This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:06] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, beautiful people. Welcome to the Art of Kindness, where we have compassionate conversations with artists from all areas of the entertainment industry who are using their voice to spread joy and make this big spinning planet in the universe a better place to be.

[0:22] Robert Peterpaul: I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:34] Robert Peterpaul: Hi, friends. Welcome back to the Art of Kindness, the AOK. I want to thank you all so much for your love and the supportive messages you sent me last week. Sadly, my grandfather, my beloved popop, passed away. He is one of the reasons I chase kindness and leaves behind such an incredible legacy. Please stay tuned with me after today's interview for a special kindness tip dedicated to my pop pop.

[1:03] Robert Peterpaul: I have to be honest with y'all, as always, my voice is a little under the weather today. We'll say my voice be hurting. Between all the family stuff going on and being in the middle of a run of Beauty and the Beast at the Legacy Theater in Connecticut, come see us, final weekend. What what? Actually, by the time this airs, the show will have closed. Oh, sadness. But I'm starting up on Jersey Boys, so please come see Jersey Boys if you can. I'll share more information about that on social media.

[1:30] Robert Peterpaul: Anyhoosel, between all that, my voice needs some rest. So I thought, I'm gonna go record a podcast intro. No, I love being on the mic with you all. I also loved being on the mic with today's guest, who consequently gave me some amazing advice for self-care when you're in the middle of a musical theater run, which I think applies just to life as well, because we're always running, we're going, going, going. I'm talking about performer Adrianna Hicks.

[1:59] Robert Peterpaul: Adrianna Hicks fell in love with performing at a young age, singing in church choirs in Texas. The musical theater bug then bit her bad in high school, prompting her to study at the University of Oklahoma. After racking up a slew of regional credits and tours under her belt, Adrianna made her Broadway's debut in 2015 as a swing in The Color Purple. Ah, such a beautiful show. You'll find out during our discussion that this was truly a magical full circle moment. Adrianna went on to perform in Aladdin on Broadway's, and more recently to originate the role of Catherine Aragon in the hit musical Six.

[2:41] Robert Peterpaul: Adrianna is currently, well, depending on when you listen to this podcast, I mean Hello People of the Future, playing the iconic role of Sugar in the Tony-winning sensation Some Like It Hot. You may know the part as being minted in Hollywood history by Marilyn Monroe during the late 50s MGM film, but Hicks brings her own joy and magic to the updated story. Together we dive deep into her fabulous career, acts of kindness from icons like Jennifer Holiday, her self-care routine for Broadway's, see, I mentioned that earlier, and much more.

[3:35] Robert Peterpaul: Jen calls the show inspiring and beautiful, all writing. As an artist and theater fan outside of Showbiz, this podcast is inspiring, joyful, and humanizes many of the performers I have long admired on stage and screen. I love listening while painting and enjoying your discussions about kindness and glimpses of the real-life experiences of these people and their stories. Thank you for this and your beautiful perspective. Thank you, Jen, for this and for your artistry. Jen says she's outside of Showbiz, but the truth is her art has really taken over the community. She fashions the most beautiful hand-painted wooden peg dolls, recently immortalizing performances like Annalie Ashford's Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, or Friend of the Podcast Stephanie J. Block's turn in Into the Woods, and so many more. You have to see this stunning work for yourself.

[4:37] Robert Peterpaul: I swear, this is not an ad. Seriously. She so kindly reached out and connected with us on Instagram at Art of Kindness Pod, and I've since been able to see and admire her work in the newsfeed. Thank you for all you're doing, Jen. I also really admire today's guest. So without further ado, please welcome the amazing Adrianna Hicks.

[5:14] Adrianna Hicks: Hello.

[5:15] Adrianna Hicks: How are you doing today?

[5:16] Adrianna Hicks: I'm so good. I'm good. I'm just taking the day easy before going to work.

[5:20] Robert Peterpaul: Well, speaking of work, you know, I had the privilege of seeing you in Some Like It Hot. I think almost right after the Tonys.

[5:27] Robert Peterpaul: Best night on Broadway's. I mean, I think Broadway's is just the perfect word for it because it just feels like you're at a Broadway's show.

[5:36] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, yeah. No, thank you so much. I it definitely is that classic Broadway's feel transported into 2023, which is awesome.

[5:46] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. I love everything that they did to the story. And I mean, when you came on stage, it was just like we were being served ice cream. I mean, it was so sweet, you know.

[5:54] Adrianna Hicks: That's great.

[5:55] Adrianna Hicks: Oh, thank you. That's so sweet. I love that.

[5:57] Adrianna Hicks: You have the sweetest presence, you know. And of course, as the show goes on, you kind of layer it with sprinkles and other stuff. You know, the first thing I always ask my guests, because I feel like, especially in the arts, kindness takes the form of compliments a lot. You know, you get a lot of praise. And so I would love to know for you, how are you at receiving compliments?

[6:16] Adrianna Hicks: Oh, I've gotten so much better at that.

[6:19] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, I can tell.

[6:20] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, initially it, you know, years ago, it's like, oh no. I it was just a weird way of receiving it, which was which wasn't receiving them, you know, like or at least like receiving it maybe 50% or 70% and not the fullness of what people had to say. Just for my own, I guess like weird personal reasons that you're taught to do, I guess, you know, being an artist and wanting to stay focused and and the fear of like, ah, I don't like they're saying that now, but what if they don't say it later? Like that sort of thing. But it's funny, as you live life, you get older, you're just like, you know what? You receive your flowers when they come and and you you know yourself outside of just the compliments that you receive, and and that's what is really open my heart to to really receive them 100% now.

[7:08] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I think that's key, knowing yourself and also allowing yourself to receive your flowers as you be beautifully put it. Because then sometimes people are like, Well, if I believe that, I have to believe maybe the critics and the other people and it's like no, I think the compliments help you when you get maybe a comment that isn't necessarily the kindest or doesn't resonate with you because that's just like exactly exactly. It all it all is working together, you're exactly right.

[7:32] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, it's synchronous, synchrony. I don't know, whatever. Growing up in Texas, you attended McKinney High School. I don't need to tell you that unless you forgot. I loved I loved reading that you went to see The Color Purple your senior year, and then you had this magical talk back with the cast. Can you kind of take our listeners through then the full circle moment you had 10 years later? Because I just think it's so beautiful.

[7:54] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, it's amazing. You never know what life is gonna hand you, right? And I didn't know that that was like a foreshadow of what my future was gonna be, and that would later lead to you know, even this moment now. Um yeah, I it was a talk by one of my closest friends who's my closest friend now. She was a part of it. She happened to be in New York City, and um that moment for me was really great, and how even um at college, I I would I didn't have any money, like I mean, as most college students we don't have, and um, but there was this random uh scholarship program from the Congressional Black Caucus um in Washington DC that was you know having a competition, you know, to submit for artists, and they had the opportunity to fly to Washington, DC, meet celebrities and um be presented this award in this scholarship.

[8:51] Adrianna Hicks: Um, the scholarship happened to be the amount of money that I needed in order to graduate with my degree, and um, it just so happened that Alice Walker was the person that they were honoring at this event. So not only was it, you know, my senior year, I got to see The Color Purple, but then you know, fast forward four years later, I get I'm like in college struggling for money and having to apply for scholarships, and then I meet Alice Walker back forward to that, and then you know, past my college years and and then my very first Broadway's show, it just so happens that I I get to not only meet her, but to um portray her beautiful story on stage.

[9:33] Adrianna Hicks: Um and that to me just lets me know like you know, there's something, you know, something somebody looking out for me there there is um intentionality in everyone's story, and um and that like moments that may not mean anything to you now might actually pop up later and you have no idea. So that even that story just gets me excited for living, you know. If there's if I live to see another day, it just gives me excitement to know, like, yeah, everything is really intentional beyond what you understand.

[10:04] Robert Peterpaul: That is so cool. And then I imagine when you're in the show, and I think you did a talk back with kids, and it was kind of that full circle.

[10:10] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah.

[10:11] Robert Peterpaul: What did you, I guess, want to relay to the kids having that experience yourself and then kind of being on the other side of it?

[10:16] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, that your story is your story, truly. Um, and you know, you can look to the left or the right about like how to gauge your story and looking for blueprints, but understand that even though that is fine, um, that the story for you will be exactly what it needs to be. I definitely tell kids that.

[10:35] Robert Peterpaul: That's so beautiful. You know, looking at your story overall, just doing a lot of research on you and then being a fan of your performance that I recently had the privilege of seeing again. What is your well, I guess, you know, a theme that kept coming up was kindness, which is why I thought this would be such a great fit. And I've seen people call you kind. I mean, you just seem like a very kind person. So I would love to know what does kindness mean to you? I know it's sort of a personal thing for everybody.

[11:01] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, that's an awesome question. I think kindness means to me like it's birth from from respect. Um, understanding that anyone or anything that you encounter, or really anyone you encounter is a human being who, you know, has very the nuances of life just like you do. And um, out of mutual respect of understanding that they're they're made for a beautiful purpose just like you are, and um that automatically kind of I guess roots me in kindness because you also I think that's the definition of kindness to me is just taking is honoring a person. It's a currency of honor, which I think the world today, we really need that, you know.

[11:46] Robert Peterpaul: Yes, the currency of honor. That's so cool. I've never heard it put that way. And that's something that I think rings true with Some Like It Hot. I mean, especially with the updates they made. It's all about sort of honoring your authentic self. And the means some characters get there is maybe by tricking other people, but it ends up kind of in a very happy, authentic place, which is beautiful.

[12:06] Adrianna Hicks: You know, one part of your story that I thought was so cool is that you lived overseas in Germany and then Austria, I believe, for I think three and a half years after college. You know, again, don't need to tell you that, but I did. I wonder if living in another country for so long kind of taught you anything different about kindness, and if you saw the ways other people were treated in these societies that you kind of wanted to bring over here, or just there's a difference.

[12:32] Adrianna Hicks: That's a great question. Yeah, it's funny because you know, again, I went from experiencing one specific culture to going to experiencing a completely different one. Um, it's funny because again, like I was talking about we were just talking about the definition of kindness, and it's about approaching a human being who has lived in the world that we live in. Um, and you go overseas and you know the history of the country, you know, um, and and and Vienna plays a part in that in somewhat, but it's it's amazing how the history of even the land of the country um takes an effect on the psychological um like it takes effects on the way the people actually operate, you know, not not necessarily like psychologically a hundred percent, but it's all encompassing, right?

[13:22] Adrianna Hicks: And I said all that to say, you know, that people over there have a very different approach to life. The kindness aspect of how we see it in America, maybe is not executed in that way over there. It's different because it's not like, you know, we we we can define kindness as smiling or like you know, as far as behavioral um things go, but over there, they're very just straightforward. They're like, hello. Like it's like you know, it's not a lot of animation. Let me say that. It's not a lot of animation. And you know, that can be taken like, whoa, what do you think? You know, like that can send mixed signals, especially again, like we're in a culture of America. It's just like it's about performance in a way, in order to show someone what they feel or what's going on.

And over there, I actually love it because it's an authentic way of just greeting a person. It's like they're more they're more authentic in not putting on a show and just being honest, like the honesty level of it. And that to me is a form, it can be a form of kindness, granted. Again, it's like about that respect aspect of it as well. It's not just like popping off of what you think authentically, you know, but more so of the idea of bringing your full self, um, and then if you need to learn, adjusting it. It's that type of mentality that I was like, oh, this is interesting. Never thought, and then like, and it's a genuine ignorance to how other people do things.

[14:53] Adrianna Hicks: Um, and I but still like it's the purity of the heart that I still saw with people over there, and um and it's not again, it's not it wasn't expressive as like how we do uh how different cultures do it from culture to culture, like it'd be whatever. But I did have an amazing experience where like I had amazing neighbors where they were they like really took care of me. They're like, oh my gosh, what do you need? And but it wasn't like heightened, it was just like, no, I'm here. What whatever you need, we're here. Look, you go to church, okay. Well, then let's just go to I we go to church on Sunday. Like it's just very straightforward, like it's it's mathematical versus like performative, which I I really admire that.

I thought that was a beautiful way to experience a culture, and then you bond in different ways than than ways that you think you the only way that you can bond to a person by how they make you feel when you know anybody can perform all day and be a wolf in sheep's clothing, you know. But yeah, but when you have some people who are genuinely bringing themselves, learning from another person, and then from there there is a mutual respect and a kindness. Then you're friends for life. Like my neighbor, when I first moved to um Oberhausen, Germany, we got so close to the point that she likes you know, she invited me over to her parents' house. Um, older woman as well, too. They just into their family.

We made cookies together. We um, and then when her father passed away, I got to attend a German funeral because they knew that that I knew her, like it was just an insert, like I was inserted into their family, and they talked to me about stories about World War II, and they just took me in. They were like, tell me about everything. And of course, it was the excitement. It was just like the way that they chose to do it, which um I took that from over there to over here, just the simplicity of life versus just you know the simplicity of kindness that it doesn't have to be overextended, but it has to be pure. That was very long-winded, but that's the way I that's what I think I took.

[17:02] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, that's fascinating. I mean, there's so many things bobbling around in my brain now, and I think it applies to performance too, right? I mean, it yeah, at the end of the day, it just has to be simple. Sometimes we feel like as performers we're not doing enough on stage, but it's the simplicity that people want to see. We just think it's boring because that's kind of how we are and how we are, exactly. Right. So that's interesting on a lot of levels. Uh, one of our latest episodes was with Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank. I don't know if you've ever seen that.

[17:27] Adrianna Hicks: No, I haven't.

