Next Act with Jeff Ornstein

What does it take to create television that captures millions of viewers and stands the test of time?On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Alfred Lawrie, the creative force behind groundbreaking UK television hits including The Jury: Murder Trial, Married at First Sight, The Apprentice, and more.Alfred shares his unexpected journey into television, behind-the-scenes stories from working with Sacha Baron Cohen and Naomi Campbell, the truth about reality TV, and how great storytelling balances creativity with commercial success.This conversation is packed with insight for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone building their own next chapter.

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with documentary filmmaker and editor Joe Kowalski to explore the art of storytelling through film. Joe shares the journey from making YouTube videos as a teenager to directing major documentary projects, including the upcoming feature Micronations.They discuss the fascinating world of self-declared countries, why unusual stories often reveal the deepest truths, and how filmmaking can create healing, connection, and perspective. Joe also opens up about working on the emotional documentary Mr. Football, the changing landscape of Hollywood, and why independent creators still have a massive opportunity ahead.If you love creativity, reinvention, and stories that make you think, this episode is for you.

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with June Yoon, a Los Angeles-based Korean bilingual voice actor whose work spans major franchises like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Genshin Impact, Solo Leveling, Dead by Daylight, and more. June shares how he turned a passion for acting into a thriving career, why happiness is his true competitive edge, and how authenticity shapes every performance. They also dive into representation in media, the power of storytelling, mentoring the next generation of actors, and June’s vision of building his own studio in Los Angeles one day.This is a conversation about reinvention, purpose, and building a career that feels true to who you are.

What does it really take to build a creative life that lasts?In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Fred Zara to unpack a journey that spans punk rock stages, indie film sets, and everything in between.Fred shares how growing up in Trenton, New Jersey shaped his perspective on storytelling, why independent film gave him a path that Hollywood couldn’t, and how a DIY mindset still drives his work today. From crowdfunding his films to navigating the realities of low-budget production, this is a raw look at what it takes to bring stories to life without waiting for permission.They also dive into the deeper side of storytelling—why meaningful, human stories matter more than ever, and how Fred approaches characters who are simply trying to overcome everyday struggles.If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing something bigger—this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need perfect conditions to start… just the willingness to keep going.The best is yet to come.

What happens when your entire career gets pulled out from under you overnight?In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Emmy Award-winning videographer and editor Nick Blanchette shares his unconventional journey from sudden job loss to building a creative career on one of the most unique television productions out there.Nick opens up about filming unpredictable, high-energy reality content, learning to trust instinct over planning, and why storytelling always matters more than technical perfection. From running a Spartan race on camera to editing Emmy-winning episodes, his story is a masterclass in adaptability, creativity, and resilience.They also dive into Nick’s next chapter: writing a sci-fi series rooted in real science, time travel theory, and a ghost-hunting app that might be a little too real.If you’ve ever had to reinvent yourself or wondered what comes after your “first act,” this episode is for you.

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, we speak with Ken Harris, the multi-talented actor, playwright, puppeteer, and AARP Digital Fraud Fighter. Ken shares the story behind his award-winning one-man play, Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard, where he portrays ten diverse characters in a story that honors seniors, low-wage workers, and the human spirit.We dive into his creative process, his experiences working with the elderly and in retail, and how he combines storytelling with social impact to raise awareness about fraud prevention. Ken also shares his journey from mentorship under Chazz Palminteri to creating original stage and screen productions that educate, entertain, and inspire.Tune in to hear about Ken’s next projects, including independent films, cybersecurity puppetry, and his continued commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Angela Grout - author, podcast host, producer, and lifelong storyteller whose creative path has taken her from decades in floristry to books, plays, podcasting, and theatrical production.Angela shares how running a flower shop taught her the art of storytelling, time management, and creative intuition. She opens up about the deeper spiritual experiences that shape her writing, the inspiration behind her books and screenplays, and why she believes every chapter of her life prepared her for the work she is doing now.From unsolved mysteries and midnight inspiration to one-woman shows and producing live theater, this conversation explores creativity, courage, reinvention, and the power of telling the stories that won’t let go.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn life experience into art - or how to keep building bold new chapters later in life - this episode is for you.

In this captivating episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, host Jeff Ornstein sits down with Lukas Hassel, an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker based in New York City. Lukas shares his journey from formal acting training at Trinity College in Dublin to taking control of his career by writing and directing his own projects. We explore his passion for sci-fi and horror genres, the power of psychological storytelling over gore, the challenges and rewards of wearing multiple hats on set (especially when starring in your own work), funding indie films, navigating film festivals, and the realities of indie filmmaking today. Highlights include his acclaimed short Into the Dark Room (now in feature development), the psychological horror feature House of Abraham (streaming now with stars like Lin Shaye and Natasha Henstridge), and his latest festival-winning short Up Close. Lukas offers insights on character depth, backstories, and why human nature often provides the scariest monsters. Perfect for aspiring creators and fans of thoughtful genre storytelling - the best is yet to come!

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, we sit down with Shannon K. Dunn, a multi-talented actor, writer, and producer with over 35 years in the entertainment industry. From performing in classic films and TV shows like Back to School and Married With Children to creating her own feature films and innovative vertical micro dramas, Shannon shares her journey through comedy, drama, and storytelling.We dive into her early days in standup comedy, how writing scripts transformed her acting, and her experiences producing unique stories such as Christmas Romance at the Roanoke Ranch. Shannon also shares insights on the creative challenges of Hollywood, building meaningful collaborations, and advice for aspiring actors who want to break in without compromising their authenticity.Whether you’re an aspiring performer, writer, or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration from someone who’s truly done it all.

Douglas Chang has spent over two decades bringing the performing arts to millions, from Emmy-winning productions like Live from Lincoln Center’s Sweeney Todd starring Emma Thompson to PBS specials and cutting-edge dance performances at Montclair State’s PEAK Performances. On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Douglas shares his non-linear career journey, the “happy accidents” that shaped his path, and how his experience across theater, dance, film, and television has honed his creative instincts. He also opens up about his new work as a playwright, including the Charles M. New Play Award-winning drama Burr, and shares his vision for future projects that explore American life and culture through the performing arts.Tune in to hear Douglas reflect on risk-taking, creative intuition, and the joy of storytelling in every medium.

In this debut episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, host Jeff Ornstein introduces the podcast’s mission: to celebrate remarkable individuals who are stepping into new projects and roles that could define their legacy. Drawing on over four decades of experience as a global hotel designer - working with brands like Hilton, Marriott, Kempinski, and IHG, as well as private clients including royal families and world leaders - Jeff shares how his journey into acting parallels his design career.From creating immersive hotel experiences to embodying characters on screen, Jeff explores the intersection of talent, vision, and opportunity. This episode lays the foundation for Next Act, highlighting the power of ambition, curiosity, and resilience, and why the best is always yet to come for those who pursue it.