Childhood friends Ashley Eckstein (voice of “Ahsoka Tano” in Star Wars) and Michael James Scott (“The Genie” from Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway) team up for a weekly podcast with the singular mission of starting a friendship revolution, one “HypeFriend” (and one episode!) at a time.
Michael James Scott's Last Walk Through Aladdin–Where It All Started & Where It All Ends
Michael James Scott takes Ashley on one last walk through Disney's Aladdin at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre—and it's the kind of backstage access that doesn't happen. After more than 4,000 performances as The Genie, Michael opens the doors to the places audiences never see: the dressing room, hair and makeup, the five-glitter Genie sparkle recipe, prop alley, the prayer-circle spot, the secret bunker, the tiny Genie lift, and the stage where "Friend Like Me" happens eight times a week. You'll meet the crew who makes the magic run, learn what happens when The Genie has to pee mid-show, and find out why Ashley's love language is now officially glitter. And you’re not ready for the final moment: Michael and Ashley walk to the exact standing-room spot where they watched The Lion King as high school theater kids—before either of them knew what was possible—and manifest what comes next. It's funny, emotional, glitter-covered, and the only way this season could end.
Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one magic carpet ride) at a time!
Follow HypeFriend here (https://www.instagram.com/beahypefriend/)!
Michael J Scott here (https://www.instagram.com/iammjscott/)!
Ashley Eckstein here (https://www.instagram.com/ashleyeckstein/)!
Sign up for HypeFriend news and updates here (https://www.beahypefriend.com/)!
18 May 2026
We Surprised Michael James Scott In His Dressing Room During His Final Week As The Genie
Broadway's longest-running Genie--and our very own co-host--takes the hype seat for the first time. After more than 4,000 performances, three continents, four companies, and a decade inside the lamp at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Michael James Scott opens up about what his record-making, ground-break run actually meant: why joy became his protest, why "my power is light" took years to believe, the church offering that got a theater kid from Orlando to New York City, and the Ben Vereen surprise in Paris that changed everything. We flooded him with love from the people who know him best--video messages welcoming him to the rare, elite 4,000 Club. This episode is packed with surprises--including guest appearances from James Monroe Iglehart, Caisse Levy, Will Swenson & Audra McDonald, and the Little Mermaid herself, Sierra Boggess--plus Ashley surprises him with the perfect gift (and then he surprises her with the perfect Internet Impulse Purchase!).. But the moment that stays with you is the last question: who walked into this dressing room, and who walks out? His answer will wreck you.
Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one scene-stealing wish) at a time!
Follow HypeFriend here (https://www.instagram.com/beahypefriend/)!
Michael J Scott here (https://www.instagram.com/iammjscott/)!
Ashley Eckstein here (https://www.instagram.com/ashleyeckstein/)!
Sign up for HypeFriend news and updates here (https://www.beahypefriend.com/)!
14 May 2026
Sarah Chalke Plays "Diagnosis!" & Her Scrubs Training Finally Pays Off
We could not let Sarah Chalke leave without a bonus round, so welcome to Diagnosis—a game built for a TV doctor with elite comedic instincts. Sarah sticks around to diagnose Michael and Ashley with a string of delightfully fake ailments, including hangry, butterflies in your stomach, cabin fever, earworm, and the much dreaded social-media induced condition, FOMO. The result is part improv game, part Scrubs afterparty, and completely chaotic in the best way. Add in talk of trailer dance parties and a final manifest moment for Scrubs Season 2, and this one becomes a perfect little dessert episode.
Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one diagnosis) at a time!
Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and lucky romance) at a time!
Follow HypeFriend here (https://www.instagram.com/beahypefriend/)!
Michael J Scott here (https://www.instagram.com/iammjscott/)!
Ashley Eckstein here (https://www.instagram.com/ashleyeckstein/)!
Sign up for HypeFriend news and updates here (https://www.beahypefriend.com/)!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
17 ratings
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