Things Are Going Great For Me with J. Claude Deering

Episode 24! J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) chats with actor and comedian Alyssa Limperis (No Bad Days / Peacock). Alyssa's debut one hour comedy special, No Bad Days, was released this past August on Peacock. It is a fantastic and bold debut comedy special that succeeds both in being a deeply honest portrayal of grief following the loss of her father from brain cancer, that still manages to find as many jokes and as much playfulness as she shared in her relationship with her wonderful dad. You may also recognize Alyssa from her hilarious Massachusetts mom videos which she writes, acts in, and edits. The viral success of these videos has led to glowing press coverage from the likes of Vulture, Decider, Forbes, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. As an actor, Alyssa can currently be seen in Season Two of Showtime’s, Flatbush Misdemeanors. She also voices multiple characters on the Cartoon Network show We Baby Bears, and she stars in the indie horror/comedy feature film Too Late, alongside Fred Armisen. 

Followed by a second interview with Cheyenne Perez (The Sex Lives of College Girls / HBO Max). Cheyenne is a comedy writer and actor, who was born and raised in LA. You can see her recurring roles as “Jo” on Mindy Kaling's "The Sex Lives of College Girls" and "Heather" on Apple TV+'s "For All Mankind". She has three more Apple TV+ bookings under her belt that are coming out, including the feature film, "Spirited," starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, the series "Platonic", starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, and the drama series "Sugar" starring Colin Farrell. Stick around for her interview, you’re not gonna want to miss it.

J. Claude is also joined by his producer and co-host Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) to chat SNL audition tapes and "Jimmy Stewart Season"!

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! We’ve got NEW episodes premiering every Wednesday! Featuring interviews with Leonard Robinson, Claybourne Elder, Beth Riesgraf, Susie Abromeit, Gil McKinney, Sufe Bradshaw, Jee Young Han, Fabrizio Copano. and more!

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It's a circle of friends on today's episode of Things Are Going Great For Me! J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) chats with actor (Virgin River/Netflix). Zibby plays "Brie Sheridan" in Netflix’s mega-hit series Virgin River. She began her television career as the recurring character "Nurse Zibby" on Grey’s Anatomy. She’s also known for her beloved role as "Madame Goo Goo" on A.N.T. Farm.

Followed by a second interview Fay Wolf (New Order: A Decluttering Handbook For Creative Folks). Fay is an artist, musician, author, and decluttering coach based in Los Angeles. Her beautiful songs have been heard on TV series like Grey's Anatomy, The Fosters, and Pretty Little Liars, and on the new hit Netflix series Devil in Ohio. Fay founded New Order®, her decluttering business, in 2006, and has since guided hundreds of humans toward a happier life with less. Her book New Order: A Decluttering Handbook For Creative Folks (And Everyone Else) was released by Ballantine/Random House in 2016 and is now an online course as well. Fay has given keynotes at such places as the official Etsy conference and the Soho House, and her work has been praised in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Apartment Therapy. As an actor, Fay has performed on stages across the U.S. and on shows like 2 Broke Girls and Bones. She also writes and performs spoken word pieces, mainly surrounding her identity as a biracial Black, Jewish, Bi+ human being. And occasionally dabbles in visual art. Stick around for Fay's interview, we promise you, you’re not gonna want to miss it. 

J. Claude is also joined by his producer and co-host Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) to chat about their trips to Dublin and Texas, respectively.

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! We’ve got NEW episodes now premiering every Wednesday! Featuring interviews with Alyssa Limperis, Leonard Robinson, Claybourne Elder, Beth Riesgraf, Gil McKinney, Sufe Bradshaw, Susie Abromeit, Jee Young Han and more!