[17:28] Robert Peterpaul: Okay, but he's known that's kind of the reaction people have because he's known for being brutally honest with these people that come in with their ideas and their inventions and whatever it may be. The conversation we had was all about that, the honesty of kindness and how just telling the truth and kind of coming from where you are. It's not puppies and rainbows, it's not walking into an audition and like slapping a smile on your face and being like, I'm great. Yeah. Kind of being genuine and and doing the thing, you know. So I love that you touched on all that, and I think that's gonna hit home with with our listeners. You know, I guess getting into your amazing career. I wanna just pick your brain and see. And I hope there were a lot of them, but do you feel like there's one act of kindness from somebody that you think kind of changed your trajectory and put you on the path that you're ultimately on?

[18:17] Adrianna Hicks: Oh man, that's a tough one because there's been multiple acts of kindness. I hope so. Yeah, and and that's uh truly I understand how much of a blessing that is, especially in the industry that we're in, you know, it can be very self-consuming and rightfully so in a way, you know, it's just it's a lot we have to think about. But um, I can give you multiple ones. I mean, the one the one that actually pops in my head right now is thinking about Jennifer Holiday. Um, there was a time when I was going off for Seely and uh she was playing Chagabria at the time, and I I was really nervous. It was the first time I had taken steroids in order to get through the show because I was also sick. And um, that experience was the most terrifying experience of my life.

Ever since then, it kind of scarred me and be like, I don't I hate steroids. Like I hate singing on them. I done it was just very weird. It was a very real feeling I was going through so much, and then after that, I remember being really depressed and ran. I was like, Why am I so sad? Or why do I don't feel like I want to get through the day? And I had an audition that day. It was very interesting. So, you know, the chemical effects of all that, right? And randomly, she was just like, Hey, I know you were sick, I got this care package for you. And she got me like a full-on like face steamer. She got me these very specific uh throat uh cough drops. And she also, what else does she get me? Like just the sweetest gestures.

She was like, listen, because this is gonna make you feel a little sad. Like, so don't just, it's okay whenever you whenever you have to come back up and sing again, just take it easy because your voice doesn't know. You know, she was just breaking down what in my mind, because I was going through it by myself mentally. I was like, I have no idea what's happening. Why am I so thirsty? Like, oh, and then on top of that, you know, you have rising star Cynthia Revo, and it's like I have to, I felt like I had to be up to par anytime that I was on. So, and to have her just stop and understand what's happening because she's been in the game, she is a Tony Award winner, you know. She's just and for her to be a mentor in that way and a covering in that way, I mean, every time, and and she's still that.

Like, I um she's seen me in six, she's seen me in some like it hot. And it's just like, gosh, like she knows we've run into each other on the street, and she's just the the sweetest woman, and to know her on a personal level like that, um, but to see her support me and to be like, I remember how it was back at Color Purple, and you've grown so much, like that's those that act of kindness comes to my mind, and to think it's from an iconic figure in the musical theater k industry. I mean, it just not that that matters, but it matters, you know, because it doesn't have to be that way.

[21:02] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, it just brings serious to my eyes right now. Think about it. So that maybe that's one out of millions, I feel like.

[21:09] Adrianna Hicks: I'm glad you picked that one because even the reason I sort of started this podcast was the way in is entertainers and people we kind of look up to. And those are the role models. And then maybe we stick around to learn more about kindness. But having it come from her is extra special because she I mean, I I do think everybody should act that way, but she doesn't necessarily have to do anything out of her way because she's she is an icon, like you're saying.

[21:32] Robert Peterpaul: Right. You know? And they say don't meet your heroes, but I mean, I guess if it's uh it's her.

[21:37] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, exactly. I mean, and that's been I mean, I've met I've met and worked with several heroes, and it's been fantastic. I mean, my gosh, Heather Headley and Jennifer Hudson as well. I'm like, they're like my sisters, like you know, just lovely women, mothers, you know, sisters, they can't it it's just been wonderful.

[21:59] Robert Peterpaul: So talented. We started Sweet Magnolia season two last night.

[22:02] Adrianna Hicks: Oh yes, I can't wait.

[22:04] Robert Peterpaul: I love I the there's a new season out. I cannot wait to watch it because it's just a nice, just simple show. Nothing crazy really is going on. But it's like it's like, oh, I can snuggle with a coffee at this perfect.

[22:17] Adrianna Hicks: I can't wait to crazy.

[22:19] Robert Peterpaul: I know season three. I was just watching like Rings of Power, and then you put that on it, it's just like oh.

[22:23] Adrianna Hicks: Yes, it's like, oh yeah, it is.

[22:26] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, we love that show so much. It's so wonderful, and she's obviously amazing. You know, you mentioned six before we get into some like in Hot Land. I do want to talk about six because I feel like the queendom will find me if I don't.

[22:36] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah.

[22:37] Robert Peterpaul: You know, you've said that playing Catherine kind of helped you become more unapologetic about who you are in real life. That's such a beautiful lesson that I think people ultimately, you know, want no matter where they are in life, is just to be more unapologetic in a kind way about who they are.

[22:53] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah. Looking kind of back now and where you are, how is that lesson sort of stayed with you? Is there like a specific thing about Catherine that like pops into your head and brings you back there?

[23:04] Adrianna Hicks: So many things. I I appreciate that role so much because once it was well, first of all, it was like a blessing that I didn't even know that was gonna be a blessing if that makes sense, because I was that kid pretending to be you know Beyonce in my room. I really was. Could I say that in every interview, I was like, I was that girl just knowing her concerts and trying to be her. I did, and I got my life. It was great. It was on the Sunday night she had a show and we went. It was fantastic. She was just for you.

[23:33] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, she was like sort of. Yeah, it was such a nostalgic and beautiful, you know, new moment. It was great. But um, with that being said, you know, just and then for this musical, a musical to happen that's a hybrid of the kid I used to be in a musical on Broadway's, merging both dreams. It's like what? Um, and one thing that I really carried with her uh from Catherine and playing her is that again, like the authenticity of just of how I'm really nuanced. I'm not just um a black or white person, you know, like I'm not just like black or white. I'm very clearly I'm not white, but that's a silly fun. But no, we're in the gra we live in the gray, yeah.

[24:19] Robert Peterpaul: Right, right.

[24:21] Adrianna Hicks: But yeah, it's like, but um, it's like things are not black and white with with a person, even yourself. And I and I really believe I didn't know that how much I believed that until I played this role, and also being surrounded by other leading ladies who represent different roles as well, and for us to see how we're all one of a kind, no category, it's it was just a healing show more so than I knew that I needed. And how bringing that into today and now it always reminds me like there are reasons why you do what you do. And I think a lot of times when we use the term unapolog unapologetically, and you think to yourself, like, man, we apologize so much. And that's the reason hence why people are like, stop being unappo, you know, like be unapologetic about who you are.

