Best Tom Softy Podcasts (2025)

1
JAY MOHR: Profound Self Revelations, Dueling Impressions & His Addiction to Approval 1:22:04

7d ago1:22:04

1:22:04

Jay Mohr (Jerry Maguire, SNL) joins us this week for an absolutely amazing conversation… one that’ll make you self reflect on your life while cracking up at the same time. Jay talks about his earliest drug (approval) and how seeking it lead to success in comedy but difficulties in show business, ala SNL. We also talk about accepting responsibility …

1
ASHLEY GREENE: Revisiting Twilight Emotions & Confronting Perfectionism 1:18:01

14d ago1:18:01

1:18:01

Ashley Greene (Twilight) joins us this week to share how she manifested a role in the massively popular Twilight film franchise and how her life was never the same after it. Ashley talks about the ‘come down’ after Twilight and how it took some time for her to learn how to have fun again in this industry. We also talk about hiding panic attacks fro…

1
EMILY BETT RICKARDS: Fitting Out, Getting Jacked & Becoming Queen of the Ring 1:13:55

21d ago1:13:55

1:13:55

Emily Bett Rickards (Queen of the Ring, Arrow) joins us this week to share her experience going from canine caretaker to landing a recurring role on a fan beloved series and eventually getting cast sight unseen for a life changing opportunity as Mildred Burke in Queen of the Ring. Emily opens up about not fitting in and shares how her positive rela…

1
AARON ASHMORE: Learning From Trauma, Twin Rivalries & No More Mr. Nice Guy 1:09:15

28d ago1:09:15

1:09:15

Aaron Ashmore (Smallville, Killjoys) joins us this week to share his shared experience in this industry working on a hit series like Smallville, while also diving into the very unique experience of what it’s like to navigate Hollywood with an identify twin sibling (Shawn Ashmore). Aaron talks about the surprise of landing the role as Jimmy Olsen on…

1
KATIE CASSIDY: Eating Humble Pie & New Perspectives in Life 1:14:55

1M ago1:14:55

1:14:55

Katie Cassidy (Arrow, Gossip Girl) joins us again this week fresh off the wildfires that devastated the city she was born and raised to share her perspective on the situation and how Angelinos are moving forward. Katie channels her moto of ‘being happy to be here and easy to work with’ as she reflects on her early acting career and the gut punch sh…

1
JACK OSBOURNE: Going Too Far on The Osbournes & Recovering From His Darkest Moment 1:12:11

1M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

Jack Osbourne (Ghosts and Grit, The Osbournes) joins us this week to share his unique perspective of growing up with Ozzy Osbourne, a world renowned rockstar, as your father and all the ups and downs that came from his family opening their front door to America. Jack opens up a lot by sharing his journey to sobriety at the age of 17 and how he was …

1
JAY FERGUSON: Ditching Ego For Family, Forced to Recognize Mortality & the Mad Men Stimulus Package 1:31:35

2M ago1:31:35

1:31:35

Jay Ferguson (Mad Men, The Conners) joins us this week to share the defining moment in his life where he chose to put his ego to the side for the sake of his family and career… and how that decision ultimately lead to him landing roles on hits like Mad Men and The Conners. Jay opens up about the unexpected emotions and compounded feelings that come…

1
PAUL REISER: Recipe to ‘Mad About You’ Success, Power of Naivety & Connection Through Comedy 1:14:36

2M ago1:14:36

1:14:36

Paul Reiser (Mad About You, Aliens) joins us this week to share his experience in this industry from developing household classics like Mad About You, to keeping a finger on the pulse by appearing in current hits like The Boys, to reinvigorating his passion and career in standup comedy. Paul talks a lot about his early aspirations as a comic, the s…

