That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Film and television actress, producer, best-selling author, and entrepreneur Alyshia Ochse hosts an honest, humorous, and inspirational podcast. She interviews favorite on-screen storytellers and Hollywood influencers, who reveal their most life-changing audition tales and the survival skills they've collected along the way.
Episodes
RERUN | Monica Barbaro: Never Stop Being A Student
Monica Barbaro can soon be seen starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in Netflix's global spy-adventure/comedy series, FUBAR, out May 25th. The duo play a father and daughter who, after learning the other has secretly been working as a CIA operative for years, are forced to team up and tackle some difficult family dynamics. Barbaro recently gained recognition for her role as 'Phoenix' in Paramou
RERUN | Patrick Adams: Navigating the Changing Waves of Your Career
For seven seasons Patrick J. Adams has charmed audiences worldwide, as Mike Ross in USA's hit drama, "Suits," a role which garnered him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in the category of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. Adams took on the role of Major John Glenn in the Nat Geo/Disney + original series, "The Right Stuff." With Zoe Saldana & Jason Isaacs, Adams starr
ABUBAKAR SALIM: Trusting His Instinct Booked Ridley Scott
Today, we're diving into the incredible journey of Abubakar Salim, an actor who at just 16, gave himself a life-altering ultimatum: break into the National Youth Theatre or join the Army. From that high-stakes beginning, Abubakar has navigated the industry by constantly chasing the raw, unpolished instinct of his younger self. He shares how this philosophy carried him through a grueling nine-round
JONNY COYNE: The Resilience Behind Hollywood's Favorite Villain
Today we're diving into the incredible journey of Johnny Coyne, an actor who traveled from the rugged mountains of Cyprus to the legendary sets of the Star Wars universe. Known for his "great face" and iconic turns as authoritarian villains in The Blacklist, Preacher, and Alcatraz, Johnny pulls back the curtain on the "panic" and imposter syndrome that still fuel his craft today. We explore how a
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Write Your Way In — Why Creating Your Own Content Is the New Audition
Dan Perrault was sharing a bedroom with four other guys in Los Angeles when he decided to stop waiting for the industry to hand him an invitation — and start writing his own. This week, inspired by the co-creator of American Vandal and Peabody Award winner, we're breaking down why creating your own content is no longer a backup plan — it's THE plan. We talk about what Dan's YouTube-to-Netflix pipe
DAN PERRAULT: Writing Your Way In
How do you go from sharing a cramped Los Angeles bedroom with four other guys to landing a full series order from Netflix off a single pitch? In today's episode, we sit down with Dan Perrault, the visionary co-creator of the hit mockumentary American Vandal and the series Players, to explore his incredible journey from producing viral YouTube sketches to becoming a major showrunner and actor. Dan
MARGOT BINGHAM: Befriending the Jitters
From the streets of Pittsburgh to the high-stakes stages of Broadway and HBO, join us for an electrifying look into the career of Margot Bingham. Margot shares the raw story of moving to New York City with a 12-month ultimatum from her parents, only to beat the odds by becoming the only person booked from an open call of 5,000 hopefuls for Rent. We'll dive deep into her breakout role as a singer a
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: The Bold Swing That Books the Room
Devan Chandler Long said it plainly — "It's embarrassing not to go for it. Because if you don't commit 100%, you fail 100%." This week we get brutally honest about the subtle ways actors hold back without even realizing it — the bold choice quietly walked back mid-scene, the perfectly safe take that lands like a thud — and we break down three specific things to check before you ever hit record. Th
DEVAN CHANDLER LONG: Not Playing It Safe Landed Him on Ghosts
Get ready for a wild ride with today's guest, Devan Chandler Long, the hilarious heart behind the Viking "Thorfinn" on CBS's Ghosts. In this episode, Devan shares the eerie psychic prediction that saw him playing a Viking weeks before the audition for Ghosts even existed, plus the manifestation games he and his friends used to call in his breakout role. From his "cooking" philosophy of acting to t
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Borrow Brilliance... Again
Tonatiuh said it plainly, "My naturalism comes because I rehearse the shit out of it so that every movement feels a little bit freer." This week, inspired by his raw and unfiltered journey from years of valley moments to starring opposite Jennifer Lopez and landing Netflix's second most-watched film of all time, we're talking about one of the most powerful and most overlooked ways to level up your
