Michelle shares how a chance improv performance at an insurance company launched a decades-long journey into acting and voiceover work, eventually leading to national campaigns, live stadium performances, and an Emmy-winning commercial. Along the way, she opens up about the emotional power of storytelling, the reality of building a freelance creative business, and the growing impact of AI on the voice acting industry. 

The conversation also explores Michelle’s children’s book The Amazing Monster, her passion for helping people feel seen through storytelling, and why authentic human connection still matters more than ever in creative work. 

If you’ve ever wondered how creative careers really happen, or how to turn unexpected moments into your next act, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Jessica O’Donnell - screenwriter, actor, comedian, and story analyst - who made the leap from finance and higher education into the world of entertainment.

Jessica shares how the pandemic became a turning point, giving her the space to finally write the screenplay she had always envisioned - Falls Candy - a grounded, character-driven story inspired by her hometown of Niagara Falls. From there, her creative career began to snowball.

They dive into the realities of building a career in film and TV, including:

•  How to evaluate what makes a story “commercial” vs. just compelling 
•  Why real-life experience can be an advantage in acting 
•  The discipline behind writing (even just a few minutes a day) 
•  The difference between performing on stage and analyzing scripts 
•  And what it looks like to build momentum across multiple creative paths 

Jessica’s journey is a powerful reminder that your “next act” doesn’t have to be one thing - it can be a combination of passions that finally align.

If you’ve ever thought about reinventing yourself, this conversation will make you rethink what’s possible.

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Tim Eliot, an actor, producer, and educator whose work spans HBO, experimental theater, and teaching at NYU. From his early journey through athletics, academics, and the arts, to helping lead groundbreaking work at Krymov Lab NYC, Tim shares how focus, awareness, and deep storytelling shape great performances.

They dive into the power of Shakespeare, why it was never meant to be read but experienced, and how today’s creators can reinterpret classic work for new audiences. Tim also shares how a viral TikTok video on Ophelia unexpectedly took off, proving that timeless stories can still find massive reach in modern formats.

This is a conversation about craft, curiosity, and what it really means to push creative boundaries in your next act.

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Alfred Lawrie, the creative force behind groundbreaking UK television hits including The Jury: Murder Trial, Married at First Sight, The Apprentice, and more.

Alfred shares his unexpected journey into television, behind-the-scenes stories from working with Sacha Baron Cohen and Naomi Campbell, the truth about reality TV, and how great storytelling balances creativity with commercial success.

This conversation is packed with insight for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone building their own next chapter.

They discuss the fascinating world of self-declared countries, why unusual stories often reveal the deepest truths, and how filmmaking can create healing, connection, and perspective. Joe also opens up about working on the emotional documentary Mr. Football, the changing landscape of Hollywood, and why independent creators still have a massive opportunity ahead.

If you love creativity, reinvention, and stories that make you think, this episode is for you.

June shares how he turned a passion for acting into a thriving career, why happiness is his true competitive edge, and how authenticity shapes every performance. They also dive into representation in media, the power of storytelling, mentoring the next generation of actors, and June’s vision of building his own studio in Los Angeles one day.

This is a conversation about reinvention, purpose, and building a career that feels true to who you are.

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Fred Zara to unpack a journey that spans punk rock stages, indie film sets, and everything in between.

Fred shares how growing up in Trenton, New Jersey shaped his perspective on storytelling, why independent film gave him a path that Hollywood couldn’t, and how a DIY mindset still drives his work today. From crowdfunding his films to navigating the realities of low-budget production, this is a raw look at what it takes to bring stories to life without waiting for permission.

They also dive into the deeper side of storytelling—why meaningful, human stories matter more than ever, and how Fred approaches characters who are simply trying to overcome everyday struggles.

If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing something bigger—this conversation is a reminder that you don’t need perfect conditions to start… just the willingness to keep going.

The best is yet to come.

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Emmy Award-winning videographer and editor Nick Blanchette shares his unconventional journey from sudden job loss to building a creative career on one of the most unique television productions out there.

Nick opens up about filming unpredictable, high-energy reality content, learning to trust instinct over planning, and why storytelling always matters more than technical perfection. From running a Spartan race on camera to editing Emmy-winning episodes, his story is a masterclass in adaptability, creativity, and resilience.

They also dive into Nick’s next chapter: writing a sci-fi series rooted in real science, time travel theory, and a ghost-hunting app that might be a little too real.

If you’ve ever had to reinvent yourself or wondered what comes after your “first act,” this episode is for you.

We dive into his creative process, his experiences working with the elderly and in retail, and how he combines storytelling with social impact to raise awareness about fraud prevention. Ken also shares his journey from mentorship under Chazz Palminteri to creating original stage and screen productions that educate, entertain, and inspire.

Tune in to hear about Ken’s next projects, including independent films, cybersecurity puppetry, and his continued commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

Angela shares how running a flower shop taught her the art of storytelling, time management, and creative intuition. She opens up about the deeper spiritual experiences that shape her writing, the inspiration behind her books and screenplays, and why she believes every chapter of her life prepared her for the work she is doing now.

From unsolved mysteries and midnight inspiration to one-woman shows and producing live theater, this conversation explores creativity, courage, reinvention, and the power of telling the stories that won’t let go.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn life experience into art - or how to keep building bold new chapters later in life - this episode is for you.

 Highlights include his acclaimed short Into the Dark Room (now in feature development), the psychological horror feature House of Abraham (streaming now with stars like Lin Shaye and Natasha Henstridge), and his latest festival-winning short Up Close. Lukas offers insights on character depth, backstories, and why human nature often provides the scariest monsters. Perfect for aspiring creators and fans of thoughtful genre storytelling - the best is yet to come!

We dive into her early days in standup comedy, how writing scripts transformed her acting, and her experiences producing unique stories such as Christmas Romance at the Roanoke Ranch. Shannon also shares insights on the creative challenges of Hollywood, building meaningful collaborations, and advice for aspiring actors who want to break in without compromising their authenticity.

Whether you’re an aspiring performer, writer, or simply a fan of compelling storytelling, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and inspiration from someone who’s truly done it all.

Tune in to hear Douglas reflect on risk-taking, creative intuition, and the joy of storytelling in every medium.

From creating immersive hotel experiences to embodying characters on screen, Jeff explores the intersection of talent, vision, and opportunity. This episode lays the foundation for Next Act, highlighting the power of ambition, curiosity, and resilience, and why the best is always yet to come for those who pursue it.