That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Latest Episodes:

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Breakdowns Will Break You Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Alyshia dives into the trap of relying too heavily on character breakdowns—and why it can sabotage your auditions. Casting directors aren't looking for someone to play at the breakdown; they're looking for the actor who brings the puzzle piece they didn't know they needed.

Using Katherine LaNasa's Emmy-winning performance in The Pitt as a powerful example, Alyshia shares how ignoring the breakdown and leaning into humility helped her stand out in a sea of actors all playing the same "note." Plus, hear insights from past guest Sheila on how finding a single moment in the script can unlock choices that are uniquely yours.

If you've ever felt stuck trying to "give them what they want," this episode is your reminder: you are the best asset in the room. Read the script first, trust your instrument, and stop chasing the breakdown.

🎭 Slaytember starts this week! Audit a class and see what it feels like to be on the other side of the casting table.

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

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition

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

SHEILA CARRASCO: Shape-Shifting into Flower on 'Ghosts' Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Today we sit down with Sheila Carrasco, who brings "Flower" to life on the hit CBS comedy Ghosts. After earning her BFA at NYU, she spent three years self-producing plays without an agent before pursuing an MFA at Harvard's American Repertory Theater, where she honed her comedic skills and character work. That path led her to the Groundlings' famed Sunday Company, where she found her voice and signed with CAA. Sheila shares the twists of her Ghosts audition including the COVID shutdown that nearly derailed it to the creative choices that shaped Flower. She also gives insights on ensemble improv and lessons learned from industry veterans, including her time as a stand-in on The Good Place. Her story is a testament to perseverance, finding your niche, and why it "takes 10 years to start working as an actor" and "20 years to build a career."

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Sheila Carrasco right here.

Credits:

Ghosts
The Good Place
Jane the Virgin
American Housewife
Life in Pieces
The Odd Couple
I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson
#VanLife

Guest Links:

IMDB: Sheila Carrasco, Actress, Producer

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: Breaking into Hollywood — with Michael Strassner Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Today's episode offers a special glimpse into The Practice Track Membership, where actors not only train but also get the rare perk of connecting directly with industry professionals. In this conversation, our members had the chance to sit down with comedian, writer, and actor Michael Strassner, whose path into Hollywood is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

Michael shares how a simple Instagram connection with Jay Duplass sparked the creation of an independent film based on his life. He opens up about the hurdles of indie filmmaking, the courage it takes to be vulnerable in your art, and the grind of navigating post-production. From promoting his film to facing rejection head-on, Michael's story is packed with real, actionable advice for actors and creatives alike.

✨ Whether you're dreaming of making your own work, building connections, or finding the confidence to put yourself out there, this heartfelt conversation is a reminder that opportunity often comes from where you least expect it. AND let this conversation be the invite that you need to find your community in THE PRACTICE TRACK MEMBERSHIP. Click below to get on the waitlist to join!

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

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
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

CREDITS:

Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
Writer: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

RAVI PATEL: The Art of Improv in Life & On Set Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Ravi Patel returns to the podcast with a wide-ranging, candid conversation about a career that refuses to fit into a single lane. Since his last appearance, Ravi has been everywhere—from Animal Control and Ghosts (where he's now a consulting producer) to new documentaries, a musical, and even Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.

Ravi shares how he's learned to thrive in "chaos with poise," balancing multiple creative pursuits while working fewer hours, prioritizing family, and taking bold, unconventional swings. From walking away from a bad offer only to land a starring role on Animal Control, to his approach to improv on set, Ravi offers an honest and often hilarious look at what it means to build a purpose-driven career in an ever-changing industry.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Ravi Patel right here.

Credits:

Animal Control
Ghosts
Wonder Woman 1984
Three Women
Master of None
Ravi Patel's Pursuit of Happiness
Justified: City Primeval
Transformers
American Housewife
Wrecked
Grey's Anatomy
Santa Clarita Diet

Guest Links:

IMDB: Ravi Patel, Actor, Writer, Producer

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
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

CREDITS:

Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
Writer: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: Casting No No's Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Casting directors don't actually know what producers want at the start of the process — they're sending in choices to help define the role. So if you're trying to "play what they want," you'll end up too vague to stand out. In this episode, Alyshia shares why specificity and authenticity are the keys to landing in the selection pile, why breakdowns are written for reps (not you), and how to stop wasting money on things like "actor slates."

Plus, learn how Slaytember flips the script: instead of paying for workshops where casting judges you, you'll work material for three weeks and then present it to award-winning CDs — including Victor Vasquez, Danny Gordon, and Jamie Castro — in a space where they've been invited to see YOU shine.

