On this episode of Story and Craft, we sit down with actor Ken Leung. Known for his roles in “Rush Hour”, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, “The Sopranos”, and notably “Lost”, Ken shares his experiences across stage, TV, and film, as well as his role in the new season of HBO’s “Industry”. We dive deep into Ken's diverse career, discussing his induction into the acting world, his memorable roles, and the nuances of playing distinct characters in different genres. They also chat about the impact of “Lost”, working on “Industry”, and Ken's upcoming film, “Project Hail Mary” with Ryan Gosling and Milana Vayntrub. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will inspire!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Guest Introduction: Ken Leung

01:15 Substack and Listener Engagement

02:45 Interview Begins: Ken's Background

06:16 Growing Up in New York

09:43 Acting Journey and Family Dynamics

12:37 Learning Through Acting

20:39 Working with Sidney Lumet

23:10 Landing the Role in Lost

26:26 Experiencing Hawaii and Settling In

27:28 The Evolution of Lost

27:46 The Impact of Streaming on TV Shows

31:17 Transition to Industry

35:52 Project Hail Mary and Future Projects

38:12 The Seven Questions

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Thomas Jane from the Amazon Prime Video film “Play DIrty”, as well as projects such as The Expanse and Boogie Nights.  We cover Jane's impressive body of work, as well as his journey from modest beginnings in Maryland to becoming a notable actor in Hollywood. We discuss Thomas’ passion for storytelling, the joys and challenges of being an actor, and the importance of authentic human experiences in film. Thomas also reveals his graphic novel projects and his deep dive into writing a book about visiting aliens. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that covers everything from chocolate to extraterrestrials!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:26 Thomas Jane's Early Life and Career Beginnings

13:54 Playing Mickey Mantle

08:48 The Expanse and Sci-Fi Genre

18:34 High School and Early Acting

27:47 Reflections on Education and Society

36:32 Independent Films and Future Projects

43:17 Sci-Fi and Authentic Stories

44:26 Advice to Aspiring Actors

46:00 Family and Personal Life

48:38 Memories of Paul Reubens

53:31 Working with Talented Directors

55:38 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 #PodcastInterview #Storytelling #ActorInterview #HollywoodInterview #FilmNerd #ThomasJane #PlayDirty #TheExpanse #Troppo #PrimeVideo #MarkWahlberg #Actor #Acting #StoryAndCraft #GraphicNovels #SyFy #Aliens #IndieFilm 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with producer,Danny O’Malley. Danny is a Grammy and James Beard award nominee. He just picked up an Emmy nomination for theNetflix series “Chef's Table”. Danny takes us on a culinary journey through his experiences. They also talk about everything from the impact of Anthony Bourdain, Chicago-style pizza preferences, memorable dining experiences, to the global influence of food and its power to bridge cultures. Danny also shares insights into his Greek heritage, his obsession with Chinese cuisine, and the making of compelling food stories. Tune in for an exciting conversation filled with delicious tidbits and behind-the-scenes stories that food lovers won't want to miss!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:34 Chicago Roots and Pizza Preferences

04:10 Journey into Food Television

07:19 Food and Cultural Connections

08:58 Anthony Bourdain’s Impact

17:03 Memorable Culinary Experiences

20:34 A Culinary Journey Through History

25:18 Exploring Food Cultures and Personal Favorites

27:47 The Uncharted Territory of African Cuisine

29:19 The Evolution of Food Programming

33:03 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 #DannyOMalley #ChefsTable #Netflix #Alinea #GrantAchatz #AnthonyBourdain #JamesBeard #Proudcer #Producing #storyandcraft #Cooking #Restaurants #Chefs #FoodNetwork #FoodTV 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with author, writer, producer and director,Larry Charles , who has a new memoir out called “Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter”. He’s known for a constellation of projects, such as Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Mad About You, Borat, The Dictator and The Comedians.  We dive into Larry's journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood, discussing his work on iconic shows, as well as collaborations with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bob Dylan and Bill Maher. We cover Larry's inspirations, his experiences in the industry, and his new memoir. This is a great bit of insight into the crafts of comedy and storytelling from one of the best in the business.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:43 Larry Charles' Personal Story

02:58 Impact of Losing a Home

07:34 Comedy in Tragedy

08:37 The Influence of George Carlin

13:32 Creating Content in the Digital Age

18:50 Larry Charles' Early Life and Family

29:08 Jewish Influence in Comedy

34:15 Comedy Inspirations and Influences

40:17 Exploring Comedy Preferences

42:24 The Pressure of Producing Sitcoms

43:42 The Evolution of Comedy

44:37 Behind the Scenes of Entourage

49:32 Directing Borat

52:05 The Joys and Challenges of Directing

55:58 The Seven Questions

58:50 Dream Dinner Guests

01:01:07 Religulous and Satirizing Religion

01:05:08 Celebrity Crushes and Desert Island Picks

01:12:10 Advice to My Younger Self

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 #LarryCharles #Seinfeld #CurbYourEnthusiam #Borat #Comedy #JerrySeinfeld #SachaBaronCohen #LarryDavid #BillyCrystal #PaulReiser #BillMaher #BobDylan #MelBrooks #Author #Writer #Producer #Director #ComedySamurai #storyandcraft #HBO #Author #Bruno #TheDictator #Jewish #Religulous 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine from theApple TV Series “Smoke”, as well as upcoming projects such as “Dexter: Resurrection” and “Washington Black.”  We discuss Ntare's extensive career, including his roles in popular TV shows like “The Chi” and “Treme.” Ntare also opens up about his Ugandan heritage, and his own journey into acting. We also chat about his and his long-term documentary project “Memories of Love Returned.” It’s a great chat about a unique journey!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:20 Ntare's Background and Family

03:27 Journey into Acting

10:12 Life in New York and Los Angeles

12:52 Cultural Connections and Cuisine

16:07 Colonial History and Family Lineage

18:49 Acting Career Highlights

21:04 Landing the Role in “Smoke”

24:49 Unexpected Career Paths

27:25 Family and Acting

29:26 Cultural Connections and Cooking

31:24 Upcoming Projects

37:05 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 #NtareGumaMbahoMwine #Smoke #Dexter #WashingtonBlack #AppleTV # TaronEgerton # JurneeSmollett #GregKinnear # JohnLeguizamo #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Uganda #Photography

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Mariana Treviño from the Apple TV+ series “Stick”, as well as projects such as "A Man Called Otto" and host of film and TV work in Mexico.  We discuss her life and career, as well as her thoughts about working with co-stars Owen Wilson and Marc Maron. We also touch on Mariana’s Mexican roots, her journey into acting, and her fond memories of family trips to South Padre Island, Texas. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Mariana's Background and Career

02:08 Monterey and Family Connections

04:11 Acting Journey and Inspirations

07:24 Golf and Life Metaphors

09:56 Theater and TV Career

13:11 Cultural Heritage and Memories

16:20 On-Set Experiences and Chemistry

19:00 Reflecting on Character Dynamics

19:25 Working With Marc Maron

20:58 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 #MarianaTrevino #Stick #AppleTV #OwenWilson #MarcMaron #JudyGreer #PeterDager #TimothyOlyphant #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Golf #Monterrey #SouthPadreIsland #SPI 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Brandon Lessard from thenew film “The Unholy Trinity.” Brandon shares his experiences working alongside Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, and David Arquette in this Western set in Montana. We dive into Brandon's journey from Fairfax, Virginia to Los Angeles, as well as his passion for acting. Brandon also touches on his love for historical dramas, his writing endeavors, and the physical challenges faced during the film's production. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insight and cool behind-the-scenes stories.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Brandon's Background and Journey to Acting

