When your world crashes down around you, how do you continue moving on? In 2015, Maryam Myika Day welcomed her daughter Ayodélé Olayinka into the world and said goodbye to her husband. Through that joy and grief came a reckoning and realization of who she wanted to be as an artist going forward in her life, and she reexamined the ways her art could reach others. Maryam shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in prominent dance companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway's '42nd Street,' to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Maryam talks about the founding of her production company, Epiphany 3 Films, to create opportunities for herself and others, and her impactful work in film and digital media. She also delves into her personal life, sharing the profound challenges she faced and how these experiences fueled her artistic and professional growth. One way she channeled her grief into action was by writing a book with her daughter, “This is My Story”, that talks about her husband’s passing, what he left behind, and all the ways he is remembered. She also speaks on the importance of mentorship, and her passion for teaching writing and empowering other artists to take a chance on themselves because we just don’t have the time. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of investing in yourself.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introduction and Guest Background

00:26 — Early Career in Dance

01:15 — From Broadway to Film

02:56 — Founding Epiphany 3 Films

05:25 — Mentorship and Skill Development

17:37 — Personal Challenges and Triumphs

28:29 — A Moment of Realization

28:48 — Turning Grief into Strength

28:55 — A New Beginning in 2016

29:07 — Using Life's Challenges as Fuel

29:34 — Gratitude Amidst Loss

30:07 — A Mother's Determination

31:12 — Writing a Book Together

31:44 — The Journey of Healing

32:32 — Empowering Through Storytelling

34:14 — From Book to Animated Series

34:55 — Teaching Others to Write

38:41 — The Importance of Mentorship

47:01 — Astrology and Life's Path

52:51 — Final Reflections and Gratitude

EPISODE LINKS:

· Read “This is My Story” by Ayodélé Olayinka

· Ayodélé’s Website

· Get into “THE WORKSHOP: How to create and sell your own children's book”

· Maryam’s IMDb

· Maryam’s Website

· Follow Maryam on IG

· Follow the North of 40 Podcast on IG

· The North of 40 Podcast Links

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Today we have on acting coach extraordinaire, the woman you want to be in a Career Corner with, and accomplished actor/writer/producer/ray of sunshine Angela Fornero. A seasoned actress and business-minded coach, we dive into her journey in the acting industry. Angela shares her extensive experience, from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming an integral part of Stan Kirsch Studios. She explains how she uses her practical knowledge from internships and various roles in crafting individualized career plans for actors. Angela discusses the challenges, mindset, and business acumen required to succeed in a competitive industry, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, self-production, and strategic marketing. Her insights provide valuable guidance for actors at all stages of their careers. This is an episode you definitely do not want to miss!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introduction to Angela Fornero

01:09 — Angela's Early Life and Background

02:39 — Journey into Acting

04:18 — Navigating the Acting Industry

07:43 — Joining Stan Kirsch Studio

10:44 — Angela’s Career Corner and Business Insights

12:29 — Interning in Casting and Talent Agencies

17:23 — Personalized Career Guidance

20:53 — Personal Insights and Experiences

21:16 — Understanding the Industry's Challenges

25:15 — The Importance of Mindset and Hope

25:57 — Actionable Steps for Career Growth

26:33 — Creating Effective Demo Reels

31:15 — Navigating Self-Tapes and Footage

36:16 — Headshots and Personal Branding

39:35 — The Power of Self-Producing and Social Media

42:20 — Gratitude and Final Thoughts

EPISODE LINKS:

· Book a Career Consult with Angela today! 

· Angela’s Website 

· Angela’s IMDb

· Follow Angela on IG

· Buckley Samspon Stylist

· Amy Lyndon’s Coaching

· Bonnie Gillespie’s Self Management for Actors 

· Mentor Kevin E. West 

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

How do you enjoy the journey of being an actor? How do you stand up for yourself on set? How do you find your actor niche? Leonard Wu comes on the podcast to reunite with his former acting classmate Colleen Foy to talk about his journey and everything that he has experienced. From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ and ‘American Born Chinese’, Leonard shares his journey from growing up in Washington D.C., studying Chinese Peking Opera, to pursuing a career in Hollywood. He discusses his initial struggles, why he has always had a day job, his breakthrough on 'Veronica Mars,' and pivotal roles in projects like 'Revenge of the Green Dragons' and 'Marco Polo.' He also takes us through the process of preparing for an action-heavy role, and learning to champion his interpretation of his characters on projects. Wu also gets real about the impact of his cultural identity on his career, the challenges Asian-American actors face, and the importance of being prepared in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introducing Leonard Wu

