Best Ismay Podcasts (2025)

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Presenting American Songcatcher: Bob Wills 47:34

Play Pause

17d ago47:34

47:34

In the feed today, we wanted to share a podcast that we think you’re going to love. It’s called American Songcatcher, an educational documentary-style podcast that preserves and connects the cultural heritage of American roots music through stories and song. Hosted by folk musician and musicologist Nicholas Edwards Williams, American Songcatcher we…

1
Director of Finding Lucinda Joel Fendelman Discusses His Process 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

In this episode of the podcast, Ismay sits down with 'Finding Lucinda' director Joel Fendelman. They discuss how Joel approached the making of the documentary and concepts like developing the language of a film to build trust with the audience, the artist’s experience of not being where you thought you should be a certain age – including how to con…

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S6 E9 - Josh St. Clair 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

Special guest Josh St. Clair. Ali, Andrew and Josh create a soundscape worthy of the Savannah. Ali is annoyed Andrew doesn't like Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

1
Chuck Prophet & ISMAY on Producing Finding Lucinda 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

After the conclusion of their journey, Ismay tours the nation with screenings of 'Finding Lucinda,' inviting local artists to play Lucinda Williams songs in the round. Following a show at Chico Women's Club in California, Ismay interviews Chuck Prophet, a celebrated musician who co-produced the film. The pair discuss the origins of the project, wha…

1
S6 E8 - Roshani Abbey 37:57

3M ago37:57

37:57

Andrew and Ali talk to Operation Mincemeat star Roshani Abbey. See her at Crazy Coqs October 12th! Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

1
Meeting Lucinda Williams 52:46

3M ago52:46

52:46

For the finale of their road trip, Ismay finally gets to meet the center of this entire narrative – Lucinda Williams. Their goal is seeking guidance about what to do with their self doubt. Ismay discovers that Lucinda had one major difference in her origin story that is the key to understanding why she never gave up herself. Ismay and Lucinda also …

1
Visiting Ray Kennedy at the Room and Board 37:28

4M ago37:28

37:28

Ismay wakes up the day after interviewing Mary Gauthier ready to attend a live performance by Lucinda Williams at the Ryman Auditorium. In order to finish out their journey, Ismay hopes to interview Lucinda right before her show and find a conclusion to their road trip. However, it turns out that due to unforeseen circumstances the interview is no …

1
S6 E7 - Live from the Edinburgh festival 48:18

4M ago48:18

48:18

Ali and Andrew host an hour of chat, games and songs recorded live at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Special guests Ria Lina and Danielle Steers, showstopper pals Justin Brett and Lucy Trodd, and Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.com for tickets for our Autumn tour!By Showstopper

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Mary Gauthier's "Mercy Now" 54:05

4M ago54:05

54:05

Ismay travels across Nashville to the Station Inn to meet with legendary folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier. This episode of Finding Lucinda is different from those in the past – rather than interviewing a character from Lucinda Williams' history, Ismay speaks to Mary because of their shared experiences as fans and devotees of Lucinda's music. Ma…

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Buddy Miller talks Car Wheels on a Gravel Road 1:00:56

5M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

Ismay drives to Nashville to share the incredible never-before-heard tape they found during their road trip journey with friend Buddy Miller. He has been known to have contributed essential parts to Lucinda's breakthrough, 'Car Wheels On A Gravel Road.' Ismay reviews the commonly told story about the making of this record, how fraught it was, and r…

1
LIVE PODCAST RECORDING! 2:36

5M ago2:36

2:36

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE! Live from the Pleasance Courtyard, it's The Showstopper! Podcast! From the people behind the Olivier Award-winning Fringe favourite Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, the popular podcast makes its Fringe debut in this special live edition. Stars from the world of comedy, musical theatre and improv join hosts Ali James and A…

1
Treasures from the Tape Vault 45:41

5M ago45:41

45:41

In the most exciting moment of the Finding Lucinda road trip thus far, Ismay hears from interviewee Wolf Stephenson that there is some archival material he wants to share from the concrete tape vault. After sitting on the shelf for 40 years, Wolf has finally brought three boxes down to review. He finds that there is something mysterious and unexpec…

1
Visiting Malaco Studios 49:52

6M ago49:52

49:52

Ismay travels from Texas to Mississippi, to visit the studio where Lucinda Williams made her first record. There, Ismay interviews Wolf Stephenson, who was the engineer that day in 1978, to learn about what happened during the session and whether Lucinda was confident through that initial challenge of recording. They discuss what results when artis…

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S6 E6 - Clive Rowe 40:56

6M ago40:56

40:56

Ali and Andrew talk to Clive Rowe, aka the Nicest Man In Showbusiness TM. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour and at the Edinburgh Festival - showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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Lucinda's First Guitarist 46:22

6M ago46:22

46:22

Ismay travels to Anderson Fair in Houston, Texas, a famed music venue with a unique history that includes legends like Lyle Lovett and Nanci Griffith. Ismay tracked down a special character from Lucinda's early career, who had largely been missing from the national music scene since the '70s. There they discover how artists' paths diverge and conte…

