Meet Adam & Emily (aka Orphan Number 102)

What happens when the dream you’ve chased your whole life starts to look a little different than you imagined? In our premiere episode, hosts Adam Hill and Emily Goldberg dive into their shared theatre roots and the winding paths that followed. From the awkward anxiety of trying to fit in as kids to the intensity of professional auditions and national tours, they share honest stories about what it’s really like to build a life in the arts. Adam reflects on his major career shift from performing onstage to becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Meanwhile, Emily revisits her first-ever audition, finding a sense of belonging through theatre, and navigating the realities of working as an actor in Chicago. Together, they open up about career pivots, letting go of old expectations, and redefining what it means to find true psychological fulfillment. Join Adam and Emily for a conversation about where they started, where they are now, and the unexpected journey that brought them together. This podcast contains occasional strong language and candid conversations. While one of our co-hosts is a licensed psychotherapist, this is not a substitute for professional mental health care.