Advertise on podcast: F*ck Your Comfort Zone with Margie Haber

EP. 63 JOHNNO WILSON Actor | Writer | Comedian Margie had the best time catching up with her longtime student Johnno Wilson. Their relationship spans more than a decade, and this episode feels less like an interview and more like two old friends sitting down to talk shop, life, and fatherhood. Johnno most recently appearing in the critically acclaimed Season 2 of Twisted Metal (Peacock), High Potential (ABC), and Watson (CBS).  His upcoming projects include Larry David’s new untitled HBO series, Season 2 of BAD MONKEY (Apple TV+), and Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated RESIDENT EVIL feature film, which begins shooting this winter. A Groundlings Theatre alumnus, Johnno is based in Los Angeles.  In this episode, Johnno and Margie dive into the current audition landscape, navigating self-tapes, the importance of having a strong reader, and the ongoing journey of finding—and trusting—your own voice. @johnnowilson

Actress|Director from New Zealand Kiwi actress, Morgan Bradley began her career in New Zealand as a child, fueled by a vivid imagination and a farm upbringing that taught her grit and a love of nature. She opens up to Margie about being bullied for standing out in a culture shaped by “tall poppy syndrome,” and how her curiosity—and refusal to shrink—shaped who she is. Morgan speaks candidly about navigating depression, discovering her self-worth, and learning to elevate her frequency by saying “yes” to life. Her career spans hosting Kid Zone to starring in Closer, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and Rent, where she lived inside Mimi’s fierce yet hopeful spirit. She shares her leap to America, her directing journey, and creating the life of philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post. This episode leaves you lifted—reminding you to find your joy, stand tall, and never stop saying yes.

Andy Allo is a Cameroonian-American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actress. And now a very talented chef, focused on sharing her Cameroonian heritage. Andy is best known for her roles in "Upload," "Chicago Fire," and "Pitch Perfect 3," as well as her musical collaborations with Prince and her own solo endeavors.  Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of Margie’s most inspiring students.

EP. 60 Jeff Witjas Partner | Senior VP, Talent at IAG Margie reconnects with her old friend, talent agent, Jeff Witjas in a conversation spanning decades.  You’ve heard of people starting out in the mailroom at William Morris… well, that was Jeff Witjas in the late ’70’s.  During his 25 years at WMA, and later as Senior VP of Talent at APA, he has enjoyed much success and worked with such icons as Betty White, Jerry Lewis, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Hope, George C. Scott and many more.  Now a Partner at IAG, his current roster includes Smokey Robinson, Jason Momoa, Elliot Gould, Jon Seda and Lucille Soong, among others.  Jeff and Margie trade stories and laughs in this very enjoyable podcast.

EP. 59 ANTHONY MEINDL Writer | Director | Teacher Margie talks with her friend and colleague, the wildly popular Anthony Meindl, who founded AMAW, Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop, now in its' 27th year.  AMAW is the largest scene study studio in LA with locations in 10 other cities worldwide.  Tony is the author of 5 books, including best-sellers, At Left Brain Turn Right and Book the F*cking Job.  His film, Where We Go From Here was recently acquired by HULU.  Margie and Anthony share similar acting philosophies, encouraging actors to let go, surrender and live in the moment.  They are all about helping actors get in touch with their power, accepting the many parts of themselves and saying, “Yes!” to life. Hear what happens when two of the top acting coaches in the world trade stories.   They PLAY, they RISK, and they are not afraid to BE MESSY.  

EP. 58 RACHEL LEYCO  Filipino American Filmmaker | Actress Rachel Leyco is an award-winning queer Filipino American multi-hyphenate filmmaker, actress, and content creator.  As an actress, she can be seen on numerous TV shows, such as Netflix's Atypical, BET's Games People Play, Peacock's Bel-Air, and NBC’s Chicago Fire.  Recently, she starred in the new holiday rom-com, Yuletide the Knot, and the new Tubi Original thriller, What Happens in Miami. Defying her family expectations and stereotypes, Rachel f*cked her comfort zone after high school and told her Mom that she was going to pursue acting and film school.  Growing up in a Christian household, she went to church every weekend where she was taught that homosexuality was wrong and a sin. Her biggest struggle was coming out and learning to accept herself.  In her early twenties, she f*cked that comfort zone and is proud to be living out her authentic self!  Margie and Rachel talk openly about their similar challenges in coming out.  Margie’s curious-self questions Rachel about labels like gay, queer, bisexual, pansexual and more.    As an advocate for mental health, Rachel discusses her struggles with depression and anxiety and shares some very helpful self-care tools. Rachel also gets into her acting career and how Margie’s class has inspired her to bring the joy into her auditions and, you guessed it, f*ck your comfort zone!

