off the record

Bella Michaels
  • 5.0 (12)
  • 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. MAR 27

    Michael Iskander

    Michael Iskander is an actor who stars in House of David, an Amazon original series that continues to captivate audiences to tell the powerful story of a shepherd’s rise to a warrior and king. Beyond acting, Michael is also a passionate musician, bringing the same level of heart and authenticity to his music as he does to his on-screen work. In this episode, Michael opens up about his journey from Egypt to the United States, the lessons he’s learned along the way and what it’s been like stepping into a role of such depth and significance. From navigating growth in his career to sharing personal insights and plenty of laughs along the way, this conversation offers a genuine look at the person behind the performance.

    1h 12m

  2. MAR 23

    Nadia Colon

    Nadia Colón is a defender for the Dominican Republic Women’s National Team, where she has earned multiple international caps and competed in CONCACAF tournaments against top regional competition. In this episode, Bella catches up with Nadia ahead of a high stakes match coming up against Haiti -- the match will act as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics. Nadia opens up about how she feels ahead of the match. A former Division I player at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Colón has transitioned to the international stage as a consistent presence along the back line, known for her defensive discipline and reliability. As part of a growing Dominican Republic program, she represents a new generation of players contributing to the team’s development and increasing presence in women’s international soccer.

    47 min

  3. MAR 16

    Andrew Erwin

    I sit down with filmmaker Andrew Erwin, known for bringing powerful faith-based stories to the screen, including the global hit I Can Only Imagine and the new sequel film I Can Only Imagine 2 now in theatres! Andrew takes us behind the scenes of creating the highly anticipated sequel and shares the story that convinced him it was a film that needed to be made. We talk about the emotional moment on set that shaped one of the movie’s most powerful scenes, the real-life struggles actors sometimes bring into their performances, and why authenticity matters so deeply in storytelling. Andrew also opens up about the challenges he’s faced throughout his career—including navigating moments of anxiety and uncertainty—and how those experiences have shaped his perspective as a filmmaker. Plus, we discuss the casting of Michael Iskander in the series House of David, and the bold creative decisions that go into bringing biblical stories to life on screen. It’s a thoughtful conversation about faith, creativity, resilience, and the power of stories that move the soul. I absolutely loved diving deep into Andy's life and journey. Enjoy!

    1h 18m

  4. MAR 9

    Aalok Mehta

    Actor Aalok Mehta’s journey into the industry didn’t begin with years of formal training — it began with music. At 23 years old, with no acting background, Aalok landed his first role. What started as a surprise opportunity became the start of a career filled with breakthrough moments, hard lessons and unexpected turns. In this episode, Aalok opens up about filming two pilots that never aired — including one alongside Alicia Silverstone — and the emotional toll of watching opportunities disappear. He shares what it felt like to stand on the edge of walking away from acting entirely, just before landing his role as the beloved Barnaby on The Chosen. We also dive into life off-camera — marriage, fatherhood, building a household where creativity runs deep, and how an entire family of actors balances ambition with real life. From rejection to resilience, from music to movies (including working with Pete Dinklage), this conversation explores calling, perseverance, faith and what it means to stay when everything in you wants to leave.

    1h 2m

  5. MAR 2

    Andy Clark

    Andy Clark is the Sports Business Program Director at DePaul University, where he has spent years shaping the next generation of leaders in sports media, marketing and management. Known for his deep understanding of how money, branding, and strategy move behind the scenes of the sports world, Andy combines academic expertise with real-world industry insight. His work focuses on the evolution of athlete branding, NIL, fan engagement and the rapidly shifting economics of modern sports. A respected educator and mentor, Andy has guided hundreds of students into careers across professional teams, agencies and sports media.

    1 hr

  6. FEB 23

    Manon Rheaume

    Manon Rhéaume made history as the first woman to suit up in an NHL game, becoming one of the most influential pioneers in hockey. Beyond the headline, her journey is one of perseverance, reinvention, and quiet strength. In this episode, Manon opens up about the realities of being a trailblazer, navigating scrutiny from men as often being the only woman in the room and what it truly means to leave the door open for others.

    40 min

  7. FEB 16

    Kendall Gill

    Kendall Gill is an NBA veteran, broadcaster and analyst whose career spans multiple eras of professional basketball. Over more than a decade in the league, Kendall competed at the highest level, guarding elite talent and adapting to the constant evolution of the game. Since stepping away from the court, he’s continued to make an impact as an on-camera television analyst, offering thoughtful, honest insight that goes far beyond the box score. Known for his clarity and perspective, Kendall brings a deep understanding of both the physical and mental demands of professional sports. In this episode, Kendall opens up about identity beyond the jersey, the unseen grind of the NBA, life after basketball and the lessons that stay with you long after the final buzzer. We also talk about today's game and players he likes to watch, as well as some things today's players do that irks him. He also shares a fun moment where he talks back to Michael Jordan on the court. This is a reflective, behind-the-scenes conversation about longevity, identity and finding fulfillment beyond the game.

    41 min

  8. FEB 9

    Elizabeth Tabish

    Actress Elizabeth Tabish joins the podcast for a candid, reflective conversation that goes far beyond the screen. Best known for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, Tabish opens up about navigating an industry that often demands constant access and how she protects her inner life while remaining fully present in her work. In this episode, she discusses the roles that have found her—and how she has shaped them with intention—along with the emotional and physical toll of filming Season 6 of The Chosen in Italy. Tabish reflects on what years of embodying Mary Magdalene have taught her about resilience, faith, and womanhood, and what she hopes women take away from her portrayal. We also talk about other projects she’s been working on and what you can expect to see soon. She also offers thoughtful advice to young women on honoring their individuality, setting boundaries, and striving to become the healthiest version of themselves in a world full of expectations. The result is a grounded, honest conversation about purpose, self-knowledge, and staying rooted amid success.

    1h 4m
See All (38)

5
out of 5
12 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
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bella Michaels
  • Show Website
    off the record

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