Groundlings

Alex Bonifer
Alex Bonifer 1920 1080 Alyshia Ochse

Today’s guest, Alex Bonifer, has taken a decidedly unconventional route to becoming a standout in some of television’s most unique comedies. A summer improv class, forced upon him by his father, set him on a twelve-year journey through legendary comedy institutions including iO West, UCB, and The Groundlings. Alex went from working as a furniture salesman and Uber driver to becoming a series regular, landing memorable roles in Superstore, Kevin Can F**k Himself, and most recently Jury Duty. Along the way, he developed a philosophy of taking the “big swing” while “caring but not giving a shit” about the outcome. Alex gets candid about the grit, rejection, and persistence it took to get there, the physical secrets behind his character work, and how he stayed in character for his entire audition for “Dougie Jr.”

These are the unforgettable stories that landed Alex Bonifer right here.

About Alex Bonifer:

Alex Bonifer is in the Main Company at The Groundlings. He’s a lead in Amazon’s hit show Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat as rising CEO/hopeless burnout Dougie Jr. Alex can be seen on Liz Feldman’s show No Good Deed on Netflix and recurred on NBC’s Superstore. He was a series regular on AMC’s Kevin Can F**k Himself, opposite Annie Murphy — his character traversed the classic multi-cam world and the darker single-cam world. He’s a proud LA native and a huge Chargers fan.

Credits:

  • Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat
  • Kevin Can F**k Himself
  • Superstore
  • No Good Deed

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EPISODE CREDITS:
  • HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse
  • WRITER: Maddie McCormick
  • WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
  • SOCIAL: Alara Cerikcioglu

Sheila Carrasco
Sheila Carrasco 1920 1080 Alyshia Ochse

Sheila Carrasco is a comedian and actress best known for her portrayal of the character “Flower” on the hit CBS series GHOSTS  which returns for Season 5 on October 16th. She’s a fan favorite and the show (which has been renewed for a 6th season already) brings in 11.9M viewers! The series is so popular there is already a UK and Australian version in the works.

Sheila’s character “Flower” is a sweet but trippy 60s love child who experiences regular flashbacks and hallucinations. Because of this, she bounces between lucidity and trances that often leave her distracted and confused. Ghostly Ability: Flower can make someone feel high when she walks through them. Fun fact: Sheila was actually “discovered” as part of the CBS Diversity Showcase! Hence why these programs are so important!

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:

THAT ONE AUDITION’S LINKS:

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EPISODE CREDITS:
  • WRITER: Erin McCluskey
  • WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
  • ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
  • SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri
stephanie koenig on that one audition with alyshia ochse

Stephanie Koenig
Stephanie Koenig 1920 1080 Alyshia Ochse

Actor, writer, and director Stephanie Koenig (kay-nig), is quickly making a name for herself in the entertainment industry through the dynamic characters she brings to life on screen. This year Koenig can be seen starring in FX’s highly anticipated, brand new comedy series “English Teacher,” created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez. The show follows Evan (Alvarez) a high school English teacher who, along with his fellow teachers, is trying to balance the competing demands of the students and their parents in a world where the rules seem to change every day. Koenig is a standout as Gwen Sanders, an eager, optimistic history teacher who is Evan’s best friend and closest confidant. Koenig also holds writer credits on the series penning episode 102 entitled “Powderpuff.” “English Teacher” is slated to premiere on September 2, 2024 with episodes releasing weekly on FX, while also streaming on Hulu.

Also in television, Koenig starred in the Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ limited series “Lessons in Chemistry,” alongside Brie Larson. Based on the bestselling novel by Bonnie Garmus, Koenig shone as Fran Frask, a powerful secretary at Hastings lab who leads personnel with a snarky, know-it-all wit. “Lessons in Chemistry” was met with critical acclaim upon debut, with press calling it “ a wholly enjoyable watch” (Guardian), “enjoyable, gorgeously designed” (Boston Globe), and “undeniably affecting” (Empire). It also proved to be a major awards season contender, earning nominations for Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for TV at the 2024 Golden Globes, Best Limited Series at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, and Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series at the 2024 Emmy Awards. Additional notable acting credits for Koenig include her role in the Paramount+ limited series “The Offer” opposite Miles Teller, in which she portrayed real-life casting executive Andrea Eastman as she helped assemble the iconic cast of “The Godfather,” and HBO Max’s award nominated series “The Flight Attendant.”

Behind the camera Koenig wrote, starred in, directed, produced, and edited the action-comedy parody “A Spy Movie” alongside frequent collaborator Brian Jordan Alvarez, who she will reunite with in “English Teacher.” She is also responsible for the hit short-form series “Stupid Idiots” a television adaptation that was in development at Paramount TV with Michael Sugar and Jonathan Krisel attached to produce. Born and raised in Michigan, Koenig got her start as a performer at a young age in dance competitions, and earned an acting degree from Michigan State University. She is an Upright Citizens Brigade and Groundlings alumna where she honed her craft in comedy, and frequently collaborates with various stalwarts from both.

Resources

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EPISODE CREDITS:
  • WRITER: Erin McCluskey
  • WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
  • ASSISTANT: Elle Powell
  • SOCIAL OUTREACH: Alara Ceri
Jessica Pohly on That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Jessica Pohly
Jessica Pohly 1920 960 Alyshia Ochse

From comedy to drama, Jessica is solidifying a name for herself in the entertainment industry through her authentic, original brand of comedy and ability to transition seamlessly to dramatic characters on screen and is a proud member of the LGBTQ community. Pohly was born and raised in New York City. She began her career touring with the American Shakespeare Center and was also a member of the Atlantic Theater Company. She originated roles in several plays written by Pulitzer Prize winner Adam Rapp.

After writing, producing, and starring in Alternate Sides, a 2012 short film about the trials and tribulations of parking in New York City, Pohly ventured into television with cameos in multiple sitcoms in 2013 and 2014, including “Welcome to the Family,” “Super Fun Night,” and “Modern Family.”

This year Jessica can be seen starring opposite Juno Temple, Jon Hamm, Richa Moorjani, and Jennifer Jason Leigh in season 5 of FX’s critically acclaimed drama series “Fargo.” She got her first big break on screen starring as bank robber Pepper opposite Paul Reubens in “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” which debuted on Netflix in 2016. Additional recent credits for Jessica include recurring roles on “Grand Crew” for NBC, Netflix’s “Huge in France,” ‘SMILF” for Showtime and “Goliath” for Amazon. Jessica is currently a member of the Main Company at The Groundlings, the foremost comedy training ground in Los Angeles that has been a springboard for countless careers.

Resources

GUEST LINKS:
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

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

RE-RELEASE: Michaela Watkins
RE-RELEASE: Michaela Watkins 1500 750 Alyshia Ochse

The Road to 100+ Credits: Say YES to Opportunity

Todays guest has over 100 film and TV credits to her name and a career that began with roles in repertory theatre in Portland, Oregon, and ultimately lead her to Los Angeles where she discovered improv and sketch comedy and became a member of The Groundlings. She shares how her experiences doing improv in LA prepared her for the rest of the business, including joining the cast of SNL for one season, and how her departue from the show, seemingly premature at the time, made way for countless new opportunities to expand her storytelling capacity.

A natural talent with an undeniable energy, Michaela Watkins has made her mark through a variety of impressive and unforgettable roles.

Watkins can currently be seen in the fourth and final season of the hit Hulu show CASUAL. The show has received critical acclaim with a Golden Globe nomination and recognition in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER calling it “funny, strongly realized, self-assured and a joy to watch. After watching an episode, you want another.”  She plays the lead role of ‘Valerie Cole’, a newly divorced sex therapist who is re-entering the world of casual dating.

Up next, Watkins can be seen playing Rob Delaney’s Sister in the new season of CATASTROPHE and playing a tightly wound, full of bravado, federal prosecutor hell-bent on putty Dory (Alia Shawkat) and Drew (John Reynolds) behind bars in the next season of SEARCH PARTY.

Watkins can be seen in the first and second season of Amazon’s Golden Globe winning show, TRANSPARENT.  Additionally, she can be seen in the Netflix limited series WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER opposite Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd.  Prior to that, she was last seen playing the eccentric and loveable ‘Jackie’ on the ABC critically-acclaimed series TROPHY WIFE opposite Bradley Whitford and Malin Ackerman.

Other past television credits include VEEP, THE GOLDBERGS, MARRIED, THE COMEDIANS, NEW GIRL, ENLIGHTENED, MODERN FAMILY, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PARENTHOOD, KEY AND PEELE, THE KROLL SHOW, DRUNK HISTORY AND CALIFORNICATION.

On the creator side, Watkins executive produced, created and wrote the comedy series BENCHED with Damon Jones, which aired on the USA Network. This series starred Eliza Coupe.

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Resources

LINKS:
QUOTES:

“Work begets work. You do this one thing, and then you hear about this other thing. Each little thing made room for another little thing.”

“A good manager will say this to you: ‘We’re doing the long game. I don’t care if you book a stupid episode. We’re looking BIG picture.”

 

096: Travis Van Winkle
096: Travis Van Winkle 1500 750 Alyshia Ochse

An Ascending Loop of Frustration and Mastery

Travis Van Winkle was born in California, however his mom and dad’s Air Force responsibilities would have him living in Michigan and Georgia, before he eventually made his way to Hollywood at the age of twenty.

He would kick off his career and seamlessly transition between both television and film, with leading roles in features including Paramount’s Friday the 13th, Transformers, Fox’s Meet the Spartans, and the Universal comedy Accepted. In 2014, he began a starring run on TNT’s high-concept drama, The Last Ship, which lasted 5 seasons, and most recently alongside Alan Cumming in the CBS summer drama Instinct. Some of his memorable television recurring and guest appearances include; CW’s Hart of Dixie, ABC’S Happy Endings, 90210, Scorpion, 2 Broke Girls, Two and a Half Men, Raising Hope, Malcolm in the Middle, Veronica Mars, The O.C., and his personal favorite That’s So Raven.

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Resources

LINKS:
QUOTES:

“We all have this unlimited potential and we’re the only ones that block it.”

“It’s a really beautiful journey, becoming an actor. It’s always asking me to get to know, not only myself more, but to get to know humanity more.”

“Life is an ascending loop of frustration and mastery.”

CREDITS:
  • WRITER: Andrew Christofer
  • SOUND DESIGN: Zachary Jameson
  • WEBSITE/GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings
  • OUTREACH: Maya Butler
  • PRODUCTION SERVICES: Paige Patterson & Elle Powell

 

088: Sarah Baker
088: Sarah Baker 1500 750 Alyshia Ochse

A Series of Full Circle Moments

Sarah Baker is an actress and comedian born in the Washington, D.C. area. After graduating from James Madison University with a double major in Theater and English, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she joined the Whole World Improv Theatre as a performer, and later as a teacher. She also later became a member of the Sunday Company with the acclaimed Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles.

She is best known for her roles in The Kominsky Method on Netflix, The Campaign with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, and on HBO’s Big Little Lies. She has been nominated for a Critic’s Choice Award for her guest role on Louie, as well as for a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for The Kominsky Method, in which she stars alongside Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. The hit show won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy Series and, as of January 2019, has been renewed for a second season. She is slated to appear as “Emily” in Ben Falcone’s Superintelligence starring Melissa McCarthy, premiering in December 2019.

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Resources

LINKS:
QUOTES:

“You always have to prove yourself on every new job that you do.”

“If you keep working hard, you’re gonna get somewhere. It might not be the place you’ve envisioned, but you will get somewhere. Don’t get discouraged.”

076: Adam Shapiro
076: Adam Shapiro 1500 750 Alyshia Ochse

Today we chat with Adam Shapiro about what it is to be enough, being re-cast in the feature adaptation of a passion project, to the insightful advice Director Jason Winer gave just before testing for a pilot, to starting your own theatre company.

From his work on The Affair, Sense8, Grace & Frankie, The Mindy Project, and Snowfall, to his roles in Now You See Me, The House Bunny, and Steve Jobs, as well as on Broadway in Waitress—you’ve likely seen today’s guest before…

Adam is currently filming the upcoming season of Showtime’s The Affair, and recently filmed the lead role in a new TBS half-hour comedy pilot and roles in the upcoming indie films It Happened In LA (Sundance 2017), Feed, The Female Brain, and Social Animals. He’s been seen as Avie Tevanian in Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs, arcs the Netflix series from the Wachowskis: Sense8, ABC’s Cristela, Audience Network’s Kingdom, and the NBC comedy Trial & Error, as well as guest starring roles on Grace & Frankie (Netflix), Snowfall (FX) and The Mindy Project(FOX). Recent television credits include: Bones, CSI: Cyber, The Mysteries of Laura, Betrayal, 1600 Penn, Scandal, Mistresses, and Grey’s Anatomy. More Film Credits: Larry Gaye: Renegade Male Flight Attendant, The Answer, Sister, Nobody Walks in LA, Ctl Alt Delete, I Am Not A Hipster, Short Term 12, Now You See Me, A Single Man, The House Bunny, The Den.

Adam is also a co-founder of IAMA Theatre Company, and has recently starred on Broadway in the Tony nominated Waitress. Adam was most recently nominated for Ovation Awards for IAMA’s LA premiere of The Recommendation by Jon Caren (Winner Best Production 2014) and for Best Lead Actor in a Musical for Hey, Morgan! a world premiere comedy by Matthew Fogel and Isaac Laskin, Directed by Matt Shakman at the Black Dahlia Theatre. More stage credits include: Rent, You are Here, The Accidental Blonde, the world premieres of Leslye Headland’s Bachelorette and Assistance (IAMA Theatre Company), and “David” in Paul Grellong’s west coast premiere of Manuscript (The Elephant).

Tune in

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Resources

LINKS:
QUOTES:

“As an actor, if you don’t understand the business, everytime you don’t get a role, everytime you don’t get a job you think you’re going to get, you take it personally. If you don’t understand how actors get cast, why actors get cast, how casts are filled out, then you’re constantly going to take things personally and you can only take things so personally for so long before you say I’m done…”

“You’re constantly changing, and so is your art.”

075: Michaela Watkins
075: Michaela Watkins 1500 750 Alyshia Ochse

Todays guest has over 100 film and TV credits to her name and a career that began with roles in repertory theatre in Portland, Oregon, and ultimately lead her to Los Angeles where she discovered improv and sketch comedy and became a member of The Groundlings. She shares how her experiences doing improv in LA prepared her for the rest of the business, including joining the cast of SNL for one season, and how her departue from the show, seemingly premature at the time, made way for countless new opportunities to expand her storytelling capacity.

A natural talent with an undeniable energy, Michaela Watkins has made her mark through a variety of impressive and unforgettable roles.

Watkins can currently be seen in the fourth and final season of the hit Hulu show CASUAL. The show has received critical acclaim with a Golden Globe nomination and recognition in THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER calling it “funny, strongly realized, self-assured and a joy to watch. After watching an episode, you want another.”  She plays the lead role of ‘Valerie Cole’, a newly divorced sex therapist who is re-entering the world of casual dating.

Up next, Watkins can be seen playing Rob Delaney’s Sister in the new season of CATASTROPHE and playing a tightly wound, full of bravado, federal prosecutor hell-bent on putty Dory (Alia Shawkat) and Drew (John Reynolds) behind bars in the next season of SEARCH PARTY.

Watkins can be seen in the first and second season of Amazon’s Golden Globe winning show, TRANSPARENT.  Additionally, she can be seen in the Netflix limited series WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER opposite Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler and Paul Rudd.  Prior to that, she was last seen playing the eccentric and loveable ‘Jackie’ on the ABC critically-acclaimed series TROPHY WIFE opposite Bradley Whitford and Malin Ackerman.

Other past television credits include VEEP, THE GOLDBERGS, MARRIED, THE COMEDIANS, NEW GIRL, ENLIGHTENED, MODERN FAMILY, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM, PARENTHOOD, KEY AND PEELE, THE KROLL SHOW, DRUNK HISTORY AND CALIFORNICATION.

On the creator side, Watkins executive produced, created and wrote the comedy series BENCHED with Damon Jones, which aired on the USA Network. This series starred Eliza Coupe.

 

Tune in

Listen On iTunes

 

Resources

SOCIAL:
NEWS & MORE:
QUOTES:

“Work begets work. You do this one thing, and then you hear about this other thing. Each little thing made room for another little thing.”

“A good manager will say this to you: ‘We’re doing the long game. I don’t care if you book a stupid episode. We’re looking BIG picture.’”

“Your body knows when you hear the thing—that’s the thing for me. I truly believe that we’re not crazy when we feel that.”

“Being safe is not a great plan for being an actor.”

 

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ALYSHIA OCHSE

Los Angeles-based actress, bestselling author, host of That One Audition podcast, entrepreneur, & mother.

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