Explore every episode of the podcast The Stage Rightside with James Whiteside
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52. Your Son is Probably Gay (and other news) | 29 Jan 2026 | 00:18:50 | |
In this episode, I read my latest Substack essay aloud and share some of the DMs it sparked—thoughtful, funny, and occasionally surprising. I also talk about the feedback I just received from my literary agent on my new book and what it’s like to sit with notes, doubt, and excitement all at once. A behind-the-scenes look at the writing life, the reader response, and the messy middle of making something new. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 51. Cats, Books, & Ballet Chaos | 24 Jan 2026 | 00:23:37 | |
This week on The Stage Rightside, James checks in from rehearsal season—with a purring cat, a recovering back spasm, and plenty of opinions. As ABT prepares for tour with Christopher Wheeldon’s The Winter’s Tale, he reflects on jealousy, insecurity, and how most Shakespearean disasters could be solved with better communication. Along the way: unhinged New York subway behavior, thoughts on the ethics of Free Solo, recent reads, and a deep dive into Part Two of his Substack series 31 Years a Nutcracker Prince. From dancing The Bear in Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker(yes, with aerial cartwheels) to confetti cannons, beloved dressers, and onstage chaos, it’s a nostalgic, hilarious solo episode about ballet, books, and life in the theater. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 42. All About Training with James Whiteside | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:47:33 | |
James talks about his early years in dance, his training, and his first years as an apprentice in a big ballet company. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 41. Costumes, costumes, COSTUMES! With Reid & James | 12 Mar 2025 | 01:03:38 | |
James and Reid talk about ballet costumes; faves, mishaps, and least faves! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 40. Straight Guys at the Gym | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:51:39 | |
James chats about which female roles he'd want to dance, what he did on his layoff from ABT, and why straight men at the gym annoy him. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 39. Tr*mp's Kennedy Center | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:37:53 | |
James chats about Tr*mp's Kennedy Center, the WAP en pointe, and drunk gay people. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 38. How I Got Into ABT | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:39:34 | |
James talks about a typical rehearsal day, what he eats, and... poop in the tiles?!?! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 37. Baby's First Solo Episode!!! | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:29:34 | |
James chats with himself about Smile 2, Rose Gray, and being a gay gay gay person who only plays straight people. Big wahhhh! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S07E02 - Reid Bartelme | 10 Jan 2025 | 01:02:48 | |
James and Reid talk noodles, circle j*rks, Beyonce, and Alien Romulus. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S07E01 - Michael Breeden | 03 Jan 2025 | 00:43:50 | |
Michael returns for the first episode of 2025! We chat about Sasha DeSola, resolutions, Darci Kistler's beautiful penche, Unity Phelan, the Nutcracker, and more! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S06E06 - Michael Breeden | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:36:29 | |
James chats with Michael about becoming a repetiteur (someone who teaches ballets from scratch), retiring from Miami City Ballet, and their early days together in Boston Ballet circa 1904. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S06E05 - Jake Roxander | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:34:27 | |
James chats with ABT Soloist Jake Roxander about being in a family of ballet dancers, heightism in dance, and his dream roles. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 50. Mid-Career Moves with Cassandra Trenary | 15 Jan 2026 | 01:05:21 | |
In this episode, I talk with my dear friend and fellow dancer Cassandra Trenary about what it means to leave a dream — not because it’s broken, but because you’ve outgrown it. Cassie shares why she chose to leave her life as a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre to join the Vienna State Opera, what it felt like to step into the unknown, and how injury, heartbreak, and stillness became the catalyst for change. We talk about restlessness, timing, courage, and the quietly radical question: How much time do I have? If you’ve ever felt the itch to change something in your life — your job, your city, your relationship, or yourself — this conversation is for you. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S06E04 - Chloe Misseldine | 22 Jul 2024 | 00:41:34 | |
James chats with ABT's newest Principal Dancer, Chloe Misseldine, about her ascent, her dream roles, and who she would kiss, marry, or kill. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S06E03 - The Retirees | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:41:47 | |
James chats with retiring ABT corps de ballet members Alex Basmagy, Kiely Groenewegen, and Lauren Post about their careers and what they're doing once they hang up their pointe shoes. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S06E02 - Thomas Forster | 08 Jul 2024 | 00:30:58 | |
James chats with ABT Principal Dancer Thomas Forster about his training, dealing with rejection, and reality TV. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| S06E01 - Skylar Brandt | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:38:11 | |
James chats with ABT Principal Dancer Skylar Brandt about the Summer Season, why Swan Lake is her nemesis, and reviews. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Season 6 Preview! | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:08:05 | |
The Stage Rightside is BACK in 2024 with new guests and some old favorites. Join James from his dressing room at the Metropolitan Opera during American Ballet Theatre's Summer Season. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Designer Jean-Marc Puissant | 05 Jun 2020 | 00:53:24 | |
James chats with costume and set designer Jean-Marc Puissant about his early work and creating the designs for Alexei Ratmansky’s “Of Love and Rage” which was slated to make its NYC debut at the Metropolitan Opera with ABT this spring. They discuss the joys of difficulties of working on this epic full length ballet. Premier Dance Network website James on Instagram JamesWhiteside.org Upcoming Performances
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Xander Parish: Mariinsky Star | 08 May 2020 | 00:43:24 | |
James chats with British dancer Xander Parish about his rise to principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. They discuss hot topics such as Russian culture, Sergei Polunin, and more. Premier Dance Network website James on Instagram JamesWhiteside.org Upcoming Performances
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Beatriz Stix-Brunell | 02 May 2020 | 00:47:40 | |
Royal Ballet principal dancer, Beatriz Stix-Brunell, discusses self expression and the so-called ballerina mystique. She and James test out their Australian accents to mixed success. Premier Dance Network website James on Instagram JamesWhiteside.org Upcoming Performances
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| Arthur Pita: South African Portuguese Brit | 24 Apr 2020 | 00:47:06 | |
James chats with choreographer Arthur Pita, with whom he had worked on the horror dance play “The Tenant”. They discuss “Showgirls”, disco dancing, and working in theatre and film. Premier Dance Network website
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| Marcelino Sambé, You Stay! | 22 Apr 2020 | 00:39:54 | |
James chats with Royal Ballet Principal Dancer Marcelino Sambé about his rise to principality, his injury and how to find beauty in a bleak world. Premier Dance Network website
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| 49. Avatar Needs a Gay Focus Group | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:18:12 | |
James talks about his upstate writer's retreat and why Avatar needs a gay focus group. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Harper Watters: Queen Bee of Houston Ballet | 10 Apr 2020 | 01:00:26 | |
James chats with Houston Ballet soloist Harper Watters LIVE on Instagram in this special quarantined edition of The Stage Rightside. They talk about coming out, being different, and family acceptance. Premier Dance Network website
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| Megan Take the Wheel | 11 Oct 2019 | 00:13:55 | |
NYCB Soloist, Megan LeCrone, drives James home from rehearsal and an impromptu Stage Rightside ensues. Premier Dance Network website
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| Stage Rightside Returns! | 03 Oct 2019 | 00:29:50 | |
Stage Rightside is BACK for Season 4! Premier Dance Network website
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| Mark Morris Makes Dances | 08 Jun 2018 | 00:29:50 | |
James grills dance maker Mark Morris on music, nail clippings, New York City, queer life, and more on The Stage Rightside. Prepare to be entertained by Mark's wit and stunned by his obvious, logical genius. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Kevin McKenzie on Directing | 18 May 2018 | 00:57:56 | |
James kicks off Season 3 of the Stage Rightside with ABT's Artistic Director of 25 years, Kevin McKenzie. They chat training, directorship, and having the hard conversations. This is Kevin as you've never known him. What a way to start Season 3!
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| Hip Hip Hoorayvid Hallberg! | 07 Jul 2017 | 00:48:27 | |
James chats with fellow ABT principal dancer, David Hallberg. They babble on about Arizona iced tea, returning from injury, mild insanity, and Dear Evan Hansen. C'mon week 7! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Executive Realness | 30 Jun 2017 | 00:31:21 | |
James gets the T from ABT Executive Director Kara Medoff Barnett. They chat about feminism, ABT in the digital age, the Tonys, and the future of American Ballet Theatre. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| The Cat Wranglers | 23 Jun 2017 | 00:44:58 | |
Kyle Pickles and Ashley Baer are ABT's Company Managers. They have the difficult task of wrangling these cats! They chat with James about touring the world, their favorite TV shows, and staying safe in cities with vastly differing cultures. Get into it! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Susan for a Bruisin | 16 Jun 2017 | 00:29:44 | |
James kikis with Principal Ballet Mistress, Susan Jones. They chat about the ideal corps de ballet woman, her favorite ballets to stage, working with every director of ABT, and becoming an airline pilot. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Jamar You or Jamaren't You? | 02 Jun 2017 | 00:39:18 | |
James sits down with Alvin Ailey's Jamar Roberts. They discuss Mariah Carey, being a competition kid, Revelations, and protein powder. Not to mention "Hidge or not hidge"! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 48. Happy New Year! and a Short Story | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:17:03 | |
James wishes Stage Rightside listeners a Happy New Year, tells tales of his Christmas, and reads a brand new kids' story called "Johnny Newcastle". Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| Trockadero Gigglefest | 26 May 2017 | 00:28:16 | |
James sits down with longtime friend, Matthew Poppe of les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the drag ballet company. They dish on pointe shoes, technique vs. comedy, and homosexuality. There's another guest appearance by (you guessed it) Isabella and a mysterious dairy queen. Premier Dance Network website
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| The CocoMotion | 19 May 2017 | 00:36:20 | |
James returns to the Stage Rightside in the first episode of Season 2. He interviews fellow ABT principal dancer, Cory Stearns on Youth America Grand Prix, girlfriends, Cheez Doodles, and more! The only side you'll want to be on is the Stage Rightside with James Whiteside! Premier Dance Network website
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| Truly Julie | 08 Jul 2016 | 00:26:28 | |
James sits down with American prima ballerina-turned-directress, Julie Kent. They wax poetic about humble beginnings, the future, Mikhail Baryshnikov, & Kevin McKenzie. Don't miss it! Premier Dance Network website
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| 10 ~ Female CORPSeographer | 24 Jun 2016 | 00:21:37 | |
James speaks with ABT Corps de Ballet member, Gemma Bond about the Corps, choreography, coasters, and girls vs. women. Premier Dance Network websiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 09 ~ Rena is the Most | 17 Jun 2016 | 00:28:24 | |
James speaks with ABT's head of wigs and makeup department, Rena Most. They dish on theater makeup, haunted houses, and their makeup/hair pet peeves. Premier Dance Network website
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| 08 ~ Etoiles of ABT: Gillian & Marcelo | 10 Jun 2016 | 00:26:28 | |
James speaks with ABT Principals Gillian Murphy and Marcelo Gomes about humble beginnings, keeping it fresh, and their Summer plans. Premier Dance Network website
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| 07 ~ Uptown, Meet Jack Ferver | 03 Jun 2016 | 00:29:10 | |
James speaks with downtown show-maker Jack Ferver about his new show, "I Want You To Want Me", among other things, like Return to Oz, Madonna, and seances. Premier Dance Network website
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| 06 ~ The Ratmansky is the Limit | 27 May 2016 | 00:22:17 | |
James talks to ABT artist in residence, Alexei Ratmansky (who inexplicably calls him "Jim") about Russia, Britney Spears, and roles he missed out on. It's an illuminating chat with a prolific choreographer. Premier Dance Network website
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| 05 ~ Reid & Harriet | 20 May 2016 | 00:50:53 | |
James speaks with fashion/costume designers Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung about fashion, AOL screen names, off brand Italian hairspray, and queer politics.
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| 04 ~ The Ellas | 13 May 2016 | 00:29:16 | |
James conducts his first dressing room interview with fellow ABT principal dancers Isabella Boylston and Stella Abrera.
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| 47. Holiday Special with Isabella Boyston and a very Nutcracker Substack! | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:31:34 | |
James does a post-show Nutcracker download with ABT Principal ballerina Isabella Boylston and reads his very first essay for Substack. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 03 ~ James provides a sneak peek int ABT's Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House | 11 May 2016 | 00:06:26 | |
James dishes the dirt on what roles he'll be dancing, and with whom, this Spring Season at the Metropolitan Opera House with ABT. Next episode, James' very first interview! Stay tuned!
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| 02 ~ James dives into the purpose of the podcast. | 10 May 2016 | 00:05:09 | |
James discusses what to expect during the first season of The Stage Rightside. You'll hear about upcoming guests and get a humorous look at the world of ballet, according to Mr. Whiteside. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 01 ~ Getting to know James | 09 May 2016 | 00:06:00 | |
James discusses what to expect during the first season of The Stage Rightside. You'll hear about upcoming guests and get a humorous look at the world of ballet, according to Mr. Whiteside. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||
| 46. Summer RECAP with James Whiteside | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:30:39 | |
James talks about Met Season with ABT, Vail Dance Festival, and staging his ballet "New American Romance" in Mexico City. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-stage-rightside-with-james-whiteside/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy | |||