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 sky a better place to be. I'm Robert Peterpaul, and I'm so glad you're here.

[0:35] Robert Peterpaul: Hello, listeners. Oh wow, I have missed you. Last time we shared space, I was engaged to the all-around beautiful Cassie Carroll. And now. Drum roll, please. I'm married to the lovely Cassie Peterpaul! Ah! We did it! We did it, fam! I know you're here for our interview with the wonderful Kate Reinders, but please indulge a married guy for a brief cliché-filled recap.

[1:04] Robert Peterpaul: In short, our wedding day was the most incredible day of my life. I was crying like a big old baby the entire time. It was just such a dream to be surrounded by almost everyone we love in this crazy world. A dream come true. Our reception was at the Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut, which is like something out of a romance novel. Literally, it was an old lace factory. The space is all charming wooden floors, exposed brick, and oversized windows. The whole team there was incredible from executing the cake of our dreams, which was pumpkin chocolate chip, by the way, to hanging Edison bulbs from the ceiling. It was just amazing.

[1:43] Robert Peterpaul: Shout out to Cassie's cousins, Michaela and Olivia, who helped decorate the space for us. They have a company called Connecticut Picnic Co., which you should check out if you're local. I'm going to share a bit more about our wedding after the interview during your kindness tip of the week section. So if you're craving more, be there. Right after the wedding, we jetted off to LA, Lala Land. I worked on a new film there, came back to New York City to work on a new musical, participated in a concert at the iconic 54 Below, which my incredible friend Michaela Patrilla, hey, produced to raise funds for Planned Parenthood. Then I presented that new show, and then y'all. We adopted two gorgeous little kittens.

Woo! Livin' the dream, I'm a dad. I am a dad. We welcomed two adorable kittens from Chaos Kitten Club here in Connecticut. Head to Instagram at Robert Peterpaul and at Art of Kindness Pod to meet Winnie and Honey. Yes, Winnie like Winnie the Pooh, but also you know me like Hocus Pocus. Ow! They're so small and sweet. They are the sweetest. And they're literally running all over the apartment right now, so I should probably get this show on the road. Can you hear them? I don't know if you can, but they're playing and it's adorable.

[2:55] Robert Peterpaul: Today's guest is actress, singer, and Broadway star Kate Reinders. Kate was raised far from the bright lights of Broadway in Spring Lake, Michigan. One summer changed her life forever when she attended a theater camp thanks to the support of her parents. Flash forward, Kate is now a bona fide Broadway star, baby. In 2001, she made her debut in the short-lived Broadway musical comedy, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, as a swing and understudy for characters Amy Lawrence and Becky Thatcher, played by none other than Kristen Bell, fun fact. I actually saw it. She then joined the 2002 Broadway revival of Into the Woods as an understudy. Her first starring role came in the 2003 revival of Gypsy as June.

She then went on to play Caroline in the 2005 jukebox musical Good Vibrations. Good vibrations! Later that year, Kate was pretty popular. She played Glinda in the Chicago production of Wicked, alongside Ana Gasteyer as Elphaba, for which she received glowing reviews. Kate went on to replace Megan Hilty as Glinda in the Broadway production and then to star in several other Broadway shows as well. On Broadway, Kate is perhaps most known for originating the role of Portia in the 2015 musical comedy Something Rotten, which is one of my favorites. On screen, Kate has been seen in shows like Ugly Betty, Modern Family, and Anger Management. As of 2019, fans know her best for playing drama teacher Miss Jenn in the hit Disney Plus show, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

Kate and I discuss her role as a champion of dreams, both on and off screen, advice for aspiring musical theater performers, acts of kindness along the way, and much more. If you enjoyed this episode, please don't be shy. Leave us a five-star review wherever you listen to podcasts. I'd really appreciate it. Now without further ado, please welcome the kind Kate Reinders. Not reindeers, Reinders.

[5:11] Kate Reinders: Hi!

[5:12] Robert Peterpaul: Hi, how are you?

[5:13] Kate Reinders: Oh, you're so cute. I love your setup.

[5:15] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, thank you. This is just a random corner of our apartment.

[5:19] Kate Reinders: Yes.

[5:19] Robert Peterpaul: Where are you? Are you in California or New York?

[5:22] Kate Reinders: No, I'm in Salt Lake.

[5:23] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, nice! Salt Lake City.

[5:26] Kate Reinders: Oh, that's amazing. I've always wanted to go there. We're starting a season four.

[5:30] Kate Reinders: Well, we've sort of I mean we've started like pre-production stuff. Um, but we officially start shooting on Tuesday.

[5:38] Robert Peterpaul: That's so exciting.

[5:39] Kate Reinders: I know.

[5:41] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. So I won't make you sit here while I do this long, probably very complimentary bio about you and all the amazing things that you've done. I'll do that later on.

[5:50] Kate Reinders: Because I feel like I would feel weird.

[5:51] Robert Peterpaul: Let's not that mine would be anything like that.

[5:53] Kate Reinders: No, well, I mean, I just feel old because it's like, oh, right, I did do that. Yeah, that was a long time ago.

[5:58] Robert Peterpaul: Accomplished, accomplished and thriving. And I think what I appreciate most about you is you're just such a bright light in this industry, and across the board from theater to TV, you've kind of kept that light. And when I see you, I just get the warm fuzzies and I feel excited. So it's a rare quality.

[6:14] Kate Reinders: Well, same, same. I mean, takes one to know one, right?

[6:17] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, that's very sweet of you. Thank you. But before I just keep complimenting you this whole time, I would love to know, which I could do. I would love to know how are you at receiving compliments?

[6:29] Kate Reinders: Oh, I've gotten better. Um, you know, it's one of those things. I guess maybe I'm not still not that good because I always say, Oh, except this, oh, but that, oh, but whatever. But um, but I try to be better because people are just trying to give you love, right?

[6:46] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, yeah.

[6:47] Kate Reinders: So let them love you.

[6:49] Robert Peterpaul: I love that.

[6:51] Kate Reinders: I say that to myself, though. I mean, as much as you isn't that a song, let them love. Oh no, it's like it's let me love you, but let them love you. Maybe we could remix that for season four the new season.

[7:01] Kate Reinders: It is true because I feel like when you give someone else a compliment, you want them to hear it and take it in, and it is an act of love. And so when they kind of deflect it, it's you're like, no, come on, just take it. But then you get one, and it's the same thing, whether it's at the stage door, or I'm sure you get a lot of complimentary comments on your social media. It's just a weird thing. But you know, I think it's part of kindness. And before we kind of start our conversation, looking at your career through the lens of kindness today, I would love to know what is your definition of kindness.

[7:29] Kate Reinders: Showing love. And now it could just be love for the world, love for all of humankind, um, love and respect.

[7:40] Robert Peterpaul: I love that. Because it's so simple. And I think at the end of the day, that's what kindness is. It just boils down to love. You know, they say there's two emotions, right? Just love and fear. Is that what it is?

[7:48] Kate Reinders: Oh, that makes sense, but that's exactly right, right?

[7:53] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. To be kind to someone is just where you choose.

[7:56] Kate Reinders: Yes, whether you choose to live your life in love or in fear. Um, really, because you can be kind to anyone.

[8:04] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[8:04] Kate Reinders: At any time, even if they're not being kind to you, right?

[8:08] Robert Peterpaul: That's what's hard, right?

[8:09] Kate Reinders: Oh, yeah. Although I am not a good fighter, I am definitely a flighter.

[8:14] Robert Peterpaul: Uh-huh.

[8:16] Kate Reinders: My fiancé laughs at me. She's like, even when you think you're if someone you know makes me angry or does something or cuts me off, she's like, even when you think you're like giving it back to someone, it's still like friendly. Like, I'm like, bless you. Like it's like yes, yes.

[8:31] Robert Peterpaul: No, yeah. No, my husband says that too when I say, Oh, I'm sorry to be a bitch, but and then sorry, I don't know if I can say that word. But then he's like, um, yeah, he's like, Yeah, you thinking you're a bitch is actually nicer than most people. So yeah, just prefacing it, which is tough. But I do feel like in the arts, even especially when you are such a genuine positive person, which I think you are, it's it's like sometimes that's even met with skepticism. You know, people don't think you're being genuine when you come in and you're very positive and kind. They think you're just trying to get something.

[9:01] Kate Reinders: Right.

[9:02] Robert Peterpaul: Which is a tricky thing to figure out when you are not that kind of person. I mean, I definitely, you know, when you go into show business, people say most of it is playing the game or networking or whatever. And I have never been good at that. And um, but you're right. And if I try to just, I feel like sometimes if I'm just being myself, people think I am trying to do that. But no, I really have no idea. I'm really just interested in everyone. And um, yeah, I don't know. It's you know, it's tricky because sometimes you you think, oh, yeah, well, you know, they say the nice guy finishes last, right? Um, but I don't know about that. I think the nice guy maybe finishes happy or you know, with friends, surrounded by loved ones.

[9:53] Kate Reinders: It's like the that quote at the end of Willy Wonka, right? Where what does he say? What what happened to the man that got everything he ever wanted? He lived happily ever after. I think it's kind of like the nice guy doesn't always immediately get the happy ending, but in the end, there's always research now that shows there's a book, I think it's called Give and Take, and it shows now that even in the business world, people that are really kind are the ones that ultimately have the most success versus like the cutthroat people that you think would.

[10:18] Robert Peterpaul: So the research is there.

[10:20] Kate Reinders: Well, oh good. Well, it's scientific.

[10:22] Robert Peterpaul: Well, I am just I am a scientist. I am yeah, I am a scientist. I am trying to, I am trying to raise my son in a way to be kind. But it is it is tricky though, um, because I've had problems personally with the difference, the fine line between being kind and being a doormat or a pushover, or you know, that's whole that whole fine line. So it's hard to, you know, being assertive and kind is tricky, yeah.

[10:50] Kate Reinders: And I am still trying to work on that.

[10:52] Robert Peterpaul: It's hard. I think it's all about balance like everything else in life. It's trying to stand in the middle of the seesaw in a weird way. But I do think your seesaw was fashioned, I guess to have a really clunky transition in a beautiful way by your parents growing up. Because from what I've I've read about you when you grew up in not Salt Lake, but Spring Lake, Michigan, I believe I heard your mom kind of started out early on by giving you this beautiful act of kindness that kind of unlocked your love for the arts. Was it, you know, by signing you up for camp, I think?

[11:22] Kate Reinders: Yes, yes, she did. Well, I mean, this is the thing. I was very small, right? Although before I was always small, but I started, but I sang in the church choir, and um, you know, like my mom played the piano for the children's choir, and my brother was in it, he was five. So I would have to just go while they had rehearsal, and I was three, and I guess I would sing from the pews very, very loudly. So then they let me be in the choir. So I was singing, I was um I was dancing from a young age, and that was because I tried to play soccer like my brother, but I was just not good. And I'm very small, and then and I started, I was starting to get hurt. Um but you tried.

[12:05] Kate Reinders: I but I tried. So I really I'm fine sitting on the bench, I don't mind. I just want to be on the team.

[12:10] Robert Peterpaul: Uh-huh.

[12:10] Kate Reinders: But so then my mom said, How about we try ballet? And then I just loved ballet because I love the combination of the music with the movement with everything. But you know, I did get in trouble a little bit because I like to talk. And so uh not big trouble, but you know, in ballet loves to talk. So then my mom said, There's this summer day camp, and um it has singing and dancing, and then it says acting and also has like mask making, and it and I was like, sign me up. That sounds like everything I love.

[12:45] Kate Reinders: And sure enough, it was everything I loved, plus all the friends I made.

[12:50] Robert Peterpaul: That's so beautiful because a lot of people don't have that support from their parents early on. So the fact that she kind of unlocked it for you and led you there by seeing by observing how you were acting is really cool.

[13:01] Kate Reinders: Well, you're very lucky. My mom was also um a theater person.

[13:05] Kate Reinders: Oh, there we go. Um yeah, she did theater in college, and yeah, and she was, I'm sure she was great. I wish I wish we had like you know, phones to make video ever of everything back then just because I wish I could have seen what she did, but she's and stuff. Um, but yes, I was so lucky that they really supported me. And um, and she wow, I mean, she would drive me to all the rehearsals and she would wait for me. And they never pressured me, they never pushed me. So um, in fact, I feel I mean they were great with me being so bossy because I was a bossy one.

[13:47] Kate Reinders: Yeah, you got you kind of led the leash on that one, which is yeah, I would say, Mom, will you find out what shows they're doing around here? And she'd say, Okay, well, you know, in the vegan civic theater is doing this, and this one's doing this, and I'd be like, all of them. I'm gonna audition all of them.

[14:01] Robert Peterpaul: That's so cute. I we sound very similar because even when I would go to Blockbuster as a kid or the video store, which certainly kind of dates me a little bit too.

[14:08] Kate Reinders: It's like I'd go up to the counter with my parents and I would make them, they didn't even have the computer yet, it was all in the book still. So they'd pull out this big binder and I would say, please tell me all your Julie Andrews movies or whatever it was. And I would make them go through the whole list and I would make my parents rent each movie, and then they'd have to like watch it in time, bring it up. I would record the tapes onto another tape, which was kind of like illegal, but that's fine. We're not saying anything. Um, we are kindred spirits.

[14:36] Robert Peterpaul: Yes.

