Stage Combat The Podcast

Latest Episodes:

"The Edge of What You Know" Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

Season Two, Episode 7.
Synopsis: Sean finds an ally and makes a decision about his disorder.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Post Show Talk Back: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz chats with Sean about the stigma surrounding mental health.

Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
A special thank you to the incredible voice actors of Stage Combat.
This episode is dedicated to Lauren Widner.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Dr. Alisa Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.
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Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
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Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"Union" Aug 10, 2023

Show notes

Season Two, Episode 6.
Synopsis: The Goodspeed responds to the claim. Sean’s panic and anxiety symptoms start multiplying.

Post Show Talk Back: Mental health counselor and trauma therapist Courtney Loving helps us to better understand trauma.

Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Courtney Loving is a licensed clinical professional counsel based in Sun Valley, Idaho. Her practice focuses on trauma, somatic experiencing, psychosensory healing modalities and psychedelic assisted therapy integration. She has the unique perspective of having worked as a professional actor.
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Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"Subway" Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

Season Two, Episode 5.
Synopsis: The aftershocks of the events at the Goodspeed hit Sean in a hard way.
Content warning: contains strong language.

Post Show Talk Back: Mental health counselor Imari Hardon (and star of the Tony award winning Broadway production of Avenue Q for five years) chats with Sean about therapy.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Imari Hardon is a mental health counselor in New York City. After closing the Off-Broadway production of the Tony award winning musical, Avenue Q, Imari earned her master's in mental health counseling and wellness and her certification as a psychodramatist. When she can't be on the stage, Imari is committed to giving back to her communities by advocating for mental health and providing services where there is a need for support.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"Bucking the System": Rebecca Caine Claims Her Story Aug 03, 2023

Show notes

BONUS EPISODE!
Audiences around the world know actor Rebecca Caine for originating the role of "Cosette" in Les Miserables and as one of the most iconic "Christine Daes" of Phantom of the Opera. But what many don't know about Rebecca is that she has her own harrowing "Stage Combat" story. Something that happened to her in the theatre industry almost thirty years ago.
For the first time in a podcast interview, Rebecca is "claiming her story" and discussing with Sean Hayden what really happened to her in 1990s in this very special bonus episode.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Rebecca Caine is best known for creating the role of Cosette in the original production of Les Miserables at The Royal Shakespeare Company and in London’s West End where she made her debut as Laurie in Oklahoma! And subsequently played the role of Christine with the original company of the Phantom of the Opera, a role she originated at the Canadian Premiere in Toronto. She made her North American operatic debut at the Canadian Opera Company as Lulu, going on to sing a variety of roles there and winning the Dora Mavor Moore Award in the title role of The Cunning Little Vixen. She has gone on to appear in opera, musicals and plays internationally and enjoys an extensive recital and cabaret career, which has taken her to every province and territory in Canada except Quebec, The Yukon and Nunavut.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.

Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

"Rebuttal Is Irrelevant" Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Season Two, Episode 4.
Synposis: Sean experiences the fallout of Chad’s latest allegation.
Content warning: contains strong language.
Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman talks about the ripple effect of a mental health crisis.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Dr. Michelle Sherman earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is in private practice in Minneapolis. Dr. Sherman is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. She is also the Editor in Chief of the APA Division 43 (Society of Couple and Family Psychology) journal, Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. She was recently named the Family Psychologist of the Year by the Society of Couples and Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association. She has published over 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals, has received over $3.2 million in grant funding, and has given several hundred workshops nationally and internationally.
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Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"The Whistleblower" Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Season Two, Episode 3.
Synopsis: Things come to a head during the Friday night performance of Billy Elliot at the Goodspeed.
Content warning: contains strong language.

Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Sherman and Sean talk about actions theatres can take NOW to support the mental health of their performing artists.

Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Dr. Michelle Sherman earned her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is in private practice in Minneapolis. Dr. Sherman is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and is Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. She is also the Editor in Chief of the APA Division 43 (Society of Couple and Family Psychology) journal, Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. She was recently named the Family Psychologist of the Year by the Society of Couples and Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association. She has published over 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals, has received over $3.2 million in grant funding, and has given several hundred workshops nationally and internationally.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"The Memo" / "File: S. Hayden" Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Season Two, Episode 2.
SPECIAL DOUBLE EPISODE!
Synopsis: A flurry of memos may threaten Sean’s future at the Goodspeed / There’s a file with Sean’s name on it.
Content warning: contains strong language.

Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Alisa Hurwitz chats with Sean about “depersonalization.”
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Dr. Alisa Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"Silence" Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

SEASON TWO PREMIERE! Season Two, Episode 1.
The original Goodspeed Opera House story continues. Still told like a true crime podcast.
Synopsis: Following his collapse on the Opera House stage, Sean returns to work for the press performance of Billy Elliot.
Content warning: contains strong language; depiction of panic attack.

Post Show Talk Back: Clinical psychologist Dr. Alisa Hurwitz discusses with Sean the effect that silence can have on one’s mental health.

Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Consulting Producer, Ian Southwood of Southwood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Dr. Alisa Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"Falling”: A Chat with the Stage Combat Icon Designer" Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

BONUS EPISODE! (Actually a bonus "nugget"). Ever wonder what went into the icon you see every time you listen to an episode of Stage Combat? Sean has a quick chat with the amazing Fran Pinter-Parrot, the designer of the icon, about the inspiration behind her design!
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

"They Need To Do Better": Theatres and Mental Health Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

BONUS EPISODE!
Sean and Imari Hardin, a New York City mental health counselor who also starred in the Tony award winning Broadway musical “Avenue Q” for five years, have a frank talk:
About what the theatre industry needs to do better when it comes to mental health.
Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.
Sean Hayden is New York City based attorney, actor and advocate for workplaces that are safe, respectful and dignified. As the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC, he produces Stage Combat the Podcast which exposes harmful practices in the entertainment industry and fosters conversations of how to make the workplace better for everyone.
Imari Hardon is a mental health counselor in New York City. After closing the Off-Broadway Production of the Tony Award Winning Musical, Avenue Q, Imari spent her free time earning her Master's in Mental Health Counseling and Wellness and certification as a Psychodramatist. When she can't be on the stage, Imari is committed to giving back to her communities by advocating for mental health and providing services where there is a need for support.

Follow us:
Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
Email us: stagecombatthepodcast@gmail.com
Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!
Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com
Claim Your Story!
Mental Health Resources:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

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