Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast
Podcast Description
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focuses on Sondheim's passion for puzzles and games, examining topics such as the influence of games in his musicals and his interest in escape rooms. Episodes include discussions on the cultural significance of escape rooms and how Sondheim's clever uses of games are evident in shows like 'Company' and 'Sweeney Todd.'
Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim’s playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who’s ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
Do we really need another book on Sondheim? That’s the driving question behind Barry’s recent appearance at the venerable Drama Book Shop in New York City. For the 20th episode of the Matching Minds with Sondheim podcast, explore the book-ey-ness of Matching Minds. Michael Mitnick interviews Barry in front of a live audience where together they discuss the creative challenges and the biographical insights gained during its writing.
Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestones
04:36 Drama Book Show Commentary
05:04 Sondheim’s Love for Puzzles
08:19 Barry Joseph’s Presentation
12:43 Audience Q&A and Research Insights
26:15 The Last of Sheila: A Real-Life Inspired Murder Mystery
26:42 Sondheim’s Custom Puzzle for Games Magazine
28:38 Sondheim’s Influence in Glass Onion
30:16 Sondheim’s Treasure Hunts and Puzzle Designs
31:36 Sondheim’s Cryptic Crosswords Legacy
33:14 The Emotional Impact of Sondheim’s Work
36:35 Recreating Sondheim’s Games for Research
38:23 Sondheim’s Board Games and Auctions
41:03 Sondheim’s Influence on Musical Theater
45:47 Final Reflections and Audience Questions
Special Links:
Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I’d also like to thank the staff of the Drama Book Shop.
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