Samm Levine (Freaks and Geeks, Minx) joins us this week and shares what it was like going from regurgitating stand up performances at bat mitzvahs to catching the eye of Judd Apatow and lucking into a role in the cult Freaks and Geeks. Samm talks about his time shooting the show and the panic that ensued as a young actor who just had his show canceled. We also talk about working alongside Quentin Tarantino in Inglourious Basterds, his entry into the industry via Lisa Kudrow, and how his impression of William Shatner landed him an iconic role.

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Freaks and Geeks’ SAMM LEVINE: Saved by Shatner

I’m Michael Rosenbaum, I’ve spent the better part of the last two decades in and out of film and television - mostly known for playing the bald dude on the show Smallville. I’m the guy that you probably don’t know by name, but when you see my face you might say “oh, that guy from that thing.” I’ve befriended some of the most talented people in the business, but it wasn’t until I started inviting them into my home that I realized, I didn’t really know these people. What started as me having some fun, quickly evolved into something I’ve fallen in love with. What I’ve discovered is that all these people aren’t that different from you and me. They have the same insecurities and flaws that we all deal with every day. In a dark, yet enlightening way... I find a lot of comfort in that. I invite you all to join me while I get inside each of these fascinating people.

TV & Film

Comedy

Felicia Day (Third Eye, The Guild) joins us this week to share her new mindset of ‘being enough’ after realizing that her self valuations were merely career and achievement based. Felicia discusses the relief of shedding people in the industry who were looking to ‘take from her’ and the joy of telling stories that she cares about, like the sci-fi comedy Third Eye. We also talk about her time on Mystery Science Theater 3000, disappointments with prominent authors of this era, and her lack of amusement with hockey.

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FELICIA DAY: Setting the Bar Low, Being Enough & Landing Mystery Science Theater 3000

Tim Blake Nelson (Old Henry, O Brother, Where Art Thou?) joins us this week to share his experience in this industry as a respected character actor and the on-set lessons learned from masters of their craft like Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Tom Cruise. Tim shares how James Franco helped pull him out of creative complacency during a lull, helping him develop his new approach of preparing for roles. We also talk about his last minute addition to ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?,’ collaborating with his son Henry on ‘Asleep in My Palm,’ and his reaction to being cut out of ‘Dune 2.’

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TIM BLAKE NELSON: Overcoming Complacency, Breaking Type Cast & Intimidations on Set

Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding, The Wedding Date) joins us this week to share remarkable stories (on and off set) throughout his career and how he uses them as mental health check ins for gratitude in everything he’s been able to accomplis. Dermot also talks about his experience as a cellist, being able to work scores in both the Star Trek and Star Wars universes, and how he’s chasing the golden goose of working with Yo-Yo Ma. We also briefly talk about old stories of protecting Drew Barrymore, his big start with Julia Roberts, and how he turned a corner after his divorce and sobriety.

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DERMOT MULRONEY: Manifesting Yo-Yo Ma, Protecting Drew Barrymore & Being a Mouthy Cellist

Introducing A Stroll through the Smithsonian [Buteyko Breathing] from Soothing Sleep. Follow the show: Soothing SleepStep into the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C. on a rainy day. Wander through exhibits that span the breadth of human history, connecting with prehistoric creatures and our ancestors. This reflective journey through time is paired with the Buteyko breathing method, known to enhance calm, reduce symptoms of asthma, and significantly improve sleep quality. Experience a trip to the museum like no other, where history meets relaxation.
For more from OpenMind, follow us on Instagram @openmindstudiosDISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

You Might Also Like: Soothing Sleep

Katey Sagal & Kurt Sutter (PIE, Sons of Anarchy) join us this week as (potentially) our first married couple to share their experience working together on the hit series Sons of Anarchy, finding love through sobriety, and fighting for marriage while giving grace to your partner at their lowest. Kurt talks about the creative inception of Sons of Anarchy, while Katey shares her gratitude for being able to get out of the comedic box that she was put into after the success of Married With Children. We also talk about the working relationship between a director and actor, Katey’s rockstar origins in Hollywood, and Kurt’s upcoming series The Abandons.

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Freaks and Geeks’ SAMM LEVINE: Saved by Shatner

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