Was It Chance? – Details, episodes & analysis

In this deeply compelling and eye-opening episode, we sat down with historian and viral TikTok creator Tad Stoermer, whose work dismantles the "Patriot Myth" and reimagines the American narrative. With a resume that includes Colonial Williamsburg, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and a PhD in history, Tad is anything but your typical academic. We unpack how his journey from Capitol Hill to the classroom — and eventually to social media — led him to challenge everything he’d been taught about the founding of the United States. His powerful deconstruction of the sanitized version of history we’ve all been fed is nothing short of radical truth-telling. Tad’s upcoming book, Resistance: A History of the United States, aims to reframe the American story through the lens of those who have fought back — often at great personal cost — in the name of equity and justice. In this episode, we dig into why real resistance isn’t about fast wins, how joy itself can be an act of rebellion, and why he believes the stories we’ve erased are actually where the real American heroes live. Oh, and we talk about why Alexander Hamilton might’ve been, well, kind of an asshole. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll walk away changed. CONNECT WITH TAD: 📚 Look out for this book: Resistance: A History of the United States (March 2026) 📱 TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, and Substack: @tadstoermer CONNECT WITH US: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS: The “Patriot Myth” isn’t just a distortion — it’s a strategic narrative rooted in exclusion. Real resistance is a long game, not a quick fix. Deconstructing history means challenging your own education. Joy, creativity, and curiosity are essential tools of resistance. TikTok might be the most unexpected — and effective — classroom in America right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she was born to be a writer—she was literally introduced as one at the age of seven when her second-grade class performed her first play. That moment sparked a lifelong passion, even if it took decades to pursue professionally. Now a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 books under her belt, Victoria’s work blends powerful storytelling with faith, moral conflict, and deeply rooted historical truths. Her historical fiction—including the breathtaking Harlem Rhapsody—shines a light on extraordinary Black women who have been erased from the pages of history. In this candid, funny, and deeply moving conversation, Victoria shares the circuitous path that led her from corporate success to full-time author, the invaluable support of her late husband, and how she guerrilla-marketed her way into a major publishing deal. She talks about the creative joy (and challenge!) of co-authoring with Marie Benedict, immersing herself in research by living in Harlem, and her unwavering belief that it’s never too late to chase your purpose. Victoria’s art is her resistance, and this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and a little bit of magic. Connect with Victoria: 📚 Website: victoriachristophermurray.com 📘 Instagram & Facebook: @victoriachristophermurray 🎬 Watch her Lifetime movies based on The Seven Deadly Sins series 📖 Read Harlem Rhapsody, The Personal Librarian, and more wherever books are sold Connect with us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and more EPISODE TAKEAWAYS You can’t write a book in your head—start with just one word a day History untold is history erased—write what deserves to be remembered Your dream isn't just for you; it's meant to serve and inspire others It’s never too late: Victoria hit the NYT bestseller list at 65 Mistakes ≠ failure—learning from them is how we grow Guerrilla marketing 101: postcards, bookstores, and creative hustle Collaboration can unlock new creative superpowers Your path may not be linear—but it's always right on time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaclyn Goldis is a former estate planning attorney turned author and adventurer. After seven years practicing law in Chicago, Jaclyn left her career to travel the world with just a backpack, eventually settling in Israel to write full-time. Her fourth novel, The Safari, will be released in May '25, and her story is one of bold risks, creativity, and chasing dreams. Jaclyn always knew writing was her true passion. She describes leaving her legal career as both brave and inevitable, freeing herself from the weight of possessions and expectations. Traveling to places like South Africa, Bali, and Greece inspired her writing, and her creative process is deeply intuitive—she lets her stories guide her. Her first traditionally published book, When We Were Young, was written during her travels, though her heart lies in mystery and thriller genres, like her upcoming novel, The Safari. Jaclyn also shares how she found an agent, her relationship with failure, and the joy she finds in the creative process. Read Jaclyn Goldis’s books: “When We Were Young,” The Chateau,” “The Main Character,” and pre-order “The Safari.” Connect with Jaclyn on Instagram. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Bold Choices Lead to Big Rewards: Jaclyn’s decision to leave her legal career and travel the world with just a backpack was a leap of faith that ultimately allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time author. Creativity Thrives on Freedom: Letting go of material possessions and societal expectations gave Jaclyn the mental and emotional space to focus on her writing and embrace her true calling. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: Jaclyn’s writing process is intuitive and fluid, allowing her stories to unfold organically rather than being rigidly plotted. Failure is Part of the Process: It took Jaclyn 20 years to kick off her career as an author, but she views failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback, focusing on joy and small successes along the way. Travel as Inspiration: Jaclyn’s travels have deeply influenced her writing, with locations like South Africa and Bali serving as backdrops for her novels. Manifesting Success: Jaclyn emphasizes the importance of joy and intentionality in the creative process, whether it’s finding an agent or letting a story come to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"There is enough space to go around - we can ALL show up and do the thing and be successful" - Jennifer Apple. Ever wonder what it's like to throw out the rulebook and chase your dreams full throttle? That's exactly what we're diving into on today's episode of Was It Chance with our amazing guest Jennifer Apple. From award-winning performances in "The Band's Visit" to launching the game-changing Empowered Artist Collective, Jennifer's all about keeping it real in the wild world of performing arts. She's that rare combo of crazy talented and totally genuine, and she's not afraid to color outside the lines to make things happen. In this episode, Jennifer opens up about everything from her earliest days as a child obsessed with singing to her clever (and slightly sneaky!) strategy for booking gigs. Whether you're a performer yourself or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, you'll want to hear Jennifer's fresh take on artistic life, why there's room for everyone to shine, and how embracing the messy parts of life can lead to your biggest breakthroughs. Connect with Jennifer on her website jenniferapple.net, Instagram or TikTok Check out The Empowered Artist Collective Podcast  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Being a working artist isn't just about talent—it's about being bold enough to create your own opportunities. Jennifer's secret weapon for booking gigs proves that thinking outside the box pays off! There's no such thing as failure, only learning experiences. Jennifer's approach: give yourself grace, stay curious, and remember that every "mess up" is just data for your next attempt. Success isn't a zero-sum game. As Jennifer puts it, there's plenty of room for everyone to shine in their own unique way. No need to elbow anyone out of the spotlight! Want to grow? Embrace the gray areas! Life isn't black and white, and some of the best opportunities come from being comfortable with uncertainty. Multi-passionate isn't a curse—it's a superpower. Jennifer shows how leaning into different interests (performing, teaching, entrepreneurship) can create a rich, sustainable artistic life. The magic happens in the mess. Jennifer's love for workshopping new plays and musicals reminds us that perfect isn't always better—sometimes the best creativity comes from being willing to get messy and play. True artistry comes from staying rooted in authenticity. Through her Empowered Artist Collective, Jennifer proves that vulnerability and truth-telling are just as important as technical skill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’re in for a treat today as we chat with not one but two fantastic guests: Jen Ponton and Deborah Unger are incredibly talented performers who’ve built remarkable careers in theatre, film, and television. Their paths intertwined fifteen years ago during an old-school teleconference with a performance coach. The episode explores their individual journeys and the enduring power of their collaborative relationship.  Their upcoming show Maiden Mother Crone features their two solo shows: Jen's autobiographical solo show, Sugarcoated, and Deborah's deeply personal play, The Longer My Mother is Dead, the More I Like Her.  Jen and Deborah share their experiences navigating the challenges and triumphs of the entertainment industry, offering invaluable insights into building a career on your own terms. From Jen's powerful advocacy for body positivity and her work combating fatphobia to Deborah's evolution from musical comedy to critically acclaimed film and theater, this is a conversation brimming with inspiration and resilience. Learn how these two remarkable women have taken control of their narratives and built their own tables in a demanding industry.   Connect with Deborah and Jen to follow their incredible journey. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our inbox by emailing wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com  More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Building Your Own Table: Instead of passively waiting for opportunities, Jen and Deborah actively created their own paths, Authentic Storytelling's Power: Both Sugarcoated and The Longer My Mother is Dead... demonstrate the profound impact of honest, vulnerable storytelling. Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles: The episode details the numerous challenges faced by both women, from navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry to confronting personal struggles and societal biases (like fatphobia). The Value of Collaboration and Mentorship: The long-standing relationship between Jen and Deborah illustrates the immense value of collaborative partnerships and mentorship. Body Positivity and Challenging Societal Norms: Jen's outspoken advocacy for body positivity and her fight against fatphobia in Hollywood provides an important platform for discussion. Artistic Evolution and Reinvention: Deborah's journey showcases the transformative power of artistic evolution and reinvention. The Unique Demands of Solo Performance: Both women discuss the unique creative, emotional, and logistical demands of creating and performing solo shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Pepe Muñoz, the artist whose path from professional dancer to renowned fashion illustrator and now Broadway performer will leave you inspired. With a career marked by intuition and bold risks, Pepe has seamlessly merged his passions for movement and visual art. From collaborating with Céline Dion to gracing the stages of Paris Couture Fashion Week and Broadway's Moulin Rouge, Pepe's story is a testament to the power of embracing one's versatility and trusting the universe's plan. Connect with Pepe on Instagram and TikTok. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky. Listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Intuition guides purpose: Pepe's decisions, from quitting a stable job to pursue illustration to taking on new performance roles, have been led by a strong trust in his gut feelings. Versatility is strength: Rather than limiting himself to one field, Pepe has allowed his various skills in dance, illustration, and theater to fuel his creative journey. Hard work meets opportunity: While Pepe has certainly seized chance opportunities, he emphasizes that his success stems from a foundation of relentless hard work and dedication. Self-definition holds power: Pepe believes that the labels you choose for yourself carry greater significance than external measures of success. Openness allows growth: Even at the height of his Broadway success, Pepe remains open to the universe's next path and how his skills can continue to evolve. Support nurtures the soul: Pepe credits his husband with providing constant reminders of his worth, highlighting the importance of a strong support system in any creative endeavor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine having a clarity of purpose and drive to pursue your passions that allows you to achieve more before age 17 than many do in a lifetime. Welcome to the world of Maddie Price, a teenage theatrical powerhouse who's turning her creative vision into a Broadway-bound reality. From her early days as the Mayor of Munchkinland to becoming a playwright, producer, and founder of her own production company, Maddie's journey is a testament to the power of embracing your talents, taking bold action, and believing in the impossible. With her sights set on showcasing teen voices and creativity, Maddie is not just making waves in the theater world - she's creating a revolutionary new model for what's possible when young people are given the chance to lead. Get ready to be inspired by her story, practical advice, and reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a bit of serendipity, we can turn even our biggest dreams into reality, no matter what our age. Connect with Maddie on Instagram, TikTok See, "355" in February at 54 Below.  Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Key Episode Takeaways: Embrace your passion: For Maddie, her love of theater was clear from a young age. She encourages listeners to lean into their own passions, even if they seem lofty or challenging. The power of cold pitching: Maddie's a fan of reaching out to people and organizations she admires, even if it feels daunting. She believes there's little risk and potentially huge reward in putting yourself out there. Leverage available resources: As a teenager in today's digital age, Maddie knows that creativity and collaboration are more accessible than ever. She uses technology to work with her team and bring her vision to life. Failure is part of the journey: Maddie views setbacks and rejections as opportunities to learn and grow. She believes in facing challenges head-on and persevering, even when things get tough. The importance of community: Surrounding herself with like-minded, supportive people is crucial for Maddie. She's found valuable connections through her special school program and by seeking out other young creatives. Stay open to possibilities: While Maddie's focused on musical theater for now, she's also interested in exploring other creative outlets like books and screenplays. She advises listeners to remain open to where their passions might lead them. The power of teen voices: Maddie's work on "355 Revolution" showcases the talent and perspective of teenagers. She's proof that young people can create meaningful, impactful art when given the chance. Take calculated risks: From putting on a full musical production to networking with industry professionals, Maddie understands that taking risks is necessary for growth and success. Celebrate your wins: With her show headed to 54 Below and her production company thriving, Maddie knows how to acknowledge and enjoy her accomplishments along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welp, we made it through yet another year around the sun. Or the sun has made one more revolution around the earth? Nope, flat earthers, you wrong. Anyhoo, join us for our final episode of the year - discussing some of our favorite interview moments, and moments in general, from 2024. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Rowan Jetté Knox, the award-winning Canadian writer and human rights advocate who embodies the power of embracing change and living authentically. Rowan courageously shares his family's journey towards acceptance of both his middle child and wife's transgender identity in his bestselling memoir "Love Lives Here". This journey, marked by vulnerability and unconditional love, has normalized the existence of LGBTQ2S+ families and sparked international change. Rowan's advocacy extends beyond his personal narrative, confronting the stigma of mental illness and championing the rights of transgender youth. His work has earned him recognition such as the Order of Ottawa. Rowan's story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing truth and living authentically. He first started questioning his own gender while in therapy for deep trauma. Despite the challenges, Rowan has learned valuable lessons about self-worth, the importance of community, and the intentional risks necessary for growth. He reminds us that you don't have to transition to be Trans and encourages those questioning their gender to seek out Trans voices. Rowan's journey, including his own transition and non-monogamous relationships, is a powerful example of what it means to live a life true to oneself. Connect with Rowan on Instagram, Threads, or his website and grab a copy of his books Love Lives Here and One Sunny Afternoon. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales If you are struggling and need some support here are trusted resources. United States: The Trevor Project: A national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people. Available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or by texting START to 678678. Trans Lifeline: A peer support service by trans people for trans and questioning folks. Call 877-565-8860. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Canada: Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 service providing support for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868. Trans Lifeline Canada: A peer support service by trans people for trans and questioning folks. Call 1-877-330-6366. Canada Suicide Prevention Service: Available 24/7 at 1-833-456-4566. EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Rowan's Journey: In 2014 Rowan would have described his family as a Mom, Dad and three sons. Shortly thereafter their middle child came out as a Transgender girl (later, non-binary), and then less than two years after Rowan’s spouse came out as a Transgender woman. Consciousness of Truth: “We are more subconsciously aware of our truths than we think we are.” When Rowan’s middle child came out he was, at the time, a well-known “mommy blogger” and the post sharing the coming out story of his child went completely viral. There was a little hate but also a massive out pouring of love. Expanding Love: Rowan’s family adopted their middle child’s best friend at the age of 15 and beautifully extended their circle of love. It was much easier for Rowan to give love and support to his Trans family members than it was to give it to himself. Self-Worth: When the world constantly teaches you that you are NOT worthy of love, it’s nearly impossible to find yourself worthy. Rowan and his wife Zoè are in a Polycule relationship that began in 2022 and now they all live together, very happily, in Toronto. Important Reminders: Rowan wants to remind everyone that you do NOT have to transition to be Trans. If you’re questioning your gender start following some trans folks on social media listen to what they have to say and learn from the source. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Was it Chance, we're joined by Lyndsay Rush, the poet behind the viral Instagram account @maryoliversdrunkcousin. With her debut collection A Bit Much, Lyndsay has been making readers laugh and think about the big questions of life. From body image to aging to whether or not to have kids, Lyndsay tackles it all with her signature blend of humor, honesty, and a healthy dose of female empowerment. Tune in as we chat with Lyndsay about her journey from comedy writing to poetry, and how she's built a community of women who celebrate their true selves, weirdness and all. Connect with Lyndsay on Instagram, TikTok, or her website, and grab a copy of her book A Bit Much. Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance. More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales Episode Takeaways: The humorous origin of her username "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" Lyndsay's non-traditional career path from comedy writing to copywriting to branding Her journey deconstructing from evangelical Christianity and the "rage" she experienced How Lyndsay uses humor and joy to tackle big topics like body image and aging The surprising story of publishers competing for her work after she went viral Lyndsay's advice: embracing your weirdness is key to building a loyal community The distinction between Lyndsay and her persona, "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" Lyndsay's acceptance of failure as part of the creative process The humorous discussion about conspiracy theories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices