Stephen Merchant (The Office, Extras, An Idiot Abroad), tv royalty joins us and discusses how dumb the bullies were at his school growing up, the lessons he learned shooting a film with Ralph Fiennes, and how uncomfortable small things make him. Stephen complains about Ricky’s impatience but also explains how it contributes to how well they work together. Stephen explains how he’s been able to find fulfillment in show business and how much Hello Ladies was like his real dating life.
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Ep 29: Stephen Merchant

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

Skeet Ulrich (Scream, Jericho) joins us this week and shares crazy experiences from his childhood like getting life saving open heart surgery at age 10 and being kidnapped by his father at age 6. Skeet talks about his journey in the Scream franchise, his bond with the cast and crew, and one story where he almost spoiled the crazy reveal by doing press before it was released. We also talk about his outlook on life after kicking booze, reflecting on his broken upbringing after becoming a father, and how close Jericho was to actually coming back on a major streamer.

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SKEET ULRICH: Leaking the End of Scream, Close to Death at 10 & Newfound Perspective in Fatherhood

ℹ️ I really connected with Chance Perdomo and was so saddened by his passing. I chose to air this episode in honor of him and for folks to see what a great person he was...

Chance Perdomo (Gen V, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina) joins us this week to share his early experience with success on both sides of the pond and what sort of nerves and expectations come with joining beloved franchises like Sabrina and The Boys. Chance is open about his gratitude for the tough love given by his single mother and the paternal chip on his shoulder that drove him to prove himself as an actor. We also talk about the dangers of emulating Tom Cruise, leaving law school for a one year hiatus as an actor, and staying busy for sanity.

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CHANCE PERDOMO: Emulating Tom Cruise, The Boys Spin-off Expectations & Leaving Law School to Act

Devon Sawa (Final Destination, Casper) joins us this week to share the highs and lows of his experience in this industry from his unstoppable ambition as an actor in his youth to the inevitable struggle, that Hollywood catalyzed, leading to his rock-bottom of quitting at 24. Devon is an open book this episode - candid about his evolving relationships and what inevitably pulled him back into film. We also talk about why he’s most proud of Stan, his shock at the premier of Final Destination 5, and being stranded during the filming of Chucky.

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DEVON SAWA: Final Destination Surprise, Fight to Be Eminem’s Stan & Hollywood’s Catalyst to Rock Bottom

Edward Furlong (The Terminator, American History X) joins us this week to share his journey with addiction and the rock-bottom he hit that allowed him to get clean and re-discover the joys of a sober life. Edward shares fond memories with cast and crew while filming The Terminator franchise - all the while, acknowledging how he took it for granted in his youth. We also talked about going from teenage heartthrob to parent of a teenager, breaking the chain of generational trauma, and what Edward still wants to prove to himself.

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❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/inside


EDWARD FURLONG: Hitting Rock Bottom, Rediscovering the Joy in Living Sober & Taking Terminator for Granted

Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars, Brian’s Song) joins us this week to reflect on his incredible legacy in this industry - from the importance of his casting as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, to his chemistry with Diana Ross, and why he’s steadfast with his unique creative approach rather than playing the victim. Truly appreciate Billy Dee coming on the podcast as a self admitted ‘private person,’ his honestly about dark times in life and the idea of not dwelling on the negatives was refreshing. Tons of stories about the golden age of Hollywood in this episode, hope you enjoy and make sure to check out his book What Have We Here?

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Ep 29: Stephen Merchant

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