Emmy-nominated artist Mykal Kilgore joins Into the Mud for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the emotional toll of always taking the high road. From growing up in a strict religious environment to navigating Broadway, the music industry, and public scrutiny, Mykal unpacks the pressure to be exceptional, likable, and silent in the face of disrespect.

This episode dives into identity, power dynamics, systemic inequality, and the breaking point of “being the bigger person” in a world that doesn’t always reward integrity. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from doing the right thing while others get away with everything, this one hits deep.

Bio: Mykal Kilgore is an Emmy-nominated and Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and Broadway performer known for his powerhouse vocals and dynamic stage presence. He made history as the first openly gay artist nominated in the Traditional R&B Performance category at the Grammys and has appeared in major productions including Motown: The Musical, Hair, and The Book of Mormon, as well as NBC’s The Wiz Live!. A sought-after live performer, he has taken the stage at events like the Met Gala and continues to build a multifaceted career across music, theater, and television. Mykal is celebrated not only for his talent, but for his fearless voice, advocacy, and commitment to truth both on and off stage.

Mykal's Social Media: @MykalKilgore.

Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms!
For the visual version, follow along on YouTube!

Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC).

Contributing Editors: Manthan Baldha, Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost) and Drew King.

Filmed and recorded at @TheMalin in New York City.

www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com

What does it actually mean to be addicted to escapism? Writer and Emmy-nominated storyteller Ren McAslan breaks down the nine types of escapism, from work and relationships to media, sex, and substance use, and how constant distraction is reshaping our ability to sit with ourselves. This episode explores trauma, shame, addiction, and the uncomfortable truth that the things we use to cope might be keeping us disconnected from our own lives.

Bio: Renwick McAslan is an Emmy-nominated, London-born, NYC-based writer.

By day, the 36 year old works as a Creative Director in Ad-Land but works on numerous creative projects on the side, including film / TV and has recently-finished his first novel, Come Undone.

This August he’s also taking his debut solo-written, one-woman show, Woman Seeking Cuddles to the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

His hobbies include getting punched in the face (he’s a keen boxer).

Ren's Social Media: @RenwMcas, www.RenMcAslan.com

Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms!
For the visual version, follow along on YouTube!

Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC).

Contributing Editors: Manthan Baldha, Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost) and Drew King.

Filmed and recorded at @TheMalin in New York City.

www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com

What if certainty or uncertainty isn’t a strength… but a trap?

On this week's episode, comedian AJ Marroquin joins Drew and Alex to unpack growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness, walking away from blind faith, and how that early conditioning shaped his identity, relationships, and career working inside dating apps. From door-to-door evangelizing to decoding modern dating behavior, this episode explores the tension between knowing exactly what you want and realizing you might not know yourself at all.

Bio: AJ Marroquin is a New York-based comedian and writer. Originally from Chicago, he performs stand-up and has worked in the dating app industry for several years, focusing on trust and safety, user behavior, and online interactions.

AJ's Social Media: @AJDeluxe

Follow along at @IntoTheMudPodcast on all platforms!
For the visual version, follow along on YouTube!

Your Hosts: Alex Kumin (@Alex.Kumin) and Drew King (@DrewKingNYC).

Contributing Editors: Manthan Baldha, Sarah Webb (@SWAudioPost) and Drew King.

Filmed and recorded at @TheMalin in New York City.

www.IntoTheMudPodcast.com