On this episode of “Story and Craft,” Marc sits down with actor and voiceover veteran DB Sweeney (“The Cutting Edge,” “Eight Men Out,” “Memphis Belle”) to talk career pivots, creative choices, and the long game of working in entertainment. DB shares what it was like training for “Memphis Belle” with retired SAS guys, flying in real B-17s. He opens up about growing up on Long Island, chasing baseball dreams at Tulane, discovering acting through theater, and getting launched by Francis Ford Coppola in “Gardens of Stone.” They also dig into DB’s work in voiceover run (Bud Light, Lincoln, Oprah’s network, and “Mountain Men”), his love of cooking, directing projects like “Two Tickets to Paradise,” and what he’s working on now, including “Red Ink,” and his current film, “Protector.”

03:20 Memphis Belle Bootcamp

05:13 B17 Death Star Tactics

10:03 Voiceover Career Highlights

12:34 Origin Story Long Island

13:21 Tulane Baseball And New Orleans

15:39 Cooking Signature Dishes

19:54 Broadway Breakthrough

21:10 Coppola Casting Break

22:44 Baseball Roles and Heroes

26:15 The Cutting Edge

28:30 Movies Then and Now

31:33 Directing and Next Projects

33:52 The Seven Questions

Marc Preston welcomes actor and producer Olivia Taylor Dudley to “Story and Craft” to talk sci-fi, horror, and why aliens have been a lifelong fascination — so much so that all three of her rescue dogs are named after extraterrestrial-inspired references, including SETI. Olivia breaks down how she “fell into” producing through early YouTube-era work on “Five Second Films.” She shares her unconventional path into acting, dropping out of school due to anxiety, moving to LA at 17, and finding structure and comfort on set. They dive into her new film “Touch Me,” a weird sci-fi/horror/comedy about an alien, and mental health themes, plus her time on “The Magicians,” voiceover/audiobook work, and why horror can feel comforting.

02:53 Rescue Dogs and Hairless Breeds

04:12 Producing and Wearing Many Hats

05:43 ADHD and Loving the Edit

07:45 Five Second Films Origins

10:35 Patton Oswalt Connection

11:32 Dropping Out and Moving to LA

12:59 The Exorcist and Finding Acting

15:29 Horror Sci Fi Upbringing

17:52 SETI Aliens and Disclosure Talk

21:12 Touch Me Alien Horror Comedy

24:42 Family Background Horses and Ranch

25:43 Grandma the Space Nerd

26:03 Ranch Stargazing Mysteries

27:46 Touch Me Origins

32:33 Inside The Magicians

35:24 Why Horror Works

37:06 Theatrical Versus Streaming

41:20 Upcoming Projects Update

42:07 The Seven Questions

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, Marc Preston goes behind the curtain with producer/writer Joel Church-Cooper (“Going Dutch”, “Brockmire”, “Future Man”, “Undateable”) to talk about how TV comedy really gets made and how the business has changed. Joel shares his Northern California upbringing, film-nerd roots in the video store era, and the comedy influences that shaped him (“Kids in the Hall”, “Mr. Show”). They dig into big studio comedies, as well as how algorithms and “second-screen” viewing are reshaping storytelling. Joel breaks down the origins of “Going Dutch” (including the real Army base that inspired it), the evolution of “Brockmire”, working with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It’s an engaging chat about what it takes to create great TV!

