This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Jason A. Coombs: Hello, Survivors. Welcome to Survival Jobs, a podcast in collaboration with Broadway World and the Broadway Podcast Network. My name is Jason A. Coombs and to my left, to my left is Sammy Toots, the remarkable, amazing, kind of sick though, co-host with the Mostos.

[0:22] Samantha Tuozzolo: I'm sick. I'm like, I've like made it through and I like, this is what I got because I've been bragging to everyone. I'm like, I take my zinc supplement every day and I haven't gotten sick. And here I am, I'm sick. But I can't tell if it's allergies because this weather's been wild, Jason. Like it's been 22 degrees and then it's been 54 degrees. It's like a Katy Perry song. It's like you're hot and you're cold. You're yes and you're no. No one knows that song. I know that song. You're in and you're out. You're up and you're done. This is my 20 years ago. Wow. Hi, Jason, you had a big week. You had a big week this week.

[1:01] Jason A. Coombs: Yes, Amanda Donta. So I went to the, well I didn't go to it, but I was at the Broadway, the Black Theatre Coalition's Building the Change second annual gala.

[1:12] Samantha Tuozzolo: Second time you've been there too.

[1:13] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. It's just a beautiful event. And I think in times like this, when the arts and diversity and equity and inclusion are on the attack, events like that and then spaces like the Black Theatre Coalition is so important and so necessary. So it was great to be there. You know, I got to talk to Anika Noni Rose, who is from Dreamgirls, who is the first Black Disney princess, Princess Tiana in Princess and the Frog. I called her an icon. She was like, me? I'm like, yes, girl, you are an icon. My niece loves that princess.

[1:51] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah, yeah. But no, that show, there's a new, there's supposed to be a new Princess Tiana show on Disney Plus, and it got like, it got released, I think it got canceled that day. And a bunch of other like, you know, shows centering Black and brown women specifically have been canceled with the whole The Batgirl movie from a couple years ago, just nonstop. And just like, you know, this is the time where we need to double and triple down on diversity and equity and inclusion, because it's important. And it's like, I feel like people don't realize it's more than just Black and brown people, right? It affects women, it affects people with different abilities. You know, it's such an important thing.

And I just feel like, I don't know what's going on in this country. You know me, I can go on a rant for days about the politics in this world. But I think what we need to do, and this is what a big thing at the gala that everyone was just talking about, is that we need to double down and triple down and make sure like, we're keeping those missions at the forefront of everything we do, no matter if you're a podcaster.

[2:50] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, and we're talking about it.

[2:51] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah, yeah. So no matter if you're a podcaster, if you're an actor, if you're a director, producer, whatever it is, you have to like, we have to make sure we're doing our jobs, no matter how big our platforms are. So just make sure we're making that space for people who are different, you know.

[3:01] Jason A. Coombs: It's wild, Samantha, but I was so happy to be there.

[3:05] Samantha Tuozzolo: Thank you. Yeah, I'm so happy you got to go. That was amazing. And you got to chat with some amazing people. I think I have to show the video of Lin-Manuel Miranda.

[3:12] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, put it in right here. That was funny. Jason texted me, you guys, and he was like, listen, I thought I was about to interview Lin, and he just continued to walk. Like he skipped all the interviews. But like, you know, when you're on the carpet, right? In that moment, maybe somebody shows up and you're like, oh my god, like I'm about to talk to this person who is at a level that, you know, is exciting to talk to, or maybe an idol. And you're like prepping, prepping, prepping, and then it doesn't happen. You're like, okay, the buildup, the buildup. But you know what? It is what it is. It's just so funny because I saw him at BroadwayCon. I don't know if I told the story on the show, but he was at BroadwayCon.

And our friend Freddie Walker Brown was there. And she's like, I'm going to go say hi to Lin. But I felt awkward like tagging along because, I mean, I called her a friend, but I'm not really her friend, you know, like I just felt like it was super weird. And he was like rehearsing. But anyway, I saw them like, you know, I was watching them interact. And I was like, oh my god, it's so cool. And then he was on the red carpet. And I was like, okay, here's a chance, right? I was like, that was just, you know, that wasn't meant to be. Now it's meant to be. And then he's like, just like, oh, no, I'm not doing interviews.

[4:22] Samantha Tuozzolo: Well, I think his dad was being celebrated. I think he didn't want to take the shine off of his dad. It was just my perspective.

[4:28] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, that's nice.

[4:29] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah, because he took a couple pictures. But then like he let his dad do his thing, which was, you know, I think a very admirable thing to take the spine and shine away from someone else. But yeah. Well, anyway, going and representing Survival Jobs, Jay.

[4:42] Jason A. Coombs: Love. Yes, always.

[4:44] Samantha Tuozzolo: We love. So also this past weekend was the Oscars.

[4:54] Jason A. Coombs: Yes, boy, boy, boy, boy. Cynthia obviously, like it's like the chat of the town. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande opening that show.

[5:01] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah, my breath away. And Ariana with that shoe with that ruby red slipper dress and that shoe on her back. I said, girl, she has just honored with her wardrobe, you know, Wizard of Oz so much with this wicked, like the wicked press tour and like all the wicked stuff. She has like paid homage to Wizard of Oz so many times like at the L.A. premiere. She had like gingham. It was pink, but it was gingham. Yeah. Her little purse was like Toto's little basket.

[5:32] Jason A. Coombs: That's so cute.

[5:33] Samantha Tuozzolo: And then like the ruby red slipper. I was like, girl, thank you. There's no place like home. But the vocals from both of them. I mean, Ari. Yes, obviously, always. Cynthia is not of this world. Like she just stood on that stage in that gown and belted to the gods like it took nothing. She was like, I'm here at the Oscars and I'm about to just beltify gravity, defying the sicknesses in my head. Can't believe I just said defy gravity, defying gravity. She always does.

[6:05] Jason A. Coombs: I have to have a little moment. I have to have a little sidebar moment and then come right back to the Oscars. I do just want to share this with everybody and you as well. Last week, I took my niece to her first Broadway show and it was Wicked.

[6:15] Samantha Tuozzolo: Oh, yeah.

[6:16] Jason A. Coombs: And it was one of the most magical moments in my life because I always say, like, I don't know if it weren't for Wicked, I don't know if I'd be in the city. I don't know if I'd be working in artistic spaces. So the fact that my niece is upset, she's obsessed with Wicked and loves it. And the fact that I got to take her to Wicked and one of my very dear friends, Dan Michigay, shout out. He was on our podcast as well.

[6:45] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah.

[6:46] Jason A. Coombs: It was so sweet and took us backstage after and just watching her, like, experience this was so amazing. So I love you, Wicked. That's it. Let's go back to the Oscars.

[7:00] Samantha Tuozzolo: I love that. Yeah, it was so it was so special.

[7:02] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. So that opening, the opening of the Oscars for me was like, mic drop. But also we started at such a high. And then I'm like, can you did you see that video Frankie Grande posted?

[7:14] Samantha Tuozzolo: No.

[7:15] Jason A. Coombs: So Frankie Grande, obviously Ariana's brother. He's just so supportive and it's like so genuinely supportive. He posted a video of like him and his gaggle gaze watching from like their apartment or whatever. And it was just so beautiful. It was just so like, he loves his sister so much. And I feel like, you know, not for everybody, but there may be like some people who have a sibling like that, who's so famous, there might be like a ting of jealousy there. And I don't know, I just don't ever see that from him. He's just always so proud and always so like, just genuinely proud of his sister. And I just love that so much. I brought a tear to my eye how much he loves her. I remember watching this thing a couple of weeks ago, and it was a video of him.

And they were like, Oh, how do you feel about being Ariana's brother? And he was like, I'm proud to be Ariana Grande's brother. And I'll always go by Ariana Grande's brother. That's never going to change for me. He just loves his sister so much. And I just thought that was so beautiful.

[8:17] Samantha Tuozzolo: That is so sweet.

[8:18] Jason A. Coombs: I know he's just a nice person. So like, obviously, it's a sister. So he should be right. But you know, people are doesn't seem fake. You know, people are haters.

[8:26] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah. So what did you think? I know you love the Oscars. What do you think of the show?

[8:34] Jason A. Coombs: Nora Stan? And I have been saying it since I saw that movie. My favorite movie of 2024. I was like, this movie needs to win. Everyone needs to see this movie. Have you seen it?

[8:45] Samantha Tuozzolo: No. And you know, I really mean, I have to know. I'm giving you homework. You're sick I'll give you the $6 rent on Amazon. It's so good. It's such a request.

[9:00] Jason A. Coombs: No, I really tried to watch all the Oscar movies and then life, you know, it's hard. I only watched I watched maybe 50% 60%. But no, I was so happy. Me and my friend Dorian, we're aware Nora stands and we were nervous that it wasn't gonna win. It was gonna go to something else.

[9:18] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah. Well, I'm at my viewing party. When the best leading actress Oh my gosh, I was when they said Mikey Madison, the whole room went just because I mean, there were the predictions sometimes or Mikey sometimes or Demi, but like Demi, Demi sort of did a sweep the whole awards except for the Baptist Mikey. So I have to say like, I haven't seen a Nora but I felt I felt a little bad for our girl Demi like, you know, she's like, she's like put her time I know everyone's and I'm so happy for her. But I also want to say big shout out to our fellow Connecticut friend, Alex Morsinuto.

[10:06] Jason A. Coombs: Oh my god, Oscar nominee for best alien. I mean, and like, by the way, there were some predictions that were predicting that that movie would win. It unfortunately didn't. But it's just so incredible to see. You know, everyone listening Jason, if you don't know, started the Bridgeport Film Festival and Alex Morsinuto started the Nora Film Festival. So we cross paths a lot in the film festival worlds. And it was just so amazing to see that like, you know what your hard work and it might seem like we're doing whatever we're doing for what for just hitting walls, but like, it will happen one day. And so it's really cool to see Connecticut represented at the Oscars to see it's a big Oscar nominated and our friend who we've been trying to get him on the podcast for a minute, Will Martinez.

We've been trying to get him on the podcast. He also has been he's a Bridgeport Film Fest alum. He was in a film our first year. We kept in touch. He's been on Grey's Anatomy and whatnot. He isn't he is an alien. And I watched his story and he had a prediction in 2019 or 2020. No, it's 2020 that he would be at the Oscars in 2025. It was like written on like a board. It's an Oscars 2025 and was circled. And that bitch was there. I said, I said manifestation, you guys, that's, well, you've always said that you're going to be at the 100th anniversary 28.

[11:33] Samantha Tuozzolo: I know, I gotta like really get my mindset to get there in 2028. I have three years.

[11:37] Jason A. Coombs: So you can do it.

[11:38] Samantha Tuozzolo: Oh, man. So in conclusion, we love movies. And we love award shows. We've been rambling. So we got to talk about our guests today.

[11:46] Jason A. Coombs: Also, y'all got Ghostly Conclave. I gotta say that Conclave, the one best adapted screenplay, one of my second favorite out of the Oscar films. Fantastic.

[11:51] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yo, those freaking popes.

[11:59] Jason A. Coombs: The what? The popes? Because it's about like choosing the next pope.

[12:06] Samantha Tuozzolo: It's all the drama, y'all. It's fantastic. Ghostly Conclave. And Nickel Boys.

[12:13] Jason A. Coombs: And Wicked. Everyone's seen Wicked already. I know. My aunt called me and she was like, how come Wicked didn't win? It's the biggest movie of the year. And I was like, yeah, it is. You know what I said, though? You know, they did this with Lord of the Rings. Lord of the Rings was like up every year. And then for the third movie, they swept. So, you know, I think Wicked's gonna like come in next year, even hotter with part two. And maybe next year will be their year. Maybe even for the girls next year, too. I love that the black production designer won.

[13:20] Samantha Tuozzolo: It's a perfect adaptation for this stage, I think.

[13:46] Jason A. Coombs: Really?

[13:47] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah. And then even if you don't know the movie, it's still like, I feel like you don't have to, because I went with someone and they weren't a big fan of the movie. And they had the best time ever. It's good if you're a huge fan. It's good if you're just a theater fan. It's such great music. I feel like sometimes, a lot of shows, you're like, okay, that was good. But again, other songs are memorable. Songs are stuck in my head on the way home, I was listening to the soundtrack. I was like, I need this soundtrack now. What is happening? This music is so fantastic. It's such great storytelling. The theatricalness of it. The theater magic. We talked about it in an interview with Josh. I think you asked him. Was that off mic? I don't remember if you asked him on camera.

[14:30] Jason A. Coombs: I did. I asked him to give some of the theater secrets. And he wouldn't give it. Girl. He's like, do you think I haven't signed my life away? Do you want me to get sued?

[14:35] Samantha Tuozzolo: There's so much. It's like seeing bits from the movie on stage done so well. Like you don't even think you're watching a play. It just looks so real. So fantastic. I love it so much. Such good music. I mean. So in conclusion, go get your tickets to Death May Come on Broadway. I feel like you have to. You know, I've been having a tough couple weeks and you know, I got to see that show and it was such a light in a much needed time.

[15:03] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. So much. And there's just so much heart to it, you know? That's a perfect, perfect musical for this time of the year.

[15:09] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah. And we were so lucky to talk with Josh Lamon, who is slaying and starring and killing in the show. And he'll tell you the whole story about the character, how the character came to be and how it fell into his lap. And you know, I love hearing these stories about how, you know, situations fall into place that aren't always obvious right away. So that's going to be really interesting. But Josh, you know, has been previously seen in Broadway, in The Prom, which God, I love The Prom, and Groundhog Day and so many other shows. And he's just such a, such a light. And we Jason and I were laughing, laughing, laughing, like this was such a great interview. We're so excited for you guys to listen.

[15:49] Jason A. Coombs: I love that he talks because he talks a little bit about like, you know, mental health and relationships and gay relationships and navigating trauma and assaults and so many like really important things. I was just like, I'm getting like, a lesson on theater. I'm getting a lesson on like, survival, you know, in multiple ways. It was just so incredible. And he's such a light. He's such a light. He's such a gift. I'm so happy to speak with him. You guys get your notebooks out. I say this a lot. When you have your notebook out, get a pencil, get ready to take some good notes because he is the truth.

[16:26] Samantha Tuozzolo: The truth. This is the longest mic check we've had in a long time. So I love it. I hope you guys are still there.

[16:33] Jason A. Coombs: They are. We're so excited. This episode. Enjoy. I was hoping I would get balloons. Enjoy. Enjoy, Josh. Get coached by him. Y'all. Come on.

[16:44] Samantha Tuozzolo: Oh, yeah. Listen to his episode and then go get coached by him. Get coached.

[16:48] Jason A. Coombs: Look at my thumb.

[16:50] Samantha Tuozzolo: Thumbs up. Enjoy, everybody. And Samantha, happy International Women's History Month.

[16:56] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you, Marge.

[16:59] Samantha Tuozzolo: Thank you.

[17:03] Jason A. Coombs: Josh, welcome to Survival Jobs, a podcast. We're so happy to have you. My God, we are like fangirls of Death Becomes Her. You are phenomenal in this play.

[17:11] Josh Lamon: Thank you so much.

[17:15] Jason A. Coombs: How's it been going? Are you loving it?

[17:19] Josh Lamon: Yeah, yeah, it's been incredible. Um, it's so like, I've been so lucky to be a part of so many things from the beginning. And, you know, like, no shade, all shade. You know, sometimes you're like, in things that it's like, Oh, God, this is like, stupid. And it's so nice to be in something where I'm like, this isn't stupid. It's great. It's comedy at its best. So it's a lot of fun.

[17:45] Samantha Tuozzolo: Right? Oh, I love that. Well, before we dive into all things that become her, we want to go to the root of our show, which is Survival Jobs. Do you have a favorite survival job from your past before it became a Broadway icon over there?

[17:56] Josh Lamon: Does anybody have a favorite survival job? I've done them all. They're all equally horrible. Some no, some are more horrible than others. Yeah, I mean, I'd say one of the worst jobs that I've had in New York, or at least a job that I really hated, was, I would pass out flyers in Times Square for Legally Blonde. I had to wear like a pink shirt and a pink hat. I looked kind of like a pink Kool-Aid man. And I was so over it. It was I, it was always cold or rainy or something. And I'd be like, come see Broadway's brightest star Bailey Hanks and Legally Blonde, 12 girls, two dogs, it's all pink, get into it. And people would be like, Are you in the show? And I'd be like, yeah, I'm in the show. Come see us. Like, I personally take credit for the show closing. I think it was my fault. But I did have fun.

[19:02] Jason A. Coombs: Your enthusiasm in Times Square.

