After a summer hiatus, the PAD Podcast is back with abrand-new episode featuring PAD alumnus Jayson Johnson. Jayson is currently the Head of Strategic Partnerships and Chief of Staff at Genentech based in San Francisco. Rob and Jayson begin by talking about his journey at WashU studying and practicing Dance in the PAD followed by his post graduation journey from Washington Ballet to the San Francisco Ballet where he worked his way up to his current position on the Board of Directors for that world famous institution. Jayson served for two years as a Commissioner for the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and receives rave reviews from co-workers: “I gave him some of the most ambiguous problems to solve and he consistently deliveredsomething better than I could have imagined”. Don’t miss this delightful interview where we learn about all the things Jayson learned at WashU that prepared him for all the multiple roles he has had in life and how he continues to choreograph his future.

Episode 15 of the PAD podcast is a special one featuring our first in-person podcast interview with recent PAD alum and director of the #WashU production of ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ Brenna Jones! Literally on the Spelling Bee set, Rob talks with Brenna about all things Spelling Bee comprised of an all-student cast, designers, and crew but also discusses her many outside projects that she managed even while a busy WashU student! In 2018, Brenna was approached by the Showboat Theatre Board in her hometown of Hermann, MO and asked to start a program for the local students to experience theatre. Along with her business partner, Brenna created the Half Act TheatreCompany, which has grown to a troupe of over 100 students ages 4-18 that continues to bring summer camp theatre to Hermann and change young lives in the process. She has also helped to kickstart the Riverside Theatre Project, which is a cross-community collaboration between St. Louis and Hermann designed to open up dialogue between rural and urban artists. Don’t miss this inspiring episode interview with one of Missouri's rising theatre stars: Brenna Jones!

Episode 14 of the PAD podcast is live and features producer, writer, marketing director and author Eric Schnall! Eric has worked on and off Broadway for more than twenty-five years which included winning a Tony Award for the Broadway revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and a Lucille Lortel Award for Fleabag. He has also written about techno and electronic music for Billboard and Revolution, profiling DJs and musicians from around the world. Eric lives in New York City with his partner and his dog. His first novel I Make Envy On Your Disco was the winner of the Barbara DiBernard Prize in Fiction and has been promoted on programs like Watch What Happens Live. Eric speaks about his journey before, during and after his time at WashU and imparts some beautiful wisdom for all the listeners. Don’t miss this one!