03:29 Film Nerd Origins

04:56 Video Store Era Stories

13:21 Comedy Influences and Sketch Classics

17:24 Public Access and Media Power

26:02 Going Dutch and Algorithm Notes

28:54 What He Watches Now

33:15 Kids Movies and YouTube Brain Rot

41:57 Chasing Authenticity

42:33 Brockmeyer Origins

49:05 Baseball as Existential Comedy

51:07 Future Man Writers Room

57:39 Why “Going Dutch” was set in The Netherlands

01:01:36 Culture Clash Comedy

01:03:13 The Seven Questions

On this episode of Story & Craft, we sit down with actor/director/writer/producer Kevin Kane. Kevin talks about growing up around Philly (and a stint in Myrtle Beach), catching the acting bug early thanks to a school report on Jimmy Cagney, and eventually moving to New York to chase theater and serious training. He breaks down studying Meisner at the William Esper Studio, how that tight-knit class bond turned into real creative momentum, and how he and Amy Schumer started working together - eventually leading to a long collaboration on projects like ”Inside Amy Schumer” and “Trainwreck.” Kevin also shares how he first got into the Dick Wolf universe, what it was like booking “Law & Order” early on (with Jerry Orbach encouraging him), and how guest spots on “SVU” ultimately helped lead to his role as Terry Bruno. Along the way they get into Philly’s Mummers Parade, comedy vs. drama, shy-kid-to-actor life, cops’ reactions to SVU, and working on ”The Irishman.”

03:23 From Philly to Myrtle Beach: Growing Up in Seasonal Towns

04:45 College Breakthrough: Acting Electives & Realizing It’s Possible

06:17 Philly Traditions Explained: The Wild Mummers Parade

09:41 Catching the Acting Bug: Jimmy Cagney, Old Movies & Film Obsessions

11:41 ’80s/’90s Pop Culture, Music, and the Ice-T Connection

14:43 Shy Kid to Performer: Barroom Stages, Fear, and Moving to New York

16:23 Why New York (Not LA): Theater Dreams & Acting Heroes

18:01 Comedy vs Drama: Versatility, SNL Era Influences & Finding Your Lane

19:58 Family Reactions + “Acting Is a Shy Man’s Revenge”

21:42 Training at William Esper Studio: Meisner Technique & Finding Your Tribe

24:16 Meeting Amy Schumer: Showcase to Theater Company & Making Your Own Work

26:10 Breaking into the Dick Wolf Universe: First Law & Order Audition

27:17 SVU Guest Roles to Series Regular: Bonding with Mariska Hargitay

28:18 Comedy Fundraisers to Inside Amy Schumer: Getting Pulled Into Sketch TV

29:46 On the Trainwreck Set: Writing Alt Jokes with Judd Apatow

33:27 Life on SVU in NYC: How Real Cops React to the Show

34:15 Scorsese’s The Irishman: Fittings, De Niro, and Feeling Old in a ’90s Suit

36:14 Actor vs. Multi-Hyphenate: Where the Work Feels Most Grueling

37:41 The “Seven Questions”

On this episode of Story and Craft, we sit down with actor Ken Leung. Known for his roles in “Rush Hour”, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, “The Sopranos”, and notably “Lost”, Ken shares his experiences across stage, TV, and film, as well as his role in the new season of HBO’s “Industry”. We dive deep into Ken's diverse career, discussing his induction into the acting world, his memorable roles, and the nuances of playing distinct characters in different genres. They also chat about the impact of “Lost”, working on “Industry”, and Ken's upcoming film, “Project Hail Mary” with Ryan Gosling and Milana Vayntrub. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will inspire!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Guest Introduction: Ken Leung

01:15 Substack and Listener Engagement

02:45 Interview Begins: Ken's Background

06:16 Growing Up in New York

09:43 Acting Journey and Family Dynamics

12:37 Learning Through Acting

20:39 Working with Sidney Lumet

23:10 Landing the Role in Lost

26:26 Experiencing Hawaii and Settling In

27:28 The Evolution of Lost

27:46 The Impact of Streaming on TV Shows

31:17 Transition to Industry

35:52 Project Hail Mary and Future Projects

38:12 The Seven Questions

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Thomas Jane from the Amazon Prime Video film “Play DIrty”, as well as projects such as The Expanse and Boogie Nights. We cover Jane's impressive body of work, as well as his journey from modest beginnings in Maryland to becoming a notable actor in Hollywood. We discuss Thomas’ passion for storytelling, the joys and challenges of being an actor, and the importance of authentic human experiences in film. Thomas also reveals his graphic novel projects and his deep dive into writing a book about visiting aliens. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that covers everything from chocolate to extraterrestrials!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:26 Thomas Jane's Early Life and Career Beginnings

13:54 Playing Mickey Mantle

08:48 The Expanse and Sci-Fi Genre

18:34 High School and Early Acting

27:47 Reflections on Education and Society

36:32 Independent Films and Future Projects

43:17 Sci-Fi and Authentic Stories

44:26 Advice to Aspiring Actors

46:00 Family and Personal Life

48:38 Memories of Paul Reubens

53:31 Working with Talented Directors

55:38 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #PodcastInterview #Storytelling #ActorInterview #HollywoodInterview #FilmNerd #ThomasJane #PlayDirty #TheExpanse #Troppo #PrimeVideo #MarkWahlberg #Actor #Acting #StoryAndCraft #GraphicNovels #SyFy #Aliens #IndieFilm

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with producer,Danny O’Malley. Danny is a Grammy and James Beard award nominee. He just picked up an Emmy nomination for theNetflix series “Chef's Table”. Danny takes us on a culinary journey through his experiences. They also talk about everything from the impact of Anthony Bourdain, Chicago-style pizza preferences, memorable dining experiences, to the global influence of food and its power to bridge cultures. Danny also shares insights into his Greek heritage, his obsession with Chinese cuisine, and the making of compelling food stories. Tune in for an exciting conversation filled with delicious tidbits and behind-the-scenes stories that food lovers won't want to miss!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:34 Chicago Roots and Pizza Preferences

04:10 Journey into Food Television

07:19 Food and Cultural Connections

08:58 Anthony Bourdain’s Impact

17:03 Memorable Culinary Experiences

20:34 A Culinary Journey Through History

25:18 Exploring Food Cultures and Personal Favorites

27:47 The Uncharted Territory of African Cuisine

29:19 The Evolution of Food Programming

33:03 The Seven Questions

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #DannyOMalley #ChefsTable #Netflix #Alinea #GrantAchatz #AnthonyBourdain #JamesBeard #Proudcer #Producing #storyandcraft #Cooking #Restaurants #Chefs #FoodNetwork #FoodTV

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with author, writer, producer and director,Larry Charles , who has a new memoir out called “Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter”. He’s known for a constellation of projects, such as Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Mad About You, Borat, The Dictator and The Comedians. We dive into Larry's journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood, discussing his work on iconic shows, as well as collaborations with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bob Dylan and Bill Maher. We cover Larry's inspirations, his experiences in the industry, and his new memoir. This is a great bit of insight into the crafts of comedy and storytelling from one of the best in the business.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:43 Larry Charles' Personal Story

02:58 Impact of Losing a Home

07:34 Comedy in Tragedy

08:37 The Influence of George Carlin

13:32 Creating Content in the Digital Age

18:50 Larry Charles' Early Life and Family

29:08 Jewish Influence in Comedy

34:15 Comedy Inspirations and Influences

40:17 Exploring Comedy Preferences

42:24 The Pressure of Producing Sitcoms

43:42 The Evolution of Comedy

44:37 Behind the Scenes of Entourage

49:32 Directing Borat

52:05 The Joys and Challenges of Directing

55:58 The Seven Questions

58:50 Dream Dinner Guests

01:01:07 Religulous and Satirizing Religion

01:05:08 Celebrity Crushes and Desert Island Picks

01:12:10 Advice to My Younger Self

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com

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#podcast #LarryCharles #Seinfeld #CurbYourEnthusiam #Borat #Comedy #JerrySeinfeld #SachaBaronCohen #LarryDavid #BillyCrystal #PaulReiser #BillMaher #BobDylan #MelBrooks #Author #Writer #Producer #Director #ComedySamurai #storyandcraft #HBO #Author #Bruno #TheDictator #Jewish #Religulous