Best Hollywood Hash Podcasts (2025)

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-One: Meet Darron Cardosa, aka "The Bitchy Waiter!" 1:06:38

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4d ago1:06:38

1:06:38

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Fifty-One: Sean Patrick welcomes the sensation, the phenomenon, the hilarity that is heart and soul behind "The Bitchy Waiter," Darron Cardosa. Truly a dream come true to have this incredibly talented and thoughtful guests. From the dish pit to Times Square to the blog that started the brand, the two unpack every "bitchy" detail…

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Buddhism, Smuggled Hash & Hidden Footage: Marta György-Kessler’s Untold Journey into Documentary Filmmaking 35:57

4h ago35:57

35:57

Actress-turned-documentarian Marta György-Kessler joins Best in Fest to share her fascinating transformation from the stages of Budapest to uncovering untold spiritual journeys through film. In this episode, Marta dives into the backstory of her award-winning documentary Hannah: Buddhism's Untold Journey, her deep connection to Buddhist icon Hannah…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode FIFTY: Meet Eden Casteel! 1:10:23

4h ago1:10:23

1:10:23

TUFF SHIFT! Episode FIFTY: Sean Patrick welcomes the hilarious soprano wonder, et al. Eden Casteel to the show to unpack her four month stint as a waitress. From earning the nickname "Pitch B**ch" to getting out of restaurants to pursue her performance career to ultimately ending back up in hospitality as part of her career as an entertainer. It's …

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Richard Lawson on Acting, Empowerment & The Artist’s Roadmap to Success 52:39

8d ago52:39

52:39

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with legendary actor, director, teacher, and empowerment leader Richard Lawson. With a career spanning over 55 years—from Poltergeist to Tyler Perry productions—Lawson shares his journey of resilience, integrity, and artistry. He discusses his groundbreaking philosophy from The Artis…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Nine: Meet Spencer Glass! 1:07:23

7d ago1:07:23

1:07:23

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Nine: Sean Patrick welcomes one of NYC's most beloved actors and educators, Spencer Glass. From opening wine bottles to opening nights, the two unpack the literal blood, sweat and tears that go into waiting tables and booking dream jobs. Charming, engaging, and thoughtful, every working actor should tune in to hear the pea…

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Breaking Barriers in Animation: Sam Goff on Diversity, Storytelling, and Building Global Hits 42:59

7d ago42:59

42:59

In this insightful episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with Sam Goff—creative talent manager at Fourth Wall Management and self-proclaimed “animation activist.” From her early days at DreamWorks and Netflix to teaching animated perspectives at Loyola Marymount and Cal State Long Beach, Sam shares how authentic voices are reshaping the …

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Eight: Meet Francis Garner! 1:10:07

15d ago1:10:07

1:10:07

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Eight: Sean Patrick welcomes booming-baritone and rising cabaret artist, Francis Garner. From underwhelming tips to charming audiences all over the east coast, the two unpack the good, the bad, and the ugly of customers, coworkers, bosses and reworking "the dream." Follow Francis @francisgarnerbaritone Support the show Fol…

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Jermaine McGhee: From Stage to Screen—Dance, Choreography & Storytelling Through Movement 29:53

14d ago29:53

29:53

What does it take to transform a lifetime of dance into powerful storytelling for film, opera, and television? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Les LaPage sits down with Jermaine McGhee—scholar, choreographer, educator, and former principal dancer for the LA and San Francisco Opera, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Omar. Jermaine shares hi…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Seven: Meet Morgan Reynolds! 1:05:33

1M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Seven: Sean Patrick welcomes the beautifully talented, incredibly sincere, and triple-threat that is the one and only Morgan Reynolds. From bartending (shirtless) on Broadway to breaking the binary on stage, the two unpack not just surviving the stereotype, but reimagining "the dream" to fit their own personal evolution. C…

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From Docu-Follow to Soft Scripted: Audrey Smith on Crafting Reality That Resonates 45:32

21d ago45:32

45:32

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage chats with television producer Audrey Smith about the art and strategy behind reality TV’s evolving sub-genres. Audrey breaks down the difference between docu-follow and soft-scripted formats, revealing how casting, storytelling, and audience expectations shape each style. From Girlfriend Confidential …

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Six: Meet Matthew Corozine! 1:03:43

1M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Six: Sean Patrick welcomes the talented, magnetic and engaging Matthew Corozine, who just happens to be one of the premier Meisner technique teachers in NYC. From slinging drinks to celebrating 25 years of the Matthew Corozine Studio. Check out his debut book: IF YOU SURVIVED 7th GRADE, YOU CAN BE AN ACTOR. Follow Matthew …

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Breaking Barriers & Busting Myths: “It’s Our Ball” and the Power of Senior Women in Sports 44:04

28d ago44:04

44:04

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, Les Lippa sits down with filmmakers David Morrison, Penny Edmondson, and Judy Marlin to talk about their dynamic documentary It’s Our Ball—the untold story of senior women dominating the basketball court and redefining age, athleticism, and respect. From heartfelt personal journeys to the challenges of aut…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Five: Pre-Shift-All-Shift with Sean Patrick Murtagh! 1:18:15

1M ago1:18:15

1:18:15

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Five: You didn't ask for it...but you're getting it anyway! Sean Patrick Murtagh brings you the very first full length "Pre-Shift" episode. All the hot takes, sass, and anecdotes of shifts of yore, spread out over an entire episode. The appetizer as main course of episodes! Support the show Follow TUFF SHIFT! everywhere @T…

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Emmy Winner Bridget Stokes on Sketch Comedy, Episodic Directing & Indie Grit 37:01

1M ago37:01

37:01

What does it take to go from indie filmmaker to Emmy-winning director? In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Bridget Stokes—trailblazing director of A Black Lady Sketch Show, Hello, Jack!, and Boy Genius—to unpack her inspiring rise through the film and television world. From waiting tables in New York to winning an Emm…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Four: Welcome Back Lianne Marie Dobbs! 1:04:24

2M ago1:04:24

1:04:24

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Four: Sean Patrick welcomes back Lianne Marie Dobbs to continue unpacking all things hospitality and pounding the pavement. Despite technologies best attempt to interrupt this interview, "THE SHOW MUST GO ON," as the old saying goes...and boy, oh boy what an incredible second act we have here. Follow Lianne @nycnightingale…

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Nathan Elliott on Virtual Production & Brand-Backed Cinema 37:20

1M ago37:20

37:20

What do PlayStation, storefront media, and cutting-edge documentaries have in common? Nathan Elliott. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with the Canadian entrepreneur, technologist, and filmmaker to discuss how he's revolutionizing advertising and storytelling. Nathan reveals how his company, FrontRunner Technologies, tr…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Three: Meet Lianne Marie Dobbs 48:05

2M ago48:05

48:05

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Three: Sean Patrick welcomes his friend and amazingly talented human being, Lianne Marie Dobbs. Whether on stage, on the floor, in rehearsals, or behind the host stand, Lianne is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get the job done. From "celebrity" chefs to headlining venues across the country they unpack it all. Follow…

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The Making of “Reminisce” with Ashna Sharan and Wayne Jay 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

What happens when an aerospace engineer-turned-actor and a multilingual actress-turned-writer join forces? You get Reminisce—a compelling new short film exploring a May-December romance, generational gaps, and power imbalances in love. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with Ashna Sharan and Wayne Jay to unpack their crea…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Two: Meet Jack Bartholet! 1:18:40

2M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-Two: Sean Patrick welcomes the award-winning tenor dreamboat that is Jack Bartholet. From Insanely high notes in concert to low moments in catering; from piano bars to Carnegie Hall, the two unpack the shade and the Ethan Hawke of it all. Follow Jack @jack.bartholet or visit his website: www.jackbartholet.com Jack's show, …

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From Commercial Giants to Intimate Documentarians with Jason & Blue Gerber 37:18

2M ago37:18

37:18

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with powerhouse filmmaking duo Blue and Jason Gerber. From directing award-winning commercials for brands like Walgreens, Chipotle, and Lincoln Park Community Services, to creating emotionally resonant documentaries, this married team shares their evolution from the fast-paced world of h…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-One: Meet Alex Ringler! 1:11:22

2M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty-One: Sean Patrick welcomes the hilarious, multi-talented, ever-evolving creative, Alex Ringler. From Broadway debuts to workplace meltdowns and taking the reigns to your career, the two unpack the need for an artist to be constantly adapting and in the process of creating between bookings. Follow Alex @alexringler (@alexri…

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From Back to the Future to Blind Logic: Jack Teeter’s Epic Marketing Journey 51:49

2M ago51:49

51:49

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, Leslie speaks with Jack Teeter—marketing legend behind iconic Universal hits like Back to the Future, Scarface, and The Breakfast Club. Now a director and producer, Teeter shares how his old-school marketing chops fueled the creation of Blind Logic: The Ralph Teeter Story, a powerful documentary about his …

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty: Meet Arianna Armon! 1:19:01

3M ago1:19:01

1:19:01

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Forty: Sean Patrick welcomes “NYC’s vivacious, voluptuous, Bel Canto Can Belto Diva” Arianna Armon for an episode that is all over the place in the best way possible. From dream roles and nightmare jobs to meeting your heroes and getting band from event venues, this episode flew by for these two and will for you too! Follow Aria…

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Creating on Your Own Terms: Laura Knight on Producing, Storytelling & Owning Your Voice 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie sits down with powerhouse producer and development executive Laura Knight to talk about the art of telling stories across film, TV, podcasts, and animation. From her early days at ICM to her work with John Leguizamo and the groundbreaking interactive show Bar Karma, Laura shares what it takes to craft compell…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Nine: Meet Sam Given! 1:14:13

3M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Nine: Sean Patrick welcomes Broadway's own, Sam Given to unpack working with legends vs serving them. From shrimp cocktails in a bathtub to Broadway debuts to starting over again, Sam shares his journeys on the multiple career paths he's carved out for himself. Follow Sam @samgivensing or visit his website to watch his co…

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More Than Santa Baby: Tamar Springer’s Tribute to Musical Legend Philip Springer 36:04

3M ago36:04

36:04

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie speaks with first-time filmmaker Tamar Springer about her powerful documentary More Than Santa Baby — a heartfelt tribute to her father, legendary composer Philip Springer. Known worldwide for penning the holiday classic "Santa Baby," Philip’s influence goes far beyond that single hit, with son…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Eight: Meet Brady Cudmore (Part 2)! 1:07:53

3M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Eight: Sean Patrick and Brady continue unpacking life in and out of hospitality , performing and all the shifts along the way. Continuing with Brady’s “spicy tip” from a forward customer to waiting on celebrities who won’t be mentioned to heading back home, Brady is an open book that you just don’t want to put down. Follo…

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Ian Hinden on Building a Music-Game Universe & Reinventing Storytelling 32:44

3M ago32:44

32:44

In this visionary episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage talks with Ian Hinden—Las Vegas-born musician, game designer, and immersive storyteller—about redefining how music, gaming, and social commentary collide. Ian dives into the creation of his interactive music video and video game hybrid, "Would You Call Him a Bad Man?", which is set to pr…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Seven: Meet Brady Cudmore! 1:06:22

3M ago1:06:22

1:06:22

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Seven: Sean Patrick welcomes his first international guest, my friend to the north, Brady Cudmore. A singer, songwriter, actor, musician, and so much more, Brady come to unpack everything from managers skimming tips to understaffed pre-show lunch rushes to working at NYC landmarks, and customers leaving spicy tips. Follow…

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Laura Harrington on Acting with DiCaprio, Writing for Scorsese, and Crafting Stories That Matter - Ep #221 44:00

3M ago44:00

44:00

In this powerful episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes acclaimed actress-turned-screenwriter Laura Harrington, whose career has spanned blockbuster sets and award-winning scripts. From starring opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to writing for legends like Martin Scorsese and Taylor Hackford, Laura shares how s…

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Elizabeth Quinn on Writing with Grit, Producing with Passion & the Real Story Behind 'Going Reno' - Ep #220 43:32

3M ago43:32

43:32

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage welcomes writer, producer, and performer Elizabeth Quinn, whose sharp wit and love for offbeat stories have earned her a spot at the 2024 Tribeca Festival with her audio drama Going Reno. Elizabeth shares her journey from New York theater to L.A. improv, her transition into writing and producing, …

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Six: Meet Josh Bardier (AGAIN)! 1:07:46

4M ago1:07:46

1:07:46

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Six: Sean Patrick and Josh Bardier continue unpacking all that goes in to surviving the job and living the dream. Part Two- we focus in on Josh the actor, the coach, the community maker. From incredible accomplishments to incredible growth and shifts along the way, this episode captures what it is to be an artist in NYC p…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Five: Meet Josh Bardier! 1:05:31

4M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Five: Sean Patrick welcomes Josh Bardier for a TUFF SHIFT! first... a two-parter episode...and no surprise because not only is Josh an amazing talent, but an amazing story-teller. Starting in restaurants at age 14 and making quite the mark for himself in NYC you'll ask yourself how this episode went by so quickly. Josh Ba…

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Krisztina Goda on Female Filmmaking, International Storytelling & Surviving the Creative Process - Ep #219 28:54

4M ago28:54

28:54

In this inspiring episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with one of Hungary’s most celebrated directors, Krisztina Goda, whose breakout hit Just Sex and Nothing Else catapulted her to fame. Goda shares her journey from the prestigious National Film and Television School to UCLA, her experience navigating Hungary’s male-dominated fil…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirsty-Four: Meet Jen Liv! 1:13:29

4M ago1:13:29

1:13:29

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirsty-Four: Sean Patrick welcomes the hilarious and heart-warming singer-actor-comedian-musician, Jen Liv! The two talk all about their favorite NYC haunts that are no longer there...RIP Blockheads, extreme health code violations, and... wait for it... liking where you work! From NYC to LA all the pros and cons and differences…

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From the Writers’ Room to the Revolution: Michael Daley on TV’s Changing Landscape 30:16

4M ago30:16

30:16

In this episode of Best in Fest, festival director Leslie LaPage sits down with veteran TV writer Michael FX Daley—whose credits include CSI, The X-Files, Reaper, Maniac, and The Leftovers—for a behind-the-scenes look at how the television industry has transformed over the past two decades. Daley shares his journey from being a reluctant TV convert…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Three: Meet Jamie Pierce! 1:18:17

4M ago1:18:17

1:18:17

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Three: Sean Patrick welcomes the witty and versatile, stage and screen triple-threat, comedian et al. Jamie Pierce. From rowdy family restaurants, working with legends, and never learning table numbers, the two unpack it all…along with some diva worship for good measure. Follow Jamie @ajamiepierce And for fun, why not che…

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Ido Samuel: From Tel Aviv to Hulu—Crafting Characters with Purpose - Ep #217 27:53

4M ago27:53

27:53

In this episode of Best in Fest, Leslie LaPage sits down with acclaimed international actor Ido Samuel, known for his roles in We Were the Lucky Ones, FBI: International, Tehran, and the award-winning short Dirty Bomb. Ido shares his journey from growing up in Israel to breaking into Hollywood, how he landed his powerful role as a conflicted Jewish…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Two: Meet Nate Raven! 1:05:25

5M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-Two: Sean Patrick Murtagh welcomes award-winning film maker, actor, director extraordinaire, Nate Raven. From Georgia Peach to the Big Apple to Lala Land, the two unpack booking work and balancing trays. Hear about Nate's current project, THE BEARD, as well as his recent win for "Best Comedy," at the Oregon Short-Film Fes…

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Behind FBOY Island, Rhythm & Flow, and Building TV Gold with Kellie Dancho - Ep #216 39:23

4M ago39:23

39:23

Ready to pull back the curtain on reality TV? In this episode of Best in Fest, powerhouse producer Kellie Dancho—the creative force behind hits like FBOY Island, America’s Got Talent, and Rhythm & Flow—shares how today’s unscripted shows are crafted, cast, and edited for maximum drama and laughs. 🎬 Inside the episode: The real (and hilarious) secre…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty-One: Meet Nattalyee Randall! 1:13:46

5M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirsty-One: Sean Patrick welcomes the multi-hyphenate of multi-hyphenates, Nattalyee Randall! From Bar Mitzvahs to Broadway to Marathons- they unpack "fake it 'til you make it," wins and loses, as well as using your voice to impact social change. Follow Nattalyee @Nattalyee or visit her website: www.nattalyee.com Check out Natt…

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From Blood-Curdling Screams to Streamboat Dreams: Allison Pittel on Acting vs Producing - Ep #215 29:45

4M ago29:45

29:45

What do exploding Zoom speakers, killer mice, and surprise parades have in common? Actress and producer Allison Pittel. In this no-holds-barred episode of Best in Fest, Allison dishes on her rise as a modern scream queen—from indie horror hit Terrifier to the Disney-gone-wrong chaos of Streamboat, where Steamboat Willie gets a slasher makeover. She…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty: Meet Nathan Nolen Edwards! 1:16:21

5M ago1:16:21

1:16:21

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Thirty: Sean Patrick welcomes one of the most magical and joyful New Yorkers there is, Nathan Nolen Edwards. From waiting tables in the dark during a hurricane to serving celebrities to sharing the stage an iconic Broadway diva, the two unpack balancing dreams and the reality checks along the way to make them come true. Follow N…

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Crush Your Goals with The DEB Method — Productivity Secrets from Debra Eckerling - Ep #214 38:40

5M ago38:40

38:40

Struggling to stay on track with your creative or professional goals? Award-winning author and goal strategist Debra Eckerling joins Best in Fest to break down her powerful DEB Method—Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path—to help you set and actually achieve your goals. Whether you're in entertainment, a business profes…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Twenty-Nine: Meet Noland King! 1:32:19

5M ago1:32:19

1:32:19

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Twenty-Nine: Sean Patrick Murtagh welcomes one of his favorite voices in New York City, Noland King. From Times Square to Chelsea, Uptown to Downtown, waiting tables to headlining venues; the two unpack the challenges of dealing with the general public and the unexpected rewards and memorable experiences. Follow Noland at @TheKi…

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From Marine to Hollywood: Dee Freeman’s Journey of Tenacity, Theater, and Truth - Ep #213 36:59

5M ago36:59

36:59

What does it take to transition from the U.S. Marine Corps to the big screen? Actress Dee Freeman shares her incredible journey from serving in the military to gracing the stage and screen, including her gripping true-crime solo show, Poison Gun. From breaking barriers as a woman in the USMC to tackling Hollywood’s toughest auditions, Dee’s story i…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Twenty-Eight: Meet AJ Mattioli! 1:06:55

5M ago1:06:55

1:06:55

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Twenty-Eight: Sean Patrick welcomes award-winning filmmaker, AJ Mattioli, to discuss the highs and lows of working in night-life and being a fierce advocate as a producer. From Fire Island to Hell's Kitchen to being one of the most sought after talents in our community, we unpack it all. You can follow AJ and Mattioli Production…

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From Fitness to Film: Kerstin Schulze on Building Strength & Success in Hollywood - Ep #212 33:59

5M ago33:59

33:59

In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage sits down with actress and fitness expert Kerstin Schulze to uncover the secrets behind Hollywood’s most sculpted bodies. From training A-list stars like Chris Hemsworth to landing roles in The Righteous Gemstones and American Horror Story, Kerstin shares her journey from competitive sports to the…

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TUFF SHIFT! Episode Twenty-Seven: Meet Nathan Reid 1:33:24

6M ago1:33:24

1:33:24

TUFF SHIFT! Episode Twenty-Seven: Sean Patrick welcomes the multi-talented and extremely charming actor-writer-producer (and A-List butt double), Nathan Reid. From goofy thirst traps to building a remarkable career, the two unpack doing what it takes to make the dream a reality without losing the spark that fuels your passion. We cannot wait to hav…

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Film, Reality TV, and the Power of Storytelling with Alpesh Patel - Ep #211 29:42

6M ago29:42

29:42

From Bollywood dreams to Hollywood reality, filmmaker and editor Alpesh Patel shares his incredible journey in the entertainment industry. In this episode of Best in Fest, host Leslie LaPage dives into Patel’s career—from writing award-winning screenplays and directing indie films to editing over 30 reality TV shows, including Ghost Hunters and Exp…