New Podcast with Actor Jay Ellis!

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Jay Ellis. Jay is a charismatic television and film actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He can currently be seen as one of the stars of HBO’s new comedy series INSECURE, alongside Issa Rae. Ellis plays Lawrence, Issa’s depressed and unemployed boyfriend, who has been getting his act together for four years.

Previously, Jay starred on BET’s hit series THE GAME, which ended after its 9th season. He portrayed Bryce ‘Blue’ Westbrook, the highly educated, first round wide receiver draft pick from Stanford University in the series that follows professional athletes, agents and managers as they navigate their way through fame, money and betrayal. Recently, Ellis was featured on the second season of the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME series MASTERS OF SEX with Michael Sheen.

Born in Fort Sumter, South Carolina, Ellis spent the majority of his childhood traveling with his military family. His father completed over 20 years of service in the Air Force while his mother was an accomplished finance executive and instilled in her son the importance of community service and education at an early age.

Ellis attended Concordia University, where he played basketball and held the position of student body president. He interned briefly with the Portland Trailblazers and also joined AmeriCorps to provide care and resources to disadvantaged citizens in Portland. He then traveled the world as a model and was afforded the opportunity to live in such exotic territories as Milan, Tokyo, Sidney and London, appearing in campaigns for Abercrombie and Fitch, Nike and Adidas, to name a few.

In 2007, Ellis made the decision to move to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting and worked tirelessly at perfecting his craft, taking classes day and night. His debut feature role came in the Elizabeth Banks directed, star studded comedy MOVIE 43, starring alongside Terrence Howard. Ellis has also appeared in numerous primetime television series including GRACE AND FRANKIE, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, GREY’S ANATOMY and NCIS.

When not in front of the camera, he enjoys cooking, being outdoors, boxing, traveling and shooting photography. Ellis is an ambassador of amfAR and is also an active volunteer at Inside Out Writers, an organization that teaches creative writing classes in Los Angeles County Juvenile Detention Centers.

Ellis can be found on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat (@JayREllis) and also has a photography Instagram account (@theworldaroundje).

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

New Podcast with Actor Glen Powell!

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Glen Powell. Recently described by The Hollywood Reporter as the “Next Big Thing,” Glen Powell is well on his way to becoming one of tinsel towns’ most sought after actors.

Glen just finished filming the FOX feature HIDDEN FIGURES. Powell will star as famed astronaut John Glenn in the historically focused film. The plot centers on a group of women responsible for providing NASA with important statistical data needed to launch the program’s first successful space mission. Powell will share the screen with Kevin Costner, Kristen Dunst, Jim Parsons, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer. The film is currently slated for a January 2017 release.

Up next for Powell is the second season of the FOX hit SCREAM QUEENS. Powell will reprise his fan favorite role of Chad Radwell, President of the Dickie Dollars Scholars. The Ryan Murphy show proved to be a critic and fan favorite among the Fall 2015 freshman class. Also upcoming for Powell is THE SET UP, starring opposite Emilia Clarke. The MGM film is currently in pre-production but slated for a 2017 release.

This past December, Powell wrapped production on the Iraq War drama SAND CASTLE. Further proving his acting chops, Powell will star opposite action heavy weights Henry Cavil, Nicholas Holt and Luke Evans. The film follows an American military unit on a mission to repair a water system in the turbulent Iraqi village of Baqubah. Powell plays Sgt. Falvy, a tough-minded and foul-mouthed solider hailing from the south. The film is slated for a late 2016 release.

2016 is proving to be the year of Powell as he has been featured in two major motion pictures including April’s critically acclaimed film EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, directed by Richard Linklater. The Paramount Pictures’ film, set in the '80’s, follows a college freshman who rolls with some colorful baseball players. The highly anticipated film is being referred to as the spiritual sequel to Linklater’s cult classic film “Dazed And Confused.” Additionally, Glen was seen in January’s comedy RIDE ALONG 2, opposite funnyman Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, portraying a lethal drug-lord on the streets of Atlanta. Powell will be seen in BEYOND DECEIT, alongside silver screen royalty Sir Anthony Hopkins and Al Pacino. The independent film is slated for a late 2016 release.

In 2014, Glen co-starred with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, Jason Statham and Harrison Ford in THE EXPENDABLES 3. He joined the ranks as an expert hacker and drone pilot named Thron, singular to none in his intensity and agility. Powell was also seen in the independent thriller, WIND WALKERS, from director Russell Friendenberg. Other film credits include the independent comedy SEX ED, opposite Hayley Joel Osment, RED WING, starring alongside Bill Paxton, as well as the final installment of the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, opposite Christian Bale, Tom Hardy and Anne Hathaway.

This November, he will be honored as a rising star at the Napa Valley Film Festival.

