APARNA BRIELLE: The Strategic Leap from Teen Roles to Netflix's FUBAR
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Release Date: 06/17/2025
WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Longing vs. Curiosity
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Longing vs. Curiosity — The Energy Behind Your Auditions In this solo episode, Alyshia explores a subtle but powerful shift that can transform your acting career: moving from longing to curiosity. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the “why hasn’t it happened yet?” spiral, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. Longing keeps you waiting. Curiosity gets you creating. You’ll learn: The emotional difference between longing and curiosity How curiosity fuels creativity, magnetism, and momentum Why outcome-focused taping holds you back A mindset shift to reclaim...
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EMBETH DAVIDTZ: Hold Onto the Thing in Your Heart
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
In today's episode, Embeth shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her voice as a storyteller—from her upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa to her unexpected entry into acting through a university drama program. She reflects on being discovered in a play by a William Morris agent, catching Spielberg’s attention through a TV movie, and ultimately choosing to pause her career to raise a family. That pause led to a creative reawakening and a nine-year quest to adapt a memoir into her directorial debut, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight. Embeth offers heartfelt, hard-earned wisdom on...
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BENJAMIN CHARLES WATSON: Viscerally Knowing When a Role is Yours
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Today's episode with Benjamin Charles Watson kicks off with the fascinating cultural shock of auditioning in Canada versus the bustling scene in Los Angeles. Watson opens up about his anxiety during in-person auditions and how embracing self-tapes became his secret weapon for success, including booking major roles like Duster, Designated Survivor, and The Killing. Watson breaks down his audition for Duster, a role he knew was 'for him' viscerally from the first read, despite receiving dummy sides. Discover his unique, methodical approach to character preparation—taking 'Royce' for walks in...
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NATHAN MITCHELL: Unmasking Black Noir from The Boys
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Today’s episode features an insightful and inspiring conversation with actor Nathan Mitchell, whose compelling performances in hit shows like The Boys and Ginny & Georgia have earned him a devoted following. Mitchell opens up about the craft behind the characters, sharing how techniques like Meisner and deep script analysis help him bring authenticity to each role. From managing the demands of juggling two major series to navigating the emotional toll of rejection and the business realities of set life, Mitchell offers a masterclass in both the artistry and hustle of acting. These are...
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WEDNESDAY WISDOM: 600 Credits and Counting — Ed Begley Jr. on Career Longevity
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
In today’s episode, Hollywood legend Ed Begley Jr. shares the unforgettable audition that changed his career trajectory. Originally reading for a minor role on the groundbreaking series St. Elsewhere, Ed didn’t land the part he auditioned for—but his performance made such an impression on the writers that they created the role of Dr. Peter White, making him a series regular. It’s a testament to the unpredictable magic of auditions and the importance of showing up fully, no matter the size of the part. With over 270 TV credits, 7 Emmy nominations, and a Golden Globe nod, Ed has become a...
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APARNA BRIELLE: The Strategic Leap from Teen Roles to Netflix's FUBAR
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Today, we're incredibly excited to chat with rising star Aparna Brielle, whose career took flight just as the acting industry underwent one of its biggest transformations: the self-tape revolution. From her early move to Los Angeles from Oregon to her breakout role as Sarika on NBC's A.P. Bio, Aparna has built a dynamic and diverse career—navigating everything from offbeat comedy to high-octane spy thrillers. Aparna shares how she based her A.P. Bio character on Reese Witherspoon in Election and how her wardrobe helped win her the role. We also reverse-engineer her journey from those first...
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BOBBY NADERI: Don't Chase the Result
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Today we’re joined by actor Bobby Naderi, whose path from Iran to college basketball athlete to working actor in Hollywood is anything but typical. Bobby shares how a drama class unexpectedly launched his acting career, ultimately leading to standout roles in films like Argo, Bright, and The Beekeeper. Bobby reflects on everything from his nerve-wracking first audition to a pivotal moment standing up for cultural authenticity in a meeting with Ben Affleck for Argo. Bobby also dives into his creative process, including his close collaboration with director David Ayer and his recent work in...
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JUSTINE LUPE: Instincts, Imperfection, & The Improv That Landed Her 'Succession'
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
In this episode, actress Justine Lupe shares her path from performing as a kid in Denver to training at Juilliard. She opens up about how Juilliard shaped her craft, building the confidence and resilience that would carry her through a career filled with bold, offbeat roles. Lupe discusses her roles in shows like Younger, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mr. Mercedes, and Succession, explaining her process of learning lines "molecularly" to allow for instinct and impulse. She gives behind-the-scenes insight into joining Succession (originally thinking it was just for two episodes), and how she...
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WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Making Your Own Content (Without Losing Your Mind) — with Matt Del Negro
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
What happens when an actor stops waiting for the phone to ring—and starts building the damn set themselves? In this inspiring and action-packed episode, Alyshia sits down with actor, writer, and podcaster Matt Del Negro (City on a Hill, Scandal, The Sopranos, Mayor of Kingstown) to dive deep into what it really takes to get your own project off the ground. From brainstorming with trusted collaborators to navigating Kickstarter campaigns and tax-deductible donations—Matt’s doing it all, and he’s here to walk us through it. We explore his latest project, Mickey Brash, a gritty,...
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EDWINA FINDLEY: Soul Care for Actors
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
In today’s episode, we’re joined by the powerhouse that is Edwina Findley Dickerson—an award-winning actress, author, and all-around force of nature. From her early days training at Duke Ellington, Tisch, and Yale to her breakout role on The Wire, Edwina has carved out a career grounded in purpose, vision, and faith. She shares how a seemingly side gig teaching stress management unexpectedly became a divine turning point, deepening her sense of calling far beyond the stage and screen. Now starring as the fast-talking, hilariously flawed Sheila Cannon in Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix series...
info_outlineToday, we're incredibly excited to chat with rising star Aparna Brielle, whose career took flight just as the acting industry underwent one of its biggest transformations: the self-tape revolution. From her early move to Los Angeles from Oregon to her breakout role as Sarika on NBC's A.P. Bio, Aparna has built a dynamic and diverse career—navigating everything from offbeat comedy to high-octane spy thrillers. Aparna shares how she based her A.P. Bio character on Reese Witherspoon in Election and how her wardrobe helped win her the role.
We also reverse-engineer her journey from those first uncertain steps in Hollywood to her current role as Tina in Netflix’s FUBAR, where she stars alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in a globe-trotting, adrenaline-filled CIA comedy-drama. With credits spanning Boo, Bitch, The Dead Girls Detective Agency, and Mech Cadets, Aparna shares insights on what it means to adapt, evolve, and stay sharp in a rapidly changing industry.
These are the unforgettable stories that landed Aparna Brielle right here.
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