Explore every episode of the podcast Fish's Call Sheet
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Werner: Executive Producer - The Sitcom Empire, the Sports Dynasty, and a Conversation 40 years in the Making | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:52:58 | |
In this extraordinary episode of Fish's Call Sheet, Michael Fishman sits down with legendary television producer Tom Werner, co-founder of Carsey-Werner and on of the most influential creative forces in modern television. Werner's work helped shape generations of comedy and culture through iconic series including The Cosby Show, Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, 3rd Rock from the Sun, That '70s Show, The Conners, and many more. His career goes beyond a list of hit shows. It is a blueprint for understanding how television can reflect families, challenge audiences, launch careers, and become part of America's shared memory. But this conversation goes far beyond the credits. Nearly 40 years after Michael Fishman first became part of the world Tom helped build, the two reconnect for a deeply personal, wide-ranging conversation about television, timing, leadership, loyalty, risk, legacy, and the evolving entertainment industry. Tom shares his perspective on what makes great storytelling last, how the business has changed, and what still matters in an industry constantly reinventing itself. Together Fish and Tom explore his remarkable journey beyond Hollywood as part of Fenway Sports. With connections to some of the most beloved sports institutions in the world, including the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Personal, reflective, and rich with history, this episode is a rare conversation between two professionals connected by one of television's most iconic shows. They unpack and share nearly four decades of life, growth, and perspective. This is not just an interview with a legendary producer. It is a conversation 40 years in the making You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Back on the Call Sheet - Michael Fishman: Actor, Writer, Director, Producer & Michael Johnson: Writer, Producer | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:32:37 | |
For the relaunch of Fish's Call Sheet, the tables turn. In this powerful episode, Michel Fishman steps out of the host chair and into the hot seat as his business partner, Michael Johnson, leads an honest, revealing, and deeply personal conversation about the life behind the credits. From growing up on television as D.J. Conner on Roseanne and The Conners, to building a career across acting, directing, writing, producing, coaching, entrepreneurship, and humanitarianism, Fish opens up about the professional lessons, personal losses, defining relationships, hard-earned wisdom, and behind-the-scenes experiences that shaped him. This is more than a career retrospective. Led by his closest friend it is a deeper look at the human being behind the work: the child Actor, the Father, the builder, the survivor, the leader, the storyteller, and the main still learning how to turn life's hardest moments into purpose. Honest. Authentic. Transparent. Powerful. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Fish's Call Sheet. A show dedicated to the people, stories, work, and wisdom behind the entertainment industry. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Leann Emmert: Location Scout, Location Manager - Transforming an Environment to Tell Amazing Stories | 25 Mar 2021 | 01:05:21 | |
World renowned location scout and location manager Leann Emmert reveals the secret of captivating locations that bring productions to life. The first thing that defines Films and Television shows is the location. Locations transport viewers into the storied world, setting the tone for believability, authenticity, and character impact. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Jesse Martinez Carlos - Background Actor, Stand-In Actor - Standing In to Elevate Performance | 23 Sep 2020 | 01:06:35 | |
Jesse Martinez Carlos is the man you see in countless productions throughout Hollywood, he joins Michael Fishman to share the secrets behind being a background actor and Stand-In. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Elda Lopez: Dialogue Coach - Acting is in the Words | 17 Sep 2020 | 00:58:51 | |
Amazing talent and wisdom fills every production. On this episode of Fish's Call Sheet the guest Elda Lopez, shares her experience as a Dialogue Coach. Elda and Michael discuss her original role on Roseanne as Fish's Stand-In. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Vito Giambalvo: Camera Operator, Director, Writer - Capturing History with Laughter & Joy | 09 Sep 2020 | 01:23:41 | |
Famed Cameraman Vito Giambalvo has built a legacy in the entertainment industry that spans the most historic shows in television history. As a camera operator, Associate Director, Director, Writer, and Stand-Up Comic Vito Giambalvo's work has influenced the fabric of entertainment. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Jerry Dunn: Art Director, Production Designer - Shaping Every Detail That Brings Stories Home | 26 Aug 2020 | 01:11:55 | |
From design, to production, to presentation the sets used in television and movies establish a world for our imaginations to enter. Art Director and Production Designer Jerry Dunn joins Michael Fishman to walk us through the process from start to finish. Jerry Dunn reveals the secret stories behind the creation of The Roseanne / The Conners set, and how things have changed through the decades. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Randall Winston: Executive Producer, Director - Leading Production with Heart & Humor | 16 Jul 2020 | 01:15:20 | |
Mixed-ish Executive Producer Randall Winston joins Michael Fishman to discuss production from start to finish. They dive into the complex world of producing, the types, styles, and categories of producing. Randall Winston shares his career, and the secrets behind Spin City, Scrubs, and Mixed-ish, before diving into development. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Brian Schnuckel: Editor - The Secrets to Tightening, Trimming & Cutting Frames to Perfection | 09 Jul 2020 | 01:13:06 | |
Brian Schnuckel has been nominated for multiple Emmy's for his world renowned editing. He currently works as the editor of The Conners on ABC. In this episode we explore the modern editing, what Brian Schnuckel looks for, along with the history of editing and his career. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Gail Mancuso - Director | 07 Jul 2020 | 01:09:35 | |
Famed Director Gail Mancuso has been at the helm for iconic television. The two time Emmy award winner shares how she got started in the entertainment industry, and traces her career from Roseanne, through Friends, 30 Rock, Community, and Modern Family. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Michael Rizzolo - Boom Operator | 02 Jul 2020 | 01:02:17 | |
Boom Operator Michael Rizzolo has been on stage for some of the most iconic shows in television history. From Roseanne, Dharma & Greg, Two and A Half Men, to Big Bang Theory and The Conners audiences around the world have heard his work. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Charlie Nicholson - Set Dresser | 30 Jun 2020 | 01:19:18 | |
Set Dresser Charlie Nichols takes us on a poetic journey behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Nicholson reveals how set dressers layer in the texture of a set, immediately authenticating the audiences adventure. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Danny Zuker: Executive Producer - Creating Timeless Comedy For All Audiences | 23 Jun 2021 | 00:53:44 | |
Five time Emmy winner Danny Zuker is one of the leading executive producers in the entertainment industry. Notably a leading creative force on Modern Family, Zuker has had a truly illustrious career. Beginning as a writer on The Arsenio Hall Show, his incredible writing credits include Evening Shade, Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, Just Shoot Me, Jesse, Norm, Off Centre, Coupling, Stacked, The Unusuals, and Modern Family. Rising through the industry he has written, created, executive produced, and consulted on countless award winning shows. Know for his quick wit, powerful one liners, and timely jokes, Danny Zuker has helped create some of the most iconic characters and episodes in television history. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Chance Tassone - Craft Services Foreman | 25 Jun 2020 | 00:51:40 | |
If you have been watching Fish's Call Sheet, then you know one name has come up among our guests more than any other, Chance. Chance Tassone is known throughout the entertainment industry as one of the best Craft Services Foreman. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Jody Margolin Hahn - Director | 23 Jun 2020 | 01:11:06 | |
Jody Margolin Hahn is an illustrious Director, including her historic leadership on The Conners Live Episode. This episode of Fish's Call Sheet Jody Margolin Hahn shares her path through the business, some of her keys to directing, what she believes are the key to success. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Bill Sindelar - Actor / Host / Stand-Up Comedian / Audience Warm-Up | 19 Jun 2020 | 01:17:11 | |
What do The Conners, The Voice, The Talk, American Idol, Hannah Montana, and Grease Live all have in common? Bill Sindelar, the hilarious actor, host, stand-up comedian and audience warm-up has worked on some of the most iconic TV in the last two decades. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Amy Brown - First Assistant Director | 16 Jun 2020 | 01:07:37 | |
First assistant director is a job with many responsibilities. Amy Brown reveals her journey behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Amy shares the way she leads iconic television projects, seeking to empower those around her with kindness, and the occasional dance party. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Erik Solky - Stunt Coordinator | 11 Jun 2020 | 01:02:27 | |
From explosions, bursting out of a windows on fire, fighting on top of moving trains, or driving a car through a building Erik Solky is the stunt man creating some of the epic movie moments you remember. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Ashley Noel - Celebrity Natural Hair Stylist | 09 Jun 2020 | 01:15:55 | |
Celebrity Natural Hair Stylist Ashley Noel redefines hair in Hollywood and how her role on a set puts her at the forefront of diversity and inclusion. On this episode we dive into the complex world of Celebrity Hair Styling. Ashley Noel specializes in Natural Hair, and her work has been featured around the world film, television, magazines, and event coverage. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Fish's Call Sheet - Jeremy Armstrong - Property Master | 05 Jun 2020 | 01:00:45 | |
Jeremy M. Armstrong is an iconic Property Master who work has been featured of Roseanne, The Conners, Entourage, The Larry David Show, and many more. We celebrate his hard work, and how props often shape the shows, movies, and memorable scenes we love. Together we dive behind the scenes of the entertainment industry as Jeremy shares his perspective, business insights, and what it takes to build a legacy in our industry. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Jada Ford: Story Producer - Shaping Reality Television | 02 Jun 2021 | 01:08:57 | |
Story Producer and Black Vintage Media founder Jada Ford is an inspirational force in the entertainment industry. Jada began her career as an intern at Maryland Public Television. After college she followed her dreams to Los Angeles quickly landed her first job in Production on VH1's Surreal Life. After over a decade of experience producing commercials, news and unscripted series for internet, cable and network television, she has founded Black Vintage Media. Jada Ford established herself as excellent Story Producer on productions including Big Brother, Hell's Kitchen, Black Ink Crew, Big Freedia, Tia and Tamera, Bad Girls Club, and Dance Mom, among many others. She has contributed to various television networks, to include ABC, CBS, FOX, VH1, OXYGEN, DISCOVERY ID, E!, FUSE, LIFETIME, TV ONE, NEWS CHANNEL ASIA and more. Motivated by a desire to increase inclusion, diversity, and representation both on camera and behind it, Jada Ford is developing groundbreaking projects through Black Vintage Media, where she collaborates with production companies and media professionals to bring audiences the best content around. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Randy Miller: Composer - The Music That Shapes the Screen | 26 May 2021 | 01:30:47 | |
World renowned composer has created timeless music to enhance countless film, television, and video game productions. Music sets the tone for successful entertainment, moving audiences viscerally, with resonance, and tonality. From the Marvel Experience, to films like Hellraiser, The Heart of Nuba, and his latest Love in Country, Randy Miller creates moving one of a kind musical masterpieces. His career has spanned decades, with his work featured across all genres of entertainment. Randy Miller specializes in creating stirring musical accompaniments, empowering each and every project he works on. Randy Miller takes us behind the process of being a professional composer, arranger, and conductor. He shares secrets of great sound, how to prepare your space at home, and how the business has changed through the decades. Randy Miller has collaborated with such notable filmmakers as Robert Towne, Zhang Yimou, Oliver Stone, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Tom Cruise, Jerry Rees, and Robert Dornhelm. In addition to working in recorded medium, Miller has composed the music for live immersive entertainment, including The Marvel Experience. Miller has created a career that features acoustic and orchestral music that is emotional, richly thematic and sophisticated as well as dynamic in scope. His music is an artistic blend of many styles – both modern and classical – mixing a commanding orchestral foundation with cinematic boldness or intricate delicacy. A few of Miller’s early career composing highlights include: Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (Clive Barker), Dreamrider (James Earl Jones), Darkman II: The Return of Durant (Sam Raimi) and the acclaimed TV series The Outer Limits (Pen Densham). His score for Without Limits, directed by Robert Towne and produced by Tom Cruise, was singled out by The Hollywood Reporter as a “rousing, pulse-quickening score.” Miller’s collaboration writing additional music for the Golden Globe-winning Best Original Score of Oliver Stone’s Heaven and Earth led to further collaborations with Kitaro, including co-composing for the Grammy nominated Impressions of the West Lake (directed by Zhang Yimou) and co-composing for the Chinese epic The Soong Sisters (Winner of Best Original Film Score at the Hong Kong Film Festival and Golden Horse Film Festival). Miller’s credits also include the mini-series Spartacus, Amargosa (Oscar finalist in the documentary category), and the award-winning Disney children’s series Handy Manny. In addition, Miller wrote string arrangements for the last six albums of Michael Franti and Spearhead, as well as composing and arranging for Disney Animation Magic (Walt Disney Imagineering THEA award winning interactive show). You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Ken Levine: Writer, Director, Producer - A Lifetime of Iconic Writing. How to Shape Great Characters | 12 May 2021 | 01:22:48 | |
Ken Levine has been entertaining audiences around the world for decades. He has written on some of the most memorable characters on iconic television shows in history. As a writer his credits include: The Jeffersons, The Tony Randall Show, M*A*S*H, Mary, The Simpsons, Cheers, Big Wave Dave’s, Wings, Almost Perfect, Becker, Frasier, and more. Be began his career as a writer before transitioning into a Producer. He has also directed shows like Pearl, Fired Up, Almost Perfect, Lateline, Dharma & Greg, Everybody Loves Raymond, Becker, and Frasier. As well as being a well known Major League Baseball announcer, entertainment podcaster, author and blogger. Writing history making characters on M*A*S*H, Cheers, and Frasier, Ken Levine has a multitude of knowledge and takes us behind the scenes, and into the writers room, as we explore his career. To learn even more from Ken Levine please check out his podcast Hollywood and Levine https://hollywoodandlevine.libsyn.com/ or his blog at http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/ You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| John Simmons: Director of Photography - Shaping Frames That Define History | 05 May 2021 | 01:01:51 | |
Entertainment industry trailblazing cinematographer, world renowned photographer, and accomplished artist John Simmons specializes in capturing iconic moments. His illustrious credits include iCarly, Family Reunion, Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given, No Good Nick, Roseanne, The Ranch, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, Dog with a Blog, Men at Work, Good Luck Charlie, Pair of Kings, All of Us, The Tracy Morgan Show, and Married with Children. A pioneer in the American Society of Cinematographers, John Simmons helped create the Vision committee to help ensure the entertainment industry accurately represents the world as a whole. Our conversation dives into diversity on set and how inclusion is necessary to propel our business forward. Follow our show at : You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Katrina Elder: Production Coordinator - Building Iconic Films From the Concept Up | 21 Apr 2021 | 01:27:01 | |
From the beginning phases of pre-production as a script starts to take shape through organizing the fundamental portions of filming, the Production Coordinator oversees all logistical requirements. Katrina Elder is an industry leader who specializes in large complex productions. Follow our show at : You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Kip Kroeger: Post Producer - Elevating Every Frame From "Cut" to Release | 07 Apr 2021 | 01:16:28 | |
Every film and television production depends on a post producer to guide it through post production, and Kip Kroeger is a legend in the field. From editing, to sound mixing, to color correction, and visual effects modern entertainment requires a creative, yet technically savvy post producers to coordinate the ultimate collaboration. Kip Kroger started on Scrubs, and has developed his incredible reputation through projects like Falling Skies, The Exes, Undateable, The Odd Couple, K.C. Undercover, Roseanne, Whiskey Cavalier, Dave, The Conners, Home Economics, and the standout award winning Ted Lasso. From cleaning up editorial material, to overseeing the building of a editing bay in Prague, or coordinating the creation of a virtual soccer stadium, Kip Kroeger is a creative force who makes production successful. Come listen to his journey, discovering the technical prowess behind some of your favorite productions.
You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Kevin Grace: Lead Set Decorator & Interior Designer - Building Worlds From the Details | 31 Mar 2021 | 01:11:31 | |
Emmy award winning Set Decorator and renowned Interior Designer Kevin Grace shares his incredible journey from fashion, through reality home makeover star, to being a preeminent Lead Set Decorator on The Kelly Clarkson Show. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Simone Finch: Writer, Creator - Writing Truth, Sobriety, and the Power of Single Drunk Female | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:05:53 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with writer, creator, and showrunner Simone Finch, the creative force behind the acclaimed series Single Drunk Female. With credits that include Madam Secretary, Homeland, Roseanne, and The Conners, Simone has built a career writing characters who are complicated, funny, flawed, honest, and deeply human. Together, Michael and Simone explore the craft behind the page: how stories are shaped, how writers’ rooms function, how lived experience becomes art, and what it takes to create work that feels both personal and universal. At the heart of the conversation is Simone’s powerful journey through sobriety and the creation of Single Drunk Female, a beloved and socially impactful series that gave audiences a fresh, funny, vulnerable look at recovery, accountability, family, identity, and starting over. This is a conversation about writing with courage, creating from truth, and using television not only to entertain, but to help people feel seen. Honest, insightful, funny, and deeply meaningful — this episode is for anyone who loves storytelling, values recovery, or believes great television can change the way we understand each other. More on Simone Finch: Socials - @SimoneFinch Single Drunk Female @SingleDrunkFemale IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5984133/ Creative Screenwriting - https://www.creativescreenwriting.com/life-on-lifes-terms-tv-writer-simone-finch-on-single-drunk-female New Yorker Article - https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/what-happened-when-i-stopped-drinking You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Ron Moseley: AD, Director - The Call Sheet, the Crew, and the Heartbeat of a Set | 23 Jun 2026 | 01:14:37 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with longtime friend, director, and assistant director Ron Moseley for an honest, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the real work that keeps a television set moving. Michael and Ron have known each other since the late eighties, crossing paths through some of television’s most memorable productions. Ron shares his journey through the industry, from A Different World to Roseanne, Grace Under Fire, Geena Davis Show, My Wife & Kids and his recent multi-year run on The Neighborhood. Along the way, he opens up about what it takes to organize a set, build a call sheet, lead a crew, solve problems under pressure, and create the kind of environment where people can do their best work. Ron is an authentic straight shooter with incredible behind-the-scenes stories and a rare understanding of both the logistics and humanity of production. He talks about earning opportunities as a director, the discipline of being a great assistant director, and why leadership on set is about more than schedules, timing, and efficiency. It is about trust, communication, teamwork, family, and happiness. Together, Michael and Ron reflect on their shared experiences with Cedric the Entertainer, Brett Butler, Roseanne, Damon Wayans, John Goodman and countless others, offering a warm and revealing look at the relationships, lessons, and unforgettable moments that shape a life in television. Funny, grounded, wise, and full of heart, this episode celebrates the people who make sets work — and the kind of leadership that makes everyone better. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Eden Dranger: Writer - On Writing, Being Horny for Acting & Becoming a Not So Starving Artist | 30 Jun 2026 | 01:16:51 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with writer and comedian Eden Dranger for a sharp, funny, and deeply useful conversation about the real craft of writing for film, television, animation, and performers. Eden shares stories from her work on shows like Beavis and Butt-Head and The Unicorn, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how comedy is built, rewritten, sharpened, and sometimes cut. Together, Michael and Eden explore what it means to write for actors, how the best performers elevate material, and why great writing is often a team sport. They reveal how even great jokes are not protected from the cutting room. They also get honest about one of the hardest lessons in creative work: not being too precious. From jokes that never make it to air, to scenes that get trimmed, to the importance of creating your own opportunities, Eden brings both humor and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation. And yes, she explains exactly what she means by being “Horny for Acting.” The episode also takes a personal turn as Eden reflects on her parents, the lessons they left her, and the empowerment that continues to shape her voice, choices, and creative life. She also shares practical financial guidance inspired by her Substack, Not So