That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Today's episode offers a special glimpse into The Practice Track Membership, where actors not only train but also get the rare perk of connecting directly with industry professionals. In this conversation, our members had the chance to sit down with comedian, writer, and actor Michael Strassner, whose path into Hollywood is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

Michael shares how a simple Instagram connection with Jay Duplass sparked the creation of an independent film based on his life. He opens up about the hurdles of indie filmmaking, the courage it takes to be vulnerable in your art, and the grind of navigating post-production. From promoting his film to facing rejection head-on, Michael's story is packed with real, actionable advice for actors and creatives alike.

✨ Whether you're dreaming of making your own work, building connections, or finding the confidence to put yourself out there, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that opportunity often comes from where you least expect it. AND let this conversation be the invite that you need to find your community in THE PRACTICE TRACK MEMBERSHIP. Click below to get on the waitlist to join!

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

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• 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

CREDITS:

• Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
• Writer: Maddie McCormick
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

Ravi Patel returns to the podcast with a wide-ranging, candid conversation about a career that refuses to fit into a single lane. Since his last appearance, Ravi has been everywhere—from Animal Control and Ghosts (where he's now a consulting producer) to new documentaries, a musical, and even Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Ravi shares how he's learned to thrive in "chaos with poise," balancing multiple creative pursuits while working fewer hours, prioritizing family, and taking bold, unconventional swings. From walking away from a bad offer only to land a starring role on Animal Control, to his approach to improv on set, Ravi offers an honest and often hilarious look at what it means to build a purpose-driven career in an ever-changing industry.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Ravi Patel right here.

• Animal Control
• Ghosts
• Wonder Woman 1984
• Three Women
• Master of None
• Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness
• Justified: City Primeval
• Transformers
• American Housewife
• Wrecked
• Grey's Anatomy
• Santa Clarita Diet

• IMDB: Ravi Patel, Actor, Writer, Producer

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• 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

CREDITS:

• Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
• Writer: Maddie McCormick
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

Casting directors don't actually know what producers want at the start of the process — they're sending in choices to help define the role. So if you're trying to "play what they want," you'll end up too vague to stand out. In this episode, Alyshia shares why specificity and authenticity are the keys to landing in the selection pile, why breakdowns are written for reps (not you), and how to stop wasting money on things like "actor slates."

Plus, learn how Slaytember flips the script: instead of paying for workshops where casting judges you, you'll work material for three weeks and then present it to award-winning CDs — including Victor Vasquez, Danny Gordon, and Jamie Castro — in a space where they've been invited to see YOU shine.

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

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• 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

CREDITS:

• Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
• Writer: Maddie McCormick
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

Imagine moving to LA and just nine months later, finding yourself auditioning for, and landing, a role in the biggest movie ever, Top Gun! Chicago native, Jack Schumacher, will take us through his "ignorant bliss" audition process for Top Gun and the surreal moment he learned Tom Cruise was watching his audition tape. He also shares the excruciating, six-month audition saga to win the role of "Yancy Gray" in the new hit Netflix series, Ransom Canyon. Hear about the invaluable advice he received from Jon Hamm on the Top Gun set about listening and authenticity, his struggles with imposter syndrome, and why he believes falling on your face in acting class is crucial. Plus, he'll reveal his game-changing audition tips, including why he's not afraid to cut out his lines, inspired by Marlon Brando.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jack Schumacher right here.

• Top Gun: Maverick
• Ransom Canyon
• 40 Dates and 40 Nights
• Welcome to Chippendales
• The Irrational
• Chicago P.D.
• S.W.A.T.
• Empire

• IMDB: Jack Schumacher, Actor

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• 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

CREDITS:

• Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
• Writer: Maddie McCormick
• WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
• SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

In this episode, "What if casting wasn't about rejection — but about selection?"In this solo episode, Alyshia shares a powerful reality check on how to approach your auditions with authenticity, confidence, and story-driven choices that make you the answer casting directors are searching for.

Learn how to:

Casting directors don't respond to "performed" acting — they respond to authenticity. This episode is all about how you can show up with truth, story, and specificity in every tape.

🔥 And if you're ready to put this into practice, join us for Slaytember, a 3-week live training experience starting September 18th. You'll tape, re-tape, and perform live in front of award-winning casting directors like Victor Vasquez, Danny Gordon, and Jamie Castro — with real feedback and a chance to showcase your work.

🎬 Only a few spots left! Can't join as a full participant? Audit the class and learn exactly how casting works today.

