Where the Light Lands

About Where the Light Lands

Where the Light Lands is a storytelling and culture podcast hosted by filmmaker and creative voice Jason A. Coombs. The show blends intimate interviews, cultural retrospectives, and dynamic roundtables to explore the moments, stories, and creative breakthroughs that shape who we become. Each episode shines a light on artists, actors, filmmakers, writers, and culture-makers reflecting on their journeys and the art that moved them. Whether Jason is in conversation with a creator, revisiting a landmark film, TV show, or Broadway musical, or moderating a live panel at a festival, the show reveals how storytelling connects us, challenges us, and inspires the light within all of us. Do you remember the moment in your life or career when the light landed and you finally stepped into it?

Publisher

Jason A. Coombs

Category

arts · news · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 May 2026

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   Episode 09 | Aditya Joshi: Leading from Behind

   After a long hiatus, Where the Light Lands is back, and we’re returning with a conversation worth the wait! This week, Jason A. Coombs sits down with filmmaker, writer, screenwriter, playwright, and actor Aditya Joshi for an inspiring conversation about building a creative career, embracing new possibilities, and finding the courage to pursue your vision. Aditya shares insights from his multifaceted journey across film, television, and theater, including his collaboration with writing partner Sid Gopinath on Minnesota Goodbye, their feature film that won the 2026 AT&T Untold Stories production prize at the Tribeca Festival, securing $1.2 million in production funding. His story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when creativity, persistence, and a willingness to take risks come together. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, searching for your next creative spark, or simply looking for a little inspiration to make a change in your life, this episode is for you. Aditya’s warmth, charisma, and infectious spirit make this conversation a beautiful reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one idea, one opportunity, or one brave step to change your trajectory. Join us for the return of Where the Light Lands and a conversation that might just inspire your next chapter! Please support Aditya Joshi: Support Aditya on⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram here⁠ Check out his website here Support the ⁠Brooklyn Music School here⁠⁠⁠ Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Episode 08 | Tribeca Talk: "Hope"

   A new mini episode of Where the Light Lands, hosted by ⁠Jason A. Coombs⁠, is out now! Recorded on site at the Tribeca Film Festival, this conversation features Tobias Zuniga-Shaw, producer of the powerful documentary short Hope. Tobias shares the inspiration behind the film, reflects on its Tribeca premiere, and discusses the deeply personal story at the heart of the project. Narrated by Javi, the only member of his family able to cross the U.S. border, Hope revisits his parents' migration journey and the painful reality that keeps them from returning home. It's a moving film about family, identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. Be sure to add this one to your watchlist and keep an eye out for it when it becomes available. Please support Tobias and "Hope": Support Tobias on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram Here⁠⁠⁠ Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Episode 07 | Tribeca Talk: Jail Time Records

   A new mini episode of Where the Light Lands, hosted by Jason A. Coombs, is out now! Recorded on-site at the Tribeca Film Festival, this conversation features Giacomo Stucchi-Prinetti, producer of the award-winning documentary Jail Time Records. Giacomo gives us a sneak peek into the film, shares why its story is especially relevant today, and reflects on his experience premiering at Tribeca. Jail Time Records took home three awards at the Tribeca Film Festival, earning acclaim for its powerful story of music, hope, and resilience. Be sure to put this one on your radar and check it out when it's available! Please support Jail Time Records: Support the film on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram Here⁠⁠ Get updates on the ⁠Film Here⁠ Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Episode 06 | Elisée Junior St. Preux: The Tropic Sun and His Eyes

   The new episode of Where the Light Lands, hosted by Jason A. Coombs, is out now featuring filmmaker Elisée Junior St. Preux. Recorded at Spring Studios during the 2026 Tribeca Festival, this conversation explores his feature film debut The Tropic Sun and His Eyes, from writing and directing to shooting the film on location in Haiti, and why it was essential for him to authentically uplift his community through this story. He also reflects on what it meant to premiere the film at Tribeca and share this work on such a major international stage! The film received a Special Mention Award at the Tribeca Film Festival and is produced by Elisée Junior St. Preux, Naturi Naughton-Lewis, and Two Lewis, and continues to earn attention for its storytelling and vision. Please support Elisée Junior St. Preux: Support Elisée on⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram Here⁠ Get updates on the Film Here Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Episode 05 | Queer Coded Chaos: Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Horror Characters with Mark J. Parker

   Episode 5 of Where the Light Lands, hosted by Jason A. Coombs, is here and she is an absolute scream! This Pride Month, we are diving deep into the shadows with the incredible Mark J. Parker, filmmaker, actor, writer, and host of the Release Date Rewind podcast, for a gloriously queer, gloriously chaotic conversation about our favorite LGBTQIA+ and queer coded horror characters. We are talking horror classics such as Scream, Psycho, Hellraiser (2022), A Nightmare on Elm Street 2, and Interview with the Vampire, plus indie gems such as Swallowed, What Keeps You Alive, and Family History, among many others. From the subtly coded to the deliciously iconic, we are celebrating the queer DNA woven through the horror genre and having an absolute blast doing it! Whether you are a horror obsessive, a proud member of the community, or just someone who knows the gay best friend always deserved better, this episode is for you. Hit play, scream a little, and happy Pride! Please support Mark J. Parker: Support Mark on⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram Here⁠⁠ Check out Mark's podcast, ⁠Release Date Rewind Here ⁠⁠ Check out Mark's film ⁠"Family History" here⁠ Check out Mark's film⁠ "Twin" here⁠ Check out Mark's film ⁠"Last Summer" here⁠ Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6. 