EP. 57 DR. SHERRY Ob/Gyn, Author, and Health Expert Margie f*cks her comfort zone with a candid conversation with Dr. Sheryl A. Ross, aka “Dr. Sherry.”  A passionate advocate for women’s health for over 25 years, Dr. Sherry is the author of She-ology: The Definitve Guide to Women’s Intimate Health, and She-ology, the she-quel, Let’s Continue the Conversation.  Her series “Lady Parts” on Sarah Hyland and Ellen’s digital network was nominated for the Critic’s Choice Real TV Awards.  In this episode, Margie and Dr. Sherry discuss questions like What do you call your vagina?  Do you know what’s down there?  Why are we so embarrassed? and What type of vibrator do you have?  No topic is off limits, as they touch on body shame, #MeToo, porn, trans and sexual identity, the abortion issue, politics, women’s rights, gay rights, self empowerment, you name it!     Twitter @DrSherylRoss Instgram@drsherryr Facebook DrSherryR drsherry.com

EP. 56 DR. ARLENE DRAKE, PhD, MFT Psychotherapist | Author Margie is excited to welcome her friend, Arlene Drake on the podcast.  A psychotherapist for over 40 years specializing in trauma recover, Dr. Arlene Drake is a pioneer in the field of adult survivors of childhood abuse.  She is the author of Carefrontation - Breaking Free From Childhood Trauma.  And…she happens to be a former actress, best known for her work on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.  Margie and Arlene have a spirited conversation about Arlene's book and the steps to repair the damage of your childhood and take care of your inner child.  Arlene speaks directly to the little kid inside each of us on this journey to healing.  

EP. 55 CHRIS SCHELLENGER Actor | Model | Teacher | Drag QueenChris Schellenger is an actor, model and one of Margie's wonderful teachers.  He was a finalist on America’s Next Top Model and has acted in umpteen commercials and in such films as NY84, They Found Hell, Wineville and an upcoming feature (his first role in drag) which we can’t talk about since he signed an NDA.  Chris shares his experience of booking a self-tape with Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver) /Lindsay Lohan - in 2013, way before they became popular.  Chris talks about his love of the Margie Haber Studio, both as an actor and a teacher and how Margie plucked him out of her class to teach.  Margie was excited to hear about his recent role on the TV show, Hacks, where he lived the life of a drag queen.  Margie and Chris have an intimate, open discussion about Chris being fluid, the challenges of growing up dressing as a girl and some great advice to parents who may have a trans child. Chris ends the podcast validating men who have a strong feminine side or women who identify more male and how to embrace it and remove any shame around it.  

EP. 54 SALLY STEWART Actor “Ever since I’ve worked with you, I’ve either gotten a callback or booked." Sally, on working with Margie Sally has been a professional actor for over 20 years.  She has guest-starred on such series as Bull, FBI Most Wanted, Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, The Sopranos and New York Undercover.  With roles from a judge to a lawyer to a victim, she has lived them all.  Sally shares what it is like to be cast as a co-star supporting the story rather than being the star.  She has also acted in theater and had the privilege of working opposite the legendary Ruby Dee.  Sally played Rose in August Wilson’s, Fence, directed by Broadway director, Marion McClinton.  Margie and Sally discuss the challenges of playing such a complicated character. Sally has created, written and produced a series called Pop Pairing.   Sally starts off with her Southern, American, Jamaican, New York City roots and her journey as an actress.  She shares her challenges as well as her fears.  Margie remarks on her amazing growth since starting her class a year ago.  Sally shares how it has changed her approach to acting by simplifying and being more specific with auditioning.   The podcast concludes with Sally’s advice for actors.

EP. 53 Alexandra Paul Actress | Activist | Co-host of Switch4Good Podcast  There are so many layers to Alexandra Paul and Margie hits all of them on this podcast.  Firstly, her acting career.  What was it like to star on the iconic TV series, “Baywatch” for five years, as well as her 100 movies and other TV shows?  [Margie's wife is obsessed with Alexandra's Lifetime movies!] They discuss Alexandra’s dedication as an athlete and how that helped her find the discipline she needed to be a working actress. Next, they explore Alexandra’s journey into becoming a vegan, which also led to her role as an activist and being arrested countless times to protect animals and human rights.  In her last effort, she was acquitted for rescuing a chicken from a slaughter truck.  And lastly, they riff on how all this has led her to co-host her amazing podcast, Switch4Good, which encourages listeners to “Ditch Dairy.  Feel Awesome.  Save the World.”  Don’t miss Margie's conversation with Alexandra Paul, which is filled with love and respect for each other.  

