The Salisha Show-Where Broadway Meets Culture

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#179- Broadway Stars Reveal How They Stay Sane Under Pressure 🎭 May 16, 2025

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PILOT EPISODE FOR THE SALISHA SHOW LIVE! Starring Salisha Thomas and filmed at The Museum of Broadway in New York City. Ever wonder how Broadway stars keep their cool under the bright lights? In this intimate conversation, three incredible Broadway performers share their secrets to staying grounded in the theater industry! 🎭Join host Salisha Thomas at the iconic Museum of Broadway as she sits down with Aliyah Kashay (The Lion King), Ryan Steele (MJ The Musical, Newsies), and Gabrielle Beckford (Once Upon A One More Time) for an honest discussion about maintaining balance in show business.These talented performers open up about their different paths to success, spiritual practices, and how they stay authentic in an industry built on external validation. From long-running shows to new productions, discover how each artist defines their own version of success on Broadway.Get ready for real talk about faith, meditation, self-care, and finding peace in the unpredictable world of theater. Whether you're a performer or just love Broadway, this conversation offers valuable insights into staying true to yourself while pursuing your dreams.Want more Broadway behind-the-scenes content? Subscribe to catch new episodes of The Salisha Show and join our theater-loving community! 🎬#theatercareeradvice #cultivatingpresence #navigatingdifficulties #staygrounded #mooji#theatermentalhealth #waystostaygrounded #navigatingdifficulties #cultivatingpresence #spiritualawakeningCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:25 - Thank Yous05:12 - Staying Grounded in Theatre08:25 - Personal Meaning of Staying Grounded11:43 - Staying Grounded During Downtime12:44 - Benefits of Your Current Path17:14 - Techniques for Staying Grounded20:48 - Daily Gratitude Practices22:32 - Future Love and CommitmentLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Many thanks to Gotham Network in NYC, TyNia Brandon for writing and laying vocals down for the updated theme song and Big Red Studios for the intro video wherever you watch the latest season of The Salisha Show!

#178- MOTHER'S DAY/How I Surprised my Friends We Were Pregnant May 13, 2025

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Hi Friends! In this episode I gathered my best friends together in New York City and surprised them with the news of my pregnancy!!! It was so much FUN!!! But before that, I have the pleasure of sitting down with two incredible Broadway performers who are also balancing motherhood: LaQuet Sharnell Pringle and Diana Vaden. They give me the real real and help my mind grasp a few things. I hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I love talking to them! And then toward the end, my talented friend Gabrielle Elisabeth graces us with her voice with a song!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#177- Broadway Star N'Kenge Talks Balancing Motherhood & Career Apr 25, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I sit down with the incredible Broadway star N'Kenge to talk all about balancing motherhood and her powerhouse career! 🎭 Ever wonder what it’s like to go from starring in hit shows like "Motown on Broadway" and "Caroline, or Change" to creating a musical about Dorothy Dandridge—oh, and doing all of that while being a mom? Yep, N'Kenge spills it all right here!From headlining at Carnegie Hall to performing songs from "Motown," and "Tina" on a bougie Ritz-Carlton yacht tour (so fancy!)—N'Kenge's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She sings in 11 languages, created the N'Kenge Foundation, and is raising the next generation of talent, all while keeping her voice in top shape. Talk about goals!Hit subscribe and come on the ride as N'Kenge shares her secrets, from pumping backstage during Motown to launching a live jazz album honoring legends like Ella Fitzgerald. Plus, hear all about her upcoming Dorothy Dandridge musical and the ultimate Paris experience competition she’s hosting—seriously, you don’t wanna miss this!Stay tuned for fun stories, exclusive insights, and all the Broadway vibes with your host, Salisha Thomas! 💃✨ Let’s go! 🎤#performingartscareer #performercareerbalance #nurturingtalent #businesstrainingforartists #aspiringmodelsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#176- 9 Broadway Shows Later: Anastacia McCleskey in BOOP on Broadway Apr 11, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, I sit down with the phenomenal Anastacia McCleskey to talk all things Broadway and beyond! 🌟 Ever wonder what it’s like to star in Boop on Broadway? Or how it feels to transition from a swing role in Hairspray to leading the stage in powerhouse performances like Hair and Waitress? Anastacia spills it all—her journey, lessons learned, and even how she found her purpose through storytelling and healing.From her first Broadway contract to starring in nine Broadway shows (yes, NINE!), Anastacia's story is packed with inspiration, laughs, and unforgettable moments. We chat about her time in SUFFS (which had me crying and laughing), her love for the Broadway community, and even her dreams to direct and write. Plus, she’s got some incredible advice for performers and creators everywhere!Hit subscribe and come on the ride as we celebrate Anastacia’s incredible career and discuss her journey from Nashville to New York, her performances in iconic roles, and her heartfelt connection to the stage. Let’s lift each other up and soak in some Broadway magic together! 🎭✨#communityoutreach #thesecretlifeofbees #anastaciamccleskey #themuny #symphonicwindensembleCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:41 - Interview Starts10:48 - Election Night 201613:57 - West End vs. Broadway19:03 - Advocating for Yourself21:42 - Mastering the Art of Saying No23:00 - Boop28:03 - Advice to Your 8-Year-Old Self28:57 - Sharing What's on Your Heart29:14 - Message to Artists32:21 - Outro33:17 - What Anastacia Hasn’t Done YetLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can send fan mail here!