Starving Artist, helping artists, writers, and freelancers think smarter about stretching a check, building stability, and striving for more. Eden also shares her personal journey and advocacy for Women's Health. From the BRCA gene, to surgery, she shares information for survival. Funny, honest, practical, and full of heart, this conversation is for anyone who loves comedy, creates for a living, or is learning how to survive and thrive. Eden Dranger Links Socials - @Eden_Eats IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10097198/ Website - https://heyitsedendranger.com/ Substack - https://edendranger.substack.com/ You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Paige Blankenship: Producer - Building a Creative Life from the Ground Up - How to Turn Chaos Into Success | 21 Jul 2026 | 01:24:49 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with producer Paige Blankenship for an inspiring and practical conversation about what it really takes to build a life in production. Paige shares her journey from coming into the entertainment industry, rising from the bottom, and learning how to create her own path in a business that rarely hands anyone a roadmap. From a small town to shining in Hollywood. With experience across feature films, branded content, events, and production leadership, Paige brings a clear-eyed view of what producers actually do: they organize the impossible, protect the vision, solve problems before most people see them, and will projects into existence. Together, Michael and Paige talk about the grit behind producing, the courage required to bet on yourself, the personal growth that comes from doing hard things, and the responsibility to give back while still building forward. Paige also shares the kinds of projects that light her up, including work with comedy, heart, purpose, and social impact. This conversation is honest, energizing, and deeply useful for anyone who wants to understand how entertainment really gets made. It is about ambition without entitlement, leadership without ego, and the creative force required to turn an idea into something real. For artists, producers, filmmakers, dreamers, and anyone trying to build their own path, Paige Blankenship offers a powerful reminder: sometimes the job is not waiting for permission — it is becoming the person who makes it happen. Paige Blankenships' Links: Socials — @Blank_Paige_films IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5446761/ LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/blank-paige-films Women In Media — https://womennmedia.com/profile/paige-blankenship/ Website — https://blankpaigefilms.com/work You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Tema Staig: Women In Media - Rebuilding Hollywood from the Call Sheet Up | 14 Jul 2026 | 01:09:41 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with production designer, producer, advocate, and Women In Media founder Tema Staig for a powerful conversation about creativity, collaboration, production, and the future of the entertainment industry. Tema has spent her career building worlds on screen while also building real pathways for talented women and nonbinary professionals behind the scenes. Together, Michael and Tema discuss the art of production design, the teamwork required to bring a set to life, the current state of the business, and why protecting production means protecting the people whose skill, craft, and dedication make film and television possible. As an advisory board member of Women In Media, Michael joins Tema in a deeper conversation about the organization’s mission to set a new precedent for hiring. They discuss the Women In Media talent list, training programs, mentorship, professional development, and the evolution of CAMERAderie — from short films to the launch of CAMERAderie features. This is an episode about more than advocacy. It is about action. It is about access, excellence, opportunity, and the responsibility to open doors without lowering standards. Tema shares why representation must include real hiring, real training, real community, and real chances to lead. Insightful, urgent, inspiring, and deeply practical, this conversation is for anyone who cares about the future of entertainment, the people who make it, and the power of creating sets where talent, trust, camaraderie, and opportunity can thrive. Tema Staig Links: Tema's Website — https://www.temastaiglive.com/home Tema's Socials — @temastaig Tema's LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tema-staig-46823a20 Article — https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/post/tema-staig Women In Media Links: Women In Media Website — https://womennmedia.com/ Women in Media Socials — @WomenNMedia You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Blake Pickens: Writer, Director, Producer - Creating Productions, Comedy, Cartoons & Telling the Truth from Where You Come From | 07 Jul 2026 | 01:11:48 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with writer, director, producer, and stand-up comedian Blake Pickens for a thoughtful, funny, and deeply personal conversation about craft, identity, and finding your voice in the entertainment industry. Blake shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-hyphenate career across film, television, comedy, cartoons, commercials, and live performance. Together, Michael and Blake explore the discipline behind writing, the vulnerability of stand-up, the leadership required to direct and produce, and the courage it takes to create work rooted in lived experience. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful discussion about authentic representation not as a buzzword, but as a responsibility. Blake opens up about his personal Indigenous experience, how it has shaped his perspective, and why the stories we tell matter both on screen and behind the scenes. This is a conversation about comedy as truth, storytelling as service, and the long road of turning where you come from into the power of what you create. Honest, grounded, insightful, and full of heart, this episode is for anyone who loves the craft of entertainment, believes in more authentic stories, or is working to build a creative life without losing themselves along the way. You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Lynda Tarryk: Director - Learning Every Seat Before Taking the Chair — The Hidden Path to Primetime Director | 28 Jul 2026 | 01:12:59 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with director Lynda Tarryk for an inspiring, practical, and deeply insightful conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career in television. Lynda is a three-time Children’s & Family Emmy-nominated television director, with credits including The Conners, Night Court, Lopez vs. Lopez, The Upshaws, How I Met Your Father, and Raven’s Home. Tarryk shares her remarkable journey from starting as a page, to working as a switcher, becoming an Associate Director, and ultimately earning her place as an accomplished television director with credits across some of the most beloved comedies on screen. She reveals how her Associate Director background gives her a technical advantage with cameras, editing, and pace. Her story is a masterclass in preparation, persistence, humility, and learning the business from every angle before stepping fully into leadership. Together, Michael and Lynda dive into the rhythm of a working set, the pressure of live decision-making, the technical precision behind multi-camera comedy, and the people skills required to guide actors, crews, producers, and departments toward one shared vision. Lynda also opens up about teaching the next generation, passing on hard-earned knowledge, and why great directing is about far more than calling “action.” This conversation is for anyone who loves television, dreams of directing, wants to understand how a set actually works, or believes that the strongest leaders are often the ones who took the time to learn every job along the way. Honest, funny, wise, and full of real industry insight, Lynda Tarryk reminds us that success is not just about getting the opportunity. It is about being ready when the call comes. Lynda Tarryk Links: Website — https://www.lyndatarryk.com/ IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1413749/ You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Zabrina Matiru: Makeup - The Artist Behind the Face. Makeup, Identity, and the Power of Feeling Seen | 11 Aug 2026 | 01:12:57 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with makeup artist and designer Zabrina Matiru for a beautiful, revealing, and deeply human conversation about the artistry, trust, and care behind every face audiences see on screen. Born in Kenya, shaped by a multicultural upbringing, and later building her career in Canada, Zabrina brings a rare perspective to her work that's rooted in color, texture, travel, identity, and compassion. She shares her journey into the entertainment industry, from discovering makeup through design and special effects, to building a career helping actors transform into characters while still feeling safe, respected, and seen. Together, Michael and Zabrina explore the makeup chair as one of the most intimate spaces on a set. It is where performers begin their day, where characters come to life, where trust is built, and where the tone for an entire production can be set in a matter of minutes. Zabrina opens up about character design, continuity, aging, illness, fantasy, beauty, skin tone, representation, and why the best makeup often works so well that audiences never notice it. This conversation also reaches beyond entertainment. Zabrina speaks powerfully about confidence, authenticity, and the pressure people feel to fit into narrow standards of beauty. With honesty and heart, she reminds us that individual beauty is far more interesting than trying to look like everyone else. Insightful, practical, emotional, and unexpectedly inspiring, this episode gives viewers a new appreciation for the artists who help shape what we see and the caregivers who help people feel comfortable in their own skin. Zabrina Matiru Links: Zabrina's Website — https://zabrinamatiru.com/ Socials — @zabrinamakeup IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1339480/ IATSE Site — https://ourwork.ca/blogroll/posts/member-spotlight-zabrina-matiru-on-black-history-black-futures-month/ You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Caleb Spillyards: Stunts How Hollywood Fights Are Really Made. The Body, the Camera, and the Story Behind the Battles | 04 Aug 2026 | 01:11:13 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with stunt performer and fight coordinator Caleb Spillyards for a raw, energetic, and revealing conversation about the world of