Women in Entertainment

What happens when two powerhouse television executives decide to stop playing by the industry's rules and start writing their own?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Velvet Hammer Media co-founders Jen O'Connell and Rebecca Quinn share the story behind their partnership, from their early days at Lionsgate to building HBO Max's unscripted programming slate and ultimately launching their own production company.Following a major leadership shakeup at HBO Max, the duo turned an unexpected career transition into an opportunity to build something entirely their own. They reflect on the challenges of securing investors, confronting gender bias, and standing firm on their company's value, even when industry executives questioned their worth.Jen and Rebecca also discuss their approach to creating unscripted content through a female lens, the importance of authentic representation, and the realities of producing television in an increasingly challenging market. Through it all, their friendship, mutual trust, and willingness to advocate for one another have remained central to their success.Listen to learn:How Jen and Rebecca's partnership evolved from Lionsgate to HBO Max and Velvet Hammer MediaWhy they decided to launch their own production companyHow they navigated investor skepticism and advocated for their worthWhat makes Velvet Hammer's approach to unscripted television differentTheir perspectives on entrepreneurship, female leadership, and the future of unscripted entertainmentThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#WomenInEntertainment #VelvetHammerMedia #JenOConnell #RebeccaQuinn #WomenInFilmAndTV #UnscriptedTelevision #FemaleFounders #EntertainmentIndustry #WomenInLeadership

For Bethany Joy Lenz, storytelling has always been more than a career. It's a way of understanding herself and connecting with others.Best known for her beloved role as Haley James Scott on One Tree Hill, Bethany joins the Women in Entertainment Podcast to discuss her latest creative chapter as a novelist. Her new book, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford, explores manipulation, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships through a Victorian-era story inspired by personal experiences and her fascination with classic literature.Bethany opens up about her lifelong love of writing, the challenges of balancing motherhood, acting, and creativity, and the unconventional process of finishing her novel while working on set. She also reflects on One Tree Hill finding a new generation of fans, the realities of typecasting, and the career advice she wishes she had received earlier.From painting her own book cover to dreaming of a return to musical theater, Bethany shares how her artistic ambitions continue to evolve.Listen to learn:What inspired The Betrayal of Cora Wexford and its exploration of manipulation and resilience.How Bethany balances writing, acting, and motherhood while overcoming creative roadblocks.Why One Tree Hill continues to resonate with new generations of viewers.Her perspective on typecasting, career decisions, and navigating Hollywood as an actor.Why musical theater remains one of her greatest passions and what she hopes to pursue next.The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Read 'The Betrayal of Cora Wexford' here: https://www.amazon.com/Betrayal-Cora-Wexford-Novel-ebook/dp/B0GPQY5HGW?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=nM2ie&content-id=amzn1.sym.ac827e48-2948-4721-83ef-3e7648ac35cb&pf_rd_p=ac827e48-2948-4721-83ef-3e7648ac35cb&pf_rd_r=146-6438701-2681651&pd_rd_wg=c95oA&pd_rd_r=5dc32fdd-a5e7-422f-93ed-cc5cf0fc48b4&linkCode=sl2&tag=womeninente01-20&linkId=602f88216311cd47fe805ee1bd5ef89e&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&ascsubtag=srctok-538bcc855ecf4514&btn_type=ss&btn_ref=srctok-538bcc855ecf4514 #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #BethanyJoyLenz #OneTreeHill #TheBetrayalOfCoraWexford #Writing #Storytelling #WomenInFilm #WomenInEntertainmentIndustry

Jackie Tohn knows that building a lasting career in Hollywood takes more than talent. It takes persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to create your own opportunities.The actress, comedian, singer, and producer joins the Women in Entertainment Podcast to discuss her role as Esther on Netflix's Nobody Wants This, including how she landed the part, the show's overwhelming success, and what audiences can expect from Season 3. She also explores Esther's journey of self-discovery, the complicated dynamics between Esther, Sasha, and Morgan, and her longtime friendship and creative collaborations with Kristen Bell.Jackie reflects on a career that began with childhood appearances on The Nanny and Sesame Street and evolved through American Idol, stand-up comedy, and Netflix's GLOW. She opens up about navigating rejection, returning to commercials between major projects, and finding greater creative freedom by pursuing music, comedy, writing, and producing. Now, she's also setting her sights on directing.Listen to learn:How Jackie landed the role of Esther on Nobody Wants ThisHer thoughts on Esther and Sasha's relationship and Season 3How rejection and career uncertainty shaped her approach to HollywoodWhy stand-up comedy and creating original projects changed her careerHer advice for aspiring performers and ambitions to directThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#JackieTohn #NobodyWantsThis #KristenBell #GLOW #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Netflix #Acting #Hollywood

