Dear Multi-hyphenate

This episode is special. I mean… really special. Ari Axelrod is an artist and I’ve seen him in action, growing throughout the years. The episode is sort of broken down into three parts. What crafts a great cabaret? Our views on the multi-hyphenate. And Jewish identities in showbusiness, which is a huge topic of conversation right now. When it comes to cabaret, according to Axelrod, cabaret should be perfectly imperfect. It is the art of being yourself on purpose. So what are the pitfalls an artist creating a concert or cabaret can run into? What is the purpose for which you’re doing one? How can you best prepare? And what does it really mean when you choose not to memorize your lyrics… “I want to hear the lyrics as you. I don’t want to hear it as the song because I’ll tune out. It’s the difference between being a tour guide and a travel agent. A tour guide says, “Let me show you all of the things. Let me facilitate your journey. The travel agent says, ‘Where do you want to go? I will help you go to wherever you need to go.’” When it comes to the multi-hyphenate, it’s simple to Ari. “It reminds me of what you said before. Straight, cis, white men – they have the keys to the door,” says Axelrod. “People who come from marginalized communities, and whatever marginalization that is, they have to find other ways into the building. And sometimes it means having multiple ways in because the front door is locked for them. So we have to climb through the window, or go through the chimney, or building another building. It’s exactly what you’re saying, that’s what being a multi-hyphenate is. It’s telling our stories in all of the ways, flexing all of our artistic muscles and integrity, to be able to reflect the full capacity of our world.” And the most important topic of this episode – what it means and feels like to be Jewish today. And how does that relate to our work in the industry? Anti-semitism, unfortunately, is rearing its ugly head once again. So, how do respond to it? And more importantly – how do we stop it? “Anti-semitism looks different on the left than on the right. It looks different here. Everywhere. I think the thing that people don’t understand – the main problem, specifically, within our industry is that there is a lack of education in terms of what a Jew looks like. What a Jew is.” Ari is an actor, director, singer, and Jewish activist. He recently received the 2022 Bistro Award for Theatrical Performance in Song for his show, "Ari's Arias." His award-winning show, "A Place For Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway," began with a sold-out run at the historic Birdland Jazz Club, featuring six-time Emmy & Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh, and has since grown to international acclaim performing to sold-out audiences around the world. In 2020, he received a MAC Award nomination for Best Male Vocalist and won the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Live Zoom Performance. Ari Axelrod's first solo show, "Taking the Wheel," directed by Tony Award winner Faith Prince, and music directed by multiple MAC Award winner Alex Rybeck, has been performed in numerous cities around the country. Ari's work as a director has been seen at the Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse, Birdland Jazz Club, 54 Below, and The Green Room 42. Ari is a recipient of The Jewish Week's prestigious 36 Under 36 Award, which "honors 36 noteworthy Jewish leaders, all 36 years old or younger, who make New York — and its many Jewish communities — better. These entrepreneurs, young leaders, and changemakers bring remarkable energy and new ideas to religion, philanthropy, the arts, Jewish learning, campus life, social action, inclusion, and justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“All of a sudden,” says Moellenberg. “While I was sitting there, I literally heard for about 15 - 20 minutes a deep, male voice, which I assumed was a higher being, telling me that I had a long life to live. It was going to be very productive and my purpose was to help create beauty in the world. And the suggestion was made that that beauty might be through helping to create theatre.” According to Carl, he came out at the absolutely worst time. And after being diagnosed with HIV in the 1980’s, he found himself undergoing a transition. A transition of spirit, a transition of healing, and a transition from investment banker into a producer. He became many things – a Reiki master, a counselor, an ordained minister – all things focusing on what multi-hyphenating is all about. Regardless, Moellenberg couldn’t have started in a better place. The first project he invested in was Wicked and the first project he co-produced was Spring Awakening. Two very big hits. So what is a producer? What’s their responsibilities? How does one become a