Podcast Summary: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Episode: WICKED STARS: Idina Menzel on Her Journey from ‘Wicked’ to ‘Frozen’ and Beyond
Host: Willie Geist
Guest: Idina Menzel
Date: November 8, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode recorded at NYC’s legendary music venue The Bitter End, Willie Geist sits down with Tony-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel. Together, they explore Idina’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings singing at bar mitzvahs to originating iconic Broadway roles in “Rent” and “Wicked,” to voicing Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen.” The conversation also dives into deeply personal territory, including her recent Disney+ documentary “Which Way to the Stage?”, her experience with IVF, balancing motherhood and fame, and reflecting on moments that defined her both personally and professionally.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Returning to Roots at The Bitter End

[03:56–06:10]

Idina reflects on her early career, performing at The Bitter End, hustling to draw audiences, creating flyers at Kinko’s, and literally begging friends to attend so she could be booked again.
Memorable anecdote: Running out of money and asking her dad for $40 to pay the drummer.

“I would gig here...and then as I’m sitting here, I was remembering how many times I would run out of money and I’d ask my dad for 40 bucks to pay the drummer.” – Idina Menzel [04:11]
She notes the difference between striving at the start and having achieved success, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ambition.

Early Dreams, Family Influence & Self-Discovery

[06:24–12:31]

Inspired by trips to see Broadway shows as a child: "The overture would start, lights would go down, you’d get the goosebumps."
Early performances for family, her grandfather’s encouragement, and push-pull from her practical father:

“You don’t believe in me, Dad. Mommy believes in me. You don’t believe in me.”
– Idina Menzel [09:09]
Parental divorce became a bittersweet, formative experience, even affecting her feelings about certain venues.
Songwriting as self-exploration: Starting with “really bad” songs like “Too Late for Love” at 15.

The Break: Landing “Rent”

[07:34–08:27, 23:16–25:33]

Initially, she auditioned for “Rent” as a way to fill winter months with no wedding gigs; had no inkling it would become a phenomenon.
The cast’s first rehearsal, singing “Seasons of Love,” felt significant:

“That’s when I felt… something special was in the air.” [23:16]
Jonathan Larson’s tragic death before opening night gave the work a deeper meaning.

“It was like art imitating life in a way… we were so committed to showing up and making sure we were getting his message across.” [25:33]

Fame Isn’t Linear: Hurdles & Recalibration

[27:27–29:26]

After Rent’s success, Idina struggled to find her place—attempting a solo rock career, being dropped by her label, feeling “between worlds.”
She was perceived as “too Broadway” for pop, “too dramatic” for music industry standards.

“Sondheim wouldn’t put me in a show on this side, and then some big producer wouldn’t make an album with me on that side.” [28:20]

“Wicked”: Finding Her Power

[29:33–32:13]

Auditioned for and originated the role of Elphaba, coming in with green lipstick and Doc Martens.
Deep personal identification with Elphaba’s sense of “not being accepted,” struggle to express power, and learning unapologetic self-expression.

“I worried about… wanting to contain my anger. And her being afraid of what made her really special." [30:42]
Drawing a line from Elphaba to Elsa in “Frozen”—characters grappling with self-acceptance and empowerment.

The Disney+ Documentary: “Which Way to the Stage?”

[14:15–17:59, 19:45–22:39]

The film follows her as she pushes toward her long-held dream of headlining Madison Square Garden, while balancing motherhood and undergoing IVF.
She embraces vulnerability as a necessity for authentic connection with audiences.
Shares intimate, challenging moments—missing her son’s basketball game, IVF appointments on tour, and the emotional realities of trying to “do it all.”

“I want people to see themselves in my experience and feel, you know, that sort of empathic reciprocity.” [15:55]

IVF and Life on the Road

[19:45–22:39]

Open discussion about the grueling realities of IVF, especially while touring.
Balancing emotional and physical tolls, striving to meet the demands of professional life and motherhood.

