On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, writer and producer, Katie O'Brien from the Tubi series “The Z-Suite!” We explore Katie's career journey from Omaha to L.A., through the world of improv and her successful stint with the comedy group “The Katie Dids.” Katie shares her experiences working on “Teachers”, advice and anecdotes about navigating Hollywood, and her approach to storytelling that bridges generational gaps. Additionally, we dive into comedic inspirations from Christopher Guest to reality TV, and how Katie balances the roles of writer and producer and showrunner. This was a fun exploration of the creative process and the essence of multigenerational comedy.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:24 Katie's Journey: From Omaha to LA

04:09 The Comedy Path: Improv and The Katie Dids

09:08 Creating Teachers: From Web Series to TV Show

11:22 Life in LA: Jobs, Struggles, and Breakthroughs

26:11 Post-Teachers Career and COVID Impact

30:29 Navigating the Pandemic on Set

31:05 The Need for More Comedy

31:36 Creating the Show

32:53 Generational Dynamics in the Show

36:39 Casting the Characters

40:23 Writing Process and Inspirations

44:34 Gen Z Research and Realism

47:48 The Seven Questions

58:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #KatieOBrien #TheZSuite #Tubi #LaurenGraham #NicoSantos #Actor #Director #Producer #Acting #Writing #Producing #Comedy #Improv #Chicago #Teachers #GenX #GenZ #TheBubble #JuddApatow #GilmoreGirls #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with chef, restauranteur and author, Ben Ford from “Ford's Filling Station in Los Angeles!” We discuss Ben's illustrious culinary career, his upbringing as the son of actor Harrison Ford, and the origins and influences of his deep-rooted passion for cooking. We touch on the evolving landscape of the culinary industry, as well as the significance of creativity and craftsmanship. Ben also shares personal anecdotes and insights about his philanthropic work with the State Department, his experiences with various culinary projects around the world, and his future aspirations as a chef, restaurateur and craftsman.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:45 Growing Up with Harrison Ford

05:57 Discovering a Passion for Cooking

11:01 The Evolution of a Chef

18:44 Challenges in the Restaurant Industry

27:48 Mentorship and Legacy

34:36 Culinary Inspirations and Future Plans

37:05 Discovering Culinary Inspirations in Mexico

37:40 Influence of Spanish Chefs and Culinary Adventures

39:43 The Simplicity and Essence of Cuisine

44:07 The Impact of Food Television

45:47 Parenting and Cooking: Passing Down Skills

51:19 Personal Journey into the Culinary World

58:16 Balancing Fame and Authenticity in the Culinary Industry

01:04:31 Philanthropy and Culinary Craftsmanship

01:16:06 Exploring Comfort Food Across America

01:17:05 Immigration's Impact on Comfort Food

01:18:26 Dream Dinner Guests

01:19:41 Growing Up Around Creativity

01:29:31 Perfect Day and Alternate Career Paths

01:37:31 Advice to My Younger Self

01:41:45 Culinary Diplomacy and Future Projects

01:49:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #BenFord #TamingTheFeast #FordsFillingStation #HarrisonFord #Chef #Author #LosAngeles #NoKidHungry #Restaurateur #Cooking #FoodNerd #Foodie #FoodNetwork #FoodTV #CookingChannel #CulinaryArts #food #foodie #foodporn #foodblogger #foodlover #cook #kitchen #foodies #eat #cheflife #restaurant #foodblog #cuisine #cucina #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Jordan Bridges from the Lionsgate film “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera and the Apple TV+ series, Palm Royale!” We chat about his career, family legacy, and his personal passions. Jordan discusses what it was like to grow up in a family of iconic actors, including his father, Beau Bridges, his uncle, Jeff Bridges, and grandfather, Lloyd Bridges. We cover a lot of ground…discussing Jordan’s passion for martial arts, to his passion for music. We also touch on Jordan’s thoughts on the value of work ethic and the importance of family…as well as the love of storytelling, and the challenges of balancing career ambitions with personal life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:11 Growing Up in LA and Family Background

06:31 Martial Arts and Fitness Journey

16:28 Family Dynamics and Sibling Relationships

27:30 Navigating Parenthood and Career Advice

32:38 Challenges in the Entertainment Industry

48:42 Financial Instincts and Modern Television

50:55 Taylor Sheridan's Journey

53:04 Working on Palm Royale

57:01 Film vs. Television: A Personal Take

01:02:53 Family Legacy and Personal Reflections

01:21:28 Celebrity Crushes and Influences

01:28:35 Desert Island Picks

01:38:18 The Role of Gurus and Teachers

01:39:02 Radio Days and Alan Watts

01:39:43 The Magic of Audio and Radio Theater

01:41:36 80s and 90s Music Nostalgia

01:52:38 Parenting and Generational Differences

01:54:49 Defining the Perfect Day

01:59:48 Career Fantasies and Creative Pursuits

02:04:35 Reflections on Youth and Advice to Younger Self

02:16:16 Working with Carol Burnett and Family Projects

02:24:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #JordanBridges #DenOfThieves #Lionsgate #PalmRoyale #AppleTV #BeauBridges #JeffBridges #LloydBridges #GerardButler #OSheaJacksonJr #CarolBurnett #Family #LosAngeles #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with showrunner, executive producer, writer and director, Stuart Zicherman from the FX Network series “American Sports Story, which is now available on Hulu!” We discuss Stuart’s extensive work in the film and television industry, including his projects like “The Shrink Next Door”, “The Americans”, and his latest project “American Sports Story” about football player, Aaron Hernandez. Stuart shares insights into his career, the creative process, and the challenges of working on true stories. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, storytelling influences, favorite movies, and future projects.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:12 Stuart's Early Career and Breakthrough

15:26 Transition to TV and Working with JJ Abrams

20:33 The Writing Process and Screenwriting Insights

26:11 Personal Projects and Inspirations

27:27 Personal Stories and Casting Choices

28:34 Transition to American Sports Story

29:00 Exploring the Aaron Hernandez Case

31:07 Challenges of Portraying Real People

34:04 Casting and Character Interpretation

40:09 Future Projects and Interests

43:23 Personal Reflections and Preferences

45:12 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #StuartZicherman #ExecutiveProducer #Showrunner #Writer #Director #FXNetwork #Hulu #AaronHernandez #NFL #Football #Screenwriting #Moviemaking #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Chris Diamantopoulos from the Prime Video show “The Sticky”, where he co-stars alongside Margo Martindale. Chris is known for roles in films such as “Red Notice”, “The Three Stooges”, and as the voice of Mickey Mouse. We chat about Chris’ career trajectory, his role in the Prime Video series “The Sticky”, and personal anecdotes about his family, his Greek heritage, and being able to be around his kids while doing voiceover work from his home studio. Additionally, he shares insights from working with George Clooney, his approach to acting, and his future aspirations as a performer.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:53 Chris's Role in Red Notice

05:59 Voice Acting During COVID

11:12 The Sticky: A Unique Show

14:20 Greek Heritage and Family

19:05 Early Acting Career

22:13 Inspiration from Film and TV

24:14 Landing the Role in The Three Stooges

27:06 Reflecting on Career Shifts

27:38 Voicing Mickey Mouse: A Dream Role

29:49 Working with George Clooney

32:51 Audition Insights and Mentorship

39:56 Directorial Aspirations

41:44 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #ChrisDiamantopolous #Acting #AmazonPrime #PrimeVideo #Blumhouse #MargoMartindale #GeorgeClooney #JamieLeeCurtis #Greek #GreekActor #CanadianActor #Canada #MickeyMouse #Actor #Voiceover #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Omar J. Dorsey from the HBO Max show “Bookie”, where he co-stars alongside Sebastian Maniscalco! Omar shares his experiences working on well-known projects like “Queen Sugar” and “Django Unchained.” We also discuss Omar's upbringing in Atlanta, his early passion for acting, his family's creative influence and his views on balancing an acting career with family life.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:23 Balancing Family and Career

05:30 Omar's Acting Journey

15:16 Comedy Inspirations and Influences

19:15 Growing Up in a Creative Household

20:46 Atlanta's Impact on Omar's Career

25:11 The Shift to Atlanta's Film Industry

25:39 Film vs. TV: Preferences and Experiences

27:03 Landing the Role in “Bookie”

30:01 Working with Hollywood's Best

32:57 Current Projects and Future Plans

36:33 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #OmarJDorsey #Acting #HBO #Max #Actor #Comedian #Bookie #SebastianManiscalco #QueenSugar #Atlanta #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with journalist and author, Don Lemon. We know Don from his work on CNN, as well as The Don Lemon Show on YouTube. He’s got a new book out called “I Once Was Lost: My Search For God in America.” Don discusses his career trajectory, challenges, and aspirations. He shares his experiences working his way up in journalism, his decision to come out publicly as gay, and the impact of significant events like the George Floyd protests on his work. The conversation touches on Don's latest book, his perspectives on modern journalism, and his transition to independent media…and what’s “next” for Don Lemon.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:24 Don Lemon's Background and Career

07:20 Writing and Publishing Books

12:27 Reflections on Journalism and Media

20:18 Life After CNN

28:42 The Don Lemon Show and Independent Media

37:38 Navigating the Competitive Media Landscape

40:47 Maintaining Integrity in Independent Media

49:59 Personal Journey and Faith

51:55 Coming Out and Family Support

54:14 Facing Public and Professional Challenges

01:02:14 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #DonLemon #Author #CNN #Journalist #Journalism #IOnceWasLost #LGBTQ #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Jack Reynor from the Netflix show “The Perfect Couple”, as well as Amazon Prime Video’s, “Peripheral!” Jack discusses his early passion for acting, the trajectory of his career, and personal anecdotes. We also discuss his unique experiences in both indie films and major Hollywood productions, his life growing up in Ireland, and even delve into his creative pursuits outside of acting…including his project of building a pub in a horse trailer. Jack discusses philosophy on life, his future projects, and the importance of balancing personal and professional life…and a perfectly pulled pint.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:49 Current Projects and Career Highlights

04:51 Jack's Background and Early Career

11:31 The Actor's Studio Experience

16:06 Breaking into Hollywood

28:13 The Peripheral and Working with Chloe Moretz

33:05 Gaming and Alternate Realities

33:42 Acting Challenges and Collaboration

34:57 Balancing Humor in Dark Themes

37:35 Improvisation on Set

41:17 Personal Projects and Hobbies

46:25 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #JackReynor #Acting #Netflix #Actor #ThePeripheral #PrimeVideo #IrishActor #Ireland #storyandcraft