producer? Check out this episode to learn more about what goes into producing on Broadway. Plus, in this episode check out why a ‘Why’ Statement is incredibly important to have,how everyone can come together to make theatre more accessible, and learn about Carl’s new book, Carl Moellenberg's Story: Broadway and Spirituality as a Path to Survival — available wherever you purchase books now. Carl began his career in banking, and after debilitating illnesses threatened his life, he took a new approach to spirituality and healing, and re-found his love and passion for Broadway. He has since gone on to be on the producing teams for some of Broadway's most successful shows: Spring Awakening, War Horse, Hair, Death of a Salesman, Pippin, All the Way, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Dear Evan Hansen, Angels in America, The Band’s Visit, Oklahoma, Hadestown and Company. His aim has always been to tell compelling stories or to present stunning music which transforms people. “I’m incredibly excited that I believe it is an inspirational story, and I believe it will encourage people that are maybe early in their career in the arts as you’ve been referring to. I believe it will be a story of surmounting obstacles in people’s lives. That’s my sole aim – I didn’t write it, again, to talk about me or my career as a producer or going through each show and talking at length about all the shows I’ve been involved with – I did it to talk about a personal journey in hopes that my personal journey will inspire other personal journeys. That’s what I’m excited about.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#themajesticisfitforaprince When Carol Burnett wants something done, it's gotta get done. That's why fashion writer and producer Eila Mell joined forces with Burnett to start the campaign The Majestic is Fit for a Prince, getting the Broadway, television, and film industries to rally behind the renaming of this legendary theatre. Yes, the very same theatre which has held The Phantom of the Opera for 35 years. In this episode we discuss how the campaign started, what Hal Prince means to the three of us, untold stories of how Hal helped Carol during the loss of her daughter, why The Carol Burnett Show is timeless, and, keeping it in theme of the podcast, how the multi-hyphenate has grown and adapted over time as well as how the principles of the multi-hyphenate is helping getting the campaign done.Make sure you get your voice across by posting a video on social media saying, "The Majestic is fit for a Prince" and use the hashtag #themajesticisfitforaprince when you post! Carol Burnettis an American actress, comedian, singer, and writer. She is best known for her groundbreaking comedy variety showThe Carol Burnett Show, which originally aired onCBS. It was one of the first of its kind to be hosted by a woman. She has achieved success on stage, television and film in varying genres including dramatic and comedic roles. She has receivednumerous accoladesincluding sixPrimetime Emmy Awards, aTony Award, aGrammy Award, and sevenGolden Globe Awards. Burnett was awardedPresidential Medal of Freedomin 2005, theMark Twain Prize for American Humorin 2013 and theScreen Actors Guild Life Achievement Awardin 2015. Eila Mellis the author of the official guide to the hit television seriesProject Runway, titledProject Runway: The Show That Changed Fashion. Among her other books areDesigning Broadway,New York Fashion Weekand, with Ty Hunter,Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery. Mell has been featured in theNew York Times,Marie Claire,Glamour,and CBS’sThe Insider, as well as in the documentaryScatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. She is the co-host of the podcast Jiffy Pop Culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“People are dying from your fatphobia and that’s wild. We are so hung up on the way theatre has looked forever that we can’t change our perspective enough to literally save people’s lives.” TW: Discussion of eating disorders. I found Greg on TikTok. Greg is the founder of EveryBODY on Stage, which aims to break down stigma and fat-phobia in the arts. There is such multi-layered dialogue when it comes to each person’s experience. Being a CoVid long hauler changed my body by gaining weight – and even when I find the positives and self love when it comes to myself, my body, and the industry, it’s rooted in privilege. And when it comes to weight and age – why is it that a bigger body in educational theatre equals playing someone older or someone not worthy of love? How does that affect someone in their formative years? Why is it we are praised for losing weight, even when it’s done in an unhealthy way? Greg and I breakdown how fatphobia dominates the theatre industry, while shedding light on the people who are doing their best to fix