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

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Megan Stott from the film “Aftermath”, as well as the Netflix show "Penelope."  Megan discusses her experiences in acting, particularly portraying a solitary character in “Penelope.”  She opens up about her upbringing, personal interests, her love of words and her unique journey into acting.  We discuss the importance of being oneself, growing as an actor, and what’s next for Megan.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:02 Megan's Background and Current Projects

04:00 Challenges and Experiences on Set

06:47 Personal Life and Family

10:17 Early Acting Career

18:00 Homeschooling and Hobbies

25:58 Living in the Wilderness

28:21 Reflecting on Personal Experiences

30:38 Career Aspirations and Hobbies

31:37 Culinary Interests and Ramen Talk

36:47 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 #MeganStott #Acting #Aftermath #Penelope #Actor #Netflix #DylanSprouse #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, DJ and author, Kristian Nairn, who has a new memoir out called “Beyond The Throne!”  Kristian is known for his work on Game of Thrones and Our Flag Means Death, as well as his work as a DJ and mixer.  We discuss the cultural impact of Game of Thrones, as well as the creative process behind being a DJ and authoring a book about his own life experiences.  It’s a great conversation with Kristian’s as we touch on his reflections on self-acceptance and authenticity. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Introduction to Story Craft

03:26 The Journey to Game of Thrones

04:46 DJing and Musical Influences

07:06 The Art of Remixing

10:22 Performing Live and Acting

15:55 Early Life and Education

20:36 The DJ Journey Begins

21:49 Dream Festivals and Travel

22:30 Memorable Nights in Ibiza

22:56 The Club Scene and Its Culture

23:30 Acting Aspirations and Career Reflections

25:15 Writing the Book: Epiphanies and Reflections

28:25 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 #KristianNairn #Acting #Actor #Author #DJ #GameofThrones #OurFlagMeansDeath #EDM #ElectronicMusic #TranceMusic #HouseMusic #HBO #BeyondTheThrone #lgbtq #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with author, actor, artist and entrepreneur, Moon Unit Zappa.  She has a new memoir out called “Earth to Moon!”  Moon shares her experiences growing up in the unconventional Zappa household, revealing the impact of her father, Frank Zappa’s creativity and discipline on her life.  She also delves into her journey of self-discovery, the complexities of her family dynamics, and the betrayal she felt after her mother's death.  We cover a range of topics, including Moon Unit's career in entertainment, her influences, and her reflections on balancing personal and family expectations. This episode provides deep insights into the challenges and triumphs of living in a famous family, as well as the importance of self-love and resilience.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:45 Discussing the Memoir 'Earth to Moon'

01:59 Growing Up in the Zappa Household

03:22 Family Dynamics and Personal Reflections

06:07 Navigating Fame and Personal Identity

08:00 The Impact of Frank Zappa's Legacy

08:32 Writing the Memoir: Motivations and Challenges

11:15 Reflections on Family and Personal Growth

15:59 The Influence of Music and Entertainment

18:25 Experiences with MTV and Cultural Impact

22:37 Comedy and Storytelling Influences

27:55 Parenting Insights and Influences

31:37 Memorable Stories and Lessons

33:06 Writing Process and Inspirations

35:03 Family Dynamics and Healing

36:36 Creative Pursuits and Personal Interests

39:11 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 #MoonUnitZappa #MoonZappa #EarthToMoon #Author #FrankZappa #Zappa #Memoir #MTV #Acting #actorslife #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with comedian and actor, Byron Bowers from the Apple TV+ show “Lady In The Lake!”  Byron shares personal stories about his childhood in Georgia and the influence of 90’s black TV and music.  We also discuss Byron's transition from stand-up comedy to acting, with roles in the Showtime show “The Chi”, as well as upcoming projects, including Marvel's “Wonder Man.”  We cover the challenges and rewards of a creative career, family expectations, the joys and trials of parenthood, and finding humor in life's darkest moments. It’s a great conversation with a comedian and actor who has an inspiring and intriguing story to share.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:59 Byron's Journey to Comedy

03:20 Growing Up in Georgia

06:45 Comedy Inspirations and Early Struggles

10:14 Transition to Acting

19:19 Lady in the Lake and Personal Insights

25:45 Finding Humor in Life's Challenges

33:49 Working with an Accomplished Actress

35:06 Family Background and Early Life

36:13 Pursuing Comedy Against Family Expectations

38:21 Parenting and Finding Joy

41:45 Challenges of Adolescence and Society

46:41 Comedy Inspirations and Observations

52:05 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 #ByronBowers #LadyInTheLake #AppleTV #Actor #Acting #Comedy #Comedian #NataliePortman #Marvel #WonderMan #TheChi #Showtime #ParamountPlus #Standup #actorslife #storyandcraft

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Lucy DeVito from the film “The Secret Art of Human Flight!”  We chat about growing up with her parents, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman and her career acting in film and television.  We also discuss her latest project, “The Secret Art of Human Flight.”  Lucy shares personal anecdotes, including her fondness for theater, her family's influence, and her life as a new mother.  This was a fun discussion of craft, career and family with a talented actor and producer.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:48 Growing Up with Famous Parents

01:35 New Motherhood and Family Life

04:14 East Coast vs. West Coast Upbringing

06:19 Pursuing a Career in Acting

09:23 College and Early Career

19:10 Theater Life in New York

21:33 Balancing Life Between New York and LA

22:29 Family Heritage and Roots

23:35 Theater and Acting Journey

25:41 First Big Break in Acting

26:53 Preferences in Acting Mediums

29:45 Memorable Projects and Roles

31:25 The Secret Art of Human Flight

36:47 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 #LucyDeVito #acting #actor #Producer #DannyDeVito #RheaPerlman #TheSecretArtOfHumanFlight #actorslife #storyandcraft