00:23 — Early Life and Education

01:43 — College Years and Early Career

03:28 — Breaking into the Industry

04:41— First Big Break and Challenges

05:59 — Navigating the Acting World

07:05 — Theater and Day Jobs

07:45 — Major Roles and Opportunities

15:40 — Training and Preparation

21:33 — Navigating Creative Collaboration

22:16 — Reflecting on Career Challenges

23:12 — The Rise and Fall of Marco Polo

25:41 — Adapting to Industry Changes

29:09 — Embracing Theater and New Opportunities

35:12 — Experiences on Grey's Anatomy

39:25 — Future Aspirations and Reflections

40:03 — Inside the SKS Studio Questions

EPISODE LINKS:

· Leonard’s IMDb

· Follow Leonard on IG @iamleonardwu

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

We’ve all felt how the acting industry has changed over the last few years. Even more than before, our individual journeys as actors show how there is no right path. This week, we are joined by ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ star Chelsey Crisp. Chelsey shares how a co-star role that she almost turned down, led her to her first series regular role on a hit show that lasted 6 seasons. She shows us a peek into her perspective on the casting process and bookings, and what she looks forward to in the next era of Hollywood. You’ll learn about Chelsey’s origin story, starting from her moving to LA at 18 to study theater, to navigating early career challenges, and finding her voice in comedy. You’ll hear firsthand about the importance of embracing one's unique path, the value of specific training and branding, and tips on navigating this ever changing industry. Chelsey also gets candid about dealing with the emotional highs and lows of auditioning, and how beneficial having that one good cry can be. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of resilience, passion for when that perfect role finds its way to you, and comfort in knowing we are all pursuing our acting dreams together.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introduction and Origin Stories

00:39 — Early Life and Theater Beginnings

01:17 — Academy Experience and Moving to LA

02:05 — Navigating Early Career Challenges

03:34 — Improv and Finding a Niche in Comedy

09:07 — Breakthrough Roles and Career Milestones

13:42 — Reflections on Industry and Personal Growth

17:30 — Transitioning to New Opportunities

19:14 — Landing a Series Regular Role

22:36 — Balancing Career and Personal Life

18:35 — Fresh Off the Boat and Call My Agent

26:47 — The Audition Process

30:21 — Navigating the Casting World

37:57 — The Impact of Industry Changes

46:37 — Inside the SKS Studio Questions

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Chelsey on IG @chelseycrisp

· Chelsey’s IMDb

· Chelsey’s Website

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Tiffany Daniels discusses her multifaceted career in the entertainment industry with host Colleen. Known for her role in 'That Girl Lele,' Tiffany shares insights on her early career, including her prestigious year-long scholarship at the Edge Performing Arts Center and the challenges she faced balancing rigorous training with a full-time job. She takes us through her transition from dancing to becoming a Laker and Charger girl, before moving into acting roles across genres. Whether you've seen her as a series regular on 'That Girl Lay Lay', 'NCIS,' 'Big Bang Theory,' Josephine Baker in 'Timeless', or  'Station 19’, Tiffany is an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. You will learn just how important confidence, adaptability, and collaboration are throughout your acting career, and how you should always go after your dream.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introducing Tiffany Daniels

00:46 — Early Career and Dance Training

03:30 — Breaking into the Industry

07:14 — Becoming a Laker Girl

12:31 — Joining SKS & The Value of Comedy Training

15:16 — Portraying Josephine Baker

19:37 — The Impact of a Juicy Role

20:41 — Defining a Triple Threat

21:36 — That One Where Colleen and Tiffany almost Worked Together

22:25 — The Intensity of TV Roles

22:40 — Auditioning Under Pressure

25:26 — Staying in Character

28:06 — Landing 'That Girl Lele'

34:07 — Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere as Adults for Kid Actors

35:01— Inside the Stan Kirsch Studio

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Tiffany Daniels on IG @itsmetiffd

· Tiffany’s Website

· Tiffany’s IMDb

· Tiffany’s Links

· Watch “Pieces of a Woman”

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

There is no “one path” to becoming a working actor. No one knows that better than Kate Mansi,  who transitioned from having a dance scholarship to pursuing acting at Pepperdine University. She walks us through how her life changed when she found her passion and what she did to take care of herself as she pursued her dream. From the ups and downs that came with auditioning, to finding a mentor in Stan, to battling imposter syndrome, Kate shares how she booked the iconic role of Abigail on “Days of Our Lives” and all that came after. She shares her mental health struggles and caring for herself in a consistently high-stress environment that came to a peak during 2020 when she had to fight for her healthcare. We also get a glance at Kate’s future, as she starts directing and working with the nonprofit organization The Artemis Agency. Kate’s commitment to self-exploration and her craft will leave you inspired, and with a better grasp of what life is like after landing a role that defines your career. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

01:31 — Katie's Early Life and Dance Background

03:04 — Transition to Acting

03:49 — College Years and Early Acting Gigs

05:34 — Booking 'Days of Our Lives'

07:19 — Challenges and Perseverance

17:13 — Winning the Emmy and Health Struggles

24:20 — Healthcare System Challenges

25:31 — Balancing Daytime Pressures

26:38 — The Importance of Asking Questions

27:25 — Overcoming People-Pleasing Behavior

28:55 — Helping Ourselves

32:07 — Embracing Authenticity in Acting

33:55 — The Journey to Casa Grande

41:16 — The Impact of COVID on Self-Tapes

43:44 — Future Aspirations and Directing

45:51 — Reflecting on Acting and Life

47:26 — Inside the Actor's Studio Questions

EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Kate Mansi on IG 

· Kate’s Store

· Kate’s IMDb

· The Artemis Agency 

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

Who knew that wanting to f*** Ray Bradbury would get you into Hollywood’s most coveted rooms? A Tisch graduate, actor and writer Rachel Bloom shares her journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on her early career milestones, including how she got her SAG card through various voiceover and commercial gigs. She and Colleen talk about  transitioning from a musical theater program to on-camera acting, and how early struggles with auditioning and agency interviews led to her first representation through a connection at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Rachel gets real about her nontraditional career path, and how one music video changed the trajectory of her career and led her to create shows like “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She talks about the challenges and realizations in auditioning, the importance of being true to oneself in the industry, and gives a sneak peak into her upcoming guest star role on Frasier Season 2 Episode 5 (airing Oct 10th) and her Netflix special, 'Death Let Me Do My Show’ (which drops on Oct 15). You will leave this episode inspired to embrace your own unique path in this industry, and that fart jokes are always funny. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Rachel's Journey to Getting Her SAG Card

03:07 — Early Career Struggles and First Reps

05:41 — Breakthrough with Viral Music Video and “Crazy Ex Girlfriend”

07:37 — Auditioning Insights and Techniques

17:59 — Creating and Collaborating in Comedy

20:45 — The Humbling Experience of Acting Classes

21:16 — “Reboot” and the Art of Comedy

21:59 — The Challenges of TV Show Cancellations

22:57 — Improvisation and Scripted Comedy

25:32 — Filming in Front of a Live Studio Audience for “Frasier”

28:44 — The Journey of Creating a Netflix Special

33:04 — Breathing Techniques and Acting Tips

35:22 — Inside the Actor's Studio: 10 Questions

37:30 — Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Connect with Rachel Bloom: 

· Rachel’s IG @racheldoesstuff

· Rachel’s Links 

· Rachel’s Website

· Rachel’s IMDb

EPISODE LINKS:

· Upright Citizens Brigade

· The Barrow Group

· Crazy Ex Girlfriend

· Reboot

· Frasier 

· Caitlin Reilly 

· Watch “F*** Me, Ray Bradbury” 

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios 

In this episode, Gabe Gibbs discusses his path from Detroit to Los Angeles, starting with a successful end to his college career at Emerson. We talk about how Gabe booked a Subway commercial and a small movie role in the same week, which motivated him to move to LA. He shares experiences from his three years performing in 'The Book of Mormon,' the challenges of transitioning to LA after the Broadway grind, and the importance of constant preparation in class and staying creative. Gabe also elaborates on the value of creating content and utilizing social media to enhance his acting career, providing insights into balancing various aspects of a creative life. We even ask Gabe ten questions in our own SKS version of “'Inside the Actors Studio”, and it will leave you inspired to continue the work, and maybe build a canoe.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:

00:00 — Introduction and Early Career Beginnings

00:09 — First Big Break and Moving to LA

01:15 — Book of Mormon and Return to LA

02:46 — Adjusting to LA and Finding Creative Outlets

04:04 — Joining the Acting Studio

06:11 — Navigating the Acting Industry

11:01 — Importance of Preparation in Acting

19:07 — Understanding TV and Film Auditions

25:02 — The Canoe Story

25:17 — Christian's TV Episode Experience

26:34 — Lessons from Early Career Disappointments

27:16 — Dream Stacking and Managing Expectations

28:47 — The Actor's Journey

30:23 — Creating Your Own Show

33:34 — Inside the Actor's Studio Questions

36:44 — Conclusion and Farewell

·EPISODE LINKS:

· Follow Gabe Gibbs on IG @gabegibbs 

· Gabe Gibbs’ Tour Dates 

· Gabe Gibbs Website

· Gabe Gibbs IMDb

· “Tumbledown” (2015)

· CBS News Article “Subway: No more "yoga mat" chemical in our bread”

· Gabe Gibbs and AJ Michalka in “Schooled”

· “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992)

· “There Will Be Blood” (2007)

· James Lipton’s “Inside the Actors Studio”

Host: Colleen Foy

Producer: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

________________

Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here.