this. Plus, we also get into how Funny Girl on Broadway battled responses based in fatphobia and anti-semitism and how as an industry, we need to move forward by communicating with kindness. Please note – the group I talk about in the episode who’s name slips my mind is The Industry Standard Group (TISG) who are innovating Broadway by finding new pathways toward equitable representation in commercial theatre. Also, use the code “MULTI” at the EveryBODY on Stage store for a discount at https://www.everybodyonstage.com/ “There is this narrative that a fat body is bad and ugly and gross. I’m done with that. I don’t care if other people find me attractive because I don’t need that anymore. I am happy in my body and I deserve to take up space in this body. So, like, I don’t know… get into it society.” Greg Carruthers (he/him, she/her) is a Toronto-based choreographer, actor and body-positive activist (@EveryBODYonStage). Hailing from Bradford, Ontario, Greg studied Music Theatre Performance at St. Lawrence College which recently nominated him for an Ontario Premier's Award. Greg has choreographed for Theatre Sheridan, Hart House Theatre, Canada’s Wonderland, The Madinat Theatre (Dubai), and the July 1st ceremonies at Queens Park (Toronto). As a performer, Greg was most recently seen on the 1st National Tour of 'Trey Parker's Cannibal the Musical'. As the Artistic Producer and Founder of EveryBODY on Stage, Greg has produced projects for Musical Stage Co’s “Musical Moments” and Buddies in Bad Times “Queer Pride Festival”. With funding from the Canada Council for the Arts, Greg conceived, choreographed and produced a short film titled "Cell Block Tango: Reimagined" which was screened as part of the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show. Greg is very excited to be choreographing "Into The Woods" at the Grand Theatre in London this fall as well as developing a new queer musical and a dance film. www.everybodyonstage.com Instagram: @gregcarruthers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’ve been blessed with a somewhat pragmatic view, and I had a good sense of who I was and what I had to offer.” Charles Busch has been around a while… and in the meantime. He is one of the first self-producers and self-advocates in the industry. Since he was eleven, he was writing three act places and found out very early at Northwestern that he would not find success in mainstream showbusiness. “Too gay” for the industry in the 70’s he says… so maybe the things that made him uncastable and unemployable could actually be what brings him success. Even after going to an incredible acting program, Busch still didn’t feel he was able to find himself in the industry. He sold numerous pilots to networks, but still found himself back to putting on a show with people he loves. And sometimes even finding himself in places at the top of the food chain (like writing a book for a new musical) and saying to himself, “I really hate this!” And yes, we talk about Taboo, one of Broadway’s biggest flops. We also talk about his huge success on Broadway, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife. Charles also takes us down discovery lane as he found his love of drag, cabaret, a symbiotic relationship with his beloved manager, taking the road less traveled, and the upcoming 54 Below show, Backstage Babble, which he’ll be appearing in on September 6th at 7pm. Charles Busch has forged a unique place in the world of entertainment as playwright, actor, director, novelist, cabaret performer and drag icon. He is the author and star of over twenty-five plays including The Divine Sister, The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset, The Tribute Artist, The Confession of Lily Dare and Vampire Lesbians of Sodom; one of the longest running plays in the history of Off-Broadway. His play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife ran for 777 performances on Broadway, won the Outer Circle Critics’ John L. Gassner Award for playwrighting, received a Tony nomination for Best Play and is the longest running Broadway comedy of the past twenty-five years. He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. For two seasons, he appeared as Nat Ginzburg on the HBO series OZ and is the author of the auto-biographical novel Whores of Lost Atlantis. He has directed two films; the Showtime short subject, Personal Assistant, and a feature, A Very Serious Person, which won an honorable mention at the Tribeca Film Festival. Due to his love and knowledge of film and theatre history, he has appeared as a guest programmer and in numerous documentaries for Turner Classic Movies, and has lectured and conducted master classes at many colleges and universities including NYU, Harvard, UCLA and Amherst College. In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright and was given a star on