Rough Day In Showbiz

What can’t Candace do?? Highly accomplished and experienced actress Candace Kita joins the pod and tells a plethora of Rough Day In Showbiz stories. She opens with a story of getting slammed with a hefty rewrite of ALL her dialogue the morning of a shoot for a big network show…then messing it all up…A LOT. She tells another Rough Day In Showbiz story about her character’s dialect being changed from English to Chinese to French ALL IN THE SAME DAY. She had to skip lunch. Then another Rough Day In Showbiz story when she was told by the producer of a big network show that her Chinese accent “doesn’t sound Chinese enough”. Justin tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a strange acting class that turned out to be a sex cult. Candace rules!! Follow Candace on Instagram: @CandaceKita1 Host: @JustinSorvillo 

First episode of 2023 woo hoo! Kicking it off with the kindest actor Albert Lew! He tells a hilarious Rough Day In Showbiz story about a web series disaster which includes a bed made out of cardboard boxes, acting to a pile of clothes with a wig on it, and the WORST CRAFTY OF ALL TIME. Justin also tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about an overnight film shoot that was pretty raw (pun)…his story really is the meat of the episode (pun)…very high stakes (pun). Couldn’t have been happier to have Albert as the starting guest for the new year!  Follow Albert on Instagram: @TheAlbertLew Follow Albert on Twitter: @TheAlbertLew Host: @JustinSorvillo

Radio killed the video star! The delightful Jaz came to the podcast and told soooo many radio-Rough Days In Showbiz stories. One of them detailed her early days working at KISS FM as an intern when she had to dawn a terrible-smelling reindeer costume for a Christmas event to pay her dues. Then another, where she took a very nasty fall and sustained a very unaesthetically-pleasing injury, during a VERY public parade. Plus one more, where a swarm of angry bees terrorized a charity event for cancer. Justin also tells Rough Day In Showbiz story about getting injured on stage right before a scene started...with only moments before having to enter another scene. Jaz is the first radio host to dawn the Rough Day In Showbiz podcast and is the coolest person! Follow Jaz on Twitter: @JazzerFierce Follow Jaz on Instagram: @JazzerSoFierce_ Host: @JustinSorvillo

It's tea with Renata! She tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about working on a film with a promising director who turned out to be a complete sham! Also a Rough Day In Showbiz about a very difficult swimming shoot on a cold, windy beach doing take-after-take in the freezing water. Plus, she recounts a Rough Day In Showbiz acting on Bobby Flay's first cooking show, headed by a tremendously creepy producer. Renata rocks the house!  Follow Renata on IG: @RenataHin101  Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Thea Rodgers is astounding! She tells a Rough Day In Showbiz about having to learn an entire play just 4 days before the show started. Plus, other Rough Day In Showbiz stories about a tyrannical, toxically-masculine boss, and a Romeo and Juliet death-scene mishap. Justin also recants a Rough Day In Showbiz about a commercial audition that felt more like being a third-wheel on a date.  Follow Thea on IG: @ItsTheaRodgers Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Corrie is in the building! Armed with many talents and seasoned with much experience Corrie is ready to crack into some Rough Day In Showbiz stories! Her first story involves a theater production doomed by two emotionally volatile baby boomers who wreaked havoc, and nearly cost the entire show. She also tells another theater story about a play destined for greatness with a perfect cast, only to be taken over by a tyrant director who mercilessly fired and recast all of the actors. Her final story takes place in world of audio books where she encountered a client who rejected her from a job after putting her on hold for many, many months. They then proceeded to gaslight her, threaten legal action, and blame Corrie's pregnancy for the whole situation...all because Corrie simply asked to be paid what she was owed. As far as this podcast knows, what's fair, is fair. Corrie inspires! Follow Corrie on IG: @CreatingWithCorrie Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Get your Dunkin' Donuts ready because Katies' got some wicked crazy Rough Day In Showbiz stories to tell. In her first story, she learns she got a callback for an audition via a napkin, written by an eccentric director, who didn't even bother to write what time to show up. Her second story is about signing with a seemingly good talent agent who appeared to have his ducks in a row, but then a mere week later dropped her as a client for reasons that were beyond psychotic. Thirdly, she tells the episode title story, "Cabaret Crook" about a pay-to-play performance run by a man who was more of a bully than a director, and more of a scumbag than a show producer. Also, Justin tells a story about attending an industry workshop that abruptly became marred by right-wing politics. Katie is a wicked cool guest, and this episode definitely gets a standing ovation!  Follow Katie on IG: @KatieHardenOfficial Follow Katie's Magazine: @MagazineLorette Follow Katie on Twitter: @KHardenOfficial Host: @JustinSorvillo

This episode came up roses with producer, director, writer, Rosie Grace! The Rough Day In Showbiz stories start with her humble beginnings moving to LA and working at a cupcake shop. Then travel all the way to the present, where she produces directs, and writes her own projects, and owns own production company. And of course, there are a bunch of Rough Days In Showbiz in between! Including, working early production jobs in Beverly Hills...where they fancily towed her car. Also getting laid off from an animation studio the second she stepped on a plane to go visit family. She also told stories about producing! Including the time her business partner, Nate Hapke, got stuck and stranded...with all of their film equipment...on the side of a cliff. Plus, the brave feats of dealing with an unhinged neighborhood Karen while trying to finish an indie film shoot. Buckle up, this episode bumps! Follow Rosie on IG: @Rosemare_Mary Follow Rosie’s Production Company on IG: @SmallTallProd Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Nate is the man behind the Hollywood magic! With years of experience on the set of General Hospital and steering his own production company, Nate is certainly akin to the Rough Days In Showbiz. He tells a story about a lengthy trek from a leisurely weekend trip back to Los Angeles full of missed flights, cancelled boats and rent-a-cars running on lots of gas station grub. All for one thing: to get back to his production job by Monday on time. He tells another story about shooting a feature film in a small town in the mountains having organized and planned the whole shoot to a “T” with the exception of one unforeseen diva…the heat. Then for the finale, he recounts an early job working on Zack Snyder’s set as a PA where a studious coffee run turned into a tiny car crash resulting in the whole set’s coffee exploding everywhere. This episode is certainly one for the Rough Day In Showbiz books! Follow Nate on IG: @N8hapke Follow Nate on Twitter: YourFaveN8Hapke Follow Small/Tall Productions on IG: @Smalltallprod Nate's Website: https://www.natehapke.com/ Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Happy 2022 from Rough Day In Showbiz! We are kicking this year off with some hot gossip from Jake Iorio. He tells us a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a stern talent agent who wanted abnormally high percentages without delivering any auditions. Then another about a casual date with a so-called “producer” that turned into a twisted harassment nightmare. Follow Jake on IG: @JakeIorio  Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Holiday cheer is at full volume in this episode as we are joined by versatile actor Peter Xifo. He’s played an assortment of different roles including “ho, ho, ho” Santa himself, many times! Peter tells two Rough Day In Showbiz stories about doing a painstaking amount of work on projects only to find out later he wasn't in them anymore. He also tells exclusive, distinctive Rough Day In Showbiz stories about playing, the man in the red hat himself, Santa Clause! Keeping his beard white for such an iconic role requires sometimes painful experiences in the post-make-up chair, and filming holiday commercials during the scorching Summer months, dawning a full decked-out Santa costume, certainly takes the cookies.  Follow Peter on IG: @PeteXifo www.xifo.net Host: @JustinSorvillo

Caslin does a double-triple-flip onto the pod! She provides a treasure trove of phenomenal and unique Rough Day In Showbiz stories that have never been told before! She tells a story about a supposed audition for a “tech” hosting gig that turned out to be a haywire cattle call for...a dating app? She also shares a collection of Rough Day In Showbiz stories about working as a dancer and dealing with unexpectedly unfortunate wardrobe malfunctions and pushy clients asking her to do dangerous stunts. We also get to hear her experiences working hosting gigs and earnestly presenting to audiences who ignored her completely. Caslin’s episode is big Rough Day In Showbiz energy!  Follow Caslin on IG: @CaslinRose  Follow Caslin on Twitter: @CaslinRose www.CaslinRose.com  Host: @JustinSorvillo

Mellinda brings the charm and the stories in this tremendous episode! From her humble beginnings moving to LA from Indiana and starting out doing background work and PA work to becoming an associate head writer on "The Young and the Restless", to being a free agent and self-producing her own work, Mellinda's got a lot to talk about. She tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about meeting her idol, the creator of "Bob's Burger's" and accidentally saying a little too much thus mortifying her, another about her early days working as an office PA for commercials candidly revealing the odd, silly demands of the folks at the top, and a final story about a weird/fun twitter account she made celebrating basketball athlete Duncan Robinson's arms. If you're trying to break into screenwriting, Mellinda is the person to listen to for having thrived in such prestigious environments, and for paving her own path to success.  Follow Mellinda on Twitter: @MellindaK  Follow Mellinda on IG: Mellindah Host: @JustinSorvillo 

Brenda's amusing and informative episode is full of Rough Day In Showbiz stories and an education on how to publish and promote your own booK! She tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a demo reel footage situation with a director who initially promised the world but slowly drifted away into oblivion, another about an agent who didn't do their job correctly and cost Brenda a huge audition, plus some highs and lows of self-publishing as well as useful information for a place to begin if you are looking to. Brenda packs no punches in this episode!  Follow Brenda on IG: @BrendaKatePartello Follow Brenda on Twitter: @BrendaKate Host: @JustinSorvillo

Dana Lyn Baron ("Being The Ricardos", "Mank", "Bosch") has arrived! She tells an early Rough Day In Showbiz story about starting out as a teenager working as a dancer in theater and enduring the growing pains of learning how to be a professional. Another about being a bartender at a Broadway theater and having to cope with the onslaught of theatergoers desperate for their alcohol. Another about a side job working as a temp alongside very toxic people. Plus, one about working at producer Scott Rudin's office where she had to take phone calls from people like the head of Paramount and be cautious not to click the wrong button and hang up! This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves New York, and Dana is a smashing guest!  Follow Dana on IG: @DanaLynBaron Follow Dana on Twitter: @DanaLynBaron Host: @JustinSorvillo

Melanie Thompson is a powerhouse! She creates her own work and has learned so much from braving the trenches of Rough Days In Showbiz. She tells plenty of stories, one about a gross film location where the owner's didn't clean anywhere or anything before the crew arrived (ANYWHERE or ANYTHING), another about a gung-ho but delusional film director who made his cast members "rough it" during the production process with bad hours and close living quarters...only to never come out with the film itself, and another about her early days as an actress where she attended a Craig's List casting call for the promise of an IMDB credit...only to find out there were painful hours and formidable circumstances in store. Justin also tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a seemingly unending web series audition process complete with a casting director dressed like Bret Michaels, a snooty/pretentious director, and a very sad bowl of Panera Bread soup to top it all off.   Follow Melanie on IG: @MelanieLeeThompson

The clever Tim drops in to tell Rough Day In Showbiz stories about his first commercial shoot where his hunger as an actor made him show-off and actually get hurt, an intense time in a voiceover booth with a nightmare audition-runner, a strange run-in with an actor he was competing for a role with while delivering their food, and a crowning golden Rough Day In Showbiz story about doing a drunken stand-up set in New York City. You’re gonna love Tim!  Follow Tim on IG: @ColonelTimmy Follow Tim on Twitter: @ColonelTimmy Follow Justin on IG: @JustinSorvillo 

Ashlei rocks! She takes us through a trip of her life living in LA from lows to highs and from side jobs to creative successes. She tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a mirror falling on her head during her first commercial shoot, another about working in a haunted hotel and dealing with Karens (both living and dead). Plus one more about working as a massage therapist on a customer who enjoyed getting the knots out a little too much. Ashlei is also a staunch advocate for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities and an exceedingly inspirational person. Follow Ashlei on Twitter: @AshleiShyne Follow Ashlei on IG: @AshleiShyne Follow Ashlei's series on IG: @hashtagtmiseries  Follow Justin on IG: @JustinSorvillo

Chef V is in the house! Boss Veronica tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about dealing with the catch-22's of morning show interviews, chaotic days producing her own content, having to reshoot all the food pictures for her cookbook in two days, the nightmare of a shipping truck breaking down mid-transit, and her encounters with terrible customers leaving negative reviews on Yelp. Veronica also provides excellent nutritional advice and valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. This is a green episode!  Follow Chef V on IG: @ChefVLife 

We have not one guest, but two! Producer Rob Ciano and actor Kazy Tauginas (John Wick, Equalizer 2, Dolemite Is My Name) from the indie-horror, "Shimmer" join the show to share their golden Rough Days In Showbiz stories. Rob tells stories about how dire writer's block can really get, and encountering a giant hornets nest in everyone's way during the first day of shooting "Shimmer". Kazy tells stories about months spent vigorously preparing an extensive fight scene only for the scene to get cut, and showing up to set to produce his short film only to find there was another film crew already there shooting another movie! Follow Rob on IG: @SpinDip25 Follow Kazy on IG: @KazyTauginas Follow Shimmer on IG: @ShimmerTheMovie www.ShimmerTheMovie.com

With over 285 credits on IMDB, Rhoda definitely has stories to tell! She shares a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a cannabis commercial where people were actually smoking, another collection of stories about battling the weather elements while working on film sets, good and bad experiences doing nudity, injuring her arm then getting into bed with Jason Derulo for a music video, and the time John Krasinski accidentally stepped on her while she was playing a corpse. This episode is a whirlwind of Rough Day In Showbiz stories and pure, unfiltered fun.  Follow Rhoda on IG: @RhodaPell 

Rough Day In Showbiz: Comicbook! This is a special edition of the show featuring the digital comic "Social Studies" and its' creators Mike Virgilio and Adam Gagnon. Mike and Adam discuss their actual real-life inspirations for writing and creating the comic based on their own high school experiences. Justin tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a failed romance during the middle school play while Mike and Adam share romantic mishaps from their younger days. Follow Social Studies on IG: @SocialStudiesComic Follow Social Studies on Twitter: @SocialStudiesCB

Hailing from a business background, Chris joined the entertainment business in a later stage of his life and has been thriving ever since! He tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about straining to analyze casting director's facial expressions early in his career, a snafu where he studied the wrong sides for an audition, and another about having at least 5 auditions in a row for the same film but never knowing what would come of it! He also discusses the challenges and rewards of producing your own work and reveals a few more Rough Day In Showbiz stories about that as well. Chris provides terrific perspective and inspiration for performers and creatives of all ages. Follow Chris on IG: @ChrisGauntActor Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisGauntActor

Handsome lad Joshua graces the pod! He tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about his first time working background on a tv set but not knowing the etiquette, his first one line role on a tv show that he couldn’t get right for 20 takes, a collection of anecdotes and oddities from his time at the Metropolitan Opera, and more! This episode is PACKED with Rough Days In Showbiz. Don’t miss it! Follow Josh on IG: @Josh_Schubart Follow Josh on Twitter: @Josh_Schubart

Felix appears on the pod! He tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about accidentally calling a drunken audience member on stage to help him perform a trick, sleeping spectators, and the quirks of performing at Hollywood's famous Magic Castle. He also shares his philosophy for why his magic is focused in mentalism rather than other types of magic.  Follow Felix on IG: @FelixJonesMentalist  Follow Felix on Twitter: @FelixMentalist 

Susan (Cobra Kai, Loki, Queering) provides LOTS of beautiful showbiz wisdom. She tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about getting calls for auditions whilst at the airport about to board a plane, a smelly situation in an audition waiting room, and shares the quirks of playing her beloved character "homeless on the hit show Cobra Kai! Follow Susan on IG: @iamsusangallagher Follow Susan on Twitter: @susanlgallagher Host: @JustinSorvillo 

So many stories in this episode with the delightful Kari Nissena! She shares Rough Day In Showbiz stories about escaping her day job to attend a rush last-minute audition and an icky experience when she had to work on set while being sick. Justin shares stories about stealthily recording a voiceover audition while working at his day job and talking way too much in the waiting room before a commercial audition.  Follow Kari on IG: @KariNissena Follow Actor World Mag on Twitter: @ActorWorldMag Visit Kari's Coaching Website: www.ActorTransformation.com

I am honored to have Emmy Award-winning veteran actor Kim Estes (Brooklyn 99, How To Get Away With Murder, This Is Us) come on and join the silliness! He tells classic Rough Day In Showbiz stories about flubbing lines on set, nightmarish commutes through LA trying to get to auditions, and having to say "no" to jobs because he already said "yes" to others. Kim also has golden advice for actors and creative people alike, he is all about giving back and is a tremendously gracious person!  Follow Kim on IG: @TheKimEstes Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (IG: @JustinSorvillo) 

John tells some juicy Rough Day In Showbiz stories! One of them is about casting an actor who never showed up at the literal worst time. The other details his experiences shooting a 45 page web series in only 3 days, losing half of the audio during the shoot, and the lessons he learned during the  process.  Follow John on IG: @JohnJFahey Follow John's Short Film: @TheDoorHolder2020 Follow John's Webseries: @RunawayWithMeWebseries Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (IG: @JustinSorvillo)

The incredible Vico (Transparent, American Horror Story: 1984, Vida) tells us about the taxing challenges of working as a non-binary performer in an industry that is still catching up with the times. They share Rough Day In Showbiz stories about being mis-gendered on a film set even after disclosing their pronouns several times, and spending over a month rehearsing a film and STILL getting mis-gendered on set again. This is a very important episode and I was honored to have Vico on and unabashedly discuss their struggles as rawly and honestly as they did. I am thankful for them, I whole-heartedly support them, and I admire their bravery. Happy Pride Month!   Follow Vico on IG: @PuertoRicanNinja  Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo) 

Actress Ammie Masterson (Better Call Saul, Magnum P.I.) tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about not one, but TWO nightmare co-stars she worked with. One of them was a lazy actor who wanted to be treated like Marlon Brando, and the other was a weirdly controlling actor who also turned out to be a genuine slob. In contrast, she also talks about her positive experiences working with Emmy-winning professional actors who are sweet, giving, humble and down to earth.   Follow Ammie on IG: @AmmieMasterson, Follow Actors Grind on IG: @ActorsGrind Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Jake shares Rough Day In Showbiz stories about bending over backwards during a writing internship for a film company that functioned more like a frat house, and working with a self-righteous director at a scammy theater company that put on a preposterous performance. Justin tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story of an early odd student film audition where he had to play a literal wolf in a desert.  Follow Jake on IG: @JakeMatterhorn  Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo) 

Actor Calvin C. Winbush (Grand Theft Auto 5, Whiplash, New Girl) shares Rough Day In Showbiz stories from his first failure audition and humble beginnings in New York to how he made it to his thriving career today and shares insightful gems about his journey.  Follow Calvin on IG: @calvintheii. @calvinwinbush Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Vega (East Los High) shares Rough Day In Showbiz stories about forgetting her tooth brush before a kissing scene and squirming through an action-packed audition with a broken toe. Justin tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about doing his first film, which was a fiasco failure.  Follow Danielle on IG: @TheMsDaniV  Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Katie tells us about her cool job working in VR and her experiences navigating through the acting world as a funny person. She also tells juicy Rough Day In Showbiz stories about auditions gone wrong.  Follow her on IG: @Elsassypants Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

John hangs out. He tells Rough-Day In Showbiz stories ranging from arriving in LA and encountering scammy auditions, to wacky tales about producing Judge Judy episodes, to what it takes to be a personal assistant for demanding celebrities!  Follow John on IG: @JohnRaphael12 Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Kevin swoops in. He tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about a vigorous film shoot he had to do...TWICE. AND tells the story of a death-defying stunt he performed in a film!  Follow Kevin on IG: @KevinNelson Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Jamie beams in from Florida! She gives us tips about doing interviews and tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about fuming publicists and angry celebrities DM-ing her!  Follow Jamie on Twitter: @NotYerAvgChick Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Joe discusses his experiences in having his own production company since 2006, he breaks down his screenwriting methods and offers helpful advice for budding screenwriters. He also tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about a music video shoot gone gnarly kegger party. Follow Joe on IG: @itsjoelam Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Elizabeth talks about the trials and tribulations of running a podcast. She also tells Rough Day In Showbiz stories about moving to LA with acne, an awkward ride-share trip with a celebrity, embarrassing improv moments, and a miscommunication blunder that almost cost a whole podcast episode!  Follow Elizabeth and her podcast on IG: @ElizabethMcirvin, @MysteryInTheRadioWaves Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Maddie describes their process for writing rich concepts and complex characters and tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story about working behind the scenes, dealing with a potentially messy situation in a very important person’s house.  Follow Mattie on IG: @Argonaut18 Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Juan gives us a genuine look into the often grueling life of working as a PA, he also discusses his methods of directing and working with actors, and tells a Rough Day In Showbiz story involving a mysterious banana peel.  Follow Juan on IG: @_Bravo_Juan Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Henry drops by. He discusses the balance between being a creative person and staying motivated and how he prepares his voice and body for doing a musical. He also shares Rough Day In Showbiz stories about fangirling over Justina Machado and Lin-Manuel Miranda WHILE MEETING THEM AT THE SAME TIME. Henry is one of the most kind and supportive people I've met. Follow Henry on IG: @HenryAlexKelly Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Marian is entertaining and wise. She discusses the importance of writing to your own sense of humor, comedy sketches that were inspire by moments in her personal life, and cringey moments doing improv. She also tells a harrowing Rough Day In Showbiz story about a showcase in front of network executives that threw her into a whirlwind of chaos. But of course, Marian keeps the laughs on tap! Follow Marian on IG: @MarianYesufu Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Creator Sophia Rose tells us how to manage doing tedious work, inspires us with hopeful words about reminding yourself how much your work means to you and trusting that it means something to the world, and a story in which she was in quite the pickle *wink wink* while dealing with a make-up prosthetic.  Follow Sophia on IG: @SophiaRoseCreation Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

We sat down with actor Nathan Delatorre (Netflix's "Erased", "Criminal Minds") to talk about the industry, terrifying audition stories, insights about what to expect in an audition room, and how he navigates the tough field of being an actor in Hollywood. Follow Nathan on IG: @Nathan.Delatorre Hosted by Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)

Talented writer Josh Aichenbaum is the first guest! He tells us about his writerly rituals/strategies and his challenging times being over-caffeinated and attempting to write. He also shares a Rough Day In Showbiz story about taking a brutal beat down by scathing critics. Plus, stick around until the end to hear Josh announce his cool Marx Brothers movie! Follow Josh: @Josh_Oaktree Hosted By Justin Sorvillo (@JustinSorvillo)