   9 Jun 2026

   Episode 04 | Julia Knitel: Just Getting Started

   This week on Where the Light Lands, Jason A. Coombs sits down with Tony Award nominee Julia Knitel, currently starring in the Broadway hit Operation Mincemeat. Julia takes us behind the curtain of an unforgettable Broadway season, sharing what it was really like to become a Tony nominee and step onto one of theater's biggest stages at the Tony Awards. The conversation explores why Operation Mincemeat is the most challenging role of her career, the precision and stamina required to navigate the show's whirlwind of characters and quick changes, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Julia also shares a memorable piece of advice from acclaimed Tony Award winner Beth Leavel about keeping her dancer background under wraps, and how that unexpected guidance shaped her journey in the industry. From Broadway dreams to career-defining moments, this episode is an inspiring look at perseverance, artistry, and finding your place in the spotlight. Join us for another illuminating conversation on Where the Light Lands. Please support Julia Knitel: Support Julia on⁠ ⁠Instagram Here Get tickets to Operation Mincemeat Here⁠⁠ Check out the Trans Masc Choir Here⁠⁠ Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Episode 03 | Alex Arlotta: Gotta Start Somewhere

   Episode 3 of Where the Light Lands, hosted by Jason A. Coombs⁠, shines a light on musician and actor Alex Arlotta and the journey behind creating his debut album, Gotta Start Somewhere. In this uplifting and insightful conversation, Alex shares what it means to take a chance on yourself, embrace collaboration, and trust your creative instincts. From bringing an album to life to building meaningful artistic partnerships, Alex opens up about the power of creating your own opportunities and why you do not have to do it alone. Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone looking for a little inspiration, this is a conversation filled with heart, honesty, and encouragement. Stream the episode now and discover why sometimes you just have to start somewhere. Please support Alex Arlotta: Check out Alex's ⁠Website Here⁠ Support Alex on⁠ Instagram Here⁠ Check out the Non profit ⁠Liminal Theatre Collective Here⁠ Please support your host: Where the Light Lands: ⁠⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8. 

   26 May 2026

   Episode 02 | Stephen Cofield Jr. : A Seed's A Star

   On this episode of Where the Light Lands, Jason A. Coombs sits down with actor Stephen Cofield Jr. for a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation about the real work behind building a career as a working actor. Stephen opens up about booking roles on New York City filmed shows including Younger, Manifest, and Only Murders in the Building, stepping into the horror world with his iconic appearance in Terrifier 3, written and directed by Damien Leone, and working in the indie film space on The Geechee Witch: A Boo Hag Story, directed by Jeremiah Kipp and now streaming on Tubi. Together, they talk about diligence, craft, staying grounded, and why being a good person still matters in this industry. It’s a great listen, full of heart, honesty, and plenty of laughs. Be sure to check it out and support Stephen Cofield Jr.! Please support Stephen Cofield Jr. Check out Stephen's Website Here Support Stephen on Instagram Here Check out the Non profit Foster Care Unplugged Here Please support your host. Where the Light Lands: ⁠https://wherethelightlandspod.com⁠ Where the Light Lands Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod⁠ Jason A. Coombs Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9. 

   19 May 2026

   Episode 01 | Rodd Cyrus : Turning Failure into Fire

   Episode 1 of Where the Light Lands is officially here! Host Jason A. Coombs sits down with the incredibly talented Rodd Cyrus from the Tony nominated production of Ragtime at Lincoln Center for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about bringing Harry Houdini to life once again, why this show feels especially important in today’s world, working on television sets, his love of Riverdance, and the journey of building a creative career with heart, humor, and purpose. Tickets for Ragtime are now available through August 2, 2026. You can purchase tickets online here or at the Lincoln Center Theater box office. Please support Rodd Cyrus. Website: https://RoddCyrus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roddcyrus Please support your host. Where the Light Lands: https://wherethelightlandspod.com Where the Light Lands Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wherethelightlandspod Jason A. Coombs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonacoombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10. 

    13 May 2026

    Where The Light Lands Teaser Trailer

    The official teaser trailer for Where the Light Lands is here! Hosted by Jason A. Coombs, Where the Light Lands is a podcast exploring the moments that shape us, challenge us, and guide us toward who we are becoming. Through intimate conversations with artists, storytellers, creatives, and changemakers, the series dives into the turning points behind their personal and professional journeys. In this special teaser episode, listeners are invited into the world and vision behind the podcast ahead of the official premiere on Tuesday, May 19th. Subscribe now and join us as we explore where the light lands and what happens after it does. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contact Where the Light Lands

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.