27. Brandon A. McCall: Broadway Leading Man // Starring in Disney’s THE LION KING as Simba, Faith vs. Fear & Why the NFL Needs a Marching Band

There is no shortage of goodness in this episode! We recorded this while Annie was living in NYC where we got to have this conversation face to face. I just know it will encourage you! It’s an honor to call Annie friend. Please enjoy. Annie F. Downs is a New York Times best-selling author, nationally known speaker, and podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real and present God. Annie is the author of multiple best-selling books, including Remember God and 100 Days To Brave. By weaving together personal stories, humor, and Scripture, she invites those reading to experience fulfilled lives with a God who made them on purpose and loves them deeply. You can learn more about her books here. While she loves writing — books, blogs, articles, thank you notes — Annie also enjoys traveling around the world speaking at events, conferences, and churches. You can learn more about her speaking events here. Annie’s podcast — That Sounds Fun Podcast — releases new episodes every Monday and Thursday. Authors, pastors, musicians, comedians, chefs, athletes — Annie has them all and calls them all friend. You’ll love the conversation in every episode. Annie is a huge fan of bands with banjos, confetti poppers, her community of friends, boiled peanuts, and soccer.  Nikolaus von Zinzendorf: "Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten.” Follow her here! @anniefdowns Share this episode with your friends and please rate and review wherever you listen! Thanks for being here. Recorded at Hephzibah House in NYC Sponsored by Crumbl Cookies (jk, but please sponsor us!) Produced by Joey Quenga (@OnairwithQ)

Amanda’s LA comedy pal David Magidoff joins us for a great episode!  David Magidoff stars in Showtime's highest rated series of all time, Dexter: New Blood as overly eager officer Teddy Reed. His recent credits include American Crime Story: Impeachment, and recurring as Nicky Brooks on AppleTV+'s Emmy nominated and SAG Award winning, The Morning Show.  Other TV credits include roles on American Crime Story, Top Elf, Schooled, Cousins for Life, General Hospital, Lethal Weapon, Richie Rich, Austin & Ally, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NCIS: Los Angeles; NCIS, Sonny with a Chance, Imagination Movers, Greek, ER, Veronica Mars, The House Webshow, Zoey 101, Las Vegas and American Dreams. You’ve seen him as a host on HQ Trivia as well as MTV’s Broke ___ Game Show. Starring in over 80 commercials and counting, including Taco Bell, Southwest, Progressive, Jersey Mikes and so many more. Magidoff also performs improv around the world including The Groundlings, UCB & the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In 2007, he founded an international comedy school called Monkey Butler, which has taught improv completely free of charge to over 3,000 students in the UK, the US and New Zealand. Be sure to check out David LIVE in LA at his hilarious and always-brand-new show: Making Love with David Magidoff. David and Sarah’s Award Winning Palm Springs AirBnB: staybungalowm.com @DavidMagidoff Please leave us a rating and review! Many thanks and please enjoy. Produced by @OnAirwithQ

Brandon A. McCall, a native of Birmingham, Alabama currently stars as Simba in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway, having re-opened the show on Broadway in September 2021!  McCall made his professional debut at the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California performing in their school tour and children’s theatre. Later, he brought his talents back to his hometown and began performing with Red Mountain Theatre Company. Credits include SISTER ACT, DREAMGIRLS, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID as Sebastian and in SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK with Birmingham Children's Theatre just to name a few.  He has been in the films Woodlawn and The Deadliest Lie and looks forward to having a more significant presence in the TV/Film industry. McCall’s journey with Disney's THE LION KING unfolded with the national tour as an ensemble member/Simba understudy. He soon earned the lead role as Simba on the tour. After an 18-month Broadway hiatus, McCall is currently playing the lead role as Simba on one of Broadway’s biggest stages in the heart of Times Square. He has also made appearances on Good Morning America, The View, ABC’s Queen Family Singalong, NPR’s Tiny Desk and more!  He received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Alabama State University. McCall was initiated into the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has also been inducted into the 2022 Class of ASU’s 50 Under 50.    McCall is grateful to God for his wife, Denika, daughters, Bréa and Briley, family, friends, supporters and the wonderful blessings that have been afforded to him! We’d love for you to give us a rating and a review! Many thanks to Brandon for appearing on this episode. Produced by @OnAirWithQ

