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What does it look like when a childhood dream gains momentum at just 12 years old? On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, we sit down with Chyler Emery, a rising young actress who traces her journey from acting classes to working alongside industry veterans like Rob Lowe.

Chyler offers a candid look into the practical aspects of an early career in acting, sharing insights on how homeschooling helps her balance her busy schedule, why line memorization comes more naturally than math, and the simple self-tape kit that keeps her competitive in auditions. She is refreshingly honest about facing rejection, reframing 'no's as opportunities for a better 'yes,' and quickly moving forward to protect her passion and keep life enjoyable.

While it might be tempting to dismiss a 12-year-old enjoying her dream job, there's something undeniably magical about the world of TV and film that brings out the child in all of us. Listening to Chyler's enthusiasm, I'm reminded of why so many of us are drawn to the art of storytelling. I, for one, can't wait to see what Chyler has in store for her future.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone chasing their first 'yes,' and leave a review to tell us which role you'd cast Chyler in next.

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Film Director Brendan Gabriel Murphy on Navigating Hollywood Dreams and Indie Film Realities.

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Join us on the Staffa Corner Podcast as we dive into an intriguing conversation with Rachel Stubington, the talented actress known for her role as Summer in the hit series Shrinking. Host Greg Staffa sits down with Rachel to explore her unique journey and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of working on a critically acclaimed show.

Rachel shares her experiences and insights on being a part of Shrinking, a show that has captivated audiences with its blend of humor, drama, and relatable characters. We delve into Rachel's character, Summer, who, despite not having a central storyline, manages to steal scenes with her unexpected appearances and witty dialogue. Greg draws an analogy between Summer and cream of tartar, an ingredient that, though not always noticed, is essential to the overall flavor of a dish. This comparison highlights the subtle yet significant impact Summer has on the show, adding depth and unexpected twists to the narrative.

Rachel also opens up about the collaborative and family-like environment on the set of Shrinking, where she feels valued and included despite her relatively smaller role. She shares anecdotes about working with industry legends like Harrison Ford and Jason Siegel, praising their dedication and the respectful atmosphere they foster. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the world of a young actress navigating the complexities of Hollywood while staying true to her artistic vision.

Tune in to hear Rachel's thoughts on the future of her character, her aspirations as an actress and filmmaker, and her exciting projects, including her directorial debut film Copy Credit No Pay. Whether you're a fan of Shrinking or simply curious about the inner workings of the entertainment industry, this episode promises to be both enlightening and entertaining.

Check out my review of Shrinking season 3 

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I’m especially excited to share this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast. We invited Fon Davis, an Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) alum and CEO of Fonco Studios, to pull back the curtain on how practical effects still shape modern storytelling, even as LED volumes, motion capture, and 3D printing redefine the industry. From R2-D2 restorations to full-scale builds that never make the final cut, Fon’s stories reveal the discipline, research, and creative grit that keep movie magic alive.

Fon also tackles the big industry question: has technology cost the craft its soul? His answer is grounded and optimistic. At Fonco, traditional art meets robotics, CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing, then returns to sanding, painting, and electronics that sell scale under real lights. Practical builds now live on LED stages; hybrid workflows create new kinds of “real.” We talk working with colleagues like Adam Savage and the late Grant Imahara, whose legacy fuels STEAM education. If you love world-building, behind-the-scenes problem-solving, and the mindset that turns impossible into inevitable, this conversation will stick.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend who loves making-of stories, and leave a quick review to help others discover us.

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Click HERE to learn more about the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation.

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In this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, former ILM veteran Anthony Lucero joins us to explain why he traded blockbuster VFX for soulful indie filmmaking. We discuss how his technical background shaped his storytelling, the making of East Side Sushi, and the industry's flawed distribution model. Anthony also introduces his new film, Paper Bag Plan, a heartwarming story inspired by his family. We cover the future of VFX with AI, the loss of mid-budget films, and the powerful return of hopeful, character-driven cinema. If you love movies, this is a conversation about why they matter.

Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who loves indie film, and leave a review telling us which under‑the‑radar movie deserves more love.

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For a long time, I’ve had a reluctance to interview young kids. It’s too easy to dismiss them and treat them like the kids they are. Yet, talking to 12-year-old Luke Speakman during this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast reminded me why we each do this, the love of TV and film. Listening to Luke, it's clear he's passionate about both.

After getting a couple of questions out of the way, I tried my best to forget the “kid actor” label and focus on Luke the actor.

From landing his first-ever audition on Amazing Stories to tackling serious roles in Weapons, Luke explains how he earns respect on set, learns scripts overnight, and breaks scenes apart to understand every silence and line choice. He opens up about online school, set tutoring, and the rituals that keep him grounded while traveling for months at a time.

We dig into the realities behind the camera, like why a single scene can take dozens of takes, how stunt safety shapes the day, and why even actors in horror films still jump in their seats. Luke shares mentorship moments with Josh Brolin, talks about moving from callbacks to offers, and explains why directors fascinate him as much as acting. His curiosity runs wide: American Ninja Warrior training, coding in Lua and Python, and a deep obsession with tornadoes that fuels a dream to make a scientifically accurate twister movie.

Luke also teases upcoming work: Buddy heading to Sundance, the thriller John Money, and the action project My Little Lamb. Hit play, subscribe for more thoughtful interviews, and leave a review.

