Shows
The Staffa CornerAge is Just a Number: Twelve-Year-Old Luke Speakman's Acting JourneySend us a textFor 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 l...
2025-12-3135 min
The Staffa CornerWake Up Dead Man’s Kerry Frances on Craft, Career, and KindnessSend us a textOn 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...
2025-12-2746 minThe Staffa CornerFrom Baseball to Power Ranger: How Jason Faunt's Backup Plan Became The CallingSend us a textOn 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...
2025-12-2538 min
The Staffa CornerTrain Dreams Actor Alfred Hsing On Martial Arts, Acting, And RepresentationSend us a textWe 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...
2025-12-1857 min
The Staffa CornerFrom Short Films To Big Dreams: Nuk Suwanchote On Craft, Culture, And GritSend us a textA 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.
2025-12-1843 min
The Staffa CornerBeyond the Gates Actor Jaden Lucas Miller On Craft, Grit, and Building MomentumSend us a textOn 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...
2025-12-0139 min
The Staffa CornerActress Kylee Levien - Finding Balance Between Scripts And SkatesSend us a textOn this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, we sit down with the talented young actress Kylee Levien. Our conversation opens a window into resilience, exploring how moving every few years taught her to connect quickly, why auditions became a safe space to explore identity, and how she learned to treat rejection as redirection, not defeat.Kylee takes us behind the scenes of her new holiday film, A Chris-Mystery, sharing why she selects roles with purpose and how her knowledge of ASL has shaped her lens on representation. She also discusses...
2025-11-2445 min
The Staffa CornerSomewhere in Montana's Matt Drago on the Dreamers Don't Sleep MindsetSend us a textActor Matt Drago joins us to discuss a life built on craft and the belief that stories matter, even when rejection is the norm. We trace his journey from a Shenandoah Valley childhood to the LA grind, breaking down how he builds a character and treats each audition as a chance to leave his mark.We take a deep dive into his work on Somewhere in Montana and explore how shooting on location transformed the crew into a family. Matt also shares his candid take on the changing film industry, the...
2025-11-2149 min
The Staffa CornerHow Luma Valen Found Her Voice: From Puerto Rico to Vogue and the New Single "Alive"Send us a textIn this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, Greg sits down with recording artist and model Luma Valen to explore how culture, grit, and timing transformed a classically trained violinist from a Puerto Rican farm into a rising pop star.We begin with her journey during the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Search, which led to an unexpected career in modeling, major campaigns, and the thrill of seeing herself in the pages of Vogue. Luma breaks down the reality of editorial shoots, the unique feeling of couture, and the profound impact of representation...
2025-11-1937 min
The Staffa CornerKatie Prentiss: From Grief to Film - A Journey of Resilience and 'Wake Up Maggie'Send us a textA 20-second kitchen dance on TikTok sparked a journey that led us to actor and filmmaker Katie Prentiss. In this episode, we explore her inspiring story of grief, resilience, and the courage to create her own work despite industry challenges.Katie shares her personal journey, from losing her mother to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) to discovering a family genetic link. This experience ignited her passion for her first feature film, "Wake Up Maggie," a moving and humorous drama about caregiving, sisterhood, and FTD. The film aims to shift public perception of dementia...
2025-11-1150 min
The Staffa CornerFrom Grief To Laughs: Building “Noble Homes” With Mother–Daughter Team Renee Story & Chloe RaySend us a textTelevision is more than just entertainment for many; it often holds a deeper, personal meaning. For me, Jeff Eastin's television show "White Collar" was a beacon of hope during three challenging years of homelessness. Similarly, television can evoke cherished memories of family gatherings and shared experiences.Join us on this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast as we talk with the inspiring mother-daughter duo, Renee Story and Chloe Ray, creators of the heartwarming series "Noble Homes." Discover how their show was born out of love, HGTV marathons, and a profound belief...
2025-11-0544 min
The Staffa CornerFrom Iran to Hollywood: Jewel Farshad on Freedom, Art, and Finding Her VoiceSend us a textWhen her sister entered her into the U.S. green card lottery and she won at eighteen, Jewel Farshad stepped into Los Angeles carrying equal parts fear and resolve, determined to honor a promise to her father: pursue art and never “flop.”Jewel shares the stakes of speaking out: family members jailed, the risks for Iranians using VPNs, and the grief of living in exile after losing her father during COVID. Yet she refuses bitterness. Her message is simple and specific: stand with the people of Iran, not the regime. We expl...
2025-10-0943 min
The Staffa CornerAdaptability fuels success: Sophia Woodward's Journey to HollywoodSend us a textWhat happens when a child moves across America multiple times, adapting to new schools, new friends, and new environments? For Sophia Woodward, it created the perfect foundation for a successful acting career.Sophia takes us through her remarkable journey to Hollywood stardom.The conversation offers fascinating insights into the realities of child acting, including Sophia's breakthrough recurring role on Fox's "Lethal Weapon" at age 12 and her career-defining portrayal of Luna in "The Loud House Christmas" special and spawned both additional movies and a television series. Sophia details the grueling audition...
2025-09-3035 min
The Staffa CornerFrom TikTok to Hollywood: Ashley R. Singh on Finding Her VoiceSend us a textOn this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast we meet Ashley R Singh, a rising star bridging worlds as both an accomplished content creator and actress making waves with her feature film debut. Our conversation unfolds the fascinating journey of a young woman who went from being a top 14 finalist on Indian Idol to studying industrial engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison, before finding her voice on TikTok during the isolation of COVID.Ashley's refreshing authenticity extends to her creative process, where she encourages aspiring content creators to embrace imperfection and stay...
2025-09-0332 min
The Staffa CornerBallard Actor Alain Uy on How an Injury Fueled His Acting CareerSend us a textWhat happens when your life's passion is suddenly taken away? For Alain Uy, a car accident didn't just end his dance career. it became the catalyst for an entirely new journey.The accident that immobilized him for several months forced him to find new avenues of expression, ultimately leading him to discover acting through theater. Uy also discusses his relationship with cultural identity and representation in Hollywood, revealing how his perspective has transformed. From initially distancing himself from his heritage to becoming extremely vocal about his culture.W...
2025-08-0536 min
The Staffa CornerFilm Director Brendan Gabriel Murphy on Navigating Hollywood Dreams and Indie Film Realities.Send us a textFrom childhood dreams to Hollywood screens, director Brendan Gabriel Murphy's journey captivates with its raw determination and creative resilience. The visionary filmmaker behind the psychological thriller "Fluxx" (starring Tyrese Gibson and Shelley Hennig) reveals how his childhood love of movies laid the groundwork for his directorial career.The conversation takes an intimate turn as Murphy discusses how parenthood has reshaped his creative perspective. While raising two young children hasn't changed his directorial style, it has profoundly shifted his motivation. "The entertainment industry, especially if you're a filmmaker, is very, very ego-driven," h...
2025-07-1238 min
The Staffa CornerHollywood Beginnings: Mason McNulty on Acting, Music, and Riding into Billy the Kid's LegacySend us a textWhat does it take to build an acting career from the ground up? Mason McNulty pulls back the curtain on his journey from child actor to versatile performer, offering a refreshingly honest look at the realities of Hollywood.McNulty's story begins with his first role at just three months old—a PSA about safely surrendering unwanted babies that earned him the family nickname "dumpster baby." From these humble beginnings, he built an impressive resume including roles on Modern Family, Glee, and a recurring part on the Goldbergs spin-off Schooled, where co-star Br...
2025-06-1937 min
The Staffa CornerFrom NASCAR Reporter to LA Actor: The Story of Lacey KatenaSend us a textWhat happens when you grow up with a professional mascot as your father? For Lacey Katena, it meant learning the art of physical comedy, performing without fear, and understanding how to read and respond to audience energy. These foundational skills served her well as she navigated early entertainment experiences as an NBA mini mascot and NBC kid reporter for NASCAR and Supercross events.The most profound moment in Lacey's evolution came during a transformative trip to Okinawa, Japan, where she discovered her family heritage and made the bold decision to change...
