Contributors

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Host

Jeff Ornstein

Jeffrey Ornstein, CEO of J/Brice Design International, has spent decades shaping iconic spaces around the world, from luxury hotels to high-end residences. Now, he’s stepping into a new spotlight: Hollywood. On this podcast, Jeffrey shares his journey from global design to the entertainment industry, exploring creativity, career reinvention, and the lessons learned while breaking into acting. Expect candid conversations, insider insights, and the story of a designer redefining his craft on a whole new stage. 

Guests

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Alfred Lawrie

Alfred Lawrie is a BAFTA-winning television executive, showrunner, and writer known for creating and leading some of the UK’s most successful factual entertainment programs. His credits include The Jury: Murder Trial, Married at First Sight, The Apprentice, and numerous culturally significant Channel 4 productions.

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Angela M Grout

Angela Grout is an author, podcast host, producer, and director behind yWrite and BAM Productions. A lifelong storyteller and former floral designer, Angela has built a creative career spanning novels, plays, live productions, and podcasting. She is also the executive producer of Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard and is passionate about helping others find their voice and tell their stories.

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Douglas Chang

Douglas Chang is an Emmy Award-winning producer and director whose work spans live performance, independent film, documentary, and public television. He specializes in inventive, equitable ways to bring the performing arts to a wide audience and foster talent across all production roles. Douglas is also an award-winning playwright, including his 2025 Charles M. New Play Award-winning drama Burr, and currently produces for PEAK Performances at Montclair State University.

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Fred Zara

Fred Zara is an Orlando-based producer, director, writer, and editor with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. As the creative force behind multiple independent films—including The Suicide of James Rider, Read Me, and Average Community—Fred is known for telling deeply personal, character-driven stories.

With a background rooted in the DIY punk scene and a passion for authentic storytelling, he continues to write, direct, and develop new projects while working across film, music, and digital media.

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Jessica O’Donnell

Jessica O’Donnell is a screenwriter, actor, stand-up comedian, and freelance story analyst based in the Boston area. With a background in finance and higher education, she transitioned into the entertainment industry, bringing a grounded, real-world perspective to her work. Jessica is the writer of Falls Candy, a female-driven drama inspired by her hometown of Niagara Falls, and she works with producers evaluating scripts and stories for screen adaptation. Her work blends humor, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for character-driven storytelling.

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Joe Kowalski

Joe Kowalski is a Cleveland-based documentary filmmaker, director, editor, and multimedia artist. His work has been featured in Hollywood.com, Smithsonian Magazine, and Animation Magazine. He is the director of the upcoming documentary Micronations and currently works with Substance producing original film and television projects.

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June Yoon

June Yoon is a Los Angeles-based Korean bilingual voice actor represented by Vox Inc. His credits include Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Genshin Impact, Solo Leveling, Dead by Daylight, Netflix productions, and dozens more. Known for his passion, authenticity, and commitment to representation, June is also a mentor helping aspiring voice actors grow in the industry. 

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Ken Harris

Ken Harris is an award-winning actor, playwright, puppeteer, content creator, and AARP Digital Fraud Fighter. He is the creator and performer of Foes of a Minimum Wage Guard, a groundbreaking one-man play exploring aging, resilience, and working-class struggles. Mentored by Chazz Palminteri, Ken’s work blends entertainment with social impact, educating audiences on fraud prevention and highlighting the dignity and value of seniors and low-wage workers. Beyond the stage, Ken writes screenplays, produces short films, and leverages puppetry to raise awareness about cybersecurity and scams.

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Luis Berrio

Luis Berrio is an actor known for his work in FBI: Most Wanted, The Burden of Nine Lives, and other film and television projects. Before pursuing acting, Luis spent more than 24 years as a New York City detective. His story is a powerful example of reinvention, resilience, and finding a new passion later in life.

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Lukas Hassel

Lukas Hassel is an award-winning actor, writer, and filmmaker based in New York City. Born and raised in Denmark, he trained at the Samuel Beckett Theatre School at Trinity College Dublin. Known for recurring roles on The Blacklist and Blue Bloods, Lukas has created multiple acclaimed short films, including the sci-fi standout Into the Dark Room (in feature development) and the experimental horror Up Close (Best Horror winner at Love Your Shorts). He wrote and starred in the psychological horror feature House of Abraham (streaming now), which features legends like Lin Shaye and Natasha Henstridge. Passionate about character-driven stories in sci-fi and horror, Lukas continues to blend acting, writing, and directing to explore the depths of human nature.

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Michelle Falanga

Michelle Falanga is an Emmy-winning voice actor, actor, writer, and storyteller with more than two decades of experience in commercials, cinematic narration, animation, live performance, and branded storytelling. She is the founder of Michelle Falanga Voice and has worked with major brands including Nike, Amazon, Hallmark, American Express, and Target. Michelle is also a published author of the children’s book The Amazing Monster and is known for her warm, authentic, emotionally connected voice work.

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Nick Blanchette

Nick Blanchette is an Emmy Award-winning videographer, editor, and storyteller with over 20 years of experience across film, television, and digital media. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from commercials and documentaries to live events and reality television, and is currently a key creative force behind the series Chaos & Kindness. Known for his adaptability and creative range, Nick continues to push into new territory, including writing and developing original scripted content.

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Shannon K. Dunn

Shannon K. Dunn is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer with over 35 years in the entertainment industry. She has created feature films, TV shows, and innovative vertical micro dramas, and is known for her work on projects like Christmas Romance at the Roanoke Ranch. Shannon’s career blends comedy, drama, and creative storytelling, and she continues to inspire with her passion for performance and writing.

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Tim Eliot

Tim Eliot is an actor, producer, and educator with over two decades of experience across film, television, and theater. He has worked on multiple HBO projects and is a founding member and producer at Krymov Lab NYC, an experimental theater company pushing the boundaries of modern performance. Tim also serves as an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches storytelling, writing, and Shakespeare in performance. His work blends classical technique with contemporary insight, helping both actors and audiences engage more deeply with story. 

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Tom McElroy

Tom McElroy is a Chicago-based actor whose career spans theater, television, film, and radio drama. A proud member of SAG-AFTRA and Actor’s Equity, Tom has appeared in projects including Prison Break, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, The Dark Knight, and many stage productions. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Tom brings his faith, humor, and deep love of storytelling into every role he plays.