The Art of Kindness: Pop Culture & Positivity with Robert Peterpaul

Elizabeth Gillies (Dynasty) is here to celebrate 200 episodes of The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul podcast! Welcome to AOK 200, friends. To celebrate this milestone, actress, singer, Broadway star, and Ginger Ale's #1 fan Liz Gillies joins Robert in the Welcome to Times Square studio for a wildly fun and heartfelt conversation. From acts of kindness on the set of Dynasty and backstage at Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway to what we can learn from older generations, Liz reminds us why honesty may be the kindest act of all. The two Jersey kids dive deep into kind waters, covering everything from child acting, Broadway mishaps, and comfort TV shows all the way to witchy intuition, social media chaos, backstage hijinks, and the emotional support powers of - you guessed it - Canada Dry ginger ale. This positive podcast episode features: The life-changing sacrifices Liz's parents made for her as child actor Liz's future Broadway dream roles, including Winifred in Hocus Pocus the musical and an immersive Dynasty musical? Special surprises from her star friends Seth MacFarlane and Elaine Hendrix Plus: ADHD tangents, disco naps, miniatures, Real Housewives, Love on the Spectrum, and one very ambitious immersive Dynasty pitch. This episode is positively unhinged in the best way — a reminder that kindness is simply showing up. A big shoutout to friends of the AOK who made this episode possible, namely: Kindness is Free empowers the next generation of youth by instilling the values of respect, equality and compassion for others. Powered by Welcome to Times Square, the billboard experience that lets YOU be a star for a day. Special shoutout to our favorite Schmackary's Cookies and longtime listener Jen of Jen's Pretty Pegs, who helped us surprise Liz with a beautiful kind act. For a hand-painted and whimsical keepsake like Liz's check out Jen's art at: www.jensprettypegs.com. ELIZABETH GILLIES is an actress, singer and director known for her roles as ‘Fallon Carrington’ in​ the popular Netflix series, Dynasty and ‘Jade West’ in the generation defining Nickelodeon​ series, Victorious. Gillies returned to her Broadway roots last year, starring in the acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors as “Audrey”. A few of her TV credits include The​ Hunting Party, The Orville, White Collar, Family Guy and the FX series,​ Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll where she starred opposite Denis Leary for two seasons. On the film​ side, Gillies can be seen in Vacation, Arizona, Animal, Catwoman: Hunted and Spread, which​ she also produced. In addition to her acting career, Gillies is a singer who performs regularly to​ sold out audiences across the country. She has two records out with her longtime friend and​ collaborator, Seth MacFarlane. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Liz: ⁠⁠⁠@lizgillz Follow us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! (⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling Author Emma Straub's new book American Fantasy has pulled into port! The acclaimed writer joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her joyful writing process, the kindness and power of nostalgia, being kind to yourself as a creator and more. This episode features: Why Emma Straub's book American Fantasy meets the current moment, thanks to a healthy dose of nostalgia Embracing the "uncool-ness" of being a passionate fan Creating community with her bookstore Books Are Magic in Brooklyn How vulnerability can unlock kindness, creativity and more Emma Straub is the New York Times-bestselling author of six books for adults: the novels This Time Tomorrow, All Adults Here, The Vacationers, Modern Lovers, Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures, and the short story collection Other People We Married. She is also the author of a picture book, Very Good Hats. Her books have been published in more than twenty languages. She and her husband are also the beloved owners of Books Are Magic, an iconic independent bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠ Follow Emma @emmastraub Follow us ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony-nominee and TikTok sensation Kevin Chamberlin says kindness is the key to longevity. The When Playwrights Kill actor joins host Robert Peterpaul for a morning chat on The Art of Kindness to discuss: How kindness and authenticity built his legendary acting career from Wicked to Seussical to Addams Family. Going viral on TikTok years after his Disney Channel hit Jessie and embracing a whole new digital chapter. Surviving Broadway chaos, on-stage mishaps, and finding humor in it all. Why you should “let it ruin your breakfast, not your lunch.” The importance of finding one moment of joy every day—and much more! KEVIN CHAMBERLIN is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor. Kevin is best known for his work on stage in Dirty Blonde, Seussical, and The Addams Family as well as on-camera in Disney Channel’s “Jessie”. Following his time on “Jessie”, Kevin quickly rose to online prominence, accumulating an audience of 12 million engaged fans across social media platforms. Check out: WHEN PLAYWRIGHTS KILL Got kindness tips or stories? Please email us: ⁠artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com⁠ Follow Kevin @chamberlin.kevin Follow us ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. We are supported by the Broadway Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American Idol runner up-turned author David Archuleta joins the Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss his authentic new memoir Devout. From the 'blur' of being on Idol to finding the courage to practice self-acceptance later in life, David and Robert openly discuss: Life-changing acts of kindness that saved David on his journey to coming out. Connecting with celebrities like Dolly Parton, Loren Allred and Demi Lovato. Plus, a surprise from his mom and BFF, and more! DAVID ARCHULETA: On Season 7 of American Idol, David Archuleta made over 30 million television viewers swoon with his angelic voice, ultimately winning runner-up on the show at the age of