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Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast

Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast

By: Barry Joseph & Broadway Podcast Network
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About this listen

 Matching Minds with Sondheim: The Podcast in an open invitation into the puzzle-loving, game-designing mind of Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. Based on the acclaimed book by Barry Joseph, each episode uncovers the hidden world of Sondheim’s lifelong passion for treasure hunts, cryptic crosswords, parlor games, and more. Join Barry and his guests—puzzle-makers, game designers, and Sondheim aficionados—as they explore how Sondheim's playful designs delivered moments of clarity and connection for friends, colleagues, and anyone who's ever been captivated by his genius. Whether you’re a musical theater fan, a puzzlehead, or just Sondheim-curious, this series invites you to match minds with Sondheim. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, or click here.Barry Joseph & Broadway Podcast Network Art Entertainment & Performing Arts World
Episodes
  • #20-Do we really need another book on Sondheim? Barry at the Drama Book Shop

    #20-Do we really need another book on Sondheim? Barry at the Drama Book Shop
    Dec 23 2025
    Do we really need another book on Sondheim? That’s the driving question behind Barry’s recent appearance at the venerable Drama Book Shop in New York City. For the 20th episode of the Matching Minds with Sondheim podcast, explore the book-ey-ness of Matching Minds. Michael Mitnick interviews Barry in front of a live audience where together they discuss the creative challenges and the biographical insights gained during its writing. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestones 04:36 Drama Book Show Commentary 05:04 Sondheim's Love for Puzzles 08:19 Barry Joseph's Presentation 12:43 Audience Q&A and Research Insights 26:15 The Last of Sheila: A Real-Life Inspired Murder Mystery 26:42 Sondheim's Custom Puzzle for Games Magazine 28:38 Sondheim's Influence in Glass Onion 30:16 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts and Puzzle Designs 31:36 Sondheim's Cryptic Crosswords Legacy 33:14 The Emotional Impact of Sondheim's Work 36:35 Recreating Sondheim's Games for Research 38:23 Sondheim's Board Games and Auctions 41:03 Sondheim's Influence on Musical Theater 45:47 Final Reflections and Audience Questions Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Sondheim's 2002 Into the Wood opening night jigsaw puzzle The Bookworm Sculpture at the Drama Book Shop Matching Minds: The Exhibit The Drama Book Show Podcast Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank the staff of the Drama Book Shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • #19-How Sondheim Gamified NYC - a talk at MCNY

    #19-How Sondheim Gamified NYC - a talk at MCNY
    Dec 16 2025
    Join the audience at the Museum of the City of New York as Joseph guides them on a tour of How Stephen Sondheim Gamified New York City. The talk explores the unique ways Sondheim incorporated the city into his games and puzzles. Through various anecdotes and historical references, Joseph highlights Sondheim's creative process, from his early board games to intricate treasure hunts and escape rooms. The presentation is enriched with clips from Sondheim's musicals, showcasing how his playful lens extended beyond the stage and into the real-world geography and culture of New York City. The episode emphasizes Sondheim's dual passion for theater and games, inviting the audience to experience New York City anew as an interactive playground. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction and Presentation Setup 02:26 Welcome to the Museum of the City of New York 03:15 Barry Joseph's Introduction 04:14 Sondheim's New York City Musicals 09:11 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts 12:29 Sondheim's Board Game for Hal Prince 15:32 A Little Night Music Treasure Hunt 17:26 Sondheim's Escape Room Experience 23:24 Sondheim's Cryptic Puzzles 27:57 Jurassic Treasure Hunt at the Museum of Natural History 29:11 Stephen Sondheim's Treasure Hunt Adventure 29:40 Exploring Iconic New York Locations 30:17 Challenges and Decisions in the Library 31:01 Natural History Museum: The Perfect Venue 31:27 Designing the Dinosaur Hall Puzzle 34:29 The Star-Studded Event 35:39 The Murder Game: A Meta-Puzzle 38:05 Sondheim's Puzzle Legacy 41:36 Q&A: Uncovering Sondheim's Hidden Treasures Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis Museum of the City of New York Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Ann Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank Nick Martinez and the whole crew at MCNY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • #18 - About the Author - Barry on The Broadway Radio Show

    #18 - About the Author - Barry on The Broadway Radio Show
    Dec 9 2025
    From an interview with Donald Feltham on his Broadway Radio Show, join Barry on his journey writing a book on Stephen Sondheim's love for puzzles and games, spurred by birthday gifts from his wife. Barry shares how interviewing over 120 people, many of whom were Sondheim's friends and game enthusiasts, helped paint a comprehensive picture of this multifaceted Broadway legend. The episode concludes with a plug for Barry's book and podcast, encouraging listeners to explore these resources for a deeper understanding of Sondheim's playful genius. Make sure to get the book everywhere books are found, ⁠⁠or click here⁠⁠. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 01:34 Donald Feltham's Broadway Radio Show 02:29 Discussing the Book: Matching Minds with Sondheim 03:06 Barry Joseph's Background and Inspiration 03:21 The Influence of Stephen Sondheim 04:43 The Genesis of the Book 05:13 Exploring Sondheim's Life and Work 10:48 The Ludological Lens 11:21 Structure of the Book 16:43 Sondheim's Playful Side 18:11 Research and Interviews 23:16 Sondheim's Treasure Hunts 26:51 Engaging Everyone at the Party 27:04 The 2013 Treasure Hunt 29:02 Recreating the Treasure Hunt Over Zoom 31:37 The Famous Murder Game 38:36 The Last of Sheila: From Game to Movie 43:57 Sondheim's Challenging Jigsaw Puzzles 48:32 Conclusion and Podcast Invitation Special Links: Colm Molloy Ann Morrison Mateo Chavez Lewis The Broadway Radio Show with Donald Feltham Thanks to everyone who contributed behind the scenes to this episode: the Musical Stingers composed by Mateo Chavez Lewis, our line producer Dennis Caouki, and the theme song to our podcast with lyrics and music by Colm Molloy and sung by the one only Anne Morrison, currently on the road starring in Kimberly Akimbo. Of course, I'd also like to thank Donald Feltham both for interviewing me and letting me rebroadcast our interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
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