Podcast Summary: "How To Chase Your Dream with Broadway's Mandy Gonzalez | 281"
Podcast Information:
- Title: This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil
- Host: Nicole Kalil, Bleav
- Episode: How To Chase Your Dream with Broadway's Mandy Gonzalez | 281
- Release Date: February 17, 2025
- Description: Together, Nicole and her guests redefine "woman's work," exploring the multifaceted experiences of women across various fields. This episode delves into the journey of Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez, offering actionable advice on pursuing and achieving dreams amidst challenges.
Introduction and Guest Introduction
Nicole Kalil opens the episode by highlighting the shift towards "how-to" episodes, emphasizing the value of tactical and actionable advice over motivational speeches. She introduces Mandy Gonzalez, a multifaceted Broadway actress, singer, and author, known for her roles in productions like Hamilton, Wicked, and the TV series Madam Secretary. Nicole commends Mandy's extensive accomplishments and sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on chasing dreams.
Notable Quote:
"We’re torching the old playbook and writing our own rules. Who runs the world? You decide."
— Nicole Kalil [00:41]
Mandy Gonzalez's Journey to Broadway
Mandy shares her unconventional path to Broadway, debunking the myth that success happens overnight or by serendipitous encounters. She recounts her early start at 19, singing backup for Bette Midler, and her subsequent roles that paved her way into Broadway's elite.
Key Points:
- Early Beginnings: Mandy left college at 19 to pursue singing, landing a backup role with Bette Midler.
- Broadway Breakthrough: Her Broadway debut in Aida, followed by originating the role of Nina Rosario in In the Heights, for which she won a Drama Desk Award.
- Major Roles: Mandy's portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked and Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton solidified her status in the theatre world.
- Diversifying Her Career: Beyond acting, she authored the young adult series Fearless and spearheaded the social movement Fearless Squad for inclusivity.
Notable Quote:
"It didn't start at the six-month mark, but it definitely started soon after that."
— Mandy Gonzalez [13:14]
Overcoming Obstacles and Rejections
Mandy emphasizes that chasing a dream is fraught with rejections and setbacks. She shares personal anecdotes illustrating the persistence required to succeed, such as facing numerous auditions and the emotional toll of not being immediately accepted into prestigious programs.
Key Points:
- Facing Rejection: Mandy talks about the importance of resilience when facing "no"s and the mental fortitude needed to keep pursuing her dream.
- First Steps: Discusses her first year at CalArts and the unexpected opportunity to audition for Bette Midler, which was a turning point.
- Support Systems: Acknowledges the crucial role her grandmother played in nurturing her talent and encouraging her to pursue her passion.
Notable Quote:
"If you really want to do something, you just have to say yes and go for it. And that's enough to start."
— Mandy Gonzalez [04:01]
Navigating Personal Health Challenges
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Mandy's battle with breast cancer. She candidly discusses how she managed her health crisis while maintaining a demanding performance schedule on Broadway.
Key Points:
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Mandy was diagnosed with breast cancer during her tenure on Hamilton, leading to chemotherapy treatments.
- Balancing Act: Despite medical challenges, she continued performing, embodying the "show must go on" mentality.
- Emotional and Mental Strain: The pandemic exacerbated her situation, forcing her to take a step back and reassess her identity and life beyond performing.
- Creative Outlets: Transitioned to online concerts and virtual performances to stay connected with her audience and continue her craft during lockdowns.
Notable Quote:
"I have to sing. I have to do something. But nobody was, you know, allowing you to come into the room or you couldn't work. It was just so difficult."
— Mandy Gonzalez [17:17]
The Role of Family and Upbringing
Mandy attributes much of her resilience and drive to her family's influence, particularly her father's unfulfilled musical aspirations.
Key Points:
- Parental Influence: Her father's decision to abandon music after returning from Vietnam instilled in Mandy a determination not to suppress her own talents.
- Cultural Environment: Growing up in a musically rich household with supportive parents who encouraged her talents.
- Legacy of Hard Work: The blue-collar work ethic of her parents reinforced the importance of pursuing one's dreams passionately and persistently.
Notable Quote:
"Your life doesn't have to be, like, black and white. There can be a gray, and it's okay to feel like you want to live in that a little bit."
— Mandy Gonzalez [25:37]
Advice on Chasing Dreams and Building Confidence
Nicole distills Mandy's experiences into actionable advice for listeners aiming to pursue their own dreams. The conversation touches on the necessity of trusting oneself, embracing failures, and maintaining flexibility in one's career path.
Key Points:
- Self-Belief: Encourages listeners to trust their intuition and believe in their abilities, even when others doubt them.
- Embracing Failure: Understanding that obstacles are part of the journey and should be viewed as opportunities for growth.
- Flexibility: Advocates for a multifaceted approach to career and life, suggesting that having multiple passions and interests enriches one's journey.
Notable Quotes:
"There’s no such thing as a plan B. It’s just life. It’s just another category of your life."
— Mandy Gonzalez [23:49]
"Choose confidence until the feeling catches up. That's like my twist on fake it till you make it."
— Nicole Kalil [27:56]
Embracing Anxiety and Vulnerability
Mandy discusses her struggles with anxiety, especially in high-pressure environments like auditions and performances. She emphasizes the importance of accepting nervousness as a natural part of the creative process.
Key Points:
- Acknowledging Anxiety: Recognizing and accepting feelings of nervousness without letting them hinder performance or decision-making.
- Living in the Moment: Techniques for managing overthinking and focusing on the present to alleviate anxiety.
- Authenticity: Encourages embracing one's vulnerabilities as a strength rather than a weakness.
Notable Quote:
"Don't let fear stop you from being who you're meant to be."
— Mandy Gonzalez [27:23]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Nicole wraps up the episode by reiterating the essence of Mandy's message: dream chasing is a dynamic and personal journey that requires courage, resilience, and self-trust. She challenges listeners to take actionable steps toward their dreams, no matter how small, emphasizing that persistence and self-belief are key to turning dreams into reality.
Notable Quotes:
"Dream chasing isn't about guarantees. It's about showing up, doing the work, and trusting yourself to figure it out as you go."
— Nicole Kalil [30:05]
"Dream chasing is abso fucking lutely woman's work."
— Nicole Kalil [30:05]
Closing Remarks and Guest Promotion
Before concluding, Nicole provides listeners with resources to connect with Mandy Gonzalez, including her website and Instagram. She also promotes Mandy's current role on Broadway's Sunset Boulevard, encouraging the audience to attend her performances.
Notable Quote:
"We begin fearless. We crawl, we walk, we run until we fall. Begin again, begin again."
— Mandy Gonzalez [29:14]
Key Takeaways:
- Persistence is Paramount: Success often requires enduring numerous setbacks and continuing to push forward despite challenges.
- Self-Belief Fuels Dreams: Trusting in one's own abilities and intuition is crucial for turning aspirations into achievements.
- Embrace Flexibility: Being open to various paths and opportunities can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes.
- Vulnerability is Strength: Accepting and managing anxiety contributes to personal growth and resilience.
- Support Systems Matter: Encouragement from family and mentors can significantly impact the pursuit of one's dreams.
For More Information:
- Mandy Gonzalez's Website: mandygonzalez.com
- Instagram: @mandygonzalez
- Current Performance: Guest starring as Norma Desmond in Broadway's upcoming Sunset Boulevard on Tuesdays.