Graham Techler is a comedian and playwright, based in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Boston roots and first summer in New York

(02:45) Choosing between New York and Chicago

(04:30) Early love of performing and local theater influences

(08:10) Childhood exposure to professional performers

(10:40) Realizing performing was in his blood

(13:00) High school theater and a sense of purpose

(15:45) Playing older characters and self-awareness as an actor

(18:50) The thrill and risk of putting on a show

(21:40) School plays as high-stakes teamwork

(25:20) Lessons from creative collaboration and leadership

(28:15) Early social learning through theater

(32:00) Discovering comedy and improv in high school

(36:10) The influence of podcasts and comedy heroes

(40:05) Finding identity by blending multiple creative worlds

(44:30) Discovering the UCB scene and learning from performers

(48:15) Writing plays and musicals as self-expression

(52:00) Learning authenticity through trial and error

(57:15) Handling rejection and randomness in creative careers

(63:40) The strategy paradox and staying grounded

(70:10) Defining success, friendships, and creative fulfillment

(75:30) Closing reflections on gratitude and connection

Piyali Syam is a stand-up comedian based in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Fordham Bound: Secret Acting Plan

(02:05) Small-Town Upstate to City Dreams

(04:12) Art Kid: Drawing, Flute, Choirs, Theater

(06:18) First Love Was Drawing (and Big Feelings)

(08:27) Majors & Minors: Philosophy Over Performance

(10:11) High-School Theater Highs (and Cringe)

(12:36) “Be Useful”: Sampling Pre-Med, IR, Env Sci

(14:58) Choosing Philosophy: Courses That Mattered

(17:20) Logic, Nietzsche & Existential Meaning

(20:02) Loving Animals: Toward Vegetarianism

(22:41) Brighter Green, Climate Math & Moderation

(24:55) Seafood, “Aspiring Vegan,” Eating Animals

(27:40) Signs Toward Comedy: The Bra Line

(30:33) Abeson’s Note, Industry Boxes & Brecht’s Spoonful

(33:18) First Shows, Gotham Grad, Self-Regenerating Scene

(36:12) Slumps, Solo Show, Storytelling > Jokes-Per-Minute

(40:05) Dark Comedy Projects, Grants & Women-Led TV Aims

(45:15) Redefining Success & “Just Potential” Finale

Pearl de la Motte is a violist at Juilliard in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Arrival Story & Juilliard Backstory

(01:40) Mom’s Method: Start at Two

(03:05) Family of 11; Music at Home

(04:30) Forced Practice → Hiding in Weeds

(06:05) Switch to Viola for Family Quartet

(07:20) Viola’s Role & Sound

(09:00) First Competition Win at 13

(10:35) Juilliard as Goal; Mentors and Push

(12:30) Practice Philosophy & Golden Gate Park Sessions

(14:45) Falling in Love with the Work

(17:10) Applications & Pre-Screening Details

(20:05) The 10-Minute Audition & Faith

(22:40) Acceptance Day & Covner Fellowship

(25:30) Career Map: Chamber, Teaching, Not Orchestra

(28:10) Baroque/Historic Performance Spark

(31:05) Growth in NYC: Skills & Social Confidence

(33:20) Performance Mindset & Social Media Ambivalence

(36:10) NYC Impressions & Success = Healing Through Music