seventeen. His journey has included turning out multiple platinum-selling hits, achieving global acclaim as a live performer, and emerging as an undeniable fixture on the pop-culture scene. Since his first single “Crush,” he has released eight studio albums, twenty-four singles, and twenty-one music videos. Hit singles “Crème Brulée” and “Hell Together” have marked a striking evolution and new chapter for David as an artist and creative entrepreneur while continuing to expand his audience globally. Having grown up as a poster child for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, David struggled to be his true self and didn’t come out as queer until 2021. He now advocates for members of the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Los Angeles, California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Award-winning designer and producer Clint Ramos joins host Robert Peterpaul on The Art of Kindness for a textured chat on joy and kindness as an act of revolution. From Costume Designing hit shows like MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, to being a Producing Creative Director for Encores! at New York City Center, Clint shares experiences from the many hats he dons. - How his upbringing in the Philippines and the People Power Revolution inspired his journey into theater, using art as a powerful tool for social change. - How his historic Tony win changed things. - Tangible advice to bring kindness to the forefront of a busy life. Follow Clint: @clintramos Follow us: @artofkindnesspod / @robpeterpaul Support the show! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Harper Nichols (All Along You Were Blooming) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul in a previously-released episode (2024) from our library, discussing: kindness through artistic spaces, the thoughtfulness of kindness, the kindness of memes and much more. ⁠Morgan Harper Nichols⁠ is an artist, writer, and creator based in Georgia. Diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, Morgan’s work often explores themes of embracing life’s narrative and creating room to breathe. She began creating art and poetry in response to social media messages she received in 2017, and since then, her practice has expanded to include digital art, collage, coding, and 3D environments. Morgan is the creator of the app Storyteller and the online shop Garden24. Her WSJ bestselling book, All Along You Were Blooming, is one of several published works, and she currently serves as Vice President on the board of TWLOHA, a mental health organization. Morgan is passionate about the intersection of art, storytelling, and health, and her long-term goal is to teach and develop resources that explore how we create and interact with narratives in our lives. L Morgan Lee's "Reaching for Help from Drowning" Fundraiser: ⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/reaching-for-help-from-drowning⁠ Follow Morgan: ⁠@morganharpernichols⁠ Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway's Helen J. Shen (Tony-winning Maybe Happy Ending) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss her whirlwind rise to theatre stardom during a thoughtful conversation about artistry, ambition, and staying human even when you're playing a robot. This kind-hearted episode covers: How classical piano training shaped her work ethic The intersection of kindness, diligence, and authenticity Navigating imposter syndrome with childlike joy Tips for handling tech frustrations during rehearsals The importance of community and supporting co-stars Lessons from working with legendary leaders like Michael Arden and Meryl Streep Insights into recording a Broadway cast album and its lasting impact Broadway theatre ghost encounters and more! HELEN J SHEN (she/they) is an actor, musician, and writer who has quickly established herself as a force within the entertainment industry. Helen currently stars in the critically-acclaimed Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending, which won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Musical. For her performance, she received rave reviews and was recognized with the Clive Barnes Award for Theatre, the Theatre World Award, and nominations for a Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Drama League Award. She recently wrapped filming the highly anticipated sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, set to be released this upcoming May. They previously starred in the musical The Lonely Few at MCC Theater and the Geffen Playhouse. For her performance as JJ, Helen received a 2025 Lucille Lortel Award Nomination for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical. Helen also captivated audiences in the musical Teeth at Playwrights Horizons. Their regional credits include starring in Man of God at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and as Betty Schaefer in Sunset Boulevard at ACT of Connecticut. Helen earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. She has been recognized in TIME100 Next, Variety’s 2024 Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, and the 2025 Gold House A100 List. Follow Helen: @helenjshen Follow us: ⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠ ⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠! (⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney's High School Musical turns 20 this year, so let's revisit our Corbin Bleu episode from the 2025 library. The real-life Chad Danforth joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to discuss navigating the industry with kindness from tv sets to Broadway stages. The performer gets a starry surprise (spoiler alert) from his DCOM co-star and friend Lucas Grabeel. CORBIN BLEU (Joe Ross) is a versatile actor, singer/songwriter, dancer, voiceover artist and host. Bleu is best known as Chad Danforth in the Emmy-winning HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise. Recently, Bleu starred in the TV movies Love, For Real and A Christmas Dance Reunion and special guest-starred in Seasons 3 and 4 of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. On Broadway, Bleu starred in the Tony-nominated 2019 revival of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54, earning