Season 3

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Lencia Kebede never expected Broadway to be the path she would pursue. Now, after making history as the first Black actress to play Elphaba full-time on Broadway in Wicked, she finds herself at the center of one of musical theatre’s most iconic stories. In this episode of Hear Us Out, Lencia joins us for a thoughtful and candid conversation about the unexpected journey that brought her to Wicked, her time in Hamilton, and what it means to step into a role that resonates so deeply with her own life and experiences. We explore the ways Elphaba’s story of being seen as different, finding her voice, and refusing to change who she is connects with Lencia personally—including her commitment to remaining true to herself and her Ethiopian heritage. Lencia also shares how the release and success of the Wicked film helped open new doors for the Broadway production and its performers, while bringing an entirely new level of attention to a show already embedded in popular culture. With that visibility comes opportunity—but also the challenge of performing under a microscope, where expectations and opinions can feel louder than ever. From a career she never originally imagined for herself to taking center stage in one of Broadway’s biggest productions, Lencia offers an honest look at ambition, representation, identity, pressure, and the importance of staying grounded in who you are—even when the world is watching. It’s a conversation about much more than Wicked. It’s about finding where you belong without losing the parts of yourself that got you there.

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On this episode of Hear Us Out, we're joined by Jonathan Solars, founder of Jonathan Solars Fine Violins, for a fascinating conversation about the craftsmanship, acoustics, and artistry behind some of the world's most remarkable stringed instruments.

Jonathan has dedicated his career to building, restoring, and caring for fine violins, violas, and cellos, helping musicians find instruments that not only produce beautiful sound but also become extensions of their artistic identity. His work sits at the intersection of science and art, where the physics of sound meets generations of tradition, craftsmanship, and intuition.

Together, we explore what makes one instrument sound different from another, how wood, construction, and age shape an instrument's voice, and why two seemingly identical violins can have completely different personalities. We also discuss the deep bond between musicians and their instruments, the challenges of restoration, and the stories these remarkable instruments carry through generations of performers.

Whether you're a musician, a lover of classical music, an audiologist, or simply fascinated by the science and beauty of sound, this episode offers a unique perspective on the pursuit of exceptional tone and the people dedicated to preserving it.

Join us as we discover how every instrument has a story and how the art of listening begins long before the first note is played.

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What does a Tony Award-winning sound designer actually do? Kai Harada joins Hear Us Out to take us behind the scenes of Broadway's biggest productions, including his 2026 Tony Award winning work on Ragtime. He shares how sound design shapes an audience's emotional experience, the art and science of mixing live theater, collaborating with directors and performers, and why the best sound design often goes unnoticed.

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What if you could see the sounds you hear?

For artist Sarah Kraning, sound isn’t only something she hears—it’s something she experiences visually. Sarah has synesthesia, a neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sense can trigger an experience in another. In her case, sounds can produce vivid colors, shapes, textures, and movement.

In this episode of Hear Us Out, Sarah joins Dr. Eric Sandler and Dr. Michelle Schechter for a fascinating conversation about what the world looks like when sound becomes visual. She shares how music, voices, and everyday sounds create visual experiences, how synesthesia influences her artwork, and what her unique perception can teach us about the deeply personal ways our brains interpret the world around us.

We explore the relationship between hearing, vision, creativity, memory, and emotion, and Sarah gives us a glimpse into an experience that's difficult for most of us to imagine: not simply listening to music, but seeing it unfold.

It’s a conversation that challenges the idea that we all experience sound the same way—and a remarkable example of just how much happens between a sound entering our ears and the experience our brain ultimately creates.

Every sound has a story. Sarah Kraning can see hers.

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What does it take to find your own voice when you're part of one of music's most recognizable families?

In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Broadway performer Olivia Valli, whose remarkable career has taken her from Jersey Boys and Pretty Woman to Wicked, where she captivated audiences as Elphaba on the national tour. With powerhouse vocals, emotional depth, and an unmistakable stage presence, Olivia has established herself as a rising star in musical theatre.

Our conversation explores the path that led her to the stage, the physical and emotional demands of performing eight shows a week, and what it takes to embody some of Broadway's most iconic roles. We also discuss the discipline required to maintain vocal health, the importance of resilience in a highly competitive industry, and how performers learn to connect authentically with audiences night after night.

As the granddaughter of legendary singer Frankie Valli, Olivia also shares her perspective on carrying a famous family name. We talk about how a recognizable legacy can open doors while also creating expectations, the balance between honoring your family's history and forging your own identity, and the journey of building a career defined by your own talent and passion.

Whether you're a fan of Broadway, fascinated by the artistry behind live performance, or simply interested in stories about perseverance, identity, and finding your own voice, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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On this episode of Hear Us Out, we're joined by Dr. Frank Wartinger, audiologist and creator of Talking Ears, one of the most recognizable educational platforms dedicated to hearing health. Through his engaging videos and approachable style, Dr. Wartinger has helped make complex topics like hearing loss, tinnitus, earwax, hearing aids, and hearing protection accessible to people around the world.

In this conversation, we explore Frank's journey from clinical practice to becoming a trusted online educator, the responsibility that comes with sharing healthcare information on social media, and the misconceptions about hearing health he encounters most often. We also discuss how technology has transformed patient care, the importance of effective communication, and why hearing is about so much more than simply making sounds louder.

Whether you're an audiologist, a student, a hearing healthcare professional, or someone curious about protecting one of your most valuable senses, this episode is filled with practical insights, thoughtful discussion, and plenty of moments that will change the way you think about hearing.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Frank Wartinger as we explore how education, innovation, and communication are shaping the future of hearing healthcare.