Joel Church-Cooper | Home Runs & Dutch Treats

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”, working with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. It’s an engaging chat about what it takes to create great TV!03:29 Film Nerd Origins04:56 Video Store Era Stories13:21 Comedy Influences and Sketch Classics17:24 Public Access and Media Power26:02 Going Dutch and Algorithm Notes28:54 What He Watches Now33:15 Kids Movies and YouTube Brain Rot41:57 Chasing Authenticity42:33 Brockmeyer Origins49:05 Baseball as Existential Comedy51:07 Future Man Writers Room57:39 Why “Going Dutch” was set in The Netherlands01:01:36 Culture Clash Comedy01:03:13 The Seven Questions

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 shares how he first got into the Dick Wolf universe, what it was like booking “Law & Order” early on (with Jerry Orbach encouraging him), and how guest spots on “SVU” ultimately helped lead to his role as Terry Bruno. Along the way they get into Philly’s Mummers Parade, comedy vs. drama, shy-kid-to-actor life, cops’ reactions to SVU, and working on ”The Irishman.”03:23 From Philly to Myrtle Beach: Growing Up in Seasonal Towns04:45 College Breakthrough: Acting Electives & Realizing It’s Possible06:17 Philly Traditions Explained: The Wild Mummers Parade09:41 Catching the Acting Bug: Jimmy Cagney, Old Movies & Film Obsessions11:41 ’80s/’90s Pop Culture, Music, and the Ice-T Connection14:43 Shy Kid to Performer: Barroom Stages, Fear, and Moving to New York16:23 Why New York (Not LA): Theater Dreams & Acting Heroes18:01 Comedy vs Drama: Versatility, SNL Era Influences & Finding Your Lane19:58 Family Reactions + “Acting Is a Shy Man’s Revenge”21:42 Training at William Esper Studio: Meisner Technique & Finding Your Tribe24:16 Meeting Amy Schumer: Showcase to Theater Company & Making Your Own Work26:10 Breaking into the Dick Wolf Universe: First Law & Order Audition27:17 SVU Guest Roles to Series Regular: Bonding with Mariska Hargitay28:18 Comedy Fundraisers to Inside Amy Schumer: Getting Pulled Into Sketch TV29:46 On the Trainwreck Set: Writing Alt Jokes with Judd Apatow33:27 Life on SVU in NYC: How Real Cops React to the Show34:15 Scorsese’s The Irishman: Fittings, De Niro, and Feeling Old in a ’90s Suit36:14 Actor vs. Multi-Hyphenate: Where the Work Feels Most Grueling37:41 The “Seven Questions”

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 Welcome00:32 Guest Introduction: Ken Leung01:15 Substack and Listener Engagement02:45 Interview Begins: Ken's Background06:16 Growing Up in New York09:43 Acting Journey and Family Dynamics12:37 Learning Through Acting20:39 Working with Sidney Lumet23:10 Landing the Role in Lost26:26 Experiencing Hawaii and Settling In27:28 The Evolution of Lost27:46 The Impact of Streaming on TV Shows31:17 Transition to Industry35:52 Project Hail Mary and Future Projects38:12 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 HIGHLIGHTS03:26 Thomas Jane's Early Life and Career Beginnings13:54 Playing Mickey Mantle08:48 The Expanse and Sci-Fi Genre18:34 High School and Early Acting27:47 Reflections on Education and Society36:32 Independent Films and Future Projects43:17 Sci-Fi and Authentic Stories44:26 Advice to Aspiring Actors46:00 Family and Personal Life48:38 Memories of Paul Reubens53:31 Working with Talented Directors55:38 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 #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 HIGHLIGHTS01:34 Chicago Roots and Pizza Preferences04:10 Journey into Food Television07:19 Food and Cultural Connections08:58 Anthony Bourdain’s Impact17:03 Memorable Culinary Experiences20:34 A Culinary Journey Through History25:18 Exploring Food Cultures and Personal Favorites27:47 The Uncharted Territory of African Cuisine29:19 The Evolution of Food Programming33:03 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 #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 HIGHLIGHTS02:43 Larry Charles' Personal Story02:58 Impact of Losing a Home07:34 Comedy in Tragedy08:37 The Influence of George Carlin13:32 Creating Content in the Digital Age18:50 Larry Charles' Early Life and Family29:08 Jewish Influence in Comedy34:15 Comedy Inspirations and Influences40:17 Exploring Comedy Preferences42:24 The Pressure of Producing Sitcoms43:42 The Evolution of Comedy44:37 Behind the Scenes of Entourage49:32 Directing Borat52:05 The Joys and Challenges of Directing55:58 The Seven Questions58:50 Dream Dinner Guests01:01:07 Religulous and Satirizing Religion01:05:08 Celebrity Crushes and Desert Island Picks01:12:10 Advice to My 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 #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 HIGHLIGHTS02:20 Ntare's Background and Family03:27 Journey into Acting10:12 Life in New York and Los Angeles12:52 Cultural Connections and Cuisine16:07 Colonial History and Family Lineage18:49 Acting Career Highlights21:04 Landing the Role in “Smoke”24:49 Unexpected Career Paths27:25 Family and Acting29:26 Cultural Connections and Cooking31:24 Upcoming Projects37:05 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 #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 HIGHLIGHTS01:30 Mariana's Background and Career02:08 Monterey and Family Connections04:11 Acting Journey and Inspirations07:24 Golf and Life Metaphors09:56 Theater and TV Career13:11 Cultural Heritage and Memories16:20 On-Set Experiences and Chemistry19:00 Reflecting on Character Dynamics19:25 Working With Marc Maron20:58 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 #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 HIGHLIGHTS01:30 Brandon's Background and Journey to Acting02:56 Family and Early Influences07:30 Musical Tastes and Influences09:58 Acting Inspirations and Favorite Roles13:15 The Unholy Trinity: Behind the Scenes20:20 Filming in Montana25:15 The Crew and Filming Challenges27:13 Childhood Inspirations and Favorite Genres28:48 Admiration for Vince Gilligan and Taylor Sheridan30:01 Star Wars Fandom and Western Roles36:34 Balancing Acting and Personal Life37:57 Memorable Moments with Iconic Actors42:53 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 #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 HIGHLIGHTS02:23 Family and Pets03:04 Acting Career and Experiences06:36 Life in LA and Family Dynamics07:37 Childhood and Early Career24:45 Living at Oakwood and Stage Parents31:29 Discussing the Cast and Plot of the Movie32:10 Reflections on Life and Acting33:59 Current TV and Movie Recommendations36:19 Childhood Movie Memories38:25 The Value of Physical Photos and Videos40:30 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 #AnnaliseBasso #TheLifeofChuck #Snowpiercer #CaptainFantastic #KarenGillan #NickOfferman #MarkHamill #MatthewLillard #Actor #Acting #storyandcraft #GabrielBasso # TomHiddleston #Dance #Surfing #ChildActor