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#175- Savy Jackson’s Journey to Take The Lead 🌟 Apr 04, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? On this episode, I chat with the incredible Savy Jackson about her Theare journey, starring as the lead in the new musical *Take the Lead* at Papermill Playhouse! 🌟 Savy shares her inspiring story of hard work, passion, and perseverance. From playing Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* at the Muny to navigating the intense world of theater as a swing, Savy opens up about her love for performance, her experiences with iconic roles like Cinderella, and how she’s taking center stage in this heartfelt and dance-filled production. Plus, we talk about her unique name, her advocacy for authenticity in roles, and her journey as an artist balancing Theatre, music, and more.Don’t miss this fun, uplifting, and candid conversation about Broadway, representation, and following your dreams! Hit subscribe and come on the ride as we celebrate Savy’s incredible talent and her starring role in *Take the Lead*. ✨CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro03:08 - Auditioning for Once on This Island05:08 - Returning to School08:52 - School vs. Real Life11:28 - Recognizing Stardom19:58 - Understudying Experience26:32 - Take the Lead Discussion31:25 - Theatre Status Update32:04 - Matinee Crowd Dynamics35:09 - Audience Emotions in Performance37:05 - Dance Skills ShowcaseLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#174- Inside ‘minor•ity’: Breaking Barriers Off-Broadway 🎭✨ Mar 28, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? Ever wonder what it’s like to break barriers in Off-Broadway theater? In this episode, we take you *Inside ‘minor•ity’* 🎭✨, a powerful new production redefining representation and storytelling on stage. Join Salisha Thomas as she chats with the incredible cast and crew, including playwright francisca da silveira and director Shariffa Ali, about their creative process, the challenges of being minority artists, and the beauty of leading an all-Black cast and creative team. From its roots in Paris to its dynamic characters navigating identity, ambition, and belonging, *minor•ity* is a groundbreaking exploration of what it truly means to be seen. Hear firsthand how Broadway veterans and newcomers bring this vibrant story to life. Plus, get the inside scoop on costumes, hair, and the heartfelt themes that make this show a must-see! Subscribe and come on the ride as we celebrate the artistry behind *minor•ity*. Whether you're a Broadway fan or someone who loves a good performance, this episode will inspire you and reignite your love for theater. Don’t miss out—press play now!See ‘minor•ity’ at WP Theater March 29 - April 27, 2025, A Co-Production with Colt CoeurCastAto Essandoh as CheikhNedra Marie Taylor as CézaNimene Sierra Wureh as SamiLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#173- Ashley De La Rosa’s Broadway Journey 🎭 Mar 21, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ashley De La Rosa to talk all about her Broadway journey! From touring with *Hamilton* and *Rent* to making history as the first Black Regina George in *Mean Girls*, Ashley has done it all. We discuss her upcoming role in the Broadway debut of *Buena Vista Social Club*. Plus, Ashley shares how she’s taking center stage with her EP *God Complex* and her first-ever concert at Ars Nova.Ever wonder what it’s like to balance a Broadway career, personal growth, and creative projects? Ashley gets real about her experiences, her mindset, and what it means to always work hard in the most competitive industry in the world. Don’t miss her inspiring story, her advice for dreamers, and a few heartfelt moments that will leave you cheering her on.Hit subscribe and come on the ride as we celebrate Ashley’s amazing career, her talent, and her next big moves. Let’s go, Broadway fam! 🎭✨CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:54 - Introducing Ashley de la Rosa06:07 - Current Life Journey10:45 - Building Self-Belief15:07 - Success Factors in the Industry18:50 - Importance of Mindset21:32 - Lessons from Christina Aguilera25:55 - Maintaining Vocal Health28:37 - Writing Your First Song32:39 - Ashley’s EP Insights42:55 - Advice to Young Ashley45:30 - Closing ThoughtsLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can send fan mail here!