[14:36] Kate Reinders: Yes, anything Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, but I would do um, I would like run up to the TV and quick put a tape in and record. So I would have like almost the full version of Sound of Music forever and ever and ever. And my tape basically like stopped working because I've done that to so many movies.

[14:58] Robert Peterpaul: Yes.

[14:59] Kate Reinders: Me too, Julie Andrews. I mean, she was my—I just I wish, you know, I wanted to sing like her. I wanted to be, I wanted to be like her. I love her so much.

[15:06] Robert Peterpaul: I know that elegance. Um, you do exude a Julie quality, which is really wonderful about you.

[15:14] Kate Reinders: In a unique way. And some, you know, some K chan, like there's a lot of like really cool things about you that you kind of you can't really pinpoint, but you make your own. So I think that's why you have your own light now, which is amazing. But I used to take it further. I would like trace the cover of the VHS so I could make my own cover onto the boot like it was kind of sick. I had my own business.

[15:35] Robert Peterpaul: I think that is just—you were an entrepreneur.

[15:41] Kate Reinders: Thank you. I'm gonna think I'm gonna quote you and put that on my website when I um apply for a job.

[15:46] Robert Peterpaul: No, I think that's so beautiful. And I guess, you know, so as you enter the industry and you start to audition and kind of discover there is a business side to it too. Do you feel like there are any acts of kindness that kind of stand out along the way as sort of like changing your trajectory?

[16:02] Kate Reinders: Oh, yes. Well, my whole um everything started because there was a summer stock theater where I grew up called Cherry County Playhouse. And the producer of that theater, um so the first—so that summer that I did the um the day camp, theater day camp, the woman who was in charge of it was supposed to find them kids for Gypsy. The Cherry County Playhouse was doing Gypsy, starring Rita Moreno, okay? Casual. I know, right? And her daughter was playing Louise, it was amazing. Um, but so she actually talked to my mom and said they're looking for kids for this, and I think Kate should audition. And my mom said, Well, actually, we're gonna be out of town that weekend, so she can't. And then I guess the next week or something, her name is Judy Johnson.

And then Judy called—Alliteration, JJ. I know, right? And she, I mean, years and years of shaping my life, she had, but so she, but this was the first act of kindness, right? So then she called my mom and said, uh, I know she missed the auditions, and we have a bunch of good kids, but I still think she'd be great in this. So I just want you to bring her to the first rehearsal. And so she kind of snuck me in.

[17:17] Robert Peterpaul: Wow.

[17:17] Kate Reinders: And um, but you know, there was like the group of kids, and they hadn't decided which kids were playing what yet. And um, and so then I ended up being a newsboy, um, who the one the sailor who does cartwheels. I don't know if everybody always does that, but I did cartwheels. And um, but then the choreographer of that Gypsy was going to—oh, he told the producer, Neil Rosen, he apparently, I mean, I was not there allegedly, he said to him, Next year you should do Annie, and I think you should get this girl to do Annie.

[17:51] Robert Peterpaul: Wow.

[17:52] Kate Reinders: So then, of course, I didn't know that anybody had said this. So when they announced they were doing Annie, I was so excited. I was so nervous. I auditioned, they called, and you know, like he calls and he talks to your mom, right? So I was just sitting there looking just like, what is the answer? What is the answer? And then when she told me I got it, I would just like screamed and cried, I was so happy. And um, and yeah, and that was the beginning of him being kind to me every summer. He would do shows with kids in them. I know for the local kids, right? To be able to participate, but he did all the really good ones. Mainly, I mean, yeah, I guess for me. So he did Secret Garden and Annie Warbucks and uh Wizard of Oz.

Um, and then you know, I was like one of the one of the kids in Evita, the little like please gentileva, or whatever the words are. Um, and one of the kids in uh in Sound of Music, and you know, so I wasn't always the lead, but he definitely um, yeah, so Judy was kind. He was kind. Oh.

[18:58] Robert Peterpaul: He introduced me to my first agent.

[19:02] Kate Reinders: Wow, that's a big deal. And the man who was my Daddy Warbucks, uh, went in that Annie. His name is Alan Fitzpatrick, and he um he introduced me to his agent in New York, which is how I got my first jobs too. And he actually let me sublet his apartment.

[19:20] Robert Peterpaul: Oh my Daddy Warbucks.

[19:22] Kate Reinders: Like when I'm incredible is that. So I'm just telling, I mean, it's so much kindness, isn't it?

[19:29] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[19:29] Kate Reinders: My whole life is. And um, although, you know, when we started High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, uh, Tim, who is such a leader, obviously, in all ways, he said to the kids um around the table, and you know it's always like the kids and me and Tim, like mom and dad and the kids. Um, but he did say to them, I just want to let you guys know that um at a certain point everybody is very talented and everyone here is very, very talented. And he said, But longevity in a long career, he said the key is being kind, you know, being a pleasure to work with. And um, and he said that's one of the reasons they could he hired me too, because he—well, he'd known me for 20 years, but we weren't close or anything. But then he did talk to Casey Nicolaw, because they're good friends. And he said, Do you know, do I want Kate? And I guess Casey said, if you get Kate, you will have a mother on set.

[20:30] Robert Peterpaul: So I mean, I mean, what a great person to get a recommendation from.

[20:35] Kate Reinders: Well, that too, but I just I mean, it's one of those things where you're like, did I get it because I was good? Did I get it because I am a good person? And it's like, yes, as yes, and especially at a certain point, like Tim said, when everybody is good, everybody has something special to give. But then if you're between the two people and you're not sure about that, or you've heard something not great about that one person, wouldn't you rather work with the person who's gonna be the mom? I mean, I hope they don't mind that I am totally their mother.

[21:08] Robert Peterpaul: Well, you're good across the board, which is an important thing to be, like you're saying. And I think that's so wonderful that he said that, because then you hear things where you know, certain television shows or movies don't really care. They just want the big name and they'll put up with the behavior, whatever it is.

[21:23] Kate Reinders: So they no, and they really you're right, and they really don't. And I think too, I have you know, those moments and that I look back on and I think, oh, if I would have pushed here, or if I would have done that, or if I would have tried to like be more like that person, maybe I could have. But no, we all have our own, you know, our journeys for a reason. And um, and no, and I just I couldn't imagine being in a better place and a better show and a better job. I mean, I just love it so much. I'm so lucky.

[21:53] Robert Peterpaul: You really grew it because you said you knew Tim for 20 years, and it's not like you were that person pushing and maybe acting a certain way. It's it's if it is a game, it's a long game. And that's just because it's about building relationships and I'm learning too now. It's really just making friends and connecting with humans on this earth. And you might not get that job, but maybe a couple of years later they'll remember you for another job and just what it is.

[22:15] Kate Reinders: And the thing is when you're young, what so 20 years ago, yes, maybe I wasn't that person yet that um that tough, you know, what do we call it? I was ambitious, but not, you know what I mean, like ambitious with a capital A or something. Um, but uh, but I can say, I mean, now I just sound so old and I don't mean to be lecturing, but I think when you're that age, you think all I want is the job, all I want is the career. This is you know, that's the end game. That's what I'm trying to get. But when you get to be my age, you look back and you realize maybe you could have gotten that and maybe you would have done that, but that doesn't guarantee happiness for sure and um, and really it's all yes it's all the people you meet it's all the friends you collect and and the yeah and the the world you're in not the job you're doing yeah and just kind of striving to be happy where you are versus you know it's good to have goals but not getting caught up in how you'll feel when you meet that goal because you're never gonna—that's the thing I mean for me too I understand it was like if only I get to Broadway okay then if only I get a role on Broadway okay if only I get a lead on if only I I get a lead in a new show you I mean it's just it doesn't end.

[23:36] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, it just keeps going and you know what what's really cool about you I think is that you made your Broadway debut as a swing right so in what The Adventures of Tom Sawyer which I did see even though it was short-lived we saw it I don't I think we saw did you cover like Kristen Bell's track is that who was?

[23:36] Kate Reinders: Yes, I covered all the girls but you did not see me because I did not go on on Broadway.

[23:56] Robert Peterpaul: Okay then I yeah we see the question because we were open for like two weeks, four weeks so quick I just remember that amazing uh death scene where he fell from like or something that was my first boyfriend Kevin Durand he literally fell for you he could he is six foot seven wow I am five foot two I had no idea he was but talk about kindness I mean he is he I don't know if you'd like me but he is a gentle giant I mean just such a and all we cast is like the villain, right? Because he's six foot seven.

[24:32] Kate Reinders: Isn't that funny? It's also funny how we see ourselves. We're like, I'm such a positive kind person. I'm gonna go for these roles. And it's like, actually, you could be this. You could be, you know. So I think that's cool.

[24:43] Kate Reinders: I am dying to play. I always wanted to be on Law and Order, but like as the prosecutor or as I don't know, like a tough, I don't know.

[24:52] Robert Peterpaul: It's tough.

[24:53] Kate Reinders: I'm never gonna play those parts. I it's okay. I'm really happy being what I am.

[24:59] Robert Peterpaul: I know. And let me tell you, I did I just went in for Law and Order, definitely didn't get it. But it's it's a pain. You gotta wear a suit, you gotta show up, you gotta be all serious. And it would be amazing to get that. But you know, I mean, I once I once auditioned for it. Um, and it was for like a new lawyer or something, and I was so excited. And I mean, I know it, I know I know what it sounds like, I know how to say it. This is like right and I can anyone corroborate that. I mean, I'm into it. And then my agent called me and said, Um, okay, so I got the feedback, and she said, You were really great and you really understand the world, but you're too blonde and your voice is too high. You will never be. And I was like, Oh but you're right, but you're right. And guess what? Because I what because I am blonde with a high voice, it's worked out in other ways.

[25:50] Kate Reinders: Yes. And you never know, maybe you'll go back later on, and it just it's all it's all you kind of showing the world who you are and letting them come to you, I think, versus trying to fit into that mold. So I'm glad you didn't dye your hair, deepen your voice.

[26:02] Robert Peterpaul: But you know what, but I you know, I almost wanted to. And when I was young, that was exactly it, right? I mean, I don't know how you felt, but when I would go into auditions, it was like, if only I can be, if I can figure out what to wear that's the right thing, if I can figure out exactly what they're looking for, and uh, and I think it was more TV that really helped me realize that it's better to just know who you are or put say this is this role on me. If that's what you're looking for, great. If it's not, that's fine. But this is me, and this is the role on me. Because honestly, if you're not true to yourself, I think back on all those auditions where I was doing what I thought they wanted. And I think, oh, if I had done what was true to me, who knows? Maybe that would have been what they wanted.

[26:49] Kate Reinders: Yeah.

[26:49] Robert Peterpaul: Never know. Because then at least you're showing them who you are and the essence of you, and then they might remember you more authentically for something else versus just saying, oh, they're another one. That was fine, but they're another one on the bus.

[27:00] Kate Reinders: Yes. Why do we want to be beige, you know?

[27:04] Robert Peterpaul: Exactly.

[27:04] Kate Reinders: When we're meant to be the rainbows.

[27:07] Robert Peterpaul: I don't know.

[27:08] Kate Reinders: Yeah, we are.

[27:09] Robert Peterpaul: But I I think we had a similar thing. I kind of, well, not really because my journey has been different, but I booked Susico on Broadway when I was little, and then it closed before I got to go on.

[27:18] Kate Reinders: Oh my gosh, you would have been so cute.

[27:23] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, well, maybe my mom thinks so. But don't you feel like that's such a weird way to start out? Like you get there, you go through the process, and then you're like, this is it. I'm not, I'm not on Broadway. And then it kind of ends, and it's such a unique lesson early on, I feel like.

[27:38] Kate Reinders: Well, my Tom Sawyer, I mean, even I don't know if you know this, but we did a workshop or whatever, and I was one of the girls on stage. I was one of the ensemble girls covering Becky Thatcher. And then between that and Broadway, they called and they said, Oh, we um we actually we need to cut, we have to cut a man, a woman, a boy, and a girl from the ensemble. But we would like to move you to be an off-stage swing and cover everybody, including, you know, still Becky, blah, blah, blah. And I mean, I guess, I guess I must have been sad about it, but I remember just saying, I'm just so glad I'm still in the show because those other people got cut.

[28:20] Kate Reinders: And um, and so yeah, I think you're presented with those opportunities, right? To look at it in a good way or a bad way. And I definitely was like, yay, I'm still in the show. And then it happened to you again with Into the Woods, which I think is so interesting. And you were, I mean, being a swing is I think it's like one of the hardest jobs in the arts world.

[28:40] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, it's absolutely the hardest.

[28:43] Kate Reinders: And luckily I did it when I was young because I was fearless. But now I think I would just have a heart attack and lose years off my life. Yeah. Right, but back then I was like, my brain is so smart, and I can like memorize everybody's numbers and go all the places. But yes, Into the Woods seems to be wild. And then you well, and I want to respect your time. So there's a lot of stuff in between. But then, you know, I think you're certainly still well known for Wicked in a lot of ways because of your unique and very signature turn as Glinda. And I we have a lot of you know, performers that listen to the show. And so I thought kind of a cool thing to learn from you might be how you make a character that's so iconic, unique. If you have any advice for that, going in for a role that has already really had its stamp and made and kind of honoring that, but also bringing yourself to it.

[29:35] Kate Reinders: And you know what? I love that you asked that. Um, because actually, and thank you for saying that, but the truth of that is I was so young. Um, I was 25, and which might be old for some of you listeners. Um it's young. But um yeah, when I first, first of all, I had to fight to get that audition. Um, because at first they said, uh I was doing Dainty June at the time and they said June is not Glinda, but I would go to I would go to Angus, which doesn't exist anymore after the shows, and people would say, Can I get your autograph? And they would hand me a Wicked playbill. And I'd have to say, I'm not, I'm sorry, I'm not, I'm not Kristen Chenoweth. I mean, I guess I could have just forged it and then they could have been like, Yay, we got Kristen's autograph.

But I was so I said, I said, no, no, Dainty June will not be playing Glinda. I will be playing Glinda. Please just let me try. If I try, and you say no, that's one thing, but just let me try. So then I got uh one of the guys in Gypsy, his girlfriend wife worked there anyway. I got in on like the pre-screen of the pre-screen of the pre-screen list. I went in, they said come back. I went in again. They said, okay, can you wait till the afternoon when the team shows up? Yes, I can. Um, but oh my point of this is that I'd never seen Kristen Chenoweth do it. I'd never seen Wicked at all. Well, it was it was new and I'd been working. So I was, you know, doing my own shows and um and I'd actually never seen Kristen do anything because when I grew up, we didn't have the internet like that.

The bootlegs. And so when I auditioned, I did do my own thing, but it was sort of almost accidental because I didn't, I didn't have something to to, you know, replicate in my mind. But then when I went into the show and we started rehearsals, you know, with a role that's been, like you said, uh it's it's very specific, and they teach you how to replace it, or at least that's what happened then, because it was still new. Um, and so then I did, I tried to do everything they wanted me to do. And I guess it was probably what that was. And then Joe Mantello did come up to me at one point and he said, uh, what do you do? I want you to do what you did at your audition. What do you do? You're like, don't do that. Do what you're doing at your audition. And by that point, I could not remember what I had done at my audition.

[32:06] Kate Reinders: Yeah, that's hard. Right? I couldn't remember. And so I, you know, part of me is like, it's great that I did it when I was so young because again, fearless and you know, just loving it. And but had I been a little bit older, I think I would have had the confidence to hold on to what made me me. So thank you for saying that I did my own version of Glinda, but I think it was a little bit, you know, it was stuck in the middle of who I would be and who I thought they wanted me to be.

[32:40] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah. Um yeah, had I done it later, or you know, I would have just been like, this is what's funny on me. Trust me. But back then it was definitely whatever you want, whatever you want. Uh-huh. Yeah, you that just need to please. And that I feel for all these people I know trying to get into Wicked and and I know in the show, being Glinda, especially because, you know, take popular, which I've I've watched your bootleg and it's amazing. But it's every second you're expected to land a joke and a specific movement. And it's it's a lot. And if you're in the business, you're almost like, oh my gosh, that's so much. So it's it's a good idea.

[33:12] Kate Reinders: No, and some of the gestures, and that's the thing. Some of the gestures don't feel natural on you, but it's choreography sort of. So you yeah, I mean, yeah. So for everyone, going into a role that is already established is tricky. And um, try to find that it's almost like being an understudy though, too, right? When you're an understudy or a standby, you do need to you need to go where they go, do what they do, and you don't want to mess up the people around you.

[33:39] Robert Peterpaul: Uh-huh.

[33:40] Kate Reinders: Right. So you want to respect the performance of the person that you're filling in for, but at the same time, you want to find a way to make it authentic and make it real. Which is I think involves a lot of kindness. People lift you up when you're an understudy in a swing. And uh, you know, there's a lot of people out there before we get into High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, which I can't not smile when I say because it's just such a brilliant title.

[34:04] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah.

[34:05] Kate Reinders: It's such a fun title. I do want to just ask you one thing, and it it relates because there are so many people out there right now. And I'm sure on your show, I'm I'm sure some of the kids have come up to you and maybe asked you about it, who maybe think they have to emulate you when they're auditioning for a regional or school production of something Ryan, which you so brilliantly originated the role of Portia. I saw you and and you were so sparkling and hilarious in that, and I love that show so much.

[34:30] Robert Peterpaul: Thank you.

[34:31] Kate Reinders: So I love it too. It's ah it's such an amazing show. I guess for the podcast's sake, do you have a memory of sort of an act of kindness from that time, which could even be how you kind of treated yourself through such a long and taxing work week on Broadway?

[34:47] Kate Reinders: Oh, that's that's good. Um, well, when you first said acts of kindness, though, I did think instantly of John Cariani, because um John Cariani who played Nigel, uh, he is just, he is a living act of kindness. And he is so sweet, and he would just, he would just leave me, you know, random cards or notes or something. And um, and for everyone, I think, too. I mean, he was just one of those people who was always paying attention and and watching. But oh, acts of kindness that I did for myself. You know what I I don't know if this counts. But um Heidi and I made our dressing room really cute because we knew we were gonna be in our room a lot because we were both off stage and never together on stage. But so we um we both well, I think we both did it for each other too. We were very kind with um with I don't know, we got to know each other and would yeah, I don't yes. When you have a when we have a dressing room mate, try to be kind to them. It makes a big difference.

[35:58] Robert Peterpaul: And look at you both now. You both ended up on Disney Plus. Heidi was in the Freaky Fridays musical.

[36:04] Kate Reinders: I mean Yes.

[36:06] Kate Reinders: Um, yeah, she was great. I saw her in La Jolla do it too. Um, but what other acts of kind, but you know what? Uh if you really want to know who is like the queen of acts of kindness, it is Bernadette Peters.

[36:24] Kate Reinders: So um, and Tim and I said that too, because when we were 22, you know, our example of uh the uh a leader on Broadway was Bernadette, and she could not have been kinder. She knew everybody's name from every usher to every kid to every parent, probably. Um and she would just, you know, pop by and ask me how my day was going. And just wonderful person.

[36:51] Robert Peterpaul: I have heard that I had a actually my friend was Baby June, Heather Tepe.

[36:55] Kate Reinders: I love her.

[36:56] Kate Reinders: You're not yes, I did an off-hour show when I was little.

[36:59] Robert Peterpaul: Oh that's so funny. I'm sorry maybe I saw you in Gypsy too. Who knows? Did you see her? Did you see didn't she do like Ninja Warrior or something?

[37:06] Kate Reinders: One of those shows where she did see that on like Facebook. She is she is amazing. She could do anything.

[37:11] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah she was fantastic.

[37:12] Kate Reinders: She yes she was in the show she is so are you and so is High School Musical: The Musical: The Series we were we were three percent we were big and little I isn't that wild and my fiance actually was this sounds actually really creepy was Baby June when I met her in college it was in college so she wasn't like a kid again anyway I I want to ask you about High School Musical: The Musical: The Series again just can't stop saying that title so you've been playing Miss Jenn since 2019 literally don't need to tell you that you're like I know can you shut up in what in what ways do you feel like this was actually a question from our listener Mads our friend Mads she wanted to know in what ways you kind of feel similar to her and and most different.

[37:12] Kate Reinders: Oh yeah no you are right Mads I am I am very similar to her I sometimes think that I Miss Jenn and I is a very it's blurry um but no she's really sort of me but then turned up a notch I think um maybe it's yeah she's still a little bit more um one of the one of the directors always says be more unhinged be more unhinged I love that word yes so maybe she's not as grounded as I am but that's because Miss Jenn I mean her her youth her family life her mother totally different than mine um her New York experience, different than mine. She does not have a son. A son will really ground you, but also make you really tired so that you can't be can't unhinged because you're just trying to hold on. But no, but we're very alike in that we, I mean, I love those kids.

I'm not acting when I love those kids. And I'm not acting. I'm impressed with, you know, when I am blown away by their talent and when I want to help them. And um, yeah, I would say most of the time I'm not really acting. I'm just given these really great lines to say by Tim Federle. You know, she's she's sassier than me, maybe funnier than me. Um, but that's also because yeah, because I'm doing what somebody else wrote and in real life, you know, you have to you're like, oh, I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings or whatever. Um yes, I would say um Miss Jenn, or maybe Miss Jenn too, yeah. Maybe she's just like a little bit a little bit um younger and a little still, she's still dreaming a little bit.

Not saying I'm not dreaming, but I think that uh because I've taken the turn into motherhood, um your dreams just shift, right? They just move. But yes, but we both, she is the mom of the kids on the show. I am the mom of the kids plus my real kid. Um and I love her so much. I want to play her forever.

[39:59] Robert Peterpaul: And well, and I've seen, you know, watched interviews with you to prepare for this too, where people have asked you about your kids and you go on about the cast, and they're like, no, I'm asking about your son, I'm asking about your kid. Like the way you talk about them is just so seamless. So the caring in the heart is so palpable. And I think the way they've shown that on the show of you realizing your new dream of making them succeed and lifting them up, is such a beautiful storyline. Like we need people in real life to be champions of dreams versus just out for their own dream, you know?

[40:28] Kate Reinders: No, absolutely. And I think that was the big that's the big realization, Miss Jenn. Right. That's her journey that she's finding that out. And I think um, what's I know I'm just acting, I know I'm not actually Miss Jenn, but I do but I do find it more like in a way more fulfilling to watch these kids and to watch them take off and to watch them shine. And um, and they come to me a lot with things that I think they can probably well, because you know, I'm not competitive with them. And and maybe that's the thing is that after years and years you get less competitive or I don't know what it is, but um, but I just I love, yes, I love watching them. And and with Luke, in a way, my son, my real son, um, I'm almost worried to be too supportive because I don't want to push him into anything, you know. I'm still worried of, and he's so young, but I don't want to be a stage mother at any point. So at least with them, they've already picked it, so I can go ahead and push, push, push.

[41:27] Robert Peterpaul: And you're thinking that way, and you have the awareness and the beautiful soul. So I think you can't go wrong. I I think it's gonna work out no matter what, not that you need me to say that.

[41:35] Kate Reinders: Well, he is in ballet and he says he loves it. And also in this like musical theater class that we have tonight, which he says he loves it. But um, if he decides he doesn't, then he can leave. And he did soccer last year and he hated it. So this is good.

[41:51] Robert Peterpaul: He's on a good one.

[41:51] Kate Reinders: I'm not making this up, right? He's he's doing his own thing.

[41:55] Robert Peterpaul: That's that's super cool.

[41:57] Kate Reinders: And he has a great role model. I would love to know too for you, you know, transitioning from I guess stage to screen is one thing, but then you kind of transition from stage to screen to between stage musicals and then to a screen musical, which is like a whole different animal in its own way. Was there anything challenging you had to overcome or something you didn't expect that you feel like you're now nailing? Like this is your opportunity to pat yourself on the back and just say, you know, I'm really great at if you guys uh have to lip sync, or I know there's even different shoes you have to put on when you're dancing sometimes, which is like a weird there's just a lot of weird things that come with being on a TV musical.

[42:34] Kate Reinders: Yeah, well, I think I mean the main thing for me was that you know, in a show, you have rehearsal. You have and you have music rehearsal, and you sing this before you record your cast album, you've sung the song a thousand times. And for us, they would send us a demo and like a lyric sheet. And then you go in a couple days and record it, and that's it forever. And I, but then luckily I was like, I just I can I get sheet music. I just really need like I don't have I don't have time to listen to this. I like I'm a mom and I can read sheet music. Please just give me sheet music. And then Tim is just like text, text, text, boop, boop, boop, there it is, right? Um, but it was weird to be like, I'm recording something forever that I haven't played, you know, that I haven't, is it muscle memory already?

And also sometimes they record it like line by line. And I'm very like, can okay, we can do that too, but then can I just do a full one through the song? Because, you know, I'm a sing through the go through the on the journey of the song, right?

[43:36] Kate Reinders: So um, yeah, and I think some of the kids too, well, they're just so good at like singing in a mic in a studio, right? And actually, Dara Renee said to me at one point, she's the best. She was like, I just I just feel like I'm bad in the, you know, in the recording studio, like my voice is just too big. And I said, Oh no, no, no, no, no. No, no, no. I mean, yes, you can make it smaller if you want for the studio, but the fact that your voice is so powerful and you can melt people's faces off and you can do Broadway without a microphone. Uh-huh. Never be sad about that. You know, never think that's not an amazing thing. Anything. And Julia, obviously. Well, yes, and look at you. You're amazing, like in lifting these people up and doing that for them and championing them, just like your character is doing, which I think is an obvious casting choice. And actually, I have more questions here about you being this mama bear role model, but I'm looking at the time and I gotta move on. And I want to make sure we are respectful of your time.

[44:39] Kate Reinders: But I also really want to make sure we play this surprise game if you're down.

[44:43] Kate Reinders: Sure.

[44:44] Kate Reinders: It's called the compliment game. And basically, I reached out to some folks in your life for a compliment or a loving statement about you. And I'm gonna read it to you here, and then you just have to guess who said it.

[44:56] Kate Reinders: Oh my gosh, and then I'm gonna cry. Okay, go ahead.

[44:59] Kate Reinders: Everyone's beautiful in their own way. It's the compliments game on the game. It's the compliment. Compliment, yay.

[45:08] Kate Reinders: Mom.

[45:10] Kate Reinders: I don't know.

[45:10] Kate Reinders: Well, these are pretty good. So I actually got two for you, which is they're the two people I reached out to and they got right back. So that's pretty telling as well. All right, here's your first.

[45:19] Kate Reinders: Oh, and people freak out if there's no rules. So let's say you get like three guesses and you can ask me yes or no questions, but honestly, Kate, I don't really know anything, but I'll try to help you.

[45:28] Kate Reinders: Okay.

[45:29] Kate Reinders: Okay, okay.

[45:30] Kate Reinders: Okay, so here we go. Kate has the biggest, warmest, kindest, and most beautiful of hearts of any woman I have ever met. I think any human being on the planet should consider themselves lucky if they ever get to even spend a sliver of time with Kate in their lifetime. She has helped me see the best in not only myself, but of life in general. And I can't thank her enough for always being there for me.

[45:56] Kate Reinders: Yeah, I don't know.

[45:57] Kate Reinders: I know that's there is a hint.

[45:59] Kate Reinders: There's a hint too, but I think the hint might give it away that I can give it to you when you're ready.

[46:04] Kate Reinders: Yeah, give me the hint.

[46:06] Kate Reinders: Okay. The hint I think is gonna give it away. Okay. So that that was the statement, and then it says, sincerely, Luke's favorite candyland buddy.

[46:15] Kate Reinders: I love you, Mama Kate.

[46:17] Kate Reinders: It's Matt Cornett.

[46:19] Kate Reinders: It is Matt Cornett. Oh my goodness.

[46:22] Kate Reinders: Oh my I just love him so much. I do. That's gonna make me that makes me cry.

[46:28] Kate Reinders: Yeah. No, what's so funny is that in the show when I call him my tallest child, I I mean, I've called him my tallest child. I mean, that's he is my he's my yes, he's my little honey bunny. I love him so much. Uh that is the sweetest thing.

[46:45] Kate Reinders: Oh, well, he clearly loves you. I don't have to call him.

[46:48] Kate Reinders: Call him. And I mean that's just so special. I think that you can see that you can help people see the best in themselves. I don't do you even realize you're doing that, or you're just like No, no, and I wouldn't have thought Matt if you hadn't given me the hint.

[46:58] Kate Reinders: Well, because you probably do it for so many people.

[47:01] Kate Reinders: Yeah, when he said Mama Kate. Come on. Um, although I'm Mama Kate to a cup, yeah.

[47:06] Kate Reinders: Yeah but no, he is, and speaking of nicest people in the world, Matt Cornett is. When Luke was okay, so season one, it was Luke's.

[47:16] Kate Reinders: Oh, do we not have time for me to tell the story?

[47:18] Kate Reinders: Oh, I have time. I just don't I don't want to take up too much of your time.

[47:21] Kate Reinders: Um, I'll be here all day.

[47:23] Kate Reinders: Okay, good. Then here we go. Buckle up. He so Luke was turning two, and I was staying in this apartment building, and it had a pool, and it was like the end toward the end of season one. So we all knew each other, but nobody knew the show, and it we didn't know if we'd have a season two, you know, but we were our special family. So I was having a party, invited all the kids, and I but I can't cook. I don't know how to do any of that stuff.

[47:45] Kate Reinders: So I was like, Matt, um everybody says you're really good at bar like barbecuing stuff and doing things. Can you help me? Could you maybe do the grill? Like do and he said, Of course I can. And he went with me to buy the stuff. He marinated the chicken, he did it the whole time. It was amazing. Matt Cornett at a two-year-old's party, just man in the grill.

[48:11] Kate Reinders: And then he also has a red corvette. I don't know if it's a Corvette, but it's a red.

[48:16] Kate Reinders: Yeah, it's a sports car.

[48:18] Kate Reinders: Um, do you like that? I'm like, it's a sports car and it looks like Lightning McQueen. That's we also was obsessed with Lightning McQueen.

[48:25] Kate Reinders: And so he got so Matt got the like the the blonde the the shades, like whatever on the you know, for the windshields that have the eyes.

[48:35] Kate Reinders: So that it really does look like Lightning McQueen.

[48:38] Kate Reinders: Oh, for your son?

[48:39] Kate Reinders: For Luke, yeah.

[48:40] Kate Reinders: Oh, that's so sweet. I love that.

[48:42] Kate Reinders: That's so special.

[48:44] Kate Reinders: I know.

[48:44] Kate Reinders: I have so okay. I have another one for you here.

[48:46] Kate Reinders: I'm just no, I please.

[48:48] Kate Reinders: I I we're we'll go a little over if that's okay with you.

[48:51] Kate Reinders: Yeah.

[48:51] Kate Reinders: So this is your second one. This is kind of funny. There's also a hint for this one, but this is your quote. She's got beauty, she's got wait.

[48:59] Kate Reinders: Oh, yeah. She's got beauty, she's got grace. She lifts me up when I fall on my face.

[49:06] Kate Reinders: Um I don't know, but that's funny.

[49:10] Kate Reinders: Um, you gotta hint me.

[49:11] Kate Reinders: Okay, here's the hint.

[49:14] Kate Reinders: She's the best enemies to lovers partner one could ever ask for.

[49:19] Kate Reinders: Enemies to lovers partner.

[49:26] Kate Reinders: Oh, Mark St. Cyr.

[49:27] Kate Reinders: Yes, it's Mark.

[49:31] Kate Reinders: You nailed it.

[49:33] Kate Reinders: Oh, also amazing. I don't know. I mean, really, they put the nicest people together for our show. We don't have a bad idea.

[49:39] Kate Reinders: That's beautiful. I think that's amazing.

[49:41] Kate Reinders: Is there okay? Is there anyone collectively? This is what I was curious about too that you all are hoping comes on from high school musical?

[49:48] Kate Reinders: Like is there still like a one person you guys are all like holding out for that you feel like Oh, I mean, I'm pretty sure we're all like, can Zach Efron please show up?

[49:56] Kate Reinders: That would be cool.

[49:57] Kate Reinders: I mean, but I mean, not even necessarily me, as much as Frankie.

[50:03] Kate Reinders: Well, maybe okay, maybe at the end of the series finale, like you're gathering around with everyone.

[50:09] Kate Reinders: That is the way. You take your face mask off and you are Zach Efron.

[50:14] Kate Reinders: I am going to pitch that.

[50:15] Kate Reinders: I think that might be perfect.

[50:17] Kate Reinders: Please do it.

[50:18] Kate Reinders: Yes, like the mission impossible, like woobity.

[50:21] Kate Reinders: Yeah.

[50:23] Kate Reinders: Yeah.

[50:24] Kate Reinders: Okay.

[50:24] Kate Reinders: Um, no, you've been so generous with your time. I would just love if you could please leave us with a tangible kindness or wellness tip that you would love for listeners to take and incorporate into their daily life.

[50:37] Kate Reinders: Oh, okay. Um what one thing that I've been trying to do that my friend recommended is I don't know if you go to bed with worries or you go to bed with things that you don't want to forget that you have to do tomorrow or something. But journaling is great if you want to journal, do the full-on journal. But sometimes that's too much for me or overwhelming, or I don't even, you know. But she said it's like a little notebook, and you write down your worries and you write down your thoughts, but you can write down a couple things you're grateful for today, a couple things maybe you want to do differently tomorrow, whatever it is, and you never have to look at it again. You can rip it out, you can tear it up, you can throw it away, you can whatever it is, but you've gotten it out of yourself. You close it and you go to bed.

[51:29] Kate Reinders: That's so beautiful. I'm gonna do that.

[51:31] Kate Reinders: I don't know. Well, that I think it helps.

[51:34] Kate Reinders: Yeah, just to get it out. And also when you start really thinking about it, then you realize, oh, that worries. I'm sort of spiraling for not really a good reason.

[51:44] Kate Reinders: So that worry is not as big as I thought it was.

[51:48] Kate Reinders: So I can calm down.

[51:49] Kate Reinders: Yeah, the things that keep you up at night. And if you keep it next to your bed when you wake up in the middle of the night, you could put it there, or maybe I should replace that.

[51:56] Kate Reinders: I have a notebook next to my bed right now where I write down the weird things like my fiance will say in the middle of the night, like or weird things that happen. Because sometimes I I probably shouldn't out her like this, but she does talk in her sleep sometimes.

[52:09] Kate Reinders: So maybe I'll replace that with my my worries.

[52:11] Kate Reinders: I think that's great.

[52:12] Kate Reinders: No one's ever said that, so that's a really helpful new tip.

[52:15] Kate Reinders: And I I love that.

[52:16] Kate Reinders: And I appreciate you, and I'm so grateful to have had this time with you.

[52:19] Kate Reinders: And I got a little slice of life with you, like Matt said, which was beautiful.

[52:23] Kate Reinders: And I just think we're so lucky that we have someone like you in our industry, especially someone who's such a great role model for young audiences, which you are, and I I'm sure I hope you don't feel any pressure with that, but you seem to be carrying it so beautifully, and honestly, it's the it's the best role I've ever had.

[52:41] Kate Reinders: Oh, that's so sweet.

[52:43] Kate Reinders: It's true.

[52:44] Kate Reinders: Well, you were born to play it.

[52:46] Kate Reinders: I want to be everybody's mama.

[52:47] Kate Reinders: Well, so you call you call me if you need me.

[52:50] Kate Reinders: Okay, well, I'm gonna get the adoption papers right now.

[52:52] Kate Reinders: I'm gonna find them.

[52:53] Kate Reinders: Uh no, but I I think you're born to play it, and I am just so grateful to have had this time with you again. So thank you so much, and good luck with with filming.

[52:58] Kate Reinders: That's so exciting.

[52:58] Kate Reinders: And good luck with your wedding. When is that gonna be?

[53:05] Kate Reinders: Yes.

[53:06] Kate Reinders: Uh 1111 22.

[53:09] Kate Reinders: Soon.

[53:10] Kate Reinders: I know it's very soon.

[53:11] Kate Reinders: So we're kind of in the whole time.

[53:12] Kate Reinders: 1111 is super cool.

[53:14] Kate Reinders: And are you gonna play the Rufus Wainwright song?

[53:16] Kate Reinders: What's that?

[53:17] Kate Reinders: Woke up this morning at 1111.

[53:21] Kate Reinders: No, but now I I am now.

[53:24] Kate Reinders: Okay, great.

[53:24] Kate Reinders: I said we gotta do a toast at 1111, so maybe we'll play that at 1111.

[53:28] Kate Reinders: Or I don't know, or you play it like the next morning at 11.

[53:31] Kate Reinders: I don't know. Listen to the lyrics. I'm not sure of all of them. They might not be appropriate.

[53:35] Kate Reinders: Thank you.

[53:35] Kate Reinders: No, it's always appropriate for us, but we'll figure it out.

[53:39] Kate Reinders: Okay.

[53:40] Kate Reinders: All right. Thank you so much.

[53:42] Kate Reinders: Have a great day.

[53:42] Kate Reinders: Thank you.

[53:43] Kate Reinders: I'm awful at leaving Zooms, but I will click the button.

[53:45] Kate Reinders: Oh, me too.

[53:45] Kate Reinders: I'm always like, eh.

[53:46] Kate Reinders: Yeah, we're both like, hello.

[53:47] Kate Reinders: It's like 10 hours later.

[53:49] Kate Reinders: Okay, gotta go.

[53:50] Kate Reinders: Okay.

[53:51] Kate Reinders: Hi.

[53:52] Kate Reinders: Have a great rest of your day.

[53:53] Kate Reinders: Thank you.

[53:54] Kate Reinders: Yeah, bye.

[53:55] Kate Reinders: Bye.

[54:02] Robert Peterpaul: And now it's time for your kindness tip of the week.

[54:11] Robert Peterpaul: Kate is so wonderful. And so is this time of year. Some might say it's the most wonderful time of the year. See what I did there. Today's kindness tip is something you could do this time of year and beyond, really. So at our wedding, we wanted to do something a little different for the table cards. We didn't want your run of the mill little folded papers telling people where to sit. So after scouring through Pinterest and other sites for hours, I was inspired by something around the house. This old set of skeleton keys my nanny had given me. What if we gave each guest a key to unlock the special evening, I thought, huh? So Cass and I got a bunch of antique keys and tied little tags to them, which said the person's name and the table number.

Because we wanted everyone to walk into our special day feeling extra special. We wrote something we loved about each guest on the back of these tags. This is something you can totally do too. Your kindest tip of the week is to write something you love about someone in a place they'll least expect it.

[55:16] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, I think one of my cats is stuck on a toy. Be right back.

[55:19] Robert Peterpaul: You okay?

[55:20] Robert Peterpaul: Oh.

[55:21] Robert Peterpaul: Are you okay? Let me help you.

[55:27] Robert Peterpaul: Can you say hi to listeners?

[55:29] Robert Peterpaul: Say hi.

[55:31] Robert Peterpaul: Yeah, talking to the mic.

[55:33] Robert Peterpaul: Oh, don't claw at the mic. I think she got a little starstruck.

[55:38] Robert Peterpaul: Anyway, where was I? Your kindness tip of the week is to write something you love about someone in a place they'll least expect to find it. From the back of a holiday gift tag, uh to leaving a little note on their car windshield or maybe in the refrigerator with a sweet snack. At least that's what I would love.

[55:54] Robert Peterpaul: Cassie, take notes. Woo! Unexpected kindness is magic. And so are you, dear listeners. I am so happy to be back. Thank you for staying tuned and for always coming back to the Art of Kindness Podcast with me, Robert Peter Paul. And until next time, please remember everything's gonna be a-okay!