When not in production, Glen resides in Los Angeles.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

New Podcast with Actor Brian Stepanek!

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Brian Stepanek. Brian has done a lot of stuff. Go to IMDB. They list all of it. Even the stuff he wishes they didn’t. For example, he’s worked extensively for The Disney Channel, appearing as Arwin Hawkhauser on the original series THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK & CODY. He also played Brian in BRIAN O’BRIAN. In film, he appeared in THE ISLAND, Michael Bay’s TRANSFORMERS, and recently played the role of Rufus Youngblood in the film LBJ, directed by Rob Reiner. He currently plays Tom Harper, the father of quadruplets on Nickelodeon's NICKY, RICKY, DICKY & DAWN. He has directed two episodes of that show as well. Brian lives in Los Angeles with his wife and three children. He is exhausted but really happy.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview John Lehr. John is a comedic performer, writer and producer working in television, film and theater. Lehr starred as Leslie Pool in 10 ITEMS OR LESS, the half-hour improvisational comedy series from Sony on TBS. Lehr also co-created and executive produced the series, which ran for three seasons.

Lehr is one of the original Geico Cavemen from the wildly successful commercial campaign. He appeared in dozens of spots, including the first commercial as a caveman boom operator, the caveman in therapy with Talia Shire, the tennis spot with Billy Jean King, Superbowl spots with Phil Simms, and many more.

Under their banner Howler Productions, Lehr and Hower have created multiple projects, most involving their unique improvisationally-based “hybrid” style found in QUICKDRAW (Hulu) 10 ITEMS (TBS) and MEMRON (a Slamdance award-winning mockumentary). With Lehr starring and Hower directing, the team recently completed LET IT RIDE, a half-hour comedy pilot set in Las Vegas for Comedy Central; RETREAT!, a half-hour comedy pilot set in a corporate retreat for NBC; KING OF BEERS, a half-hour comedy set in a brewery for EUE/Screengem; and JAILBAIT, a web series for Sony and Crackle.com.

In addition, Howler Productions created the pilots TEAM MCPHEARSON, an animated series inhabiting the world of Nascar for Fox starring Jeff Foxworthy; and JOHN LEHR MOVIE CLUB for TBS. Recently Lehr and Hower completed a pilot script for Sony Television in association with the BBC; finished a pilot script, THE LOOP, for HBO; and are currently developing a show with MTV.

As an actor, John has appeared in numerous television series, including FRIENDS, and was a series regular on JESSE, both for Warner Brothers/NBC. His feature film roles include THE SWEETEST THING and three Noah Baumbach films, KICKING AND SCREAMING, MR. JEALOUSY, and HIGHBALL.

Lehr’s critically acclaimed Comedic Lecture solo performances have had sold out runs in LA and New York. He is also a respected improvisational performer, having worked at the Organic Theater and Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago, The Montreal Comedy Festival, Chicago Improvisational Festival, and multiple venues in Los Angeles and New York.

John’s hosting credits include NEWS WEASELS for E!; I'M A CELEBRITY…GET ME OUT OF HERE for ABC; CBS’ special CLASH OF THE COMMERCIALS with co-host Heidi Klum; and JOHN LEHR'S MOVIE CLUB for TBS.

John is married to author Jennifer Lehr, with whom he has two children. The Lehrs reside in Los Angeles.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

New "Kahnversations Podcast with Actor Jesse Lee Soffer!

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Jesse Lee Soffer. Excelling past an ‘up-and-comer’, Jesse has firmly rooted himself in Hollywood soil, capturing the attention of audiences through his work in both television and film.

Jesse currently stars in the NBC drama CHICAGO P.D., which premiers its 4th season in September, where he plays the brash, young detective, Jay Halstead, a character which he also portrayed in the companion series, CHICAGO FIRE and crossed over into a third show, LAW AND ORDER: SVU. Stemming from a long history in television, Soffer got his start on the small screen in 1995, starring in the TV Movie, FROM THE MIXED UP FILES OF BASIL E. FRANKWEILER, opposite the legendary Lauren Bacall, before being cast by director Richard Shepard in AMC’s long-form presentation THE ROYALE.

Soffer’s recent television appearances include a co-starring role on THE MOB DOCTOR for FOX, RIZZOLI & ISLES for TNT, and the CBS series’ THE MENTALIST and CSI MIAMI, Jesse also landed major roles in the TV Movies, JODI ARIES: DIRTY LITTLE SECRET and NBC's HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS” opposite Virginia Madsen and Sophia Bush, and was cast as a series regular on the Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen sitcom, TWO OF A KIND.

Not limited to only primetime, Jesse made a successful run on daytime television as well, being cast on both CBS serials GUIDING LIGHT and AS THE WORLD TURNS. His portrayal of troubled youth Will Munson earned him three consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2006, 2007 and 2008, as well as a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Lead Actor in 2005.