TONATIUH: Choreographing the Camera
Today, we are joined by the incredibly candid Tonatiuh, whose journey from years of uncertainty and hard-fought perseverance to starring opposite Jennifer Lopez is a testament to resilience, belief, and radical persistence. We dive into the "artistic altitude" of a career that spans from a grueling audition process for Kiss of the Spider Woman to navigating the high-stakes "scramble" of Hollywood
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Stop Presenting - Start Finding
In this episode, John Magaro said it plainly — "Up until then, I think I was presenting what I thought they wanted." And then he stopped. And everything changed. This week we pull from one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on this podcast to break down the difference between delivering a performance and actually finding one — and why the actors who allow themselves to be surprised ar
JOHN MAGARO: The Voyeuristic Actor
Welcome to an unforgettable episode where we dive deep into the "lottery" of the acting world with the remarkably talented John Magaro. Join us as John reveals how he transitioned from the "analytical bullshit" of conservatory training to a career defined by honesty and discovery, sharing the stage with icons like Nathan Lane and navigating the high-stakes sets of The Big Short and Orange is the N
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: The Audition IS The Job
In this episode, Conor Leslie said it simply — "I don't know who they're gonna hire. I'm just going to do what I feel I want do." This week we combine her hard-won wisdom with Richie Moriarty's game-changing mindset shift to break down what it really means to walk in already decided — and why Self Tape May, now in its last week, is the place to build that muscle before your next life-changing audi
CONOR LESLIE: Dance for You, Not for Them
Today, we are joined by the incredibly versatile Conor Leslie, an actress with two decades of experience who is pulling back the curtain on the high-stakes reality of the film industry. In this episode, we dive deep into the ultimate "actor's nightmare"—stepping into the lead role of a high-concept, found-footage film with virtually zero prep time and finding a way to thrive under immense pressure
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: The Bridge for Actors
In this episode, actress and intimacy coordinator Sarah Scott joins Alyshia and Anna La Madrid to talk returning to acting, rebuilding confidence, and the self-tape shifts that landed her first callback in years. Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction. Connect with That One Audition: SELF-TAPE MAY CLA
WILSON BETHEL: Act Like It's Yours
Join us today for an incredible look at Wilson Bethel and one of the most fascinating "humble pie" journeys in Hollywood. From his early days as a competitive tennis player to performing spoken word poetry to land his first agent at just 19, Wilson's path has been anything but traditional. You won't want to miss his wild stories of career reckoning, including the time he was serving cocktail weeni
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Trust Yourself
In this episode, we explore two guests this week. Two completely different paths. One lesson that ran through both conversations — do you actually trust yourself? Inspired by Christina Chang's powerful question "do I trust me?" and Julee Cerda's story of running late to her first major TV audition and booking it anyway, this episode digs into the tension between following the breakdown and honorin
JULEE CERDA: Balancing Motherhood and Broadway's Othello
Today we're diving into the incredible, globe-spanning journey of Julee Cerda, who traded the high-energy grind of New York City's Broadway stages for a new life in London. From booking a major nine-episode arc on Blindspot after taping an audition in a camping cabin, to landing a coveted role in Othello alongside legends like Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, she opens up about navigating a
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Active Listening
Six words from Dylan Walsh stopped us cold this week — "Where I learned to listen is off camera." So what does that mean when it's just you, a few lights, and a reader on the phone? We break down why we spend four times as much time on the other person's lines, why slowing down in the world of Taylor Sheridan is your biggest power move, and how the muscle you build this week is the exact one you'l
COLIN LAWRENCE: The Cinderella Shoe — Finding the Perfect Fit on Virgin River
Get ready for an inspiring deep dive into the 30-year journey of Colin Lawrence, the man behind the beloved character "Preacher" on Netflix's global hit Virgin River. We explore the incredible hustle that took Colin from working in a Vancouver office supply store to carrying a "duffle bag of dreams" down to Los Angeles. Colin shares his first jobs in background work and day-player roles, where he
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Frame the Story, Own the Scene
In this episode, we're diving into the art of compression — how to walk into any audition, hit record on any self tape, and tell a complete, committed story in the small window you're given. We're also pulling back the curtain on week one of Self Tape May: Action & Horror. Using a real horror audition scene — drunk on a balcony, running through a theater, gassed, tied up, and waking up face to fac
KAHYUN KIM: Auditioning Her Way Landed St. Denis Medical
Get ready for an incredible journey from Korea to Hollywood with actress Kahyun Kim, whose path to success is defined by grit and vision. From navigating Juilliard to overcoming visa hurdles and building a career in her second language, her story is one of resilience and determination. She shares the hilarious "happy accidents" that shaped her journey—including a desk-humping audition that landed
RICHIE MORIARTY: The Improv Hustle Behind His GHOSTS Breakout
Today we're joined by the multi-talented Richie Moriarty, whose comedic journey began with impressions and the stages of UCB and continues today on the hit series Ghosts. From trolling Craigslist for photography gigs to support his early acting days to landing a surreal meeting in Lorne Michaels' office after his digital sketches went viral, Richie's story is one of relentless creativity and hustl
DYLAN WALSH: Preparing the Cottage on Heated Rivalry
Today we dive into the incredible 40-year journey of Dylan Walsh, a true veteran who embodies persistence in Hollywood. Dylan has worked with some of the industry's biggest legends and has the stories to prove it. He shares how a chance encounter with a then-unknown Julia Roberts helped launch his career. You'll hear jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes stories from film history, including his experienc
CHRISTINA CHANG: 'Mom of the Century' in Heated Rivalry
In today's episode, we dive deep into Christina Chang's artistic evolution—from the "mental gymnastics" of navigating a year-and-a-half between projects to the bold decision to turn down a lucrative travel hosting contract to stay true to her acting roots. You'll hear the riveting behind-the-scenes story of how she won over Dick Wolf during a high-stakes "test" after a disastrous first take, and h
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Don't Cut On Yourself
Your best take might be the one you think you ruined. In this episode, a coaching session with a brilliant actress reveals one of the most common and costly habits actors carry into the room, the self-tape, and onto Zoom — cutting on themselves the moment something real and unexpected starts to happen. We break down why discovery feels like failure, why "nailing it" is often a trap, and why your f
DAVID LYONS: Why it's Never Too Late
Get ready for a deep dive into the "yeasty moments" of acting life with David Lyons, as he reveals how he transitioned from studying criminology in Australia to landing a career-defining role on the juggernaut series ER. From the intense pressure of leading The Cape to his "blank slate" philosophy for capturing the "dark matter" of a performance, Dave offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the pe
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: To Zoom or Not to Zoom
In this episode, we talk about the benefits of the Zoom audition. When to Zoom and when not to Zoom, that is the new conversation. Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction. 🔗 Connect with That One Audition: PRACTICE TRACK PUBLIC POP UP: $25 Feb 27th @10am PT THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTO
SARAH YARKIN: Don't Wait for the Job to Live Your Life
Today, we are sitting down with Sarah Yarkin, the breakout star of School Spirits and the lead of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre reboot. Sarah shares her journey from growing up in the Bay Area to navigating UCLA's acting program, where she felt she had to "fight the program" just to begin her professional career. In this episode, we explore the "staircase analogy" of acting, the grueling physical de
FRANCES TURNER: Choosing Three-Dimensional Characters
In today's episode, we dive into the remarkable career pivot of Frances Turner, who left the heights of corporate law to build a powerful career on screen. Frances shares what it was like to live a double life for years, secretly pursuing acting while managing high-stakes legal deals, and the acting class that ultimately changed everything for her. From the very beginning, Frances was anchored in
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Nervous System Betrayal
In this episode, stop calling it rejection—it's selection. In this week's Wednesday Wisdom, we're breaking down how to actually take care of your nervous system in an industry that constantly tests it. Learn why you need to train like an athlete, how breathwork and body rituals can transform your audition experience, and the game-changing mindset shift that turns "getting the job" into simply "doi
LAMONICA GARRETT: Approaching Acting as an All-Star
Get ready for an electrifying conversation with LaMonica Garrett, whose unconventional road to stardom took him from the trampoline-fueled chaos of SlamBall to a breakout role on One Tree Hill. In this episode, LaMonica unpacks the "athletic mentality" that fuels his craft, tracing his evolution from a self-described "green" actor relying on raw charisma to discovering the quiet power of stillness
TIANA OKOYE: Lessons from Broadway to 'Twisted Metal'
Get ready for an electrifying conversation with actress Tiana Okoye, whose performance journey spans from the UCLA musical theater program to Broadway, to the high-octane world of Peacock's Twisted Metal. In this episode, we explore Tiana's incredible resilience, including the "humbling" moment her first major tour contract for Sister Act was terminated due to vocal nodules and how she pivoted to
SAAGAR SHAIKH: Don't Break, Roll With the Punches
Our guest today, Saagar Shaikh, went from losing his corporate job to starring in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, breaking out as Aamir Khan in Ms. Marvel and reprising the role in The Marvels. Saagar shares the incredible story of his three-year pursuit of the legendary ABC Showcase—a grueling, all-consuming "boot camp" that ultimately landed him top-tier representation. You'll hear the wild, behi
GUY BURNET: Permission to Be Raw
We're kicking off Season 7 of That One Audition with Guy Burnet, an actor industry friends have nicknamed a "masterful auditioner." From his early days on the UK soap Hollyoaks to the heights of Hollywood, Guy lets us in on the journey and work ethic behind the scenes. He describes his self-tape "torture chamber," a room devoted to the grueling, multi-day pursuit of audition perfection, where he's
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Rehearsal vs. Camera: Train Like a Working Actor
In this episode, If you need 20 takes to "warm up," you're still rehearsing. In this solo episode, Alyshia explains why rehearsal and camera time require two very different mindsets—and how confusing them is costing actors confidence, time, and bookings. Learn why story choices beat character choices in auditions, how to train for 24-hour turnarounds, and what it really means to practice how you p
MUSTAFA SHAKIR: Put Your Right Brain in Front of the Camera
In today's episode, we dive into the extraordinary career of Mustafa Shakir, the self-described "accidental actor" who originally pursued international banking and law at Cornell before discovering acting after reading a poem in a workshop. He breaks down the nitty-gritty of auditioning, including the high-stakes journey to landing the Marvel villain "Bushmaster" on Luke Cage. We also talk about w
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Sustainability As an Actor
A casting director's Instagram post stopped me mid-scroll: "We don't pick the most talented—we pick the ones who survived without losing their soul." In this episode, we're talking about why artists don't burn out from rejection but from performing versions of themselves that never existed, and how building a sustainable practice is the only way to stay authentic in an industry that demands everyt
MILAN CARTER: Be Your Own Biggest Fan
Get ready for a masterclass in hustle, heart, and hilarious setbacks as we dive into Milan Carter's unbelievable journey to landing "Barry" on Netflix's hit action-comedy FUBAR. Milan reveals how he delivered a self-tape so strong it could have been "dropped right into the episode"—complete with an improvised Slurpee cup and inventive tricks to handle the dense dialogue. He walks us through the in
JACOB SCIPIO: Not Asking for Permission
Our guest this week, Jacob Scipio, began his acting journey practically straight out of the womb, signed by his aunt's boutique agency at birth and appearing on BBC television throughout his childhood. His path to becoming a working adult actor was far from easy, though; after auditioning for ten drama schools and getting into none, he found himself a broke student working odd jobs like landscape
MICHELLE HURD: See Yourself as #1 on the Call Sheet
Get ready for an electrifying deep dive with Michelle Hurd, an actress, activist, and industry powerhouse whose career has spanned Shakespeare, sitcoms, sci-fi universes, and everything in between. Born into a legendary artistic lineage and raised to treat acting as both a sacred craft and a true business, Michelle opens up about the relentless training and unwavering discipline that have fueled h
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: R.E.S.T.
In this episode, Alyshia breaks down a new acronym for REST and explores why true rest is essential for the creative mind. Learn how stepping back fuels intuition, clarity, and artistry, and why rest isn't slowing down… it is setting yourself up to create again. Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.
COLIN EGGLESFIELD: Don't Wait to Be Chosen
Step into an extraordinary journey with Colin Egglesfield, a multi-hyphenate creator who has built a global career by refusing to follow a straight path. After taking the MCAT, he made a radical pivot into modeling before breaking into Hollywood with a contract role on All My Children. Along the way he survived multiple life-altering setbacks, including multiple bouts of cancer and living through
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Discipline and Observation
Discipline isn't just a buzzword — it's the secret weapon of working actors. In this episode of That One Audition, Alyshia Ochse dives into the power of studying story, mastering framing, and learning from brilliant actors to elevate your craft and your self-tapes. From observing working actors like Frank Grillo, Michelle Monaghan, and Skye P. Marshall to analyzing your own auditions with a critic
FRANK GRILLO: Your Imagination is a Muscle
Join us for an electrifying conversation with actor Frank Grillo, one of Hollywood's most grounded and dynamic leading men. From Warrior, The Grey, and Zero Dark Thirty to Captain America: Civil War and The Purge franchise, Frank has built a career defined by grit, authenticity, and longevity. Now starring opposite John Cena in Peacemaker and returning to Taylor Sheridan's Tulsa King (Paramount+),
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Pick ME Era
We're done waiting for permission. We are building careers. This episode dives into how learning to make a strong, cinematic self-tape is actually the first step in becoming a filmmaker and creating your own work — yes, just like Pierson Fodé filming on the farm. Plus, I share how The Bridge for Actors trains you in craft, tech, and business so you can go from "student" to "working actor" to "stor
PIERSON FODE: Hard Work is Your Luck
Today Alyshia sits down with Pierson Fodé: an actor who you likely have seen all over your Netflix homepage this year. Pierson breaks down the brutal soap-opera contract that became the "best acting bootcamp" he ever had, memorizing up to 120 pages a day, and how he later reinvented himself as an actor to shake casting directors' "soapy" perceptions. We also get into why he loves self tapes includ
PAUL BEN-VICTOR: Typecast Me All Day Long
Today's episode spotlights the prolific Paul Ben-Victor, a powerhouse talent whose decades-long career has touched nearly every corner of film, stage, and television. Paul shares his unexpected path from set design at Carnegie Mellon to a breakout acting opportunity, and the intense, immersive methods he used to book roles in the 1980s—like screaming in subway cars to perfect a raspy voice. He ref
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Don't Overcook the Scene
In this episode, Alyshia breaks down how to stop overthinking and start trusting your first instincts, inspired by actress Kelli Garner, who says, "Don't overthink it. Get it out fast and trust yourself." Learn how to move from endless prep to a 20–30 minute breakdown workflow that keeps your tapes alive, curious, and honest. Alyshia walks you through how to: Read from your partner's lines first
KELLI GARNER: It's The Mistakes that Get You the Job
Today's episode features the magnetic Kelli Garner, an actress whose career took off at just 14 and never stopped surprising. A California native, Kelli made her film debut with Mike Mills before being selected by Martin Scorsese to play Hollywood ingénue Faith Domergue in The Aviator opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. From there came a whirlwind of back-to-back films and unforgettable performances in La
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Fear, Focus, and Inner Monologue
In this Wednesday Wisdom, Alyshia Ochse explores how to manage fear, stay present, and activate your inner monologue in ensemble work. Inspired by Roman Zaragoza (Ghosts), this episode breaks down why curiosity, actionable thoughts, and emotional specificity make your performance magnetic — even in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Learn how to: Navigate fear of "not being enough" on set Keep
ROMÁN ZARAGOZA: Creating An Inner Monologue
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 boo
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Stop Playing Your Plan
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 bot
MARK PELLEGRINO: Let Your Subconscious Do the Work
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 recou
WYNN EVERETT: Do Not Delay Your Happy
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
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: How to Take Adjustments Without Losing Confidence
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. THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: 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 pos
WILLIAM STANFORD DAVIS: 'No' is The Strongest Word in Hollywood
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 mento
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Story vs. Character
