Story and Craft with Marc Preston

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ge...

On this episode of Story & Craft, Marc sits down with actor Meaghan Rath. 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 a...

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 over...

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 Shakesp...

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...

On this episode of “Story and Craft,” Marc sits down with actor and producer Olivia Taylor Dudley 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...

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”, wo...

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 sha...

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. ...

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...

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 excitin...

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 experienc...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine from theApple TV Series “Smoke”, as well as upcoming projects such as “Dexter: Resurrection” and “Washington Black.”  We discuss Ntare's extensive career, including his roles in popular TV shows like “The Chi” and “Treme.” Ntare also opens up about his Ugandan heritage, and his own journey into acting. We also chat about his and his long-term documentary project “Memories of Love Returned.” It’s a great chat about a unique journey!

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:20 Ntare's Background and Family

03:27 Journey into Acting

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Mariana Treviño from the Apple TV+ series “Stick”, as well as projects such as "A Man Called Otto" and host of film and TV work in Mexico.  We discuss her life and career, as well as her thoughts about working with co-stars Owen Wilson and Marc Maron. We also touch on Mariana’s Mexican roots, her journey into acting, and her fond memories of family trips to South Padre Island, Texas. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Mariana's Background and Career

02:08 Monterey and Family Co...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Brandon Lessard from thenew film “The Unholy Trinity.” Brandon shares his experiences working alongside Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, and David Arquette in this Western set in Montana. We dive into Brandon's journey from Fairfax, Virginia to Los Angeles, as well as his passion for acting. Brandon also touches on his love for historical dramas, his writing endeavors, and the physical challenges faced during the film's production. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insight and cool behind-the-scenes stories.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Brando...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Annalise Basso from the film “The Life of Chuck”, as well as projects such as “Captain Fantastic” and “Snowpiercer.”  We chat about Annalise’s acting career, from childhood to now, as well as what it was like growing up with a brother and sister who are also in the industry. We also touch on Annalise’s other passions, such as ballet and surfing…and how those things keep her grounded and inspired. It’s a great conversation that covers Annalise’s journey from Missouri to one of this year’s most antic...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Felix Solis from the Netflix series “Sirens”, as well as projects such as The Rookie and Ozark.  We discuss Felix's upbringing in New York City, his early career in theater, and his transition to television. Felix shares personal stories, including his unique connection to the Beastie Boys and a memorable encounter with Anthony Bourdain. We also get a glimpse into Felix's take on his Puerto Rican heritage, as well as his love for his rescue dogs. It’s a great chat and an opportunity to learn about Feli...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Reed Diamond from the film “Drop.” Reed has had a long career working in a constellation of projects, such as “Memphis Belle,” “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Orphan Black: Echoes” and “Moneyball.” We cover Reed's career highlights, his foundational experiences at Juilliard, and his passion for music. Reed shares insight into his recent projects, including his new film and the joys of working with his family. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:49 Reed's Life in Canada and Maine

11:20 Reed's Musical Journey

27:18 The Magic of Movie Soundtra...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor and musician, Alex Wolff from the new film “Magic Farm”, as well as projects such as "A Quiet Place: Day One," "Oppenheimer," "A Good Person," "Hereditary" and the "Jumanji" films.  We discuss his new film, his role in the horror movie “Hereditary,” and his experiences working with notable directors like M. Night Shyamalan and Christopher Nolan. Alex shares insights about his childhood, his musical journey with his brother, Nat Wolff, and the emotional experience of performing with his jazz pianist father at Madison Square Garden while on tour w...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with author,Jim Murphy who wrote thebook “Inner Excellence.”  We discuss Jim's journey, including his time as a professional baseball player, his mother's samurai heritage, and his transition to coaching. We explore his unique experiences, such as living in solitude in the desert to write, “Inner Excellence,” which gained significant attention when Philadelphia Eagles' A.J. Brown was seen reading it on the sidelines during a playoff game. Jim shares insights on his philosophy of living a meaningful life, the impact of Japanese culture, and his aspirations to make a diffe...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Asher Grodman from the CBS series “Ghosts.” Asher shares his journey from a shy kid growing up on a farm in New Jersey, to what he learned about performance at his Bar Mitzvah. We discuss his early career experiences, his love for football, and the making of a unique mockumentary for the Jacksonville Jaguars. We also touch on life as a working actor on a successful network television show, and what it’s like to portray a character who never wears pants.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