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Today we’re doing something special again, it’s our very first solo guest episode! J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) chats with actor John Clarence Stewart (P-Valley/Starz!). John recurred on the sophomore season of the hit Starz! drama, P-Valley as beloved character "Thaddeus Wilks", aka “Big Teak”. Previously John starred on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning musical television series Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, in another fan favorite role as “Simon”. John can also be seen on the Netflix anthology series What/If opposite Renée Zellweger, and he recurred on both seasons of Marvel's Luke Cage. In this special long form interview John chats arts education, getting his start in regional theater before making the move to New York City, he also opens up about family loss and grief, and struggling to make ends meet while bringing his artistry to the audition process for the hit shows he’s starred on. Finally, John discusses his career-changing role, “Big Teak” and shares his feelings on the important subject of representation for black men in mainstream media storytelling. This is a really good one folks. We hope you enjoy it.

If you like any of what you hear today, please do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras with Chris Pine, Melissa Fumero, Patrick J. Adams, and more! We've got NEW episodes now premiering every Wednesday! Featuring interviews with Zibby Allen, Alyssa Limperis, Leonard Robinson, Claybourne Elder, Beth Riesgraf, Susie Abromeit, Sufe Bradshaw, and Jee Young Han!

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Hello folks! J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) recorded a bonus episode on Acting Technique, exclusively for our show's Patreon members. And now we’re making it available to you all. In addition to working professionally as an actor, director, writer, and a comedian, Mr. Deering has also worked as an adjunct faculty member at schools like Stella Adler Studios in New York City and New York Film Academy. He's also a lifetime member of the Lincoln Center Directors LAB...not too shabby. So what you’re about to hear is a synthesis of 20th Century American Acting Technique, interpreted by American practitioners, who adapted it from Konstantin Stanislavsky’s System of Acting. Claude gives a brief history of the origin of contemporary acting technique before delving into standard areas of study such as given circumstances, characterization, objective, obstacles, dramatic actions, emotional memory, exterior work, and improvisation. Meant to be an overview for anyone not familiar with technique, or those currently studying acting at a school or conservatory, it's also a nice refresher for any pros out there. Afterwards why not check out our interviews with folks like Chris Pine, Ali Stroker, Clarke Peters, Tembi Locke, Patrick J Adams, Melissa Fumero, Ira Madison III, Chantal Thuy, John Clarence Stewart, Corbin Reid, Jim O'Heir, Baron Vaughn, Sarah Levy, Zibby Allen, Rightor Doyle, and more! And if you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. 

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Welcome back! To another BRAND NEW season of Things Are Going Great For Me: The Podcast. In our first episode of Season 3 J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) chats with author and Tony Award-winning actor Ali Stroker (Only Murders In The Building/Hulu). Ali is a Tony Award-winning actor for her role as ‘Ado Annie’ in the 2019 revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! She made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s acclaimed 2015 revival of Spring Awakening. She can be seen as a series regular on Netflix’s number one show of 2022, “Echoes”, as well as on Hulu’s highest rated series, “Only Murders in the Building." She also recurred on Netflix in “Ozark” and on ABC's “Ten Days in the Valley”. The past summer Ali starred in Shakespeare in the Park’s production of Richard III as Anne. She’s also performed concerts around the country in venues including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Carnegie Hall. In 2022, Audible Originals released her one-woman show, "An Evening With Ali Stroker". Ali is the proud author of the acclaimed 2021 novel, The Chance to Fly, while 2022 saw the publication of her children’s book, Ali and the Sea Stars. 

Followed by a second interview with Assistant Director Ru Kazi (Welcome to Chippendales/Hulu). A multi-talented artist, and our first ever Assistant Director on the podcast. Ru is currently completing the Directors Guild Producer Training Program, with a specialization in Assistant Directing. They are currently working on various hit streaming series including Freeform’s Good Trouble and the upcoming Hulu series Welcome to Chippendales, starring Kumail Nanjiani. Also a graduate of the Stella Adler Conservatory Ru has acted in both contemporary and classical plays, they’ve also directed plays, and they’ve made numerous television appearances in shows such as 2 BROKE GIRLS, NCIS and a recurring role on NBC’s THE GOOD PLACE. Ru also made several award-winning short films, including LAST TO REPEAT, nominated for 12 awards. Ru regularly performs improv comedy as a main-stage player at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and The Second City’s Hollywood branch. In Ru’s free time, they plays drums in a social justice punk rock band that regularly plays at famed Sunset Strip venues such as Whiskey-a-Go-Go and The Rainbow Room. Stick around for Ru’s interview, we promise you, you’re not gonna want to miss it.

J. Claude is also joined by his producer and co-host Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) to chat the funniest celebrity to pass on this season of the podcast. It's "inconceivable!"

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! We’ve got NEW episodes now premiering every Wednesday! Featuring interviews with John Clarence Stewart, Zibby Allen, Alyssa Limperis, Leonard Robinson, Claybourne Elder, Beth Riesgraf and Susie Abromeit, and more!

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In our Season 2 finale of Things Are Going Great For Me J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) spoke with Shelly Bhalla (Jane the Virgin). Shelly is an actor who starred as Krishna Dhawan in the Peabody Award Winning, and Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series, Jane the Virgin. Shelly talks about turning a small co-star role into a beloved character who recurred 29 times on the show. She also talks about playing the first gay woman of Indian descent on television, the often elusive pay pumps as a recurring guest star, and systemic problems in terms of historical pay in Hollywood for AAPI performers and women of color. And she talks about her personal life, including dealing with the grief of losing her father 20 years ago, and her volunteering with Experience Camps. In addition to her Covid-elopement style wedding in the midst of a pandemic.

Followed by a second interview with Noah Maxwell Clarke (I May Destroy You). Noah is an English and American actor, who has recurred and guest starred on multiple British television series, including HBO’s I May Destroy You, Britannia, Top Boy, and Hard Sun. He’s also known for playing Osman Bolat on the beloved landmark British television series EastEnders. He talks about the vibe of the industry in London, UK casting directors, his Meisner training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and getting to work with the legendary Carrie Fisher. He also talks about growing up in a talented family of exceptional artists. 

Plus Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) and Claude discuss the horrific death of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, on the Rust film. In addition to safety protocols and working conditions on set.

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. Subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! And stay tuned for Season 3, coming soon!

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In our Season 2 finale of Things Are Going Great For Me J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) spoke with Shelly Bhalla (Jane the Virgin). Shelly is an actor who starred as Krishna Dhawan in the Peabody Award Winning, and Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series, Jane the Virgin. Shelly talks about turning a small co-star role into a beloved character who recurred 29 times on the show. She also talks about playing the first gay woman of Indian descent on television, the often elusive pay pumps as a recurring guest star, and systemic problems in terms of historical pay in Hollywood for AAPI performers and women of color. And she talks about her personal life, including dealing with the grief of losing her father 20 years ago, and her volunteering with Experience Camps. In addition to her Covid-elopement style wedding in the midst of a pandemic.

Followed by a second interview with Noah Maxwell Clarke (I May Destroy You). Noah is an English and American actor, who has recurred and guest starred on multiple British television series, including HBO’s I May Destroy You, Britannia, Top Boy, and Hard Sun. He’s also known for playing Osman Bolat on the beloved landmark British television series EastEnders. He talks about the vibe of the industry in London, UK casting directors, his Meisner training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and getting to work with the legendary Carrie Fisher. He also talks about growing up in a talented family of exceptional artists. 

Plus Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) and Claude discuss the horrific death of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins, on the Rust film. In addition to safety protocols and working conditions on set.

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. Subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! And stay tuned for Season 3, coming soon!

