That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Dissecting the EGO and how it challenges creativity. How to create and step outside the EGO (the end result) that inhibits real creativity from flourishing.

For today's conversation, we're changing things up and taking a look at things on the other side of the camera. We're chatting with someone who's made their career writing and directing major hollywood movies for the past twenty years. He's come a long way from his father's liquor store in Massachusetts, and he tells us exactly how, after graduating from school and writing a letter to his hollywood idol, he found himself sharing a beer and chatting about his favorite movies with director Sam Raimi! Now, after having directed stars like William H. Macy and Jason Statham, he shares what it's like sitting in the director's chair, and how he's managed to pull off getting films made when seemingly impossible circumstances stand in the way. Tony Giglio is and American film director born in Medford, Massachusetts. He studied and obtained a B.A. at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. He worked his way up from a Production Assistant to become one of Hollywood's most versatile Writer-Directors. He gained experience in the entertainment industry on projects like HEAT, IN ENEMY HANDS, TERMINATOR 2, LIAR LIAR, CELTIC PRIDE, BULLETPROOF, DANTE'S PEAK, and FEAR. Most recently, he has directed DOOM: Annihilation, set to be released in 2019. Previous films include CHAOS, EXTRACTION, TIMBER FALLS and DEATH RACE.

There are no small parts, so remember to make it your world. This is a full breakdown of Co-star responsibility in the story. How to handle your one line or a few lines on set.

Todays conversation is an open, candid, and humorous dialogue with Chris Geere who's on-screen career began with a Coke Zero commercial in the UK, and ultimately lead him to a series regular role. He talks about getting cut from the final edit of Band of Brothers, how a clever self-tape landed him with an offer to work with M. Night Shyamalan, and honestly shares how even after booking the ever-coveted "series regular role," he's finding new depths to what is required of an actor and artist when a life and career changing opportunity comes to an end. He's most known for his hilarious and honest portrayal on the hit FXX show, You're the Worst, as well as his work on Modern Family, After Earth, and in the soon-to-be-released film Detective Pikachu with Ryan Reynolds. Chris Geere is a British actor born in Cambridge in 1981 and brought up in the Winchester area of Hampshire where his family still lives. He was initially interested in pursuing a career as an artist until a drama teacher encouraged him to play in his school's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', whereupon he admits that he was truly bitten by the acting bug. He gained a place at the Guildford School of Acting, winning out over nearly three thousand other applicants. Some time after graduation he had a spell as a bit part player with the Royal Shakespeare Company and since then has become familiar on British television, notably in the school series 'Waterloo Road.' In 2017 he moved to the States, appearing in Modern Family and taking the lead in the eccentric comedy drama 'You're the Worst.' IG: @cwgeere

We are all ageless in artistry if we allow ourselves to be. Today I am assessing the experience around T.I.M.E in a creative career.

Today we have a really special conversation with an actress who has defied what we're often told is possible in a Hollywood career. She started on stage with the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, but didn't make it to Los Angeles till she was nearly 40. She is an example of what can happen when an artist decides to be the exception, embrace fear, and relinquish over-thinking. We also get to chat about failure, how it is a vital part of success as an actor, and how she's been able to take professional and personal challenges, and turn them into opportunities to tell stories with some of Hollywood's most innovative artists. She's developed an incredible body of work that includes working with the Cohen Brothers, booking 9 (count them!) 9 guest stars in one year, and most notably her role on Amazon's Transparent. Amy Landecker started her career as a theatre actor in Chicago IL, where she worked with the Steppenwolf and Goodman theaters. A transfer production from Chicago brought her to NYC and the Public Theatre. While in New York, she worked at the Barrow St Theater and Second Stage. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she was tapped to play "Mrs. Samsky" in the Coen brothers' Oscar-nominated A Serious Man (2009). After a long series of guest star and recurring roles in shows like Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Louie, and The Paul Reiser Show, she landed her current starring role as "Sarah Pfefferman" in the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning series, Transparent (2014). Amy has also written pilots for FX and Amazon and is a top VO talent in animation and commercials. Instagram: @amylandecker

Today's guest is a powerhouse force of knowledge, inspiration, and passion. From her big break on Law & Order, to her work with David O. Russell, she is full of incredible stories that detail her determination and unwillingness to give up. Her approach to her career has been uniquely strategic---she's made her personal growth just as important as her artistic growth, and through that she's cultivated a resilience that enables her passion to stand firm through every high and every low that comes with a dynamic Hollywood career. Elisabeth Röhm is a German-American television and film actress. She is best known for playing Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn in the American TV series Law & Order and Detective Kate Lockley in the TV series Angel, and for her work with David O. Russel in American Hustle and Joy. In addition to her on-screen work, she is also an accomplished writer. As an advocate and voice for women's fertility issues and heart disease, she is a featured blogger for People Magazine, as well as a published novelist. Instagram: @elisabethrohm

Today's guest is a vibrant force of passion and hard work and, for those of you interested in how the world of Broadway works and how it differs from TV and Film, she is a genuine triple threat---From eight shows a week in New York to recurring roles on TV, she's spent 20 years in this business, putting in the work and thoroughly enjoying every step of the journey. Jackie Seiden is an actor/singer/writer born in Highland Park, IL. She graduated early Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor in Science and a Music Theatre Certificate. After graduating, Jackie moved to New York City and was cast in her dream show, "Hairspray" on Broadway. She was also in the original company of "Good Vibrations" on Broadway, and originated Mary Delgado on the 1st National Tour of "Jersey Boys" along with many other off Broadway productions, tours, regional shows, and worked with greats like Twyla Tharp and Bob Dylan. After performing as Pinky Tuscadero in Garry Marshall's production of Happy Days, she moved out to Los Angeles permanently where she met her husband Jason Winer (Director/Producer). Since moving to LA Jackie has worked on many films and television shows ("Jersey Boys" with Clint Eastwood, "New Year's Eve" with Garry Marshall, " Jack and Jill," with Adam Sandler "Christmas Switch," "The Catch," "Modern Family," "Life in Pieces," etc., and performed all over as a part of the For The Record Live company. IG: @thejackieseiden

Neal Bledsoe is an actor, writer and journalist. Admittedly he is now more confident in the tools of his expression but admits he still doesn't know what he is doing. Falling in love with the work and the his characters after a stint in rehab, Neal shares the utility of the business. From voice to walk, he has manifested some of the best characters on MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, UGLY BETTY, SHAMELESS, SMASH, IRONSIDE, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and SEX AND CITY 2. Accomplished stage actor, writer and visual artist Neal Bledsoe bares it all. Down to what to not ask agents/managers in meetings, how to prioritize the work and learning to have faith that he can't control the business. He honestly shares the details of his journey in self-discovery, proving that questioning everything, including yourself is key to cultivating an honest and authentic body of work. IG: @becauseibledsoe

Neal Bledsoe is an actor, writer and journalist. Admittedly he is now more confident in the tools of his expression but admits he still doesn't know what he is doing. Falling in love with the work and the his characters after a stint in rehab, Neal shares the utility of the business. From voice to walk, he has manifested some of the best characters on MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, UGLY BETTY, SHAMELESS, SMASH, IRONSIDE, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD and SEX AND CITY 2. Accomplished stage actor, writer and visual artist Neal Bledsoe bares it all. Down to what to not ask agents/managers in meetings, how to prioritize the work and learning to have faith that he can't control the business. He honestly shares the details of his journey in self-discovery, proving that questioning everything, including yourself is key to cultivating an honest and authentic body of work. IG: @becauseibledsoe

Alanna Ubach has cultivated a career marked by the kind of range that many actors dream of. A bonified character actress,with equal parts grit and grace, she is unequivocally honest about her experience in Hollywood, generously sharing what she's learned along the way. Hardly recognizable from one character to the next, Alanna Ubach has starred in nearly 150 theater, film, and TV projects. Born in Downey, California to a Mexican-born mother and Puerto Rican father, Ubach has been a working actress since childhood. Following her television debut on "Romper Room," she joined the Lee Strasberg Institute's Children's Program. At 15, she fearlessly travelled to New York to star in WPA's Off-Broadway production of "Club Soda." She made her mark in the industry playing the family housekeeper-turned wedding caterer and Gaylord's first lover in "Meet the Fockers," the sorority sister/best friend to Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde," and the sex-starved Israeli neighbor on "Hung." In addition to her role as Jo on Bravo's first original scripted series, "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," She can also be heard lending her voice to Disney/Pixar's Oscar winning animated film "Coco," featuring an all-Latino cast, where she plays great-great-grandmother Mama Imelda. IG: @alannaubach

New Year! New You! Over this intensity of the New Years resolutions? Well, this episode is all about giving you the tools to actually understand your values and how to effectively manifest them at any point in your life. Each of these women used their transformative journeys to invest in a product to help others do the same! Alyshia Ochse: Author of Life Letters Brianna Brown Keen: Manifest Your Mission Planner Marnie Alton: Transforming her artistry to a different stage that helps shift your mind, body and spirit (LA Barre Belle Studio) Leslie Becker: The Organized Actor Life Letters Manifest Your Mission LA Barre Belle Marnie Alton Workout The Organized Actor Silver Edition

What We Are co-founder, actress, musician and producer Nikki Deloach shares the brave, beautiful tenacious, unforgettable career moments that shaped her 30 year career. This woman is a purposeful, driven and talented storyteller but more importantly she is one who prioritizes vulnerability and openness. She shares the highs and lows of being a veteran of both the music and film industry from the success of the cult classic 90's show The Mickey Mouse Club to losing everything to making a come back and taking a break. Nikki Deloach is best known for her portrayal of Lacey Hamilton on the hit and critically-acclaimed series Awkward for five seasons. Nikki's other credits include Love & Other Drugs, North Shore, Windfall, Grey's Anatomy, and Mad Men. When she is not busy showcasing her talent onscreen, DeLoach is expanding her repertoire behind the scenes. She has re-teamed with Hallmark to develop and produce the upcoming Christmas project Reunited at Christmas, which she will also star in. Nikki Deloach on Instagram: @nikdeloach

Our episode today is a must listen for actors who want to learn how to orchestrate a career. This is an conversation about empowering yourself as an artist, about staying power, about the necessity to invest in yourself, and the importance of having a vision of where you want to go in your career and how to align everything in your life around that vision. Our guest today has fully arrived as an artist and is here to stay! Leven Rambin is an award winning actress and director originally from Houston, Texas who trained and taught at Playhouse West in New York City. Leven began her career at just thirteen years old on the set of "All My Children" as Lily Montgomery. Since then she's worked on dozens of films, including "The Hunger Games," "Chasing Mavericks," "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters," and "Two Night Stand." Most recently she starred in Ramaa Mosley's independent film "Lost Child" as an army veteran who has returned to her home in the Ozarks to find a young, mysterious boy in the woods. She is currently working on the film "London Calling" with Ron Perlman and Malcolm McDowell and "The Dirt," which follows the origin story of Mötley Crüe. Her television credits include "Grey's Anatomy," "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," "One Tree Hill," "Scoundrels," "Wizards of Waverly Place," "The Tomorrow People," and "Private Practice." Leven joined the cast of "True Detective" in the shows second season before portrating Chloe Jones on Hulu's "The Path," starring alongside Aaron Paul and Michelle Monaghan. She is currently leading WGN's crime drama "Gone" with Chris Noth and Danny Pino. "Gone" follows Leven Rambin's character Kick Lannigan, a survivor of a famous child-abduction case, after joining a special task force dedicated to solving missing person and abduction cases. IG: @levenrambin

In our second conversation with Elliot Knight we take a deeper look into everything, from his relationship to auditioning, to how he makes the distinction of being in love with the performance, the storytelling, and the craft rather than the industry and what that difference means for him. He talks about wanting to be the kind of performer who reveals rather than masks. This is a conversation for anybody that needs reminding to own and honor the space you take up, to be expansive, to be vulnerable in your art, and how to let life imitate art. Elliot Knight is an English actor best known for his break out performance in the British television series "Sinbad," playing the titular role. Knight received his theatrical training at The Manchester School of Theatre before landing the coveted role. Knight appeared as a recurring character in the BBC crime drama "By Any Means" before making his US television debut in ABC's "How to Get Away with Murder," joining Viola Davis, Aja Naomi King, and Alfred Enoch. Knight joined the cast of ABC's hit fantasy series "Once Upon a Time" as Merlin in the show's fifth season. He starred alongside Juliet Rylance and Antony Starr in "American Gothic" before being cast in Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith's "Life Sentence," which aired on the CW. "Life Sentence" follows Lucy Hale's character Stella as she navigates life after her terminal cancer is cured, her family, and her relationship with her husband, played by Elliot Knight. The show is currently available on Netflix. You can catch Elliot on Greg Berlanti's DC universe "Titans," which has just finished its first season. IG: @itselliotknight

Award-nominated actress, writer, and director Keesha Sharp sheds light on the courage it takes to break the rules and go after what you want, how fear choked her voice out of musically performing, fighting expectations and results, deciding when to change agents and how facing fear ultimately will open up the blessings. This conversation connects the dots about showing up for your craft 100% of the time and how you never know what job might land you the ticket for the next big job. In 2019, Keesha not only returns to the screen as Trish Murtaugh in the international hit series "Lethal Weapon" for FOX, but also introduces her directorial skills to the show, which premiered its third season on September 25, 2018. Combining action and drama with friendship and humor, season three of "Lethal Weapon" follows Detectives Roger Murtaugh (Damon Wayans) and the newly introduced Wesley Cole (Seann William Scott) as they combat crime in Los Angeles. Sharp shines as Trish, a district attorney, mother, and devoted wife and confidante to Roger. Sharp was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2017 NAACP Image Awards for her work on the show. On the film front, Sharp was also most recently seen starring opposite Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, and Sterling K. Brown in "Marshall". The film follows the story of Thurgood Marshall (Boseman), the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, as he battles through one of his career-defining cases. Sharp's standout work as Buster Marshall earned her a third NAACP Image Award nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category. Additionally, Sharp is currently shopping an Eartha Kitt biopic, set to head into production in 2019. Having been compared to the icon since her early theater days and dubbed by many reviewers as a "young Eartha Kitt," Sharp will portray Kitt in the leading role of a film that promises iconic songs, compelling childhood stories, and triumph through political blacklisting, all told through salacious details.

Today's conversation is a crash course into the journey of an animator. It's about how a young man who never met an art medium he didn't like chose to pursue a highly competitive and challenging career and truly thrived in his art form. We follow Joshua Beveridge's early memories in a home filled with art history books, as a kid always painting and drawing or sculpting, to attending a College of Art and Design to being the Animator Director on "Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse". Joshua Beveridge is a Head of Character Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks. His other titles have included Animation Director and Supervising Animator. Beveridge earned his BA in Computer Animation from the Ringling College of Art and Design before landing his first professional job on Disney's adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Since then he's worked on various teams as a Character Animator, Supervising Animator or Lead Animator in popular films such as "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2," "Alice in Wonderland," "Hotel Transylvania 2," "Arthur Christmas," "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," and "Storks." His work on Warner Bros "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith and Alice Braga, garnered a 2008 Visual Effects Society Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Animated Character in a Live action Motion Picture. Beveridge's latest animated feature film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has broken the mold (again) for telling stories. Quotes: "The idea of animation being a job people did was kind of like a lightbulb, aha, moment." "You have to be comfortable with making things. Just making something is better than trying to make something perfect and letting that paralyze you from trying." "We're manipulating every single shape and motion and form is sculpted, crafted, posed and a decision. Nothing happens accidentally." "Talent is such a small percentage of anything really great. Work ethic is the most important. Work ethic runs circles around talent any day and I was an early subscriber to that." "The actual process of truly being an animator I didn't learn until on the job and I think that's a luxury that I don't think exists anymore." "I feel like with every promotion I've gotten it's really just been another way to help more animators." "There's nothing impulsive about animation." "If you are afraid in art that's usually an indication that you're on the right path." "There's no such thing as enough information. All we're doing is trying to be as observant as possible." Joshua Beveridge IMDB Instagram https://joshuabeveridge.com/ Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Official Trailer https://www.ianimate.net/ https://www.animationmentor.com/ Storks Trailer

This is a conversation about what it means to demand our worth as artists and women, what that looks like when you are trying to break out of being a guest star and how our guest is asking for that series regular. Camille Chen discusses how to be a good guest star, how she uses and works with the reader in the room, and the small and huge successes along the way. We talk about how she became the Queen of Commercials, improving for Aaron Sorkin, side hustles, to being an acting coach and why improv was the most beneficial class she took in college. These are the expansive, inspiring, knowing your own worth, honest stories that have all lead Camille Chen right here. Camille Chen is a film, television and commercial actress best known for her work in "Game Night," where she joined Jason Bateman and Kyle Chandler as well as her portrayal of Samantha Li in Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Throughout her career Camille has guest starred in nearly 50 television shows, including "Californication," "American Horror Story: Asylum," "Castle," "Backstrom," Criminal Minds," "Dog Therapist," "Bones," and "Lucifer." She recently played a recurring role on USA's "Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G." a true crime series based on the investigations that followed the murders of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. You can watch her next on ABC's "Single Parents." She's worked in numerous popular commercial spots, including State Farm, Motorola and Old Navy. IG: @thatasianactress

We were so lucky to sit down for a second conversation with Marianna Palka. She's a triple threat artist (writer/director/actor) with such a singular vision and voice to bring us closer together, change humanity and give the world a deeper understanding of the human condition. This is a conversation about creating the kind of work that is so needed in our landscape today. Her first film "Good Dick" came from a desire to explore how a sexual assault victims find intimacy and birthed from her frustrations about the lack of good, interesting/complex/ real characters for women. As Maya Angelou inspired her to write her scripts isolated in a hotel for a long weekend, she shares her writing ethic and her confidence to take ownership of her creativity and our shared responsibility to change the world. This is a MUST listen for all creative types!. These are the fearless, moving, authentic, compelling, owning your own space stories that have all led Marianna Palka right here. Marianna Palka is Glasgow born and Los Angeles based filmmaker, actress and writer. She studied at the acclaimed New York Atlantic Theater Company before beginning her career in theater, film and television. Palka wrote, directed and starred in "Good Dick," a 2008 Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize nominee, joining Jason Ritter, Martin Starr, Mark Webber and Tom Arnold in an exploration of intimacy and connection after sexual trauma. Palka's critically acclaimed feature film "Bitch" premiered at Sundance last year and tells the story of a woman who transforms under the enormous pressure of motherhood, leaving her absent husband, Jason Ritter, to discover what it means to be a parent. Additionally Palka directed "Always Worthy," "Heirloom," "I'm the Same," and "Egg," starring Christina Hendricks, Alysia Reiner, David Alan Basche. Her recent work include "Mississippi Requiem," a series of four short films written by William Faulkner and developed by James Franco, "We Are Boats," "Spoonful," "The Adventures of Thomasina Sawyer," and "The Lion's Mouth Opens," Lucy Walker's short documentary following Palka's own relationship to Huntington's Disease and her risk of inheriting. Palka is currently starring in Netflix's Golden Globe nominated "GLOW" as Reggie Walsh. IG: @mariannapalka

This week we dive deep into the journey of finding your spotlight by saying yes, hustling and doing the work. Work can come in the form of sitting around a campfire expressing your art to your fellow actor, coaching others to their potential, or holding the space for other actors opportunities as the best damn reader in town. Getting to work with Josh as an actor, coach or reader will highly improve your level of artistry. With over 20 years experience, Josh Bitton is hitting his stride in the light of highly complex characters and understanding that the gratitude for what you have will land you the happiness of being right where you are. Joshua Bitton is a stage, film and television actor best known for his work in HBO's critically acclaimed series "The Night Of" as Maldonado and for his portrayal of Sgt. J.P. Morgan in Steven Spielberg's award-winning World War II mini series "The Pacific." Bitton's been featured in numerous hit television projects, including "Castle," "The Mentalist," "Bosch," and "Justified." Additionally he's guest starred in "Grey's Anatomy," "The Last Tycoon," "American Vandal," "Reverie," "Lucifer," and "Daredevil," to name a few. His film credits include "National Treasure," "Larry Crowne," "For Love of Money," and "The Tangle." He's currently teaching acting classes in Los Angeles. From drama to comedy, Joshua Bitton has appeared in dozens of award-winning projects in film and television over the years and is positioned for his most exciting year yet. In 2018, he can be seen starring on CBS All Access' new mystery drama series, "One Dollar," opposite John Carroll Lynch, Leslie Odom Jr., Aleksa Palladino, and Hamilton Clancy. IG: @Joshua Bitton

Actor, writer, and producer Arturo Del Puerto got his first headshots at 14 years old by stealing his mother's credit card. Creating opportunities for himself and being paid to learn has been his mission to landing him in Los Angeles. Arturo gives insight about being rejected twice from a prestigious acting conservatory in Spain, making his way to America, and finding his mentor/teacher, casting director Felicia Fasano. Stepping into assist Fasano in the casting room, Arturo shares the tips and tricks of watching actors coming in to audition and how he landed his first series regular job on the hit HBO series CAMPING. Arturo Del Puerto is a television, film and voice actor best known for his performances as Luis Flores in AMC's "Fear The Walking Dead," as well as his work in "The Last Ship" and "Independence Day: Resurgence." Puerto has guest starred and featured in numerous television series, most recently including "Claws," "Glow," "The Flash," "Better Things," and "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders." Puerto lended his voice in two Disney animated series, a reimagined "DuckTales" as Panchito Pistoles and as Rico in "Elena of Avalor." Puerto recently appeared in Dax Shepard's Highway Patrol officer comedy "CHIPS" and worked alongside Joey King and Luke Pasqualino in "Smartass." You can currently catch Puerto in Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner's newest HBO series "Camping," following a group of old friends on a camping trip as it spirals out of control. Puerto is also in production for Ronald D. Moore's "For All Mankind," a sci-fi series due in 2019.

Pen Densham is an author, an art photographer, and an Oscar nominated filmmaker and screenwriter. He founded the Trilogy Entertainment Group with his partner John Watson, creating hit films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Blown Away, Larger Than Life, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys and Backdraft. Densham and Trilogy Entertainment have produced numerous television series and mini-series, including Syfy Channel's The Outer Limits, the successful and long running anthology series following science fiction tales. They've also produced The Twilight Zone, The Magnificent Seven, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and The Creature. Additionally, Densham is author of the bestselling book "Riding The Alligator," a creatively driven screenwriting guide. Part two conversation dives into the deep layers of interpreting and surrendering to the themes that are important to us as artists and people, what our soul spigots are, our life scripts and our passion projects. Pen takes us through what it was like to edit a film for the first time, to overcoming the imposter feeling as a writer, to learning how to best sell a film, and how he and his writing partner Oscar nominated writer\producers.

Pen Densham is an author, an art photographer, and an Oscar nominated filmmaker and screenwriter. He founded the Trilogy Entertainment Group with his partner John Watson, creating hit films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Blown Away, Larger Than Life, The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys and Backdraft. Densham and Trilogy Entertainment have produced numerous television series and mini-series, including Syfy Channel's The Outer Limits, the successful and long running anthology series following science fiction tales. They've also produced The Twilight Zone, The Magnificent Seven, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and The Creature. Additionally, Densham is author of the bestselling book "Riding The Alligator," a creatively driven screenwriting guide. Part one is a visceral conversation about existing in this world as a creative person and what your responsibility is as a storyteller. Pen shares the difficulties he had growing up because he didn't feel his creativity was nourished, and how he learned to thrive in his proces, making leaps and bounds towards his future, persuading The Rolling Stones to let him photograph them at just 15 years old, building an artist's community, working alongside renowned documentarians, to his coping mechanisms around self doubt and the sometimes overwhelming anxiety creative people are more likely to have. We talk about evolutionary habits, spirituality, the most effective way of framing and relating a potential story, the euphoria he feels when he's learning and teaching, his fearful journey through the writing process, to becoming a published author of a besting selling book.

Mehcad Brooks is an actor, musician, and producer raised in Austin, Texas. From bringing characters to life on screen, to writing and producing films, and recording soulful music under an alias, award-winning actor and musician, Mehcad Brooks, has become known in the entertainment industry for his raw and refined talent, charisma, and moving presence. Throughout his successful and celebrated career Brooks is best known for his work in USA's "Necessary Roughness," for his portrayal of Terrence King, starring alongside Scott Cohen and Callie Thorne. He is also known for his characterisation of Eggs in Alan Ball's HBO series "True Blood," and for his work in ABC's hit show "Desperate Housewives," portraying Matthew Applewhite. Additionally Brooks starred in Noah Hawley's docu-drama "My Generation," and "The Deep End." His film credits include his breakout role is Jerry Bruckheimer's "Glory Road" as Harry Flournoy, which followed the 1966 first all-black college basketball teams starting line-up and their eventual NCAA national championship win. Brooks was also featured in "In the Valley of Elah," "Adulterers," "Wildlife," "Just Wright," and "About Last Night." Brooks is currently starring in Greg Berlanti's "Supergirl" as James Olsen in the shows fourth season, along with Melissa Benoist and David Harewood. You can catch his most recent film, Tyler Perry's "Nobody's Fool," starring Brooks, Tiffany Haddish and Whoopi Goldberg in theatres now. While bringing characters to life remains one of Mehcad's biggest passions, his love for telling stories through music is equally important. Writing and recording under the moniker KING GVPSV, Mehcad recently released his debut, full length album "May 20th" on July 13, 2018. The album features 16 soulful brand-new tracks, including the single "Tears Away" which has been featured in an episode of his series "Supergirl." The album was inspired by multiple near-death experiences that Mehcad has endured, all taking place on May 20th and forever changing his life. IG: @mehcadbrooks

Our guest today is a multi talented, New Mexican born and raised actor with a penchant for carpentry, and an exceptional ear for accents. He is a chameleon, whether he's playing the villain or the anti hero, from the countless 99 seat theatres he performed in after he graduated USC, building sets out of school, to acting alongside heavy hitters like Emily Blunt, Miles Teller, Josh Brolin and Chris Pine. Dylan Kenin is a theatrically trained actor best known for his work in television and film. Recently he was featured in Joseph Kosinski's Only the Brave, acting alongside Josh Brolin and Jeff Bridges, based on the true story of a group of elite firefighters in the Granite Mountain Hotshots. He is best known for his work on Sicario as a Delta Leader in the drama following an FBI agent in a government task force. He is also known for Hell or High Water, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, and Shot Caller. Kenin has guest starred and featured in many television shows, including being a recurring guest on Seth MacFarlane's The Orville as Captain Haros, Yellowstone, NCIS: New Orleans, Rebel, Westworld, Roots, and Rebel.

"It's a hell of a drug, storytelling..." Amy Scott takes us on her journey of storytelling through cutting and directing the messages that the world must explore! Her tenacity and fearlessness in pursuing the films she wanted made, her ingenuity and painstaking detail, her drive and talent, and the fact that she taught herself how to expertly fine tune her narrative and lovingly portray her subjects while editing and directing is beyond inspiring. This conversation explores the subject of her Sundance nominated film "Hal, her life in Los Angeles, motherhood, 70's cinema, invaluable how to's, getting those creative chills, crowdfunding, and why she wouldn't be in any other career. Amy Scott is a Los Angeles based filmmaker and editor originally from Lawton, Oklahoma. Throughout her twelve year career she's created films, shorts and music videos. After receiving her BFA in Film Studies from University of Oklahoma she spent a decade in Chicago, Illinois working as a documentary filmmaker, editor and as media producer for the University of Chicago, the head digital archivist at the Chicago History Museum under Studs Terkel. Scott also taught as an instructor of documentary film at Chicago Filmmakers. Scott is best known for her work as editor on projects such as The History of Caves, Me, The Beast & The Angel, and Fully Loaded. Her Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize nominated feature-length directorial debut Once I Was: The Hal Ashby Story follows the life and career of filmmaker Hal Ashby.

This conversation with Ben Lawson is true look inside a working actors highs and lows; how long it can take for a casting director to find that perfect project for you, his first experience on the set of a huge movie, and what it feels like to lose your confidence and then gain it back in spades. Sometimes it might take 6 months in New York City to shift your focus, to unblock the fear around auditioning and booking and trust in your own artistry. This conversation is about the journey in an actors career, not about the destination. Ben Lawson is an Australian film and television actor best known for his portrayal Damien Rennett in ABC's "Designated Survivor," Netflix's hit series "13 Reasons Why," as Coach Rick, and "The Deep End." He has guest starred and featured in various shows, including "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," "Grim," "Billions," "Modern Family," iZombie," "Love Child," and "Secrets & Lies." He began his 26 year career in the popular Australian soap opera "Neighbours." IG: @bennyvegas

This is the perfect episode for anyone trying to find a shift in their career, or in their artistry, for the actors who are wanting to make brave decisions in their life and in their approach of character. Our guest today is the incomparable Jenna Elfman, an efferevescent performer and person. This is an inspiring listen about how she navigated life after DHARMA & GREG, the fumbles, the touchstones, and the vulnerabilities in learning a new character on FEAR THE WALKING DEAD. Jenna Elfman is a film and television actress who started her career as a dancer and appeared in music videos by various artists, including Depeche Mode and Anthrax. She is best known for her role as Dharma in "Dharma & Greg," the hit series that led her to earn three Emmy Awards nominations and a Golden Globe Award. Elfman is also known for her work in the ABC comedy series "Imaginary Mary," "Growing Up Fisher," "1600 Penn," "Damages," and an appearance on "Shameless." She's also had guest appearances in "Two and a Half Men," Royal Pain," "My Name is Earl," and "The Mindy Project." In film she's best known for "Keeping the Faith," which she starred in with Ben Stiller and directed by Edward Norton, "Can't Hardly Wait," Ron Howard's "Edtv," with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, and "Big Stone Gap," with Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Currently she's starring in the hit AMC series "Fear the Walking Dead." IG: @jennaelfman

Ever wondered how you are going to land a career changing role without a manager or agent? This episode is all about the craft and keeping your head down and doing good work. Good work is the best branding for an actor and creates angels in the industry (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jason Bateman). Trevor Long has had some remarkable angels shed light on his 20 year artistry and he lays it all out here. Trevor Long is a film, stage and television actor with twenty years of experience to his name. He is best known for his stand out, recurring role as Cade Langmore, in Netflix's highly acclaimed series "Ozark," acting alongside Laura Linney and Jason Bateman. He is also known for his work in "Low Winter Sun," the AMC series following the murder of a police officer by a fellow detective in Detroit. Long starred in Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly," as Steve Caprio, along with Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta and Richard Jenkins. He stars in and co-produces the upcoming horror thriller "Seeds," directed by Owen Long. The film follows Long's troubled character Marcus after he retreats to the New England Coast. Long has guest starred in numerous television shows throughout his career, including "Blacklist," "Unforgettable," and "Blindspot." He is a longtime member of acclaimed NY LAByrinth Theater Company. IG: @trevorlong721

Live at the MNActing Studio, That One Audition hears the real deal from Becki Newton about her Ugly Betty audition, how she started in the business and what luck and circumstance has made her a household name. We talk about motherhood, family, and how her world split open all at once, and how she found the kind of balance she wanted in her career. These are the laugh out loud, divine timing, confident, brave and open stories that led Becki Newton to where she is today. Becki Newton is an television, film and voice actor best known for her exacting and hilarious role as Amanda Tanen in Ugly Betty, the hit ABC comedy following a New York fashion magazine and a young woman's journey to self acceptance and success. She is also known for her recurring role as Quinn in How I Met Your Mother, acting opposite of Neil Patrick Harris. Newton starred in Fox's The Goodwin Games, a comedy following the lives of three estranged siblings and the circumstances that brought them back together after their father's death. She's also starred in Love Bites as Annie Matopoulos, an anthology series about relationships, surrogacy, and modern romance. She guest starred in Weird Loners, American Dad!, American Dreams, and Charmed. Most recently Newton joined HBO's Divorce as series regular Jackie, starring alongside Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Shannon, and Thomas Haden Church. IG: @itsbeckinewton

Risa Bramon Garcia has a career spanning over 35 years, working as a writer, director, producer, and casting director. She's worked in theatre, television, and film and has directed two feature films, 200 cigarettes, and The Con Artist. Garcia's directed for HBO, Lifetime, The Twilight Zone, and Comedy Central. Theartically she's directed numerous shows in Los Angeles and New York and has been an integral member of The Ensemble Studio Theatre for 30 years. She began her casting career with her partner Billy Hopkins with the incredibly success feature film Desperately Seeking Susan, and since then her casting career includes more than 65 feature films, including The Doors, The Joy Luck Club, Speed, JFK, Wall Street, Angel Heart, Fatal Attraction, Twister, and True Romance. In television she's cast beloved shows such as Roseanne, Masters of Sex, The Cape, and A Gifted Man. Risa is a teacher and coach at The BGB Studio (BramonGarciaBraun) with her partner Steve Braun in Los Angeles, California. IG: @bgbstudio

Brittany S. Hall is an actress best known for her work in HBO's Ballers in her portrayal of Amber, starring alongside Dwayne Johnson and John David Washington. She has been featured in many television and film projects, including Satisfaction, Being Mary Jane, Survivor's Remorse, Quarry, and Drumline: A New Beat. She will join Sanaa Lathan, Ernie Hudson, and Ricky Whittle in Haifaa Al-Mansour's "Nappily Ever After," a Netflix original romantic comedy. Brittany Hall takes us through her experience with reality television, alter egos, her time as an urban model, a music video girl, into a talented, powerful actress. IG: @iambrittanyhall

Leslie Becker is a Broadway actress, Billboard Artist and Best-selling author of The Organized Actor®--a workbook and planner for the serious actor. Now in its 7th Edition, her teachings have touched more than 300,000 actors over the last 24 years through her books, online courses and private coaching. As an actress, her Broadway and National Tour credits include WICKED, BONNIE & CLYDE, CINDERELLA, ANYTHING GOES, AMAZING GRACE, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SHOW BOAT and more. Regionally she has starred in more than 50 productions including HELLO, DOLLY, RAGTIME, A CHORUS LINE, BILLY ELLIOTT, SWEENEY TODD and more. In the music world, her song "Slow Burn" hit #4 on the AC Billboard/Hot AC chart in 2016 and her full EP will be out in the Fall. Also a theater writer, her musical A PROPER PLACE had its World Premiere last year, and her current project FETCHING WATER was recently optioned and shooting for an off-Broadway run. She is an artist who refuses to be put in a box and always approaches her work with integrity, bravery, artistry and love. Instagram: @theorganizedactor, @thelesliebecker

WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST! Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland, Marianna Palka is a passionate actress and humanist filmmaker. Marianna can be seen as Reggie in Netflix's new original series "GLOW", which follows the personal and professional lives of a group of women who perform for a wrestling organization in Los Angeles. At the age of 17, Marianna moved to New York from Scotland to study at David Mamet and William H. Macy's Atlantic Theater Company. From there, she amassed numerous roles in theater, film and television. Marianna made her first journey to Sundance with her film GOOD DICK in 2008, starring Jason Ritter and herself. She returned in 2010 as a Sloan juror. Marianna can be seen in Peter Mullan's 2011 BAFTA award winning film NEDS and in the lead role in director Jeremiah Jones independent film RESTIVE, which won the Audience Award at the 2011 Austin Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actress and Best Feature Film at the 2012 Charlotte Film Festival. She appeared in two short films which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival; SPOONFUL by director Jenee LaMarque and Bryce Dallas Howard's second film WHEN YOU FIND ME, executive produced by Ron Howard for the Canon sponsored Project Imagina8tion. She returned to Sundance again in 2014 with the short documentary THE LION'S MOUTH OPENS. Marianna recently returned from yet another stint at Sundance after premiering a film which she wrote and starred in, BITCH; a surreal, manic, funny, absurd, tragic, and painful depiction of family life about a woman who takes on the identity of a wild dog. BITCH had its international premiere at Sundance London this June. She is currently directing EGG, starring Alysia Reiner, Christina Hendricks and Anna Camp. On the small screen, Marianna's work includes HBO's "Girls", "Derek and Simon", and Comedy Central's "Drunk History".

WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST! Toni Trucks started early in this business of acting, dancing and singing with a goal in mind...to be on Broadway. But how she achieved that goal came with a tenacious spirit and openness of saying yes to opportunities placing her in front of the decision makers. This interview will inspire you to say YES to all opportunities and teach you how to manifest your dream job. Toni gives practical insight on how to handle disappointment in the predictably unpredictable industry. The Organized Actor Book has taught Toni how to effectively take control of her business and stretch each year as an artist. Toni has been working as an actress the majority of her life and shares intimate details of some of her most successful auditions to how she handles heartbreak and ego. Toni Trucks is currently a series regular on the hit CBS show SEAL TEAM. She is best known for her work in the Showtime series BARBERSHOP, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN-PART 2, FRANKLIN & BASH, and MUSIC & LYRICS. Toni Trucks IG: @tonitrucks

WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST! From nuanced and honest portrayals of fatherhood-gone-wild across the eighth season of Showtime's EMMY® Award-nominated series SHAMELESS to palpable intensity on the likes of SONS OF ANARCHY, Steve Howey reflects a classic masculinity on-screen equally steeped in humor and heart. That timeless leading man spark and quiet strength remain signatures of the acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and entrepreneur. Achieving a basketball scholarship to junior college in Colorado, he played two seasons before pursuing his calling as an actor. He would go from SOMETHING BORROWED alongside Kate Hudson, Jon Krasinski, and Jennifer Goodwin to BRIDE WARS where he re-teamed with Hudson, Anne Hathaway, and Chris Pratt to SUPERCROSS, LOSING CONTROL, UNLEASHED, IN YOUR EYES, and SEE YOU IN VALHALLA. Steve currently can be seen in all 8 seasons of the critically acclaimed show SHAMELESS on Showtime and the anticipated film MAKING BABIES.

WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST! Ravi Patel has been in over 70 national commercials, films and TV shows, most notably Transformers, Scrubs, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Comedians, Master of None, and Grandfathered BUT Ravi never intended on acting. In fact, Ravi planned on a career in finance. After faking his transcripts to secure a more reputable job, Ravi discovered that the finance world was not his cup of tea. His journey into acting is filled with serendipitously spontaneous adventures paving the way for Ravi being a recognizable face in your living room. An impromptu emcee job led to casting calls. A Ryan Seacrest billboard led to a stick figure drawn headshot that put Ravi's natural improv skills on display in Michael Bay's film Transformers. The well-circulated press trailer for Transformers was mostly Ravi's small, but impactful, hilarious scene that grabbed the attention of a theatrical agent and several other opportunities in television. For show notes and additional information, head over to www.alyshiaochse.com. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to That One Audition here: www.alyshiaochse.com/subscribe

WELCOME TO A SPECIAL '1ST BIRTHDAY EDITION' OF THAT ONE AUDITION PODCAST! Host and fellow actress, Alyshia Ochse sits down for a solo-conversation all about what to expect on the following episodes of That One Audition. For show notes and additional information, head over to www.alyshiaochse.com. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to That One Audition here: www.alyshiaochse.com/subscribe

Isidora Goreshter is a talented and nuanced actress best known for her role as Svetlana Fisher in Showtime's Emmy nominated Shameless. She is also known for her work in The Petal Pushers and Happy Anniversary. She has previously guest starred in 2 Broke Girls and Ben & Kate. Isidora Goreshter teaches a masterclass at Anthony Meindl's Acting Studio. You can see Isidora in the latest season of Shameless and the upcoming Clara's Ghost, a Bridey Elliot film that recently debuted at Sundance. Always keeping it real, Isidora will walk you down a path that's included extra work, standing in for A-listers, going from student to teacher to student of her very own teaching, bringing a 9 day old human to the set of Shameless, and living that beautiful reality where a no-line audition becomes a series regular role. Isadora on Instagram:@isidoragoreshter

50th episode with Alyshia's role model, the incomparable Michelle Monaghan. Today's guest fits the perfect + poignant mold for our 50th episode -With thick-skin, an optimist's heart and a realist's mind, the incomparable Michelle Monaghan will tell us how being championed by her parents in a town of 700, mentored by Frances McDormand in the North Country and ending up on Constantine's cutting room floor gave her the courage, confidence and opportunity to make every mission…possible. Michelle Monaghan is an Golden Globe nominated actress with nearly 20 years of experience in this industry. Her roles in television and film are as diverse as they are challenging and powerful to watch. She is best known for her work as Harmony Faith Lane in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, which she starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. She is known for her recurring role as Julia Meade-Hunt in J. J. Abrams massive hit the Mission: Impossible series, starring Tom Cruise. She is known for Ben Affleck's Academy Award Nominated Gone Baby Gone in her role as Angie Gennaro, featuring two Boston detectives investigating the kidnapping of a little girl. Michelle is additionally known for her film performances in Source Code, Trucker, North Country, The HeartBreak Kid, and The Bourne Supremacy. She's starred in the Hulu series The Path as Sarah Lane with Aaron Paul and Hugh Dancy, and the critically acclaimed Emmy and Golden Globe Nominated True Detective as Maggie Hart. She's guest starred in numerous television shows including Boston Public, Young Americans, and American Dad. You can catch her in Mission: Impossible Fallout in theatres today. Michelle Monaghan on Instagram: @michellemonaghan

Sammi Rotibi is an accomplished and seasoned actor with over 40 credits to his name, working in both television and film. He is best known for his work on Antoine Fuqua's Tears of the Sun, following the story of a Special-Ops commander in the Nigerian jungle and his journey to save lives of 70 refugees, and Quentin Tarantino's critically acclaimed Django Unchained in his role as Rodney. He is also known for his performances in Lord of War, acting alongside Nicolas Cage, LUV, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Blue: The American Dream, and Once Upon a Time in Venice, his second film with Bruce Willis. He has starred and guest starred in numerous television shows, including The Secret Circle, The Blacklist, Matador, CSI: NY, NCIS: Miami, and MacGyver. You can find him in the second season of National Geographic's highly anticipated Mars as Robert Foucault, a drama that explores Earth's first mission to colonize Mars in 2033. He is currently working on a sci-fi thriller adaptation of the YA novelist Alexandra Bracken's The Darkest Minds Triology. These are the tenacious, inspiring, and funny stories about beepers, the moment when a puppy helped him nail a big audition, and how the stars sometimes aligning have all lead Sammi to where he is today. Sammi Rotibi on Instagram: @sammirotibi

Logan Browning has a film and television career spanning over fifteen years, and she is just getting started. She is best known for her breakout role in the Netflix Original "Dear White People," in her role as Samantha White. Her performance garnered her a Black Reel Awards nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. She is known for her portrayal as Jelena Howard in BET's "Hit the Floor," an addictively fun drama following the L.A Devil Girls dance team. You may recognize her from her time as a series regular on Tyler Perry's "Meet The Browns," her role as Sasha in "Bratz," and her portrayal of Zora in "Powers." Logan has guest starred in numerous popular television shows, including "Summerland," "The Secret Circle," "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide," and "Pair of Kings." Instagram: @loganlaurice

Joe Towne and Hillary Tuck are the partners and creators behind The Actors Mindset, a unique audition technique program that creates a safe and nurturing environment while challenging the actor to work beyond their comfort zone. The program is designed to implement performance routines, to encourage mindfulness, and to take a whole mind and body approach to getting the best out of your performance opportunities. Joe Towne is an award winning writer, director and actor best known for his performances in "Significant Mother", "Friends in Therapy", and "Fringe". You can see him in Rebel Wilson's newest film "Isn't It Romantic" next February. He has a long history of coaching businesses, performers, and professional athletes, and he is currently coaching actors at Warner Loughlin's studio in Hollywood. Hillary Tuck has been a working actor since the age of 14, and she is best known for her roles in "Honey I Shrunk the Kids", "Grimm", "Family Guy", and "House". Hillary has been an acting teacher and an on-set coach at Warner Loughlin Studios since 2014, where she has coached various actors on shows like ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and Fox's "The Exorcist." She was recently the keynote speaker at Eagle U, a leadership conference in Houston, Texas. Joe and Hillary were recently asked by the Elite 11 to speak to the top 24 high school quarterbacks in the country, which you'll be able to catch on the NFL network next month. The next session of The Actor's Mindset is Monday, August 6th, running through October 1st in Los Angeles. CONTACT: [email protected]

Rebecca Field is an actress and director best known for her roles as Lacey on Lifetime's "The Client List," starring alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt, Janet on the ABC drama "October Road," and her portrayal as Jane Gould in "Criminal Minds." She had a recurring role on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," and "Kittens in a Cage." Field has guest starred on numerous television shows, including TNT's "Hawthorne," "NCIS: LA," "Castle," "Mike & Molly," "Drop Dead Diva," and "Monk." Most recently, she guest starred in David Lynch's "Twin Peaks," and "Movie Nights." Be sure to watch Rebecca in the upcoming Gus Van Sant film "Don't Worry He Won't Get Far On Foot," starring Joaquin Phoenix as John Callahan, and "A Star Is Born," with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. In this conversation we hear how she protects herself as an actor and champions for herself, how she found her agency and her confidence, and how hypnotherapy and a vision board helped land her first series regular on ABC show "October Road". LINKS: Rebecca Field IMDB Instagram Twitter Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot Official Trailer A Star Is Born Official Trailer

Alyshia sits down with Matt Enlow and Oren Kaplan, two directors and podcasters from JUST SHOOT IT podcast. A podcast about filmmaking, screenwriting and directing. Each they interview your favorite up-and-coming directors, screenwriters, editors, cinematographers, and actors, and learn how they became successful, working content creators. In this bonus/crossover episode we chat director/actor communication and collaboration.

Jon Huertas over 60 credits to his name, starring in both television and film. He is known for his talents as an actor as well as an executive producer and recording artist. Jon is best known for his role among the core four in ABC's hit show Castle as Javier Esposito, starring alongside Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion. He also starred in HBO's Generation Kill as Sgt. Antonio Espera. He portrayed Joe Negroni is Why Do Fools Fall in Love, and can most recently be seen in the incredibly popular NBC family drama This Is Us as Miguel Rivas, playing alongside Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, and Sterling K. Brown. LINKS: IMDB Twitter Instagram Jon Huertas Website

Allen Maldonado is a true triple threat: actor, writer, entrepreneur. He is an accomplished actor, best known for his work in Straight Outta Compton, Black-ish, You're The Worst, and The Equalizer. Additionally, Maldonado wrote on STARZ's Survivor's Remorse, an award winning show following the journeys of Cam Calloway and Reggie Vaughn, beginning in their rough Boston neighborhood to the challenges of success, fame, and money. He co-stars on ABC's Black-ish and is currently starring alongside Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish in The Last O.G. The series follows an ex-con, played by Morgan, after being released from prison on good behavior, and struggling to find his place in his old neighborhood post gentrification. In 2017 Maldonado launched his first digital app Everybody Digital, a new platform designed to showcase short films and their filmmakers. Outside of his acting career, Maldonado is a successful entrepreneur. He runs a record company-Get It Done Records; a production company-Only Son Productions; and a T-shirt line-Vineyards Phinest, where a portion of the proceeds go to his foundation. As a staunch advocate for higher education, community service, and encouraging youth to pursue the arts, Maldonado is the founder of Demo Nerds, a foundation that provides free acting classes, tools, and services for at-risk youth and foster children in the inner cities of Los Angeles. Additionally, the organization frequently collaborates with other city programs such as "The Boys & Girls Club,""The Dream Center," and the "New Village Girls Academy". INSTAGRAM: @maldonadoiseverywhere

Kristoffer Polaha is an actor who has build a diverse body of work to his name over the seventeen years he's been in film and television. He is best known for his performance as a series regular in Backstrom, a television show following the Portland Police Bureau's Special Crimes Unit as Peter Niedermayer. He starred alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar in Ringer as Henry Butler, following their family in New York City, navigating stolen identities and lies. Polaha joined Shiri Appleby and Britt Roberston in Life Unexpected, a sweet show about two people discovering they suddenly have a 15 year old daughter to support. He is also known for Miss Guided, Where Hope Grows, North Shore, and Rocky Mountain Christmas. Most recently, Polaha has guest starred in Ballers and is currently portraying Sam Barber in Condor, following the life of a CIA analyst Joe Turner. IG: @polahaha

You can put EVE on an arena stage, a movie set, a sitcom soundstage, a talk show panel, even in a rap battle with a bunch of dudes. This fearless female will waste no time showing you she can't be contained. From the Philly streets to Dr. Dre's "castle" in Calabasas to the world's stage, this guest shares with us how you can be a truth teller and a storyteller without sacrificing your authenticity or your instincts. She also lets us in on how she wound up taking the entertainment industry by storm despite her biggest fear: public speaking. Eve dishes on everything, starting from the first audition with Dr. Dre to being dropped and her journey to writing music and not being put in a box. This interview gives all the insight to becoming the entertainment industry's "It" woman. Eve Jeffers Cooper is a GRAMMY Award-winning musician and actress. She serves as host of THE TALK, CBS' Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show that examines topical events and contemporary issues through the eyes of five female hosts, alongside Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood. As a musician, Eve is best known for her music hits "What Y'all Want," "Gangsta Lovin," "Who's that Girl," "Satisfaction," "Tambourine" and "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" featuring Gwen Stefani, which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002. In 2016 she reunited with Stefani for the "This Is What the Truth Feels Like" tour and hosted the "VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail The Queens." Eve has released four multi-million selling albums and 32 singles, and throughout her career she has collaborated with many prominent artists, including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Jill Scott, DMX, Swizz Beatz, Dr. Dre, Juicy J, The Roots and Missy Elliott. Among Eve's film credits are "xXx" with Vin Diesel, "Barbershop," "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and "Barbershop: The Next Cut" with Ice Cube, "The Cookout" with Queen Latifah and Meagan Good, "The Woodsman" and "Flashbacks." On television she is best known for starring in her own self-titled UPN sitcom, "Eve," and she also had a recurring role on "Glee" and appeared on four episodes of the Oxygen series "Sisterhood of Hip Hop." Instagram: @therealeve

Ashley Williams is an American film, television, theater actress, who most recently added the title of Producer to her long list of credits. She has had an expansive career with more than a dozen different television pilots and over 150 TV episodes under her belt. Perhaps best known for her roles on The Jim Gaffigan Show and Good Morning Miami, Williams was also a fan favorite on the hit show How I Met Your Mother. Although Williams is currently taking on the biggest role of her life, motherhood, she has also recently taken on the challenge of producing her own films, two of which have already been sold to the Hallmark Channel. Twitter: @imthesmash Instagram: @ashleywilliamsandcompany