03:1...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor and comedian, Tone Bell from the Netflix series “Survival of The Thickest”, as well as projects such as the film Trigger Warning with Jessica Alba and the Kathy Bates comedy series, Disjointed. Tone shares insights about his journey from growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, to becoming a successful stand-up comedian and actor. We talk about the challenges and joys of touring, his early influences, and his deep love for stand-up, as well as his experiences on television and in film. We also discuss the significance of his fam...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Virginia Gardner from the#1 Network film “F Marry Kill”, as well as projects such as Halloween, Runaways and Beautiful Disaster & Beautiful Wedding with Dylan Sprouse.  Virginia shares her journey from Sacramento to Los Angeles at age 16, as she discusses her start in modeling to her success as an actor. She discusses her early career experiences, including her first major film “Project Almanac.” We also touch on her childhood inspirations, as well as her abiding love for 90’s rock music.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

02:30 Virginia's Early Life a...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with director,Laura Murphy from thefilm “F Marry Kill, which features Lucy Hale and Virginia Gardner. We delve into Laura’s career journey from writing and directing at MTV to her work with high-profile talent like Awkwafina, Eliza Schlesinger, and John Oliver. The episode covers Murphy's experiences in the film industry, her filmmaking approach, and her love for comedy. We also touch on her personal life, including balancing motherhood with her career, her preferences in film genres, and her creative process.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

01:30 Laura Murphy...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with director,Ash Avildsen who directed the new film “Queen of The Ring!”  We discuss the film’s thematic roots in pro wrestling history, particularly the story of Mildred Burke, an influential female wrestler from the 1930s to the 1950s. Ash shares his filmmaking process, including the challenges of casting and the collaborative nature of movie production. The discussion covers aspects of music in film and the evolution of the music industry. Ash also reflects on his relationship with his father, director John Avildsen, and how it influences his work...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Ione Skye, who has a new memoir out called “Say Everything.”  Ione is an 80’s movie icon, who appeared in numerous films, including the 80’s classic “Say Anything.” We discuss her new book, her journey in the film industry, and what it was like growing up in Hollywood. We cover her experiences with famous friends and family, such as her father, musician Donovan, as well as her relationships with accomplished musicians. This is a nostalgic deep dive for Gen-X, as well as anyone who enjoys intriguing stories about un...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, writer, producer & director,Delaney Buffet & Katie Corwin from thefilm “Adult Best Friends!”  We delve into Delaney and Katie’s long-term friendship, creative partnership, and the challenges of shooting a film on a low budget. Additionally, we touch on Delaney's experience growing up as the daughter of the late Jimmy Buffett, the influence of comedy in their work, and their love for creating meaningful stories. 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

04:18 Childhood and Friendship

05:55 Creative Paths and Influences

09:34 Personal Stories and Reflections

30:12...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with Hall of Fame sportscaster and author,Jim Lampley. He has a new memoir coming out called “It Happened!: A Uniquely Lucky Life in Sports Television!”  We cover Jim’s extensive career in sports broadcasting, including his early challenges in college, his unexpected path into sports journalism, and notable experiences covering events like the Olympics and major boxing matches. Lampley shares personal stories, such as growing up with his double widowed mother, and her sacrifices and influences which helped him to grow into a respected sports figure.

SHOW HI...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Steven Krueger from theShowtime and Paramount+ series “Yellowjackets!”  Steven delves into his journey from aspiring lawyer to accomplished actor, highlighting the moment he realized that his true passion was acting rather than law. He discusses his career trajectory, which includes notable roles in “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Originals.” Currently, he stars in the acclaimed series “Yellowjackets,” set both in the 1990s and the present day, portraying the soccer coach of a high school team stranded in the wilderness. The discussion also touches upon his ventures into directing, as...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, writer and producer,Katie O'Brien from theTubi series “The Z-Suite!”  We explore Katie's career journey from Omaha to L.A., through the world of improv and her successful stint with the comedy group “The Katie Dids.”  Katie shares her experiences working on “Teachers”, advice and anecdotes about navigating Hollywood, and her approach to storytelling that bridges generational gaps. Additionally, we dive into comedic inspirations from Christopher Guest to reality TV, and how Katie balances the roles of writer and producer and showrunner. This was a fun exploration of...

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with chef, restauranteur and author,Ben Ford from “Ford's Filling Station in Los Angeles!” We discuss Ben's illustrious culinary career, his upbringing as the son of actor Harrison Ford, and the origins and influences of his deep-rooted passion for cooking. We touch on the evolving landscape of the culinary industry, as well as the significance of creativity and craftsmanship. Ben also shares personal anecdotes and insights about his philanthropic work with the State Department, his experiences with various culinary projects around the world, and his future aspirations as a chef...