The Art of Not Making It: with Tiffany Springle

On today's episode, I met up with Sopan Deb at the NY Times. We talk about his one-of-a-kind career path, and also therapy (spoiler: don't get a therapist who falls asleep while you are talking to them).
After covering the Trump Campaign for CBS News, Sopan had three paths he could have taken: head to Washington D.C. and join the White House Pres Corps, join the NY Times as a culture reporter, or become a television comedy writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As someone who has a hard time deciding what to order for dinner, I have no idea what I would have done. Probably shake in anxiety until the last minute and decide on the Mac and Cheese.
In the end, Sopan accepted his offer with the NY Times.
Sopan Deb is currently a culture and sports reporter for The New York Times, writing about the intersection of politics and culture, among other topics. Before joining The Times, he covered Trump's presidential campaign for CBS News. You've probably seen several of the NY Times Talks interviews he's hosted, including Stephen Colbert and Hasan Minhaj.
His new book, Missed Translations: Meeting the Immigrant Parents Who Raised Me, is being released and published by Harper Collins and is currently available for pre-order here. Missed Translations will officially be available on April 21st, 2020, at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, Indiebound, and pretty much anywhere that sells books. With a foreword by Hasan Minhaj, it's already receiving high-praise and attention.
“Sopan Deb hilariously and truthfully lets us in on the ups, downs, lefts, and rights of trying to understand - as a standup comedian and a journalist - the two grown-up strangers who raised him. It’s a crazy story, but you know. Good crazy. Funny crazy. Read-this-book crazy.”
-Pete Holmes, comedian, podcast host, and author of Comedy Sex God
“As a man who has been a performer and covered performance, Sopan Deb now paints his most important picture yet, the self-portrait.”
-Roy Wood Jr., comedian and correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
“Both Moving and hilarious, Missed Translations is not just about exploring culture, family, and love, but also understanding where one comes from in the deepest possible way. It’s a wonderful journey.”
-Jake Tapper, CNN host and author of The Hellfire Club

Sopan is a unique guy. Journalist. Author. Stand Up Comedian. Pianist. He does a lot of things and he does them well. We met about three years ago when we performed on the same comedy show. We've stayed friends, and when I was creating "The Art of Not Making It, " I knew he would be great to sit down with. I texted him about it. He said yes. And here we are.
As always, please subscribe, rate, and review! New episodes every Thursday. Don't be Sopan's therapist.

Today's guest is Ashley Wool!
This has to be one of my favorite interviews so far on The Art of Not Making It. Honest and pure, Ashley and I get into what it's like when you finally reach Broadway. Once there, you are not only experiencing your Broadway debut, but originating a lead in a new, ground-breaking musical. How do you handle the pressure, excitement, and unknown?
Ashley and I met 11 years ago at an audition and instantly hit it off. We've stayed in touch and it's been so lovely to follow her career as it brings her to this moment.
After years of hard work and living authentically, Ashley is making her Broadway debut as Jessica in How To Dance In Ohio.
Here's a bit about the show (as quoted from their website):
Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio is a heart-filled new musical exploring the need to connect and the courage it takes to step out into the world. At a group counseling center in Columbus, Ohio, seven autistic young adults prepare for a spring formal dance—a rite of passage that breaks open their routines and sets off hilarious and heartbreaking encounters with love, stress, excitement, and independence. How to Dance in Ohio is a story about people standing on the cusp of the next phase of their lives, facing their hopes and fears, ready to make a very big first move...and dance.

Reviews have been gushing...
...take a look:
"Groundbreaking. Thoughtful and poetic. This feel-good show is a milestone. "
-The New York Times
"Broadway’s most original new musical. It will stay with you."-The Daily Beast
"Groundbreaking and big-hearted. A Broadway first."-Variety
"How to Dance in Ohio makes me believe in Broadway once again."-Theatrely
Book & Lyrics by Jacob Yandura, Music by Lily Ling, Musical Direction by Mayte Natalio, Choreography by Sammi Cannold, and Directed by Harold Prince.
In a Broadway first, seven actors on the autistic spectrum play the autistic leads. Finally.
But it doesn't just stop with the casting. You can feel the thoughtful choices made in all aspects of the show, from the team compiled (with close to 50 members involved on and off stage making their Broadway debuts), to the resources tab on their website which answers commonly asked questions and misconceptions.
This is a monumental, historical piece of Broadway history, and I'm so excited for Ashley to impact so many people with her art.
You can catch How to Dance in Ohio at the Belasco Theater, and more details can be found on their website at:
https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/
Here it is. The Art of Not Making It.

