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MUSTAFA SHAKIR: Put Your Right Brain in Front of the Camera

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Release Date: 12/23/2025

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Stop Presenting - Start Finding show art WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Stop Presenting - Start Finding

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

In this episode, John Magaro said it plainly — "Up until then, I think I was presenting what I thought they wanted." And then he stopped. And everything changed. This week we pull from one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on this podcast to break down the difference between delivering a performance and actually finding one — and why the actors who allow themselves to be surprised are always the ones who surprise everyone watching. Plus, Self Tape May starts TOMORROW — and there is still time to get in, submit a tape, work the sides, get the tools, and learn how to...

info_outline JOHN MAGARO: The Voyeuristic Actor show art JOHN MAGARO: The Voyeuristic Actor

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Welcome to an unforgettable episode where we dive deep into the "lottery" of the acting world with the remarkably talented John Magaro. Join us as John reveals how he transitioned from the "analytical bullshit" of conservatory training to a career defined by honesty and discovery, sharing the stage with icons like Nathan Lane and navigating the high-stakes sets of The Big Short and Orange is the New Black. John also shares how he revolutionized his own process by self-taping long before it was the industry standard, teaming up with producer and editor friends to rent professional studio space...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

In this episode, Conor Leslie said it simply — "I don't know who they're gonna hire. I'm just going to do what I feel I want do." This week we combine her hard-won wisdom with Richie Moriarty's game-changing mindset shift to break down what it really means to walk in already decided — and why Self Tape May, now in its last week, is the place to build that muscle before your next life-changing audition. 🎬 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction. Connect with That One Audition: SELF-TAPE MAY...

info_outline CONOR LESLIE: Dance for You, Not for Them show art CONOR LESLIE: Dance for You, Not for Them

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Today, we are joined by the incredibly versatile Conor Leslie, an actress with two decades of experience who is pulling back the curtain on the high-stakes reality of the film industry. In this episode, we dive deep into the ultimate "actor’s nightmare"—stepping into the lead role of a high-concept, found-footage film with virtually zero prep time and finding a way to thrive under immense pressure. Connor shares her fascinating journey from "throwing spaghetti" at auditions as a teenager to starring in massive hits like The Man in the High Castle and Titans, illustrating how a single...

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That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

In this episode, actress and intimacy coordinator Sarah Scott joins Alyshia and Anna La Madrid to talk returning to acting, rebuilding confidence, and the self-tape shifts that landed her first callback in years. Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction. Connect with That One Audition: SELF-TAPE MAY CLASS: APRIL PUBLIC POP UP: THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: THE PRACTICE TRACK: CONSULTING: COACHING: INSTAGRAM: INSTAGRAM: WEBSITE: APPLE PODCASTS: SPOTIFY: STITCHER: Subscribe today and be part of...

info_outline WILSON BETHEL: Act Like It’s Yours show art WILSON BETHEL: Act Like It’s Yours

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Join us today for an incredible look at Wilson Bethel and one of the most fascinating “humble pie” journeys in Hollywood. From his early days as a competitive tennis player to performing spoken word poetry to land his first agent at just 19, Wilson’s path has been anything but traditional. You won’t want to miss his wild stories of career reckoning, including the time he was serving cocktail weenies at an executive screening for The O.C. just weeks after losing a lead role in the pilot. He also shares about his Captain America screen test before the role ultimately went to Chris Evans....

info_outline WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Trust Yourself show art WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Trust Yourself

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

In this episode, we explore two guests this week. Two completely different paths. One lesson that ran through both conversations — do you actually trust yourself? Inspired by Christina Chang's powerful question "do I trust me?" and Julee Cerda's story of running late to her first major TV audition and booking it anyway, this episode digs into the tension between following the breakdown and honoring your own instincts — and why your self tape is the ONE place where your interpretation gets to lead. Plus, why week three of Self Tape May is the perfect space to come test your instincts, gain...

info_outline JULEE CERDA: Balancing Motherhood and Broadway's Othello show art JULEE CERDA: Balancing Motherhood and Broadway's Othello

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Today we’re diving into the incredible, globe-spanning journey of Julee Cerda, who traded the high-energy grind of New York City’s Broadway stages for a new life in London. From booking a major nine-episode arc on Blindspot after taping an audition in a camping cabin, to landing a coveted role in Othello alongside legends like Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, she opens up about navigating a thriving career while raising a family. Julee also shares hilarious and high-stakes audition stories, including running late to her very first major TV audition… and still booking the job....

info_outline WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Active Listening show art WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Active Listening

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Six words from Dylan Walsh stopped us cold this week — "Where I learned to listen is off camera." So what does that mean when it's just you, a few lights, and a reader on the phone? We break down why we spend four times as much time on the other person's lines, why slowing down in the world of Taylor Sheridan is your biggest power move, and how the muscle you build this week is the exact one you'll need for week four of Self Tape May. Go listen to Dylan's full episode first — then come right back here. 🎬 Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical...

info_outline COLIN LAWRENCE: The Cinderella Shoe — Finding the Perfect Fit on Virgin River show art COLIN LAWRENCE: The Cinderella Shoe — Finding the Perfect Fit on Virgin River

That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Get ready for an inspiring deep dive into the 30-year journey of Colin Lawrence, the man behind the beloved character "Preacher" on Netflix’s global hit Virgin River. We explore the incredible hustle that took Colin from working in a Vancouver office supply store to carrying a "duffle bag of dreams" down to Los Angeles. Colin shares his first jobs in background work and day-player roles, where he built a reputation for dependability on iconic sets like The X-Files and Battlestar Galactica. You won't want to miss his candid stories about faking a British accent for The Killing or his...

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In today’s episode, we dive into the extraordinary career of Mustafa Shakir, the self-described “accidental actor” who originally pursued international banking and law at Cornell before discovering acting after reading a poem in a workshop. He breaks down the nitty-gritty of auditioning, including the high-stakes journey to landing the Marvel villain "Bushmaster" on Luke Cage. We also talk about why he loves the “little movie” process of self-taping, and how trusting intuition and learning to let go after preparation has helped him uncover new dimensions in his work. Mustafa generously shares his philosophy on how the inner world shapes outer reality, along with a peek behind the curtain at his process and work ethic.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Mustafa Shakir right here.

Credits:

  • Song Sung Blue
  • Marvel's Luke Cage
  • Cowboy Bebop
  • The Deuce
  • Emancipation
  • Love Hurts
  • Ghosted
  • The Night Of
  • American Gods
  • Shameless
  • House
  • Timeless
  • Quarry

Guest Links:

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

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EPISODE CREDITS:
  • WRITER: Erin McCluskey
  • WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
  • ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
  • SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri