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.
HypeFriend
Claim This Podcastby Ashley Eckstein & Michael James Scott
4.9(17 reviews)
41 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas Sponsors
Podcast Overview
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.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
7/7/2025
1 verified contact email on file for HypeFriend
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
May 21, 2026
Michael James Scott's Last Walk Through Aladdin–Where It All Started & Where It All Ends
<p>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.</p><p>Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one magic carpet ride) at a time!</p><p>Follow HypeFriend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beahypefriend/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Michael J Scott <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iammjscott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Ashley Eckstein <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashleyeckstein/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Sign up for HypeFriend news and updates <a href="https://www.beahypefriend.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>
May 18, 2026
We Surprised Michael James Scott In His Dressing Room During His Final Week As The Genie
<p>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.</p><p>Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one scene-stealing wish) at a time!</p><p>Follow HypeFriend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beahypefriend/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Michael J Scott <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iammjscott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Ashley Eckstein <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashleyeckstein/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Sign up for HypeFriend news and updates <a href="https://www.beahypefriend.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>
May 14, 2026
Sarah Chalke Plays "Diagnosis!" & Her Scrubs Training Finally Pays Off
<p>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.</p><p>Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and one diagnosis) at a time!</p><p>Join us in our friendship revolution, one HypeFriend (and lucky romance) at a time!</p><p>Follow HypeFriend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beahypefriend/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Michael J Scott <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iammjscott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Ashley Eckstein <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashleyeckstein/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p><p>Sign up for HypeFriend news and updates <a href="https://www.beahypefriend.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</p>
41 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is HypeFriend?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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