Episodios

  • SEASON 3 Episode Twelve. "The 2nd Annual Stage Combat Holiday Special!"

    Synopsis: Sean's reuniting with some of our guests from Season 3 for the holidays to ask probing questions such as "Would you choose The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree or the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree?"

    Special thank you to Bret Shuford, Brad Bass, Pamela Bob, McKey Carpenter, Kaylin Seckel, Chryssie Whitehead, Alex Griffith and Justin Gerrish. And Ian.

    Coming up in 2 weeks: Ep 13 "Loving Someone Traumatized By the Industry"

    At STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON Sean is getting some mental health tips for the holidays from friend to the podcast, Dr. Michelle Sherman.
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    It's the companion to Season 3.
    And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Hosted by Sean Hayden
    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He's the co-host of the acting podcast "Just Acting" with Boston Conservatory Professor Christopher Webb. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Eleven. "Revealing Your Darkest Secret: ABC News' Matt Gutman"
    Synopsis: Thinking about the power of disclosing our secrets causes Sean to revisit his 2023 interview with ABC News' Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman.

    Special thank you to Matt Gutman, LaQuet Sharnell Pringle and Amelia Morse.

    Coming up in 2 weeks: It's the Stage Combat Holiday Special!

    Hear more of Sean's conversation with LaQuet and Amelia at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    It's the companion to Season 3.
    And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Hosted by Sean Hayden
    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He's the co-host of the acting podcast "Just Acting" with Boston Conservatory Professor Christopher Webb. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

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  • SEASON 3 Episode Ten. "Another Wicked Story: Eddie"
    Synopsis: Another actor from Wicked on Broadway comes forward to tell Sean his story about the toxic work environment he experienced there and how it traumatized him for years.

    Special thank you to Eddie Pendergraft.

    Hear Wicked actor Brad Bass' account of what he called "witch hunts" backstage at Wicked at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON.
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    It's the companion to Season 3. Plus "Sean Goes Off Script" to dive deeper into this episode.
    And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Hosted by Sean Hayden
    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He's the co-host of the acting podcast "Just Acting" with Boston Conservatory Professor Christopher Webb. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Nine. "The 'F' Word"
    Synopsis: Sean investigates whether there's a problem with using the "family" word in our workplaces.

    Special thank you to Bret Shuford, Michael McGurk, Nicole Perry, CorBen Williams, Jeanine Bruen, Michael Passaro, Kirsti Carnahan, Greg Roderick, Juliet Lambert Pratt, Mia Scarpa and Frank Mastrone.

    Stage Combat The Podcast is member supported programming. If you believe in what we are doing, why not support us by becoming a member at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON?
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    It's the companion to Season 3. Listen to bonus content from this episode: Broadway stage manager Michael Passaro talks about how working at McDonald's shaped his entire career in the theatre. Plus "Sean Goes Off Script" to dive deeper into this episode.
    And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Hosted by Sean Hayden
    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He's the co-host of the acting podcast "Just Acting" with Boston Conservatory Professor Christopher Webb. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Eight. "Putting It Out There: Your Mental Health Story On the Stage"
    Synopsis: Sean meets two very different performers who claimed their mental health stories by creating their own one-person solo shows: Legendary drag queen Varla Jean Merman aka Jeff Roberson and Broadway actor Chryssie Whitehead.

    Content warning: Content about suicide.
    Dial or text 988 24/7 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are in crisis.

    Follow Varla Jean Merman on Instagram at @varlajeanmerman and online at varlajean.com. Follow Chryssie on Instagram at @ChryssieWhitehead and @imolctheshow and online at ChryssieWhitehead.com.


    Stage Combat The Podcast is member supported programming. If you believe in what we are doing, why not support us by becoming a member at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON?
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    It's the companion to Season 3. Listen to bonus content from this episode: Jeff Roberson talks about the political attacks on drag from the right and Chryssie recalls being a part of the 2008 A Chorus Line documentary "Every Little Step." Plus "Sean Goes Off Script" to dive deeper into this episode.
    And experience at Patreon our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Seven. "You're Under Investigation: Laura' Story"
    Synopsis: After hearing Sean's story about the botched workplace investigation at the Goodspeed Opera House, listener Laura shares her own bonkers workplace investigation story that ended with devastating consequences.

    Content warning: Content about suicide.
    Dial or text 988 24/7 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are in crisis.

    Special thank you to attorney Mark Carey.

    Stage Combat The Podcast is member supported programming. If you believe in what we are doing, support us by becoming a member at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    It's the companion to Season 3. Listen to bonus content from this episode: Sean and attorney Mark Carey get real about employers and HR departments and "Sean Goes Off Script" to dive deeper into this episode.
    PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Six. "Charlie At the Crossroads"
    Synopsis: Sean meets Charlie, a 23-year-old Boston theatre program student. Two months before his graduation, Charlie has an unfiltered conversation with Sean about his hopes, his dreams, his frustrations and how Stage Combat the Podcast has affected him personally as he sits at the crossroads of his life.

    Strong language.

    Thank you to Charlie Zuckerman.

    Stage Combat The Podcast is member supported programming. If you believe in what we are doing, support by becoming a member at STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Enjoy our companion content to Season 3: Listen to bonus content of Sean's conversation with the students of Boston Conservatory and Sean's personal post-show wrap up of the episode.
    PLUS experience our original series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.
    Become part of the Stage Combat at Patreon community today!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Hosted by Sean Hayden.
    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and sound design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Five. "Somebody's Going to Get Hurt"

    Synopsis: Sean asks whether theatre audiences actually understand the dangers that actors face when it comes to staged combat sequences on stage. And do the actors themselves fully understand the risk they are taking on with every performance.

    Guests: Actor/fight instructor McKey Carpenter; Broadway actor Kaylin Seckel; Boston Conservatory at Berklee fight instructor Angie Jepson.

    If you're only listening to Stage Combat the Podcast, you're only getting half the Stage Combat experience. Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Listen to bonus content from this episode: More of Sean's conversation with the Boston Conservatory fight instructor Angie Jepson and Sean's personal post-show wrap up of the episode.
    PLUS experience our companion series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.
    Your support at Patreon enables us to continue to do our work at Stage Combat the Podcast. Become part of the Stage Combat at Patreon community today!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Hosted by Sean Hayden.
    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and sound design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • Bonus Episode: "Why Actors Bully Other Actors"
    Hey Stage Combat listeners! We're sharing with you a special full episode sneak preview of one of our companion series from Stage Combat at Patreon: THE MENTAL HEALTH POD. In this episode of THE MENTAL HEALTH POD, Sean and Broadway actor Michael McGurk ask the question "Why Actors Bully Each Other." And Michael shares his own experience of bullying while working on Broadway in The Wedding Singer.

    If you're only listening to Stage Combat the Podcast, you're only getting half the Stage Combat experience. Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Listen to Bonus Content from Stage Combat the Podcast episodes with extended conversations and Sean's personal post-show wrap up. Plus you can experience our companion series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.
    We are member supported programming. We simply can't bring you Stage Combat the Podcast without your support at Patreon. So consider becoming part of the Stage Combat at Patreon community today!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Four. "It's All In Your Mind(fulness)"

    Synopsis: Almost five years after his collapse from a panic attack on the Goodspeed Opera House stage, Sean looks back at his own search for mindfulness and checks in with a few friends along the way to see how their doing it.

    Special thanks to somatic psychologist Dr. Brian Tierney @thesomaticdoctor; actor and yoga instructor MaryJayne Waddell @maryjaynewaddell; West End actor Alexander Evans @thepilatestenor; Coloring Broadway CEO Andrea Koehler @coloringbroadway and Joschi.

    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and sound design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    If you're only listening to Stage Combat the Podcast, you're only getting half the Stage Combat experience. Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Listen to bonus content from this episode: More of Sean's conversation with the Yogi Master and Sean's personal post-show wrap up of the episode.
    PLUS experience our companion series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.
    Your support at Patreon enables us to continue to do our work at Stage Combat the Podcast. Become part of the Stage Combat at Patreon community today!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Three. "Looking for Jeff"
    Special Double Length Episode.
    Synopsis: Sean undertakes a compassionate investigation into the tragic 2018 suicide death of Chicago The Musical actor Jeff Loeffelholz.

    Content warning: strong language; content and conversations about suicide.
    Dial or text 988 24/7 to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are in crisis.