Soffer has been able to transition to features as well, in fact, beginning his acting career at the age of 8, starring alongside John Goodman and Cathy Moriarty in the film MATINEE for Universal. Jesse can also be seen in the films, IN TIME, alongside Justin Timberlake, Davis Guggenheim’s GRACIE, opposite Elisabeth Shue and Dermot Mulroney, SAFE PASSAGE, where he plays the son of Susan Sarandon and Sam Shepard, and starred as Bobby Brady in both THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE, and A VERY BRADY SEQUEL.

When he is not filming, Jesse resides in Los Angeles.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

__________________________________

So many inspiring podcasts out there allow us to hear all about how well-established stars got to where they are today. But those actors are so faaaaaaar away from where so many of us are today! Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in the hills?

We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

New "Kahnversations" Podcast with Producer
Ross Kohn!

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Ross Kohn. Ross grew up in Westchester, New York. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. After graduation, Ross moved to Los Angeles and spent 6 years in the entertainment industry, working alongside Emmy-nominated producers, actors and directors. In 2006, he formed the media production company BackEast Entertainment. The company specialized in creating short-form viral content which garnered millions of views. As the brand built momentum, the company was approached by several Fortune 500 companies, including Pepsi Co and Blockbuster, to create and produce viral advertising campaigns.

In 2008 Ross packed his bags and moved to New York City to learn the ins and outs of high-level finance. Starting as a runner on the floor of the American Stock Exchange, Ross quickly worked his way up to become a licensed Institutional Sales Trader. Working on Wall Street by day, he was moonlighting as a film producer, raising capital for his first feature film Duke staring Carmine Giovinazzi and Vanessa Ferlito. It was on this project that he met his now business partner Nancy Leopardi.

On Wall Street, Ross transitioned to the buy side when he joined Balcony Partners, a $125,000,000 hedge fund, serving as their Trader and helping to raise capital.

In 2013, Nancy convinced Ross it was time to return to Hollywood to make movies full time.

Since joining Indy Entertainment, Ross and Nancy have produced 9 feature films together.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

__________________________________

So many inspiring podcasts out there allow us to hear all about how well-established stars got to where they are today. But those actors are so faaaaaaar away from where so many of us are today! Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in the hills?

We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

New "Kahnversations" Podcast with Actor
Jay Hayden!

 In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Jay Hayden. He is currently filming the ABC series The Catch, for executive producers Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Allan Heinberg and Julie Anne Robinson. He can next be seen on screen in the film Wild Oats, opposite Jessica Lange, Demi Moore and Shirley Maclaine. He is also well known from his role on the Hulu dramedy series Battleground. Jay currently resides in Los Angeles with his family.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

Please watch ABC's The Catch premiering
Thursday, March 24th, 10/9c.

__________________________________

So many inspiring podcasts out there allow us to hear all about how well-established stars got to where they are today. But those actors are so faaaaaaar away from where so many of us are today! Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in the hills?

We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.

 

Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training
1720 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.969.9900
www.leslykahn.com

New "Kahnversations" Podcast with Actor
Ginifer King!

In this installation of "Kahnversations," we interview Ginifer King. For the past few years, Ginifer has played the frazzled, big city in a small town single mother Michelle Hathaway on Nickelodeon’s THE HAUNTED HATHAWAYS. She began her career at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where she was discovered by NYC casting director Jim Carnahan who cast her in the upcoming Broadway revival of GYPSY, starring Bernadette Peters and directed by Sam Mendes. Ginifer went on to play the title role of Gypsy Rose Lee numerous times opposite Ms. Peters. Other Broadway credits include Shelby in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, opposite Delta Burke and Christine Ebersole, and as Sister Claire in CYRANO DE BERGERAC with Kevin Kline, who also, incidentally, was her Secret Santa that year. She’s done Off-Broadway, she’s done 29-hour readings, she’s done all the LAW & ORDERs – basically, she did NYC. After moving to LA, she guest starred on numerous network procedurals as mistresses, embezzling secretaries and, of course, serial killers. For the past five years she has simultaneously been a part of the LA based company “For the Record”, a live - 360 degree theatrical experience bringing the movies of such directors as Tarantino, Baz Lurhmann, the Coen Brothers, and Scorsese to life through their soundtracks. She spent this past summer performing the FOR THE RECORD: BAZ show, partnered with Cirque de Soleil. She entered from the ceiling on a swing and there was glitter involved – she was in heaven.

You can download or subscribe to the podcast for FREE by clicking below. If you like “Kahnversations,” please leave a rating or review on our iTunes page!

__________________________________

So many inspiring podcasts out there allow us to hear all about how well-established stars got to where they are today. But those actors are so faaaaaaar away from where so many of us are today! Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in the hills?

We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.