Podcast
The Art of Kindness: Pop Culture & Positivity with Robert Peterpaul
Hosted by Robert Peterpaul · EN
A positively star-studded podcast that converses with celebrity guests from all areas of the entertainment industry (Film, TV, Broadway etc.) who use their platform to build a kinder world. Join The AOK as we sprinkle unhinged positivity around like confetti and uncover the best ways to activate kindness. Part of the Broadway Podcast Network.
31episodes
Episodes
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Tony Nominee Tim Jackson on Kindness Behind Broadway's Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)
2d ago00:50:14Tap to summarizeTony nominated Director-Choreographer Tim Jackson says kindness is the secret ingredient behind Broadway's Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York). The acclaimed creative joins host Robert Peterpaul ahead of the 2026 Tony Awards to discuss the act of kindness that changed his career, why he believes "if you've got lovely people, you'll make lovely work," and how he built one of Broadway's most joyful new companies. This positive podcast covers: • The act of kindness that led Tim to direct Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) • Why kindness is essential to making great theatre • How Tim helps actors get out of their heads and into the story • The surprising inspiration behind the musical's smart suitcase set • The power of connecting with strangers in an increasingly disconnected world • Working with actors like Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty, plus more! TIM JACKSON is a Tony Award-nominated director and dramaturg. His Broadway production of Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) earned eight Tony Award nominations and has become one of the season's most beloved new musicals. His additional credits include Merrily We Roll Along in the West End and the upcoming UK premiere of Something Rotten!. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Tim: @timjcreative Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Tony-Winner Michael Arden (Broadway's The Lost Boys): Time to Kill ('Em with Kindness)
1w ago00:37:47Tap to summarizeThe Lost Boys Broadway director Michael Arden joins Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness podcast to touchdown on creating thrilling heart-led theatrical spectacles. The Tony Award-winning theater-maker (Maybe Happy Ending) breaks down his innovative creative process through the lens of kindness. This positive podcast episode covers: How directing with kindness on The Lost Boys transformed the process Why listening to audiences when developing new work is vital The formula for balancing spectacle with emotional truth Broadway burnout and staying inspired, plus much more Michael Arden is a distinguished, two-time Tony Award winning director, honored for Best Direction of a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending. In 2023, he won the Tony Award for the acclaimed revival of Parade, following previous nominations for Once On This Island and Spring Awakening. He is the co-founder of At Rise Creative and has directed a wide range of works, including the 2024 Met Gala and Ben Platt’s concert residencies. Beyond his directing credits, Michael is an accomplished performer who has appeared on Broadway in Big River and King Lear, as well as in television and film projects like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Source Code. Shoutout to (spoiler) Ali Louis Bourzgui for taking part in our surprise compliment game. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Michael: @michaelarden Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Elizabeth Gillies: A Dynasty of Kindness [AOK 200th Episode Special]
2w ago01:11:11Tap to summarizeElizabeth Gillies (Dynasty) is here to celebrate 200 episodes of The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul podcast! Welcome to AOK 200, friends. To celebrate this milestone, actress, singer, Broadway star, and Ginger Ale's #1 fan Liz Gillies joins Robert in the Welcome to Times Square studio for a wildly fun and heartfelt conversation. From acts of kindness on the set of Dynasty and backstage at Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway to what we can learn from older generations, Liz reminds us why honesty may be the kindest act of all. The two Jersey kids dive deep into kind waters, covering everything from child acting, Broadway mishaps, and comfort TV shows all the way to witchy intuition, social media chaos, backstage hijinks, and the emotional support powers of - you guessed it - Canada Dry ginger ale. This positive podcast episode features: The life-changing sacrifices Liz's parents made for her as child actor Liz's future Broadway dream roles, including Winifred in Hocus Pocus the musical and an immersive Dynasty musical? Special surprises from her star friends Seth MacFarlane and Elaine Hendrix Plus: ADHD tangents, disco naps, miniatures, Real Housewives, Love on the Spectrum, and one very ambitious immersive Dynasty pitch. This episode is positively unhinged in the best way — a reminder that kindness is simply showing up. A big shoutout to friends of the AOK who made this episode possible, namely: Kindness is Free empowers the next generation of youth by instilling the values of respect, equality and compassion for others. Powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Special shoutout to our favorite Schmackary's Cookies and longtime listener Jen of Jen's Pretty Pegs, who helped us surprise Liz with a beautiful kind act. For a hand-painted and whimsical keepsake like Liz's check out Jen's art at: www.jensprettypegs.com. ELIZABETH GILLIES is an actress, singer and director known for her roles as ‘Fallon Carrington’ in the popular Netflix series, Dynasty and ‘Jade West’ in the generation defining Nickelodeon series, Victorious. Gillies returned to her Broadway roots last year, starring in the acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors as “Audrey”. A few of her TV credits include The Hunting Party, The Orville, White Collar, Family Guy and the FX series, Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll where she starred opposite Denis Leary for two seasons. On the film side, Gillies can be seen in Vacation, Arizona, Animal, Catwoman: Hunted and Spread, which she also produced. In addition to her acting career, Gillies is a singer who performs regularly to sold out audiences across the country. She has two records out with her longtime friend and collaborator, Seth MacFarlane. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Liz: @lizgillz Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Natalie Alyn Lind’s Wild Heart: Kindness, Cowboys & Dutton Ranch
3w ago00:57:48Tap to summarizeHowdy, listeners! Dutton Ranch star Natalie Alyn Lind rides into kinder pastures on The Art of Kindness podcast with Robert Peterpaul. From cowboy camp to filming in Texas alongside the legendary Annette Bening, Natalie opens up about the kind lessons she's learned growing up in an acting dynasty. The positive podcast covers: How Natalie's mom Barbara Alyn Woods taught her and her sisters to lead with kindness and authenticity in Hollywood. Acts of kindness from her debut onscreen in One Tree Hill to her current role in Paramount's Dutton Ranch. Producing her first film Halloween Store Plus: Survivor fandom, cowboy culture, dogs on set, and a heartfelt reminder that you never know what someone is going through behind closed doors. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Natalie: @natalynlind Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Broadway Star Grey Henson (Mean Girls the Musical): Is BIGFOOT kind?
Apr 2000:55:32Tap to summarizeBroadway's Tony-nominated comedic genius Grey Henson is a magnet for good, and he's here to tell you how on The Art of Kindness. The musical theater performer joins Robert Peterpaul to share acts of kindness from behind the scenes of shows, like Book of Mormon, Mean Girls and Elf, to now... BIGFOOT? This positive podcast covers: How to be a "magnet for goodness" in your every day life. What Grey's learned about unlocking vulnerability and "childlike wonder" through the iconic musical theatre roles he's played. Leading with BIG kindness on his new musical BIGFOOT! + more! GREY HENSON recently played Buddy in the Broadway revival of Elf the Musical, earning him a Drama Desk Award nomination. He made his Broadway debut as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon, a role that he originated on the first national tour. He was also seen on Broadway as Storyteller 2 in Shucked and earned Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his performance as Damian in Mean Girls. Other credits include Michael in tick, tick… BOOM! at the Kennedy Center and Tate in the Netflix series “Girls5Eva”. Find out more: BIGFOOT: A NEW MUSICAL Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Grey @greyhenson Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Broadway's Nina White: You Got Kinder
Apr 1301:03:48Tap to summarizeBroadway performer Nina White (The Queen of Versailles) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul for a lovely discussion on navigating the ups and downs of theatrical journey with kindness all the way up to her new play You Got Older at the Cherry Lane Theatre. This positive podcast episode features: How Nina is working through stage door discomfort to learn to better accept compliments. The golden advice she received from her Tony-winning Kimberly Akimbo co-star Victoria Clark and The Queen of Versailles powerhouse Kristin Chenoweth. Her self tape tips + other advice for young musical theatre performers. The kindness of being present and honest and much more. NINA WHITE stars as ‘Jenny’ in the Off-Broadway production of YOU GOT OLDER, which opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre on February 23rd to rave reviews and was a New York Times Critics’ Pick. Most recently, she could be seen in Broadway musical THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES, for which she received acclaim for her standout role as 'Victoria,’ daughter to Kristen Chenowith's 'Jackie'. Nina first broke onto the theater scene originating the role of ‘Teresa’ in the 5x Tony-winning musical, KIMBERLY AKIMBO, followed by a role in the Kennedy Center’s acclaimed production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Her on-screen credits include A24’s Golden Globe-winning film, A DIFFERENT MAN, starring Sebastian Stan, and Peacock series LONG BRIGHT RIVER with Amanda Seyfried. She resides in New York City. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Nina @iamninawhite Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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NYT Bestselling Author Emma Straub on New Book American Fantasy, Boy Bands & Kindness of Nostalgia
