Therapuss with Jake Shane – Session 71: Lea Michele

Release Date: May 8, 2025

In Session 71 of Therapuss with Jake Shane, host Jake Shane sits down with the multi-talented Lea Michele, known for her iconic role as Rachel Berry on the hit TV show Glee. This episode delves deep into Michele's journey through Broadway, the challenges and triumphs of filming Glee, her personal life, and her recent return to Broadway with the revival of Funny Girl. The conversation is both heartfelt and humorous, offering listeners an intimate look into Lea Michele's life and career.

1. Introduction and Hosting

Jake Shane opens the session by sharing his personal connection to Glee, expressing his excitement about interviewing Lea Michele, a pivotal figure in his fandom.

Jake Shane [00:10]: "I grew up being the biggest Gleek in the entire world and I never got to see Glee live in concert. So this was extremely full circle for me and really, really important to me."

He reminisces about his first encounter with Glee and the joy it brought him, setting a nostalgic tone for the conversation.

2. Early Career and Broadway Beginnings

Lea Michele reflects on her early start in Broadway, highlighting her groundbreaking journey from a young age.

Lea Michele [14:12]: "I just continued to work from 8 until 17, 18. I did Broadway shows, and then I got Spring Awakening. That was sort of the biggest thing that I did as a, you know, sort of adult."

She shares her first Broadway experience, auditioning for Les Misérables at the age of eight, and how this set the stage for her future in performing arts.

3. Audition and Landing the Role of Rachel Berry

Lea Michele narrates the serendipitous events that led her to audition for Glee, emphasizing the "butterfly effect" that changed her career path.

Lea Michele [12:04]: "We were in Spring Awakening on Broadway together, and Ryan Murphy cast Jonathan Groff in a pilot he was doing. He offered him Finn, but he turned it down. Eventually, Ryan wrote Glee specifically for me and John."

Michele recounts her dramatic audition story, where she metaphorically "played dead" after a car accident to make her way to the audition, ultimately securing the role of Rachel Berry.

Lea Michele [13:28]: "I totaled my car, played dead, but then realized, if I'm dead, I can't audition. So I revived myself and auditioned for Rachel Berry. Got the part that day."

4. The Glee Experience: Filming and Tours

The conversation transitions to Michele's time on Glee, detailing the intense filming schedule, the emotional highs and lows, and the impact of the show on her life.

Lea Michele [22:25]: "We would film 22 episodes, record hundreds of songs, learn thousands of dance numbers, and then go on tour immediately. It was insane."

She highlights the rigorous demands of balancing television production with touring, underscoring the dedication required to maintain the show's momentum.

5. Personal Challenges: Grief and Family

Lea Michele opens up about the personal struggles she faced during the height of Glee, including grief from the loss of fellow cast members and the pressures of fame.

Lea Michele [31:10]: "I had to put my stuff aside and just show up so everybody could continue to work. It was a lot of pressure, and I completely broke."

She discusses how these challenges affected her mental health and the support system she relied on within the Glee community.

6. Transition to Motherhood

Michele shares her journey into motherhood, detailing the joys and challenges she faced during and after her pregnancies.

Lea Michele [33:02]: "Having my son during the pandemic was a really intense time. It broke me open and helped me learn and grow."

She speaks candidly about the emotional changes and how motherhood influenced her perspective on life and her career.

7. Broadway Revival: Funny Girl

The discussion shifts to Michele's return to Broadway with the revival of Funny Girl, exploring her motivations, preparations, and the personal growth that accompanied this transition.

Lea Michele [47:14]: "I prepared quietly in a studio with our director and assistant director. I knew what I wanted, and I just dove right in."

Michele reflects on how her role in Funny Girl allowed her to reconnect with her Broadway roots while balancing her responsibilities as a mother and wife.

8. Dealing with Anxiety and Stage Fright

Lea Michele bravely discusses her ongoing battle with anxiety and stage fright, offering insights into how she manages these challenges despite her public persona.

Lea Michele [72:49]: "Oh, I have so bad stage fright. I feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack."

She explains the physical and emotional manifestations of her anxiety, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.

9. Conclusion and Farewell

As the session draws to a close, Michele and Shane engage in a lighthearted exchange, showcasing their genuine camaraderie and mutual respect.

Lea Michele [75:10]: "Three parts that Lea Michele can read."

Jake Shane expresses his admiration and gratitude for Michele's openness, wrapping up the session on a heartfelt note.

Notable Moments and Highlights

• Emotional Recollections: Michele's vivid memories of pivotal moments on Glee, such as attending the White House and performing at the Emmys, provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the show's cultural impact.

  Lea Michele [45:18]: "We did the whole opening number at the Emmys with Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon. It was insane."

• Friendships and Support: The bond between Michele and her fellow cast members is evident, highlighting the strong support network that helped her navigate the challenges of fame.

  Lea Michele [41:35]: "Working with Idina Menzel was amazing. She's such an incredible person and gave me the best advice."

• Career Transitions: Her seamless move from television to Broadway and back demonstrates her versatility and dedication to her craft.

  Lea Michele [55:14]: "Both are very hard, but each has its own challenges."

Session Takeaways:

• Resilience and Determination: Lea Michele's journey underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, both professionally and personally.

• Mental Health Awareness: Her candid discussion about anxiety and stage fright highlights the significance of addressing mental health issues, especially in high-pressure environments like the entertainment industry.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Michele exemplifies how one can navigate the complexities of a demanding career while prioritizing family and personal well-being.

Closing Thoughts:

Session 71: Lea Michele offers an intimate portrait of a beloved actress navigating the peaks and valleys of her career and personal life. Through honest reflections and engaging anecdotes, Lea Michele provides listeners with valuable insights into the realities of fame, the importance of mental health, and the enduring power of passion and support.

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