Ash Avildsen | Wrestling The Story

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 HIGHLIGHTS01:01 Jim Murphy's Athletic Journey05:52 Transition to Coaching09:30 Cultural Influences and Personal Philosophy20:03 Reflections on Dreams and Aspirations21:37 Introduction to Living a Full Life21:46 Desert Experience and Personal Transformation27:30 Impact of AJ Brown and Future Goals33:58 The Seven QuestionsListen 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 HIGHLIGHTS03:19 Asher's Background and Upbringing09:58 Early Acting Experiences15:13 Pursuing Acting in High School and College24:50 The Jacksonville Jaguars Project32:48 Winning Awards and Recognition34:07 Auditioning for Ghosts36:45 The Unique Concept of Ghosts40:16 The Casting Process and Table Read42:14 The Impact of COVID-1944:22 The Ensemble Cast and Collaboration48:00 The Seven QuestionsListen 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 HIGHLIGHTS01:51 Tone Bell's Journey to Austin05:15 Comedy Beginnings and Inspirations07:36 The Realities of Touring as a Comedian13:30 Comedy Styles and Influences17:33 Family and Personal Life21:42 Transition to Acting and Comedy22:14 Theater Experiences and Challenges24:40 Television Aspirations and Family Influence26:38 College Days and Early Career29:56 Acting Roles and Collaborations33:16 Personal Reflections and Future Plans33:47 The Seven QuestionsListen 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 HIGHLIGHTS02:30 Virginia's Early Life and Career Beginnings05:19 First Acting Experiences and Moving to LA07:58 Transition to Acting and First Major Film Role19:46 Working with Dylan Sprouse and Lucy Hale22:38 Traveling for Work and Filming Challenges26:10 Wine Adventures and Personal Life30:09 True Crime Podcasts and Online Dating31:33 Gen Z and Traditional Dating32:21 The Trad Wife Trend33:51 Life with a Touring Musician36:57 Nineties Music Nostalgia39:59 The Seven Questions50:58 Perfect Day and Career Reflections55:53 Upcoming Projects and Final ThoughtsListen 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

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 HIGHLIGHTS01:30 Laura Murphy's Early Career05:32 Journey to MTV and Promos08:16 Directing and Comedy25:20 Balancing Work and Family30:45 Influences and Inspirations33:12 Caddyshack and Comedy Classics33:58 Screening Anxiety and Audience Reactions35:48 Current TV Shows and British Dramas38:32 The Seven Questions40:31 Dream Conversations and Influential Figures45:06 Celebrity Crushes and Nostalgia47:24 Island Essentials: Movies and Music50:24 Perfect Day and Simple Luxuries53:40 Alternative Careers and Detective Dreams54:25 Advice to Younger SelfListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #LauraMurphy #FMarryKill #LucyHale #VirginiaGardner #Director #Directing #storyandcraft #JohnOliver #IlizaShlesinger #Awkwafina #MTV 

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. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS01:31 The Making of 'Queen of the Ring'02:34 Ash's Love for Wrestling07:05 Challenges in Casting08:04 The Evolution of the Music Industry14:27 Growing Up with Famous Parents16:51 Transitioning from Music to Film19:45 The Collaborative Art of Filmmaking21:05 The Importance of Music in Film26:02 Cinema vs. Television28:14 The Theater Experience29:59 Convenience of Watching Movies on Phones30:52 Childhood Movie and TV Influences32:40 Directing Style and Influences34:06 Challenges of Filming Wrestling Scenes42:38 Personal Life and Hobbies45:04 The Seven QuestionsListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #AshAvildsen #QueenOfTheRing #EmilyBettRickards #JoshLucas #Director #Directing #storyandcraft #Wrestling #ProWrestling #MildredBurke #SumerianRecords #SumerianRecords #JohnAvildsen #KarateKid 

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 unique creative journeys.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS01:26 Life in Australia and Family02:32 Hollywood Upbringing and Family Background04:27 Gen X Nostalgia and Book Insights10:14 Reflections on Fame and Youth25:01 Creative Pursuits and Future Plans32:07 Children of Musicians: A Unique Upbringing33:14  Reflections of 80’s Teen Actors34:29 Desire to Be More Than a Pretty Face35:20 Balancing Career and Education37:04 Navigating Fame and Privacy39:55 Jewish Heritage and Family Dynamics41:32 Favorite Foods and Culinary Skills43:00 The Seven QuestionsListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #IoneSkye #SayEverythying #storyandcraft #SayAnything #JohnCusack #BenLee #Donovan #AnthonyKiedis #RedHotChiliPeppers #BeastieBoys #AdRock #AdamHorovitz #FrankZappa #MoonUnitZappa #GenX #GenerationX #80sKids #80sMovies #Retro #Author #Actor #Acting

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 HIGHLIGHTS04:18 Childhood and Friendship05:55 Creative Paths and Influences09:34 Personal Stories and Reflections30:12 Life in West Palm Beach40:00 Cultural Differences in Comedy and Music40:37 Musical Tastes and Memories41:41 Writing and Music in Film43:16 Casting and Character Development45:38 Challenges of Directing and Acting48:13 Improvisation and Chemistry on Set49:27 Future Projects and Genre Exploration51:05 The Seven QuestionsListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #DelaneyBuffett #KatieCorwin #AdultBestFriends #Comedy #GravitasVentures #IndependentFilm #WomenInFilm #ZacharyQuinto #JimmyBuffett #Parrotheads #FinsUp #ZacharyQuinto #MasonTheGooding #CazzieDavid #Actor #Acting #Director #Writer #Producer #storyandcraft 

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 HIGHLIGHTS03:55 Jim Lampley's Early Life and Career Beginnings06:59 College Years and Personal Struggles11:17 Turning Point and Academic Success29:30 Graduate School and Early Career32:44 Breakthrough at ABC Sports45:53 Wide World of Sports and Olympic Coverage49:44 Starting Out in Sports Broadcasting50:45 Mentorship and Career Growth53:59 The Boxing Era59:11 Memorable Sports Moments01:04:55 The Seven QuestionsListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #JimLampley #ABCSports #ABC #JimMcKay #HowardCosell #Sportscaster #Author #storyandcraft #TaylorSheridan #MikeTyson #MuhammadAli #Galifianakis #ESPN #HBO #HBOSports #Boxing #Olympics #UNC #NorthCarolina

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 Steven also recently produced and directed his first short film. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS02:47 Stephen's Journey to Nashville04:20 Life in the Entertainment Industry07:16 Growing Up and Career Beginnings09:33 The Influence of Family14:12 Breaking into Acting26:10 Early Career Milestones28:34 Quitting the Side Job31:31 The Impact of Short TV Seasons36:53 Landing the Role in Yellowjackets39:10 Yellowjackets: Plot and Production43:14 Directing and Producing a Short Film47:45 The Seven QuestionsListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #StevenKrueger #Yellowjackets #Showtime #SophieThatcher #SarahDesjardins #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #ParamountPlus #Netflix #Nashville #PrettyLittleLiars #TheOriginals #LeavingTheLight #MelanieLynskey #ChristinaRicci #SophieNelisse #SamanthaHanratty #LivHewson