EP. 52 Kim Krejus  Artistic Director, 16th St Actors Studio Melbourne, Australia  Kim is the founder and artistic director of 16th St Actors Studio in Melbourne Australia.  It is a prestigious creative space for actors to train in all levels of their creative development and has a not-for-profit foundation that is opening up opportunities for emerging writers and directors. Kim started out as a film actor receiving an Australian Film Institute best actress nomination for the film, "Mouth to Mouth."  She was so young! Just 19. Kim shares her challenges growing up as a Catholic with an abusive alcoholic stepfather and how this shaped her life to become a kind person who cares about people.  Margie and Kim discuss alcoholism and Alanon and how Margie's book, "F*ck Your Comfort Zone" can help those who get caught in the triangle of rescuer, victim and persecutor.  Kim got out of her comfort zone with Buddhism, which helped her deal with the tragedy of losing her sister to cancer when she was in her 50's.  Margie and Kim have so much in common as they share what it is like to own an acting studio and their passion for teaching.  In the end, they give actors some insight on how they create characters.  

EP 51. FABRIZIO TRAVERSA, ITALIAN ACTOR In this podcast, Margie talks to her student and friend, Fabrizio, from Italy, about the challenges of being so handsome that people often don’t see past your looks.  In Hollywood, beauty is so important.  Margie and Fabrizio discuss how this phenomenon has affected his life and how therapy has helped him see who he is underneath the exterior, appreciate it and grow from the inside.  Fabrizio talks about his critical parent, a term from Margie's book,  F*ck your Comfort Zone,  “Am I smart enough, vulnerable enough?”  They discuss Hollywood’s handsome leading men such as Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and what they brought to their characters from their core, even in comedy.  Margie and Fabrizio talk about his career, the International Studies Program, Fabrizio's growth as an actor and what he is taking with him as he returns to Rome after visiting for 3 weeks.   

EP. 50 MARK MEASURES Talent Agent, President of KMR Talent Mark is president of Kazarian/Measures/Ruskin & Associates and has represented such stars as Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Chris Pratt, Jane Lynch, Terrance Howard and Margie's wonderful student, Melanie Nicholls-King.  Mark shares some intimate childhood memories of losing his parents at a young age and dropping out of high school. He began his career as a commercial agent in 1988.  (Ironically working for the same agencies that Margie worked with at the start of her commercial career - TGI and Harry Abrams.)  Both Mark and Margie also worked with Brad Pitt and Halle Berry.  And they discovered another thing in common - their favorite musical, “Ragtime!” (which is Margie's son, Michael's favorite as well!)  Mark discusses what makes an actor successful in commercials, theater and film/tv.  He goes over his checklist for success, what makes a good self-tape, cover letter, head shots and gives his viewpoint on managers vs agents.  They also discuss the question of authenticity in casting – for instance, whether one should hire a gay actor for a gay role, and the company’s championing of actors with disabilities.  Margie and Mark end the conversation with questions from her students and a wise suggestion from Mark - "Do one thing for your career each day and you will have done 365 of them at the end of the year!” www.kmrtalent.com    

EP. 49 Jackson Kelly Actor For a young guy, Jackson has been very busy as a series regular in “Lucky Hank” with well-known actor Bob Odenkirk from “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul” and his new series for Disney, “Witch Mountain” starring Bryce Dallas Howard, as well as the Oscar-nominated short, “My Year of Dicks,” streaming on Hulu and many other productions soon to be released. Margie and Jackson talk about what it was like working with Bob Odenkirk and how he got the part, as well as his first feature film and WItch Mountain. Margie and Kelly recall the first time they met when he was just 18 starring in the movie, “Hard Miles” with her student, Richard Gunn.  Ironically, the film was about an anorexic boy, while Kelly was keeping his own secret that he, too, was suffering from the same disease. Most rewarding is that Jackson decided to use this podcast as a way to “out“ himself and share his eating disorder.  Margie remembers the time that she kindly asked if he had an eating disorder and Jackson bravely outed himself about his challenges and setbacks over the past four years.   If anyone has an eating disorder or knows someone suffering from it, please share this podcast with them.  It is inspiring, as Kelly truly "F*cked his comfort zone!"