That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

As a second-generation performer, Román Zaragoza was immersed in the industry from just six months old and quickly came to understand the realities of an actor's life. We dive deep into how his intensive theater work, especially his time at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), kept him grounded and provided him with humbling, world-class ensemble training. Román details the entire process of booking his series regular role on the hit CBS comedy GHOSTS. He shares his initial skepticism about auditioning for a historical Native American character, and how his extensive experience with Zoom theater prepared him for his multiple callbacks. After booking the role, he provides insight into the immense pressure of finding your space in a huge, successful ensemble cast and how to create a memorable character. He also discusses how his theater background helped him book an exciting new voice role in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender animated film.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Román Zaragoza right here.

• Ghosts
• Stumptown
• The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
• Austin & Ally
• Spirit Rangers
• Shadow Wolves

• IMDB: Román Zaragoza, Actor, Producer

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse
• WRITER: Maddie McCormick
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Cerikcioglu

When you "play the plan" of a scene, you lose the truth that makes your work magnetic. In this Wednesday Wisdom, Alyshia Ochse breaks down how mirror neurons prove that what you feel on screen isn't the point — it's what the audience feels that matters.

Inspired by her conversation with actor Mark Pellegrino, Alyshia explores why curiosity, actionable thoughts, and emotional specificity ignite both performance and connection.

Learn how to:

• Ditch your "feelings button" and focus on discovery
• Use mirror neurons to create real connection on screen
• Stay alive in the moment — not trapped in your plan

There's always time to get better. Swing big. Be interested. Let your subconscious come out and play.

Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.

Connect with That One Audition:

• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney

CREDITS:

• Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
• WRITER: Alyshia Ochse
• WE BSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

Today we sit down with the incredible journeyman actor Mark Pellegrino, who after four decades in the business continues to embody what it means to be a true working actor. Mark shares unforgettable audition stories, including his famously bold move of performing a seven-page monologue that earned him one of the greatest compliments of his career and led to booking A Murder of Crows. He also recounts working with David Lynch, Joel Schumacher, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, while offering a candid look at his meticulous preparation process—whether it's reading a script 200 times, rewriting audition sides, or diving into deep research. Beyond craft, he reflects on navigating a post-strike industry and his latest projects, including playing Cousin Eddie in the upcoming Murdoch: Death in the Family series.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Mark Pellegrino right here.

• Supernatural
• Murdaugh: Death in the Family
• 13 Reasons Why
• American Rust
• The Rookie: Feds
• 9-1-1
• Quantico
• Lost
• Prison Break
• Dexter
• Grey's Anatomy
• Mulholland Drive
• The Big Lebowski
• National Treasure
• Capote

• IMDB: Mark Pellegrino, Actor, Producer, Soundtrack

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse
• WRITER: Maddie McCormick
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Cerikcioglu

Today's guest, Wynn Everett, is riding an incredible professional wave, having booked five shows this year. She takes us through her early years studying theater in Georgia, then landing a five-year job running the green room at Good Morning America—where she met everyone from bestselling authors to First Ladies and Hollywood stars. Those connections would later prove invaluable. Wynn reflects on the patience and clear intent it took to finally land representation at Gersh. She also shares some unforgettable "That One Audition" stories, including a hilarious rhythm argument with Aaron Sorkin over the word "tits" that secured her role in Charlie Wilson's War. She also reveals her highly specific audition process, using music and physical "maps," and explains why her radical decision to move back to the Southeast became the best career choice she ever made.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Wynn Everett right here.

• Chad Powers
• M.I.A.
• Agent Carter
• Doom Patrol
• The Newsroom
• Merv
• DTF St. Louis
• This is Us
• Ordinary Joe
• Young Rock
• Sweet Magnolias
• The Walking Dead
• Teenage Bounty Hunters
• Modern Family
• Grey's Anatomy
• Charlie Wilson's War

• IMDB: Wynn Everett, Actress, Producer

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Notes aren't criticism—they're invitations. In this episode, Alyshia shares how to stop chasing "doing it right," why feelings can mislead you, and how to treat casting adjustments as chances to discover something new.

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

In today's episode, we sit down with the legendary William Stanford Davis, the Emmy-winning actor who's stolen scenes (and hearts) as the unforgettable Mr. Johnson on Abbott Elementary. From his roots in St. Louis to chasing standup comedy in Los Angeles, William's path to Hollywood is as inspiring as it is unexpected. He opens up about breaking into the industry, the lessons he learned from mentors like Martin Landau, and the risks that shaped his craft. And of course, we talk Abbott Elementary. Davis shares the story behind his iconic character, including a risky, improvised line in his audition that might have sealed the deal. He also gives us an insider look into the dynamic ensemble, the balance between script and improvisation, and how he approaches every set as a team player who makes sure to learn everyone's name.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed William Stanford Davis right here.

• Abbott Elementary
• Side Quest
• Snowpiercer
• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Ray Donovan
• The Big Bang Theory
• Perry Mason
• It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
• Shameless
• Truth Be Told
• Swagger
• Chicago Med

• IMDB: William Stanford Davis, Actor, Director, Sound Department

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

This week on That One Audition, Alyshia unpacks why actors often ask the wrong questions in auditions. Story always comes before "teller," and authenticity lives in the script itself. Learn how to build the house before decorating it — and why giving yourself to the story is what makes casting lean in.

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Today, we're thrilled to catch up with an actor who truly embodies the "malleable" spirit of our industry, Brandon Jay McLaren. Since our last conversation in 2021, Brandon has been on an incredible run on hit shows like The Rookie, Snowfall, and The Cleaning Lady. Brandon shares how he masterfully juggled shooting Snowfall and The Rookie simultaneously, even requiring a wig transformation. Plus, Brandon shares what it was like working with his acting hero, Toni Collette, on his upcoming, genre-bending Netflix series, Wayward, which drops September 25th. We'll also delve into the current industry "lull," his pivot into creating his own projects, and his candid thoughts on self-tapes versus in-person auditions.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Brandon Jay McLaren right here.

• Snowfall
• The Killing
• Wayward
• The Rookie
• Graceland
• The Cleaning Lady
• Firefly Lane
• UnREAL
• Ransom
• Chicago Fire
• Tucker and Dale vs Evil
• She's the Man

• IMDB: Brandon Jay McLaren

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

In this episode, Alyshia dives into the trap of relying too heavily on character breakdowns—and why it can sabotage your auditions. Casting directors aren't looking for someone to play at the breakdown; they're looking for the actor who brings the puzzle piece they didn't know they needed.

Using Katherine LaNasa's Emmy-winning performance in The Pitt as a powerful example, Alyshia shares how ignoring the breakdown and leaning into humility helped her stand out in a sea of actors all playing the same "note." Plus, hear insights from past guest Sheila on how finding a single moment in the script can unlock choices that are uniquely yours.

If you've ever felt stuck trying to "give them what they want," this episode is your reminder: you are the best asset in the room. Read the script first, trust your instrument, and stop chasing the breakdown.

🎭 Slaytember starts this week! Audit a class and see what it feels like to be on the other side of the casting table.

💪 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri

Today we sit down with Sheila Carrasco, who brings "Flower" to life on the hit CBS comedy Ghosts. After earning her BFA at NYU, she spent three years self-producing plays without an agent before pursuing an MFA at Harvard's American Repertory Theater, where she honed her comedic skills and character work. That path led her to the Groundlings' famed Sunday Company, where she found her voice and signed with CAA. Sheila shares the twists of her Ghosts audition including the COVID shutdown that nearly derailed it to the creative choices that shaped Flower. She also gives insights on ensemble improv and lessons learned from industry veterans, including her time as a stand-in on The Good Place. Her story is a testament to perseverance, finding your niche, and why it "takes 10 years to start working as an actor" and "20 years to build a career."

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sheila Carrasco right here.

• Ghosts
• The Good Place
• Jane the Virgin
• American Housewife
• Life in Pieces
• The Odd Couple
• I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
• #VanLife

• IMDB: Sheila Carrasco, Actress, Producer

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
• THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
• THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
• PATREON: @thatoneaudition
• CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
• COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
• INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
• INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
• WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
• ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
• SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
• STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

• WRITER: Erin McCluskey
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
• SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri