Advertise on podcast: Story and Craft with Marc Preston

On this episode of Story and Craft, we sit down with actor Ken Leung. Known for his roles in “Rush Hour”, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, “The Sopranos”, and notably “Lost”, Ken shares his experiences across stage, TV, and film, as well as his role in the new season of HBO’s “Industry”. We dive deep into Ken's diverse career, discussing his induction into the acting world, his memorable roles, and the nuances of playing distinct characters in different genres. They also chat about the impact of “Lost”, working on “Industry”, and Ken's upcoming film, “Project Hail Mary” with Ryan Gosling and Milana Vayntrub. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will inspire! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Guest Introduction: Ken Leung 01:15 Substack and Listener Engagement 02:45 Interview Begins: Ken's Background 06:16 Growing Up in New York 09:43 Acting Journey and Family Dynamics 12:37 Learning Through Acting 20:39 Working with Sidney Lumet 23:10 Landing the Role in Lost 26:26 Experiencing Hawaii and Settling In 27:28 The Evolution of Lost 27:46 The Impact of Streaming on TV Shows 31:17 Transition to Industry 35:52 Project Hail Mary and Future Projects 38:12 The Seven Questions

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor,Thomas Jane from the Amazon Prime Video film “Play DIrty”, as well as projects such as The Expanse and Boogie Nights.  We cover Jane's impressive body of work, as well as his journey from modest beginnings in Maryland to becoming a notable actor in Hollywood. We discuss Thomas’ passion for storytelling, the joys and challenges of being an actor, and the importance of authentic human experiences in film. Thomas also reveals his graphic novel projects and his deep dive into writing a book about visiting aliens. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that covers everything from chocolate to extraterrestrials! SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 03:26 Thomas Jane's Early Life and Career Beginnings 13:54 Playing Mickey Mantle 08:48 The Expanse and Sci-Fi Genre 18:34 High School and Early Acting 27:47 Reflections on Education and Society 36:32 Independent Films and Future Projects 43:17 Sci-Fi and Authentic Stories 44:26 Advice to Aspiring Actors 46:00 Family and Personal Life 48:38 Memories of Paul Reubens 53:31 Working with Talented Directors 55:38 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #PodcastInterview #Storytelling #ActorInterview #HollywoodInterview #FilmNerd #ThomasJane #PlayDirty #TheExpanse #Troppo #PrimeVideo #MarkWahlberg #Actor #Acting #StoryAndCraft #GraphicNovels #SyFy #Aliens #IndieFilm 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with producer,Danny O’Malley. Danny is a Grammy and James Beard award nominee. He just picked up an Emmy nomination for theNetflix series “Chef's Table”. Danny takes us on a culinary journey through his experiences. They also talk about everything from the impact of Anthony Bourdain, Chicago-style pizza preferences, memorable dining experiences, to the global influence of food and its power to bridge cultures. Danny also shares insights into his Greek heritage, his obsession with Chinese cuisine, and the making of compelling food stories. Tune in for an exciting conversation filled with delicious tidbits and behind-the-scenes stories that food lovers won't want to miss! SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 01:34 Chicago Roots and Pizza Preferences 04:10 Journey into Food Television 07:19 Food and Cultural Connections 08:58 Anthony Bourdain’s Impact 17:03 Memorable Culinary Experiences 20:34 A Culinary Journey Through History 25:18 Exploring Food Cultures and Personal Favorites 27:47 The Uncharted Territory of African Cuisine 29:19 The Evolution of Food Programming 33:03 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #DannyOMalley #ChefsTable #Netflix #Alinea #GrantAchatz #AnthonyBourdain #JamesBeard #Proudcer #Producing #storyandcraft #Cooking #Restaurants #Chefs #FoodNetwork #FoodTV 

On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with author, writer, producer and director,Larry Charles , who has a new memoir out called “Comedy Samurai: Forty Years of Blood, Guts, and Laughter”. He’s known for a constellation of projects, such as Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage, Mad About You, Borat, The Dictator and The Comedians.  We dive into Larry's journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood, discussing his work on iconic shows, as well as collaborations with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Sacha Baron Cohen, Bob Dylan and Bill Maher. We cover Larry's inspirations, his experiences in the industry, and his new memoir. This is a great bit of insight into the crafts of comedy and storytelling from one of the best in the business. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 02:43 Larry Charles' Personal Story 02:58 Impact of Losing a Home 07:34 Comedy in Tragedy 08:37 The Influence of George Carlin 13:32 Creating Content in the Digital Age 18:50 Larry Charles' Early Life and Family 29:08 Jewish Influence in Comedy 34:15 Comedy Inspirations and Influences 40:17 Exploring Comedy Preferences 42:24 The Pressure of Producing Sitcoms 43:42 The Evolution of Comedy 44:37 Behind the Scenes of Entourage 49:32 Directing Borat 52:05 The Joys and Challenges of Directing 55:58 The Seven Questions 58:50 Dream Dinner Guests 01:01:07 Religulous and Satirizing Religion 01:05:08 Celebrity Crushes and Desert Island Picks 01:12:10 Advice to My Younger Self Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #LarryCharles #Seinfeld #CurbYourEnthusiam #Borat #Comedy #JerrySeinfeld #SachaBaronCohen #LarryDavid #BillyCrystal #PaulReiser #BillMaher #BobDylan #MelBrooks #Author #Writer #Producer #Director #ComedySamurai #storyandcraft #HBO #Author #Bruno #TheDictator #Jewish #Religulous 

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 10:12 Life in New York and Los Angeles 12:52 Cultural Connections and Cuisine 16:07 Colonial History and Family Lineage 18:49 Acting Career Highlights 21:04 Landing the Role in “Smoke” 24:49 Unexpected Career Paths 27:25 Family and Acting 29:26 Cultural Connections and Cooking 31:24 Upcoming Projects 37:05 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #NtareGumaMbahoMwine #Smoke #Dexter #WashingtonBlack #AppleTV # TaronEgerton # JurneeSmollett #GregKinnear # JohnLeguizamo #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Uganda #Photography

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 Connections 04:11 Acting Journey and Inspirations 07:24 Golf and Life Metaphors 09:56 Theater and TV Career 13:11 Cultural Heritage and Memories 16:20 On-Set Experiences and Chemistry 19:00 Reflecting on Character Dynamics 19:25 Working With Marc Maron 20:58 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #MarianaTrevino #Stick #AppleTV #OwenWilson #MarcMaron #JudyGreer #PeterDager #TimothyOlyphant #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Golf #Monterrey #SouthPadreIsland #SPI 

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 Brandon's Background and Journey to Acting 02:56 Family and Early Influences 07:30 Musical Tastes and Influences 09:58 Acting Inspirations and Favorite Roles 13:15 The Unholy Trinity: Behind the Scenes 20:20 Filming in Montana 25:15 The Crew and Filming Challenges 27:13 Childhood Inspirations and Favorite Genres 28:48 Admiration for Vince Gilligan and Taylor Sheridan 30:01 Star Wars Fandom and Western Roles 36:34 Balancing Acting and Personal Life 37:57 Memorable Moments with Iconic Actors 42:53 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #BrandonLessard #TheUnholyTrinity #RoadsideAttractions #PierceBrosnan #SamuelLJackson #DavidArquette #KatrinaBowden #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Montana #Western

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 anticipated summer movies.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 02:23 Family and Pets 03:04 Acting Career and Experiences 06:36 Life in LA and Family Dynamics 07:37 Childhood and Early Career 24:45 Living at Oakwood and Stage Parents 31:29 Discussing the Cast and Plot of the Movie 32:10 Reflections on Life and Acting 33:59 Current TV and Movie Recommendations 36:19 Childhood Movie Memories 38:25 The Value of Physical Photos and Videos 40:30 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #AnnaliseBasso #TheLifeofChuck #Snowpiercer #CaptainFantastic #KarenGillan #NickOfferman #MarkHamill #MatthewLillard #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #GabrielBasso # TomHiddleston #Dance #Surfing #ChildActor 

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 Felix’s journey in the arts. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 01:42 Felix Solis and his New York history 02:43 Felix Solis on Atlanta and Ozark 05:41 Anthony Bourdain Anecdote 10:07 Theater Beginnings and Philip Seymour Hoffman 20:15 Growing Up in New York 25:48 Family Background and Multicultural Upbringing 30:18 Career Moves and The Rookie 35:30 Life with Rescue Dogs 38:40 Dog Sitting and Travel 39:14 Auditioning for Ozark 42:46 Representation in Media 46:04 Puerto Rican Cuisine and Cooking 47:39 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #FelixSolis #Sirens #TheRookie #Ozark #Netflix #MillyAlcock #KevinBacon #JulianneMoore #MeghannFahy #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #PhilipSeymourHoffman #AnthonyBourdain #NewYork #PuertoRican #RescueDogs

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 Soundtracks 33:45 Juilliard Experience 34:59 Deciding to Pursue Acting at Julliard 36:32 Early Influences and Family Background 39:07 First Big Break and Career Beginnings 41:29 Memorable Projects and Experiences 45:50 The Joy of Acting and Future Aspirations 49:08 Personal Life and Family Dynamics 54:05 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #ReedDiamond #Drop #OrphanBlack #Designated Survivor #13ReasonsWhy #BrandonSklenar #MeghannFahy #ViolettBeane #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Music #FamilyMan #MoneyBall

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 with Billie Eilish.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 01:39 Alex Wolf's Acting Journey 03:10 New Film: Magic Farm 05:02 Musical Influences and Family 08:53 Creative Process and Inspirations 16:43 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #AlexWolff #MagicFarm #Oppenheimer #Hereditary #Mubi #NatWolff #BillieEilish #ChloeSevigny #WolffBrothers #Actor #Musician #Acting #storyandcraft #Jazz #MNightShyamalan

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 difference in the lives of people around the world. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 01:01 Jim Murphy's Athletic Journey 05:52 Transition to Coaching 09:30 Cultural Influences and Personal Philosophy 20:03 Reflections on Dreams and Aspirations 21:37 Introduction to Living a Full Life 21:46 Desert Experience and Personal Transformation 27:30 Impact of AJ Brown and Future Goals 33:58 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #JimMurphy #InnerExcellence #SelfHelp #AJBrown #TexasRangers #Rangers #Baseball #Author #Acting, Directing, etc. #storyandcraft #NFL #Football #PhiladelphiaEagles #Motivation #Inspiration 

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 03:19 Asher's Background and Upbringing 09:58 Early Acting Experiences 15:13 Pursuing Acting in High School and College 24:50 The Jacksonville Jaguars Project 32:48 Winning Awards and Recognition 34:07 Auditioning for Ghosts 36:45 The Unique Concept of Ghosts 40:16 The Casting Process and Table Read 42:14 The Impact of COVID-19 44:22 The Ensemble Cast and Collaboration 48:00 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #AsherGrodman #Ghosts #JacksonvilleJaguars #Jaguars #CBS #ImRoseMcIver #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #NFL #Football

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 family and how personal experiences shape his comedic storytelling.  SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 01:51 Tone Bell's Journey to Austin 05:15 Comedy Beginnings and Inspirations 07:36 The Realities of Touring as a Comedian 13:30 Comedy Styles and Influences 17:33 Family and Personal Life 21:42 Transition to Acting and Comedy 22:14 Theater Experiences and Challenges 24:40 Television Aspirations and Family Influence 26:38 College Days and Early Career 29:56 Acting Roles and Collaborations 33:16 Personal Reflections and Future Plans 33:47 The Seven Questions Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #ToneBell #SurvivalOfTheThickest #TriggerWarning #Disjointed #Netflix #MichelleButeau # JessicaAlba #KathyBates #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #Comedy #Comedian 

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 and Career Beginnings 05:19 First Acting Experiences and Moving to LA 07:58 Transition to Acting and First Major Film Role 19:46 Working with Dylan Sprouse and Lucy Hale 22:38 Traveling for Work and Filming Challenges 26:10 Wine Adventures and Personal Life 30:09 True Crime Podcasts and Online Dating 31:33 Gen Z and Traditional Dating 32:21 The Trad Wife Trend 33:51 Life with a Touring Musician 36:57 Nineties Music Nostalgia 39:59 The Seven Questions 50:58 Perfect Day and Career Reflections 55:53 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app. Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at www.storyandcraftpod.com . . . #podcast #VirginiaGardner #FMarryKill #Halloween #BeautifulDisaster #Runaways #Lionsgate #LucyHale #DylanSprouse #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #TheStruts #90sMusic #Matchbox20