Episodios

  • #10 - The Brooklyn Book Festival - It’s Puzzling: The Power of Crosswords and Games

    #10 - The Brooklyn Book Festival - It’s Puzzling: The Power of Crosswords and Games
    Oct 14 2025
    In It's Puzzling: The Power of Crosswords and Games, host Natan Last, author of the cultural history of crosswords, Across the Universe, moderates a discussion at the Brooklyn Book Festival with Barry Joseph, game designer and author of Matching Minds with Sondheim, and Juliana Pache, the creator of Black Crossword. The conversation delves into the cultural significance of games and puzzles and how they reflect history and community. Barry shares insights from his book while Juliana discusses the creation of Black Crossword and how it connects the African diaspora through daily mini puzzles. They explore themes such as the joy of solving cryptic crosswords, the social dynamics of community-based puzzles, and the personal impacts of puzzling on their own lives. The episode also introduces listeners to the intricacies of cryptic crosswords and how Sondheim popularized them in America. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Book Tour Updates 01:54 Brooklyn Book Festival Panel Introduction 02:49 Meet the Panelists 04:20 The Cultural Significance of Games and Puzzles 09:05 Creating Black Crossword 11:58 Sondheim's Fascination with Games 13:38 The Intersection of Puzzles and Culture 20:00 Challenges and Innovations in Crossword Puzzles 25:55 The Everything Bagel Crossword Controversy 26:25 The Art of Clue Writing 28:38 Community and Crosswords 30:32 The Power of Black Crosswords 34:42 Cryptic Crosswords Explained 37:08 Sondheim's Puzzle Legacy 41:42 Personal Stories and Puzzle Connections 44:26 Closing Thoughts on Crosswords and Community Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Natan Last Juliana Pache Brooklyn Book Festival Locavore Variety Store Recent talk: Interview and book reading at The Drama Book Shop Recent talk: Playing and Composing with Graduate Students at NYU Recent talk: Sondheim Week at the New York Public Library for The Performing Arts Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Exhibit Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 m
  • Sondheim and the 2013 City Center Treasure Hunt

    Sondheim and the 2013 City Center Treasure Hunt
    Oct 7 2025
    Barry Joseph and guests walk through Sondheim’s final treasure hunt. Guests Kellian Adams Pletcher, a game designer at FableVision Studios, and Robert Lee, a faculty member and current chair of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, join Barry to analyze and discuss Sondheim's love for treasure hunts. Together they explore his design of the 2013 City Center Treasure Hunt and the engaging experiences created for friends. The episode features anecdotes from participants in the 2013 City Center treasure hunt (Marty Granoff, Erin Ortman, Alexander Gemignani) highlighting Sondheim's genius in creating these immersive and fun-filled games. It also features analysis from those Joseph brought together to solve them for his book ( Andrew Parr, Jess Butler, Michael Mitnick, Mark Halpin, Richard Malty Jr.) in a half-day “re-staging”. Listen to learn more about Sondheim's playful side, his intellectual generosity, and the intricate puzzles that made his hunts legendary. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 01:15 Meet the Guests: Kellian Adams Pletcher and Robert Lee 02:28 Robert Lee's Journey with Sondheim and Games 06:19 Kellian's Early Love for Treasure Hunts 07:56 Stephen Sondheim's 2013 City Center Treasure Hunt 11:38 The Mechanics of the Treasure Hunt 20:51 Reflections on Sondheim's Puzzle Design 34:28 Exploring Ballroom Game Formats 34:55 Debating Sondheim's Puzzle Intentions 36:50 Diving into the Clues 38:16 The Thrill of Solving Puzzles 39:49 Sondheim's Puzzle Design Philosophy 41:32 The Grid and Grill Puzzle Challenge 43:17 Inclusivity in Puzzle Design 44:37 Solving Clue Number 12 48:57 Reflecting on Sondheim's Legacy 59:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 6 m
  • #08 - Periodically Sondheim: His Puzzling Magazines

    #08 - Periodically Sondheim: His Puzzling Magazines
    Sep 30 2025
    Barry Joseph and guest Andrew Parr page through Stephen Sondheim's passion for puzzle and game magazines. From Sondheim's early fascination with cryptic crosswords to his last major interview about puzzles, this episode uncovers how these collections provided inspiration for his works. Discover how Sondheim managed and preserved his assemblage, hear contributions from renowned puzzle creators, and explore the generational impact of Sondheim's puzzling endeavors. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:42 Introducing Tonight's Episode 01:56 Meet Andrew Parr 03:43 Andrew's Puzzle Box Journey 05:22 Connecting with Sondheim 08:13 Sondheim's Puzzle Collection 13:56 The Doyle Auction Experience 23:13 Unboxing Sondheim's Collection 25:34 Stephen Sondheim's Quest for Eye-Witness 26:41 The Significance of Games and Puzzles Magazine 28:29 Games Magazine and the 4-Star Puzzler 29:36 Stephen Sondheim's Puzzle-Solving Habits 36:55 Sondheim's Markings and Interests in Games 42:58 The Impact of Sondheim's Collection 47:08 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Special Links: Results from Sondheim auction Andrew Parr’s True North Puzzles Dr. Nicholas Phillips’ AffineCreations Games World of Puzzles magazine The Strong Museum of Play Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 m
  • #07 - Sondheim For Sale: The Doyle Auction

    #07 - Sondheim For Sale: The Doyle Auction
    Sep 24 2025
    Join us as we revisit the historic, jaw-dropping June 18th, 2024, Doyle Auction featuring items from the collection of Steven Sondheim. The episode explores the special day through interviews by Barry Joseph with guests Grace O'Keefe, Michael Mitnick, and Pat D’Amico, who share their experiences and emotional journeys related to Sondheim memorabilia. The discussion covers the auction's catalog, its exhibit, the auction day, and the aftermath. Highlights include personal stories, bidding wars, and the unique community of Sondheim enthusiasts that emerged, spreading the iconic artist’s legacy in meaningful ways. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:52 Meet the Guests: Grace, Michael, and Pat 02:36 The Auction Overview: Catalog, Exhibit, Auction, Aftermath 03:37 Chapter One: The Auction Catalog 12:22 Chapter Two: The Exhibit 18:57 Chapter Three: The Auction Begins 23:26 The Auction Room Buzz 23:59 Bidding Stories and Experiences 24:37 Online Bidding Challenges 25:47 Winning and Losing at the Auction 28:03 The Long Auction Day 29:10 Grace's Mission for Tarot Cards 31:23 The Auction's Grand Finale 32:59 The Aftermath and Community Spirit 41:17 Personal Reflections and New Beginnings 45:22 Closing Remarks and Future Plans Special Links: Pat’s Estate Sale 2: For the Rest of Us Results from Sondheim auction Full pdf of the Dolye auction lots Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 m
  • #06 - Writing Sondheim: A Conversation with Richard Schock

    #06 - Writing Sondheim: A Conversation with Richard Schock
    Sep 16 2025
    Barry Joseph embarks on an insightful dialogue with Richard Schoch, author of How Sondheim Can Change Your Life. The conversation delves into the emotional and intellectual processes behind writing books about Stephen Sondheim, reflecting on the personal connections and lessons drawn from his works. Both authors discuss the creation and significance of their book titles and covers, emphasizing the importance of engaging readers in meaningful ways. Richard shares poignant moments about Sondheim, including a touching story from an escape room that highlights Sondheim's desire for connection. The episode underscores Sondheim's profound impact on life and art, revealing the harmonious connections found through diverse lenses of his musicals and puzzles. Make sure to get a copy of Matching Minds with Sondheim everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Podcast - Richard Schoch 00:00 Cold Open 00:44 Introduction to the Podcast 01:18 Guest Introduction: Richard Schoch 02:13 Discussing Book Titles 04:35 Writing About Sondheim 09:02 Research and Interviews 13:01 Exploring Sondheim's Games and Puzzles 21:21 Book Covers and Design 23:41 Inviting You into Sondheim's World 24:16 Designing the Perfect Cover 24:16 The Story Behind the Cover 26:13 Engaging with the Community 34:00 Introducing Our Books 41:45 The Emotional Journey of Writing 52:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 m
  • #05 - Order Out of Chaos: Sondheim and Jigsaw Puzzles

    #05 - Order Out of Chaos: Sondheim and Jigsaw Puzzles
    Sep 9 2025
    Host Barry Joseph explores the profound connection between Stephen Sondheim and jigsaw puzzles. Joined by guests Michael Mitnick, an ardent collector of Sondheim memorabilia, and David Spira, co-creator of roomescapeartists.com, the trio delves into Sondheim's metaphorical view of puzzles in relation to art. The discussion spans from the unique jigsaw puzzles in Sondheim's collection, including promotional puzzles for his film 'The Last of Sheila,' to the custom-made puzzles he gave as opening night gifts for his Broadway shows. Through anecdotes and historical insights, this episode reveals how jigsaw puzzles reflect Sondheim's intricate mind and his attention to detail in both life and art. This is the promised link to the photo discussed in this episode of Sondheim's wall of jigsaw puzzles in his Danbury CT home. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to Matching Minds with Sondheim 00:57 Sondheim's Philosophy on Jigsaw Puzzles 01:30 Meet the Guests: Michael Mitnick and David Spira 02:04 Exploring Sondheim's Jigsaw Puzzle Collection 03:26 The Gold Boxes: The Last of Sheila 09:08 The Blue Boxes: Stave Puzzles 14:25 The White Boxes: Customized Stave Puzzles 17:38 Sondheim's Legacy and Personal Reflections 35:23 Conclusion and Credits Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 m
  • #04 - Seeking Sondheim in the Stacks: Mark Eden Horowitz

    #04 - Seeking Sondheim in the Stacks: Mark Eden Horowitz
    Sep 2 2025
    Barry is joined by Mark Eden Horowitz, a senior music specialist at the Library of Congress, to explore the lesser-known aspects of Sondheim's gaming legacy that can be found in their collections. The conversation spans the new Sondheim archives recently acquired by the Library, including his music and lyric sketches, manuscripts, and rare items like personal scrapbooks. Mark shares anecdotes about Sondheim's unique board games created for friends, like The Great Conductor Hunt and Stardom, and his involvement in digital games, emphasizing his lifelong passion for puzzles and games. The episode includes an analysis of an extremely rare recording from 1968 created by Sondheim for his friend and colleague Leonard Bernstein. The episode also includes an analysis of a mysterious, unsolved manuscript from the collection, urging listeners to explore it further. This engaging dialogue offers new insights into Sondheim’s creative genius, showcasing his meticulous work ethic and multifaceted interests, and the importance of publicly-accessible research collections. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 A Moving Experience with Sondheim 00:46 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:45 The State of Sondheim Archives 03:47 Exploring the Library of Congress 06:15 The Leonard Bernstein Collection 09:26 Mark's First Meeting with Sondheim 13:08 Creating 'Sondheim on Music' 16:57 Sondheim's Board Game Designs 27:07 Sondheim's Fascination with The Fool's Errand 28:53 Sondheim's Potential Career Shift to Game Design 30:23 Sondheim's Love for Video Games 33:30 Sondheim's Board Game Design for Leonard Bernstein 43:12 Exploring Sondheim's Unsolved Mysteries 45:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 m
  • #03 - Puzzles and Games in the Musicals of Sondheim, Part Two

    #03 - Puzzles and Games in the Musicals of Sondheim, Part Two
    Aug 26 2025
    Dive deep into how puzzles and games serve as leitmotifs throughout Stephen Sondheim's musical works with host Barry Joseph and co-host Gail Leondar-Wright in this second of two parts. Joined by a panel of Sondheim scholars and enthusiasts, including Doug Reside, Julie Klausner, Ben Rimalower, and Natalie Gerber, they explore key productions such as 'Into the Woods,' 'Putting It Together,' 'Road Show,' and Sondheim's final work, 'Here We Are.' The discussion highlights Sondheim's intricate play with word puzzles, musical motifs, and the structure of his shows. From examining the metaphorical use of poker in 'Road Show' to the surreal, game-like elements of 'Here We Are,' this episode offers a fresh lens through which to appreciate the genius of Sondheim's craft. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Cold Open 00:47 Exploring Puzzles and Games in Sondheim's Musicals 01:32 Introducing Co-Host Gail Leondar-Wright 01:57 Discussing the First Episode and Gail's Insights 03:08 Guest Introduction: Doug Reside 04:05 Guest Introduction: Julie Klausner 06:34 Guest Introduction: Ben Rimalower 09:09 Guest Introduction: Natalie Gerber 10:04 Diving into 'Into the Woods' 13:57 Sondheim's Influence from Computer Games 21:54 The Puzzle of Sondheim's Wordplay 29:22 Spinning the Sondheim-O-Matic 29:53 Exploring 'Putting It Together' 32:32 Sondheim's Self-Parody and Playfulness 33:36 The Intricacies of 'Putting It Together' 36:50 Exploring 'Road Show' and Its Themes 38:07 The Game of Capitalism in 'Road Show' 43:23 Sondheim's Final Work: 'Here We Are' 44:54 Surrealism and Puzzles in 'Here We Are' 46:50 The Ambiguity of Sondheim's Endings 59:37 Reflections on Sondheim's Legacy Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode, specifically transcription and text editing by Jenny Westfall, the musical stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy, and sung by the one and only Ann Morrison, who created the role of Mary in Merrily We Roll Along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 12 m