Unpacking a Surprise Guest

Unpacking Benny

Hello Suitcase listeners! I have another celebrity of sorts, in the podcasting world, joining me from Down Under in today's episode! He is known only as Benny, and as he likes to call himself, "like-minded podcast enthusiast" with great storytelling skills, as seen in a podcast of his own, Death and Taxes. He and I met via Instagram when I started listening to his podcast before pivoting away from true crime, and I commented on a few of his lighter fare episodes (including the Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial). Then he became one of my biggest fans on my show, and he in turn had many questions to ask about my previous episodes. In this conversation, he relates to the uber competition of the studios in Australia and the "no-worries" culture that defines Australia, as well as his own bullying experiences in school. So sit back, grab a beer and say g'day to Benny!

Unpacking Jack Carper

In this episode, I have another actor joining me onto the microphone, with his own suitcase to unpack. The audiences have remembered him in The Odd Couple - Female Edition as one of the brothers in the pivotal scene of a double date with Olive and Florence (female Oscar and Felix, respectively). Along the way in no uncertain terms, he has become one of my dearest friends and is overall a beautiful soul inside and out. Our conversation includes inside jokes and a life-changing experience that caused him to reevaluate his goals. So sit back, grab a cup of tea or wine, and welcome Jack Carper onto the microphone!

Unpacking Coach Cyndi

Have you ever wondered whether the life you're living is aligned with your passions and dreams? Whether you're being true to yourself, or you're merely pleasing others or societal expectations? Are you truly connected with your creative self? I have a celebrity of sorts joining me in this episode and she has her own suitcase to share. She is a well-known acting coach, storyteller, and founder of Creating a Passionate Life in the north Seattle area! She also hosts her own podcast, The Creative Connection, and she has many stories to share including how a once in a lifetime catastrophic event pivoted her to her current business. So sit back, have a cup of tea, and please welcome Coach Cyndi Thomsen! Get in touch with me on Instagram and Threads: @mychildhoodsuitcase Links: Cyndi Thomsen: https://www.cyndithomsen.net/ [https://www.cyndithomsen.net/] The Creative Connection Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@cyndithomsen [https://www.youtube.com/@cyndithomsen]

Unpacking a Surprise Guest

*Originally recorded on January 6, 2026* Hi everyone! I originally had a guest joining me but as it turns out, she could not attend my podcast. So another guest decides to join me in that person's stead. You'll never guess who that person is! (hint, hint, hooman servant) Sit back, grab a glass of wine or mocktail, and please welcome my mystery guest!! Please stay until the end.

Unpacking Eric Wu

In this episode, I have invited another Seattleite and well-known, prolific actor, Mr. Eric Wu. He is known for his work in American Immersive Theater as well as some stage productions. After a bit of prodding, I managed to help him unpack his own suitcase. This interview gave me some profound insight on what it's like to be an actor around the Pacific Northwest and in the time of COVID, as well as an ABC child (American-born Chinese). Please follow him on Instagram @ericwu0617 and check out the video of Friends Across the Wires featuring him! Please note that the camp referenced in this episode is ironically named Camp Harmony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRwotM7FJew [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRwotM7FJew] So sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy! Let's go!