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. THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign
BRANDON JAY MCLAREN: Don't Act in a Vacuum
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,
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Breakdowns Will Break You
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 ignor
SHEILA CARRASCO: Shape-Shifting into Flower on 'Ghosts'
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 sig
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Breaking into Hollywood — with Michael Strassner
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 co
RAVI PATEL: The Art of Improv in Life & On Set
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," balan
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Casting No No's
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 w
JACK SCHUMACHER: When It's Your Part, It's Your Part
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 "Yan
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: CD Rejection
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 e
GABBY BEANS: Following Green Lights
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 de
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Coming Home
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
ARLEN ESCARPETA: Fail Forward
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
JOLENE PURDY: Come to My Table
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
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Casting Reality Check
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
COURTNEY TAYLOR: Building Her Yellow Brick Road
This episode, we're following the wildly talented Courtney Taylor down her own self-made "yellow brick road." From her early days in Philly to a practical pivot to criminal justice and sociology in Delaware, acting wasn't always on Courtney's radar. But thanks to her movie-loving dad and a growing passion for performance, she eventually found her way to an agent—and a Marvel audition that changed
MARIANA TREVIÑO: Lessons from Hollywood Legends & Feeding Your Soul
Today we dive into the remarkable journey of a crossover star Mariana Treviño, whose path defies convention and proves that an actor's career is as personal as it is unpredictable. Mariana shares how her love for the craft—not money or fame—drew her in, from early days in New York to an organic rise to stardom back in Mexico. A breakthrough role in musical theater shifted her mindset from acting f
ALAIN UY: Imperfection is Magic in Your Auditions
Today, we're thrilled to welcome back a truly special guest—one of only three returning guests in our show's history—the incredible actor Alain Uy. Since his last appearance in January 2021, Alain's career has soared, with standout roles in The Cleaning Lady, Power IV, and most recently Ballard. But here's the twist: despite this impressive success, Alain candidly admits to quitting acting multipl
JESSICA ROTHE: Keep Putting Drops in the Bucket
Today, we're joined by the incredibly talented Jessica Rothe, best known for her breakout role in Happy Death Day and its sequel, her scene-stealing turn in La La Land, and her lead in the musical remake Valley Girl. In this episode, Jessica shares the raw, real stories from her journey—like being told early on to "go home, curl your hair, put on makeup, and come back" for a CW medical show auditi
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Longing vs. Curiosity
Longing vs. Curiosity — The Energy Behind Your Auditions In this solo episode, Alyshia explores a subtle but powerful shift that can transform your acting career: moving from longing to curiosity. If you've ever found yourself stuck in the "why hasn't it happened yet?" spiral, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Longing keeps you waiting. Curiosity gets you creating. You'll learn: Th
EMBETH DAVIDTZ: Hold Onto the Thing in Your Heart
In today's episode, Embeth shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her voice as a storyteller—from her upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa to her unexpected entry into acting through a university drama program. She reflects on being discovered in a play by a William Morris agent, catching Spielberg's attention through a TV movie, and ultimately choosing to pause her career to raise a fam
BENJAMIN CHARLES WATSON: Viscerally Knowing When a Role is Yours
Today's episode with Benjamin Charles Watson kicks off with the fascinating cultural shock of auditioning in Canada versus the bustling scene in Los Angeles. Watson opens up about his anxiety during in-person auditions and how embracing self-tapes became his secret weapon for success, including booking major roles like Duster, Designated Survivor, and The Killing. Watson breaks down his audition f
NATHAN MITCHELL: Unmasking Black Noir from The Boys
Today's episode features an insightful and inspiring conversation with actor Nathan Mitchell, whose compelling performances in hit shows like The Boys and Ginny & Georgia have earned him a devoted following. Mitchell opens up about the craft behind the characters, sharing how techniques like Meisner and deep script analysis help him bring authenticity to each role. From managing the demands of jug
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