{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"From Magic Castle to Broadway: Michael Shayan\u2019s Journey as The Gay Persian Who Plays His Own Mother","description":"&amp;nbsp; In this delightful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Sarah J. Halstead and Rich Chassler welcome Emmy-nominated actor, writer, and magician Michael Shayan for an engaging discussion about family, identity, theater, and the transformative power of storytelling. From his early days as a 12-year-old magician at the Magic Castle to his critically acclaimed one-man play about his Persian mother, Michael shares his remarkable journey through entertainment with humor, vulnerability, and grace. Michael Shayan - Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and former magician   Instagram: @MichaelShayan&amp;nbsp; https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/michaelshayan   Follow him on all platforms: Michael Shayan   Current Project: Audible play \u201cCruising\u201d featuring Christine Baranski and Tituss Burgess (available now on Audible)   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Family Dynamics 03:04 The Magic of Performance and Personal Stories 05:40 Exploring Identity and Coming Out Experiences 08:27 Theater and Relationships with Family 11:04 Creating a Play from Personal History 13:57 The Journey of a Play: From Concept to Stage 16:25 The Impact of Cultural Stories in Theater 19:11 The Role of Humor in Addressing Serious Topics 22:09 Theater as a Healing Experience 24:59 Broadway Dreams and Future Projects 27:47 Navigating the World of Performance 30:28 The Joy of Performing and Audience Connection 33:13 Reflections on Success and Adversity 36:08 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors  PROJECTS MENTIONED   \u201cAvaaz\u201d - Michael\u2019s one-man play about his Persian mother   National tour continuing through 2025   Upcoming: Theatre J in Washington DC (June 2025)   Directed by Moritz von Schipnagel (Tony-nominated)   Set design by Bill Wolf Barrett (Tony winner)     \u201cBook of Queer\u201d (HBO) - Emmy-nominated documentary series   Michael served as writer and consulting producer   \u201cDrunk history but for queer history\u201d   Features celebrities reenacting LGBTQ+ historical moments     \u201cCruising\u201d (Audible) - Available now   Audio play starring Michael Shayan, Christine Baranski, and Tituss Burgess   Available on Audible     \u201cThe Big Everything\u201d (Short Film)   Directed by Sal Paskowitz   Starring Michael Shayan, Bradley Whitford, and Jimmy Wolk   Produced by Andrew Carlberg and Gil Cates Jr.   Playing the festival circuit     Upcoming Broadway Debut - Details TBD   Featuring \u201csome of the finest actors in New York\u201d   Under NDA at time of recording     Michael\u2019s warmth, humor, and vulnerability make this a deeply engaging conversation that moves from hilarious to heartfelt and back again. Whether you\u2019re a theater lover, someone with \u201cmom stuff,\u201d or just appreciate a good story told beautifully, this episode delivers. &amp;nbsp;  FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS! Sarah IG @sarahhalstead https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sarahhalstead\/?hl=en&amp;nbsp; FB @sarahjhalsteadcomic https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sarahjhalsteadcomic\/ X @sarahjhalstead&amp;nbsp; https:\/\/twitter.com\/sarahjhalstead&amp;nbsp; Rich IG @richchassler https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/richchassler\/ FB @chasslerfans https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Chasslerfans\/ X @richchassler https:\/\/x.com\/richchassler&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; #DrinkingDuringBusinessHours #MichaelShayan #AvaazPlay #PersianStories #Broadway #Theater #Magic #LGBTQStories #HBO #EmmyNominated &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Drinking During Business Hours with Sarah Halstead and Rich Chassler | Where comedy &amp; fine wine meet!","author_url":"http:\/\/sarahjhalstead.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40049115\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40049115"}