2025-06-1937 minThe Staffa CornerBharatanatyam to Hollywood: Aparna Brielle's Inspiring Journey from Portland to TinseltownSend us a textDancing between worlds comes naturally to Aparna Brielle. Her journey from performing ancient Bharata Natyam dance in Portland to starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals an artist whose cultural roots fuel her creative expression.Working with comedy legends Glenn Howerton and Patton Oswalt provided Aparna with masterclass-level training, while Schwarzenegger's mentorship on FUBAR continues to shape her approach. Their guidance extends beyond performance techniques to navigating the industry's complexities, especially as a woman of color determined to create meaningful representation without being limited by stereotypes.Ready to witness a...
2025-06-1425 min
The Staffa CornerFrom Mexican Stages to Hollywood Sets: Mariana Trevino's JourneySend us a textMariana Trevino's path to acting alongside Hollywood legends wasn't meticulously planned but unfolded through what she calls "hunches from the heart." Before sharing the screen with Tom Hanks and Owen Wilson, she explored dance, singing, and literature.In "Stick," Trevino portrays Elena, a Mexican mother navigating the delicate balance of protecting her teenage son while learning when to let him go. The role resonated deeply with her understanding of Latin American motherhood, fiercely protective yet facing universal parenting challenges.Ready to experience Mariana's captivating performance? Watch "Stick" on Apple...
2025-06-1334 min
The Staffa CornerFrom Coach to Director: Michelle Danner's Path Through HollywoodSend us a textWhat drives someone to become the person trusted by Hollywood's best actors to help them deliver their most powerful performances? Michelle Danner pulls back the curtain on her fascinating journey from actress to renowned acting coach and director in this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast.Michelle shares, explaining how coaching actors evolved from necessity into passion. Her experiences directing films with actors like Paul Sorvino, Andy Garcia, and Abigail Breslin reveal her philosophy of creating "a theater company on film" by working repeatedly with performers across multiple projects.L...
2025-06-1124 min
The Staffa CornerActing Was Never Plan B: Anthony E Williams' Strategic Rise in HollywoodSend us a textWhat happens when you combine business strategy with creative passion? Meet Anthony E. Williams, a corporate executive who didn't start acting until his mid-30s and has since appeared in Netflix's "Straw," Law & Order: SVU, and New Amsterdam.Williams brings a refreshingly pragmatic approach to the entertainment industry. When opportunities weren't coming his way, he created his own by writing, producing, and starring in "FAM" (Family Always Matters). He established WMZ Entertainment to house his intellectual property and approaches acting with strategic business thinking.Whether you're contemplating a career...
2025-06-1140 min
The Staffa CornerThe Art of Authenticity: Anne-Marie Johnson's JourneySend us a textAnne-Marie Johnson takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable four-decade career in television and film. Growing up in a middle-class household with a police officer father and teacher mother, Johnson's path to success wasn't paved with industry connections but with determination and talent. The veteran actress discusses her iconic roles on "In the Heat of the Night," and "In Living Color." What sets this conversation apart is Johnson's candid assessment of what really matters in the entertainment industry. Johnson shares a powerful story about standing her ground when a...
2025-06-1040 minThe Staffa CornerFrom Foster Care to Hollywood: How Zay Domo Artist Defied the OddsSend us a textWhat does it take to break into Hollywood with no connections, no formal training, and the added challenge of navigating the foster care system? Actor Zay Domo Artist reveals the extraordinary path that led him from group homes in Florida to major film and television sets.Zay's story demolishes industry stereotypes as he details his journey from humble beginnings to roles in productions like "A Quiet Place," "The Last of Us," and "Kingdom Planet of Apes." His career began unexpectedly with voice acting for major video game franchises including Call of...
2025-05-2821 min
The Staffa CornerJeff Gladstone: Insights on Set Dynamics and Career Longevity from 'Twilight Zone' to 'Cryptic'Send us a textJeff Gladstone pulls back the curtain on the unpredictable world of professional acting, revealing the fascinating reality behind your favorite TV shows and movies. With credits including Fire Country, Virgin River, The Twilight Zone, and Resident Alien, Gladstone offers a refreshingly candid look at what it really means to build a sustainable acting career in today's entertainment landscape.Gladstone explains how improv teaches the authentic reaction skills essential for believable performances. Drawing from his own experience running an improv theater in Vancouver, he connects this practice to the evolution of filmmaking...
2025-05-2830 min