off the record

Bella Michaels

As a journalist and former TV anchor/reporter, I always told stories rooted in emotion and vulnerability. Whether covering the personal journeys of athletes & coaches off the field or reporting on hard news, I found the most meaning in honest, vulnerable conversations that often happen off the record. With roots in performance & a close connection to the entertainment industry, I bring a perspective that naturally leads to more open, authentic conversations. Now, on Off the Record, I bring you thoughtful conversations with voices across entertainment & sports, behind the success and struggles

  1. 6d ago

    PJ Byrne: I Play Rocky, The Boys, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Rainmaker & Working with Scorsese

    PJ Byrne is one of those actors where you look at his filmography and realize...he's been EVERYWHERE. From The Wolf of Wall Street and Babylon to The Boys, The Rainmaker, and the highly anticipated I Play Rocky, PJ has built an incredibly diverse career spanning film, television, animation, comedy, drama and everything in between. In this episode of Off the Record, PJ and Bella Michaels go beyond the credits to talk about what it actually takes to build — and sustain — a career in Hollywood. PJ opens up about his journey as an actor, the importance of longevity, navigating rejection, knowing when to take a chance on a project, and whether there was ever a moment when he realized, “I actually have a career.” He takes us behind the scenes of The Wolf of Wall Street, including what it was like working with legendary director Martin Scorsese on a few different projects, and talks about playing Irwin Winkler in I Play Rocky, a film centered around Sylvester Stallone’s fight to bring Rocky to the big screen. We also talk about The Boys, his role in The Rainmaker, his upcoming project We Were Once Men with Chace Crawford, and what it’s like to continually find new challenges after more than two decades in the business. And because PJ and Bella are both DePaul alumni, they also reflect on what those early years taught them — and what PJ would tell his younger self just starting out as an actor. This is a conversation about Hollywood, perseverance, taking risks, rejection, success, and what it really means to build a career that lasts. PJ Byrne goes Off the Record with Bella Michaels.

  2. Sep 22

    Samuel Nelson III: Becoming MJ, Making Broadway History & His Journey Behind the Spotlight

    Samuel Nelson III is making Broadway history as the youngest actor to perform the iconic role of Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical —and in this episode of Off the Record, we go far beyond the spotlight. Samuel takes us inside his journey from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York, his audition for MJ, working with Rich and Tone, and the challenges of transforming into one of the most recognizable performers of all time. He also opens up about what people don't understand about being a Broadway standby and shares some of his wildest moments onstage. But this conversation gets deeply personal. Samuel opens up about losing his grandmother, his mom's leukemia diagnosis, the experiences that shaped him, and how his faith has guided him through some of the hardest moments of his life. We also talk about the Michael movie, relationships and dating icks, his life outside of Broadway—and yes, the middle-school story involving accidentally pooping his pants. It's an honest, hilarious and deeply personal conversation about ambition, faith, family, resilience and becoming the person you're meant to be. 🎙️ This is Samuel Nelson—Off the Record.

  3. Sep 14

    Vanessa Benavente: The Chosen, Growing Up in Peru, Representation, Motherhood & Hollywood’s Beauty Standards

    Vanessa Benavente is an actress best known for her iconic role as "Mary Mother" in The Chosen. She was recently named one of Forbes Peru's 50 Most Powerful Women of 2026. But Vanessa's journey to success is much more than what millions of people know her for. In this episode, Vanessa opens up to Bella about her early life growing up in Peru, during a time of terrorism and violence. She eventually moved to the United States to study engineering -- a career she thought would give her the stability she needed -- while quietly putting her love for arts aside because she didn't believe acting was something she could truly pursue. Then she took a chance. While navigating visa and immigration struggles, Vanessa went to Spain and began pursuing acting. That decision changed the entire trajectory of her life and eventually led her to the role that would become one of the most meaningful of her career to date: Mother Mary in The Chosen. In this conversation, we talk about growing up in Peru, leaving home, immigration, finding the courage to take a completely different path, and the moment The Chosen changed everything. Vanessa also opens up about something incredibly personal — growing up without seeing people who looked like her represented in Hollywood and how that shaped what she believed was possible for herself. We talk about authentic Latina representation, Hollywood’s ever-changing beauty standards, and the pressure women feel to look a certain way. We also talk about motherhood, becoming Mother Mary, filming some of the most emotional scenes of The Chosen, our time together in Italy, and, of course, some of our very own ridiculous friendship stories. 😂 Vanessa is one of those people whose story reminds you that sometimes the life you planned for yourself isn’t necessarily the life you’re meant to live.

  4. Aug 31

    Tim Johnson Jr.: New Album, Growing Up on Nickelodeon & Disney to Everybody Still Hates Chris & More

    Tim Johnson Jr. is an actor, singer, and dancer who grew up as a child actor on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel and has continued to evolve as a triple-threat artist. Most recently, he voiced young Chris Rock in the Comedy Central animated series Everybody Still Hates Chris. In this fun and candid conversation, Tim joins Bella Michaels to talk about his new album, Homegrown, his journey as an artist, the stories and inspiration behind his music, and what it means to continue growing and evolving creatively. But this episode is about so much more than music and acting. Bella and Tim sing, dance, laugh, swap stories, and bring the kind of spontaneous energy that makes you feel like you’re right there with them. Tim shares how his faith journey has shaped both his life and career, and takes us behind the scenes of working with industry greats like Jason Alexander, who played his father when Tim starred on the sitcom Hit the Road. Get to know the artist behind the music, hear what this new chapter means to Tim, and enjoy a conversation filled with music, laughter, honesty, and plenty of surprises -- including some fun Chris Tucker impressions. Listen now as we go Off the Record with Tim Johnson Jr. 🎤✨

  5. Aug 27

    Jason Earles: Hannah Montana 20 Years Later, His Journey, Directing & Mentoring Disney's Next Generation

    Jason Earles is an actor, comedian and director best known for playing Jackson Stewart on Disney’s Hannah Montana.  If you grew up watching Disney Channel in the 2000s, chances are Jason was a huge part of your childhood. In this episode, Jason takes us behind the scenes of one of Disney Channel’s most iconic shows as we celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. He opens up about the surprising story behind landing the role of Jackson, working alongside Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus, finding his character’s comedic voice, and what it was really like saying goodbye after four seasons and 101 episodes. Jason also reflects on revisiting Hannah Montana two decades later through his podcast, Best of Both Our Worlds, and shares what has surprised him most about watching the series back. Beyond Jackson Stewart, we dive into his journey as an actor, his work mentoring the next generation of Disney talent, his transition into directing, the challenges that shaped him and what he’s most excited about in this next chapter. Plus, we have some fun along the way — including Jason’s most embarrassing moment, irrational fears, favorite memories from the show, Jackson’s biggest red flag, and what he thinks Jackson’s Instagram bio would say today! It’s a nostalgic, funny and honest conversation with the man behind one of Disney Channel’s most unforgettable characters.

  6. Aug 10

    Isaiah Bailey: Faith, Perseverance and Becoming The Phantom

    Isaiah Bailey stars as one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. Isaiah takes me behind his journey to the stage, including the moment he nearly stepped away from performing altogether before landing the role that would change everything. We talk about his classical and opera training, the discipline and preparation that goes into performing as The Phantom, and the unexpected moments that come with performing live—including one VERY unforgettable onstage mishap that you will absolutely have to hear to believe. Isaiah also opens up about the role faith has played throughout his life and how it helped him navigate some of his most difficult moments. Plus, he shares heartfelt advice for young actors and performers who are pursuing their own dreams in the entertainment industry. This conversation is equal parts inspiring, honest, hilarious, and a reminder that sometimes the moment you feel like giving up can come right before the breakthrough you've been waiting for. Follow Off the Record with Bella Michaels and join us for another conversation beyond the headlines and behind the scenes.

  7. Aug 3

    Jaylen Lyndon Hunter: From Broadway to Michael

    Jaylen Lyndon Hunter is an actor, singer and dancer best known for his role as Young Marlon in the $1 billion global box office success Michael. Born in Granada, Spain and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Jaylen began acting at 7 years old before taking the stage as Young Simba in Disney's The Lion King Rafiki National Tour. He later joined the cast of MJ The Musical, where he portrayed Young Marlon Jackson and served as the understudy for Young Michael. Jaylen made his big-screen debut in Michael . In this episode, Jaylen shares what it was like auditioning for Michael, the unforgettable moment he found out he booked the role at just 13 years old, his favorite memories from filming, and the toughest scene he had to shoot. We also talk about his journey from Broadway to Hollywood, his hilarious on-stage wig mishap during The Lion King, his favorite Michael Jackson songs and how he's beginning to shift his focus toward creating music of his own. Whether you're a fan of Michael, Broadway, or love hearing the stories behind rising young talent, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

  8. Jul 27

    Matthew Schwab: Horsegirls, Acting, Disability Advocate, TEDx Speaker

    Matthew Schwab is an actor, disability advocate and TEDx speaker who has Down syndrome. Matthew discusses his latest film, Horsegirls, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival, and shares what drew him to a story centered around autism, his experience bringing the film to life and what he hopes audiences take away from it. He also opens up about his journey into acting, the importance of authentic disability representation in Hollywood and how he's using his platform to advocate for greater inclusion both on and off the screen. Plus, Matthew shares fun personal news about wedding planning ahead of his big day coming up in September and reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Whether you're passionate about film, advocacy, or simply love hearing inspiring stories from incredible people, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

See All (60)

4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

As a journalist and former TV anchor/reporter, I always told stories rooted in emotion and vulnerability. Whether covering the personal journeys of athletes & coaches off the field or reporting on hard news, I found the most meaning in honest, vulnerable conversations that often happen off the record. With roots in performance & a close connection to the entertainment industry, I bring a perspective that naturally leads to more open, authentic conversations. Now, on Off the Record, I bring you thoughtful conversations with voices across entertainment & sports, behind the success and struggles

Information

  • Creator
    Bella Michaels
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bella Michaels
  • Show Website
    off the record

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