Stage Whisper, the celebrated podcast dedicated to independent artists of stage and screen, is proudly marking its fifth anniversary. What began as a “little show that could” has now firmly established itself as the #1 podcast in its category, achieving significant milestones and laying the groundwork for exciting future growth.

Over the past five years, Stage Whisper has become an essential platform for the independent arts community. The podcast has produced more than 1,300 interviews and episodes, with over 600 of those released in 2025 alone. Its commitment to showcasing diverse talent has resulted in over 100,000 content downloads and featured over 100 different festivals.

Reflecting its dedication to the local theatre scene, Stage Whisper staff attended over 1,000 productions in the New York City Area.

The podcast’s influence extends across digital platforms, having recently surpassed 10,000 followers across all social media platforms, generating more than 200,000 monthly interactions.

Stage Whisper is distinguished by its core mission to remain an unbiased and independent voice, open to all shows and stories without reliance on corporate sponsors, reviews, or social media trends. This commitment to artistic freedom has earned high praise from the industry’s top professionals:

• Award-winning playwright Marlin Thomas called his interview “a great experience.”
• Author and artist Betti Franceschi exclaimed, “I LOVED our talk!”
• Broadway performer Laura Shoop (Flying Over Sunset, She Loves Me) even dubbed the show “the NPR of Theatre Podcasts.”

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

Co-hosts Andrew Cortes and Hope Bird have announced ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond, designed to further increase visibility for independent artists:

• Video Interviews launching via Channel Indie (ACW-TV).
• Special Panels and Discussions.
• Enhanced marketing efforts for increased visibility for guests.
• Exclusive Live Events.

A Call to the Community: Listener-Sustained Fundraising Drive

In the spirit of being a listener-sustained program, and recognizing the precarious financial nature of the arts, Stage Whisper is launching a critical holiday fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $5,000 before the end of 2025 to ensure the podcast can continue its mission without compromising its independent ethos.

“We are reaching out to all of our listeners, guests, and collaborators,” the co-hosts stated. “We understand that money and art are precarious, but we are asking anyone who values our work to make a $5 donation in honor of our fifth year. Your support, at any level, is crucial to keeping Stage Whisper free for both artists and audiences globally.”

Stage Whisper aims to not only help the independent arts community survive difficult times but to foster its growth and help it thrive in 2026, which they anticipate will be an exciting year for the arts.

Donations can be made through the following platforms:

• Patreon: patreon.com/stagewhisperpod
• Venmo: @stagewhisperpod
• PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/YVX5DQSAJWZXS

Stage Whisper extends its warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays, and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to its entire community.

Media Contact: Jay Michaels / info@jaymichaelsarts.com / 646-338-5472