“You underestimate it, especially as women. We’re just like, we can do it all, you know? And then all of a sudden, I’d find myself just crying, not knowing why.” [21:44]

“Wicked” Endurance & Sisterhood

[34:52–36:16]

Reflecting with Kristen Chenoweth on the show’s legacy:

“We built this together. And another moment where you just take a step back and, and you say… wow.” [35:14]
On childhood self-confidence adapting to adult scrutiny:

"As you get older and more successful, you’re actually harder on yourself because there’s further to fall..." [35:40]

“Frozen”: Creating Elsa & “Let It Go”

[36:58–43:45]

Auditioning with Kristen Bell (singing “Wind Beneath My Wings" as a duet).
Input into the character’s development; Elsa’s depth and vulnerability grew during production.
On seeing “Let It Go” become a global anthem—from kids in blue dresses to Ukrainian children singing for comfort in bomb shelters:

“That’s the real gift from the project for me. And I don’t get sick of singing it every night... it always is new for me.” [41:02]

“To see it playing some part in a healing, survival context is just... so, so sad and moving for me.” [43:58]

The “Adele Dazeem” Oscar Moment

[44:27–46:49]

Candid account of being introduced as “Adele Dazeem” by John Travolta at the Oscars and how she managed to pull herself together for the performance:

“I had a world, a lifetime of things go through my mind. It was first, like, damn it. I’ve come from the Bitter End and now this... Get your shit together!” [45:39]
Credits humor and perspective for turning a potential disaster into a career boost and bonding moment with fans. Travolta’s heartfelt apology the following year.

Owning Her Process and Growth

[47:13–49:51]

On stage, she learned it’s not all about belting or technical perfection—it’s about storytelling and connecting deeply, even on imperfect nights.
“It’s not just about those high notes, it’s about storytelling, you know, and even on nights where I had a bad cold… nobody notices half the time, but also they feel just as much. So I took that pressure off myself.” [49:22]

Madison Square Garden: Dream Fulfilled

[50:07–52:19]

Emotionally describes standing onstage at Madison Square Garden, taking it all in, appreciating both the connection with her audience and band.

“Those are things I really took in... you have that footage to show literally how much this has mattered to you...” [51:57]

What’s Next?

[52:39–54:29]

Focused on being a present, self-accepting mother and on creating more original musicals with young composers.
Desires to do more TV and film, showing her comedic side—not just the “heavy” roles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I want my son to grow up watching a woman that… was there for him and loved him unconditionally, but also chose to do what makes her happy in the world.” – Idina Menzel [17:14]
On “Let It Go”’s cultural impact:
“What makes you different is the thing that’s going to make you extraordinary in the world.” [41:02]
On perseverance:
“I’ve worked hard. That I can say.” [52:23]

Important Timestamps

[03:56] – Sitting at The Bitter End and early gig memories
[07:34] – Auditioning for “Rent” and the unexpected breakthrough
[09:53] – Family’s influence and parental divorce
[14:32] – Saying yes to documentary vulnerability
[19:45] – Opening up about IVF
[23:16] – First rehearsal for “Rent” and Jonathan Larson’s legacy
[29:33] – Auditioning for and relating to Elphaba in “Wicked”
[36:58] – The birth of “Frozen” and Elsa’s character arc
[44:27] – The “Adele Dazeem” Oscar moment and aftermath
[50:07] – Achieving her dream at Madison Square Garden
[52:39] – Looking forward: motherhood and new artistic challenges

Tone & Style

The conversation is sharp, warm, deeply self-aware, and often funny. Idina is candid about both hardships and triumphs, her ambition and her doubt, and her ongoing efforts to balance artistry, fame, vulnerability, and motherhood. Willie Geist brings encouragement, context, and humor, making the interview accessible and relatable for fans and newcomers alike.

Recommended For

Fans of Broadway, “Wicked,” “Rent,” or Disney’s “Frozen”
Anyone interested in the reality behind show business success stories
Parents and working mothers seeking inspiration and solidarity
Those drawn to stories of perseverance, identity, and overcoming setbacks

For more on Idina’s journey, watch her documentary “Which Way to the Stage?” on Disney+.

Podcast Summary: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Episode: WICKED STARS: Idina Menzel on Her Journey from ‘Wicked’ to ‘Frozen’ and Beyond
Host: Willie Geist
Guest: Idina Menzel
Date: November 8, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Returning to Roots at The Bitter End

[03:56–06:10]

Idina reflects on her early career, performing at The Bitter End, hustling to draw audiences, creating flyers at Kinko’s, and literally begging friends to attend so she could be booked again.
Memorable anecdote: Running out of money and asking her dad for $40 to pay the drummer.

“I would gig here...and then as I’m sitting here, I was remembering how many times I would run out of money and I’d ask my dad for 40 bucks to pay the drummer.” – Idina Menzel [04:11]
She notes the difference between striving at the start and having achieved success, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ambition.

Early Dreams, Family Influence & Self-Discovery

[06:24–12:31]

Inspired by trips to see Broadway shows as a child: "The overture would start, lights would go down, you’d get the goosebumps."
Early performances for family, her grandfather’s encouragement, and push-pull from her practical father:

“You don’t believe in me, Dad. Mommy believes in me. You don’t believe in me.”
– Idina Menzel [09:09]
Parental divorce became a bittersweet, formative experience, even affecting her feelings about certain venues.
Songwriting as self-exploration: Starting with “really bad” songs like “Too Late for Love” at 15.

The Break: Landing “Rent”

[07:34–08:27, 23:16–25:33]

Initially, she auditioned for “Rent” as a way to fill winter months with no wedding gigs; had no inkling it would become a phenomenon.
The cast’s first rehearsal, singing “Seasons of Love,” felt significant:

“That’s when I felt… something special was in the air.” [23:16]
Jonathan Larson’s tragic death before opening night gave the work a deeper meaning.

“It was like art imitating life in a way… we were so committed to showing up and making sure we were getting his message across.” [25:33]

Fame Isn’t Linear: Hurdles & Recalibration

[27:27–29:26]

After Rent’s success, Idina struggled to find her place—attempting a solo rock career, being dropped by her label, feeling “between worlds.”
She was perceived as “too Broadway” for pop, “too dramatic” for music industry standards.

“Sondheim wouldn’t put me in a show on this side, and then some big producer wouldn’t make an album with me on that side.” [28:20]

“Wicked”: Finding Her Power

[29:33–32:13]

Auditioned for and originated the role of Elphaba, coming in with green lipstick and Doc Martens.
Deep personal identification with Elphaba’s sense of “not being accepted,” struggle to express power, and learning unapologetic self-expression.

“I worried about… wanting to contain my anger. And her being afraid of what made her really special." [30:42]
Drawing a line from Elphaba to Elsa in “Frozen”—characters grappling with self-acceptance and empowerment.

The Disney+ Documentary: “Which Way to the Stage?”

[14:15–17:59, 19:45–22:39]

The film follows her as she pushes toward her long-held dream of headlining Madison Square Garden, while balancing motherhood and undergoing IVF.
She embraces vulnerability as a necessity for authentic connection with audiences.
Shares intimate, challenging moments—missing her son’s basketball game, IVF appointments on tour, and the emotional realities of trying to “do it all.”

“I want people to see themselves in my experience and feel, you know, that sort of empathic reciprocity.” [15:55]

IVF and Life on the Road

[19:45–22:39]

Open discussion about the grueling realities of IVF, especially while touring.
Balancing emotional and physical tolls, striving to meet the demands of professional life and motherhood.

“You underestimate it, especially as women. We’re just like, we can do it all, you know? And then all of a sudden, I’d find myself just crying, not knowing why.” [21:44]

“Wicked” Endurance & Sisterhood

[34:52–36:16]

Reflecting with Kristen Chenoweth on the show’s legacy:

“We built this together. And another moment where you just take a step back and, and you say… wow.” [35:14]
On childhood self-confidence adapting to adult scrutiny:

"As you get older and more successful, you’re actually harder on yourself because there’s further to fall..." [35:40]

“Frozen”: Creating Elsa & “Let It Go”

[36:58–43:45]

Auditioning with Kristen Bell (singing “Wind Beneath My Wings" as a duet).
Input into the character’s development; Elsa’s depth and vulnerability grew during production.
On seeing “Let It Go” become a global anthem—from kids in blue dresses to Ukrainian children singing for comfort in bomb shelters:

“That’s the real gift from the project for me. And I don’t get sick of singing it every night... it always is new for me.” [41:02]

“To see it playing some part in a healing, survival context is just... so, so sad and moving for me.” [43:58]

The “Adele Dazeem” Oscar Moment

[44:27–46:49]

Candid account of being introduced as “Adele Dazeem” by John Travolta at the Oscars and how she managed to pull herself together for the performance:

“I had a world, a lifetime of things go through my mind. It was first, like, damn it. I’ve come from the Bitter End and now this... Get your shit together!” [45:39]
Credits humor and perspective for turning a potential disaster into a career boost and bonding moment with fans. Travolta’s heartfelt apology the following year.

Owning Her Process and Growth

[47:13–49:51]

On stage, she learned it’s not all about belting or technical perfection—it’s about storytelling and connecting deeply, even on imperfect nights.
“It’s not just about those high notes, it’s about storytelling, you know, and even on nights where I had a bad cold… nobody notices half the time, but also they feel just as much. So I took that pressure off myself.” [49:22]

Madison Square Garden: Dream Fulfilled

[50:07–52:19]

Emotionally describes standing onstage at Madison Square Garden, taking it all in, appreciating both the connection with her audience and band.

“Those are things I really took in... you have that footage to show literally how much this has mattered to you...” [51:57]

What’s Next?

[52:39–54:29]

Focused on being a present, self-accepting mother and on creating more original musicals with young composers.
Desires to do more TV and film, showing her comedic side—not just the “heavy” roles.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I want my son to grow up watching a woman that… was there for him and loved him unconditionally, but also chose to do what makes her happy in the world.” – Idina Menzel [17:14]
On “Let It Go”’s cultural impact:
“What makes you different is the thing that’s going to make you extraordinary in the world.” [41:02]
On perseverance:
“I’ve worked hard. That I can say.” [52:23]

Important Timestamps

[03:56] – Sitting at The Bitter End and early gig memories
[07:34] – Auditioning for “Rent” and the unexpected breakthrough
[09:53] – Family’s influence and parental divorce
[14:32] – Saying yes to documentary vulnerability
[19:45] – Opening up about IVF
[23:16] – First rehearsal for “Rent” and Jonathan Larson’s legacy
[29:33] – Auditioning for and relating to Elphaba in “Wicked”
[36:58] – The birth of “Frozen” and Elsa’s character arc
[44:27] – The “Adele Dazeem” Oscar moment and aftermath
[50:07] – Achieving her dream at Madison Square Garden
[52:39] – Looking forward: motherhood and new artistic challenges

Tone & Style

Recommended For

Fans of Broadway, “Wicked,” “Rent,” or Disney’s “Frozen”
Anyone interested in the reality behind show business success stories
Parents and working mothers seeking inspiration and solidarity
Those drawn to stories of perseverance, identity, and overcoming setbacks

For more on Idina’s journey, watch her documentary “Which Way to the Stage?” on Disney+.

WICKED STARS: Idina Menzel on Her Journey from ‘Wicked’ to ‘Frozen’ and Beyond

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Returning to Roots at The Bitter End

Early Dreams, Family Influence & Self-Discovery

The Break: Landing “Rent”

Fame Isn’t Linear: Hurdles & Recalibration

“Wicked”: Finding Her Power

The Disney+ Documentary: “Which Way to the Stage?”

IVF and Life on the Road

“Wicked” Endurance & Sisterhood

“Frozen”: Creating Elsa & “Let It Go”

The “Adele Dazeem” Oscar Moment

Owning Her Process and Growth

Madison Square Garden: Dream Fulfilled

What’s Next?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Style

Recommended For

Summary

Podcast Summary: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Returning to Roots at The Bitter End

Early Dreams, Family Influence & Self-Discovery

The Break: Landing “Rent”

Fame Isn’t Linear: Hurdles & Recalibration

“Wicked”: Finding Her Power

The Disney+ Documentary: “Which Way to the Stage?”

IVF and Life on the Road

“Wicked” Endurance & Sisterhood

“Frozen”: Creating Elsa & “Let It Go”

The “Adele Dazeem” Oscar Moment

Owning Her Process and Growth

Madison Square Garden: Dream Fulfilled

What’s Next?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Style

Recommended For