1
Early & Unexpected Musical Influences 48:20

6M ago48:20

48:20

Ismay uncovers a fascinating seldom heard recording of Lucinda from a radio show in 1981, leading them down a path to discover the musical influences in Lucinda's early Life. Meeting with members of the Grammy Award Winning band Los Texmaniacs, Ismay goes out on a limb and seeks to recreate that radio session in the famed Cactus Cafe. Credits: Dist…

1
Meeting Charlie Sexton 45:36

7M ago45:36

45:36

Ismay visits cornerstone music venue The Hole in the Wall in Austin to interview Charlie Sexton, producer and songwriter who's best known as a guitarist for Bob Dylan. They discuss Charlie and Lucinda's first gig together in 1979 when he was just a kid. Charlie shares insights into Lucinda's remarkable songwriting, as well as the emotional struggle…

1
Lucinda's Father's Archives 50:27

7M ago50:27

50:27

Ismay arrives in Austin, Texas to dig through the Collections Deposit Library at the University of Texas in order to understand the life of Lucinda Williams' father, Miller. A poet and teacher, Miller Williams overcame setbacks to become a prominent writer. Ismay discovers his personal writings, letters, and photographs, highlighting his mentorship…

1
Introducing Finding Lucinda 22:52

8M ago22:52

22:52

As we join the story, Ismay has been living and working on their family ranch for almost a decade – and they're looking for change. For several years the independent singer-songwriter has been playing in a Lucinda Williams tribute band and writing their own music. An opportunity to record an album sparks a new and different idea: to instead embark …

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S6 E4 - Billy Roberts 35:41

8M ago35:41

35:41

Ali, Andrew and Justin chat to Mrs Doubtfire herself, Billy Roberts! Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour now! www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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Finding Lucinda Trailer S1 1:00

8M ago1:00

1:00

Finding Lucinda follows a young singer-songwriter on a road trip of self discovery to trace the roots of their musical hero Lucinda Williams. Amidst self-doubt and uncertainty, ISMAY sets out from the family ranch in Northern California and travels to Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee. There ISMAY meets Lucinda’s early collaborators, digs through the …

1
S6 E3 - Joel Montague 44:13

9M ago44:13

44:13

Andrew and Ali talk to King George himself, Joel Montague about Hamilton, Waitress and laryngeal massages. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour or in the West End now - tickets at showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S6 E2 - Kim Ismay 35:07

11M ago35:07

35:07

Andy and Ali talk to the wonderful Kim Ismay about Morrible-ing all over the world, corsets, and onstage proposals. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. We're on tour! Catch us at showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S6 E5 - Jordan Benjamin 36:13

12M ago36:13

36:13

Ali, Andrew and Justin chat to Jordan Benjamin about the moment he gets stand out front in THAT musical and answer the question, 'What's your name, man?' Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch us on tour and at the Edinburgh Festival! www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S6 E1 - Janie Dee 42:53

12M ago42:53

42:53

Andrew, Ali and Justin talk to Janie Dee about Sondheim, the environment and hiring the Coliseum. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch Janie's Song for Nature on Sky Arts here. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5 E10 - Reuben Kaye 41:16

1y ago41:16

41:16

Andrew, Ali and Justin have a lovely chat to Reuben Kaye! Andrew allows most of what he says to make it into the episode uncensored. They play a game about something-ifying a musical. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. That's it for Season 5! Catch us next for for Season 6, which is the same but next year! showstopperthemusical.com…

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S5 E9 - Nic Myers 37:43

1y ago37:43

37:43

Andrew and Ali join awesome West Ender Nic Myers to discuss Cabaret, Swingo and the perfect morning. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. Catch Showstopper! on tour - showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5 E8 - Rufus Hound 42:05

1+ y ago42:05

42:05

Andrew, Ali and Duncan talk to Rufus Hound about the mechanics of comedy and getting engaged on stage. Ali and Andrew are at the festival and have some reccommendations for you but it'll be over by the time you read this, so do with that what you will/ Autumn tour tix onsale now! showstopperthemusical.com…

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S5 E7 - Zizi Strallen 43:52

1+ y ago43:52

43:52

There are the Clintons, there are the Kennedys, and then there are the Strallens... Ali and Andrew chat to Zizi about her forthcoming concert performance of Oklahoma - and being naughty with Judy Dench on the set of Cats. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys! Catch us at the Edinburgh Fringe! www.showstopperthemusical.com…

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S5 E6 - Katie Pritchard 39:31

1+ y ago39:31

39:31

Ali and Andrew are joined by musical comedian Katie Pritchard, as well as Showstopper Musical Supervisor Duncan Walsh Atkins. Ali ups the difficult with a guess-the-lyric game and they sing about realising your dreams. Watch Katie's Disco Ball on ITVX here - https://www.itv.com/watch/katie-pritchard-disco-ball/10a3844 Tickets for Showstopper! here …

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S5 E5 - Abbie Budden 44:55

1+ y ago44:55

44:55

Ali, Andrew and Chris talk to Abbie Budden about influencing, revolving and storytelling. Chris Ash on keys. Andrew was still suffering a little from tonsilitis when this was recorded. He's better now. showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopperpod

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S5 E4 - Andrew Pepper 39:23

1+ y ago39:23

39:23

Andrew, Ali and Chris talk to a second Andrew about Funny Things that might happen on the way to a forum, and about how life is a Cabaret. Chris Ash on keys!By Showstopper

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S5 E3 - Beverley Klein 45:56

2y ago45:56

45:56

Ali, Andrew and Matt chat to Beverley Klein about her intimidating CV! Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys! showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S5 E2 - Alex Young 42:50

2y ago42:50

42:50

Andrew, Ali and Ruth talk to Alex Young about falling off stages, playing Sondheim and the things that Jamie Parker's voice does to people. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys! Get tickets to the Southend Improvathon here, and check out the London Improvathon here! Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is touring now - www.showstopperthemusical.com…

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S5 E1 - Jon Robyns 42:55

2y ago42:55

42:55

Can you believe it's a New Year and a new season of The Showstopper Podcast? We've made it all the way to our 5th season, and we have a brilliant line of guests in store for y'all this year! Andrew and Susan (Ali off sick again, but back next month!) chat to Jon Robyns about Valjean, the Phantom and having a nice lie in on a Sunday. Duncan Walsh At…

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S4 E10 - Ako Mitchell 42:00

2y ago42:00

42:00

Ali's off sick, so Andrew and Susan chat to the phenomenal Ako Mitchell about Caroline Or Change, The Color Purple, Little Shop of Horrors and more. Among his numerous talents, Ako has the best laugh in the business. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys!By Showstopper

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S4 E9 - Jak Malone 41:13

2y ago41:13

41:13

Operation Mincemeat, spooky mask making, the wall of feedback - Jak Malone reveals it all in this month's chat to Ali, Andrew and Jordan (who is also on keys!). Showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S4 E8 - Christina Bianco 50:58

2+ y ago50:58

50:58

Ali, Jordan and Andrew chat to musical theatre star and woman of a thousand voices Christina Bianco! Just wait and listen to hear her Bernadette Peters! Get tickets for Christina's Brighton show here - https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/liza-with-a-z-and-more/theatre-royal-brighton/ www.showstopperthemusical.com…

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S4 E7 - Adam Brown 38:24

2+ y ago38:24

38:24

Ali, Andrew and Philip talk to Adam Brown about panto, writing musicals and what it's like when your whole life is suddenly turned upside and you have to move to New Zealand and play a dwarf for several years. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. www.showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

1
S4 E6 - James Hume 43:16

2+ y ago43:16

43:16

Ali, Andrew visit West End live! And they and Philp talk to West End wonder James Hume about Jonathan Larson, community theatre and playing the Phantom. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys.By Showstopper

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S4 E5 - Joanna Woodward 40:34

2+ y ago40:34

40:34

Ali, Andrew and Philip talk to Joanna Woodward, star of upcoming West End musical The Time Traveller's Wife, about walking, time travelling and cabaret. Phil has a rant about the Les Mis movie. Jordan Clarke on keys!By Showstopperpod

1
S1 Ep2: Quiet Man 1:45

2+ y ago1:45

1:45

For private useBy Racontour and friends

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S1 Ep2: Dead finale 2:10

2+ y ago2:10

2:10

For private useBy Racontour and friends

1
S1 Ep2: Field law 5:57

2+ y ago5:57

5:57

For private useBy Racontour and friends

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2: Field Outsiders 2:07

2+ y ago2:07

2:07

For private useBy Racontour and friends

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2: Ismay 0:50

2+ y ago0:50

0:50

For private useBy Racontour and friends

1
S1 Ep2: Quint's speech 4:54

2+ y ago4:54

4:54

For private use. AllBy Racontour and friends

1
S4 E4 - Telly Leung 40:37

2+ y ago40:37

40:37

We chat with our favourite Showmosexual, Telly Leung, about George Takei's Allegiance, Carol Channing impressions and why Andrew doesn't like to play Would You Rather? Also - newish Showstopper Joy Tan joins us on the podcast for the first time! Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopper

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S4 E3 - Jonathan Andrew Hume 47:40

3y ago47:40

47:40

Andrew, Ali and Lucy talk to Jonathan Andrew Hume about Lion Kinging, Coming From Away, and things best not done during the Scottish Play. Duncan Walsh Atkins on keys. showstopperthemusical.comBy Showstopperpod

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S4 E2 - Lauren Ingram 38:46

3y ago38:46

38:46

Andrew, Ali and Lucy talk to Lauren Ingram about enthusiastic audiences, parental embarrassment and Imelda Staunton. Duncan Walsh Atkins joins us for an improvised song! showstopperthemusical.com