On today's episode, I sit down with Anthony Logan Cole.
True story: this was actually the first episode I ever recorded. We hung out in my bedroom, with me completely new to my podcast equipment. Anthony and me have known each other for years. He played my Dad in the first show either of us did in NYC. A musical about Abraham Lincoln dealing with puberty. Yep. This show really existed.
Anthony is an Actor, Producer, Singer, Director, and Immersive Artist. One thing I really love about Anthony's episode is how honest he is about both the good and bad in the industry. We all make mistakes, and I appreciate that Anthony can openly talk about moments he isn't the most proud of, but how he grew as a person and artist through them. He's a good egg. Isn't that a weird phrase? Ah well, too late I used it.
The episode has been broken down into two parts. This week's episode is part 1, where we talk about his past and how he got to where he is currently. Next week's episode is more focused on the present, and a recent reviewer scandal Anthony found himself suddenly in the middle of.
It's a great episode, and I think you will enjoy!
Opening song by Sofie Zamchick, and episode is sponsored by Theatrical Index. You can find more on Sofie's EP here.
Subscribe, rate, and review. See ya next week!
-Tiff

After three years of saying I will do this, it's finally here! Today is the release of the introductory episode to the new Podcast, "The Art of Not Making It!" My name is Tiffany Springle, and it's a pleasure to meet you! I've had a tricky time navigating my place as an artist. As someone who considers themselves a Comedian, Actor, Writer, Singer, Immersive Theater Artist, AND Over-Sharer, the question of "what do you do?" has always been a tricky thing for me to navigate. Also, what is considered "successful" in the world of Entertainment where you can be employed one moment and completely jobless the next? It's easy to feel alone and like the hill is too steep to climb. But one day I realized, there is no such thing as making it. There's no set destination. ⁠It's a lifelong journey.⁠

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"The Art of Not Making It" is a weekly Podcast with new episodes every Thursday. Talking with the best in show biz, we have intimate conversations that break down individual journeys in this Industry, battling insecurities, and what to do when you realize that the top isn't as glamorous as people think. ⁠

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Today's intro episode will let you know a bit about me and where I'm coming from. Originally I thought it would have lots of jokes and humor, but it's heartfelt and honest instead. Download episodes and subscribe at the link in the bio. Rate and review. Share us with your friends. Send me a message. Thanks for stopping by, and talk soon! ⁠

Hello hello! Tiffany here.
At the time of this episode's release, I have come down with the flu. Luckily, I have a british robot man to record the introduction.
Robots: they are the future.
It's all fun and games until AI destroys mankind.
In the meantime, we've got a great episode for you today!
STACEY WEINGARTEN is an Emmy-winning multi-hypenate specializing in writing, directing, and producing musical and puppet works, especially for kids/families. She’s worked everywhere from “Sesame Street” to “Avenue Q”, with everyone from Kermit to Julie Andrews, and develops projects that promote social awareness through entertainment. Stacey was represented Off-Broadway last year by “Rescue Rue”, a musical fairytale inspired by her rescue dog. Stacey served as a Puppet Consultant on “Blippi’s Treehouse” (Amazon), Consulting Creative Producer/Series Director/Contributing Writer for “Reading Buddies” S2 (PBS), Co-Creator/Writer of “Monica’s Mixing Bowl” (Independent) as well as “Cone of Shame” (Handmade Puppet Dreams). Other favorite Bookwriting projects include time-travelinʼ sci-fi rock opera “Ludo's Broken Bride”; chanson-infused historical-fiction “5th Republic”; 1890s gender-affirming Storyville tale “Madame” (w/L Morgan Lee). A former DG Fellow, Stacey teaches puppetry at Pace, volunteers as the Children’s Media Association's LA Chapter President, and promises not to put puppets in anything unless it's appropriate.
Stacey Weingarten is directing her play, Runaway Rue, at the Fringe Festival in LA!!! Dates are June 4, 9, 11, 17, 18. You can find more details at RueTix.com
This is a really special episode and I'm grateful to call Stacey a friend.
New episodes of The Art of Not Making It every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Here it is. The Art of Not Making It.