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

🔗 Connect with That One Audition:

• SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
• 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

From pre-med at Columbia to a Tony nomination on Broadway, Gabby Beans has carved out one of the most unique journeys in the industry. She shares how she navigated early setbacks (including being dropped by her first big manager) to build her career from the ground up with fearless off-Broadway work. That perseverance has more than paid off: Gabby earned a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in The Skin of Our Teeth. Most recently, she's stunned audiences on Broadway in Sam Gold's Romeo + Juliet, taking on the dual roles of Mercutio and Friar Lawrence. On screen, Gabby's credits are just as impressive—House of Cards, Succession, Blue Bloods, The Good Fight, and her recent breakout in Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, and Bill Camp.

Gabby opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, why she loves Zoom chemistry reads, and the wisdom she's gained from working with some of the industry's most visionary directors. This episode proves that in a career where "nothing ever happens the way you think it will," passion and persistence truly light the way.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Gabby Beans right here.

• Honey Don't!
• Presumed Innocent
• Succession
• Your Friends & Neighbors
• House of Cards
• The Good Fight
• ROMEO + JULIET (Broadway)
• Ray Donovan
• Blue Bloods

• IMDB: Gabby Beans, Actress, Writer, 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

• COMING HOME COACHING: Come home to yourself
• 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

Description: 🎭 Actors often feel their biggest obstacle is themselves—but what if that's just a limiting belief? In this episode, Alyshia talks with Melanie Curtis and Mark Collin, two world-class coaches who help people dissolve self-doubt and rewire the subconscious patterns holding them back.

With expertise in trauma-informed healing, nervous system work, NLP, Reiki, and more, Melanie and Mark share how to break through the invisible walls of fear and step into unshakable self-belief—on stage, on set, and in life.

💪 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

• COMING HOME COACHING: Come home to yourself
• 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

From the vibrant streets of Belize to the soundstages of Hollywood, Arlen Escarpeta has built a career defined by resilience, versatility, and heart. His path took him from performing arts schools to his first role on Boston Public and eventually to booking the "game-changer" American Dreams, where he learned to balance art with business and the importance of teamwork and human connection. In this episode, Arlen shares honest insights on sustaining a career, diversifying into voiceover and looping work, and his "tent pole" approach to building layered, specific characters—offering a rare, inspiring look at the resilience and craft behind a continuously working actor.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Arlen Escarpeta right here.

• FOUND
• The Oath
• David Makes Man
• The Magicians
• S.W.A.T.
• Final Destination 5
• We Are Marshall
• I Am the Night
• Grimm
• Extant
• The Client List
• House
• American Dreams

• IMDB: Arlen Escarpeta, 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

• 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

Get ready for a truly insightful conversation with the incredible Jolene Purdy! After seeing her at a recent in-person audition, Alyshia immediately called her agent and declared, "I just met this actress—I swear to God she's gonna get it!" From that moment, she knew Jolene had to come on the podcast.

In today's episode, you'll hear behind-the-scenes stories like that shared audition, where Jolene made bold, unexpected choices despite having very little information about the character. Her distinctive voice and interpretations often go against the writing—making it even better. That inventive spirit has fueled a career spanning her unforgettable debut in Donnie Darko to standout roles in Under the Dome, Orange Is the New Black, The White Lotus, and her latest work opposite Kevin Bacon in The Bondsman.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jolene Purdy right here.

CREDITS:

• The White Lotus
• The Bondsman
• WandaVision
• Firefly Lane
• The Magicians
• Orange Is the New Black
• The Resident
• Teachers
• Breaking Bad
• Superstore
• Under the Dome
• Glee
• Unseen
• Donnie Darko

• IMDB: Jolene Purdy, Actress, Writer 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

In this episode, the industry is shifting — fast. Casting directors are under pressure, opportunities are shrinking, and actors are feeling the heat. In this power-packed solo episode, Alyshia breaks down exactly what's happening in casting right now and how you can stay sharp, focused, and ready for the roles that are out there.

If you've been self-taping into the void, wondering what stands out and how to get seen — this is your wake-up call. Alyshia shares what casting is really looking for, why specificity and confidence matter more than ever, and how to practice like it's game day.

🔥 PLUS: Get the inside scoop on Slaytember — a 3-week live experience starting September 18th that puts you face-to-face with top casting directors, real notes, re-tapes, and a chance to showcase your work.

✨ Past guests include Jennifer Cooper, Felicia Fasano, Victor Vazquez, Alexis Winter & Chrissy Fiorilli-Ellington.

📌 Spots are limited. Link to apply is in the show notes.

💪 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