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#172- Fate vs Destiny: Author Jill Santopolo on Love and Choices 💕 Mar 14, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of fate, love, and the power of choices with none other than Jill Santopolo! 💕📚 Ever wonder what it’s like to create unforgettable characters, write a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and balance it all with being an editor at Penguin Random House? You’re in for a treat! 🎉Jill, the brilliant mind behind the internationally acclaimed novel *The Light We Lost*, shares her thoughts on destiny versus free will, the inspiration behind her fiery love analogies, and how her personal experiences shape her stories. We also chat about her upcoming sequel, *The Love We Found*, set to release in March 2025—yes, the answers we’ve all been waiting for are coming! 🔥✨Plus, I spill the tea on how our Broadway book club (yes, featuring black women on Broadway!) couldn’t get enough of Jill’s storytelling.If you love passionate, authentic conversations about art, literature, and life, you’ll love this episode of *The Salesia Show*. Hit subscribe and come on the ride—this is just the beginning of the journey! 💫✨CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro02:09 - Fate vs Destiny: Understanding the Difference07:16 - The Light We Lost: Book Overview and Themes09:43 - The Bonfire Analogy: A Metaphor for Life13:58 - Who is Lucy: Character Analysis17:10 - How Does Jill Receive Ideas: Creative Process Insights20:03 - The Sequel: What to Expect24:25 - First Feeling of Being a Writer: Personal Journey29:36 - Balancing Work and Family: Tips for Writers31:10 - Dealing with Creative Blocks: Strategies and Solutions32:47 - Formula for Making a Bestseller: Insights and Tips36:40 - Who Inspires You: Influences in Writing38:58 - Advice for Aspiring Authors and Editors: Guidance and Tips40:11 - OUTROLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#171- What is For You Will Not Pass You By: From Auditions to Broadway with Chadaé Mar 07, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? In this episode, we’re diving into the incredible story of Chadaé Nichol and her inspiring journey from auditions to Broadway! 🎭 Ever wonder what it takes to go from showing up at a small audition to making your big debut on Broadway? Chadaé is here to share it all—the highs, the challenges, and the unforgettable moments that shaped her as a performer, mom, and creative force. We talk about everything, including her time on the Motown national tour and her debut on Broadway. Plus, she opens up about juggling being a single mom while pursuing her dreams, the lessons she teaches her daughter, and the power of simply showing up. Chadaé's story is packed with heart, grit, and inspiration.Hit subscribe and come on the ride! You don’t want to miss this heartfelt chat on The Salisha Show as we uncover what makes Chadaé the powerhouse she is today. Let’s do this! 🌟CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro 03:05 - Broadway Debut Journey 06:45 - Auditioning for Motown: Shay's Experience 08:44 - 40-Page Audition Packet 11:39 - Destiny: What Is Meant for You Will Not Pass You By 15:48 - Motherhood's Impact on Creativity 20:02 - Approaching Your Daughter’s Hair: A Mother's Perspective 24:57 - Realizing the Desire to Become a Mom 27:30 - Sources of Strength and Resilience 31:34 - Advice to My 8-Year-Old Self 34:09 - Life is But a Dream: Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

#170- Broadway Star J Harrison Ghee’s Secret to Success ✨ Feb 28, 2025

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Hey y’all, what’s up? In this video, Salisha Thomas sits down with the incredible Broadway star J Harrison Ghee to spill all the tea on their secret to success and life! 🌟 Ever wonder what it takes to light up the stage in hits like *Kinky Boots*, *Mrs. Doubtfire*, and *Some Like It Hot*? J shares their journey, from unforgettable performances to embracing authenticity in every role. We’re talking everything from Broadway magic to behind-the-scenes stories, plus a little sprinkle of fairy-tale charm with mentions of *Once Upon a One More Time! Whether you’re curious about what it takes to be a swing, wow an audience, or own the spotlight, J’s got the inspiration you need. Hit subscribe and come on the ride—because this convo is one you don’t want to miss! ✨ Let’s celebrate the power of performance, passion, and persistence with one of Broadway’s finest. 🎭SPECIAL THANK YOU TOTiffany Jackman and Orion Phillips II - Camera OperatorsTyNia Brandon -- Producer, Writer of the Theme Song and Featured VocalistThe Broadway Podcast Network, Broadway Con, and the Marriott Marquis in Times Square#broadwaylottery #broadwaytickets #howtogetcheapbroadwaytickets #cheapbroadwaytickets #nycbroadwayvlog#theatertalk #jharrisonghee #broadwaysuccessLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can send fan mail here!

@salishathomas @thesalishashow, www.thesalishashow.com

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