the Playwrights Walk outside the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He is also the subject of the acclaimed documentary film The Lady in Question is Charles Busch. He is a two-time MAC award winner and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. In winter of 2016, his show The Lady at the Mic premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series.His first CD, Charles Busch Live at Feinstein’s 54 Below, was released by Broadway Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“You have to choose yourself and other people will choose you.” – Robbie Rozelle on what he learned from the late Jan Maxwell. There’s a lot of musical theatre references in this episode, folks. Proceed with caution! Robbie Rozelle is a beloved performer, director, writer, graphic designer, and record producer who is responsible for some of the funniest and touching moments in the cabaret space of recent. Rozelle does shows all over the city… even across the pond in London. So how does he dominate the cabaret and concert scene? “For me, I am very much a self starter. If I want to do something, I sort of will it into existence. A lot of that is a lot of cold emails. There are so many cold emails that I’ll send out, 'Hi, I am beloved, fully ignored, cabaret sensation, Robbie Rozelle.’ I’ll send the album and I’ll say, here’s the pitch. 9 times out of 10, I’ll never get an email back.” But don’t worry, Robbie’s concerts sell out in 26 minutes. That isn’t an exaggeration. How does he do it? How does he sell his shows? If you’re interested in producing your own cabaret and concert, this episode is loaded with goodies to help you. We also chat about social media helping or hindering the industry, pushing through performances even during a crumbling political environment, understanding that what we bring to the table in the industry is allowed to be specific, and the difference between a Renaissance person and the multi-hyphenate. Robbie infiltrates the industry in such an interesting way, He has also directed and written or co-written sold-out cabaret shows for Tony Award nominee Melissa Errico (Amour), Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Finian's Rainbow), Elena Shaddow (The Visit), Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown), Mauricio Martínez (On Your Feet), Nathan Salstone (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Mrs. Kasha Davis, and frequent collaborator Jessica Vosk (15th Anniversary Elphaba in Wicked). In 2017, he sold out Feinstein's/54 Below twice with his debut cabaret solo act, "Songs From Inside My Locker", which was nominated for a BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award (in addition to nominations for Best Director). He returned to Feinstein's/54 Below in 2018 to headline Pride weekend with his new show "Bustin' Out", selling out and earning rave reviews. He recorded his debut solo album of “Songs From Inside My Locker” live in front of two sold-out audiences in 2019; the album was released to rave reviews in June 2020. He also created and hosted “Tuesdays at 54… with Robbie Rozelle!,” which ran for seven months at Feinstein’s/54 Below in 2019-2020. Robbie is a Grammy voting member, and appears on the concert cast recording of Mia Moravis’ Session Girls. For three years, Robbie served as the graphic designer and creative director for Playbill, culminating in the design of the branding of #PlaybillPride, a 30-day initiative of the LGBT movement in the theatre that included a redesign of their historic logo for the month of June 2014, which continues each June to this day. He currently serves as the A&R Director and in-house designer for Grammy-winning record label Broadway Records, where he designed the iconic "What the World Needs Now is Love" in response to Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. He also runs Ghostlight Design. When not designing, he can usually be found tweeting jokes and random musings at @divarobbie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This amazing episode features an incredible live panel from BroadwayCon 2022, featuring some of the leading multi-hyphenates in the Broadway, television, and film communities. Topics include process and product, boundaries, and so much more. John Cariani – Broadway: Caroline, or Change; The Band’s Visit; Something Rotten! (Outer Critics Circle Award nom.); Fiddler on the Roof (Tony Award nom.; Outer Critics Circle Award). Off-Broadway: The Atlantic, The Public, Transport Group. Regional: Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Old Globe, Center Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Several films. Television includes The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Blacklist, The Good Wife, Homeland; recurring roles on Law & Order (CSU Tech Beck), Numb3rs, and The Onion News Network. Playwright: Almost, Maine; Last Gas; LOVE/SICK; cul-de-sac. Jen Waldman has been working in the Broadway community for over two decades, first as an actor (Wicked and Titanic) and now as a coach to some of Broadway's brightest stars. She is the founder and artistic director of Jen Waldman Studio (JWS), and her clients have appeared in nearly every single Broadway musical for the last 15 years. In addition to her work at JWS, her hypens include: director, choreographer, artistic director, keynote speaker, leadership coach, speaking coach, podcaster, actor, teacher, and mentor. Jen co-hosts the podcast The Long and the Short of It, with listeners in over 100 countries. JenWaldman.com Kaisha S. Huguley is a New York based actor, singer, entrepreneur, creative, & educator originally born and raised in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Kaisha performed in solo cabaret, @kaishacreates, A One Woman Showcial making her Green Room 42 Debut. When Kaisha is not on the stage, she’s creating content for her online fanbase on her TikTok, Podcast: A Kaisha Story, YouTube Channel, and Blog. Additionally, Kaisha is the Director of Diversity & Cultural Creative Initiatives as well as a Faculty Member at The American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York. She develops curriculum and teaches courses on the business of the arts & entertainment industry. Kaisha is committed to giving back to the next generation of artists & creatives. To follow Kaisha’s journey to her dreams, simply follow her on Instagram @KaishaCreates to join her Gram Fam :) Jennifer Ashley Tepper is producer of the musicals Be More Chill, Broadway Bounty Hunter, and Love In Hate Nation. She is also the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein's/54 Below, and the author of The Untold Stories of Broadway book series. She is the creator of The Jonathan Larson Project and historian consultant on the upcoming film version of tick, tick...BOOM! Tepper was recently named recipient of a 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Being a multi-hyphenate is not a disability – it’s an ability. It’s an advantage.” Jared Grimes is a Tony Nominated actor currently starring in Funny Girl on Broadway. His effervescent energy lights up the stage every night at The August Wilson Theatre. In this episode, his energy continues into our conversation as we discuss what being a “bag of tricks” in this industry actually means. In this episode, we discover Grimes’ road to Broadway, how he turned his ADD diagnosis into multi-hyphenation, inspirations, getting people in power to understand the multi-hyphenate, and we chat about how tap opened up his eyes to the art of multi-hyphenating. “At an early age I began to latch on to the idea that if you’re a tap dancer, that means you can be many things. It doesn’t mean that you just use your feet to connect with people or share with people. I’m looking at all my heroes and they are singing, they are acting, they are comedians, they’re lindyhoppers, they’re writers, they’re choreographers, they do camerawork – they are behind the camera, in front of the camera – all those guys did that and I was just like wow so that’s what it is to be a tap dancer. My earliest idea of what a tap dancer was, was a multi-hyphenate.” Jared Grimes is a quadruple threat in the world of the arts where he is heavily making his mark in singing, dancing, acting, and choreographing. He received a Tony Nomination for his performance in Funny Girl on Broadway, which he is currently starring in. On numerous occasions, he has danced alongside legends such as Wynton Marsalis, Gregory Hines, Ben Vereen, Jerry Lewis and Fayard Nicholas. and also performed for Barack Obama and Ted Kennedy at the Kennedy Center. Most recently on Broadway, Jared could be seen in the Tony Award-winning production of A Soldier’s Play. Grimes has toured with Musical legend, Mariah Carey, under the choreography of Marty Kudelka, and danced for artists such as Common, Salt-n-Pepa, Envogue, Busta Rhymes and the Roots. Jared’s theater credits include, After Midnight on Broadway directed by Warren Carlyle, Twist directed by Debbie Allen, Babes in Arms at the Goodspeed Opera House choreographed by Randy Skinner, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes directed by John Rando at Encores and Broadway Underground directed by himself. In the world of acting, Jared is known for his recurring role of ‘Adrian’ on NBC’s hit show “Manifest.” He performed the lead role of ‘Jackson’ in the Annapurna feature film Swing Kids and Sammy Davis Jr.’s “Birth of the Blues” on Michael Feinstein’s American Songbook for PBS. Other film credits include Paramount’s, The Marc Pease Experience starring Ben Stiller, New Line Cinema’s Little Manhattan and Elevation Filmwork’s’ First Born starring Elizabeth Shue. Grimes has appeared in commercials for Coca-Cola, Subway, MTV and television shows such as CBS’ “Star Search,” “Showtime at the Apollo,” ABC Family’s “Dance Fever” and “The Jerry Lewis Telethon.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Visibility equals donors. The more work you do, the more you’re out there, the more people come to see the shows, the more you continue to maintain your lists of who is coming to see the work – the more easy fundraising becomes.” What is the future of theater making? How has creating theater in rehearsal rooms helped cultivate the multi-hyphenate, an economically friendly hiring option for producers? From the point of view from one of the most sought after directors and cultivators, Moisés Kaufman has incredible insight for anyone who wants to found their own company. What are the first steps? What should they be aware of? How do you raise money? Make your company official? Money can scare people – but it’s imperative to understand it when creating theatre. On this episode we discuss being pushed into boxes and how that affected his journey of bringing the Tony Nominated musical Paradise Square to Broadway. Plus, there is a ticket giveaway where you and a guest can see the show! All you have to do are these two is: Follow in IG: @dearmultihyphenate Write a review – as long as you write a review from June 1st to June 13th, that review will be considered an entry! Mention how much you loved this episode with Moisés Kaufman! The winner will be announced on the next episode of Dear Multi-Hyphenate released on June 13th. Moisés Kaufman is the founder and artistic director of Tectonic Theater Project, a Tony- and Emmy-nominated director and playwright, and a 2015 recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Mr. Kaufman’s Broadway directing credits include the revival of Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song, the revival of The Heiress with Jessica Chastain, 33 Variations (which he also wrote) starring Jane Fonda (Five Tony nominations); Rajiv Joseph’s Pulitzer Prize finalist Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo with Robin Williams; and Doug Wright’s Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play I Am My Own Wife with Jefferson Mays. His play The Laramie Project (which he wrote with the Tectonic Theater Project company) is among the most performed plays in America. Kaufman also co-wrote and directed the HBO film adaptation of “The Laramie Project,” which received two Emmy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Writer. He is an Obie Award winner and a Guggenheim Fellow in Playwriting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Birth is art. Birth is theatrical. Birth is a nothing to a something. Birth is a ceremony. Birth is a transformation. So, my art – my writing, my blog writing, my performing, my acting – has gotten so much wider ever since I’ve witnessed birth. Because, isn’t that what we do as actors? We breathe life into people. Isn’t that what we do as writers? We breathe life into characters that never existed before.” - Melissa Rose Hirsch on adding Doula as one of her hyphens. Multi-hyphenating is an art form – and how you identify as one is up to you. By looking at it on paper, one might not think being a Doula would belong in a theatre multi-hyphenate persona – yet, Melissa Rose Hirsch does it. On top of being a performer, song writer, and blog writer, Hirsch beautifully interweaves the artistry of being a Doula into the rest of her multi-hyphenate artistry. In this episode, we talk about how heartbreak and the industry viewing us a certain way forced us to look inward and create artistry that feels more personal and reflective of who we are. “If I am going to be a vessel for art, I would like to be a vessel for my own art.” Melissa Rose Hirsch is a singer, actor, writer, and birth doula. As a theatre performer, she has acted Off Broadway and found most passion in the development of new musical theatre works. Her musical, Bradical and the Pink Socks, co written with Christopher Hlinka and music by Preston Max Allen, has an upcoming performance this fall! Melissa not only writes her own music, available on all streaming platforms, but she most notably sang back up for PHISH at Madison Square Garden. She runs the blog Charged Thoughts on instagram, where she explores the human experience as romantically as possible and reminds her readers through love, loss, healing, and feeling, that “we are all the same, after all.” As a new birth doula and a person who is deeply passionate about the bodies of birthing people, Melissa finds fascination in all things birth, whether that be breathing life into new characters, new songs, or even new tiny humans. Follow along Melissa’s ride as a multi hyphenate @melissarosehirsch and @chargedthoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices