Studio Monroe

Natalie Ruffino Wilson
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Film Interviews
  • Biweekly

An honesty-driven film crew podcast where film crew share set stories, brought to life through interviews, games, and radio-play sketches.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 008 Trevor Holmes | Life After American Idol, Katy Perry & Finding His Next Story (The Links, One Bad Break, Bachelor: Listen to Your Heart)

    Trevor is a singer, songwriter, director, and television personality who first captured national attention on American Idol in 2018, where his memorable audition caught the eye of Katy Perry. He later appeared on ABC’s The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart in 2020. Now stepping behind the camera, Trevor is pursuing his passion for directing and developing The Links, a blue-collar golf show that brings a fresh, down-to-earth perspective to the sport. From reality television to filmmaking, Trevor continues to carve out his own path in the entertainment industry, driven by creativity, storytelling, and a passion for bringing original ideas to life. Trevor opens up about his transition from music to filmmaking, the creative dry spells that helped shape his perspective, and how stepping away from drinking led him to rediscover what genuinely brings him joy. He also shares the inspiration behind The Links, his developing blue collar golf show, sparked by a simple drive past a golf course and a love for the community found on a par-3. And because it's Studio Monroe, things take a few unexpected turns. We're talking Wreck-It Ralph, whether Jurassic Park decor belongs in a baby's nursery, his Two Rivers Ford commercials, and why we should all be able to laugh at ourselves a little more. From American Idol to The Links, Trevor proves there's more than one way to tell a story. From Crew. For Crew.

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 007 Chrissy Porcelli- Lester | I Miss When Movies Made Me Feel

    Brooklyn native Chrissy Porcelli- Lester, better known as Chrissy Throwbacks (@chrissythrowbacks), is a content creator bringing the best of the ’80s and ’90s back to life through nostalgic pop culture, iconic fashion, food, and the unmistakable energy of New York City nightlife. From Goodfellas and Pretty Woman to Swingers, we’re talking unforgettable characters, iconic soundtracks, answering machines, Vince Vaughn, and why movies from the ’90s just hit differently. Chrissy shares her personal connection to Goodfellas, including her mom’s history as a coat check girl at the Bamboo Lounge, while the crew debates memorable movie moments, and the filmmaking techniques that made these classics stand out. Plus, what exactly is a “oner,” and why can we still remember the names of characters from movies we watched 30 years ago? From Crew. For Crew.

  3. Oct 6

    Episode 006 Kyler Wilson | When Did Movies Stop Feeling Like Movies? ( Best Laid Plans, One Bad Break, Christmas in Tune, Sketch, Someone Like You)

    Kyler gets into controlling what you can inside the 16x9 frame, why vertical content deserves a little friendly ridicule, how he’s using AI without letting it replace creativity, and why filmmakers should be willing to rage within the constraints they’re given. We talk about the golden age of Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino still writing with paper and pencil, moving the camera with intention, and what Kyler calls “the Netflix sheen.” Then things get a little more existential: Are movies dying? Have franchises lost their stakes? And what happens when you start caring more about the money than the story? Kyler also explains why he thinks “Marvel movies are gonna suck,” makes his case using Chris Pratt and Guardians of the Galaxy, and reminds us that, at the end of the day, “it’s called the film business, not film art.” His takeaway for filmmakers is simple: lead by example. Be the change you want to see. From Crew. For Crew.

  4. Sep 8

    Episode 005 Justin Vesci | He Read 400 Scripts Last Year. Only 4 Made The Cut. ( Camp Radio, 2 Hearts, Kickback, Street Kings)

    Justin Vesci is a producer whose credits span film and television, including Camp Radio, Camp Hideout, 2 Hearts, and Kickback, with earlier experience on projects including Leverage and Street Kings. His work has taken him from the earliest stages of production to executive producing Camp Hideout, starring Christopher Lloyd and Corbin Bleu. With years spent developing, reading, and producing stories, Justin has seen firsthand what it takes for an idea to actually make it to the screen. In this episode, Justin gets into what happens when you read 400 scripts in a year and the question he now asks about every project: “Does it need to exist?” He talks about an industry overwhelmed by content, why we may be focusing less on character and connecting with characters less because of it. Justin also breaks down the financial reality of producing, why “every dollar is three,” the red flags to watch for when developers start asking for your cash, and what movies lose when we stop experiencing them together in a theater. And somewhere along the way: Kim Kardashian, LAX, and the one crew position Justin has zero interest in trying.

  5. Aug 25

    Episode 004 Taylor John Smith | The Actor Who Wants to Help Every Job on Set ( Lucky Strike, Warfare, Basic, Where the Crawdads Sing)

    Taylor John Smith has spent more than a decade working across film and television, with credits including Warfare, Where the Crawdads Sing, Sharp Objects, The Outpost, and Hunter Killer. But for Taylor, being an actor is only a small part of understanding what it takes to make a movie. Taylor joins Studio Monroe to talk about growing up on movie sets, craving the structure they gave him, and why his curiosity has always extended far beyond his own role. From carrying “40 open tabs” in his brain as an actor to learning when to speak up, when to listen, and how to help the crew do their best work, Taylor sees filmmaking for what it is: a team sport. He gets into the unwritten rules of set, constantly having to solidify your worth, and the fine line between wearing multiple hats and knowing when something isn’t yours to carry. Because sometimes the most valuable question you can ask on set isn’t What do I need? It’s How can I help you do your job better?

  6. Aug 12

    Episode 003 The Oscar-Winning Artist Behind Hollywood’s Most Iconic Monsters | Christopher Allen Nelson

    In this episode, Chris gets candid about the risks behind his career, including quitting Suicide Squad three times, the creation of Killer Croc, and why Halloween ultimately changed his life. He takes us inside the process of creating two versions of Michael Myers’ iconic mask and shares why watching an actor become Myers in the makeup chair remains one of the most satisfying moments of his career. He also talks about the infinite amount there is to learn in his craft, why set etiquette should be taught, the movies he’d take to a deserted island, and why some of his greatest successes have come from being willing to take a risk. From Crew, For Crew.

  7. Jul 28

    Episode 002 Emily Neumann | What Assistant Directors Actually Do in Hollywood and Beyond

    In this episode of Studio Monroe, Emily Neumann takes us inside one of the most demanding jobs in the film industry as a First Assistant Director, with stories from productions including Captain Marvel, Veep, Nashville, and more. From managing personalities under pressure to keeping hundreds of moving pieces on schedule, Emily shares what it really means to be the captain of the ship when every second counts. Together, we dive into the realities of leadership on set, the differences between each AD role, why "you can have anything, you just can't have everything," and the lessons every filmmaker should know before stepping onto a production. Emily also unpacks why content creation doesn't automatically make someone a producer, why experienced crew members are invaluable, and how some of the most stressful days on set become the most rewarding. Beyond filmmaking, Emily reflects on the emotional side of a career built around constant collaboration, the lifespan of an AD, and why the skills of an Assistant Director translate far beyond set life from motherhood to working as a doula. This conversation offers a rare look at the people who keep the entire production moving. From Crew, For Crew.

  8. Jul 14

    Episode 001 Brian Hite | The Psychology That Keeps Hollywood Stunt Performers Alive

    In this episode of Studio Monroe, Brian takes us behind the scenes of his career working on productions including The Iron Claw, 24, Superman, and dozens more, sharing what it really takes to step into dangerous situations for a living. From becoming the referee in The Iron Claw to the realities of fear, failure, and trusting your team, Brian offers an honest look at life as a stunt performer. Beyond the set, Brian holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has spent years helping elite performers from soldiers to athletes to business leaders to help them understand how to perform when the stakes are highest. Together, we dive into the mental side of the job, why pressure is often an illusion, and the lessons film crews can take from high-risk professions. Whether you’re on set, leading a team, or simply curious about the people behind the action, this conversation is packed with stories, wisdom, and a newfound appreciation for the crew members who literally put their bodies on the line. From Crew, For Crew.

  • 8 Episodes

About

An honesty-driven film crew podcast where film crew share set stories, brought to life through interviews, games, and radio-play sketches.

Information

  • Creator
    Natalie Ruffino Wilson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Studio Monroe