Broadway’s always buzzing about Adrianna Hicks!! And we’re grateful to have her on the podcast amidst press events and a busy 8 show week. Adrianna now stars as Sugar Cane in the Original Broadway Cast of SOME LIKE IT HOT, the most Tony Nominated show of the season! Produced by Mariah Carey. She’s also best known for originating Catherine of Aragon in SIX THE MUSICAL on Broadway. What can’t she do?! Other Broadway credits include ALADDIN as the Fortune Teller and her debut in THE COLOR PURPLE with Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo. Adrianna is a Texas native with a B.F.A degree in Musical Theatre from The University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre. Out of college, instead of heading to straight to New York City, she traveled overseas to perform in the German production of DIRTY DANCING THE MUSICAL in Oberhausen, Germany. Adrianna then headed to Vienna, Austria to partake in the original German production of LEGALLY BLONDE, and in her final year overseas, she starred in SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL. Adrianna played Celie on the 1st National Tour of THE COLOR PURPLE revival, and later played the role at Papermill Playhouse under the direction of John Doyle. She’s also starred in the role of Dorothy in THE WIZ at Sacramento Music Circus. @missadriannahicks Please give the podcast a rating, review and follow! Thanks for listening.  Produced by @OnAirwithQ

A refreshing, deeply moving, wisdom packed and joyous episode with Broadway’s Zelig Williams. Listen as we discuss the extraordinarily unique path to his dreams, behind the scene stories, vulnerable sharing of mental health freedom, inspiring encouragements to keep fighting the good fight and don’t let me forget his VOICE. “There’s so much more…" Zelig Williams currently stars in the original cast of MJ THE MUSICAL on Broadway! He recently graduated from Pace University with a BFA in Commercial Dance in 2020. His Broadway debut was with the Broadway cast of HAMILTON the American Musical from 2016- 2018 (yes this means he was in college while on Broadway!). He also worked for Hugh Jackman as part of his world tour, THE MAN. THE MUSIC. THE SHOW. Originally from Columbia, SC, Zelig gives all thanks to God for blessing him with these opportunities. Book recommendations: “Effortless: Make It Easier To Do What Matters Most" by Greg McKeown, “High Performance Habits” by Brendan Burchard, “Who Not How” by Dan Sullivan  Zelig’s Podcast: Human in the Mirror with Zelig Will Produced by @OnairwithQ (InstaGram)

This week Amanda reunites with her dear friend, the Broadway and TV star Fred Applegate! A riveting episode about the business, about faith and an in depth look at a decades long journey of storytelling between continents and coasts. Incredible insights on marriage, humility and transformation. We thank Fred for his honesty, vulnerability, kindness and generosity of time and heart. On Broadway, Fred was last seen in the American cast of THE FERRYMAN directed by Sam Mendes, the Wizard in WICKED (twice), and starred in TUCK EVERLASTING, THE LAST SHIP, SISTER ACT, LA CAGE..., YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, THE PRODUCERS (in NYC and London), SOUND OF MUSIC. Fred appeared in New York in FANNY (Encores!); HAPPINESS (Lincoln Center). He premiered THE 2ND MRS. WILSON at the Long Wharf Theater. National Tours: WICKED, ANYTHING GOES, THE PRODUCERS, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.  He has guest starred in over 150 episodes of television including Seinfeld, Malcom in the Middle, ER, Murphy Brown, Newhart, FM, Life...and Stuff, Woops!, 9to5 and more. Recurring: Cosby, Night Court, Growing Pains, Crashing, Billions, Person of Interest, and many more.  His film credits include Georgia Rule, Stuart Saves His Family (1995), The Producers and many more.Applegate's voice can be recognized as the narrator of documentaries for PBS, National Geographic, Disney, Bravo, and A&E.  Regional theatre: Mark Taper (4 productions), Geffen, Old Globe, St. Louis Rep, The MUNY, Guthrie Theater (13 productions). Married to Cherie Sprosty, a Catholic liturgist; children: Ben, Meredith and Ethan.  www.fredapplegate.com Fred’s Henry Kiser Music Recommendation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB7byKb8Bwc Produced by On Air with Q

What an episode! We’re honored to share this conversation. Clifton Davis a Tony nominated actor, prolific singer, composer, producer and minister. He wrote the famous song “Never Can Say Goodbye” sung by the Jackson 5 which was No. 2 on the charts. He also wrote songs for The Supremes and Donna Summer. Davis is also best known for his 5-year run as Reverend Rueben Gregory on the popular NBC television series “Amen”, which continues in reruns on cable TV. His earlier series "That's My Mama", served to established him as a widely known actor and television star. Raised on Long Island, he began his career in New York City in the Broadway show HELLO DOLLY. Six years and five Broadway shows later (and 9 so far!), Davis headed to Hollywood and the rest is history.  Most recently, Davis appeared in the recurring role of “Ephraim Ware”, Director of National Intelligence on the CBS hit show "Madam Secretary". Davis recently completed a 4-year run on Broadway having originated the role of Sultan, in the hit Disney musical, ALADDIN and starring as Dr. Dillamond in WICKED on both Broadway and the National Tour.​Davis holds a BA in Theology from Oakwood University and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University.  Mr. Davis is also the recipient of honorary Doctor of Letters degrees from Lincoln University, Paine College and Edward Waters College, a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity International University and just received a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hartford. He is the recipient of numerous awards and citations for his social, civic and spiritual service. Davis is a Christian minister licensed by St. Luke Baptist Church, New York, NY.  His interdenominational ministry spans more than 35 years during which he has evangelized throughout the nation, leading thousands to the love of God through Christ Jesus.  For 20 years he has appeared on Christian television as a perennial host of “Praise the Lord" on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.  He has also hosted such notable gospel music specials as “Gospel Superfest”, “Take It to the Bridge”, “The Stellar Awards” and “The Black Achievement Awards”.  www.CliftonDavis.com New Album: “Never Can Say Goodbye” www.CliftonDavis.com/store Produced by On Air with Q

