 11
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 bringin...
Apr 18, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 10
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 ...
Apr 04, 2025•55 min•Season 9Ep. 9
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 ind...
Mar 28, 2025•18 min•Season 9Ep. 8
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 , Netflix’s U...
Mar 22, 2025•56 min•Season 9Ep. 7
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, reli...
Mar 14, 2025•20 min•Season 9Ep. 6
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’...
Mar 07, 2025•52 min•Season 9Ep. 5
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. — Wh...
Feb 28, 2025•17 min•Season 9Ep. 4
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 Cl...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 9Ep. 3
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 ongoin...
Feb 14, 2025•17 min•Season 9Ep. 2
As a playwright, Lynn Nottage has crafted fascinating stories and emotionally rich characters. She is a true artist with the credentials to back in up. She has won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama as well as numerous Off-Broadway awards, not to mention three Tony Award nominations. She joins me WINMI the first episode for Season 9 to talk about her art and a moment when she realized she was born to write, regardless of whether or not she could actually make a living as a writer. It’s a moment that ...
Feb 07, 2025•45 min•Season 9Ep. 1
Well, here we are it's 2025 and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to Season 9 of the Why I’ll Never Make It podcast! Every other week this season you'll hear candid conversations and inspiring stories from theater artists across Broadway, regional stages, and beyond. And we’re kicking things off with someone--the likes of which I never thought I'd get on my humble theater podcast--the incredible Lynn Nottage. After her, we’ll hear from Japanese-American actor and teacher Akiko Aizawa as ...
Jan 30, 2025•3 min
With more than 100 television and film credits, including his memorable four-season run as Reverend Daniels on HBO’s True Blood , Gregg Daniel brings the depth of an actor’s understanding to his directorial work. And for that he has received multiple Ovation nominations and has earned an NAACP Theatre Award as Best Director for Fences at the International City Theatre. Gregg’s passion for storytelling extends to his work in higher education as well, where he teaches directing at USC’s School of ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 8Ep. 38
In this special video podcast combo between Why I’ll Never Make It and Closing Night , I’m joined by theater historian and author Jennifer Ashley Tepper , who has written a truly remarkable book - Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy That the History Books Left Out . Jennifer’s work is the first comprehensive exploration of women who have shaped Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals over the last century and beyond. From Tin Pan Alley composers to protest writers of the 1970s, and the voices shaping ...
Dec 11, 2024•54 min•Season 8Ep. 37
When it comes to Broadway, few shows have captured hearts quite like Wicked . Its spellbinding story, unforgettable songs, and iconic performances have become a cultural phenomenon—especially now, with the movie adaptation igniting fresh excitement. And among the very few to take on one of the hardest roles in all of musical theater is our guest, Stephanie Torns . Stephanie has soared to incredible heights—literally—during her time in Wicked , where her breathtaking performances have cemented he...
Dec 04, 2024•33 min•Season 8Ep. 35
In the previous episode, you heard from actor and writer Ryan Bauer-Walsh and the creative journey to composing and producing an LGBTQ lullaby album. Well, now Ryan is back to talk about the importance of finding happiness outside of being an actor as well as a humorous discussion on khakis and corduroys by answering the Final Five Questions in this bonus episode of Why I’ll Never Make It. --- To listen to bonus content like Auditions Stories and get early access to these full conversations ad-f...
Nov 27, 2024•17 min•Season 8Ep. 35