a Drama Desk nomination. He headlined as Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, winning the Chita Rivera Award, and also appeared in Godspell (Jesus) and In the Heights (Usnavi). Additional stage highlights include Hairspray (Seaweed) and Mamma Mia! (Sky) at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2018, he played Don Lockwood in Singin’ in the Rain at The Muny and Billy Crocker in Anything Goes at Arena Stage, earning a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. That same year, he was named Entertainer of the Year at the Tremaine National Gala for his contributions to dance. Most recently, Corbin starred as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre in New York, completing a three-month run with Constance Wu followed by a three-month run with Jinkx Monsoon. ⁠Support Our Mom Barbara’s Second Cancer Journey⁠ Follow Corbin: ⁠@corbinbleu⁠ Follow Lucas: ⁠@mrgrabeel⁠ Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the best 2026 new year's resolution? Kindness! Join Robert Peterpaul as we fly to Pasadena, California and chat with Lori Milgard and JR Dzubak about their inspiring journey with the Kindness is Free initiative. From the Kindness is Free Hall of Fame to their epic participation in the Rose Bowl Parade, discover how small acts of kindness can lead to significant change. This conversation is a celebration of community, empowerment, and the transformative power of kindness. Kindness is Free is a transformative initiative, powered by the Boys & Girls Clubs, that promotes compassion, respect, and empathy to build safer, more connected communities through small, actionable acts of kindness. To learn more and find out how to get involved, please visit: www.kindnessisfree.org Follow us: ⁠⁠⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠@robpeterpaul⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠⁠! (⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠⁠⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christian Cowan , Fashion Designer turned Costume Designer (Queen of Versailles) joins The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul as he makes his Broadway debut. This episode covers: - the kindness of embracing your unique style - learning on the job as Broadway Costume Designer with Queen of Versailles - working with legends like Paris Hilton, Kristin Chenoweth and more CHRISTIAN COWAN is a celebrated fashion designer known for his bold vision and exuberant sense of glamour. His collections have been worn by stars including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Zendaya, and featured in Vogue and The New York Times. A fixture of New York Fashion Week, Cowan champions individuality and joy. His shows are known to bring drama, spectacle, and unapologetic self-expression. Queen of Versailles marks his Broadway costume design debut. Follow Christian: @christiancowan Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merrily We Roll Along's Broadway and film director Maria Friedman joins The Art of Kindness for a chat on translating her Tony-winning take on the hit Stephen Sondheim production to a SONY film, starring Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez. The kind musical theatre titan and host Robert Peterpaul discuss: How kindness is at the core of Merrily. How to lead with kindness on Broadway and beyond. Her close relationship with Stephen Sondheim and more. MARIA FRIEDMAN is a 4-time Olivier Award-winning star and Tony-nominated director, celebrated as one of the definitive interpreters of Stephen Sondheim’s work. She most recently directed the 4-time Tony Award-winning Broadway Revival of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Her acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along originated in London and conquered Broadway with sold-out houses, securing the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. As an actress, Maria is best known for starring in classic Sondheim roles, including Dot in Sunday in the Park with George and the Olivier Award-winning Fosca in Passion. Her illustrious career is a masterclass in musical theatre excellence across the West End and international stages. And let's not forget her starring turn as the Narrator in the Joseph And the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat feature film! Follow Maria: @mariafriedman Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney legend Jodi Benson - the iconic voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid - returns to The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul to catch up on how kindness is showing up in her life and more. This episode covers: Learning self-kindness while leading a life of service. Working on new projects like Wingfeather Saga. Lessons learned from Ariel and Disney, plus more. JODI BENSON is best known around the world as the beloved voice of Ariel in the Academy Award-winning Disney feature film, The Little Mermaid. She also gave voice to Barbie in Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3 and delighted Disney fans with a surprise cameo in Disney’s Live-Action The Little Mermaid, Disney’s Enchanted and reprising her role as Ariel in Ralph Breaks the Internet. In 2011, Disney honored Jodi's contributions by making her a Disney Legend. An accomplished singer, dancer, and actress, Jodi made her starring role debut on Broadway, performing the iconic song "Disneyland" in the Howard Ashman/Marvin Hamlisch musical Smile. She earned a Tony nomination for her role as Polly Baker in the hit Gershwin musical Crazy for You. Still entertaining audiences across the country and around the world, Jodi is currently living in North Georgia with her wonderful husband, Ray. They enjoy spending time with their amazing children, their daughter Delaney, their son McKinley, and his wife Mackenzie. Follow Jodi: @jodi.benson Follow us: ⁠@artofkindnesspod⁠ / ⁠@robpeterpaul⁠ ⁠youtube.com/@artofkindnesspodcast⁠ ⁠Support the show⁠! (⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theaok⁠) Got kindness tips or stories? Want to just say hi? Please email us: artofkindnesspodcast@gmail.com Music: "Awake" by Ricky Alvarez & "Sunshine" by Lemon Music Studio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices