In this episode of “On the Aisle,” host Tom Alvarez Zooms in with Polish‑American Broadway music director and pianist Eugene Gwozdz, tracing his journey from a musical immigrant family in Fort Worth, Texas, to becoming a go‑to collaborator for stars like Betty Buckley, Chita Rivera, Ariana DeBose, and more.

Eugene shares wild behind‑the‑scenes stories about helping Buckley learn “Memory,” sight‑reading early workshops of In the Heights, building tribute concerts at Casa Mañana, and shaping new musicals from a Dolly Parton show to a Spanish‑flu piece he composed while waiting in the hospital for a heart transplant.

With dishy name‑drops, emotional “pinch me” moments, and a powerful message about following your dreams no matter what, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, artistry, and the unexpected paths a life in music can take.

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On this episode of “On the Aisle,” host Tom Alvarez sits down with community leader and musician Shelly Snider, who shares her journey from growing up as a United Methodist preacher’s kid in Indianapolis to becoming a powerhouse in Indiana’s LGBTQ+ community through Indy Pride, the Pride of Indy Bands, and now the Damien Center.

She talks about juggling corporate life, nonprofit work, and family, the joy and healing power of music, and how a scrappy idea on a pizza-napkin became a 60+ member queer band that has marched in presidential inaugurations and is headed to the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Shelly opens up about surviving professional setbacks, honoring queer history and the AIDS crisis, raising her son with her wife, and why she believes risk-taking, collaboration, and radical hope are essential for the next generation. If you care about arts, activism, or what it really means to build community in the Midwest, this conversation is packed with heart, history, and inspiration.

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On this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez sits down with longtime broadcaster and storyteller Tom Cochrun for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that spans career, creativity, community, and legacy.

Cochrun and Tom discuss their shared history in broadcasting, including their collaboration on a James Dean documentary that continues to resonate with new audiences today. Both men explore the power of storytelling, the importance of trusting creative instincts, and the fearless ambition that drove their early careers.

Alvarez opens up about his personal journey—navigating identity, being a pioneer as a Latino and openly gay broadcaster, and overcoming industry barriers. Cochrun offers heartfelt reflections on witnessing those challenges and the progress made in media diversity, while also expressing concern about preserving those hard-won gains.

The two also dive into the evolution of journalism, from analog roots to the digital age, emphasizing the importance of community storytelling and mentoring the next generation. Cochrun shares how he continues to stay engaged through writing, photography, and local initiatives—even as he approaches 80.

The episode closes with a passionate discussion about the value of the arts—why live performance, music, and storytelling remain essential for human connection, emotional expression, and community unity in an increasingly digital and polarized world.

A thoughtful, nostalgic, and inspiring conversation between two seasoned voices who’ve helped shape—and continue to reflect on—the worlds of media and the arts.

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