Catch up on the podcast here.

Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

This week we sit down with SKS alum, actor Christine Ko. She walks us through her entire career. From moving to LA not even knowing what an audition is, to booking her first series regular role on a multi-cam sitcom. She tells us how SKS changed her life and set her career in motion, how drawing penises helped her book a lead role on the FX hit series DAVE, the importance of preparation and NEVER talking herself out of a role.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT THE HEAR:

:19 Christine’s origin story and what led her to acting.

2:41 How the SKS Audition Bootcamp changed her life and set her career in motion.

8:15 Getting he audition for DAVE (FKA UNT LITTLE DICKIE PROJECT), feeling like she wasn’t right for the role, but doing her research, finding her own version of the character and going for it!

14:22 Improv and drawing penises (yes, you read that right) during her Chemistry Read for Dave. “I don’t think I’m right for this anyway, so let’s just make a mess of it”. Spoiler alert: She booked the role!

17:37 There is no right way to do this. This business is not linear.

21:36 How Christine takes care of herself when things are slow.

24:25 Christine’s audition prep process. The first email gives you SO much information – DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.

31:50 Acting is so different than the BUSINESS of acting.

34:50 The full audition process of her first series regular role on THE HALF OF IT (directed by legendary comedy director, James Burrows).

44:56 “for a multi-cam, when you are reading it in front of the network, you NEED to say the line correctly. You don’t add an extra beat. You don’t add an extra word. Every single ‘the’, every single ‘uh’, is for a tone, a cadence.”

48:09 “I’m gonna go for it. If I mess up, I mess up, but at least I know that I prepped for it”

51:24 Be the CEO of your acting business.

54:57 The audition process for Handmaid’s Tale, and how it was on the set of Handmaid’s.

57:23 Working with Elizabeth Moss, and not being afraid as for what you need as an actor on set.

58:04 What Christine takes with her on set: from her trailer, to base camp.

59:14 What Christine does the night before filming.

1:00 What advice would Christine give actors to let go after they send their self-tape in.

Host: Colleen Foy

Editor: Kristyn Daniel

Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing

The first episode of season 2 is here!! This week we talk to actor and SKS alum Raymond Lee. He walks us through his entire career, from moving to LA, getting his SAG card, the importance of a strong actor community (which he found at SKS!), booking his first series regular role, working with Tom Cruise on Top Gun, and his incredible experience as the lead on Quantum Leap. There is so much amazing advice for actors in this episode and we are so excited to share it with you! 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 

1:05 How Ray got his SAG card acting in a Verizon droid commercial 

3:11 Acting in theatre in LA and what led him to create his clown troupe, Four Clowns, and the opportunities that followed because of it. 

7:46 Auditioning for TV roles in LA and the huge difference between theatre training and audition training. Discovering SKS and how it helped in train his audition muscle. “And it was so important at that time to learn how to audition, because auditioning is such a strength and a skill in and of itself. Once you’re on set, it can feel a lot different. But it was important that we had to figure out how to audition, which is where SKS case came in.” 

10:04 At SKS I took away the most important lesson of all, which is to stay positive, to stay hopeful 

10:24: You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall to the level of your training. 

12:56 Demystifying the audition process in classes at SKS 

15:46 You didn’t come to LA to sit on the bench…… 

18:19 Relocating to New York after being cast in the play Vietcong and how the role helped transform him into a true leading male actor. 

19:47 How Colleen helped bring the leading man out of him during and audition coaching. 

24:07 When actors say “I want to make this different”. It’s already different – YOU make it different. Embrace what you bring to the role. 

25:21 The process of auditioning and booking the Alan Ball show Here and Now. 

30:01 How becoming a dad changed Ray and changed the types of roles he was playing. 

34:23 Ray shares his epic audition story for Top Gun: Maverick. 

40:09 Life lessons from Tom Cruise on set of Top Gun. “as an actor, you can never know enough. I can do everything now at my age, because I was interested in doing everything. You need to be good at everything, because you never know when you’re going to use this stuff.” 

44:05 INSIDE STAN KIRSCH STUDIOS SEGMENT (our ode to James Lipton) 48:17 How Ray took care of himself during the long hours of shooting Quantum Leap. 

51:14 Colleen and Ray working together on Quantum Leap and how special it was to watch the first episode.

For more about our studio, private coaching, self tape services and classes visit stankirschstudios.com