What does it take to turn 98 rejections into one of publishing's biggest success stories?Bestselling author Bonnie Garmus joins the podcast to reflect on her remarkable journey from advertising professional to acclaimed novelist. After facing nearly 100 rejections for her first manuscript, Bonnie found unexpected success with Lessons in Chemistry, receiving 12 publishing offers and dozens of Hollywood inquiries before the book even hit shelves.Now, Bonnie is back with Peck & Peck, a new novel that explores the wonderfully chaotic world of publishing. She shares how the story first took shape, why she chose to pursue it instead of writing a Lessons in Chemistry sequel, and how her characters often guide the narrative in unexpected directions.Throughout the conversation, Bonnie opens up about her disciplined early-morning writing routine, overcoming creative blocks, and the importance of persistence. She also explores her newfound appreciation for poetry, the intelligence and emotional depth of dogs, and why staying grounded matters even after extraordinary success.Listen to learn:How Bonnie overcame 98 rejections before finding literary success.The surprising journey from Lessons in Chemistry manuscript to screen adaptation.The inspiration behind Peck and Peck and its eccentric characters.Bonnie's writing process, daily routine, and strategies for overcoming writer's block.Why poetry, imagination, and resilience remain central to her storytelling.From creative breakthroughs to career-defining setbacks, Bonnie's story is a reminder that success rarely follows a predictable path, and sometimes the most powerful stories come from simply refusing to give up.The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#WomenInEntertainment #BonnieGarmus #PeckAndPeck #LessonsInChemistry #WomenWriters #CreativeWriting #AuthorInterview #Storytelling #Podcast

For Ming-Na Wen, storytelling has always been about connection, whether she’s bringing a groundbreaking character to life onscreen or sharing the recipes that have fed her family for generations.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, the celebrated actor and Disney Legend opens up about creating her cookbook, a project inspired by fans who spent years asking for the recipes behind the food she shared online. Ming-Na reflects on growing up as the daughter of restaurateurs, carefully testing and measuring every recipe herself, and overcoming the doubts that made her wonder whether she had the credentials to write a cookbook at all.She also looks back on the extraordinary impact of The Joy Luck Club, the experience of finally entering a room filled with other Asian actors, and the lifelong friendships that followed. From ER and Mulan to Agent May and Fennec Shand, Ming-Na shares how her childhood love of science fiction eventually led to a career filled with heroes, action, and “nerd dreams” come true. Plus, she reveals the genre she still hopes to conquer: the romantic comedy.Listen to learn:Why Ming-Na initially doubted she could write a cookbookHow food became a way to preserve family history and connectionWhat The Joy Luck Club meant to her as a Chinese American actorWhy playing action heroes became unexpectedly addictiveThe kind of role she would still love to take on nextThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#MingNaWen #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #TheJoyLuckClub #Mulan #DisneyLegend #StarWars #Marvel #AgentsOfSHIELD #FennecShand #AsianAmericanRepresentation #ChineseAmerican #Cookbook #FoodAndFamily #WomenInHollywood

Tiffani Thiessen has spent more than 40 years growing up, evolving, and reinventing herself in front of audiences around the world.In this episode of the Women in Entertainment podcast, Tiffani looks back on a career that began when she was just eight years old and led to culture-defining roles on Saved by the Bell, Beverly Hills, 90210, White Collar, and beyond. She shares what it was like navigating fame before social media, breaking away from the expectations surrounding Kelly Kapowski, and embracing the very different Valerie Malone.Tiffani also opens up about the life behind the roles: raising two children, protecting family boundaries online, balancing work with motherhood, and staying grounded through gratitude, empathy, and the support of the women who shaped her life. She also takes us inside Coven Academy, where she plays the head of a school for witches and warlocks in a story centered on sisterhood, found family, and discovering the strength that comes from finding your people.Listen to learn:How Tiffani navigated more than four decades in HollywoodWhy Valerie Malone was an important career shift after Kelly KapowskiHow she approaches social media and protects her children’s privacyThe family values and mentors that have kept her groundedWhy Coven Academy’s message of sisterhood and found family resonates with herThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ..Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85.#TiffaniThiessen #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #SavedByTheBell #BeverlyHills90210 #WhiteCollar #CovenAcademy #WomenSupportingWomen #Sisterhood #Hollywood #Acting #WorkingMoms #EntertainmentIndustry

For Kelli Giddish, a lasting career is built by continuing to do the work.On this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Kelli joins us to reflect on her remarkable journey as Amanda Rollins on Law & Order: SVU, where she is entering her 16th season. She shares why the series continues to connect across generations, how she handles the emotional weight of its most difficult storylines, and what it means to be working under the show’s first female showrunner.Kelli also looks back at the unexpected path that brought her to acting, from nearly studying physics or astronomy to training in theater, appearing on All My Children, and learning firsthand that there is no single instruction manual for building a creative career.She also shares what she has learned simply by watching Mariska Hargitay lead, why age can be approached as possibility rather than limitation, her hopes to create more stories families can experience together, and what audiences can look forward to as SVU approaches its milestone 600th episode.Listen to learn:Why Kelli believes SVU has become a multigenerational “comfort show”How she decompresses after emotionally difficult storylinesWhat soap operas taught her about discipline and preparationThe career lesson behind her mantra, “work begets work”What Mariska Hargitay has taught her about longevity, leadership, and embracing what comes nextThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#KelliGiddish #LawAndOrderSVU #SVU #AmandaRollins #MariskaHargitay #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Acting #WomenInTelevision #CareerAdvice #EntertainmentIndustry #NBC

Jill Wagner didn’t wait for Hollywood to hand her the role she wanted; she helped create it.The actress and producer joins the Women in Entertainment Podcast to trace the remarkable path from her small-town North Carolina roots to Punk’d, family-friendly films, and eventually Taylor Sheridan’s high-stakes world of Lioness. Jill shares how fear of being pigeonholed pushed her to keep evolving, and how a conversation around a backyard bonfire with her husband became the spark for a story about women serving in the military.She also takes us inside the physical and emotional transformation required to become Bobby, from years of training to the haircut that finally helped her see the character in the mirror. Jill reflects on the military women who inspired her performance, the personal details she brought to Bobby, and the relentless mindset that carried her through exhaustion: “You asked for this.”Along the way, she opens up about Taylor Sheridan’s creative process, her admiration for co-star Zoe Saldaña, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can see possibilities in you before you can see them yourself.Listen to learn:How Jill unexpectedly launched her acting career on Punk’dWhy she refused to stay in one Hollywood laneHow the original idea for Lioness beganWhat it took physically and mentally to become BobbyWhy creating your own opportunities can change the trajectory of your careerThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JillWagner #Lioness #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #TaylorSheridan #ZoeSaldana #WomenInFilm #WomenInTelevision #Acting #FemaleCreators #Hollywood #CareerReinvention #WomenInTheMilitary

Heather McMahan may be selling out iconic venues, but she still approaches her career with the same mix of hustle, humor, honesty, and relentless ambition that got her there.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Heather looks back on the long road from working restaurant shifts near Radio City Music Hall to eventually selling out the legendary venue herself. She shares how transparency helped her build an intensely loyal audience, why relatability sits at the heart of her comedy, and how stand-up gives her the creative freedom to keep moving even while television projects can take years to develop.Heather also takes us inside her writing process for a new comedy special, her experience developing a show with Hulu, and the challenge of constantly creating new material while touring and promoting what came before. Along the way, she talks about social media, comedy culture, dream collaborators, staying grounded in Atlanta, and why there is still so much she wants to accomplish.Listen to learn:How Heather built a loyal audience through honesty and relatabilityWhat selling out Radio City meant after years of grindingHow she writes, tests, and edits material for a stand-up specialWhy she believes emerging comedians need to embrace social mediaThe television, acting, and comedy goals still on her wish listThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#HeatherMcMahan #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Comedy #StandUpComedy #FemaleComedians #RadioCityMusicHall #Hulu #EntertainmentIndustry #WomenInComedy

Sometimes the role that changes everything arrives after the season when nothing seems to be working.Katherine LaNasa joins Women in Entertainment to talk about the extraordinary success of The Pitt, its 26 Emmy nominations, and the collaborative environment that makes the series feel so authentic. She celebrates the women working across the production, from writing and makeup to art direction, and shares why working with John Wells had long been on her career bucket list. She also reveals how immediately she connected with Nurse Dana and why she chose to bring a Pittsburgh accent to the character.The conversation turns deeply personal as Katherine reflects on navigating unemployment, cancer, regret, gratitude, and the practice of learning to enjoy life while she is living it. She explains why The Pitt feels like “grace from the universe,” how she has learned to work alongside fear instead of waiting for it to disappear, and why the show’s focus on people caring for one another may be part of its powerful connection with audiences.She also takes us behind the viral “Baby Jane Doe” moment, talks about her love of disappearing into wildly different characters, teases Count My Lies, shares her hopes of returning to the stage, and makes one future goal very clear: she wants to play a queen.Listen to learn:Why Nurse Dana felt instinctively right from Katherine’s very first auditionHow gratitude helped her through unemployment, illness, and career uncertaintyWhy The Pitt strives for total immersion rather than a documentary feelThe story behind her Pittsburgh accent and the viral “Baby Jane Doe” momentWhy Broadway and finally playing a queen are still on her creative wish listThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #ThePitt #NurseDana #Emmys #Acting #WomenInFilm #WomenInTelevision #JohnWells #CountMyLies #Broadway #Resilience #FemaleCreatives #WomenInHollywoodThis episode is supported by Hulu.