Best Crystal Rodriguez Podcasts (2025)

1
Defining Weird, Living in the Creative "World", and Letting Go of Creative Control - Playwright's Spotlight with Clara Rodriguez 50:26

Play Pause

19m ago50:26

50:26

Send us a text Playwright Clara Rodriguez jumped into the Playwright's Spotlight in the midst of the run of her latest play - Pointy Scissors. In this discussion, we delve into the theatre company at Theatre West in Los Angeles and their Writers in Residence program. We unpack her journey into playwriting and her motivation and inspiration, the fee…

1
Walking Shield: Building Capacity and Honoring Tribal Self-Determination 57:20

8d ago57:20

57:20

Walking Shield has spent nearly four decades improving quality of life for Native communities across the United States—bridging sovereign tribal nations with philanthropy, federal agencies, and the U.S. military. Alongside the Walking Shield team, Executive Director, Dr. John Castillo, and Senior Fellow, Mariano Diaz help tribes build the capacity …

1
Writing the Absurd, Doubting Your Talent, and Recognizing Gifts and Weaknesses - Playwright's Spotlight with James Merolla 1:11:06

7d ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Send us a text Playwright James Merolla streamed onto Playwright's Spotlight. We had an engaging and honest conversation about his background as a director and a theatre reviewer and how that eventually led to becoming a playwright. We discuss his struggles with rejection and doubting your talent and being a late-starting and older playwright and e…

1
Brandon Steppe: “Shoulder to Shoulder” Mentorship That Changes Lives 59:52

22d ago59:52

59:52

Brandon Steppe left a corporate career to start a recording studio in his garage—never imagining that a few persistent neighborhood kids would change his life. Those early studio sessions grew into the David’s Harp Foundation, a nonprofit where justice-involved and opportunity youth in San Diego discover their voices and chart a path forward throug…

1
Narrative, Reversals, Mapping the Journey, and Running Away with the Circus - Playwright's Spotlight with Dietrich Smith 1:24:51

10d ago1:24:51

1:24:51

Send us a text Dietrich Smith jumped into the Playwright's Spotlight after the opening of his World Premiere adaptation of Franz Kafka's novel Amerika. We explore his background as the literary manager at the Open Fist Theatre Company and the trends he observed from submissions. We speak about establishing theme and whose story it is in a piece, ma…

1
Inspirational Feedback, Weight-Bearing Walls, and Recognizing and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome - Playwright's Spotlight with Sofia Streisand 1:01:44

27d ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Send us a text Sofia Streisand dropped into Playwright's Spotlight to discuss the U.S. premiere of her play Bluebeard's Castle (that I misspoke as Blackbeard's) November 1st through November 23rd. In this discussion, we discuss the difference between Russian, European, and American theatre, her journey from musical theatre to playwriting, writing m…

1
Applied Theatre, Writing Bilingual, and Dramaturgical Playwriting - Playwright's Spotlight with Ankita Raturi 1:21:19

16d ago1:21:19

1:21:19

Send us a text Ankita Raturi basked under the Playwright's Spotlight for the World Premiere of her play Neha & Neel. In this discussion we break down the concept of applied theatre and being a teaching artist, how it effects character, exercises that extrude character and whether or not the practice makes it into a piece. We unpack earning a monolo…

1
Writing Theatrically, Working on the Puzzle, and the Ecosystem of Theatre - Playwright's Spotlight with Crystal Skillman 1:03:26

23d ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Send us a text Playwright Crystal Skillman beamed into the Playwright's Spotlight from Indianapolis for the run of her World Premiere play The Rocket Men. We discuss how one becomes a 4-time NYT's Critics' Pick playwright, what it means to be a "theatrical" writer, writing design on the page and offering solutions, trusting and listening to your au…

1
Formulas and Slow Burners, the Process of Radio Dramas, and Making Mystery Interesting - Playwright's Spotlight with John Ballentine 1:10:54

1M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

By James Elden

1
Community, Distractions, and Writing Characters You Don't See on Stage - Playwright's Spotlight with Israel López Reyes 1:03:35

2M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Send us a text Israel López Reyes swung by the studio before the opening of his recent commission to discuss his background leading up to it and his success as an Angeleno playwright. We discuss his journey from actor to playwright, how he fell into theatre and his discovery to figuring out story and telling stories that matter. We unpack the evolu…

1
Film to Stage, Naturalism to Realism, and Finding Courage to Write - Playwright's Spotlight with David Kohner Zuckerman 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

Send us a text Filmmaker turned playwright, David Kohner Zuckerman, dropped into Playwright's Spotlight to talk about the World Premiere of his play Parallel Process. In this interview, we talk unpack his journey from film to stage and how it affect his writing, his approach to naturalism and honesty to his writing, and how his acting and directing…