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It’s multi-hyphenate day on Things Are Going Great For Me. J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) spoke with Alyshia Ochse (True Detective). Alyshia is an actor, a podcaster, an author, and an audition coach. Alyshia has over 75 titles on her resume and even more credits, including her outstanding performance in the iconic first season of True Detective, where she shared the screen with Matthew McConaughey at the height of the "McConaissance". She recently co-starred in the multiple Emmy-winning Quibi series #FreeRayshawn, with Laurence Fishburne. She talks about auditioning, book writing, and interviewing actors for her podcast That One Audition. She also talks about working on multiple projects, while maintaining her work/life balance. 

Followed by a second interview with Stefanie Black (IAMA Theatre Company). Stefanie is an actor, writer, and feature film director, who also serves as the Artistic Director of IAMA Theatre Company (of which she is also a founding member). She talks about leading a membership based theater company, and moving an entire slate of play productions fully online as digital offerings in the midst of a global pandemic. She also talks about her multiple credits working on TV sitcoms and dramas. Including being a regular player in ShondaLand, and working with her hero, Kathy Bates.

Plus Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) and Claude chat Succession and Squid Game.

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! We’ve got just ONE more episode in Season 2, premiering next Thursday! Featuring interviews with Shelly Bhalla and Noah Maxwell Clarke!

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J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) spoke with actor Pej Vahdat (The Old Man). Pej is a prolific actor who starred as Dr. Arastoo Vaziri on Bones, Kelly Patel on Empire, and Kash on Showtime’s Shameless. He talks about the groundbreaking character arc of Dr. Vaziri on Bones. Struggling to get noticed early on in his career as a brown actor, and navigating an industry that often tokenizes and stereotypes Middle Eastern performers. He also talks about his stage work at Lincoln Center, his early career as a professional tennis player. And the incredible story of when he started his own agency in order to submit himself on projects.

Followed by a second interview with Mapuana Makia (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.). Mapuana currently stars as Dr. Noelani Nakayama on the new Disney+ series, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. She talks about doing a network showcase at ABC, and going on to shadow direct for the showcase, in addition to co-teaching workshops for program. She also talks about working as a dialogue coach on set, growing up in Hawaii, working with teen actors, her old day jobs in bars and restaurants, and creating her own voiceover and audiobook business. 

Plus Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) and Claude chat about breaking the rules in art.

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! We’ve got just TWO more episodes in Season 2, premiering every Thursday! Featuring interviews with Alyshia Ochse, Noah Maxwell Clarke, Stefanie Black, Shelly Bhalla, and more!

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thingsaregoinggreatforme/support

J. Claude Deering (Twitter/Instagram) spoke with actor Pej Vahdat (The Old Man). Pej is a prolific actor who starred as Dr. Arastoo Vaziri on Bones, Kelly Patel on Empire, and Kash on Showtime’s Shameless. He talks about the groundbreaking character arc of Dr. Vaziri on Bones. Struggling to get noticed early on in his career as a brown actor, and navigating an industry that often tokenizes and stereotypes Middle Eastern performers. He also talks about his stage work at Lincoln Center, his early career as a professional tennis player. And the incredible story of when he started his own agency in order to submit himself on projects.

Followed by a second interview with Mapuana Makia (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.). Mapuana currently stars as Dr. Noelani Nakayama on the new Disney+ series, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. She talks about doing a network showcase at ABC, and going on to shadow direct for the showcase, in addition to co-teaching workshops for program. She also talks about working as a dialogue coach on set, growing up in Hawaii, working with teen actors, her old day jobs in bars and restaurants, and creating her own voiceover and audiobook business. 

Plus Winston Carter (Twitter/Instagram) and Claude chat about breaking the rules in art.

If you like any of what you hear today, do us a BIG kindness - subscribe to the show. Leave us a nice comment. Tell your aunt about us! Give us those five stars wherever you’re getting your podcasts from today. And subscribe to our Patreon for all our extras! We’ve got just TWO more episodes in Season 2, premiering every Thursday! Featuring interviews with Alyshia Ochse, Noah Maxwell Clarke, Stefanie Black, Shelly Bhalla, and more!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thingsaregoinggreatforme/support