It's like, well, why do we apologize? And and why, you know, it gets it's like there's this curiosity there with me as I've gotten older, like, well, why do why do I behave this way instead of looking through the lens of shame or fear? And um that is like changed me a lot because I just feel like love has taught me that like there is a reason why you do what you do, because we live in a world that we live into. We're born into a world that it is what it is. Um, but whenever love meets you there, there is another option. And I think what people are trying to convey is that it's that unapologetic token or you know, slogan that we use that what love is trying to give the other way, you know, give you another choice or another option than the way that you've been living life apologetically.

[26:03] Robert Peterpaul: So yeah, that's what I that's what I think about with that.

[26:07] Adrianna Hicks: Take notes, everybody. I'm already gonna put that on a mug and sit my coffee out of it.

[26:12] Robert Peterpaul: Well, I do think part of me thinks, I wonder if you agree, is that it stems from childhood. And you kind of mentioned in six, you got to tap into the little girl that's still in you. And it's like embracing the child in us, the playtime is kind of the ideal as an actor. They say don't work with kids because it'll upstage you because they're just kind of being themselves. And then you learn all these business things that kind of cloud that and maybe that's the shame and we think we're doing things wrong. It's like stop moving your face, stop like you get all these opinions thrown your way. So I wonder if that's part of it too. Cause kids are just so unapologetic, you know, naturally.

[26:46] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, they are. They because they have an experienced life as well. They don't have anything but, and I think that's you know, I think in creation, I mean if you look at a creation, I'm not trying to be like off deep or whatever about it, but it's just like let's go home. I got my shovel. Yeah. Yeah, I know. But it's just like, you know, you have different phases of life. You're um you're you're immersed in a world where people are at different phases of life. You have infants, you have toddlers, you have teenagers, you have adults, you have the elderly. Like, you know, it's like it's all various ranges because I think we learn from every single stage. And you know, I think it's beautiful. It's like thank God that it's kind of designed that way.

Like, can you imagine everyone being the same age and just being, you know, like it's just weird. But but you say that about kids, and it's like, yeah, it's they serve a beautiful purpose in in reminding us of like how at one point we we had to learn all of these ways that contributes to our habits or contributes to things that actually get in the way, you know. Um, and uh I mean, I'm so appreciative of of little ones because first of all, they can be so cute and I don't but also because they just you see a a glimpse of like the like almost like the glory of what it means to let go of what you don't know because they have no choice. They're like, I don't know, but this is what I I feel like I should do. And and that's it. And it's the simplicity of that that I feel like everyone learns from children in that in that way.

[28:15] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. And well, you know, it's funny getting into some like it hot as we tap our way there through the doorways that are moving. That was such a crazy dance scene. I think there is this like childlike twinkle to sugar that you sort of nailed that's really sweet and just sparkly when you come on stage, and then there's other layers as well. But that's something I think that kind of drew me to her as an audience member, that childlike twinkle, which is interesting, and certainly something I think very different because it's in your own way, but mirrors the Marilyn of it. And I know when you started the process, they very much did not want it to be the movie. You sort of were looking at Marilyn and Liza Minnelli and um, you know, Lena and other kind of people in that realm to build the role. But how did you authentically kind of bring yourself to it at the end of the day and not feel those pressures, knowing it was gonna be this big blockbuster show?

[29:08] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, um by reminding myself that you are sugar, like honestly. It's funny because the way that I mean, granted, sugar is outside outside, like sugar does have her things, and I'm like, I'm necessarily definitely not bad person. Yeah, however, at her core, we're very similar, like we're and and it's interesting. You know, it's what's been beautiful about this process is like you know, you you have writers who initially are like, No, we want to make her black, and then they bring me onto the scene and they're like learning me and incorporating who I am into the character. Talk about a gift, you know, to be like, Well, a broad original Broadway's show has been being written around me and who I am as a person, and not just this, and it feels it somehow fuels the story to be just me, even though we're making up a character.

[30:02] Adrianna Hicks: You know, like this, the dynamic of that is fascinating and has been such a gift. In this industry, we're like, we play characters, we play people who don't exist. But yeah, but for this, this was very special in that way, because it can really be that in theater. Um, and I think what helped me to bring that was literally that. I mean, they wrote a song that I was like, oh my gosh, that's literally who I was as a kid. This the old majestic Nickel Matinee is probably my favorite song to sing in the show. Because one, I'm tired at that point, and two, it's a real reflection of who I am. And initially starting out, I thought I had to be like I do honestly with any role. And the initial thought is I have to be something that I'm not.

You know, which in the gentlest way, like it's like I'm portraying someone who I am not. Um, but the truth of the matter is it's like, well, you know, that's an interesting paradox to live in because they chose you and what you bring to play the role. So you is a part of it. Um, yeah. So doing that, um, to bring that childlike sparkle and wonder, I just had to tap into um what I've always known, which is like you've always known that you love entertainment. You've always known that you love making movies, and or you've always known that you just love the art form of entertainment. And that is literally sugar in this in the simplest way. And you have dreams, you had dreams, just like she has dreams. Okay. Then just be you. Just be you in the context and the structure of a show and a world that isn't your world. But that could be one of the hardest things to do, right?

[31:51] Adrianna Hicks: Is to just be a good one. 100%. That was the first, that was really hard for me. That was initially very hard for me because I was like, well, you don't want me to be Marilyn Monroe, then who do you want me to be? Like, you know, like, but thank God you don't want me to be a Mary. I cannot do, I can't not her. Like, I cannot do that simply because I'm black. Like, I can't, I mean, but also. Well, you're you, there's only one of her. I mean, there's only one iconic Marilyn Monroe. I'm not, I can't. And um, so it's like, who do you want me to be? I want to be you. Oh, with other inspirations of Judy Garland and Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald. It's like, how do you find yourself amongst now more legends that you get to glean from, you know?

And I found that just by being inspired and placing myself in the world. Like, I wouldn't behave if I'm me in 2023, I'm gonna be like this talking to you. But if I am sugar, you know, in 1930, uh, it was like 1933, around that time, 1932. It's like I would not be dressed this way. I would have makeup on, I would probably have a, you know, my little garter belt, all these things that would change the way that I'm presenting and talking to you. And it's just it was this, it was that that I had to figure out the simplicity of that amongst my own chaotic world, amongst my own, like, you know, insecurities and whatnot.

[33:20] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, the sub the simplicity and the chaos. That's funny too, because every time I go see a Broadway's show, now I think about how when Broadway's first really, I guess, touched people and became popular, everyone would be so dressed up. The same with when they first started going on to wear suits to go fly on a plane. And now I'm sitting on Broadway's and there's, you know, people in jeans, people are testing, uh, you know, there's always all sorts of things happening in the crowd. And I'm like, this is the show. Right. Yeah, so that's kind of a fascinating thing. And that does go back to two, what you said before overseas how the setting inspired kindness as an actor. You can kind of paint it in your head, but once you really have the set, or you're if you're filming on a location, that changes your entire performance, your entire being.

Your entire being is like letting everything else inform you. But in inform you, not you know, transform you. Like I mean, you you know what I mean. Like there is a transformation, but it's like not change you. That's what I mean. Like just like make you something completely different. That's not what it is.

[34:20] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah. Yes, you're wearing the beautiful garments, they're not wearing you. Right. By Greg Barnes. Um fantastic and spectacular. And you know, speaking of the talents working on this show, you kind of round out this amazing trio with Christian Borle and J Harrison Ghee. What have you learned from working alongside them? I mean, one has been just such a Broadway's legend, the other one now is sort of has made his mark in Broadway's history. And as are you, you know, it's kind of an incredible trio there.

[34:53] Adrianna Hicks: It is. I mean, that is a compliment that I am 100% receiving and extended because it's the truth. Like, I mean, my God, what has been like working with them? It's been like one, like first of all, like we're all siblings. It feels like we're all brothers and sisters and just yeah being incredibly goofy in our own way there's like a it's like a bonding that has happened or like a click like you know when you know something just works without doing anything that we have that has been um truly remarkable like I mean it's a blessing when you get that I've learned from them yeah I learned from them what it means to be respectful while being a person um in this industry like being a human being but being kind you know and and also again having an open heart to just living and and not living just for tomorrow or living you know in the world of like you may have a bad day you may have all these things of life happening to you but what it means to be professional and to come to work and to be respectful and loving and caring for others and not just like be in your own world that's what I've really learned from these two individuals these humans are they're um they are true pillars in their own way for our show and I've learned what it means to be a leader in you know in these these two individuals and the in new ways you know I've learned from I've gotten the the opportunity to learn from so many people women and then to have like you know a non-binary human being and and Christian who's like hey I've been in this industry room and this man this white man here but he's like for all three of us to come together and to make it work, that's like another level. And I've and and for us to understand to an extent what it means to be in everybody's shoes. It's been lovely.

[36:58] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah. Yeah. That's an ecosystem for what really love them. We want the world to be like that, right? The three of you absolutely coming together and and just feeling the click of being humans versus focusing on other things, you know, or whatever it may be. And I think that's so special. I guess I would love to know looking at them as these leaders, as you are in the show as well. Have you seen like specific things that they do, or even looking back on your other shows that you've admired other people do to just create a positive environment? I mean, I think sometimes when people walk in there and they're like, hello, I'm this and they go to over the top and perform like we were talking about before.

Sure. It's maybe a different thing, but maybe like the quiet things. Uh with Christian, don't this is what I learned, don't take things so seriously. He is the biggest goofball backstage. And I'm like, it's so fascinating to me that you feel like you can just do that and it's okay. Like in the best way, you know, like him being just the goofiest person. I'm like, we're about to go on stage, what are you doing? But he's like that resonates with me. That was just he's just so yeah, yeah, he's so lighthearted and just like he doesn't take things seriously. He's you know, we talk about him like he's like, Yeah, I have my group of friends, and you know, he's the type of person where he's he's not caught up in all the stuff.

He's just like, I've lived it, I know what it is, and I'm grounded in like I'm just I'm not gonna go to this party, this major event that I will not name that he was like, No, I have a friend that I'm supposed to meet later. Like, it's like out of what? It's just like not taking things seriously. That's what I learned from them.

[38:36] Adrianna Hicks: I learned what I learned from Jimmy. Does that ever spill on? Oh, sorry, onto the stage? Like, do you guys ever get do you ever get the giggles on stage with that? I mean, those are my favorite moments on Broadway's as an audience when you're like of course. And then yeah, of course. And then it's also like he's just like an older brother where you're like, I you cannot, what are you doing? You know, we're like, don't do that. But it's it's great because it loosens me up. I take things very seriously because I'm a very literal person, but I love being surrounded. Like I keep being placed around people who are like, girl, just have the cheesecake, you know, like just go. The Oreo cheesecake. Literally.

Yes, I love it. I love it. And what I learned from Jay, I mean, I love him so much. I he it it's just such a he's what I learned from him is like what it means to be a leader in the sense of not thinking about yourself and and looking at what's in front of you, even though you know you got a lot going on. Um, I mean, talk about a rising star, they're the rising right now, and um, and has always been very talented, very known for his work, but to see him be so mindful of holding other people up, that I I haven't seen that be done in the way that they do it. Um, it's like it's fascinating and it's so effortlessly. It really is because it lets you know the heart of them, like who Jay is, and that just overflows in his daily life when you think like, oh my gosh, they have so much going on, you know. Like, it's just how could you even be mindful of that? But that just lets you know the character, you know.

[40:19] Adrianna Hicks: Um, I've learned that from from Jay for sure. Yeah, you're so right. I mean, even at the Tony's on the world's biggest stage, the most pressure during that time. I mean, I I know the Tony's whole press circuit is its own sort of whirlwind. They kind of made it about everybody to speak. Yeah, you know, I was in the the winner's press room, and when they came in, it was just so magical. And they dropped these Jay isms and just inspired everybody. And I'm like, this is your moment. You could easily just be making it all about you. No about you. No, yeah. Yeah. So aware of what it's doing for the people on the other side of the television sets at home, you know, which is beautiful. I guess looking at the the whirlwind of the show and even the Tony specifically, and what are you doing to kind of give yourself your own Jennifer Holiday self-care package? I mean, how do you take care of yourself when you're in the midst of this giant Broadway's show?

[41:09] Adrianna Hicks: Oh man, um, just listening to my heart, really. Um, and heart meaning like what are my emotions telling me? What are my what are my thoughts that I'm thinking right now? What are, you know, just being more attentive to that, um, and then you know, praying for the need to be filled. Like I we're all we're all human beings, we know that there are needs that we need from time to time, and um, and just being opening my heart to being led to whatever it is I need, whether that's like you're gonna sleep today, you're not gonna do anything, or it's like go take a staycation, go somewhere, or you know, ride the train or go to the museum, or you know, watch this television show, whatever that may be. I mean, it's a list of things, but that I couldn't give you like specific in a specific equation. Um, but it's more so about being open-hearted to um just to being spontaneous and listening to my body, listening to my heart.

[42:08] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, and I know there can be guilt with that too. It's like you're living your dream, you're in a Broadway's show, and then you're waiting for act two to start and maybe you're thinking I wish I was on the couch you know watching this with the popcorn you know but it's okay because we're human I mean that's yeah I'm trying to dismantle all of that the the theologies around all that truly because it's it's like it becomes a job after a while and that's okay like I think anything of value it becomes routine which that's li that's completely normal there's no you know there's no need for a shame or something which make gets me questioning it's like what what taught us that that we should be feel shameful about that you know and what taught us that I I don't know but whatever it is it's not love it definitely isn't love and it definitely isn't um the reality um and the reality is your body is going to get tired in this industry you're going to get to a place where you need to make a check and you're and it just so happens that you're in a amazing show what a blessing that is but it's still just a check at the end of the day.

[42:11] Adrianna Hicks: At the end of the day it's still just another name on the resume. You know it's like which is fantastic but also I mean we all know that that could change at a drop of a hat but if you're it it's just uh it's just letting yourself be and not put again letting stripping away of the performance element of like I have to feel a certain way at every given moment of time in my life that is so not true. I used to try to I used to be that person because away I don't know for whatever reasons I was taught that that is or I believed at one point that that is the way to do life but that it's not there are other ways.

[43:49] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah. There are other ways to do life. Yeah it's real so yeah it's so part of this country right like I'm sorry it it's like uh yeah you know it it we're we're taught to make a name for ourselves I think especially in this industry you have to make a name for yourself and always say yes and just keep going and even when you're kind of thinking you're at the top there's always room to to grow and you gotta just make the most of it and whatever but if you're not kind of treating yourself with kindness and taking a step back and listening to your body like you're saying you're gonna like stop the car while it's moving you know what I mean it's like we gotta re fuel up with gas I don't know what this what these metaphors are but yeah no they're beautiful looking for oh there you looking for the love you know we talk a lot about how everything distills down to those two emotions love or fear and I think maybe fear is what we're talking about people fear they're not gonna be enough or not gonna have a legacy to leave behind or they're not gonna get where they want to go but if you can distill it down to fear you know you're not acting from love and I think love is what ultimately gets you to the place you want to be I don't know if that makes 100% and also the way like we get really caught up in like how we do this business too which is that performance element of it too we feel like we have to again be like I'm so grateful.

[45:06] Adrianna Hicks: I'm so and and therefore I I'm press present myself a certain way behaviorally that's not true either like I get tired and I'm like I don't feel like going on stage but here we go and it's okay um but I know that it's not just for it's not for me like what I do is it what we do is very um uh giving it's a giving, it's a gift giving business.

[45:34] Adrianna Hicks: It's a it's a very much um it's supposed to be selfless in a lot more ways than what we make it to be like selfless and like I'm talking to someone, it's about them in this scene, unless the character is about you, like you know, it's like but there's a correlation between but you have to let go of yourself to listen in order to respond.

[45:55] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, and you have to put the person at the focus.

[45:58] Adrianna Hicks: It's like again, it's it's very selfless in a way.

[46:00] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, an exchange of love and and just listening on a basic, yeah.

[46:05] Adrianna Hicks: You know, I think the world could use a lot more of just listening to each other versus always posting your stuff out into universe and not really exactly, you know, which is kind of like we don't have to get into the strike of it all.

[46:16] Adrianna Hicks: But the sort of a nice thing about the strike is you're not just seeing people being like booked this, did this, did it.

[46:22] Adrianna Hicks: It's like you're seeing more of just people's lives and kind of all coming together, which I think is really wonderful.

[46:29] Robert Peterpaul: You know, you're someone that I've heard self-describe yourself this way, and it comes across just in our interaction, is you're just you just seem so eternally optimistic about life, which I like to be that way too, and hopefully not in a weird toxic way, but I would love to know where you think that comes from.

[46:45] Adrianna Hicks: You know, what kind of keeps you sunshiny, I guess, for the most part.

[46:50] Adrianna Hicks: Oh gosh, I think it's honestly I think it's a source outside of myself.

[46:55] Adrianna Hicks: Like I I like maybe God, honestly.

[46:58] Adrianna Hicks: I I don't um and the joy of knowing that that that my life is not the center of the universe.

[47:06] Adrianna Hicks: Um there are other people here, like you know, like it's not just my world and my story.

[47:15] Adrianna Hicks: Um yeah, but the joy of of releasing because it's something about whenever you do get self-centered and and making life about just you that it is very draining.

[47:28] Adrianna Hicks: Because we, you know, as we come to discover, we're we're messy people.

[47:32] Adrianna Hicks: I mean, like everybody is pretty messed up.

[47:35] Adrianna Hicks: Uh and rightfully so, you know, no judgment.

[47:37] Adrianna Hicks: It just is what it is.

[47:39] Adrianna Hicks: But it's like um, I think knowing that there is, I would like to believe that there is God who is love, who who is um orchestrating all of this beyond what I may understand, um, and what I'm able, what I'll probably never understand in this lifetime that's but a breath, you know.

[47:59] Adrianna Hicks: It's just it's so quick.

[48:01] Adrianna Hicks: It's like how that's beautiful.

[48:03] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, it's like how can being led by seeing me and my friends was actually talking about this the other day.

[48:09] Adrianna Hicks: It's like, well, there is, you know, there's people we go through life and there are like these little glimmers of things that keep us going.

[48:15] Adrianna Hicks: And they may not, they may be big grandiose, they may be very minor and small as as if someone, you know, as small as someone just smiling at you on the street saying hello, whatever it may be, but you know that it's it's always been there and it's always been present and beyond what you are able to comprehend um of how that has affected you to help you keep living, like that's astounding to me.

[48:41] Adrianna Hicks: So it lets me know like, well, whatever this force is, whatever this thing is that is been intentional about making sure that I get exactly what I need when I need it, um, it obviously loves me because it it uses everything.

[48:59] Adrianna Hicks: So I'm going to rest in whoever this person is.

[49:05] Adrianna Hicks: Um, I think it's God, Jesus, me personally, but it's just like I I'm going to rest and trust the leadership of this thing that is made itself known if you just look at it.

[49:19] Adrianna Hicks: You know, it's it's made itself known.

[49:22] Adrianna Hicks: I mean, even in the little things that we don't even think about every day, and the flowers and the trees, and you know, and and the sunshine and things that that we just we take for granted we just we just honestly just are oblivious to at times, which that's normal.

[49:35] Adrianna Hicks: Like, you know, life is more than just the trees and the sun, you know.

[49:38] Adrianna Hicks: It's like it's it's and so many other things, but just laughter, like there's so many things that that are so nuanced and driving this whole thing beyond just what you know, if we're designed for love, if we are love, it's like of course we're gonna be we're gonna be very attentive to things that are outside of that, you know, things that aren't love or things that are just really toxic and negative, and we can easily get our focus on that because we're designed for love.

[50:02] Adrianna Hicks: That is what we are.

[50:04] Adrianna Hicks: But if we take a minute to step back and just rest in that creation of how it's been created, it's like, oh, there's more driving this thing than just me, my ego, than just my world and the stuff that I'm seeing that I have an opinion about.

[50:22] Adrianna Hicks: There's so much more driving that, or you you have a choice to believe that.

[50:26] Adrianna Hicks: Um, and that's and I think that's what gives me my joy.

[50:28] Adrianna Hicks: I think it's it's definitely God, Jesus.

[50:30] Adrianna Hicks: It's just like in and knowing that I can rest and be like, look, I don't know, I don't have to figure it out.

[50:36] Adrianna Hicks: And I'm a person that really tries to figure it out.

[50:38] Adrianna Hicks: I am very equation-minded.

[50:39] Adrianna Hicks: Oh, yeah.

[50:40] Adrianna Hicks: And I'm getting tired.

[50:42] Adrianna Hicks: I mean, Robert, I'm tired of trying to figure it out, you know.

[50:47] Adrianna Hicks: I'm just like, I can't, I can't.

[50:49] Adrianna Hicks: And there's a point, I think everybody gets to that point.

[50:51] Adrianna Hicks: They're like, you know what?

[50:52] Adrianna Hicks: I don't know.

[50:53] Adrianna Hicks: Forget it.

[50:54] Adrianna Hicks: I have no idea.

[50:55] Adrianna Hicks: We're just gonna go.

[50:56] Adrianna Hicks: Like, let's go get a drink.

[50:57] Adrianna Hicks: You know, we get tired.

[50:58] Adrianna Hicks: I know.

[50:59] Adrianna Hicks: And it's in those moments when you're able to see it.

[51:02] Adrianna Hicks: So that's it.

[51:03] Adrianna Hicks: Isn't that so nice?

[51:04] Robert Peterpaul: But that's yeah.

[51:05] Robert Peterpaul: No, thank you for that.

[51:06] Robert Peterpaul: I appreciate so many things about that in you.

[51:08] Robert Peterpaul: And I think there's so much joy in just saying, I don't know.

[51:11] Robert Peterpaul: You know, a lot of people don't like being wrong.

[51:13] Robert Peterpaul: I'm actually embracing that lately, and I'm kind of loving just being like, I don't know.

[51:17] Robert Peterpaul: I had someone on here recently, uh, T Oliver Reed, who's an amazing performer.

[51:21] Robert Peterpaul: And he said, I asked him a question, and he was like, you know what?

[51:24] Robert Peterpaul: I've learned as I got older, I don't know.

[51:27] Robert Peterpaul: Like I can just say, I don't know.

[51:28] Robert Peterpaul: Like I know I'm being recorded, I don't know.

[51:31] Robert Peterpaul: And I just thought that was so powerful, you know, because it is again going back to that society.

[51:36] Robert Peterpaul: But you also touched on something that I love, which is just when I'm getting in my head.

[51:40] Robert Peterpaul: Sometimes I'll look at a tree outside and there's hundreds of leaves, you know, blowing and like whatevering, flossing in the wind.

[51:47] Robert Peterpaul: And it's it just reminds you there's a lot more out there, and we get so insular in this business, which I think can produce the really kind of cocky, confident people we run into in like a negative way sometimes.

[52:00] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, and I have empathy for them because I feel like you're taught to be that way and champion yourself, and then when you get somewhere, you feel like you get somewhere, it can be hard to let everybody in.

[52:09] Adrianna Hicks: So it's it's a balance, but everything you've just said, I think is super helpful.

[52:14] Adrianna Hicks: Oh, that was my pop filter.

[52:15] Adrianna Hicks: I don't really need it actually.

[52:17] Adrianna Hicks: Okay, great.

[52:18] Adrianna Hicks: I thought my P's left, my whole like setup is just falling down before your eyes.

[52:21] Adrianna Hicks: No, no, nobody can see at home.

[52:23] Robert Peterpaul: No, you're fine, you're fine.

[52:25] Adrianna Hicks: But um, yeah, I really appreciate that.

[52:27] Adrianna Hicks: And I appreciate you.

[52:28] Robert Peterpaul: And before I let you go, I would love if we could just play a surprise game really quick.

[52:33] Robert Peterpaul: I promise.

[52:34] Robert Peterpaul: It's like not much of a game, it's uh called the compliment game because you didn't get enough compliments out of this already.

[52:40] Robert Peterpaul: Everyone's beautiful in their own way.

[52:42] Robert Peterpaul: It's the compliments game on me.

[52:43] Adrianna Hicks: Yay, okay, it's the compliment.

[52:46] Adrianna Hicks: Compliment.

[52:47] Adrianna Hicks: Yay.

[52:50] Robert Peterpaul: Adrianna, I reached out to someone in your life for a loving statement about you.

[52:55] Robert Peterpaul: I'm gonna read it to you, and then you have to guess who said it.

[53:01] Robert Peterpaul: Ah so I tell them to keep it short, and I also do ask for a hint because I literally again, I don't know.

[53:07] Robert Peterpaul: Going back to I don't know.

[53:08] Robert Peterpaul: I don't know anything.

[53:09] Robert Peterpaul: So I'm gonna try and help you.

[53:10] Robert Peterpaul: But we'll say you get three guesses.

[53:12] Robert Peterpaul: People freak out if there's no rules, you know.

[53:15] Adrianna Hicks: Okay, I'll read it to you.

[53:17] Adrianna Hicks: This is really sweet.

[53:18] Adrianna Hicks: And this actually has a fun full circle thing that I'll tell you about.

[53:22] Adrianna Hicks: This is beautiful.

[53:23] Adrianna Hicks: Oh my gosh.

[53:25] Adrianna Hicks: Knowing you as long as I have, I've learned that your strength is in your kindness.

[53:31] Adrianna Hicks: Your ability to love is your superpower, and your confidence is the grace you give yourself, which is really sweet.

[53:38] Adrianna Hicks: But I know there's not much in there to maybe let you know who the person is.

[53:42] Robert Peterpaul: So I can give you some hints.

[53:43] Adrianna Hicks: Okay, or you can ask me questions, whatever, whatever you want to do.

[53:48] Adrianna Hicks: Because I think the hint, the hint will give it away, I think.

[53:50] Robert Peterpaul: Okay.

[53:52] Adrianna Hicks: Do you want me to give you the hint?

[53:54] Robert Peterpaul: I would.

[53:55] Adrianna Hicks: Okay, okay.

[53:57] Adrianna Hicks: I know.

[53:57] Adrianna Hicks: This is a um, this person is an actor.

[54:01] Adrianna Hicks: I'm trying not to give you the hint.

[54:02] Adrianna Hicks: Okay, I'll just give you the hint.

[54:05] Adrianna Hicks: Run chicken run.

[54:07] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, it's Sean.

[54:09] Adrianna Hicks: It is Sean McGee.

[54:11] Robert Peterpaul: Oh my god, I figured it was him.

[54:13] Adrianna Hicks: I love him so much.

[54:15] Adrianna Hicks: Oh my gosh, I'm crying.

[54:19] Adrianna Hicks: Thank you, Sean.

[54:20] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you, Sean.

[54:21] Adrianna Hicks: In a weird twist of fate, I feel like I creep on people's Instagrams when I try and do these.

[54:25] Adrianna Hicks: If I don't go through a publicist, yeah.

[54:28] Adrianna Hicks: And I because I was gonna try and ask someone from your show.

[54:30] Adrianna Hicks: And then I just saw I just felt like this was the person to reach out to.

[54:34] Adrianna Hicks: So I sent him a DM.

[54:35] Adrianna Hicks: And then we're going back and forth.

[54:37] Adrianna Hicks: He got right back and was wonderful.

[54:39] Adrianna Hicks: Thank you again, Sean.

[54:40] Adrianna Hicks: And I go on page and I'm like, oh, he was in Jersey Boys, cool.

[54:43] Adrianna Hicks: And I'm starting a run of Jersey Boys in like two weeks.

[54:45] Robert Peterpaul: And so my gosh, I'm doing Jersey Boys.

[54:48] Adrianna Hicks: It's so funny.

[54:49] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah.

[54:49] Adrianna Hicks: Like, wait, I'm starting Jersey Boys and Oh stop.

[54:53] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah, we're in the same Jersey Boys at Music Theater of Connecticut in Jersey.

[54:57] Adrianna Hicks: I am so happy for you both.

[54:59] Adrianna Hicks: Oh my gosh, that's amazing.

[55:01] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, I know.

[55:01] Robert Peterpaul: I know he told me that to why we thought he was gonna do it.

[55:04] Robert Peterpaul: And oh congratulations, Robert.

[55:06] Adrianna Hicks: That's awesome.

[55:07] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you.

[55:07] Robert Peterpaul: Isn't that wild?

[55:08] Robert Peterpaul: It was such a fun coincidence.

[55:10] Adrianna Hicks: Oh I love it.

[55:11] Adrianna Hicks: Nothing's coincidence.

[55:13] Adrianna Hicks: It's like the universe is conspiring with us.

[55:17] Adrianna Hicks: I think that's Andre DeShields.

[55:19] Robert Peterpaul: Maybe I'm stealing that from, but uh I thought that was so fun.

[55:22] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you, Sean.

[55:23] Robert Peterpaul: And thank you.

[55:24] Robert Peterpaul: Before we kind of end this lovely time together, I would love to know if you have maybe a tangible kindness tip or mantra you would like to share with listeners that you think they can incorporate into their day.

[55:35] Adrianna Hicks: Love yourself.

[55:38] Adrianna Hicks: Like love all of you and know that you are loved.

[55:41] Adrianna Hicks: Um and and continue to live in the fullness of what it means to live.

[55:46] Adrianna Hicks: Like feel every feeling, look around you, uh, take it all in and continue to give.

[55:54] Adrianna Hicks: I think that's the best thing I can come up with.

[55:56] Robert Peterpaul: Listen, rewind that.

[55:57] Robert Peterpaul: That's a pep talk right there.

[55:59] Robert Peterpaul: We can listen to that every morning and just feel the joy as I've felt being in your orbit.

[56:03] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you so much for this time.

[56:05] Robert Peterpaul: I am such a fan of yours as a person now, and I'm you know, really grateful that especially now, like the little girl and you these girls can look up to you, and all people just look up to you as a role model because you're a really special person.

[56:16] Adrianna Hicks: So thank you.

[56:17] Adrianna Hicks: Thank you, Robert.

[56:18] Adrianna Hicks: You as well, and thank you for doing this.

[56:20] Adrianna Hicks: It's it's lovely what you've put together, truly.

[56:22] Adrianna Hicks: I know you don't you say you didn't like your voice, but it's great.

[56:22] Adrianna Hicks: It's great.

[56:26] Adrianna Hicks: Exactly what we're supposed to do.

[56:28] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, you're so sweet.

[56:29] Robert Peterpaul: I'm a very self-deprecating person, but you know, I know that about myself.

[56:33] Adrianna Hicks: So it's fine.

[56:34] Adrianna Hicks: Yeah.

[56:35] Adrianna Hicks: Well, break a leg tonight.

[56:37] Adrianna Hicks: You'll also find part of me that I know is I'm really bad at leaving Zoom.

[56:40] Adrianna Hicks: So I will.

[56:43] Adrianna Hicks: Okay.

[56:44] Adrianna Hicks: Thank you.

[56:44] Adrianna Hicks: I appreciate you too.

[56:45] Adrianna Hicks: So have a good one and have a great time in Connecticut.

[56:47] Adrianna Hicks: I'm definitely gonna come see it, obviously.

[56:49] Adrianna Hicks: Oh my gosh.

[56:49] Adrianna Hicks: Yay!

[56:50] Adrianna Hicks: Okay, cool.

[56:51] Adrianna Hicks: I can't wait to see you in person.

[56:52] Robert Peterpaul: All right, see her.

[56:53] Robert Peterpaul: Have a good one.

[56:54] Adrianna Hicks: All right, bye.

[56:55] Adrianna Hicks: Thank you.

[57:02] Robert Peterpaul: And now it's time for your kindness tip of the week.

[57:10] Robert Peterpaul: Today's kindness tip is inspired by my grandpa, my popop.

[57:14] Robert Peterpaul: I've been so fortunate to have all four of my grandparents my whole life.

[57:18] Robert Peterpaul: Unfortunately, my pop recently passed away.

[57:22] Robert Peterpaul: There are so many things I want to do to honor his incredible legacy.

[57:26] Robert Peterpaul: And I think it starts with sharing lessons I learned from this amazing person.

[57:31] Robert Peterpaul: One of the biggest ones was how to love quietly.

[57:35] Robert Peterpaul: Growing up, my popop's wife, my Nona, was always shining in the spotlight, showering us kids with big, showy kinds of love.

[57:44] Robert Peterpaul: She'd take my cousins and I on extravagant shopping sprees, order the entire menu at the local Chinese restaurant on ready days, and we would just eat it all and watch movies.

[57:54] Robert Peterpaul: She was amazing.

[57:55] Robert Peterpaul: And she is amazing still.

[57:57] Robert Peterpaul: Meanwhile, my popop was often on a walk or gardening in the backyard.

[58:03] Robert Peterpaul: He gave off a quieter kind of love.

[58:05] Robert Peterpaul: This was seen in the way he taught you how to properly water the hydrangeas or safely wield sea glass into a stained glass piece of art in his workshop in the basement.

[58:17] Robert Peterpaul: While my beautiful Nona was shining in the spotlight, Popop was holding the spotlight up.

[58:24] Robert Peterpaul: You could tell he always loved shining it on her, and then when you had alone time with him, he'd be sure to shine it on you too.

[58:31] Robert Peterpaul: Your kindness tip of the week is to love quietly.

[58:45] Robert Peterpaul: But giving someone one on one attention and telling them how special they are in a quiet moment is really powerful too.

[58:59] Robert Peterpaul: And I thank you so much for being here with me and sharing some of your time with me.

[59:07] Robert Peterpaul: And until next time, hope you remember everything is going to be a okay.