Here From There with Brian Stepanek

From camping across the country as a kid to landing one of television’s most beloved roles, Amy Carlson has taken anything but a straight path. In this episode, she shares how a last-minute audition, a bold decision to walk away from stability, and a willingness to follow curiosity led her from soap operas to Blue Bloods—and everything in between. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Here From There, Brian and Sheila sit down with legendary character actor Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, Mississippi Burning) to talk about the unpredictable journey that built one of the most recognizable careers in film and television. Tobolowsky reflects on the path that took him from Texas stages to Hollywood sets, the craft of character acting, and the moments that shaped his life in the industry. Along the way, he shares insights on resilience, creativity, and the strange twists of fate that can turn a single audition—or a chance encounter—into a career-defining moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim Rhodes joins Here From There for a raw, funny, and deeply honest conversation about growing up in Hollywood, surviving rejection, and discovering her ADHD and autism later in life. From The Suite Life with Zack and Cody to Supernatural, she reflects on being a “safe space” for fans — and why she ultimately chose peace, goats, and authenticity over chasing the industry. It’s a heartfelt episode about embracing who you are and never being miserable in the pursuit of happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor and musician Jack Griffo (The Thundermans, Henry Danger, SEAL Team, Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons) joins Here From There to talk about growing up on kids TV, navigating life after early fame, and why loving the process matters more than the outcome. A candid, funny conversation about creativity, identity, and staying grounded in a tough industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Rex Linn (CSI: Miami, Cliffhanger, Better Call Saul, Young Sheldon) joins us for a thoughtful, candid conversation about his unlikely path from Oklahoma to Hollywood. From working at a zoo and filming a long-forgotten brisket commercial to landing roles opposite Sylvester Stallone and building a decades-long career, Rex shares unforgettable stories from a life spent chasing the work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From trumpet player to NASA technologist, Sarah Roth’s path is a masterclass in reinvention. She joins Brian and Sheila to talk about creativity, curiosity, and the unexpected turns that can launch a whole new life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor Joel Johnstone (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Timeless, The Resident) joins Brian and Sheila to talk about the long, unpredictable road from Milwaukee to Hollywood. He shares how a high school drama teacher changed his life, what he learned from interning at a casting office, and why putting in the reps matters more than “magic.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may know Jamie McShane as Sheriff Galpin on Netflix’s Wednesday, as the ruthless Marshall Kent in 1923, or from HBO’s new hit series, Task. In this episode, Brian and Sheila talk with Jamie about growing up in New Jersey, breaking into the business via rollerblades, and how a childhood accident gave him a unique perspective that informs the way he plays villains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedic actress Sarah Baker (The Kominsky Method, Young Sheldon) joins the podcast to talk about how seemingly unfortunate events can catapult your career forward, the intensity of pilot auditions and the joy of residuals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hollywood acting coach Lesly Kahn talks changes in the entertainment industry, acting beyond technique, and wants you to find a source of income before you chase your Hollywood dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian talks to Miles! What more could you ask for? Actor, influencer and former NFL Linebacker, Miles Burris joins to podcast to talk about the similarities between starting a career in the NFL and as a professional actor.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actor JEFF MEACHAM joins the podcast to talk about the embarrassing consequences of forgetting to breathe when lifting weights, the three words everyone should follow (go for it) and meeting Tom Cruise…or not meeting Tom Cruise…yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress Sophia Woodward joins the Podcast to talk about moving around a lot as a kid, dealing with the unknown between jobs in Hollywood and being proactive about finding new friends in new places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress ANGEL PARKER joins the show to talk about the importance of making connections, working with DOLLY PARTON, how to self regulate through professional draughts and the value of the phrase, “Don’t give up.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s guest is TV and film director, JONATHAN JUDGE. Jonathan talks about hustling in your twenties, working in kids TV and working with the legendary BRIAN STEPANEK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress JOLIE JENKINS joins Brian and Sheila to talk about pirouettes, booking and performing in her first BROADWAY show TOMMY!, learning to DIVERSIFY HER PROFESSIONAL SKILLSET and the importance of living a BALANCED LIFE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Animation writer, KEVIN BURKE (ULTIMATE SPIDERAN, LEGO NINJAGO,, TRANSFORMERS: RESCUE BOTS) joins Brian and Sheila to chat about everyone's INNER JUDGE, MARVEL, the discipline of writing every day and the state of the movie business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is feature animation director, Tim Johnson. Tim wrote and directed the ground-breaking feature film, Ants starring Woody Allen. He also directed Over The Hedge, Home, Sinbad and the How to Train Your Dragon Christmas Special. We talk about how Tim got started in Chicago advertising, his move to LA and his years at Dreamworks working with Jeffrey Katzenberg and directing numerous A-list talent like Brad Pitt, Gene Wilder, Jennifer Lopez and Russell Crowe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadway superstar, KATHY VOYTKO sits down with Brian and Sheila to talk about her journey to becoming a Musical Theater phenom. From her first audition to working side by side with HAROLD PRINCE, STEPHEN SONDHEIM and NATHAN LANE (to name a few). Remember that time when HUGH JACKMAN gave a post curtain speech praising swings and understudies on Broadway? He was talking about Kathy! She replaced Sutton Foster as Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN on Broadway with only a few hours notice DURING PREVIEWS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PHILL LEWIS! Yes, Mr. Mosby from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody is on the podcast! Brian sits down with Phill to discuss Phill’s childhood acting career, managing the ups and downs of his prolific acting career and the many different pressures of DIRECTING TV.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian and Allison discuss Broadway, television and roller derby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices