The Staffa Corner | Celebrity Interviews & Entertainment Insights

Send us Fan Mail Actor, director, and acting coach Dean Armstrong joins The Staffa Corner Podcast to discuss his journey from growing up in Owen Sound, Ontario, to performing in Rent on Broadway and landing his breakout role as Blake Wyzecki on Queer as Folk . Armstrong reflects on how a character originally intended for only two episodes became part of a five-season story, the responsibility of portraying addiction honestly, and the lessons he now shares with actors through Armstrong Acting Studios. He also explains why self-taped auditions can give performers greater control over their work and help turn even a small role into something much bigger. Armstrong also takes listeners behind the scenes of Reacher Season 4 and his role as the relentless Foster. He discusses repeatedly getting beaten by Reacher, the season’s darkly funny and brutal action sequences, and whether Foster’s story is really finished. The conversation includes spoilers for Reacher Season 4 , along with Armstrong’s candid thoughts on acting, creativity, rejection, and the constantly evolving identity of an artist. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Emmy-winning production designer Mark Hofeling joins The Staffa Corner Podcast to discuss his career and the creative process behind building the memorable worlds audiences see on screen. Mark shares stories from his work on High School Musical , Descendants , Zombies , and The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers , while explaining how practical sets, collaboration, and imagination bring each production to life. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Sound designer and editor Colin Ryley joins Greg Staffa to reveal how sound helps bring movies and television shows to life. He explains the work behind Foley, dialogue replacement, sound effects, background noise, and the countless audio details audiences often never realize were recreated during post-production. Ryley also discusses his journey from music to film and television, the creativity required to invent convincing sounds, and the differences between working on horror, live-action projects, and animated series. He also shares stories from his work on projects including Super Team Canada , ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series , and Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish . Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Actress Casey Gardner joins Greg Staffa to discuss growing up in Kansas City, moving to Los Angeles to study acting at USC, and the realities of pursuing a career in Hollywood. She shares what she learned from working on short films, navigating rejection, and overcoming moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Gardner also discusses representation in the entertainment industry, her dream of starting a production company, and the importance of building a stronger community for actors. She also shares details about her upcoming film Gettysburg 1863 and the award-winning Paper Flowers . Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Celebrity guests may get the clicks, but hundreds of people can go into making the films and television shows we love. The Staffa Corner Podcast loves putting a spotlight on some of those other voices whose work has a profound impact on the industry. Production designer John Dondertman is one of them, responsible for helping create everything audiences see on screen, from locations and everyday rooms to superhero gadgets and entire fictional worlds. John joins me to talk about the often invisible art of production design and his work on Chucky, Orphan Black, Flashpoint, Titans and more. We get into building the White House for Chucky , creating the Batcave, transforming locations into believable sets, working under incredibly tight deadlines, and how a career that began building scenery eventually led him to designing worlds for film and television. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Joy Ellison grew up in Hollywood and began acting as a child, appearing on classics including The Andy Griffith Show . She joins me to look back at those early years, what she remembers about working around Ron Howard, and how a childhood fascination with languages and accents eventually led her down a completely different career path. Joy went on to become a respected Hollywood dialect coach, working with some of the biggest names in the business. We talk about how she got her start coaching Isabella Rossellini, what really goes into creating a believable accent, and why sometimes the smallest details can completely change a character. She also shares what happens when an accent isn't working and why time and preparation have become increasingly difficult to find in Hollywood. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Toby Philpott’s career took an incredible path from street performing and circus work to helping bring some of the most memorable creatures in movie history to life. He joins me to talk about that journey, including working alongside Jim Henson on The Dark Crystal and eventually becoming one of the puppeteers inside Jabba the Hutt for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi . Toby also shares what it was like working inside the massive Jabba puppet, why practical effects still hold up decades later, and how a relatively small part of his life became something generations of fans still remember. It’s a fascinating conversation about creativity, luck, Jim Henson, Star Wars , and being in the right place at exactly the right time. Inside Jabba website Online interviews with fans Slimy piece of worm-ridden filth (20 minute filmumentary of the 'making-of') Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Geoffrey Cantor has spent decades building a career across television, film and theater, including his memorable role as Mitchell Ellison in Marvel’s Daredevil and The Punisher . He joins me to talk about how he found acting, the ups and downs of making a living as a working actor, and why he still loves the craft after all these years. We also get into auditions, rejection, acting technique and what he learned from his years on Daredevil . Geoffrey shares some great stories from his career and offers an interesting look at what it really takes to keep working in an industry where you never quite know what the next job will be. They say New York is often a character of its own, and that was certainly the case with this episode. From dogs barking to horns and sirens, NYC made its presence known. I cleaned up the audio the best I could, but a little of New York still made it through. I think it just adds some character to the episode. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Brent Huff joins The Staffa Corner Podcast to talk about his memorable role as Officer Smitty on ABC’s The Rookie and how the character grew into an unexpected fan favorite. He shares his thoughts on Smitty, working on the hit series, and the fun of playing a character who can make an impression without always being at the center of the action. Huff also looks back on a career that has taken him in front of and behind the camera as an actor, director, and filmmaker. From his earlier work in Hollywood to finding a whole new audience with The Rookie , Brent offers a fun look at the experiences and unexpected turns that have shaped his career. For more on The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) click HERE To order his book click HERE Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This video is about Stuntwoman and stunt coordinator Amy Greene joins The Staffa Corner Podcast for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Hollywood stunts and action design. Greene talks about her path from athletics and boxing into stunt work, what it takes to safely coordinate action on a film set, and the importance of making stunts serve the story rather than simply stand out. She also shares what it’s like doubling for acclaimed performers including Meryl Streep and discusses her work on films such as The Holdovers and Sound of Metal. Amy also weighs in on Tom Cruise performing his own stunts, the growing role of CGI and AI in filmmaking, and how opportunities for women in the stunt industry have changed over the years. From subtle falls and fight choreography to major action sequences, Amy explains why some of the best stunt work is the work audiences never notice, and why creativity, safety, collaboration, and even kindness are essential parts of bringing believable action to the screen. Learn more about her work HERE Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Bill Oberst Jr. joins The Staffa Corner Podcast for an open conversation about growing up feeling different, being bullied, and eventually finding a place where the things that once made him stand out became an advantage. He talks about finding his way into acting, building a career in horror, and why he’s always been more interested in finding the person inside the monster than simply playing the bad guy. We also get into Bill’s faith, the darker side of human nature, his love for Ray Bradbury and Lon Chaney, and some of the more unusual moments from his career. But some of the best moments come when Bill looks back at the kid he used to be and talks about what he wishes that scared young boy could have known about the life waiting for him. Check out Bill's Links below. WEBSITE: https://billoberst.com/ PODCAST: https://bill-oberst-jr-gothic-goodnight.captivate.fm/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, actress Catherine Ashmore Bradley joins Greg Staffa for an exclusive celebrity interview about growing up in the entertainment industry. Known for playing Luan Loud on Nickelodeon’s The Really Loud House , Catherine discusses her Hollywood acting career, performing on Broadway in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , and working in film, television, theater and voice acting. She also shares behind-the-scenes stories about acting alongside her sister, transitioning from child actress to adult roles, launching Ashmore Productions and preparing for the Off-Broadway musical Spandex . It’s an inspiring entertainment podcast conversation about acting, Broadway, Hollywood, family, perseverance and building a lasting career in show business. You can read about the charities she supports, check out Room to Read Here. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast, actor, gamer and NATO veteran Thor Knai joins Greg Staffa for an exclusive celebrity interview about his journey from Norway and Afghanistan to building a Hollywood acting career. Knai discusses his role in The Wrong Girls , working in the film and television industry, Dungeons & Dragons, Viking history and the art of storytelling. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Writer, director, and entertainment industry creative Breton Tyner Bryan joins the Staffa Corner Podcast for an in-depth conversation about filmmaking, television, storytelling, directing, acting, and navigating today’s entertainment industry. From writing and directing projects to breaking into film and TV, Breton shares insight into the creative process, Hollywood, independent film, and what it takes to succeed in entertainment. Follow Breton Tyner Bryan on Instagram HERE Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast , we bring you a powerful celebrity interview–style story at the intersection of sports, media, and storytelling, featuring professional snowboarder Kimmy Fasani and her journey highlighted in the documentary Butterfly in a Blizzard . Blending elements of film, storytelling, and real-life resilience, this episode explores how Kimmy’s story translates beyond athletics into inspiring, cinematic impact. From dominating the slopes to facing a breast cancer diagnosis, Kimmy shares what it took to balance a professional snowboarding career, motherhood, and recovery. This conversation dives into perseverance, mental toughness, and the realities behind elite performance and personal battles offering insight that resonates across sports, film, and the broader entertainment landscape. The Staffa Corner Podcast is your go-to destination for celebrity interviews with actors, filmmakers, athletes, and entertainment industry insiders. Tune in for inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and real conversations with people shaping Hollywood, film, television, and media. Check out Kimmy's website HERE Check out her Documentary Butterfly in a Blizzard HERE Check out one of Kimmy's big Sponsors who stuck by her HERE Check out Kimmy's cookbook HERE Follow Kimmy on Instagram HERE Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast , we sit down for a celebrity interview with actor Sean Cameron Michael, diving into his journey through Hollywood, acting, and the global film and television industry. Known for his standout work across film and television, Sean shares behind-the-scenes stories, career challenges, and what it really takes to build a lasting career in the film industry. From his beginnings in South Africa to making his mark in Hollywood, this actor interview offers valuable insights into filmmaking, perseverance, and navigating the entertainment business. If you’re passionate about acting, breaking into Hollywood, or understanding the realities of the film and television world, this episode delivers expert advice, inspiring stories, and a candid look inside the industry. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast , actor interview takes center stage as host Greg Staffa sits down with 12-year-old actress Chyler Emery to discuss her growing journey in Hollywood, her work with Dhar Mann, and what it’s like building an acting career at such a young age in the film and digital media industry. Chyler shares behind-the-scenes experiences from film and digital productions, lessons learned on set, and advice for aspiring young actors looking to break into acting, filmmaking, and content creation. From auditions to on-set moments, this episode offers a real look at the next generation shaping the future of film, television, and online media. The Staffa Corner Podcast is your destination for celebrity interviews with Hollywood actors, filmmakers, and entertainment industry insiders. Tune in for inspiring stories, career insights, and behind-the-scenes conversations across film, TV, and digital media. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast , a celebrity interview and actor interview take center stage as host Greg Staffa delivers exclusive Hollywood insights with actress Rachel Stubington from the hit television series Shrinking . This conversation dives into her acting journey, behind-the-scenes experiences on set, and what it takes to succeed in the film and television industry. Get an inside look at working on a major TV series, navigating the film industry, and building a career in Hollywood. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, filmmaker, or a fan of great storytelling, this episode offers real-world experiences and valuable insights from inside the entertainment industry. The Staffa Corner Podcast is your go-to destination for celebrity interviews with Hollywood actors, filmmakers, and entertainment industry insiders. Tune in for expert insights, inspiring stories, and behind-the-scenes access to film, television, and streaming media. Check out my review of Shrinking season 3 Follow Rachel on Instagram Check out Shrinking on Apple TV Check out Laney's Legacy Check out the ASPCA Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast , a celebrity interview in the heart of Hollywood filmmaking features Fon Davis, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) veteran and CEO of Fonco Studios. This film industry interview dives into the world of visual effects, creature design, and practical filmmaking, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how iconic film and television visuals are brought to life. Fon shares stories from working on major Hollywood films, along with expert insights into practical effects vs CGI and why physical models still play a vital role in modern filmmaking. From building creatures to crafting cinematic worlds, this episode is a must-listen for filmmakers, VFX artists, and fans of movie magic. The Staffa Corner Podcast is your destination for celebrity interviews with Hollywood actors, filmmakers, and entertainment industry insiders. Tune in for expert insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and real conversations across film, television, and visual effects. Follow Fon Davis on Instagram HERE Learn more about Fonco Studios HERE Click HERE to learn more about the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast , a celebrity interview and filmmaker interview spotlight Hollywood visual effects and independent filmmaking as Greg Staffa sits down with VFX artist and filmmaker Anthony Lucero. This film industry conversation explores his transition from big-budget Hollywood blockbusters to character-driven independent film. Anthony shares insights on storytelling, visual effects, and the art of filmmaking, along with why he chose passion-driven projects over large-scale productions. From working in the film industry to crafting meaningful narratives, this episode offers valuable perspective for actors, filmmakers, and fans of cinema. A must-listen for anyone interested in acting, filmmaking, and the future of independent film, this episode delivers real-world insights and inspiration from inside Hollywood and beyond. Support the show