A refreshing episode that feels like spring! Deeply moved amidst this conversation with Broadway and TV/Film actor Laura Leigh Turner (who also happens to be a wonderful friend). We discuss her upcoming nuptials, starring in a new feature film, lessons from playing Karen in MEAN GIRLS, having a posture of surrender, experiencing freedom from eating disorders, practicing Sabbath weekly, “wrestling down peace” and much more. Laura Leigh is a native Arkansan making her home in New York City where she works in the performing arts industry. She is an artist, a musician and a writer, and considers pursuing the presence of God and His Word to be the greatest delight of her life. She was last seen starring in the role of Karen Smith in the Broadway production of Mean Girls and playing the role Harper in the feature film “Identity Crisis”, set to come out in early 2023. Laura Leigh is the founder/visionary of Rise Collective, a non-profit organization on mission to see women united in Christ, rooted in God’s Word and rising up for the glory of God.  Laura Leigh hosts “Living in the Light”, a podcast centered around sharing stories of how Jesus has brought us from the dark and into his powerful light. Her favorite pastimes are prayer wanders through the city and trying new recipes with her soon to be husband Matt. <3 Instagram:@lauraleighturner Websites: lauraleighturner.com, risecollectivewomen.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-in-the-light-with-laura-leigh/id1529355678 Yum: Billy’s Bakery in NYC Produced by @OnairwithQ

This week we welcome Sainty Nelsen, the youngest Emmy Award Winning female producer in history! She’s a Tony Winner as well as an absolute STAR in the voiceover world, starring in multiple DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Netflix originals all at once. Chances are, you’ve heard her distinct and incredible voice before. Sainty and Amanda played Ursula and Kim respectively in BYE BYE BIRDIE together in 2015! Listen for a fun and uplifting conversation on career, faith, marriage, family and stories of remembering what matters most of all. Text this episode to a friend! And please leave us a review, rating and give a follow to the pod. We are grateful you’re here! Sainty Nelsen is a 3x Emmy Award, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, GLAAD Award, Drama League Award, and Outer Critic Circle Award Winning actor and producer. Sainty is currently starring in the world's number-one children's animation show, "Gabby's Dollhouse," on Netflix. Her voice can also be heard in lead roles in “Spidey & His Amazing Friends”, "Trolls: The Beat Goes On," "Loud House," "Boss Baby," and "Ridley Jones." Sainty is one of few actresses in the world starring in multiple DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon, and Netflix originals all at once. Aside from a booming career in voice-acting, Sainty was last scene in the FX comedy "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll," opposite Denis Leary, and starred in Broadway's "Finding Nemo The Musical," in the title role of Dory. Notable producing work includes "Wakefield" starring Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner, "The Inheritance" on Broadway, "Broadway Rising," a documentary with Lin Manuel Miranda, co-produced by Jesse Tyler Ferguson (2022 Tribeca Film Festival Official Selection), and proudly holds the title of youngest Emmy Award Winning female producer in history for her work on Peacocks', "The Bay.” @saintynelsen Produced by On Air with Q

This episode contains SO MUCH GOODNESS! Not only are we serenaded by Broadway actor Matthew Griffin, experience lots of laughter, we also get a look into his career and faith journey so far. I was super encouraged and I know you will be too! Matthew was last seen in the play THE COLLABORATION on Broadway starring Jeremy Pope and Paul Bettany. Prior to production, he was a member of the hit show, TINA— THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL on Broadway. During his time in Tina, he has been featured in multiple upcoming theater projects, along with guest star appearances in tv shows including The Godfather of Harlem on Epix and Inventing Anna on Netflix. Matthew’s next adventure leads him to a new play off-Broadway (currently unannounced). This all follows his experience of being an educator for three years before jumping into the arts. Outside of his career he is active in his church, loves fitness and discovering the best food joints in the neighborhood, writes music, and never ceases to learn about the world through experiences and mountains of books.  Book: “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence Please leave us a review, and rating and give us a follow.@matthewgriffin10 Produced by On Air with Q