Story and Craft with Marc Preston

On this episode of Story & Craft, we sit down to chat with actor Rosslyn Luke from "Paper Tiger" to discuss her career and personal stories. Before sharing scenes with Adam Driver and Miles Teller, Rosslyn took a decidedly non-traditional path into the industry. We talk about her upbringing in Eastern Washington—near the Hanford nuclear site—and why she initially earned a degree in civil and environmental engineering before committing to acting. Her background in competitive cheerleading eventually opened an unexpected door into stunt performance, leading to early gigs that included handling a shotgun on a moving semi-truck. Rosslyn breaks down how that physical discipline prepared her for director James Gray’s period mob film, "Paper Tiger" , where she had to navigate high-stakes, unscripted 1980s dialogue opposite seasoned performers. Wrapping up, we get into why she gravitates toward intense, dark dramas over comedy, what goes into her ideal day, and the advice she would offer her younger self about trusting her own voice earlier. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:37] | Watching Seattle shift from grunge culture to a tech-dominated city [00:05:18] | What it's like growing up with a father who cleaned up nuclear waste sites [00:08:18] | Walking away from a stable career in engineering to pursue the arts [00:11:11] | The hidden physical danger and severe injuries behind competitive cheerleading [00:15:29] | Wielding a shotgun on the back of a moving flatbed truck for a zombie show [00:17:38] | Why she decided to train as a stunt performer instead of using a double [00:21:55] | Growing up in an Eastern Washington town where locals joke they "glow in the dark" [00:24:31] | Why she's drawn to gritty, dark dramas while living with a comedy writer [00:36:18] | The high-wire act of improvising 1980s mob dialogue with Adam Driver and Miles Teller [00:37:45] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft, we sit down to chat with Actor Tracy Spiridakos from "Chicago PD" and USA Network's "Anna Pigeon" to discuss her career and personal stories. Tracy talks about growing up between Canada and Greece, sharing what it was like working at her family’s Greek restaurant and the connection she still has with her parents' homeland. She also explains what it took to get her start in acting, like balancing three jobs in Vancouver before heading to Los Angeles for her first major round of auditions. We also discuss her decision to leave a successful seven-year run on a popular TV show to try something new. Tracy explains what it is like playing a sarcastic new character and the realities of filming outdoors on location. It’s a grounded conversation that covers everything from her love of travel and her dogs to the ongoing debate over how to make the best pastitsio. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:10] | Introducing all the "cousins" to her friend [00:05:27] | Moving back to Greece and her dad's hair salon [00:11:13] | Working at a bank and restaurants while pursuing acting [00:15:38] | Landing her role on Revolution during her first trip to LA [00:18:47] | The decision to step away from Chicago PD after seven seasons [00:23:45] | Connecting with her sarcastic, bad-ass character on Anna Pigeon [00:29:14] | The feeling of stepping off the plane in Athens [00:32:52] | Why her initial goal was simply to act full time without side jobs [00:37:17] | The creative difference between acting in a film versus television [00:39:31] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft , we sit down to chat with writer and director Lee Kirk from " The Giant Mechanical Man " and " Nimrod " to discuss his career and personal stories. The conversation explores Lee's nomadic childhood moving to a new school every single year, and how that constant search for footing shaped the emotionally grounded, slightly melancholic characters he creates today. Host Marc Preston and Lee also reflect on three decades in the entertainment industry, tracing the path from their Texas beginnings to the gritty realities of building a creative life in Los Angeles. Lee shares the personal stories behind his biggest milestones, including the random text message from Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong that launched his new film, " Nimrod ". He opens up about the experience of falling in love with his wife, Jenna Fischer, on a movie set, stepping behind the camera on "The Office," and the incredible experience of directing both of his kids in his new movie. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:42] | Reconnecting after 36 years and reflecting on three decades in entertainment [00:04:28] | The random text from Billie Joe Armstrong that sparked a Green Day movie [00:05:32] | Turning Green Day's real-life tour stories into movie plot points [00:09:20] | How constantly moving across the country as a kid left him feeling adrift [00:16:43] | The 3 AM panic and terrified career doubts of his early 30s [00:18:47] | Getting tapped to direct "The Office" after Ron Howard dropped out [00:19:47] | Falling in love with his wife, Jenna Fischer, on a movie set [00:29:29] | Working one-on-one with Billie Joe Armstrong to build his acting confidence [00:33:46] | Directing both of his kids on set alongside his wife, Jenna Fischer [00:40:09] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft , we sit down to chat with actor Chris Marquette from " The Girl Next Door ", " Barry ", and Prime Video's " Reacher " to discuss his career and personal stories. Chris joined the industry early, navigating the unique landscape of child acting with roles spanning from commercial voiceovers to television sets. We discuss the transition from those foundational years to understanding the practical realities of the entertainment business as a young adult. It is a candid conversation about the resilience required to build a sustainable career in Hollywood. We also cover his recent move to the west coast of Ireland, where he is raising his daughter and developing new writing projects. Chris shares insights into his new role on Prime Video's " Reacher ," breaking down the physical demands of playing a small-town cop alongside Alan Ritchson. From the delayed cult success of " The Girl Next Door " to his approach to staying grounded off-camera, this episode offers a practical look at the life of a working actor. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [02:00] | Moving to the west coast of Ireland to raise his daughter [08:35] | Starting his career early with commercial voiceovers and Barney [13:10] | The sketchy seminar that landed him his first headshots and acting jobs [17:11] | Crossing paths with Jennifer Aniston during pilot season [21:00] | Getting a harsh crash course on the business side of acting in his twenties [25:33] | Navigating the shadow of past roles [36:54] | How The Girl Next Door bombed in theaters before finding massive cult success on DVD [42:59] | Entering the Reacher universe [44:53] | Dealing with the Alan Ritchson’s physical presence on set [46:55] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft , we sit down to chat with Writer, Director and Producer Owen Dennis from "Infinity Train" and Paramount+'s "Among Us" to discuss his career and personal stories. Owen discusses his unexpected path to animation, detailing his time teaching English in China and the early motivation that pushed him to pursue art outside his hometown. He shares the hands-on process of creating a fully hand-drawn, 2D animated series and the practical challenges of pitching adult animation in an industry that relies heavily on genre stereotypes. He also explains the unique dynamics of directing voice actors, noting why comedy actors naturally excel with timing in the booth. Owen talks about navigating production hurdles – such as animating before recording voices during the actors' strike – and shares how taking solo road trips helps him recharge creatively. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:08:29] | Escaping the Great Recession by moving to China [00:13:27] | Losing a one-person art contest [00:15:20] | Why 2D animation is making a massive comeback [00:18:09] | Animating "Among Us" during the actors' strike [00:24:36] | The biggest hurdle when pitching adult animation [00:28:34] | Turning a notebook doodle into a hit character [00:34:00] | Unplugging on solo road trips to find new ideas [00:40:13] | Why comedy actors dominate the voice booth [00:44:16] | Why Robert Pattinson was born to do voiceover [00:45:48] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft , we sit down to chat with Actor & Singer Tommi Rose from "Sweet Magnolias" and Prime Video's "The Devil's Mouth" to discuss her career and personal stories. Tommi shares her experiences going from a theater kid in Florida to making the leap to Los Angeles at seventeen after working on Nickelodeon's "I Am Frankie" . We talk about the importance of keeping your imagination alive as an artist, and how her "double Pisces" daydreaming habit is actually a superpower. She also shares some incredibly grounding advice she received early on from working alongside Burt Reynolds. We also get into her experience filming Prime Video's "The Devil's Mouth" . Tommi talks about the grueling physical challenge of shooting in massive water tanks in Thailand, and how she managed the stress by buying a tiny local oven to bake her famous dirt pies and chocolate chip cookies for the cast. From managing a tricky gluten allergy abroad to her go-to morning playlist, Tommi gives us a great look at how she stays centered and positive. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:04:48] | The Jelly Bean Camp and falling in love with musical theater [00:06:49] | Why excitement outweighed the intimidation of moving to LA at seventeen [00:12:00] | Defending the importance of daydreaming for artists [00:15:47] | Refusing to limit her ambitions to just one career path [00:22:54] | Burt Reynolds' advice on listening to your scene partner [00:26:44] | How her close-knit family keeps her sane in Hollywood [00:32:00] | Realizing she was stress-baking and bringing the joy back to the holidays [00:33:22] | Buying a mini oven in Thailand to bake for the cast [00:46:27] | The physical exhaustion of shooting survival scenes in water tanks [00:51:00] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft , I sit down to chat with actor Jamie Hector from " The Wire ", “Bosch” and Apple TV's " Cape Fear " to discuss his career and personal stories. We discuss Jamie’s roots, having grown up in Brooklyn as the youngest of seven and how his older sister sparked his early love for the arts. Jamie shares the exact moment he knew he belonged in the creative world – walking into a community theater space when he was 16 and feeling an instant connection to the energy in the room. It wasn't long before he shifted his focus away from college chemistry classes and fully committed to acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. We also talk about his dedication to giving back through his youth program, Moving Mountains, which has mentored thousands of kids in Brooklyn over the last two decades. To cap it off, Jamie talks about the unique validation of being handpicked by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg for his current role. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:38] | Anthony Bourdain's surprise interview with Michael K. Williams in Brooklyn [00:07:33] | Learning tough lessons from a neighborhood firecracker incident [00:09:10] | How his late sister Lisa became his creative North Star [00:13:07] | Waking up at 6 AM to write hip hop with childhood friends [00:14:36] | Discovering his true calling at a local community theater [00:16:55] | Ditching college chemistry to pursue an acting career [00:18:43] | Founding Moving Mountains to empower the next generation of actors [00:20:29] | Committing to his craft at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute [00:22:04] | Why Denzel Washington is his ultimate acting template [00:26:00] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft, I sit down to chat with actor Chin Han from " Mortal Combat " and Netflix's " Avatar: The Last Airbender " to discuss his career, and personal stories. We chat about his unique childhood growing up in Singapore, blending local theater and film with a steady diet of American blockbusters, British television, and Hong Kong martial arts epics. Chin talks about his early days deciding whether to fully commit to acting, balancing his parents' hopes for a traditional profession with his genuine love for the arts, and the ultimate push he gave himself after finishing his degree. Chin also shares some incredible stories from the sets of films, including his overwhelming first day shooting " The Dark Knight " with Christopher Nolan, Gary Oldman, and Aaron Eckhart. We wrap up by talking about his favorite comfort foods – specifically his love for a perfect bowl of rice – and his appreciation for the quiet moments in used bookstores. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [03:12] | Watching Singapore rapidly evolve through the 1970s and 80s [05:52] | How having parents as educators influenced his early cinematic tastes [08:00] | The unique mix of global television that fueled his love for storytelling [15:59] | Discovering heavy, visceral cinema like "The Godfather" at a young age [20:00] | The fast-paced, guerrilla-style filmmaking of Steven Soderbergh's "Contagion" [25:52] | Pushing for volume and authenticity in Asian-American on-screen representation [29:32] | The massive global reach of the American film industry [33:17] | Working with his cinematic heroes on the set of "The Dark Knight" [38:45] | Building a performance from the outside in using wardrobe and armor [42:25] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I sit down to chat with actor Aaron Moten from "Disjointed" and Prime Video's "Fallout" to discuss his career and personal stories. We catch up with Aaron as he settles into life in Los Angeles after spending five years in Iceland with his family. We chat about his Texas roots growing up in Austin, his pivot from an aspiring lawyer to a Juilliard-trained actor, and the realities of translating stage acting to working on camera. He also shares some behind-the-scenes moments from his recent work. From having Kathy Bates advocate for him early in his television career to a hilarious "baptism by fire" stunt sequence on his very first day shooting Fallout, Aaron brings a ton of heart and insight to the table. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:03:24] | The beauty of Iceland's audible blank canvas [00:10:12] | Dealing with late growth spurts and the pressure of playing point guard [00:12:43] | Why pretending to be a lawyer is much more fun than actually being one [00:15:24] | Developing technical tools and a fallback plan at Juilliard [00:18:32] | The hard lesson of saving your tears for the close-up shot [00:21:03] | Understanding focal lengths and camera coverage on a multi-cam set [00:24:59] | Kathy Bates' unbelievable work ethic and on-set advocacy [00:29:00] | Jonah Nolan's baptism by fire and a terrifying missing harness [00:32:13] | Transforming the Namibian desert into a post-apocalyptic Santa Monica [00:35:50] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with actor, comedian and former model Rosalee Mayeux from "Magnum, P.I." and "Model Mom" to discuss her career, and personal stories. Rosalee opens up about her unconventional path, starting as a teenager from a small town in Louisiana who found herself working as a high-fashion model for Eileen Ford in Paris and New York. She shares vivid memories of the modeling world in the 1980s, the stark reality behind the glamour, and how a chance opportunity led her to acting. Her natural knack for comedy eventually pushed her into commercials and television, bringing her face-to-face with legends like Carol Burnett, Lee Grant, and Tom Selleck. After a sudden and life-altering cancer diagnosis forced her to pivot from a promising directing career with Quentin Tarantino’s production house, Rosalee leaned on her resilient spirit and close circle of friends to survive. That journey ultimately steered her toward stand-up comedy, where she found her truest voice. We talk about the grueling but rewarding realities of the comedy stage, the nuances of crowd work, and why being unapologetically yourself is the ultimate punchline. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:11:48] | Parallel parking a 22-foot Cadillac and getting a standing ovation in Beverly Hills [00:17:45] | Navigating the wild, rarefied world of high-fashion modeling in 1980s Europe [00:19:00] | Listening to the news of Ronald Reagan being shot from the bowels of a Parisian restaurant [00:20:18] | Eileen Ford's blunt advice on marriage and what it meant for a modeling career [00:29:26] | The power of an unscripted moment and earning a standing ovation from Lee Grant [00:30:53] | Flubbing a line with Tom Selleck and Carol Burnett on the set of Magnum, P.I. [00:36:22] | Pitching a blind commercial script to Quentin Tarantino's A Band Apart [00:37:35] | Surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis with the help of a kickass support system [00:41:13] | Why improvisational comedy requires immense education and real-world intelligence [00:55:03] | The Seven Questions: Southern comfort food, jazz legends, and advice to her younger self STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with Actor Olivia Rose Keegan from " Days of Our Lives " and Paramount+'s " Dutton Ranch ", as well as the summer film " Scary Movie " to discuss her new projects, career, and personal stories. We chat about her transition from being an eager 11-year-old writing letters to talent agents in San Francisco to landing major roles. Olivia shares the incredible support from her family, who entirely uprooted their lives in Northern California so she could pursue acting in Los Angeles. She reflects on her early heartbreak of being replaced on a major Nickelodeon show and the immense work ethic she built during her four-and-a-half-year run on " Days of Our Lives ." We also get into the exciting new chapters of her career, contrasting the intense, slow-burn drama of playing a mother in Paramount+'s " Dutton Ranch " with the absolute, unhinged physical comedy of the summer sequel to " Scary Movie ." Olivia reveals what it was like playing Anna Faris' daughter, conquering her fears of improv comedy, and how working with the Wayans brothers pushed her completely out of her comfort zone. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:08:00] | The intimidating yet rewarding process of network testing for Taylor Sheridan shows [00:13:46] | Drafting a handwritten letter to talent agencies at just eleven years old [00:23:20] | Targeting the Disney and Nickelodeon pipeline as a pragmatic young actor [00:24:34] | Faking an Australian accent to land a breakthrough role on Ant Farm [00:25:42] | Navigating the earth-shattering heartbreak of being recast on a major sitcom [00:27:37] | Why acting on a soap opera is the ultimate industry boot camp [00:30:02] | Channeling inner Anna Faris-isms to play her daughter in Scary Movie [00:37:00] | Working with a dialect coach and stepping into the emotional shoes of a mother [00:39:11] | Embracing the terrifying and thrilling challenge of Wayans brothers-style improv [00:43:12] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with Actor Natalie Alyn Lind from "The Goldberg’s" and Paramount+’s "Dutton Ranch" to discuss her new project, career, and personal stories. In this episode, Natalie opens up about what it was like growing up on a TV set and hitting major life milestones while playing Dana Caldwell on the hit sitcom "The Goldberg’s" . She shares how those early experiences shaped her approach to acting, giving her the chops to step into her own producing role with the upcoming indie comedy/horror flick, "Halloween Store" . Natalie even geeks out over her love of classic horror films and what it's like to build a project from the ground up alongside her friends. The conversation naturally shifts to the sweltering heat of Texas and her immersion into cowboy camp for the highly anticipated series "Dutton Ranch" . Natalie talks about sliding into her character's well-worn boots, working on horseback, and the empowering feeling of being part of a Taylor Sheridan production. Plus, we bond over our shared love for authentic Canadian poutine, her very first celebrity crush, and why letting go of other people's expectations is the best advice she could give her younger self. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:04:46] | Adjusting to the blistering Texas heat during night shoots [00:08:09] | The absolute necessity of authentic cheese curds in Canadian poutine [00:10:37] | Auditioning against her mom's last name to land her first role on "One Tree Hill" [00:13:33] | Hitting real-life milestones and having her first kiss while filming "The Goldberg’s" [00:19:48] | Turning downtime into a creative spark to produce her love letter to comedy/horror films, "Halloween Store" [00:25:49] | Recording a full country album and dealing with prosthetics for "Tell Me a Story" [00:30:35] | The powerful female characters in the Taylor Sheridan universe and the real-life women who inspire them [00:37:33] | The grounding, gritty reality of attending real cowboy camp for "Dutton Ranch" [00:40:16] | Finding the sweet spot between authentic functional cowboy gear and character style [00:46:02] | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with actor Rex Linn from "Cliffhanger" and NBC & Peacock's "Happy's Place" to discuss his new project, career, and personal stories. Over his decades-long career, Rex has become a familiar face on television, appearing in major marquee shows like "CSI: Miami" , "Better Call Saul" , "Young Sheldon" , and "Big Sky" . We cover his early days growing up in Texas and Oklahoma, and how classic Universal movie monsters inspired him to pursue acting. Rex details the pivotal decision to leave his career in banking at age 34 to move to Los Angeles, eventually landing his breakout role opposite John Lithgow and Sylvester Stallone in "Cliffhanger" . He also shares insights into the fast-paced, improvisational nature of shooting a sitcom compared to dramatic television. Off the set, Rex talks about his lifelong passion for drumming, including the moment his fiancée, Reba McEntire, surprised him by having him play live on stage with her band. We also touch on the dynamics of working alongside Reba every day, our mutual appreciation for Whataburger, and the importance of simply being kind. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:06:52 | The unexpected classic movie monsters that inspired his acting career 00:10:56 | The Jack Nicholson performance that cemented his career path 00:13:33 | Leaving a career in Oklahoma banking to pursue acting at 34 00:15:42 | Landing a breakout role opposite John Lithgow and Sylvester Stallone 00:24:31 | Breaking a thumb on the congas to impress a high school crush 00:26:00 | The birthday surprise drum kit from Reba McEntire 00:30:54 | Playing the drums live on stage with Reba's touring band 00:37:47 | The advice John Lithgow shared about working on sitcoms 00:40:58 | The dynamic of rehearsing and acting alongside his fiancée 00:46:16 | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with actor Sofia Rosinsky from Hulu's " Death and Other Details " and Peacock's " The Miniature Wife " to discuss her career and personal stories. Sofia shares the fascinating story of her unconventional path into the industry, revealing that an innocent trip to an acting camp unexpectedly put her in front of casting directors. Growing up in a deeply creative household, she was surrounded by cinema thanks to her independent filmmaker mother and musician father. She also opens up about her rigorous acting foundation, noting that she was raised on the Meisner technique directly passed down from her mother, who studied under the legendary Sanford Meisner. Beyond her recent high-profile roles, Sofia discusses her passion for dark comedies and producing independent films with her sister Alexis. She details the physical transformation required to play Mac on Prime Video's " Paper Girls " and the nerve-wracking yet magical experience of working with childhood idol Mandy Patinkin. The conversation also touches on her ongoing education at Berklee College of Music and plans for the future. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:04:38 | Balancing an acting career with an online education at Berklee College of Music 00:07:17 | Growing up with a studio musician father who played on legendary film scores 00:14:30 | How a terrifying performance by Alec Guinness sparked her initial acting inspiration 00:16:18 | The innocent summer camp that accidentally launched her straight to casting directors 00:20:11 | The physical hair transformation for her role in Prime Video's "Paper Girls" 00:21:54 | The surreal experience of sharing the screen with the legendary Mandy Patinkin 00:24:49 | Learning the Meisner technique from her mother, who studied directly under Sanford Meisner 00:27:22 | Booking "The Miniature Wife" and working alongside Matthew Macfadyen and Elizabeth Banks 00:32:17 | Expanding her horizons by producing and writing an anthology feature with her sister 00:35:05 | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with Actor David Berry from "Starz" 's "Outlander" to discuss his new project, career, and personal stories. David shares the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to a character he has inhabited for eight years as the series concludes. He breaks down the unique logistical gymnastics required to commute from his home in Sydney to the moody highlands of Scotland, including the nature of 25-hour flights. The conversation touches on the "larrikin" spirit of Australian culture and why Aussies feel a natural compulsion to shorten every name and word they encounter. We also get a glimpse into David’s life off-camera, from his former studies in politics to his very specific post-scene ritual involving a perfect burger. Whether discussing the "reverse colonialism" of an Australian actor playing a British officer or the challenge of finding healthy food in the land of fried Mars bars, David brings a thoughtful and witty perspective to the actor's life. He reflects on the importance of spontaneity and the advice he would give his younger, more anxious self about simply learning to relax. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:01:02 | The origin of Marc’s new Aussie nickname 00:03:16 | Exploring the cultural habit of Australian "shortenings" 00:04:28 | Defining the "larrikin" attitude toward authority 00:06:12 | The challenges of transitioning out of a long-running series 00:09:48 | The logistical hurdle of auditioning for global shows from Australia 00:11:32 | Navigating the 25-hour commute between Sydney and Scotland 00:12:13 | How the Scottish landscape becomes its own character on screen 00:14:10 | Comparing the healthy Sydney lifestyle to Scottish comfort food 00:15:00 | The reward of a perfect burger after a difficult scene 00:18:00 | The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with Actor Danay Garcia from AMC's "Fear the Walking Dead" and NBC / Peacock's "M.I.A." to discuss her new project, career, and personal stories. We talk about her journey arriving in Los Angeles from Havana, Cuba, and the reality of navigating the industry while tackling a profound language barrier. Danay shares memories from her early days, including the thrill of getting her first major break shooting Super Bowl commercials alongside Snoop Dogg and Guy Ritchie. She also opens up about surviving the apocalypse for seven seasons on AMC's hit series, and the incredible, set-blessing presence of Edward James Olmos on her newest project. Plus, Danay gives us a glimpse into her passion for food and community, sharing how cooking traditional Cuban dishes live on Instagram kept her connected to her fans during the pandemic. We also explore the intense, one-hour-and-45-minute in-person audition that landed her the role in NBC / Peacock's crime thriller, "M.I.A." , and why she always says "yes" to stepping into the unknown. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:01:43] - Settling into Texas [00:09:25] - Why an apocalypse led by a female character made the prequel to The Walking Dead so enticing [00:11:01] - Having lunch at the exact spot where they filmed the "Titanic" infinity pool [00:13:08] - Arriving in Los Angeles from Havana and realizing the true challenge of the language barrier [00:18:04] - Breaking into the American industry shooting Super Bowl commercials with Guy Ritchie and Snoop Dogg [00:20:19] - Growing up in Cuba with a father who poured drinks at Ernest Hemingway's favorite bars [00:27:00] - Nurturing connection by teaching her fans how to cook traditional Cuban food live during the pandemic [00:43:07] - Enduring a grueling one-hour-and-45-minute in-person audition to land her role in "M.I.A." [00:46:50] - Working alongside the iconic Edward James Olmos and feeling his presence bless the set [00:49:00] - The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Preston sits down with Writer and Director Thom Harp from "The Donor Party" and "Home Delivery" to discuss his new project, career, and personal stories. Thom brings a fantastic energy to the conversation, sharing how his background as a cinematographer in Seattle eventually shaped his approach to humane comedy. We talk about the importance of giving actors the space to just play and trust their instincts on set. It’s always fun getting to hear about the process behind creating those incredibly messy, yet hilariously relatable human moments that define his style. We also get into some great stories about his unique writing methods and the undeniable influence of an "explosive diaper" moment changed the trajectory of his creative choices. Thom reminds us that life is pretty ridiculous, and sometimes the best way to deal with the madness is just to point a camera at it and embrace the laughs. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS [00:02:19] - Guitars, The Cars, and safely navigating a midlife crisis. [00:09:31] - How Monty Python's Flying Circus completely rewired his creative brain. [00:21:28] - Cultivating a safe, playful environment on set for actors. [00:23:48] - The strategic genius of casting dramatic actors in comedic roles. [00:30:10] - Thom’s unique "magnet" method for developing script ideas. [00:34:35] - Why the best comedy requires putting your hero in the absolute worst situation. [00:38:57] - Casting Joe Pantoliano against type to find the moral heart of the film. [00:46:24] - The "explosive diaper" moment that forever changed his view on comedy. [00:55:33] - The Seven Questions. STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Story & Craft , Marc sits down with actor Meaghan Rat h. We take a moment to discuss the Zen of all things Hawaii, as Meaghan looks back on living on Oahu for “Hawaii Five-0,” sharing favorite beaches, island food takes, and the unique experience of filming with locations shut down just for the crew. She also talks about landing AMC’s “The Audacity,” playing Anushka Bhattachera-Phister, a chief ethicist in a corrupt tech world, and what the show taught her about privacy and data. Along the way, they cover her Montreal upbringing, mixed Jewish/Indian-Catholic heritage, early discovery as a teen actor, creative interests, a haunted childhood home, and her go-to comforts like ramen, the ocean, and a great TV binge. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 03:36 Hawaii Five-0 Memories 05:55 Beaches and Island Food 09:30 How She Got Cast 11:56 Canada Roots and Family 16:25 Finding Acting Early 19:59 Meeting Her Husband 23:43 The New Series “Audacity” 28:50 Tech Culture and Social Media 34:14 Privacy Wake Up Call 35:29 Haunted House Memories 37:48 Drama Comedy Balance 39:14 Dense Scripts And Accent 42:50 The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of “Story and Craft” , Marc sits down with actor and writer Johnny Ray Gill ( “Cross” Season 2 on Prime Video ) for a wide-ranging conversation about Gill’s Portland roots in an all-Black Northeast community, his working-class family, and early artistic start in spoken-word poetry inspired by the film “Slam.” Gill shares how a rites-of-passage program shaped his cultural awareness, how an internship with writer Mike Rich opened doors, and how his path led from USC film school to Temple and then UC San Diego’s theater program. He recounts booking “Harry’s Law,” reflects on hip hop’s shift as commerce overtakes art, and explains why he feels artists owe audiences truth. Gill discusses his climate-focused script “Laying Pipe,” his love of animals and nature, learning Spanish, and the serendipitous way he was offered his role in “Cross.” SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 02:24 From Portland to LA 03:23 Working Class Roots 04:48 Choosing the Arts 08:09 Spoken Word Origin Story 11:28 College Path and Drama School 15:10 Hip Hop and Early Influences 17:10 Art Versus Commerce 20:25 Screenwriting and Truth 22:03 Pitching Laying Pipe 29:45 How Cross Came Together 34:31 Persistence and Knowing Your Vocation 36:31 New Passions Nature and Animals 40:03 Plants Pets Travel 41:40 Indigenous Symbiosis 44:26 Cross Writing Process 45:17 Bobby Trey’s Capitalism 48:34 Shreveport Food Authenticity 51:06 The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of “Story and Craft,” Marc sits down with actor, producer and comedian, Rob Corddry to talk about his new AMC show “The Audacity” . We explore a career that spans projects such as “The Daily Show,” “Children’s Hospital,” “Ballers,” “Top Gear America,” and films like “Old School,” “The Heartbreak Kid,” and “Hot Tub Time Machine.” We learn about Rob’s story, such as moving from moving from Massachusetts to L.A., what it was like acting alongside Ben and Jerry Stiller, the pace of working on “The Daily Show”, and some of his favorite projects. He also discusses early ambition to be a Shakespearean actor, to working in clown makeup on “Children’s Hospital”, and everything in between! SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 03:39 East Coast to LA Move 04:05 Seth MacFarlane The Winner 05:40 Ben Stiller Family Scene 09:51 Cedar Rapids and Dark Horses 11:45 Daily Show Era Origins 16:06 Daily Show Grind Today 18:47 Playing Ari Fleischer 20:41 Shakespeare Dreams New York 24:37 Parents Support and Naivete 28:39 Kids and Clown Makeup 31:26 Top Gear America Cars 34:04 First Car Gen X Nostalgia 35:33 Brat Pack Inspirations 36:30 Cusack and Chevy Stories 38:15 Why “Arthur” Hits Hard 40:08 Grounded Absurd Comedy 41:57 Choosing Roles and Auditions 43:29 Writing Mysteries and Spies 44:35 Lynch and Weird Worlds 45:53 Children's Hospital Logic 47:31 Indie Film Comeback Hopes 52:48 The Seven Questions STAY IN THE KNOW Website: https://www.storyandcraftpod.com FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyandcraftpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storyandcraftpod CONNECT WITH MARC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airpreston Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcpreston Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.