PodCast-Hers

We are overjoyed to be joined by the incredible and big hearted, Emmy award winner, Jeff Hiller! After 20 years in the industry, Jeff coins himself an overnight success after being cast in the HBO series, Somebody Somewhere.

Since his early days taking improv classes and booking many commercials, his authenticity proved he would inspire fellow actors along his journey.

Jeff shares advice for young actors, what "success" means to him, and the powerful moment he won an Emmy award.

Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!

Hi all! After a very busy holiday season and beginning of spring, we are so happy to be back with new episodes!

In episode 9, we catch up with the ladies on how they think the industry is changing, the casting director they would give an Oscar to, and a moment that made Brooke and Mary cry.

For an extra clip where Brooke reveals the movies she falls asleep to, check out @podcast.hers on Instagram!

00:00 - 00:20 - Intro

00:20 - 02:00 - Big Home Studios

02:01 - 04:20 - How is the industry changing?

04:24 - 06:59 - Best Casting category at the Oscars!

07:00 - 09:27 - Casting Directors WE would give Oscars to.

09:28 - 10:26 - TV Shows We Love

10:27 - 10:49

This week we are joined by the illustrious Jason Styres! From a very young age, Jason knew he was meant to be in this industry. Now, he is an accomplished casting director working for stage, film and commercials. Jason gave many kids their start as Young Simba and Nala in Disney's The Lion King on Broadway as well as the National Tour and he continues to provide people with life changing opportunities.

He talks to us about how he got his start, his favorite thing about casting, and what ultimately led him to make the brave choice of branching out on his own and founding The Casting Collaborative.

Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!

In this week's episode, we are joined by the iconic, incomparable, highly requested, Beth Melsky. We ask Beth burning questions like 'What really pisses you off?', 'Do you still get anxious before a job?' and 'What would someone be surprised to know about you?' She gives us insight on how the industry has changed since she founded Beth Melsky Casting and where she sees it going in the future.

Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!

00:00 - 00:23 - Intro

00:24 - 01:48 - Beth's Journey

01:49 - 02:44 - Favorite Part of Casting

02:45 - 03:13 - We Still Get Nervous

03:14 - 06:07 - Bookings that Surprise Us

06:08 - 07:44 - What Do You Miss About Casting?

07:45 - 09:30 - What Do You Love Outside of Casting?

09:31 - 11:58 - Where Do You Find New Talent?

11:59 - 14:30 - What Really Pisses You Off?

14:31 - 14:58 - What Stands Out to You?

14:59 - 17:24 - Do You Have a 'Grudge List'?

17:25 - 22:45 - Know Your Union Status

22:46 - 29:35 - The Future of the Industry

29:36 - 30:23 - Do the Work

30:24 - 32:30 - Beth Asks US a Question

32:31 - 34:18 - You've Built an Empire

34:19 - 34:48 - Outro

In today's episode, we are joined by the wearer of many hats (but not Crocs). Real people casting director, musician, entrepreneur, and many people's favorite person, Nef Jones.

One half of Jones & Juliet Casting, Nef dives into her journey starting in street casting, why clients ask for "real people" instead of actors, and the campaign that left her speechless.

Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!

00:00 - 00:48 - Nef Intro

00:49 - 02:58 - Nef’s Story

02:59 - 05:20 - Street Casting to Real People Casting

05:21 - 06:36 - How Real People Casting Has Changed

06:37 - 08:23 - Why Cast Real People Instead of Actors?

08:24 - 10:29 - Philips SimplyGo 9/11 Campaign

10:30 - 11:19 - Worst Real People Gig

11:20 - 12:19 - Nef’s Husband Jimi K Bones

12:20 -  14:54 - Haven Kids Rock

14:55 - 17:22 - Difference Between Actors and Real People

17:23 - 19:01 - The Challenges of Real People Casting

19:02 - 23:25 - We’re Taking Care of Each Other

23:26 - 24:57 - Documentary Casting 

24:58 - 26:29 - Home Depot Disaster Relief Doc

26:30 - 27:12 - Outro

This episode we are joined by the incomparable casting duo Mia Cusumano and Meghan Rafferty (The Better Sister, The Leftovers). Mia and Meghan invite us into their casting process for their new show, The Better Sister, thoughts about this new era of self taping, and a famous actor they always knew would be a star.

We had a wonderful time asking them about the differences between legit casting and commercial casting, Meghan's experience as an actor and casting director, and advice they have for people just starting out in casting.

Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on upcoming episodes!

Welcome to 'Mental Health Minute'! A new segment where we talk about all the things we have in common that we're too afraid to talk about.

We are all human. We all have self doubts. Let's talk about it.

Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates and let us know if there is a topic you want us to cover for Mental Health Minute!

In episode 4, Stacy, Lauren and Brooke sit down with talent agent, Phil Cassese! Phil talks about his start in music, his ambition to become the successful talent agent he is today, and the advice he gives his actors who aren't booking roles.

Many actors ask the question, 'Is it more important that I meet a talent agent or casting director?' The answer? Both! Phil and Stacy also discuss their popular commercial improv class, 'Drop In', how it started and why they believe actors keep coming back.

Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!

00:00 - 00:12 - Intro

00:13 - 01:11 - Phil's Start in Music

01:12 - 01:40 - Becomes a Talent Agent

01:41 - 02:47 - Phil & Stacy Meet!

02:48 - 05:40 - UCB Talent / Going to Live Shows

05:41 - 08:04 - How Do You Build a Roster? / Non Union

08:05 - 09:23 - Relationship Between Talent Agents & Casting Directors

09:24 - 11:46 - How Drop In Started

11:47 - 13:47 - We Have Your Back

13:48 - 17:56 - Things Are Happening Behind the Scenes

17:57 - 19:46 - You Are Enough

19:47 - 20:45 - How Fast Do You Know an Actor 'Has It'?

20:46 - 21:25 - Thank You, Phil!

21:26 - 21:36 - Outro

In this week's commercial break, Brooke, Mary, Stacy, and Lauren answer YOUR questions about self tapes!

Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on upcoming episodes and to submit your questions to the team!

In this week's episode, we sat down with casting director and long time friend of Brooke and Mary, Rebecca Yarsin! Being introduced to the business at an early age, Rebecca grew a love for theater and being involved in the process of making a show.

She shares her college experience, favorite early career memories, why she ultimately made the switch to on camera casting, and what she would tell her younger self.

00:00 - 00:10 - Intro

00:11 - 00:30 - Welcome Rebecca Yarsin

00:31 - 03:20 - Rebecca's Journey

03:21 - 05:54 - Switching Paths

05:55 - 08:29 - On Camera Casting

08:30 - 10:11 - The Unexpected

10:12 - 11:58 - Japanese Chocolate

11:59 - 13:06 - We Knew Them When

13:07 - 14:19 - It All Happens For a Reason

14:20 - 16:01 - Teaching at NYU

16:02 - 16:54 - Rebecca's Broadway Recommendations

16:55 - 17:09 - Outro

17:10 - 22:01 - RECAP & The Choices We Make