Apr 601:02:52Tap to summarizeBestselling Author Emma Straub's new book American Fantasy has pulled into port! The acclaimed writer joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her joyful writing process, the kindness and power of nostalgia, being kind to yourself as a creator and more. This episode features: Why Emma Straub's book American Fantasy meets the current moment, thanks to a healthy dose of nostalgia Embracing the "uncool-ness" of being a passionate fan Creating community with her bookstore Books Are Magic in Brooklyn How vulnerability can unlock kindness, creativity and more Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of six books for adults: the novels This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. She is also the author of a picture book, Very Good Hats. Her books have been published in more than twenty languages. She and her husband are also the beloved owners of Books Are Magic, an iconic independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Emma @emmastraub Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Pretty Lethal Filmmaker Vicky Jewson: A Culture of Support, En Pointe
Mar 3000:46:53Tap to summarizePretty Lethal writer, director and producer Vicky Jewson joins the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to dive deep into her personal act of kindness/ mission: infusing the action genre with more women. Episode takeaways: The tangible and unique way that onscreen legend Uma Thurman showed everyone kindness onset. Why kindness is SPECIFIC and creates communities. How Vicky is fighting to tell more female-driven stories in the action space (including an upcoming female Rambo), and more. PRETTY LETHAL: An action-packed thriller where five ballerinas (Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Maddie Ziegler), on their way to a prestigious dance competition, are barely on speaking terms when their bus breaks down in a remote forest. With no other options, they reluctantly seek shelter at an unsettling roadside inn run by Devora Kasimer (Uma Thurman), a reclusive former ballet prodigy. From the moment they arrive, something feels wrong—and their worst instincts prove right. As the situation turns deadly, the fractured team must set aside rivalries and weaponize years of brutal training, turning grace, discipline, and even pointe shoes into tools for survival. Now streaming on Prime! Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Vicky @vicjewson Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Tony-Nominee Kevin Chamberlin (When Playwrights Kill): Let it Ruin You Breakfast, Not Your Lunch
Mar 2301:02:15Tap to summarizeTony-nominee and TikTok sensation Kevin Chamberlin says kindness is the key to longevity. The When Playwrights Kill actor joins host Robert Peterpaul for a morning chat on The Art of Kindness to discuss: How kindness and authenticity built his legendary acting career from Wicked to Seussical to Addams Family. Going viral on TikTok years after his Disney Channel hit Jessie and embracing a whole new digital chapter. Surviving Broadway chaos, on-stage mishaps, and finding humor in it all. Why you should “let it ruin your breakfast, not your lunch.” The importance of finding one moment of joy every day—and much more! KEVIN CHAMBERLIN is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor. Kevin is best known for his work on stage in Dirty Blonde, Seussical, and The Addams Family as well as on-camera in Disney Channel’s “Jessie”. Following his time on “Jessie”, Kevin quickly rose to online prominence, accumulating an audience of 12 million engaged fans across social media platforms. Check out: WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Kevin @chamberlin.kevin Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Alyvia Alyn Lind (Netflix's Wayward): Play Dolly Parton, Lead With Your Heart & Feed Ducks!
Mar 1601:05:45Tap to summarizeNetflix star Alyvia Alyn Lind says kindness is the way(ward)! The actor joins host Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness to discuss: Working with kind leaders like Mae Martin, Toni Collette and Dolly Parton. How her kind family and friends keep her grounded. Her love of ducks and much more! ALYVIA ALYN LIND is an emerging powerhouse actress. This fall, she starred opposite Toni Collette in Wayward, Netflix’s hit psychological thriller series from creator Mae Martin. The series premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, and ranked in the top 10 on Netflix in over 35 countries. Lind previously starred as the female lead of the Peacock/Syfy horror series Chucky. She also led Roku’s Spiderwick Chronicles with Christian Slater and Netflix’s Daybreak alongside Matthew Broderick. In 2015, Lind played the role of Dolly Parton in Coat of Many Colors, which earned her a Critics Choice Award nomination. Lind was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her work on The Young and the Restless. Her additional television credits include the Hulu comedy series Future Man, Showtime’s acclaimed drama Masters of Sex and AMC’s The Walking Dead. In film, Lind starred with Adam Sandler in Warner Bros Pictures’ Blended, alongside Drew Barrymore in Netflix’s Overboard, and across Bella Thorne in Masquerade. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Follow Alyvia @alyviaalind Follow us @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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