That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Latest Episodes:

KELLI GARNER: It's The Mistakes that Get You the Job Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Today's episode features the magnetic Kelli Garner, an actress whose career took off at just 14 and never stopped surprising. A California native, Kelli made her film debut with Mike Mills before being selected by Martin Scorsese to play Hollywood ingénue Faith Domergue in The Aviator opposite Leonardo DiCaprio. From there came a whirlwind of back-to-back films and unforgettable performances in Lars and the Real Girl, Thumbsucker, and Man of the House. Kelli opens up about her wild early years in Hollywood, audacious audition stories (including one involving a Gatorade mustache), and the powerful lessons learned from both meteoric success and quiet withdrawal. She speaks candidly about mental health, her journey to regulate her nervous system, and the deeper sense of purpose that ultimately led her to embody Marilyn Monroe—a role she initially turned down twice.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Kelli Garner right here.

Credits:

The Aviator
Lars and the Real Girl
Pan Am
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
The Enemy Within
American Gigolo
The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe
Going the Distance
Taking Woodstock
Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Guest Links:

IMDB: Kelli Garner, Actress

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

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MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
PATREON: @thatoneaudition
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

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

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Fear, Focus, and Inner Monologue Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

In this Wednesday Wisdom, Alyshia Ochse explores how to manage fear, stay present, and activate your inner monologue in ensemble work. Inspired by Roman Zaragoza (Ghosts), this episode breaks down why curiosity, actionable thoughts, and emotional specificity make your performance magnetic — even in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Learn how to:

Navigate fear of "not being enough" on set
Keep your inner monologue active to stay truthful and engaged
Balance active listening with a strong, specific point of view
Let your curiosity and presence influence the audience and casting

Whether you're part of a large ensemble or navigating self-tapes, this episode shows why staying alive in the moment is your most powerful tool.

Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse
WRITER: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Cerikcioglu

ROMÁN ZARAGOZA: Creating An Inner Monologue Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

As a second-generation performer, Román Zaragoza was immersed in the industry from just six months old and quickly came to understand the realities of an actor's life. We dive deep into how his intensive theater work, especially his time at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), kept him grounded and provided him with humbling, world-class ensemble training. Román details the entire process of booking his series regular role on the hit CBS comedy GHOSTS. He shares his initial skepticism about auditioning for a historical Native American character, and how his extensive experience with Zoom theater prepared him for his multiple callbacks. After booking the role, he provides insight into the immense pressure of finding your space in a huge, successful ensemble cast and how to create a memorable character. He also discusses how his theater background helped him book an exciting new voice role in the upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender animated film.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Román Zaragoza right here.

CREDITS:

Ghosts
Stumptown
The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
Austin & Ally
Spirit Rangers
Shadow Wolves

Resources GUEST LINKS:

IMDB: Román Zaragoza, Actor, Producer

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse
WRITER: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Cerikcioglu

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Stop Playing Your Plan Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

When you "play the plan" of a scene, you lose the truth that makes your work magnetic. In this Wednesday Wisdom, Alyshia Ochse breaks down how mirror neurons prove that what you feel on screen isn't the point — it's what the audience feels that matters.

Inspired by her conversation with actor Mark Pellegrino, Alyshia explores why curiosity, actionable thoughts, and emotional specificity ignite both performance and connection.

Learn how to:

Ditch your "feelings button" and focus on discovery
Use mirror neurons to create real connection on screen
Stay alive in the moment — not trapped in your plan

There's always time to get better. Swing big. Be interested. Let your subconscious come out and play.

Subscribe now for insightful discussions, empowering interviews, and practical advice to enhance your career longevity and satisfaction.

Connect with That One Audition:

THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

Subscribe today and be part of a community that celebrates resilience and passion in the world of acting! 🎙️ #ActorsResilience #RecoveryMindset #ThatOneAudition #PodcastJourney

CREDITS:

Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
WRITER: Alyshia Ochse
WE BSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

MARK PELLEGRINO: Let Your Subconscious Do the Work Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

Today we sit down with the incredible journeyman actor Mark Pellegrino, who after four decades in the business continues to embody what it means to be a true working actor. Mark shares unforgettable audition stories, including his famously bold move of performing a seven-page monologue that earned him one of the greatest compliments of his career and led to booking A Murder of Crows. He also recounts working with David Lynch, Joel Schumacher, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, while offering a candid look at his meticulous preparation process—whether it's reading a script 200 times, rewriting audition sides, or diving into deep research. Beyond craft, he reflects on navigating a post-strike industry and his latest projects, including playing Cousin Eddie in the upcoming Murdoch: Death in the Family series.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Mark Pellegrino right here.

CREDITS:

Supernatural
Murdaugh: Death in the Family
13 Reasons Why
American Rust
The Rookie: Feds
9-1-1
Quantico
Lost
Prison Break
Dexter
Grey's Anatomy
Mulholland Drive
The Big Lebowski
National Treasure
Capote

Resources GUEST LINKS:

IMDB: Mark Pellegrino, Actor, Producer, Soundtrack

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

MAGIC MIND: 48% off ONEAUDITION20
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
APPLE PODCASTS: Subscribe to That One Audition on Apple Podcasts
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse
WRITER: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Cerikcioglu

WYNN EVERETT: Do Not Delay Your Happy Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Today's guest, Wynn Everett, is riding an incredible professional wave, having booked five shows this year. She takes us through her early years studying theater in Georgia, then landing a five-year job running the green room at Good Morning America—where she met everyone from bestselling authors to First Ladies and Hollywood stars. Those connections would later prove invaluable. Wynn reflects on the patience and clear intent it took to finally land representation at Gersh. She also shares some unforgettable "That One Audition" stories, including a hilarious rhythm argument with Aaron Sorkin over the word "tits" that secured her role in Charlie Wilson's War. She also reveals her highly specific audition process, using music and physical "maps," and explains why her radical decision to move back to the Southeast became the best career choice she ever made.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Wynn Everett right here.

Credits:

Chad Powers
M.I.A.
Agent Carter
Doom Patrol
The Newsroom
Merv
DTF St. Louis
This is Us
Ordinary Joe
Young Rock
Sweet Magnolias
The Walking Dead
Teenage Bounty Hunters
Modern Family
Grey's Anatomy
Charlie Wilson's War

Guest Links:

IMDB: Wynn Everett, Actress, Producer

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
PATREON: @thatoneaudition
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

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

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: How to Take Adjustments Without Losing Confidence Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Notes aren't criticism—they're invitations. In this episode, Alyshia shares how to stop chasing "doing it right," why feelings can mislead you, and how to treat casting adjustments as chances to discover something new.

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
PATREON: @thatoneaudition
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

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

WILLIAM STANFORD DAVIS: 'No' is The Strongest Word in Hollywood Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In today's episode, we sit down with the legendary William Stanford Davis, the Emmy-winning actor who's stolen scenes (and hearts) as the unforgettable Mr. Johnson on Abbott Elementary. From his roots in St. Louis to chasing standup comedy in Los Angeles, William's path to Hollywood is as inspiring as it is unexpected. He opens up about breaking into the industry, the lessons he learned from mentors like Martin Landau, and the risks that shaped his craft. And of course, we talk Abbott Elementary. Davis shares the story behind his iconic character, including a risky, improvised line in his audition that might have sealed the deal. He also gives us an insider look into the dynamic ensemble, the balance between script and improvisation, and how he approaches every set as a team player who makes sure to learn everyone's name.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed William Stanford Davis right here.

Credits:

Abbott Elementary
Side Quest
Snowpiercer
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Ray Donovan
The Big Bang Theory
Perry Mason
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Shameless
Truth Be Told
Swagger
Chicago Med

Guest Links:

IMDB: William Stanford Davis, Actor, Director, Sound Department

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
PATREON: @thatoneaudition
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

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

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Story vs. Character Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

This week on That One Audition, Alyshia unpacks why actors often ask the wrong questions in auditions. Story always comes before "teller," and authenticity lives in the script itself. Learn how to build the house before decorating it — and why giving yourself to the story is what makes casting lean in.

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
MAGIC MIND: 60% off ONEAUDITION60
THE BRIDGE FOR ACTORS: Become a WORKING ACTOR
THE PRACTICE TRACK: Membership to Practice Weekly
PATREON: @thatoneaudition
CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse
COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role
INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse
INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition
WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com
ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes
SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify
STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher

EPISODE CREDITS:

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

BRANDON JAY MCLAREN: Don't Act in a Vacuum Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're thrilled to catch up with an actor who truly embodies the "malleable" spirit of our industry, Brandon Jay McLaren. Since our last conversation in 2021, Brandon has been on an incredible run on hit shows like The Rookie, Snowfall, and The Cleaning Lady. Brandon shares how he masterfully juggled shooting Snowfall and The Rookie simultaneously, even requiring a wig transformation. Plus, Brandon shares what it was like working with his acting hero, Toni Collette, on his upcoming, genre-bending Netflix series, Wayward, which drops September 25th. We'll also delve into the current industry "lull," his pivot into creating his own projects, and his candid thoughts on self-tapes versus in-person auditions.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Brandon Jay McLaren right here.

Credits: