The Staffa Corner

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

Health & Fitness

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/1f/76/49/1f7649ea-c510-5436-ca47-7c966a2ba1fd/mza_2848860069178776222.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

The Staffa Corner

Greg Staffa

63 episodes

5 days ago

Send us a text When her sister entered her into the U.S. green card lottery and she won at eighteen, Jewel Farshad stepped into Los Angeles carrying equal parts fear and resolve, determined to honor a promise to her father: pursue art and never “flop.” Jewel shares the stakes of speaking out: family members jailed, the risks for Iranians using VPNs, and the grief of living in exile after losing her father during COVID. Yet she refuses bitterness. Her message is simple and specific: stand wit...

Show more...

Film Interviews

All content for The Staffa Corner is the property of Greg Staffa and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Send us a text When her sister entered her into the U.S. green card lottery and she won at eighteen, Jewel Farshad stepped into Los Angeles carrying equal parts fear and resolve, determined to honor a promise to her father: pursue art and never “flop.” Jewel shares the stakes of speaking out: family members jailed, the risks for Iranians using VPNs, and the grief of living in exile after losing her father during COVID. Yet she refuses bitterness. Her message is simple and specific: stand wit...

Show more...

Film Interviews

Episodes (20/63)

The Staffa Corner

From Iran to Hollywood: Jewel Farshad on Freedom, Art, and Finding Her Voice

Send us a text When her sister entered her into the U.S. green card lottery and she won at eighteen, Jewel Farshad stepped into Los Angeles carrying equal parts fear and resolve, determined to honor a promise to her father: pursue art and never “flop.” Jewel shares the stakes of speaking out: family members jailed, the risks for Iranians using VPNs, and the grief of living in exile after losing her father during COVID. Yet she refuses bitterness. Her message is simple and specific: stand wit...

3 weeks ago

43 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Adaptability fuels success: Sophia Woodward's Journey to Hollywood

Send us a text What happens when a child moves across America multiple times, adapting to new schools, new friends, and new environments? For Sophia Woodward, it created the perfect foundation for a successful acting career. Sophia takes us through her remarkable journey to Hollywood stardom. The conversation offers fascinating insights into the realities of child acting, including Sophia's breakthrough recurring role on Fox's "Lethal Weapon" at age 12 and her career-defining portrayal of Lu...

1 month ago

35 minutes

The Staffa Corner

From TikTok to Hollywood: Ashley R. Singh on Finding Her Voice

Send us a text On this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast we meet Ashley R Singh, a rising star bridging worlds as both an accomplished content creator and actress making waves with her feature film debut. Our conversation unfolds the fascinating journey of a young woman who went from being a top 14 finalist on Indian Idol to studying industrial engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison, before finding her voice on TikTok during the isolation of COVID. Ashley's refreshing authenticity...

2 months ago

32 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Ballard Actor Alain Uy on How an Injury Fueled His Acting Career

Send us a text What happens when your life's passion is suddenly taken away? For Alain Uy, a car accident didn't just end his dance career. it became the catalyst for an entirely new journey. The accident that immobilized him for several months forced him to find new avenues of expression, ultimately leading him to discover acting through theater. Uy also discusses his relationship with cultural identity and representation in Hollywood, revealing how his perspective has transformed. F...

2 months ago

36 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Film Director Brendan Gabriel Murphy on Navigating Hollywood Dreams and Indie Film Realities.

Send us a text From childhood dreams to Hollywood screens, director Brendan Gabriel Murphy's journey captivates with its raw determination and creative resilience. The visionary filmmaker behind the psychological thriller "Fluxx" (starring Tyrese Gibson and Shelley Hennig) reveals how his childhood love of movies laid the groundwork for his directorial career. The conversation takes an intimate turn as Murphy discusses how parenthood has reshaped his creative perspective. While raising...

3 months ago

38 minutes

The Staffa Corner

From NASCAR Reporter to LA Actor: The Story of Lacey Katena

Send us a text What happens when you grow up with a professional mascot as your father? For Lacey Katena, it meant learning the art of physical comedy, performing without fear, and understanding how to read and respond to audience energy. These foundational skills served her well as she navigated early entertainment experiences as an NBA mini mascot and NBC kid reporter for NASCAR and Supercross events. The most profound moment in Lacey's evolution came during a transformative trip to Okinaw...

4 months ago

37 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Hollywood Beginnings: Mason McNulty on Acting, Music, and Riding into Billy the Kid's Legacy

What does it take to build an acting career from the ground up? Mason McNulty pulls back the curtain on his journey from child actor to versatile performer, offering a refreshingly honest look at the realities of Hollywood. McNulty's story begins with his first role at just three months old—a PSA about safely surrendering unwanted babies that earned him the family nickname "dumpster baby." From these humble beginnings, he built an impressive resume including roles on Modern Family, Glee, and...

4 months ago

37 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Bharatanatyam to Hollywood: Aparna Brielle's Inspiring Journey from Portland to Tinseltown

Send us a text Dancing between worlds comes naturally to Aparna Brielle. Her journey from performing ancient Bharata Natyam dance in Portland to starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals an artist whose cultural roots fuel her creative expression. Working with comedy legends Glenn Howerton and Patton Oswalt provided Aparna with masterclass-level training, while Schwarzenegger's mentorship on FUBAR continues to shape her approach. Their guidance extends beyond performance techniques to...

4 months ago

25 minutes

The Staffa Corner

From Mexican Stages to Hollywood Sets: Mariana Trevino's Journey

Mariana Trevino's path to acting alongside Hollywood legends wasn't meticulously planned but unfolded through what she calls "hunches from the heart." Before sharing the screen with Tom Hanks and Owen Wilson, she explored dance, singing, and literature. In "Stick," Trevino portrays Elena, a Mexican mother navigating the delicate balance of protecting her teenage son while learning when to let him go. The role resonated deeply with her understanding of Latin American motherhood, fiercely prot...

4 months ago

34 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Acting Was Never Plan B: Anthony E Williams' Strategic Rise in Hollywood

What happens when you combine business strategy with creative passion? Meet Anthony E. Williams, a corporate executive who didn't start acting until his mid-30s and has since appeared in Netflix's "Straw," Law & Order: SVU, and New Amsterdam. Williams brings a refreshingly pragmatic approach to the entertainment industry. When opportunities weren't coming his way, he created his own by writing, producing, and starring in "FAM" (Family Always Matters). He established WMZ Entertainment to ...

4 months ago

40 minutes

The Staffa Corner

From Coach to Director: Michelle Danner's Path Through Hollywood

What drives someone to become the person trusted by Hollywood's best actors to help them deliver their most powerful performances? Michelle Danner pulls back the curtain on her fascinating journey from actress to renowned acting coach and director in this episode of The Staffa Corner Podcast. Michelle shares, explaining how coaching actors evolved from necessity into passion. Her experiences directing films with actors like Paul Sorvino, Andy Garcia, and Abigail Breslin reveal her phil...

4 months ago

24 minutes

The Staffa Corner

The Art of Authenticity: Anne-Marie Johnson's Journey

Anne-Marie Johnson takes us behind the scenes of her remarkable four-decade career in television and film. Growing up in a middle-class household with a police officer father and teacher mother, Johnson's path to success wasn't paved with industry connections but with determination and talent. The veteran actress discusses her iconic roles on "In the Heat of the Night," and "In Living Color." What sets this conversation apart is Johnson's candid assessment of what really matters in the...

4 months ago

40 minutes

The Staffa Corner

From Foster Care to Hollywood: How Zay Domo Artist Defied the Odds

What does it take to break into Hollywood with no connections, no formal training, and the added challenge of navigating the foster care system? Actor Zay Domo Artist reveals the extraordinary path that led him from group homes in Florida to major film and television sets. Zay's story demolishes industry stereotypes as he details his journey from humble beginnings to roles in productions like "A Quiet Place," "The Last of Us," and "Kingdom Planet of Apes." His career began unexpectedly with ...

5 months ago

21 minutes

The Staffa Corner

From Twilight Zone to Cryptic: Jeff Gladstone on Set Dynamics and Career Longevity

Jeff Gladstone pulls back the curtain on the unpredictable world of professional acting, revealing the fascinating reality behind your favorite TV shows and movies. With credits including Fire Country, Virgin River, The Twilight Zone, and Resident Alien, Gladstone offers a refreshingly candid look at what it really means to build a sustainable acting career in today's entertainment landscape. Gladstone explains how improv teaches the authentic reaction skills essential for believable perform...

5 months ago

30 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Finding Voice Through Music: Shelea's Musical Journey

From harmonizing at age two to commanding stages at the White House, Vatican, and Royal Albert Hall, Shelea's musical journey reveals the power of authentic artistry in today's viral-focused landscape. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter opens up about finding her voice despite natural shyness, initially pursuing a career behind the scenes as a songwriter before being "pushed" into the spotlight. Perhaps most captivating is Shelea's candid reflection on her friendship with Stevie Wonder, ...

5 months ago

48 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Skyler Bible on 'Lilo & Stitch' and Finding Your Path in Hollywood

From high school theater elective to Disney's newest live-action remake, actor Skyler Bible takes us behind the scenes of his journey to becoming Agent Foster in the highly anticipated "Lilo & Stitch" hitting theaters May 23rd. Skyler shares his experiences on iconic sets like "The Book of Boba Fett," where Jon Favreau unexpectedly stepped in to direct his scenes, offer a rare glimpse into the surreal moments that punctuate an actor's journey. When discussing "Lilo & Stitch," Skyler...

5 months ago

33 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Shakespeare with a Soundtrack - Reviewing Juliet and Romeo and A Conversation with Alex Grech

Set in 1301, when Italy was still barely an idea, Juliet & Romeo reimagines Shakespeare’s tragic story through a fresh musical lens. The film follows star-crossed lovers Romeo (Jamie Ward) and Juliet (Clara Rugaard), who must keep their love hidden as their families remain locked in a bitter feud. For those familiar with my reviews, you know musicals aren’t my favorite genre—not because of the songs themselves, but because I find it odd when characters suddenly burst into a choreog...

5 months ago

27 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Acting, Music, and Authenticity: Jet Jurgensmeyer's Journey

What truly shapes a child actor's journey through Hollywood into adulthood? Jet Jurgensmeyer—who began performing at just three years old—offers insights into growing up in the entertainment industry while somehow managing to keep both feet firmly on the ground. From his first role at age four to his family's decision to move to California when he was five, Jet shares the behind-the-scenes reality of his childhood in the spotlight. Unlike the cautionary tales we often hear, his story r...

6 months ago

35 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Jonathan Bowen's Journey Through Film, Philosophy, and Finding His Way Back

The journey from passionate film enthusiast to director isn't always a straight path. For Jonathan L. Bowen, that journey involved writing 600 movie reviews as a teenager, studying philosophy in college, and experiencing a decade-long gap between his first and second feature films. Throughout our conversation, Bowen offers fascinating insights into the changing landscape of independent film. He discusses how streaming services have evolved from neutral platforms showcasing diverse content to ...

6 months ago

57 minutes

The Staffa Corner

Happy People: How Andy James is Revolutionizing Flamenco Jazz

Andy James takes us on a captivating journey from Melbourne to Madrid and beyond in this illuminating conversation about fusion, culture, and artistic evolution. A world-acclaimed flamenco dancer who pivoted to jazz artistry, James embodies the beautiful intersection of seemingly disparate musical traditions. James explains how her latest album "Happy People" — recorded across five countries including Spain, Italy and the United States — represents years of creative development and features f...

6 months ago

16 minutes