    Special thank you to David Sabella, Brian Rardin, Willem Bart Ebbink, Brian Martin, Brien O'Brien, William Harrison and Bridget McCarthy.

    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    For more Stage Combat the Podcast, check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Listen to bonus content from this episode: More of our conversation with Chicago actor David Sabella and Sean's post-show wrap up on the episode.
    PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series: JUST ACTING and THE MENTAL HEALTH POD.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

  • SEASON 3 Episode Two. "How Are We All OK With This?" Part 2.
    Synopsis: Synopsis: Sean continues to explore the problem with toxic stage managers and investigates whether our jobs can physically make us sick.

    Content warning: strong language.

    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Special thank you to Pamela Bob, Bret Shuford and Brad Bass for CLAIMING THEIR STORIES and for special contributions from Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, Dr. Brian Tierney, and Taylor Meszaros.

    Want more Stage Combat community? Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Listen to bonus content from this episode PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series:
    JUST ACTING: It's like getting an acting lesson in your earpods!
    THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations all artists, and the people who love them, need to hear.


    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

    Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.

    Dr. Brian Tierney, Ph.D., brings a wealth of expertise to the field of psychology. He's internationally recognized as a practitioner and educator in neuroscience and trauma resolution therapy. Based in California, Dr. Tierney operates a private practice where he offers compassionate care to individuals, couples, and families.
    In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Tierney serves as a professor of clinical neuroscience and Psychological Assessment at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.

  • SEASON 3 PREMIERE! Episode One. "How Are We All OK With This?" Part 1.
    Synopsis: One year after telling his own podcast story of trauma while working at one of the country’s most powerful theatres, Sean explores the stories of listeners who responded to his story. First up: there seems to be a problem with toxic stage managers on Broadway.

    Content warning: Contains strong language.

    Editing by Alex Griffitt. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Written and Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Special thank you to Bret Shuford, Brad Bass and Pamela Bob, for CLAIMING THEIR STORIES and for contributions from Taylor Meszaros, Natasha Jackson and Dr. Alisa Hurwitz.

    Want more Stage Combat community? Check out STAGE COMBAT AT PATREON!
    patreon.com/StageCombatThePodcast
    Listen to bonus content from this episode PLUS experience our all-new chat podcast series:
    JUST ACTING: It's like getting an acting lesson in your earpods!
    THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations all artists, and the people who love them, need to hear.

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter at
    Landing Page - Stage Combat (stagecombatthepodcast.com)

    Contact us with a DM at our instagram:
    Stage Combat 🎙️ The Podcast OFFICIAL ACCOUNT (@stagecombatthepodcastig) • Instagram photos and videos
    or email us at [email protected]

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.


  • Welcome to our first sneak preview of our all-new Stage Combat Bonus Content coming in July available only on Patreon. We know you're all getting ready for the premiere of our mainstream series, Stage Combat the Podcast, busting out on July 23rd! You'll listen to that bi -weekly podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

    But there is a whole new world that's going to be waiting for you over at Patreon. Not only will you get bonus content from our mainstream Stage Combat The Podcast episodes, but you will also experience our all-new Stage Combat podcast series which have been created exclusively for the Stage Combat community.

    What's debuting on Patreon in July?
    STAGE COMBAT DIRECTOR'S COMMENTARY: Sean and Ian spill the tea on what got left out of the Goodspeed Opera House story the first time around.
    THE MENTAL HEALTH POD: Provocative mental health conversations every performing artist needs to hear.
    WHATCHA POSTIN'? : Social media commentary by Sean and a special listener co-host.

    AND we're previewing right here, before we even open Patreon to the public, the full premiere episode of our acting podcast, JUST ACTING, featuring Professor of Acting at Boston Conservatory at Berklee Christopher Webb.

    Enjoy this sneak preview of JUST ACTING!
    Content warning: Strong language; brief references to plays which contain a miscarriage and self harm content.

    Just Acting hosted by Sean Hayden and Christopher Webb.
    Editing by Alex Griffith. Mixing and Sound Design by Justin Gerrish.
    Directed by Sean Hayden for Haywood Productions, LLC.
    Just Acting is a Stage Combat Podcast produced for Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sean Hayden is an attorney/actor/advocate and is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.

    Christopher Webb is a director and award-winning actor who has been working professionally for almost 30 years. He is a professor of theatre at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he has been a faculty member for 16 years. He lives outside Boston with his partner, Jessica Webb, and their two children, Henry and Portia.



  • Season 3 Trailer. What happens when actors stop being quiet and start speaking up? Season 3 of Stage Combat the Podcast premiering July 23rd!
    In 2023, Sean told his story in Season 1 and 2 (in something that sounded like a true crime podcast.) Now it's time to hear your stories!
    Biweekly we are bringing you provocative stories from performing artists everywhere who just want to be heard. Who want to be seen. Who want to be validated. Just like you.
    Enjoy this preview of the first 5 minutes of the first episode of Season 3! And be sure to follow us so you don't miss any episodes as they drop!

    Stage Combat is a production of Haywood Productions, LLC.

  • We’re closing out 2023 and an amazing Season 2 of Stage Combat with a holiday bang!

    It’s THE STAGE COMBAT HOLIDAY SPECIAL! Get your Santa mug out and fill it with hot chocolate and settle in. We’ve got an hour of holiday music and stories as Sean pops around the country to share holiday greetings with some of our favorite guests from two seasons of Stage Combat!

    No matter what holiday you celebrate, let’s celebrate each other!

    And there’s a special announcement about Stage Combat at the end of the episode!

    Special thanks to Rebecca Caine, Courtney Loving, Alex Griffitt, Ellen Warner, Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, Brian Sheppard, LaQuet Sharnell Pringle, Dr. Michelle Sherman, Ian Southwood.

    Content note: We were so excited chatting about the movie White Christmas in this episode that we erroneously stated Donald O’Connor starred with Bing Crosby in the film. Thanks to listener Abby for pointing out that it was actually the incredible Danny Kaye!

    Hosted by Sean Hayden
    Edited by Justin Gerrish and Alex Griffitt.
    Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
    Directed by Sean Hayden
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees and how theatre programs can support their students. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.


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    Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com

    Claim Your Story!

    Mental Health Resources:
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

    If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

    ***The content in this podcast should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with a medical professional for any medical or mental health issues and with an attorney regarding any legal issues

  • BONUS EPISODE.
    Sean chats with Dr. Alisa Hurwitz, the clinical psychologist who helped us all keep it together in Stage Combat's post show talk backs. As we all struggled to process Sean's story of what really happened behind the scenes at the Goodspeed Opera House, you let us know that you appreciated Dr. Hurwitz's voice of reason, words of compassion and her unique way of "telling it like is."
    Let's recap two seasons of Stage Combat with Dr. Hurwitz and get to know a little more about her in the process!

    Spoiler Warning: Contains spoilers for Seasons 1 and 2 of Stage Combat.
    Content warning: Strong language.

    Edited by Justin Gerrish and Alex Griffitt.
    Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
    Directed by Sean Hayden
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Dr. Alisa Hurwitz: Dr. Alisa Hurwitz is a clinical psychologist in group private practice in New Hampshire, specializing in the Autism spectrum and gender identity. Dr. Hurwitz also applies her professional knowledge to consult with theater companies, conduct post-show talkbacks and interview Broadway actors. You can follow her at drdrama.com and on Instagram @thedrdrama.

    Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.


    Follow us:
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    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
    TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
    Email us: [email protected]

    Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com

    Claim Your Story!

    Mental Health Resources:
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

    If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

    ***The content in this podcast should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with a medical professional for any medical or mental health issues and with an attorney regarding any legal issues

  • BONUS EPISODE! "One Episode/One Listener: Pamela"

    We had an amazing idea for a podcast episode. What if you could overhear a raw, honest conversation between Sean and one listener. In one episode.

    Meet Pamela Bob. She's a veteran of several Broadway shows who reached out to us once the podcast was released to let us know how much the podcast has meant to her. Pamela and Sean started talking, and then they just kept talking. About what's seriously wrong with our industry: Being denied a voice. Bullying. The imposition of "family" constructs. Being labeled "difficult." The lack of mental health support in our workspaces.

    And it's quite a conversation!

    Spoiler Warning: "Relatively" spoiler free for Seasons 1 and 2.

    Edited by Justin Gerrish and Alex Griffitt.
    Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
    Directed by Sean Hayden
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Pamela Bob is a multi-faceted actor, having appeared as an actor regionally and in multiple off-Broadway and Broadway shows. As an award-winning screenwriter and actor, her original series, "Livin' On a Prairie", is a witty, surprising, and earnest exploration of one woman’s obsession with Little House on the Prairie. The show was an official selection of the Tribeca TV Festival, HollyWeb Fest, and Lift-Off Fest, and won best TV series at the LA International Film Fest. Pamela’s trademark intensity and comedic timing won her the Best Actress award at the LA International Film Festival. Pamela is also a professional makeup and hair artist and photographer. She lives in NYC with her husband and 2 kids.

    www.PamelaBob.com

    @thepamelabob

    www.livinonaprairietv.com

    @prairietv

    @wdymakeup

    @wdyphotography

    Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.


    Follow us:
    Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
    TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
    Email us: [email protected]

    Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com

    Claim Your Story!

    Mental Health Resources:
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

    If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

    ***The content in this podcast should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with a medical professional for any medical or mental health issues and with an attorney regarding any legal issues

  • BONUS EPISODE! Sean and his husband Ian (yes that "Ian" from Stage Combat) recap what went into creating and writing 20 episodes of Stage Combat and how the saga of the Goodspeed impacted them as a couple. PLUS there's a mystery guest joining the discussion!


    Spoiler Alert: Contains spoilers for Seasons 1 and 2 of Stage Combat: A Mental Health Story

    Edited by Robert Mallory and Alex Griffitt.
    Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
    Directed by Sean Hayden
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.


    Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.


    Follow us:
    Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
    TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
    Email us: [email protected]

    Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!

    Sign up for the Stage Combat newsletter and listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com

    Claim Your Story!

    Mental Health Resources:
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

    If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

    ***The content in this podcast should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with a medical professional for any medical or mental health issues and with an attorney regarding any legal issues


  • BONUS EPISODE!
    Most people know ABC News' Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman as a fearless war correspondent who regularly contributes to World News Tonight with David Muir, Good Morning America, 20/20 and Nightline. But behind that fearless persona, Matt was carrying a secret: a history of debilitating panic attacks that he suffered with for over twenty years. In this bonus episode, Sean and Matt talk about their shared history of panic attacks and Matt's own remarkable mental health journey which he documents in his new book, No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks.

    Matt's book is the first selection of the Stage Combat Book Club! Be sure to get your copy today and let's talk about it on Stage Combat!


    Hosted by Sean Hayden
    Edited by Robert Mallory and Alex Griffitt.
    Podcast icon designed by Fran Pinter-Parrott.
    Directed by Sean Hayden.
    Produced by Haywood Productions, LLC.

    Matt Gutman is ABC News’s chief national correspondent. A multi-award winning reporter, Gutman contributes regularly to World News Tonight with David Muir, 20/20, Good Morning America, and Nightline. He has reported from fifty countries across the globe and is the author of The Boys in the Cave: Deep Inside the Impossible Rescue in Thailand. His new book, No Time to Panic: How I Curbed My Anxiety and Conquered a Lifetime of Panic Attacks, is out now. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

    Sean Hayden is the CEO of Haywood Productions, LLC. As a professional actor, Sean has appeared in two Broadway national tours and in plays and musicals in theaters across the country. He is a proud union member of Actors' Equity Association. As a mental health advocate, Sean has provided thought leadership on how employers can better support the mental health of their employees. He serves on the advisory board for HR.com for Mental Health and Stress in the Workplace. His op-ed on “Men and Mental Health” appeared in The Economic Times. Sean resides in New York City and upstate New York with his husband, a screenwriter.


    Follow us:
    Instagram instagram.com/stagecombatthepodcastig
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089296591562&mibextid=LQQJ4d
    TikTok StageCombatthePodcast
    Email us: [email protected]

    Rate, review and follow us on your podcast platform!

    Listen to episodes online at stagecombathepodcast.com

    Claim Your Story!

    Mental Health Resources:
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition. Call the help line at 1 800 950 6264 or text to 62640.

    If you or someone or know is in crisis or contemplating self-harm, you can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing or texting 988.

    ***The content in this podcast should not be considered medical or legal advice. Please consult with a medical professional for any medical or mental health issues and with an attorney regarding any legal issues.