[19:04] Josh Lamon: Oh, it was awful. There was a time where I think it was White Christmas was playing the marquee and they had this enormous Christmas tree out front. And we're playing songs from the show. I don't know White Christmas. So like Christmas is wonderful. Whatever. And I was so bored. I decided to trim the tree with Legally Blonde flyers. And I was like dancing in the street being like Legally Blonde to the music. And some guy in a suit like storms out of like the marquee area and like runs up to me. And it's like, who do you think you are? I work with the Nederlanders or the Schubert's or one of them and just yelling at me. And I was just like, sir, I'm sorry, but you look a little young to be a Nederlander.

What you do look like is someone who could use Bailey Hanks and Legally Blonde this Christmas season. And I got back to Fox theatricals, the office to get my cash, they paid $60 a day in cash. And Megan Larsh, who at the time was like my boss. Like she's just looking at me as I get off the elevator. And she goes, What? What? What did you do? Oh, no.

[20:18] Jason A. Coombs: And I was like, I guess it was a Nederlander after all. And then I was banned from the Marriott marquee. I was not allowed to be like anywhere near it.

[20:27] Josh Lamon: For how long? I mean, to this day, who knows? It was a long time ago. But like, yeah, so I would I know, I'm, I, I'm a bad influence on myself. Um, so that was one like, kind of, am I allowed to swear on here? Is this a no-swearing show?

[20:48] Jason A. Coombs: Please swear. Express yourself.

[20:52] Josh Lamon: Thank you. That's one like shitty survival job I've had. Let's see, over the pandemic, like, every actor had to like, adjust. And like, your savings can only last you so many years. And it got to the point also, like, what else am I going to do? I teach, I do audition coaching, all that's great. There's no school going on, it's the pandemic, whatever jobs people have before, they're being loyal to that. And I was like, well, what do I like? I like history. I like walking. I like New York. And so it's like, what if I become like a history tour guide? So like, I got my, I don't know, like, tour guide license or whatever. And I used to give historical walking tours of New York City. And it sounds great on paper, except like, if it's raining, you're giving a tour.

If it's snowing, you're giving a tour. If it's 8,000 degrees, you're giving a tour. And, you know, eventually, it's like, this is not my journey. I hate this. Why? Like, where is God? God is dead. I'm alone. Like, you know. And then I mean, should I just keep going on about my survival jobs?

[22:08] Samantha Tuozzolo: I'm just like laughing that all of your survival jobs were like outside.

[22:12] Josh Lamon: Oh, except one. I was a female phone sex operator in 2002.

[22:20] Samantha Tuozzolo: Wait, please elaborate.

[22:21] Josh Lamon: Okay. I was in an abusive relationship living in Philadelphia, dropped out of school. And really, like, when I went to college, like, in all fairness, I really like was majoring in partying than like, actually giving a shit about anything. And I was also so cocky. I was also like, I don't need something to fall back on because if you don't have something to fall back on, you just don't fall back. You know, I was such a fucking idiot. And I got fired from Starbucks. That was another terrible job. Why was I fired? You may ask. I basically just didn't care anymore. Like, if you were nice to me, your coffee was free, because I figured, if your coffee is free, you're going to put what you would have paid for the coffee into my tip jar.

[23:13] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, facts.

[23:15] Josh Lamon: And I was sort of like Robin Hood. I was like a supervisor, like a shift supervisor, whatever they call it. And I was like,

[23:23] Samantha Tuozzolo: I was one too.

[23:24] Josh Lamon: Yeah, it's like who here needs milk? Add that to the order. Who here needs this? Add that to the order. And it was fun to screw with people too. There was this one guy, this business guy that worked in the building who was such a jerk all the time. He would take his money out and like crumple it and toss it at the counter. And one day he came in like right as we're opening at like 530 in the morning or something. And he's so rude to me. He was so rude. And he's bitching on his phone about some meeting that he has to lead like very soon. And he's like, I want six shots of espresso over ice. And he crumples his money and throws it at me. And so I was like, no problem, sir. Decaf, decaf, decaf, decaf, decaf, decaf.

I'm going to add an extra shot for you. Decaf. You know, like that was my journey. But eventually Starbucks was like, that's not our journey. You have to go. And so I've never been fired before. I was like, devastated, 20 years old or something. And my best friend Tessa and I were looking through what was called the City Paper, I think in Philly, in the classifieds. And it said phone actors wanted. And I just started laughing. And I was like, phone actors? Because you know, there's no job where an actor picks up the phone and starts doing a Death of a Salesman monologue. And so I called and they told me, it's a phone sex line, and I'd have to be a woman on the phone. And I was like, no problem. And I went to my interview, it was really weird. It was like an office building, you had like cubicles. And so I did that for a while.

[25:06] Samantha Tuozzolo: I'm crying that this was like in an office building and you had a cubicle.

[25:10] Josh Lamon: Oh, yeah. There was like, like any, I mean, I don't really have office experience. But there was like a, not like a pit, but like where your managers were, and they would listen in on your calls, then come up and be like, Josh, I have some critiques for the call. Like when you're doing the blow job first, and it's like, I would just sit there and be like, what the fuck is happening? Why? What is happening? Why?

[25:34] Samantha Tuozzolo: You're like, thank you. This is getting me a paycheck.

[25:36] Josh Lamon: Wild.

[25:37] Samantha Tuozzolo: That's so wild.

[25:39] Josh Lamon: Like when you're doing the blowjob. Yeah. And you also really start looking at men differently. You really do like event after like two weeks on the job. If I had to talk to a guy, I'd be like, what are you really thinking about right now? You know, like, it really does kind of warp your world. And then I was looking through the city paper at work, I used to write my character's name was Fiona at work, and I had a notebook and I would write Fiona must die, Fiona must die, like over and over and over again. And that's when I saw an ad on the city paper for media theater. They were looking for local performers for their production of Jekyll and Hyde with Andy Carl. And literally, I didn't have a resume.

