off the record

Bella Michaels
  • 4.9 (16)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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. 8h ago

    Melissa Ramirez from Love on the Spectrum

    Melissa Ramirez opens up about her experience on the hit Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, what life has been like since being on the latest season and the impact her story had on viewers around the world. We talk about relationships, overcoming challenges and opening up more and finding joy in being unapologetically yourself. Melissa also opens up about childhood experiences that shaped her strength today, standing up to her bullies and the advice she has for the neurodivergent community.

    29 min

  2. Jun 15

    Rhyan Hill

    Actor and dancer Rhyan Hill opens up about his role in Michael– the global box office phenomenon that has grossed more than $911 million worldwide – and the remarkable journey that brought him there. Rhyan shares the unforgettable moment he learned he had landed the role—in person with director Antoine Fuqua, producer Graham King and Prince Jackson. He also takes us behind the scenes of Michael, discussing his experience working alongside Jaafar Jackson, Coleman Domingo and the cast bringing this incredible story to life. Beyond the film, Rhyan reflects on his career as a professional dancer, from performing with Kendrick Lamar at the Super Bowl to appearing in Childish Gambino's groundbreaking "This Is America" and performing on some of the biggest stages in the country. We also dive into the personal side of his story, including his biggest challenges, most embarrassing moments, lessons he's learned along the way and surprising facts that even longtime fans don’t know. This is a fun, honest and inspiring conversation about perseverance, preparation and what happens when an opportunity changes your life overnight.

    58 min

  3. Jun 8

    Judah Edwards

    What does it take to step into the shoes of a Jackson? Actor Judah Edwards opens up about his role as young Tito Jackson in the record-breaking blockbuster biopic Michael. From the audition process and character preparation -- to the pressure of portraying a real-life figure connected to one of the most legendary families in music history -- Judah shares the story behind the performance. We also talk about the lessons he's learned as a young actor, memorable moments from set and what this career-defining opportunity means for his future. We dive into Judah's most embarrassing moment on set, his relationship icks and irrational fears as well as his experience balancing high school while filming one of the most popular movies worldwide right now. It's a thoughtful, fun and inspiring conversation with one of Hollywood's rising talents. It's one you won't want to miss.

    41 min

  4. Jun 1

    Nick Alvarez

    From Nickelodeon child actor to playing Mark on The Chosen TV Series, Nick Alvarez shares the highs, struggles and faith journey that shaped who he is today. Recorded together on set, this conversation dives into Hollywood, identity, redemption and the moments that changed everything. Nick is also known for his roles in Young Sheldon, S.W.A.T., General Hospital, NCIS, The Goldbergs and Bella & The Bulldogs.

    2h 3m

  5. May 25

    Rob Kutner & Marlene Sharp talk Netflix is a Joke Fest, Hollywood Bowl & Autism Representation

    Comedy. Hollywood. Neurodiversity. Culture. Five-time Emmy-winning writer Rob Kutner and Marlene Sharp join Off the Record to talk about the evolving conversation around representation in entertainment. From Laughs on the Spectrum and Netflix Is A Joke to Night of Too Many Stars at the Hollywood Bowl, we dive into creating spaces where neurodivergent voices are not only included — but celebrated. Rob also shares stories from writing for Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Daily Show, discusses his children’s series God’s Gang, and opens up about his latest book release. A funny, insightful, and surprisingly deep conversation you won’t want to miss.

    1h 9m

  6. May 18

    Zachary James on Opera, the Art of Playing Villains, the Hollywood Bowl & Akhnaten

    Grammy Award-winning opera singer Zachary James returns to Off the Record for a fascinating conversation about opera, artistry, villain psychology and some of the biggest performances of his career. Since his first appearance on the podcast, Zachary has taken the stage in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Cynthia Erivo, reprised his Grammy-winning work in Akhnaten and brought one of musical theatre’s most complex villains to life in The Hunchback of Notre Dame in London. In this episode, Zachary shares behind-the-scenes stories from those productions, reflects on the importance of preserving opera for future generations and addresses some of the biggest misconceptions people still have about the art form. We also dive deep into his creative process for playing darker characters, why audiences are so drawn to villains and how he emotionally and psychologically prepares for those roles. Thoughtful, funny, theatrical and deeply insightful, this conversation explores what it really means to dedicate your life to performance and storytelling.

    58 min

  7. Apr 27

    Steven Smith on Artemis II, Knowing the Astronauts and Why it Matters

    Artemis II recently made history, sending humans around the Moon and bringing them safely back home -- for the first time in 50 years. So Off the Record brings on Steven Smith -- from Space Center Houston (affiliated with NASA) to break down what this means for us and why it's such an important mission. Steven is the Leadership Programs Facilitation Specialist at Space Center Houston’s Human Performance Accelerator Lab. A 12-year U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran, former educator, and NASA alumnus, Steven brings more than three decades of experience in leadership, human performance, and education. During his tenure at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, he helped inspire up to 150,000 educators and students annually through innovative, mission-driven programs. He holds degrees in paralegal studies, neuropsychology, art, education, infrastructure planning and management, and is completing his doctorate in public health education and organizational leadership. A health and fitness trainer with multiple certifications across a spectrum of human performance, Steven blends NASA’s principles of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability to help leaders achieve peak performance here on Earth. In this episode, we bridge the gap between NASA and the public by breaking down this massive mission to a human level. But this episode isn’t just about space. It’s about the kind of story you don’t expect to hear from someone working this close to NASA. Today’s guest went from living out of his car… to working alongside one of the biggest space programs in the world. He’s battled loss, tough lessons and even cancer—and somehow turned all of it into purpose. And he shares some amazing inside stories about the astronauts from Artemis II.

    1h 36m

  8. Apr 20

    Adan Correa

    You've seen him on the Netflix hit series Love on the Spectrum. In Part 2 of this special conversation, Bella sits down one-on-one with Adan Correa for a deeper, more personal look at him beyond the screen. Adan opens up about the role his faith plays in his life, the challenges that have shaped him and the defining moments that tested his strength—including a powerful story about overcoming bullying and finding his voice. He also shares new insight into his past relationship with Dani, offering a thoughtful and honest perspective on their connection, what he learned from it and how he’s grown since—touching on parts of his experience that haven’t been widely discussed before—including how the break-up scene went down. This episode goes beyond what viewers saw on screen, diving into resilience, self-worth and what it truly means to stay grounded in who you are.

    1h 8m
See All (49)

4.9
out of 5
16 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
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bella Michaels
  • Show Website
    off the record

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