HeyJaredBefore the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast
Welcome to Before the Downbeat, a podcast hosted by Mackenzie Horner alongside cohosts Scott Hurst and Maris Lyons!
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 4
- Latest publication
- Jul 24, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 10, 2026
Latest episodes
85. Assassins (opens the original)
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This week, Mackenzie reunites with Scott Hurst and welcomes back former cohost Autumn Smith for a long-overdue conversation about one of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's most daring musicals, Assassins . Together, they explore why Assassins remains one of the most challenging shows ever written, debating whether productions lose their power when they play the material "safe" instead of forcing audiences to sit with its discomfort. They also celebrate Sondheim's masterful use of musical pastic
Assassins Promo (opens the original)
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Next week, step into the Fatalistic Carnival as we bring our prolonged sixth season to an explosive close! Scott and Mackenzie are taking on one of Stephen Sondheim's most provocative and timely musicals, Assassins —and making the celebration even bigger is the long-awaited return of former cohost and now amazing guest, the Canadian Bea Arthur, Autumn Smith. Together, the trio wrestles with the show's central moral question: does Assassins ask us to sympathize with history's most infamous figure
Bonus Episode- How to Fix Wicked: For Good (opens the original)
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Fellow Ozians, it's time to revisit Wicked: For Good ! Join host Mackenzie and returning special guest Jessica Maxwell as they take a deep dive into the Oscar snubbed film; breaking it down scene by scene to discuss its biggest triumphs, its missed opportunities, and the changes they believe could have made the adaptation soar. From bizarre and unexpected twisters of fate to proving that no good deed goes unpunished, they dissect every major creative choice—from new songs and expanded storylines
Thanks for Listening PSA (opens the original)
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After an unexpected hiatus, Before the Downbeat is back! In this special update, Mackenzie shares why the podcast took a break, opens up about experiencing creator burnout, and reveals what's next for the show. You'll also get a preview of the Season 6 finale, an exciting Season 7 lineup, our new weekly release schedule, and the road to Episode 100. Thank you for your patience and support—we can't wait to have you back Before the Downbeat !
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