Next Act with Jeff Ornstein

Jeff Ornstein

5.0 (6)
Arts

A designer exploring a new path in acting and Hollywood. Join Jeff Ornstein as he shares personal experiences, lessons learned, and conversations with others making big career shifts in the entertainment industry. Practical insights, honest stories, no fluff, just the journey of breaking into a new world.

49m ago

Mike Enright - SAG-AFTRA Actor, TV & Film Performer

What happens when you walk away from a successful 30-year corporate career and decide to chase a dream you never thought was possible? On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Mike Enright, a SAG-AFTRA actor who proves that it is never too late to reinvent yourself. After decades working in IT sales, PR, communications, radio, and television, Mike discovered acting later in life and took a leap into film and television. Mike shares his incredible journey from retiring from the corporate world to landing roles in projects like The Walking Dead: Dead City, working on major productions, joining SAG-AFTRA, and building a new career in Hollywood. He opens up about overcoming fear, handling rejection, finding confidence, and embracing the challenges that come with starting over. Together, Jeff and Mike explore what it means to pursue a passion later in life, why background acting can be a valuable stepping stone, the importance of learning the craft, and how every experience from your past can prepare you for your next chapter. Mike’s message is simple: it’s never too late to take a chance on yourself. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can start something new, reinvent your identity, or chase a dream you put on hold, this episode is for you.
2d ago

Ernest Chan - Animation Supervisor, DreamWorks Animation

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Emmy-nominated animation supervisor Ernest Chan to explore what more than two decades inside the animation industry have taught him about creativity, leadership, and staying relevant in a constantly changing business. Ernest shares how being the “last man standing” in a digital department at Nickelodeon unexpectedly pushed him from artist to supervisor, and why that transition completely changed his understanding of leadership. He discusses the importance of putting people in a position to succeed, taking accountability when projects go wrong, and learning how to lead individuals rather than expecting everyone to work the same way. The conversation also explores how streaming, YouTube, and changing viewing habits are reshaping animation, and why large studios face a very different creative landscape than they did earlier in Ernest's career. Ernest also reflects on a powerful encounter that reminded him why animation matters. After years in the business, hearing someone describe Nickelodeon as an “Island of Joy” for children affected by conflict brought the impact of his work back into focus and reminded him that even behind-the-scenes contributions can mean something profound to audiences around the world. From SpongeBob SquarePants and Kung Fu Panda to She-Ra and Voltron, this is a candid look behind the scenes of animation and the lessons that come from building a career in one of entertainment's most demanding creative industries.
Aug 13

Christopher Gaunt - Actor, Producer, Director & Writer, Chazy Lake Productions

After 32 years at Procter & Gamble, Christopher Gaunt walked away from a successful corporate career to pursue an entirely different path: film and television. In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Chris shares what gave him the confidence to make that leap and how the lessons he learned in business prepared him for the uncertainty, rejection, and persistence required in entertainment. Chris and Jeff discuss why actors can't take rejection personally, the importance of embracing your casting type, and why professionalism and preparation can matter just as much as talent. Chris also explains why he approaches acting, producing, directing, and writing not only as creative pursuits, but as businesses where an entire team depends on everyone doing their job well. They also explore Chris's growing ambitions as a filmmaker, his desire to work across acting, directing, producing, and writing through Chazy Lake Productions, and the persistence required to bring independent films to life. Chris leaves listeners with a message for anyone considering their own next act: challenge yourself, do what you think you can't do, and never give up.
Aug 11

Lauren Sowa - Actor, Filmmaker & Co-Founder, Form & Pressure Films

What happens when an actor decides that performing isn't enough and starts creating the stories she wants to see in the world? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with actor, filmmaker, and producer Lauren Sowa to explore her journey from performing professionally as a child to acting in theater, film, and television, and eventually stepping behind the camera to produce and direct her own work. Lauren shares why she began viewing filmmaking as a form of activism and how that philosophy helped inspire Marisol, her first film as a producer, which went on to win the HuffPost Impact Award and be licensed by HBO. She also discusses the realities of financing independent films, why representation behind the camera matters, and how producers can create safer, more supportive sets where everyone feels valued. The conversation also looks at the challenges facing independent filmmakers today, from shrinking funding opportunities to the economics of producing, and why Lauren remains optimistic that difficult times can lead to a new wave of creativity and innovation. For Lauren, the next act isn't simply about making more films. It's about creating meaningful stories, building stronger creative communities, and helping shape a more human future for filmmaking.
Aug 6

Emmitt H. Thrower – Founder & CEO, Wabi Sabi Productions Inc.

What happens when life forces you to reinvent yourself? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with award-winning filmmaker, actor, former NYPD officer, and stroke survivor Emmitt H. Thrower to discuss how adversity became the foundation for an extraordinary second act. Emmitt shares his journey from policing the streets of New York to building Wabi Sabi Productions, creating documentaries and films that do more than entertain -they inspire conversation, challenge perspectives, and drive meaningful community change. Along the way, he opens up about recovering from a life-altering stroke, embracing reinvention, mentoring emerging creatives, and why purpose has always mattered more than profit. The conversation explores filmmaking as a catalyst for action, the importance of disability representation in entertainment, homelessness, police-community relationships, and why some of the most powerful stories are the ones that move people to act - not just watch. Whether you're an entrepreneur, artist, filmmaker, or someone navigating your own next chapter, Emmitt's story is a powerful reminder that your greatest work may still be ahead of you.
Jul 30

Stewart Lewis – Singer-Songwriter, Novelist & Filmmaker

What happens when one creative career evolves into another, and then another? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter, bestselling novelist, filmmaker, and creative writing professor Stewart Lewis to explore a career built on curiosity, reinvention, and the courage to pursue new creative passions. From touring with artists like Shawn Colvin and Ani DiFranco to publishing internationally acclaimed novels and bringing his stories to life on the big screen, Stewart shares how every chapter of his career prepared him for the next. Together, Jeff and Stewart discuss the differences between writing novels and screenplays, directing actors for the first time, building creative communities, and why it's never too late to start something completely new. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone considering a major life pivot, this conversation is a reminder that your next act can become your most meaningful one yet. In this episode, you'll learn: How Stewart transitioned from music to bestselling novels and filmmaking Why collaboration transformed his creative process The biggest differences between writing books and writing screenplays What makes a great film director beyond technical skills Why embracing change leads to a more fulfilling creative life The mindset needed to overcome fear, rejection, and self-doubt The best stories are often the ones we haven't written yet.
Jul 23

Bert Rotundo – Actor, Producer & Voice Artist, The Traveling Lantern Company

Success in acting isn't about avoiding rejection - it's about showing up anyway. In this episode of Next Act, Jeff Ornstein sits down with actor, producer, and voice artist Bert Rotundo to explore the realities of building a lasting career in entertainment. From growing up in a family that celebrated film to nearly landing a role in Born on the Fourth of July, Bert shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. The conversation dives into the importance of pursuing the craft rather than fame, overcoming self-doubt, producing independent films, building creative communities, and why the projects that scare you the most often become the ones that define you. Whether you're an actor, entrepreneur, artist, or anyone considering a new chapter, Bert's story is a powerful reminder that growth happens just beyond your comfort zone—and that your next act may be your best one yet.
Jul 16

Paul Sinacore – Casting Director, Producer & Director, Paul Sinacore Casting

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with award-winning casting director, producer, director, and former musician Paul Sinacore to explore a career defined by reinvention, curiosity, and passion. Paul's journey has taken him from touring with bands alongside acts like Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, and Tool, to becoming a SAG actor, UCLA scholar, casting director, producer, and now filmmaker. Along the way, he has worked on projects including Sony/Columbia Pictures' CLIKA and Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries, helping shape stories and launch careers from behind the camera. Paul shares how his background in psychology, anthropology, and performance gave him a unique perspective on discovering talent and understanding people. He also pulls back the curtain on the casting process, explains why actors shouldn't take rejection personally, and discusses his mission to demystify what happens on the other side of the audition room. The conversation explores resilience, adaptability, lifelong learning, and the courage required to pursue your next chapter, no matter your age or stage in life. If you've ever wondered how casting really works, considered reinventing yourself, or needed a reminder that your next opportunity may be only one day away, this episode is for you.

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

A designer exploring a new path in acting and Hollywood. Join Jeff Ornstein as he shares personal experiences, lessons learned, and conversations with others making big career shifts in the entertainment industry. Practical insights, honest stories, no fluff, just the journey of breaking into a new world.

Creator

Jeff Ornstein
Years Active

2026
Episodes

29
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Next Act with Jeff Ornstein
Show Website

Next Act with Jeff Ornstein