Explore every episode of the podcast Story Matters with Curt Mega
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Musicality & Madness of 'Sinners' with James Tolbert | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:44:02 | |
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners might be one of the boldest and most interesting movies I’ve seen in a long time. I loved it so much that I had to have my friend James Tolbert on to talk through all the details we couldn’t stop thinking about. We dive into how Coogler blends horror, music, drama, and emotional storytelling, while still keeping the film a total blast to watch. We also discuss the sound, the style, that insane juke joint musical sequence, and why Coogler has officially landed on the “I’ll watch anything he makes” list.You can find and follow James on Instagram and BlueSky:James Tolbert on InstagramJames tolbert on BlueSky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Bryce Charles from Starkid's newest show 'Cinderella's Castle' | 20 Apr 2025 | 00:55:12 | |
In this episode of Story Matters, Bryce Charles (Ella Ashmore) joins me to talk about the creative whirlwind of bringing Starkid’s Cinderella’s Castle to life. • How the tone of the show was discovered This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Ty Simpkins from Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man 3, Jurassic World and more! | 07 May 2019 | 01:09:52 | |
Ty Simpkins (Avengers: Endgame, Iron Man 3, Jurassic World, Insidious, The Nice Guys and more) joins us to talk about his experience as a young actor working in a slew of major franchises and creating characters that are part of a global phenomenon. We also talk spoiler culture, water-cooler conversations, and what it's like to know the end of a story years before the world gets a chance to see it. You can listen to all episodes of Story Matters at www.storymatterspodcast.com! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Oscars 2019 with Joey Richter! | 27 Feb 2019 | 01:36:06 | |
Story Matters alum Joey Richter returns for the 3rd year to take a deep dive into THE ACADEMY AWARDS! We break down the wins and losses, the snubs and successes, and we ask the question... what sort of impact will this year's awards have on future generation of filmmakers and artists?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Amadeus (GUEST: Jon Cozart) | 27 Nov 2018 | 01:19:41 | |
Jon Cozart joins the show to take a deep dive with us into the world of Amadeus, the 1984 Academy Award winning musical biopic directed by Milos Forman about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as we cap off our exploration of the musical biopic genre with what is considered by many as the greatest biopic of all time! We also examine how this film speaks directly to our culture today (specifically us as artists), our own personal struggle with jealousy, ego, the fear of not being good enough and the madness that is the creative process. You can find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| What I Did For Love (GUEST: Wesam Keesh) | 10 Sep 2018 | 01:36:35 | |
In this episode, Curt, Mike and Kim sit down with actor Wesam Keesh (MTV's Awkward, ABC's For the People and more) to tackle the recent headline news of The Cosby Show's Geoffrey Owens' candid discussions on the realities of the jobs we take to pay our bills while trying to pursue a career in the arts. In this roundtable episode, we talk openly about the craziest side-hustles we've all had to work to pay the bills, the societal stigma and shame that seems to be applied to people working regular day-jobs to support their art, the discipline of training like an athlete even when it comes to creativity, and the value of trying new things that scare the living daylights out of you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Oscars 2018 with Joey Richter! Academy Awards discussion on Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, The Shape of Water, The Post, Phantom Thread, Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Lady Bird, and Get Out and Best Director nominees! | 02 Mar 2018 | 01:57:32 | |
In this special OSCARS EPISODE, Joey Richter (Tin Can Brothers, Starkid) joins me once again to talk all things Academy Awards and share our takes on this year's nine nominees (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Shape of Water, The Post, Phantom Thread, Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, Lady Bird, and Get Out). We also discuss some of our favorite films left out of the running for best picture and take a look back at 2017 from a cinematic perspective and what it means going forward for filmmakers, creators, and storytellers both in front of and behind the camera. I had such a blast talking Oscars LAST year with Joey so please join me on this official Story Matters tradition as Joey and I take on THE 2018 ACADEMY AWARDS! Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| The Art of Horror! (GUEST: Eric Carroll) | 27 Oct 2017 | 01:36:12 | |
In this SPOOKY episode of Story Matters Podcast, I sit down with Kim Whalen and Eric Carroll to talk about the art of horror films! We talk about what defines a horror film and what kind of stories we can tell and learn through the genre as an art form. We also go down our top 10 lists of our favorite horror films of all time! So grab some popcorn, unwrap some candy, plug in your headphones, and join us on this terrifying journey as we explore THE ART OF HORROR! Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters!
Music:
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Leigh Lahav Pt. 2 | 16 Oct 2017 | 01:04:53 | |
Part 2 of my conversation with animator/creator Leigh Lahav. We talk about how she developed her specific style as an artist, her taste in parody and comedy and the changing tide of creating for the internet. Also in this episode, another installment of Story Matters Story Collab Sessions featuring Kim Whalen! Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters! Spooky Ride by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/250/spooky-ride Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Leigh Lahav Pt. 1 | 07 Oct 2017 | 00:46:40 | |
In this part 1 of 2 episodes, I sit down with artist/animator Leigh Lahav to talk about her journey as an animator/artist coming from Israel to Los Angeles, the challenges that go into creating original animation for YouTube/internet culture, her passion for parody and fandom and the isolation that comes from living life as an artist. Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Lauren Lopez Pt. 2 | 25 Sep 2017 | 00:56:27 | |
In this 2nd and final part of my conversation with actor Lauren Lopez (Starkid, Poe Party, Spies are Forever and more!) we talk about her experience being apart of a internet phenomenon and finding her own unique creative voice in the process, the importance of not comparing yourself or your creative journey with others, and the joy of finding a creative community and making your own work! We also talk about recent projects (The Solve it Squad Returns) and her upcoming series (Stellar People) and answer some questions from my Patrons at Patreon.com/storymatters! We also talk about adopting a rescue animal, the joy of being a pet caretaker and her daughter Diane the dog! Enjoy! Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Lauren Lopez Pt. 1 | 18 Sep 2017 | 00:42:37 | |
In this part 1 of 2 episodes, I sit down with Lauren Lopez to talk about her journey from dancer to musical theatre, to college, to Starkid to LA and all the ups and downs in-between. We also talk about the importance on having a life and focus outside of show business and what it means to keep a balanced perspective between career, creativity and living your life in the real world. Some of Lauren's work includes Starkid's A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel, Starship, Trail to Oregon, Holy Musical Batman, and Firebringer, Tin Can Brother's Spies Are Forever and The Solve-It Squad Returns, and Shipwrecked Comedy's Edgar Allan Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party! You can also find her in Muzzled the Musical and the upcoming series Stellar People! For more info on Lauren, visit http://www.lauren-lopez.com! Support Story Matters on Patreon at Patreon.com/storymatters!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| 2025 Academy Awards with Joey Richter! | 02 Mar 2025 | 02:06:36 | |
We're back with the only Academy Award discussion you need! Joey Richter returns to talk all things Oscars 2025! Join us as we dive into the year's best films!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| William J. Stribling | 20 Jun 2017 | 01:09:20 | |
In this week's episode, I sit down with William J. Stribling (director of Shipwrecked Comedy's Poe Party and so much more) to talk about his creative process from writing to directing to editing and his perspective on storytelling through filmmaking. We also go behind the scenes of Poe Party and find out what it took to shoot such an ambitious project in only 10 days! This is an AMAZING episode filled with so much knowledge and insight into the filmmaking process and I can’t wait you all to hear it and learn from Joe! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Corey Lubowich | 07 May 2017 | 01:27:27 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Corey Lubowich from Tin Can Brothers and Team Starkid, to talk about his journey as an artist from growing up performing and working in theatre in his hometown of Chicago, to becoming an artistic director for BasementArts the University of Michigan, back to Chicago as a member of Starkid and then to Los Angeles as a founding member of the comedy trio Tin Can Brothers! We also storytelling through design, navigating the transition to a new city, the challenge of transitioning from theatre to film/digital video creation and his newest projects Flop Stoppers and The Solve it Squad Returns! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Michael Hitchcock | 23 Apr 2017 | 01:11:39 | |
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing actor, writer, producer and improviser Michael Hitchcock (Glee, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, Bridesmaids, Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, The New Normal, United States of Tara, Men of a Certain Age, Party Down, The Suite Life On Deck, Madtv and MANY more) to talk about truth in comedy, character driven comedy, episodic storytelling in the process of writing for television. I learned SO much from him and I know you will too! Listen now and share! Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Telly Leung | 14 Apr 2017 | 01:31:37 | |
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Telly Leung (Broadway: In Transit, Allegiance, Godspell, Rent, Flower Drum Song, Pacific Overtures, TV: Warbler Wes on Glee) at his apartment in New York City to talk about his journey to Broadway and beyond. We also discuss learning to be present and content in the moment with what you have despite whatever success does or doesn't come, prioritizing life and relationships in tandem with career, diversity in storytelling, stories of color, stories of minorities, telling human stories that are both specific and universal and the importance of rising up as artists to serve the greater purpose of being a voice of compassion and empathy for the world to see, hear and feel. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Eric Carroll | 07 Apr 2017 | 01:14:31 | |
In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Eric Carroll (Alex Brody in Buffering, photographer extraordinaire and my co-writer/co-director of my feature film project POV) to talk about our process of writing a short film only to realize we had a bigger story on our hands and being willing to start over and reinvent everything we thought we know about the project. We also revisit our characters from Buffering as Ben and Alex in an improvised Buffering reunion! Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Lili Froehlich & Madison Mitchell from Broadway's CATS | 02 Apr 2017 | 01:41:14 | |
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Lili Froehlich and Madison Mitchell from the Broadway revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS and talk about the reality of working on Broadway, the grind of performing 8 shows a week in one of the most physically demanding shows of all time, the challenges of being a swing and covering multiple roles and what happens when your dream becomes your job. How do you maintain your stamina, both mentally and physically, beyond opening night? We also talk about working with Tony Winning Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights, Hamilton) and interpreting movement into story.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Kathryn Gallagher | 26 Mar 2017 | 01:03:57 | |
In this episode, I sit down with actress, singer, songwriter Kathryn Gallagher to talk about her work in the recent Broadway revival of Deaf West's Spring Awakening! From a tiny theatre in LA all the way to Broadway, she shares her incredible experience of being part of the re-telling of this beautiful story in such a powerful and profound, new way through the use of sign language. We also talk creative education beyond college, the process of auditioning for theatre and Broadway and how it differs from film & television, and her work as a singer and songwriter. Enjoy! You can find links to more of her work on her website HERE: http://www.kathryngallaghermusic.com and check out her upcoming show on May 25th at 54 Below in NYC! https://54below.com/events/kathryn-gallagher/ You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Joey Richter | 19 Mar 2017 | 01:21:06 | |
In this episode, I sit down with actor, writer, creator, comedian and producer Joey Richter (Starkid: A Very Potter Musical, Starship, Me and My Dick, Trail to Oregon and more, Tin Can Brothers, Spies are Forever, Poe Party, Henry Danger on Nickelodeon, Jessie on Disney Channel) to talk about making a living as an artist, discovering new creative skills through unexpected opportunity, his firsthand perspective of experiencing Starkid erupt into an internet phenomenon while still being in college at University of Michigan (#GoBlue), discovering his skills as a writer, his journey to LA, and creating his own work as a core member of the dynamic comedy trio The Tin Can Brothers! We also talk comedy, improv, spoiler culture, story structure, audience engagement, and experiencing twists and turns in musicals, movies and Television! Enjoy! Subscribe to The Tin Can Brothers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tincanbros You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Titus Makin | 12 Mar 2017 | 01:40:42 | |
In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, actor, singer and songwriter Titus Makin (Fox's Glee, ABC Family/Freeform's Pretty Little Liars, ABC's Grey's Anatomy, CW's Star-Crossed, Nickelodeon's Victorious) to talk about his work as an actor, his newest album Love Addict. We discuss the journey of balancing career and passion. We also take a crack at writing some Glee Fanfiction while we're at it! ;) Featured Music: Addict & Ropes from Love Addict by Titus Makin You can support the show on PATREON at Patreon.com/storymatters and if you like the show, click the rating button on iTunes and leave us a rating and review! You can also email Curt directly at storymatterspodcast@gmail.com with your feedback, thoughts, stories and ideas! You can listen to all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com! Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Oscars 2017 with Joey Richter | 26 Feb 2017 | 01:37:14 | |
In this episode, I sit down Joey Richter (Starkid, Tin Can Brothers, Henry Danger, Jessie, School of Thrones, Muzzled the Musical, I Ship It, Spies are Forever) to talk about the 2017 Oscar Best Picture nominations! We also talk about our favorite films from 2016, our take on the film industry as a whole and what films and we hope will win that little gold statue! Enjoy! Music: The theme music of the 84th Academy Awards. Composed by German composer Hans Zimmer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Story Matters with Starkid's Meredith Stepien! | 08 Dec 2024 | 01:05:45 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I had the absolute joy of chatting with the brilliant and delightful Meredith Stepien. We dove into our shared love for VHS Christmas Carols, the art of crafting cinematic vibes that radiate coziness and calm, and the beauty of embracing imperfection. Meredith also shares her perspective on releasing the weight of ambition and rediscovering joy in the creative process. You can check out VHS Christmas Carols right now at https://starkid.vhx.tv/products/vhs-christmas-carols-2024-digital-rental. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Broadway & Storytelling through theatre with Tessa Netting | 19 Feb 2017 | 00:51:42 | |
In this special Broadway-themed bonus episode of the podcast, I sit down with the awesome Tessa Netting (Broadway's Billy Elliot, Bunk'd, YouTube) for a special bonus episode to talk about Broadway, Hamilton, Les Mis, Rent, Billy Elliot, and other shows that changed our life and storytelling through the medium of theatre. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Mary Kate Wiles | 12 Feb 2017 | 01:06:33 | |
In this episode, I sit down with the fiercely talented Mary Kate Wiles (Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Party, Spies are Forever, I Ship It, School of Thrones, Squaresville, Muzzled the Musical, Hello My Name is Frank, The Sound and the Shadow, Kissing in the Rain and MANY MORE!) to talk about her journey as an artist, creator, YouTuber, producer and all around amazing artist! You can currently catch Mary Kate in the new hit series from Shipwrecked Comedy Poe Party at YouTube.com/SHIPWRECKEDCOMEDY, support her work on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/mkwiles, subscribe to her channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/emkaysmiles, and follow her both on Twitter and Instagram at @mkwiles! We also talk about rejection, the reality of trying to pay the bills while you attempt to be a storyteller and the act of making your own work for the sake of doing something you love that’s not about getting hired and networking, but purely for the sake of creative passion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Tessa Netting | 29 Jan 2017 | 01:48:13 | |
In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Tessa Netting (Billy Elliot, Bunk'd, Voice Over Actress, Maker of Incredible Parodies and YouTuber extraordinaire) and talk about her journey as an artist from Broadway to YouTube sensation, fantasy, fandom, audience ownership of the stories they love, and the power and joy of creating your own world to escape reality. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Riker Lynch | 15 Jan 2017 | 00:51:45 | |
Riker Lynch is a man of many talents. Glee Warbler, Rockstar, Dancing with the Stars alumni and blossoming actor. In this episode, Curt sits down in Riker's dining room at the Lynch home in Southern California to talk Glee, Warblers, social media, the new yet-to-be-released R5 album, his upcoming films Voyeur and Colossal Youth, storytelling through music, creating comedy and more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Starkid's 'VHS Christmas Carols' with Janaya Mahealani Jones | 23 Dec 2023 | 01:01:09 | |
Janaya Mahealani Jones, star of the newest Starkid musical 'VHS Christmas Carols', joins me to chat about the show! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| VHS Christmas Carols with James Tolbert | 20 Dec 2023 | 01:11:27 | |
Director James Tolbert joins me to chat about directing the newest Starkid musical, VHS Christmas Carols!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Oscars 2021 with Joey Richter! | 24 Apr 2021 | 01:07:22 | |
Joey Richter joins me for our annual Oscars roundtable as we talk about the films that marked the surreal, bizarre and crazy year that was 2020. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| It's a Warbler Reunion! OH YEAH! | 29 May 2020 | 01:33:25 | |
In this special installment of the podcast, my Warbler bros, Riker Lynch, Dominic Tracy, Jon Hall, Telly Leung, Eddy Martin, Brock Baker and Tim Davis join me to reflect on our time working on Glee, how the experience has impacted out lives and what we've been up to since then!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| The 2020 Academy Awards Spectacular with Joey Richter! | 03 Feb 2020 | 02:24:24 | |
Joey Richter (from Tin Can Brothers, Team Starkid, Jesse on Disney Channel and more) joins us for the 4th year in a row for our 2020 ACADEMY AWARDS OSCAR SPECTACULAR! We dive into each of the nominated films along with the main categories. So put on your best tux or gown, hop in a limo and join us on the RED CARPET for this year's STORY MATTERS OSCARS PODCAST!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| The Future of Theatre with Vijay Nazareth from Pixel Playhouse! | 26 Jan 2020 | 01:06:32 | |
Vijay Nazareth, creator of Pixel Playhouse and AVbyte , joins us on this week's episode to talk about the FUTURE OF THEATRE! How does theatre adapt for the digital age in a way that's both accessible and relevant? Vijay's mission is to bring theatre TO THE INTERNET, to make it more accessible and break down the barrier between creator and audience.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||
| Jon Matteson becomes Paul Matthews (again)! | 16 May 2025 | 01:22:17 | |
Jon Matteson joins me here on Story Matters to talk about what it’s like returning to the role of Paul in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals nearly seven years after the original Starkid production. We get into the process of stepping back into a character after so much time has passed, how the fandom has shaped the show’s legacy, and what Jon is doing to prepare for the physical and emotional demands of the remount. We also get real about burnout, overcommitment, and the myth that you have to destroy yourself to make good work!If you prefer to watch a VIDEO version, you can check it out here: Check out Team Starkid’s newest Kickstarter project, The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals: Reprised! (Trailer shot by yours truly!) -Curt Mega CONNECT WITH ME: Join my Patreon community!Follow me on Twitch!Follow me on Instagram!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Bluesky! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curtmega.substack.com | |||