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

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
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

CREDITS:

Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
Writer: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

JACK SCHUMACHER: When It's Your Part, It's Your Part Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Imagine moving to LA and just nine months later, finding yourself auditioning for, and landing, a role in the biggest movie ever, Top Gun! Chicago native, Jack Schumacher, will take us through his "ignorant bliss" audition process for Top Gun and the surreal moment he learned Tom Cruise was watching his audition tape. He also shares the excruciating, six-month audition saga to win the role of "Yancy Gray" in the new hit Netflix series, Ransom Canyon. Hear about the invaluable advice he received from Jon Hamm on the Top Gun set about listening and authenticity, his struggles with imposter syndrome, and why he believes falling on your face in acting class is crucial. Plus, he'll reveal his game-changing audition tips, including why he's not afraid to cut out his lines, inspired by Marlon Brando.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Jack Schumacher right here.

Credits:

Top Gun: Maverick
Ransom Canyon
40 Dates and 40 Nights
Welcome to Chippendales
The Irrational
Chicago P.D.
S.W.A.T.
Empire

Guest Links:

IMDB: Jack Schumacher, Actor

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
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

CREDITS:

Host/Producer: Alyshia Ochse
Writer: Maddie McCormick
WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

WEDNESDAY WISDOM: CD Rejection Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, "What if casting wasn't about rejection — but about selection?"In this solo episode, Alyshia shares a powerful reality check on how to approach your auditions with authenticity, confidence, and story-driven choices that make you the answer casting directors are searching for.

Learn how to:

Casting directors don't respond to "performed" acting — they respond to authenticity. This episode is all about how you can show up with truth, story, and specificity in every tape.

🔥 And if you're ready to put this into practice, join us for Slaytember, a 3-week live training experience starting September 18th. You'll tape, re-tape, and perform live in front of award-winning casting directors like Victor Vasquez, Danny Gordon, and Jamie Castro — with real feedback and a chance to showcase your work.

🎬 Only a few spots left! Can't join as a full participant? Audit the class and learn exactly how casting works today.

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

🔗 Connect with That One Audition:

SLAYTEMBER: Starting September 18th
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

GABBY BEANS: Following Green Lights Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

From pre-med at Columbia to a Tony nomination on Broadway, Gabby Beans has carved out one of the most unique journeys in the industry. She shares how she navigated early setbacks (including being dropped by her first big manager) to build her career from the ground up with fearless off-Broadway work. That perseverance has more than paid off: Gabby earned a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in The Skin of Our Teeth. Most recently, she's stunned audiences on Broadway in Sam Gold's Romeo + Juliet, taking on the dual roles of Mercutio and Friar Lawrence. On screen, Gabby's credits are just as impressive—House of Cards, Succession, Blue Bloods, The Good Fight, and her recent breakout in Apple TV+'s Presumed Innocent alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, and Bill Camp.

Gabby opens up about the highs and lows of her journey, why she loves Zoom chemistry reads, and the wisdom she's gained from working with some of the industry's most visionary directors. This episode proves that in a career where "nothing ever happens the way you think it will," passion and persistence truly light the way.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Gabby Beans right here.

Credits:

Honey Don't!
Presumed Innocent
Succession
Your Friends & Neighbors
House of Cards
The Good Fight
ROMEO + JULIET (Broadway)
Ray Donovan
Blue Bloods

Guest Links:

IMDB: Gabby Beans, Actress, Writer, Producer

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

COMING HOME COACHING: Come home to yourself
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: Coming Home Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

Description: 🎭 Actors often feel their biggest obstacle is themselves—but what if that's just a limiting belief? In this episode, Alyshia talks with Melanie Curtis and Mark Collin, two world-class coaches who help people dissolve self-doubt and rewire the subconscious patterns holding them back.

With expertise in trauma-informed healing, nervous system work, NLP, Reiki, and more, Melanie and Mark share how to break through the invisible walls of fear and step into unshakable self-belief—on stage, on set, and in life.

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

THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS:

COMING HOME COACHING: Come home to yourself
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

ARLEN ESCARPETA: Fail Forward Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

From the vibrant streets of Belize to the soundstages of Hollywood, Arlen Escarpeta has built a career defined by resilience, versatility, and heart. His path took him from performing arts schools to his first role on Boston Public and eventually to booking the "game-changer" American Dreams, where he learned to balance art with business and the importance of teamwork and human connection. In this episode, Arlen shares honest insights on sustaining a career, diversifying into voiceover and looping work, and his "tent pole" approach to building layered, specific characters—offering a rare, inspiring look at the resilience and craft behind a continuously working actor.

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Arlen Escarpeta right here.

Credits: