The Musicality & Madness of 'Sinners' with James Tolbert

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 MegaCONNECT 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

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

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. From developing Ella’s emotional journey to exploring the dynamic between Ella and Tadius, Bryce shares what it was like to take on the lead role in a brand-new Starkid musical, all while building the show from scratch in record time. We dive into: • How the tone of the show was discovered • The pressure and joy of creating something this fast • Behind-the-scenes stories from the rehearsal room • The process of shaping a fairytale heroine with modern heart 👑 Cinderella’s Castle was written by Nick and Matt Lang, directed by Nick Lang, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blim. 🎵 Get the album on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/cinderellas-castle-original-starkid-cast-recording/1801909042 🎙️ Story Matters is a show about the stories that shape us, hosted by Curt Mega. Join my Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/curtmega Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/curtmega Follow me on Bluesky: @curtmega.bsky.social  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

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! Join my Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/curtmega Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curtmega Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/curtmega Follow me on Bluesky: @curtmega.bsky.social   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

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.  Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on BlueSky, IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega  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

Janaya Mahealani Jones, star of the newest Starkid musical 'VHS Christmas Carols', joins me to chat about the show! Check out the VHS Christmas Carols digital ticket, available now through the end of 2023! For live episodes, join me on Twitch at Twitch.TV/curtmega Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega  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

Director James Tolbert joins me to chat about directing the newest Starkid musical, VHS Christmas Carols!  Check out the VHS Christmas Carols digital ticket, available now through the end of 2023! For live episodes, join me on Twitch at Twitch.TV/curtmega Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega    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 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

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!  Find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com Follow the show on Instagram Follow the show on Twitter Email your feedback for the podcast by emailing [email protected] 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 (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! Find all episodes of the show at www.storymatterspodcast.com Follow the show on Instagram Follow the show on Twitter Email your feedback for the podcast by emailing [email protected] 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