Episode 21 of the PAD podcast picks up where we left interviewing amazingly talented alumni of the #WashU Performing Arts Department (PAD) and this episode’s guest is no exception! On this episode, Rob interviews the multi-talented and multi-disciplinary artist Pun Bandhu. Pun is a graduate of both WashU and Yale School of Drama and has built a career as an award-winning actor in films Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading, Frozen River, and Can You Ever Forgive Me? as well as a noteworthy role as Lee in the movie Relay opposite Riz Ahmed. He has done guest appearances on television (Madame Secretary, Gotham, Blue Bloods, etc.) and has recurring roles as Victor Landis in Elsbeth and Judge Yun in Law and Order: SVU. Pun has performed opposite Cynthia Nixon in the Tony-nominated Wit on Broadway and has been seen at some of the best theatres Off-Broadway and regionally across the country. As you’ll also hear on the episode, Pun is a passionate advocate and the recipient of an Obie Award and Tony Honor as a co-founder of the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC) in recognition of the group’s impact in increasing diversity within the industry. Do not miss this delightful – and insightful –interview with proud WashU alum Pun Bandhu.

PAD podcast episode #20 is another very special one featuring beloved teacher, longtime PAD faculty member, and Professor of Practice Jeffery Matthews! Jeffery will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 academic year after an astounding THIRTY-EIGHT years of teaching at #WashU. Jeffery has been on the PAD faculty since 1988 teaching courses in Acting, Directing, Voice and Speech and Theatre for Young Audiences. Jeffery was on the artistic staff of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis for twenty years as Artistic Supervisor of The ImaginaryTheatre Company, the Rep’s touring children’s company. He is a professional director, actor, and dialect specialist. In the interview, Jeffery reflects on all flavors of shows, classes, and colleagues and even finishes the episode with a list of 70 students who come to mind as having made an impact on him over that period of time. In this holiday time of lists both ‘naughty and nice’, there’s only one way to know if you’re on Jeffery’s list and that is to LISTen! ;)

Episode 19 of the PAD Podcast is a very special one featuring longtime beloved PAD faculty member Annamaria Pileggi. After 35 years in the department, Anna will be retiring at the end of the 2025-26 academic year leaving behind a legacy of dedicated teaching, collaborative theatre (and people) making, and a ‘butterfly effect’ of alumni who were inspired by Anna’s teaching and bring that energy to their lives and work all over the world. On the episode, Anna reflects on her training before arriving at WashU, her influences and mentors who helped her along the way, andher favorite productions and collaborations that made her career at WashU, as she says, a “joy”.

If you feel a heartwarming shot of exuberance, wisdom, inspiration, and that distinctive Annamaria Pileggi laugh that has echoed in the PAD hallways for 35 wonderful years is what you need in life right now, then this episode is for you!