02:56 Family and Early Influences

07:30 Musical Tastes and Influences

09:58 Acting Inspirations and Favorite Roles

13:15 The Unholy Trinity: Behind the Scenes

20:20 Filming in Montana

25:15 The Crew and Filming Challenges

27:13 Childhood Inspirations and Favorite Genres

28:48 Admiration for Vince Gilligan and Taylor Sheridan

30:01 Star Wars Fandom and Western Roles

36:34 Balancing Acting and Personal Life

37:57 Memorable Moments with Iconic Actors

42:53 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 #BrandonLessard #TheUnholyTrinity #RoadsideAttractions #PierceBrosnan #SamuelLJackson #DavidArquette #KatrinaBowden #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Montana #Western

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Annalise Basso from the film “The Life of Chuck”, as well as projects such as “Captain Fantastic” and “Snowpiercer.”  We chat about Annalise’s acting career, from childhood to now, as well as what it was like growing up with a brother and sister who are also in the industry. We also touch on Annalise’s other passions, such as ballet and surfing…and how those things keep her grounded and inspired. It’s a great conversation that covers Annalise’s journey from Missouri to one of this year’s most anticipated summer movies. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:23 Family and Pets

03:04 Acting Career and Experiences

06:36 Life in LA and Family Dynamics

07:37 Childhood and Early Career

24:45 Living at Oakwood and Stage Parents

31:29 Discussing the Cast and Plot of the Movie

32:10 Reflections on Life and Acting

33:59 Current TV and Movie Recommendations

36:19 Childhood Movie Memories

38:25 The Value of Physical Photos and Videos

40:30 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 #AnnaliseBasso #TheLifeofChuck #Snowpiercer #CaptainFantastic #KarenGillan #NickOfferman #MarkHamill #MatthewLillard #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #GabrielBasso # TomHiddleston #Dance #Surfing #ChildActor 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Felix Solis from the Netflix series “Sirens”, as well as projects such as The Rookie and Ozark.  We discuss Felix's upbringing in New York City, his early career in theater, and his transition to television. Felix shares personal stories, including his unique connection to the Beastie Boys and a memorable encounter with Anthony Bourdain. We also get a glimpse into Felix's take on his Puerto Rican heritage, as well as his love for his rescue dogs. It’s a great chat and an opportunity to learn about Felix’s journey in the arts.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:42 Felix Solis and his New York history

02:43 Felix Solis on Atlanta and Ozark

05:41 Anthony Bourdain Anecdote

10:07 Theater Beginnings and Philip Seymour Hoffman

20:15 Growing Up in New York

25:48 Family Background and Multicultural Upbringing

30:18 Career Moves and The Rookie

35:30 Life with Rescue Dogs

38:40 Dog Sitting and Travel

39:14 Auditioning for Ozark

42:46 Representation in Media

46:04 Puerto Rican Cuisine and Cooking

47:39 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 #FelixSolis #Sirens #TheRookie #Ozark #Netflix #MillyAlcock #KevinBacon #JulianneMoore #MeghannFahy #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #PhilipSeymourHoffman #AnthonyBourdain #NewYork #PuertoRican #RescueDogs

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Reed Diamond from the film “Drop.” Reed has had a long career working in a constellation of projects, such as “Memphis Belle,” “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Orphan Black: Echoes” and “Moneyball.” We cover Reed's career highlights, his foundational experiences at Juilliard, and his passion for music. Reed shares insight into his recent projects, including his new film and the joys of working with his family. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:49 Reed's Life in Canada and Maine

11:20 Reed's Musical Journey

27:18 The Magic of Movie Soundtracks

33:45 Juilliard Experience

34:59 Deciding to Pursue Acting at Julliard

36:32 Early Influences and Family Background

39:07 First Big Break and Career Beginnings

41:29 Memorable Projects and Experiences

45:50 The Joy of Acting and Future Aspirations

49:08 Personal Life and Family Dynamics

54:05 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 #ReedDiamond #Drop #OrphanBlack #Designated Survivor #13ReasonsWhy #BrandonSklenar #MeghannFahy #ViolettBeane #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Music #FamilyMan #MoneyBall