stunts, screen fighting, and what it really takes to make action look effortless. Caleb shares his journey into the entertainment industry, the grind of building a career one opportunity at a time, and the physical demands required to perform, coordinate, and survive in one of the most intense parts of production. From training and preparation to trust, timing, safety, and storytelling, Caleb breaks down the discipline behind the moments audiences feel but rarely understand. Together, Michael and Caleb explore how great fight scenes are built — not just through choreography, but through character, camera, rhythm, emotion, and purpose. They talk about the responsibility of protecting performers, the teamwork required to sell danger safely, and why the best action is never just about impact. It is about making the audience believe the stakes. Caleb also opens up about sharing his knowledge online, helping filmmakers, performers, and creators understand how to design action that feels cinematic, clear, and connected to story. Honest, physical, practical, and full of hard-earned insight, this episode gives viewers a deeper respect for the artists who put their bodies on the line to bring unforgettable moments to screen. Caleb Spillyards Links: IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3710906/ Socials — @CalebSpillyards Website — www.calebspillyards.com YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@calebspillyards You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| John Boyd: Camera - Pedestals, Pressure, and the Art of the Perfect Camera Shot | 18 Aug 2026 | 01:33:08 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with camera operator John Boyd for a fascinating, funny, and deeply appreciative look at the craft behind the camera. John takes viewers inside the fast-moving world of multi-cam sitcoms and soap operas, where every move matters, every frame has purpose, and the camera team has to capture comedy, emotion, timing, and truth in real time. From the outside, a pedestal camera may look like equipment. In John’s hands, it becomes part instinct, part choreography, part storytelling, and part athletic performance. Together, Michael and John explore how he found his way into the business, what it takes to operate at the highest level, and the hidden complexity behind capturing iconic television moments. John shares the secrets of moving with actors, anticipating performances, adjusting under pressure, and working as part of a team where timing can make or break a scene. This conversation opens a window into one of the most essential jobs on set, the person who helps decide what the audience sees, feels, remembers, and replays. With warmth, technical insight, great stories, and a clear love for the business, John Boyd reminds us that the magic of television is not only in front of the camera. Sometimes, it is in the hands, eyes, instincts, and heart of the person operating it. John Boyd Links: Television Academy — https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/john-boyd IMDB — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5048933/ Pedestal Camera— https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_pedestal You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||
| Erica Montolfo-Bura: Writer, Producer - Inside the Writers’ Room, Cancel Culture, and the Mayor of Lanford. Jokes, Stars, and the Story Behind the Story | 25 Aug 2026 | 01:08:48 | |
In this episode of Fish’s Call Sheet, Michael sits down with writer and producer Erica Montolfo-Bura for a smart, honest, and revealing conversation about what it really takes to write television that connects. Erica takes us inside the writers’ room, where character, story, jokes, audience reaction, creative pressure, and collaboration all collide. Together, Michael and Erica explore how meaningful television is shaped, from writing for specific characters, to building jokes that only those characters could say, to navigating stars, producers, network expectations, and the evolving relationship between shows and their audiences. They also discuss the challenges of creating comedy in a culture where every line can be examined, debated, celebrated, or criticized. Erica shares insight into facing public reaction, listening to the audience without losing the story, and finding the balance between honesty, humor, responsibility, and creative freedom. With warmth and humor, Erica calls Michael the “Mayor of Lanford,” opening the door to a personal conversation about legacy, trust, and what it means to be part of a show that audiences feel they own. This episode is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the craft of writing television: how rooms work, how jokes survive, how characters grow, and how creators are finding new interactive ways to bring audiences deeper into the storytelling process. Funny, thoughtful, timely, and full of real industry insight, this conversation is for anyone who loves television, writes comedy, studies storytelling, or wants to understand how the shows we care about are built from the inside out. Links for Erica Montolfo-Bura: IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0600132/ Social - @emontey You can find and follow us across social media @FishsCallSheet We are building an interactive SubStack. You can watch episodes on YouTube @FishsCallSheet Thank you for supporting our show | |||