I made one up. I totally made up a resume. Yeah, and I put theaters that existed that I didn't know existed. Like Philadelphia Theater Company, I put that I was like, wizard and falsettos. And they like premiered falsettos. I didn't know any of this. And luckily, Google wasn't around yet. So like, how are they going to know? But on the local audition form, it put how many EMC points do you have? That's like equity membership candidate to get into the union. And I didn't know what that was. And so I put like 120 something. You need like five, I don't know. And they offered me a part in the ensemble. And they said, we'd like to give you your equity card. And I was like, you're giving me my equity card.

And they were like, yeah, you have the most experience out of the pool. So do you want it? Nobody ever like caught on to it. And then that was that's what you know, that was 2002. So like, I'm so scary. We're listening to that. Oh, if you are a young actor, do not do what I did. You could not get away with that. I, I also didn't intend for any of that to happen. It just happened. But like my career is based on fallacies and lies. You know why you have to do what you have to do to take the next steps. That's it.

[27:52] Samantha Tuozzolo: Josh, that's like, this was the most iconic survival jobs story sharing. You just went through I know I'm like chapters. Hop that Kate Rockwell. What do you have? You know, like, yeah. Thank you so much for sharing that. Yes, I will sign off on what you said. If you are listening to this and you're trying to get your equity card, don't do what Josh did. It will not work in 2025. In 2002, though, how fierce how iconic. But I want to talk about you've had such an extensive career with TV appearances off Broadway, ensemble of Jekyll and Hyde getting your equity card. But I heard you say in another interview that it took like 10 years to really start getting it and getting like, consistent acting work. So can you tell us what kept you going and how you currently keep up your stamina to continue to live a life as an actor, as a working actor?

[28:47] Josh Lamon: I mean, back then, it was all that I wanted. I had so much to prove. I was like a fat kid, a fat queer kid from a small town outside of San Diego called Poway where like, it was just a bunch of like straight jocks and like cows. And this was the only thing I ever wanted in my entire life when I like, yes, I was cocky. And when I was saying like, if you don't have a, you know, backup plan, you don't fall back or whatever. But that literally was it. It was like, do or die. This either works or you're moving back to Poway. And everybody was right about you, you know? And that just couldn't happen for me. And granted, I, yes, I know that I'm talented and stuff. I think everybody's talented. I think this industry, it's luck.

It is luck and talent meeting together to give you your first opportunities. And sometimes it happens and sometimes it does not. And it does not matter. I know so many people who are geniuses and for whatever reason, those opportunities haven't shown up. And it's not because they're not brilliant. It just, there are 8 million actors trying to get the same thing and most of them will do it for free. So back then, it was just like, this is what I had to do. And I got into my mentor's class, Craig Carnelia, a remarkable, remarkable composer and remarkable teacher. And in Craig's class, you had to audition to get in and you would be like, you would be me, somebody with like a couple of regional theater credits next to somebody who had done 20 Broadway shows but hasn't worked in 10 years, next to Sutton Foster.

It was that kind of room. And that's where I found my community. When I first moved to New York, I was so scared. I literally was escaping Philadelphia to get away from my abusive partner who literally was trying to kill me. So this was like, escape to New York, make it work. And when I met my friends in that class, it was Wednesday afternoons, every Wednesday, it was like, I found my community and I was with people who were also getting up at 4 a.m. to get in line in hopes of getting to sing like eight bars at some open call for a show that's probably already cast. And it was that hunger. It was that drive. It was that... Also, I think I put some pressure on myself because I'm adopted. So my biological mom gave me up so I could have the opportunities that she could never give me.

That is a sacrifice, especially thinking you're a teenage girl, you have no family, you're in an abusive relationship. How tempting is it to keep a baby, something that will love you back, something that is yours, something that you can do over? I felt like I had to respect that sacrifice. And it took a very long time. My first big job was Wicked. And then after nine months, they realized that I'm not a munchkin and they were not having it. And they were like, bye-bye. And then I was at ground zero again, just having to start over. And it took another three years before I made my Broadway debut. But it was just... I had no other choice other than to do it. And it's very different now. Now, 20 years later, it's just different things. The career itself matters a little less to me. I think the business is... I've been very lucky, but I also don't necessarily love show business. I think it's...

[33:06] Samantha Tuozzolo: I feel like a lot of people say that.

[33:09] Josh Lamon: Yeah. I don't think it's evil, but show business is business. It's not like a mom and pop store that really cares about you. It's not. It's an industry. And that is okay. That's what it's supposed to be. But also, I'm like, maybe I want to focus more on cartoon, being a voice actor, because I'm tired of missing all my friends' weddings. My partner has a job that's nine to five. It's my dream to be a housewife now. So if it's a project that I'm not really interested in or desperately need, I'm not going to do it. So it's sort of different now, if that makes sense.

[33:56] Samantha Tuozzolo: That does make sense.

[33:57] Jason A. Coombs: I love what you said of there was no other option. There was nothing to fall back on. I was doing this or I was doing nothing. That drive, I think, is so important to our listeners and to us, people who really want it. You just got to do it and got to figure out a way to do it. So thank you for being so open and sharing that.

[34:17] Josh Lamon: Of course.

[34:18] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah. Appreciate you being just so, yeah, like Samantha said, so open and so genuine with your story. Wow. If I can pivot a little bit to Death Becomes Her. It's so great, Samantha. I saw it last week. And Samantha, you've seen it twice, I believe?

[34:33] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yes, after I went. I actually came with Alan Seals, and we said hi to you after you probably don't remember him.

[34:38] Josh Lamon: Oh, yes, of course. I love Alan.

[34:41] Jason A. Coombs: I love Alan Seals, our podcast dad. We love him so much.

[34:44] Samantha Tuozzolo: Podcast puppy.

[34:46] Josh Lamon: After I saw it the first time, I was like, I have to bring my mom. My mom is going to love this. And so I brought my mom and some of her friends, and they were screaming, laughing, crying. So it is so, so good.

[34:57] Samantha Tuozzolo: And you're so hysterical. And correct me if I'm wrong, your character is not in the original film, right?

[35:03] Josh Lamon: No.

[35:04] Samantha Tuozzolo: So how was it to develop a character who's not in the original film and to like, or this world, this like really crazy kind of fantastical world? And did you have to study the film at all for this?

[35:16] Josh Lamon: I mean, I grew up with the film. And like, being gay, like, you're kind of required to see the film.

[35:24] Samantha Tuozzolo: Of course, yeah.

[35:27] Josh Lamon: It's like a prerequisite if you want to if you are a gay person.

[35:30] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah. And what's interesting is that Jennifer and I are the only ones who have been with it since the first reading. Except I wasn't Stefan at the time. At the time, I was just like, I was ensemble. I played Sir Brock's part, who's the minister in the wedding. And that's all that I did. And it was like that for the first few readings. I think Stefan's character, his name was Brandon, I think. And they had some really, really great performers playing the role. But for whatever reason, those performers were like, just missing the mark on the jokes. And like, comedy is like music for me. Like, I have a very, very good ear for comedy. And I remember hearing some of the jokes and being like, if you if you say it like this, you'll get the laugh. Or like, if you pause here and then say something like that, or change the pitch with your voice like that's the laugh.

[36:30] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[36:31] Josh Lamon: And so I remember sitting there through all these, you know, reading presentations of it and just being like, I could play this part, I should be playing that part. That's for me. And then Chris Catelli came on board, we did another reading, I was the minister again. And then they started auditioning for the lab or the workshop of the show. And one of the, you know, one of the roles that I knew I was being considered for, I think it was still, he was still called Brandon at the time, but it was for this assistant. However, they gave me the sides for Chagall. And I was like, I know I'm not getting Chagall. But I did it in the room, and I was hilarious. And then Catelli's like, great, can you do the Brandon scenes?

And that's when I realized that there had been a miscommunication, and I was never given those sides. And so I was like, and at the time, I was doing the reading of La La Land, like uptown. So I was there like on a quick break and had to go back to rehearsal. But I was like, I'm a very quick read, can I go into the hall and look at them? I'm a, you know, and I'm a very quick study on this. And Chris was just like, no, no, that's okay. Thanks. And immediately, I was like, I just didn't get the job. Like, I just lost the job. And I went back to La La Land rehearsal, where I also knew that like, this is not going to be my job. Like, you know, you can just tell when creatives are like, thank you for being here, we made a mistake.

You know, and then like, my agent called me and said that I got that the name changed to Stefan and that he gave me Stefan. So somehow, thank God, Chris Catelli, like, was able to be like, no, that's him. And initially, Stefan was an ensemble role. He

[40:29] Josh Lamon: You act as if I haven't signed paperwork written by lawyers saying that I'm not allowed to say these things. You behave in such a way. To quote Broadway's favorite Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, keep the secrets.

[40:58] Samantha Tuozzolo: Yes, yes.

[40:59] Josh Lamon: So I can't tell you. Otherwise, I will get sued by NBC Universal.

[41:03] Jason A. Coombs: Damn. I mean, it is Broadway magic.

[41:07] Josh Lamon: It is. And I'm looking and I'm like, where is that person's actual head so that they have no head? You've seen it twice.

[41:12] Samantha Tuozzolo: You can't. It's Broadway magic.

[41:13] Josh Lamon: Honestly, I've only seen the fight once because it took so long to tech. Also, so many different elements weren't ready while we were teching, so things kept on being added. And I was like, why would I walk down four flights of stairs from my dressing room to watch them do something that's not finished, only to walk back up four flights of stairs? So finally, after we opened, I was like, I'm going to go downstairs early and watch the scene. And my mind was blown.

[41:42] Jason A. Coombs: Blown.

[41:43] Josh Lamon: It's incredible what they've come up with. Also, when you're in theater and you're told like, oh, this is going to happen, I'm always like, uh-huh, let's, I hope so. A lot of money's riding on this. I hope so. And I don't know how, but they pulled it off.

[42:04] Samantha Tuozzolo: It's Broadway magic, guys.

[42:06] Josh Lamon: I love it.

[42:07] Samantha Tuozzolo: Go see this play.

[42:08] Josh Lamon: Go, run, see this play.

[42:10] Samantha Tuozzolo: Please, please. Right away.

[42:11] Jason A. Coombs: Seriously.

[42:13] Samantha Tuozzolo: Get your tickets after you listen to this podcast. Pause the podcast and buy them now.

[42:15] Josh Lamon: And then finish the podcast so we get the whole download.

[42:18] Samantha Tuozzolo: Thank you so much.

[42:20] Jason A. Coombs: And then rate and review.

[42:21] Samantha Tuozzolo: Oh, and subscribe.

[42:23] Josh Lamon: Thank you.

[42:25] Jason A. Coombs: Listen to Josh, guys. Seriously.

[42:27] Samantha Tuozzolo: Make sure you slip him that 50, Sam.

[42:29] Josh Lamon: Thank you. Anyway, Josh, you've done such incredible work on Broadway, on TV, film. You've done so much. And I read that you're also working on an original musical yourself.

[42:34] Josh Lamon: Oh, well.

[42:40] Samantha Tuozzolo: Bloody, bloody?

[42:43] Josh Lamon: Yes and no. Bloody, bloody Jessica Fletcher is dead in the water. It was going to go off Broadway right before the pandemic. And it's okay. And I'm just going to be real. There were four writers on it. And three of us are very close. The other one we brought in. And that other writer wanted 75% of the show. And we said we wanted to split it evenly. And they said no. So we said goodbye to the project. And it's very unfortunate. I think this other writer is very gifted. And I think they made a big mistake. And that's okay. Here we are.

[43:27] Josh Lamon: I am writing. I've been writing a show about my experience as a phone sex operator and surviving this relationship. But it's hard. I wrote a three-person version of it. And we had a few industry presentations. And they went great. And that taught me a lot about what the show was not going to be. But it's very slow. Also, understandably, that was a pretty traumatic time of my life. So it's not really fun diving into it. So we'll see. We're thinking about doing another very small reading. Just to revisit it. And to start brainstorming again. But hopefully that will happen soon.

[44:27] Samantha Tuozzolo: I love that. Well, I'm glad that there's a lesson in there. I hope people are paying attention. That you've got to know when to step away, right? When is the right time to say, hey, I'm done with this.

[44:37] Josh Lamon: Oh, when is it time for you to choose life? When is it time for you to choose you? And also, we don't talk about domestic abuse in the gay community very much. And I didn't know that I was a victim of domestic abuse until about 15 years later when I was in therapy for PTSD. Because eventually, your brain shields you from this stuff. And also, when you love somebody, you're like, what's the use of wondering? It's like, no, he doesn't mean it. No, you don't know him. No, I can help. It's that kind of shit. So it's important for people to know that they're not alone. And choosing life is very important.

[45:12] Samantha Tuozzolo: Choosing life is very important.

[45:14] Josh Lamon: Well, maybe one day you'll come back and get someone to write this with you. So you don't have to tap into that trauma. And that would be such an important piece of art to bring out there. So we are rooting for you. We need art like that.

[45:26] Samantha Tuozzolo: I think we just said that's not something that's talked about in gay relationships specifically. So I think having that out there is something that's important. So whenever you're ready, I hope you can pick it back up again.

[45:44] Josh Lamon: Thanks. I need somebody really, really, really funny to come on board. Because I've found that the story is powerful, but it's a lot to handle.

[45:53] Samantha Tuozzolo: Of course.

[45:54] Josh Lamon: And it needs to be funny. And I have a very hard time writing jokes about it.

[46:01] Samantha Tuozzolo: Do you have a dream collaborator out there? Or a director, a fellow writer that you'd love to work with?

[46:11] Josh Lamon: I have a few. One person or two people that I have written with before and they're...

[51:49] Josh Lamon: Whatever that means to you? It's a part of me. It's a part of who I am. It's a part of my fabric. From the time I was maybe two years old, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. Even if I do get to live my dream as a housewife, this is still going to be a part of me. I'm still going to be a part of it. I'm just going to be a little bit more selective in who I give my life to. Because really, when you are doing this full time, when this is your reality, you do sacrifice everything. Holidays, you don't get them. Birthdays, you don't get them. It is a sacrifice. I dream of being in a position where I get to choose what is worth that sacrifice. My partner works in politics a little bit, so I'm encouraging him to become the governor, because I would be such a fierce governor's wife.

That's all I want to be. I will be in a caftan by a pool, being a governor's wife. If I don't like you, I'm going to turn your co-op into an animal sanctuary. That's going to be my journey. That's what I want. Then we'll make a show called The Real Housewives of Broadway. What's hilarious is Megan and I have talked about that so many times. I think she and Jenna wanted to start a Real Housewives of Broadway. We both agree, Broadway people aren't the housewives. Nobody would be mean to each other. There would be no drama. It would just be a bunch of fierce ladies complimenting each other over and over again. It would be really boring. It would be very boring.

[53:50] Josh Lamon: Last question. I'm not sure if Samantha told you, if we told you before this, but we always end up a really fun game to bring it back to lightness and just to ease off of us. That's what the press team told me. They're like, there's going to be a game. I love that. To bring it back to survival jobs, do you have any advice for someone who may be stuck in a survival job right now, who knows that this is in their DNA? They got to get there, but they're just having a hard time getting there? Keep going. Take as many classes as you can. Also, be kind to yourself. Like I said earlier, there is no rhyme or reason to this industry. A lot of it is luck, especially when you are first trying to get your first thing.

You do not have to hit every audition. You just don't. Why would I go in for Mamma Mia? There's not a role for me in Mamma Mia. If I'm going in in hopes of a casting director getting to know me, I'm just wasting their time. They are there. You have to respect their job. They are there looking for something specific. If you are not something specific, go away. I need them. Respect that. Also know, whether this works out or not, it does not change the fact that you are an artist. It does not change the fact that you are a performer or a writer or a whatever you are, you will always be that. Whether you're doing it on Broadway, whether you're doing it at the Pacoima Players, whether you're doing it at a high school, at the JCC, you are an artist.

We put so much pressure on ourselves. I remember being like, if I don't have my equity card by the time I'm 21, I'm a failure. I just want to slap the daylights out of myself and be like, no, you're not. As a matter of fact, you're a champion. And like what I tell my audition clients all the time, your job isn't necessarily to book the job. That would be an incredible result. But that is out of your control. Your job is to show up prepared, passionate, and present. That is what's in your control. If you are those three things, you are respecting casting's job. You are showing up prepared, passionate, present. It is their job to give options to the team. Fierce options. Everything else is out of your control.

If you are giving them the fierce option of you on that day, you are respecting casting, you are respecting yourself, you're being a thousand percent successful. And every time that casting director has a project that needs something remotely related to what you can do, they are going to bring you in because you make them look great because what? You came in passionate, prepared, and present. Good evening. Right. Yes. Mic drop.

[57:07] Josh Lamon: Also, if you have a really shitty job, quit. There are a million and a half really shitty jobs out there. Quit. Go find another one. It doesn't matter. Just know that it's all temporary. Preaching. That's it. That's it. Survivors, if you didn't have your notebook, you should get your notebook, take notes, get Josh to be your coach. I'm so inspired right now, John. I'm like, get out there. Hey, if you're looking for an acting coach, an audition coach, reach out to me on Instagram at Josh.Layman and let's work together. I'd love to be on your team. Let's go, guys. Josh, thank you so much. This interview is amazing. You were so open. You gave so much inspiration. Your story is so inspiring. So, like Jason said, he's inspired.

Our listeners are inspired and thanks. And I also just had another idea for a reality show called The Governor's Wife. So, once you are the governor's wife, call us and we'll produce it. It'll just be me turning people I don't like's homes into animal sanctuaries. That was the worst grammar in the world, but you get the picture. Totally. We need more animal sanctuaries.

[58:15] Josh Lamon: So, we thought we'd end the interview with a fun game called How Well Do You Know Your Cast? We're going to give you some facts about Michelle, Megan, Jennifer, or Chris, and you're going to tell us who it is. Okay. God help me. I think you're going to crush it. I think it's pretty easy, but we'll see. Okay. Jay, you want to take the first one? I'll take the first one. Okay. I received a Critic's Choice nomination for my work on the Lifetime series, Patsy and Loretta. Megan. Ding, ding, ding. One out of one. See, I think you're going to crush this. She did it with my friend, Jessie. So, of course, I'm like, yeah, Megan. You're like, easy. Okay, number two. I have a podcast called The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast.

Who am I? Jennifer. Two out of two. Okay. This is too easy, Sam. I know. I know. It is going to be too easy. In 2019, I was a contestant on The Masked Singer. Michelle. He's like, guys, this is not a game. Like, what is this? Though, honestly, I didn't know that, but I was like, Michelle's the only one that would be on The Masked Singer. Yeah. That is what we call an educated guess. Really good. Okay. This is for double points. In my Broadway debut, I came and went by Bubble. Who am I, and what was my Broadway debut? Megan Hilty. Glenda. In? Wicked. Double points. Double points. Remember, I was her bach in Wicked. So, like. Oh, yes. Obviously. And Stefan was kind of her bach in Death of a Conjurer.

I love that so much. Oh, my God. He really is kind of her bach. I know. Full circle. Oh, my gosh. Okay. I guess. Oh, okay. There's two more. I have an extensive theater career, which includes over 40 productions in the U.S. and the U.K., including the Tony. Why can't I speak today? Including the Tony Award nominated Broadway performances in Spamalot and Shrek the Musical. Chris Sieber. Boom. Boom. I have been nominated for two Tony Awards. Who am I? Jennifer Simard, Chris Sieber. They both have been nominated twice. And the answer goes trick question. The answer is trick question. It's both of them. Josh, this game sucks for us. You're crushing it. I mean, like I said, I'm a fucking Capricorn. I know things. I usually am like cheating with our guests because they're like, I don't know the answer. And I'm like, really? Mouthing the answer. All your guests are stupid. I'm just kidding.

[01:01:46] Josh Lamon: I feel embarrassed even asking this one. I was probably one of the best selling girl groups of all time. Michelle. Okay. And last for your boss that you don't need. I am a part. Sorry. I have these new headphones where I can hear myself so loudly that I'm not really hearing you guys as well. My bad. Here's the last question. And it's your bonus, which you don't need. I am a part of the hit musical improv team. Schitt's Probe. Who am I? I'm me. I'm Josh. Josh, you got a perfect score. Plus the bonus. Your prize is that you have a VIP invite to the survival job season for launch party, which we have no idea when that will be. Where's it going to be? Where? Who knows? Is it open bar? Nope. Maybe this season.

Maybe this year it will be. I don't know. We're working on it. Any good sponsors out there? Ask him to fund it. Okay. You know what? I think I'll go to Mr. Diamond. Doesn't he own Broadway World? I'm going to go to the diamonds. If you can go to Rob Diamond and ask him, then we'll see. And be like, we need the open bar for the survival jobs pod. Yeah. We could appreciate your advocating for us. Anytime. Anytime. I'm an advocate for all. Josh, you're amazing. Thank you so much. And we already got your Instagram handle, but can you please let everybody know where they can keep up with you, follow you, how to contact you for coachings?

[01:02:15] Josh Lamon: Yeah. Come follow me and say hi at Josh period, layman, L A M O N on Instagram. That is the only social media that I have. That is the only social media I will ever have. And also, like you mentioned Schitt's Probe. If you love comedy, Schitt's Probe, we do improvised musicals. We take a Broadway or TV personality that doesn't do improv and we make them the star of a fully improvised musical with a band that everybody's improvising. We perform every other Monday night at Improv Asylum, NYC. I'm not on the cast as much these days just because of my show schedule, but honestly, it is the most fun you will ever have. They, this team, I'm like the bottom of the barrel with this team. They are the best improvisers in New York, possibly in the United States.

They're incredible. I love that. Amazing. Yeah. Go check them out. Schitt's Probe. Schitt's Probe. And if you guys don't follow us yet because you're a Josh fan, obviously follow us at Survival Jobs Pod on Instagram and TikTok. On Facebook at Survival Jobs Podcast. Shoot us an email at survivaljobspod at gmail.com. Follow my boy Jason at Jason A. Coombs. And I am Sammy Toots. Sammy. Sammy Toots. Sammy Toots. Go see Death Becomes Her. Josh is a literal icon star, the real housewife of Death Becomes Her. You're going to have so much fun. I mean, we could just gush about it forever. Oh, thanks. Thanks. It was so much fun talking to you both. It was fun. Thank you so much. Let's see if I get balloons. No. Not today.