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Check out the interview I mentioned during the podcast involving Jeff Cohen, who plays Chunk in the movie The Goonies. Both Jeff and Luke were child actors who got their start with Steven Spielberg. I saw some similarities between Jeff and talking to Luke. There are a couple of cringe moments in Jeff's interview that I hope I didn't have with Luke.

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On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, we're joined by actress and singer Kerry Frances for a candid conversation about navigating the modern entertainment industry. We dive into her new projects, the Netflix film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and her new single, "You and Me and Everything."

Kerry shares invaluable insights, from how classical acting training builds a foundation but often fails to teach the business itself, to why kindness on set is a career-long investment. We get real about the unglamorous side of the industry, the "self-tape factory," the emotional toll of "release depression," and trusting your gut when deal terms glitter. The conversation also takes a hard look at Hollywood's shifting landscape, from streaming consolidation to the cultural importance of mid-budget films. Finally, Kerry opens up about the personal joy that inspired her new single and offers smart, actionable advice for championing dog rescue year-round.

If you care about the craft of acting, the business that sustains it, and the hope that keeps artists brave, you’ll feel this one. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Knives Out, and leave a review telling us which insight changed how you see the industry.

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On this episode of the Staffa Corner Podcast, we sit down with actor Jason Faunt to unpack a remarkable journey of reinvention. Jason shares how a promising college athlete handled being cut from pro ball, rebuilt his identity, and found his true path in acting by ignoring conventional wisdom and learning from the ground up.

We dive deep into the Power Rangers chapter, where Jason discusses the reality behind a modestly paid role that became a career-launching engine, opening doors to global conventions and a fandom that transcends nostalgia. The conversation turns personal as we explore An Old Friend, the short film that mirrored his grief after losing his father and changed his perspective on the medium. Finally, Jason offers a frank look at the state of Hollywood, from streaming's content flood to the need for more Good Will Hunting-style bets on original talent, and teases his new projects: Legend of the White Dragon, suiting up as Batman, and the animated Brush Brigade.

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A camera, a tight-knit family, and an endless appetite for story, that’s where Nuk Suwanchote's filmmaking journey begins. From immigrant roots and long hours spent immersed in movies to building a career across live events, commercials, and narrative projects, Nuk shares how curiosity, craft, and community shaped his voice. The heart of our talk centers on the hard truths of the industry: the hidden chasm between short films and features, the new pressures of streaming and AI, and the extra weight many filmmakers of color carry as they navigate representation and expectation.

We dig into An Old Friend, a whimsical, emotional short about an imaginary friend who returns to find his “child” is now a 90-year-old man on his deathbed. With Tom Skerritt and Jason Faunt bringing depth and warmth, Nook channels the spirit of Big Fish while carving out a story that feels universal and deeply personal at once. He breaks down the poster’s inspiration, the film’s tone, and how he frames magical realism to reach audiences beyond any single identity label. 

We also spotlight Thai Guys, an Asian American sketch comedy series that flips stereotypes through cinematic sketches in the vein of SNL and Key & Peele. Nuk explains why comedy is the best delivery system for social truth, how demand for Asian-led stories outpaces supply, and what it would look like to greenlight smarter if he ran a studio. 

Join us for a candid, energizing conversation packed with craft insights, festival wisdom, and a resilient philosophy: keep making, keep learning, keep going. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. What part should we explore next?

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We sit down today with actor Alfred Hsing, who opens up about pressure, perfection, and how acting allows him to explore vulnerability safely through character.  He also reflects on representation with nuance, acknowledging both the privilege and the weight of being visible in an industry still broadening its lens.

Alfred breaks down how stunt work really happens: training, rigging, camera design, timing, and the discipline that keeps sets safe. He respects stars who train to elite levels, yet he’s clear that stunts must serve story and context.  We talk about the long road to stunt recognition, why awards can raise standards instead of encouraging recklessness, and how great coordinators push the bar through planning rather than luck.

Train Dreams marks a new chapter for Alfred: a subtle, restrained performance in a film that moves through silence and small details. 

 There are fan-favorite moments too: generous dinners with Jackie Chan’s stunt team, lessons learned around Jet Li, and a cherished memory of Jon Favreau handing him a challenge coin on the Boba Fett set. 

Subscribe, share with a friend who loves action and storytelling in equal measure, and leave a review to tell us which stunt sequence made you believe again.

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On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, we sit down with actor Jaden Lucas Miller to trace his journey from the Raleigh stages to a CBS daytime set and a gripping turn on Hulu's Reasonable Doubt. Jaden unpacks what it takes to be taken seriously at 20, all while juggling classes and call sheets. He opens up about his early breaks in short films, the method mindset that treats characters as both an escape and a mirror, and how his mother's persistence helped build a real team around him.

Jaden credits mentors like Clifton Davis and Tamara Tunie as guiding lights, teaching him that thick skin and a generous spirit are essential tools in the industry. From the fast-paced world of soaps on Beyond the Gates to the tonal shift of Reasonable Doubt, he shares how he separates self from role and keeps his performances grounded in respect for the real-life stories behind them. If you care about craft, resilience, and the power of mentors and family, this conversation is for you.

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Film Director Brendan Gabriel Murphy on Navigating Hollywood Dreams and Indie Film Realities.

Ballard Actor Alain Uy on How an Injury Fueled His Acting Career