BroadwayRadio Special Episode: Rachel Potter on the ‘Stages’ of Her Career
Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In a heartfelt and insightful conversation, Matt Timnini welcomes Rachel Potter to a special episode of BroadwayRadio. The episode delves deep into Rachel’s illustrious career on Broadway, her journey as an independent music artist, and her much-anticipated Broadway-themed album, Stages, set to release on May 16th. Rachel shares personal anecdotes, professional challenges, and the emotional tapestry that weaves her life and art together.

Album Release: ‘Stages’

Rachel Potter’s upcoming album, Stages, is a culmination of her diverse experiences in the music and theater industries. Scheduled for release on May 16th, the album is a Broadway-themed project that showcases Rachel’s versatility as an artist.

Rachel Potter explains the album's significance:

“The whole theme behind the album was stages, right? So it was like not only the stages that I performed on, but also hitting on the different stages of my life thus far.”
[02:37]

Matt praises the album's depth and Rachel’s vocal prowess:

“I've listened to the album, it is spectacular. And I think not only fans of yours, but theater fans who are maybe just learning about you as not only an artist, but as a Broadway artist, are going to love it because it's a fantastic album.”
[09:09]

Career Reflections and Full Circle Moment

Rachel discusses the full-circle moment of returning to her Broadway roots after years of exploring other musical avenues.

“It's been a very cool full circle moment in some ways, like really healing for me.”
[04:01]

She reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood with her artistic pursuits:

“As women, we go through so much when we go through having children... eventually you start to really feel like, who even am I without my art?”
[04:23]

Rachel emphasizes the importance of embracing her true artistic identity:

“I think I've just been wearing a mask all these years trying to be a country artist... Maybe that's not who I really am.”
[05:55]

Balancing Family and Career

Rachel candidly shares the complexities of juggling a demanding career with a bustling family life. With three children, a husband, a full-time job, and household responsibilities, she likens preparing for her album release to rehearsing for a new show.

“While I'm prepping to open my new show, I also have a full time job and three kids and two dogs and a husband to worry about.”
[02:37]

She highlights the support and inspiration her family provides, particularly her children’s reactions to her music:

“My one and a half year old loves for me to sing to her... I woke up the next day and I'd like 50,000 views.”
[15:37]

Rachel also touches on the artistic influence within her family lineage:

“My mom was a singer, my dad was a singer, my grandfather was a singer, my grandmother was a singer... He's got it ingrained in his DNA.”
[16:10]

Song Selection and Collaborations

Stages features a thoughtfully curated selection of Broadway songs that represent different phases of Rachel’s life and career. Each track is meticulously chosen for its personal significance and emotional depth.

Rachel discusses the inspiration behind specific songs:

“Part of ‘Part of Your World’ was super important for me to honor that time of my life.”
[11:54]

She elaborates on the collaborative nature of the album, highlighting longstanding friendships and professional relationships:

“It's really important that I had the people that I love on this record... most everybody that's on this album I've known for 10 plus years, like a 20.”
[18:19]

Notable collaborations include Tony Award winner Ali Stroker and her former Wicked co-star Christine Dwyer. Rachel shares stories behind these partnerships:

“Christine Dwyer... she was the first Elphaba I ever went on with and the very last Elphaba I ever went on with.”
[11:54]

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Throughout the conversation, Rachel opens up about the internal struggles and imposter syndrome she faced while pursuing her music career.

“I think we all still have imposter syndrome... Why do you think anybody's going to want to listen to you?”
[06:36]

Despite these challenges, Rachel emphasizes the importance of self-belief and authenticity:

“We are worth it. We are artists and... what we have to give is so valuable and worthy.”
[24:21]

Future Plans and Engagement with the Broadway Community

While Rachel expresses a deep connection to Broadway, she acknowledges the current demands of her personal life that make a full-time return to Broadway challenging. However, she remains hopeful and involved in various capacities.

“I have always envisioned going back someday... I can enter this recording arts world and have something really valuable to give.”
[22:01]

Rachel is also active in Nashville’s theater scene and is excited about opportunities to engage with local theaters, including masterclasses and concerts:

“I'm very tight with all the theaters here... still very much want to be a part of it.”
[22:41]

Impact and Legacy

Rachel hopes that Stages will not only entertain but also inspire the next generation of musical theater enthusiasts and artists. She aims for her album to be a legacy for her children and a testament to her enduring passion for the arts.

“If nothing else, like if nothing results from it other than the joy that I will feel from creating it and that this can be a project that is a legacy for my kids... then it's worth it.”
[06:12]

Rachel also aspires for fellow artists to find courage in her journey, encouraging them to pursue their artistic dreams despite self-doubt:

“I hope that this inspires a lot of my friends to continue to do this kind of work.”
[24:21]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Matt applauding Rachel’s achievements and expressing excitement for her future endeavors. Rachel shares her hope to perform in Orlando, symbolizing her ongoing connection to diverse communities and her commitment to spreading the joy of musical theater.

“I'm hoping to get down to Orlando too. So hopefully I'll have a concert down there sometime this year.”
[27:19]

Rachel Potter's journey, as shared on this special episode of BroadwayRadio, is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the enduring power of art. Her album, Stages, stands as a milestone in her career, reflecting both her personal growth and her unwavering dedication to the world of Broadway.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Potter
  “It does feel kind of like you are in the prep rehearsal process for a show.”
  [02:37]

  “As women, we go through so much when we go through having children...”
  [04:23]

  “I think I've just been wearing a mask all these years trying to be a country artist.”
  [05:55]

  “We are worth it. We are artists and... what we have to give is so valuable and worthy.”
  [24:21]

• Matt Timnini
  “I have listened to the album, it is spectacular.”
  [09:09]

  “Does not have been on a Broadway stage singing these songs... does that have reignited the acting, musical theater portion of artistry at all?”
  [21:51]

  “Congratulations on the album. It is a great piece...”
  [26:56]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates Rachel Potter’s insights and experiences as shared in her conversation with Matt Timnini, offering listeners a profound understanding of her artistic journey and the essence of her new album, Stages.