1
Richard Tate: Health, Justice, and the Power of Voice 58:24

3M ago58:24

58:24

Richard Tate is the President and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, where he leads with clarity, courage, and hope. A communications strategist turned first-time CEO, Richard embraces the power of philanthropy not just to fund change, but to stand up for values. Under his leadership, Cal Wellness has become a bold voice for health and raci…

1
Implementing Twists, Writing Red Herrings, and Keeping Your Audience Engaged - Playwright's Spotlight with Stuart Brown 1:02:10

2M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Send us a text Playwright Stuart Brown streamed into Playwright's Spotlight for a second time after technical difficulties with sound, but I hope delved a little deeper this time around. We discuss the Connecticut Theatre Market, being a critic and a playwright and how the former affected the latter, honesty as a critic, and advice to theatre compa…

1
Scott Lewis: Journalism, Democracy, and the Future of San Diego 59:03

3M ago59:03

59:03

Scott Lewis is CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Voice of San Diego, the pioneering nonprofit newsroom he helped build nearly two decades ago. What began as an experiment in funding professional journalism outside of the old newspaper model is now a national template, proving that communities can sustain independent, fact-driven reporting. Scott is known …

1
The Musicality of Dialogue, the Magic of Writing, the Doorway Effect, and the Trick of Eliminating Parenthiticals - Playwright's Spotlight with Lawrence Connolly 1:14:58

3M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

Send us a text Playwright. Screenplay Writer, and Novelist Lawrence C. Connolly streamed into Playwright's Spotlight and, as always, we touched base on many topics not covered in previous episodes. It never ceases to amaze me. In this discussion, we delve into adapting a novel and the allegory of Frankenstein, staging multiple locations on stage, t…

1
Sew Loka’s Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski: Slow Fashion, Bold Stories 59:25

4M ago59:25

59:25

Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski is the founder of Sew Loka, a community-driven textile art studio in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. A self-taught artist and entrepreneur, Claudia transforms reclaimed fabrics into vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that weave together personal history, cultural identity, and environmental consciousness. From collaborating with pr…

1
The Business of Playwriting, Laying Breadcrumbs, and Dramatic Truth and the Math of Human Emotion - Playwright's Spotlight with Angelica Cheri 1:06:49

4M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Send us a text Angelica Cheri swung by Playwright's Spotlight after leaving the rehearsals of her Broadway play Wanted only to jump into the rehearsals for the West Coast Premiere of her play Burta Burta. She was wiling to share her insights of the craft. We delve into the rehearsal process, approaching rewrites and the importance of dramatic truth…

1
Afira Arrastia-DeVries: Kids Are Not a Problem to Solve 58:31

4M ago58:31

58:31

Afira Arrastia-DeVries is the President and CEO of the Monarch School Project, the only K–12 public institution in the U.S. solely dedicated to educating unhoused students. A 2025 Prebys Leadership Awardee, Afira brings a powerful combination of heart, strategy, and passion to her work. As a sociologist, advocate, and leader, she’s reshaping educat…

1
Episode 100! Jersey Boys, an Egg Timer, Stage Effects, and Organizing Principles - Playwright's Spotlight with Rick Elice 1:14:13

4M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

Send us a text Episode 100! Thanks for supporting us on this journey. We would love to hear how this podcast may have helped you with your creative endeavors. To celebrate this milestone, Rick Elice of Jersey Boys, Peter and the Star Catcher, Water for Elephants, The Addams Family, The Cher Show, and the upcoming Princess Bride Musical, was graciou…

1
LA LEGENDS: Inside CA State Prison: Keyshawn & Trevor Ariza Revisit the Pain of Their Own Incarcerations 25:58

4M ago25:58

25:58

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ In partnership with LA-based nonprofit Between the Lines, Keyshawn Johnson heads to Los Angeles State Prison alongside NBA champion Trevor Ariza for a powerful day on and off the court. What begins as a pickup game with the incarc…

1
Peter Ellsworth: Trust Begins With Listening 58:57

4M ago58:57

58:57

Peter Ellsworth is a longtime San Diegan, civic leader, and founding force in modern philanthropy. From his early days in law and healthcare to his visionary role at the helm of the Legler Benbough Foundation, Peter has lived a life steeped in service, humility, and quiet transformation. A member of the Prebys Foundation Board, he remains a guiding…

1
LA LEGENDS: Paul Pierce Returns to Inglewood with 5-Star Phenom Nephew Jason Crowe Jr. 54:50

4M ago54:50

54:50

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ Paul Pierce sits down in Inglewood to talk growing up a Lakers fan, becoming a Celtics legend, and why his own friends wore Lakers gear to his games in Boston. He opens up about dodging gang violence, dreaming of the NBA, and why tod…

1
Magical Realism and Heightened Language, Punctuation as Sheet Music, and Locking Opposite Characters in a Room - Playwright's Spotlight with Ashley Griffin 1:08:18

5M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

Send us a text Playwright and performer, Ashley Griffin, swung by the studio to sit in the Playwright's Spotlight before her West Coast Premiere of her Off-Broadway play The Opposite of Love. It's a compelling conversation that tackles so many aspects of playwriting, that the title of the thumbnail became a struggle. In this discussion, we breakdow…

1
LA LEGENDS: "They Couldn’t Afford Me" — Brandon Jennings on NIL, Kobe as GOAT & Surprise Guest Michael Cooper 41:31

5M ago41:31

41:31

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ Brandon Jennings pulls up to talk about turning down college for millions overseas, calling Kobe his GOAT, and why NIL money still isn't enough. He opens up about his draft day, his bond with Steph Curry, and the real impact of Gil’s Ar…

1
LeBron + Luka & Giannis' futures, Paul or Nothing? & Vibe Check, Excited about Cooper Flagg & Bronny? 1:31:55

5M ago1:31:55

1:31:55

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠ (00:00) Excited about Bronny and Cooper Flagg? / Should teams want to trade for LeBron James? (18:42) Speak Up! / Will Aaron Rodgers lead Steelers to playoffs? / What will be the biggest challenge for Travis Hunter? (36:43) Paul or Nothing? / Ca…

1
Luka Doncic as face of Lakers, Deion Sanders wants a CFB cap, Could Cowboys surprise this season? 1:37:49

5M ago1:37:49

1:37:49

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠ (00:00) Lionel Messi’s latest accomplishment / Will the Cowboys be the surprise team of 2025? / Agree with Steve Spagnuolo about Joe Burrow? / Chiefs still need Travis Kelce to be #1 option? (20:54) Speak Up! / Are the Lakers Luka Doncic’s team n…

1
LA LEGENDS: Ice Cube Gets Real on "Last Friday," NWA, Escaping gangs, Dodgers fandom & Drake vs. Kendrick 54:21

5M ago54:21

54:21

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ Ice Cube joins Keyshawn Johnson for an unfiltered conversation about escaping gang violence in South Central LA, the rise and fall of N.W.A., and his journey from rapper to cultural icon. Cube breaks down how he got his name, his early pas…

1
Burrow & Dak expectations, Rich Rodriguez joins show, How good can Lakers be with Ayton? 1:37:52

5M ago1:37:52

1:37:52

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠ (00:00) How good can the Lakers be with Deandre Ayton? / LeBron’s fit in LA / Thunder dynasty potential (20:32) How much pressure is Joe Burrow under? / How good can Cowboys be with healthy Dak Prescott? (42:55) Rich Rodriguez joins show (52:44) W…

1
LA LEGENDS: N.W.A’s Untold Stories: Eazy‑E’s Death, Breakup Drama & Forgotten 6th Member 1:19:47

5M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ Keyshawn Johnson sits down with DJ Yella, Arabian Prince, and Lil Eazy-E for a raw, unfiltered conversation on N.W.A’s legacy—from Eazy-E’s impact and Dr. Dre’s influence to wild stories from Compton, Skateland, and a draft party with Pac and…

1
Expectations For The Chiefs, Tyrese Haliburton Regret, & Is Mike Brown An Improvement For The Knicks. 1:38:34

5M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

(00:00) Expectations for Chiefs bouncing back from Super Bowl loss / Which QB has best chance of winning first Super Bowl this season? (Lamar, Josh, Burrow etc.) / Have Steelers done enough to build around Rodgers? (28:18) SPEAK UP: Pacers president on Tyrese Haliburton (Impressed withHaliburton’s mindset?) / Is Mike Brown an improvement for the Kn…

1
Top 5 QBs In The NFL, Chris Paul Retirement, & Should T.J. Watt Be Paid Top Dollar? 1:15:13

5M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

(00:00) Who’s the fifth best NFL QB? / Who gets deal done first: Micah or T.J. Watt? / Does T.J. Watt deserve to be paid at top of market? (25:57) SOCIAL LIFE: Alvin Kamara first pitch(es) / How good ofa Laker do you expect DeAndre Ayton to be? / (Agree with Stan Van Gundy? (43:42) Vibe Check - NFC West: San Francisco, Arizona, Seattle, LA (Rams) (…

1
Mount Rushmore of American athletes, Vibe Check & Truth Lounge, Fair to compare Steelers to the Titanic? 1:26:19

5M ago1:26:19

1:26:19

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠⁠ (00:00) Are the Steelers on the same path as the Titanic ship? / Fair to rank Josh Allen ahead of Patrick Mahomes? / Does Dak Prescott deserve more respect? (25:32) Mount Rushmore of American athletes (34:44) Vibe Check (40:21) Social Life / Coul…

1
Gerald McCoy joins show, T.J. Watt & Micah Parsons want new deals, How good can Steelers & Ravens be? 1:30:19

5M ago1:30:19

1:30:19

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠ (00:00) How much power should Aaron Rodgers get on the Steelers? / What do the Ravens need to do to make a Super Bowl run? (19:33) Social Life / How good are the Lakers in the West at the moment? (37:38) Social Life / Who deserves the better deal: T…

1
Mark Cafferty: Why Inclusive Growth Is Smart Business 58:32

5M ago58:32

58:32

Mark Cafferty is the President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), where he leads with a mix of realism, resolve, and heart. In this conversation, he shares his experiences of how his values—shaped family, mentorship, and a belief in equity— continue to guide his leadership today. Under Mark’s direction, EDC ha…

1
Knicks find new HC, Deandre Ayton to sign with Lakers, Mavs better off without Luka? 50:15

5M ago50:15

50:15

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠ (00:00) Do the Lakers have a LeBron James problem? / Mike Brown will be next HC of Knicks (22:10) Social Life / More likely for Aaron Rodgers and Steelers: losing season or playoff win? (31:42) Deandre Ayton to sign with Lakers / Are the Mavs better …

1
LA LEGENDS: Candace Parker & Cheryl Miller on Caitlin vs. Angel, Sparks Legacy & WNBA’s Future 1:01:04

5M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠⁠APPLE⁠⁠ ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠ Cheryl Miller and Candace Parker come together for a powerful, unfiltered conversation. They reflect on building legacies in Los Angeles—how the city challenged them and launched them into greatness. Cheryl opens up about dropping 105 points, giving…

1
George Karlaftis joins show, T.J. Watt trade rumors, How should Giannis feel about Bucks? 1:38:16

5M ago1:38:16

1:38:16

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠ (00:00) How should Giannis Antetokounmpo feel after Bucks moves? / Should the Steelers take trade offers for T.J. Watt? (17:02) Social Life / Lakers and Deandre Ayton. Is LA still a top free agent destination? (35:39) Speak Up! / Are the Cowboys flyin…

1
Artistic Visas, Defining Success, and Networking to Find Opportunities - Playwright's Spotlight with Joel Trinidad 57:32

5M ago57:32

57:32

Send us a text I invited Joel Trinidad onto the Playwright's Spotlight after reading about his journey. He streamed in while on tour for his acting performance of Romeo and Juliet as part of a fringe fest in South Dakota. In our conversation, we discussed acquiring an artist visa, producing your own work, the definition of success, the structure of…

1
Josh Hines-Allen joins show, LeBron James opts in with Lakers, Like Steelers trade for Jalen Ramsey? 1:37:52

5M ago1:37:52

1:37:52

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠ (00:00) Man on Monday / Like the Steelers trading for Jalen Ramsey and building a team for Aaron Rodgers? / What are expectations for Joe Burrow and Bengals? (25:13) Speak Up! / Should Lakers keep or trade LeBron James? / Rich Paul’s comments / Best fit …

1
LA LEGENDS: “This is LA:” DeSean Jackson, Paul Pierce, Baron Davis & Keyshawn on Survival, Stardom & Legacy 1:01:59

5M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

SUBSCRIBE TO THE LA LEGENDS: ALL FACTS NO BRAKES FEED TO NEVER MISS AN EPISODE! ⁠APPLE⁠ ⁠SPOTIFY⁠ DeSean Jackson, Paul Pierce, Baron Davis, and Keyshawn Johnson open up about growing up in South Central LA—facing gang pressure, meeting Nipsey Hussle, crossing paths with Kobe, and making life-changing choices. Raw, real, and rooted in legacy, this i…

1
The Real QBs of the NFL, Giannis' future, What's next for Lakers & Celtics? 1:37:59

5M ago1:37:59

1:37:59

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠ (00:00) Can the Lakers be built into a championship roster? / Are the Celtics rebuilding? (31:29) The Real Quarterbacks of the NFL (44:14) Reacting to list ranking NFL HCs / Any chance Aaron Rodgers gets Mike Tomlin fired? (1:02:09) Should Giannis Antetok…

1
Mavs draft Cooper Flagg, Big Ben excited to watch Aaron Rodgers, Can Eagles return to Super Bowl? 1:37:54

5M ago1:37:54

1:37:54

Watch clips on YouTube! Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPEAK YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠ (00:00) Cooper Flagg drafted #1 overall by the Mavs / Fair to compare Flagg to Kevin Garnett? (32:23) Is Aaron Rodgers “must see TV” on the Steelers? / Which WR will have greatest impact this season? / Browns QB competition (52:53) Will Cooper Flagg make D…