1
RHYS DARBY: Never Losing Humor, Lighter Side of Life & Starbucks Line Reading 1:15:48

2M ago1:15:48

1:15:48

Rhys Darby (Flight of the Concords, Our Flag) joins us for laughs, insights into a lighter side of life, and more laughs… look it up. Rhys talks about the comfort and comedy he was brought up under by his single mother and why he ultimately had to leave New Zealand to achieve his dreams. We also talk about humble beginnings on Flight of the Concord…

1
GRANT GUSTIN: Shaking Perceptions, Maturing on Flash & Theater for Spielberg 1:16:15

2M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Grant Gustin (The Flash, Glee) joins us in person this week for a deeper conversation exploring how impostor syndrome limits new creative exploration and how he’s shaken perceptions over the last few years. Grant talks about his legacy as The Flash and how he was ready for the show to come to a close during the last couple seasons after some much n…

1
STEVEN OGG: The Reality of GTA Trevor, Understanding vs. Feelings & Tapping into Vulnerability 1:23:30

3M ago1:23:30

1:23:30

Steven Ogg (GTA, Better Call Saul) joins us this week to share his practice of setting boundaries to maintain sanity and the vulnerability he’s able to tap into to deliver dark, emotional performances. Steven talks about the simple pleasures in his life that reflect his mental health and allow understanding to take precedence over feelings. We also…

1
WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY: Finding Comedic Gold, Fighting for Bridesmaids & Ups and Downs on Goldbergs 1:16:00

3M ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs, St. Denis Medical) joins us this week for a fun and candid conversation about her experience in this industry and the insatiable workaholic tendencies that have contributed to her success when her back was against the wall. Wendi shares the joy of working on the improv fueled Reno 911! and how she was about to q…

1
KEVIN DURAND: Dedication to Keeping Sanity, ‘Planet of the Apes’ Secret Advantage & Trusting Your Own Time and Process 1:19:51

3M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Kevin Durand (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Strain) joins us this week to share how he went from professional hockey aspirations as an 11th generation Canadian lumberjack to pursuing his dreams of acting and storytelling in Hollywood. Kevin talks about the difficult impact of prepping for the physicality of certain roles like Planet of the…

1
LUCY LAWLESS: Fighting as XENA: Warrior Princess, Calling the Shots Now & Thrill Seeking Passion in ‘Never Look Away’ 1:22:00

3M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess, Spartacus) joins us this week to share the unabashed passion and connection she has with her newest documentary Never Look Away: exploring the traumatic and thrill seeking life of an adrenaline fueled journalist touring war zones. Lucy talks about her time during Xena: Warrior Princess, including what it was li…

1
ELIJAH WOOD: Big LOTR Risk, Level-Headed Perspective & Reality of Panic Attacks 1:20:39

3M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings, Wilfred) joins us this week to share his ‘going out on a limb’ moment that helped him land a life changing role in one of the most beloved and groundbreaking franchises in LOTR. After sharing some fellow hobbit appreciation, Elijah talks about his upbringing as a child actor and how delayed success was paramount to h…

1
ROSE MCIVER: Disguised Defiance, Coping with Uncertainty & Running Low on iZombie 1:11:42

4M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Rose McIver (Ghosts, iZombie) joins us to share the balance between deep gratitude for her career and light hearted levity she needs to bring to the performances in her various diverse roles. Rose talks about her time filming iZombie and Ghosts, noting the unique character building and difficulties that come with shooting both types of series. We a…

1
NATHAN MITCHELL: Carrying Silent Performance on THE BOYS & Finding Validation From Within 1:10:58

4M ago1:10:58

1:10:58

Nathan Mitchell (The Boys, Ginny & Georgia) joins us this week to share the growth of his career in this industry and the validation that comes from within until you get big breaks like the hit series The Boys and Ginny & Georgia. Nathan talks about landing The Boys during a lull in his confidence as an actor and the reflections he has as the show …

1
IKE BARINHOLTZ: Passing the Crazy Test, Post-MadTV Dry Spell & Major Jeopardy Regrets 1:16:30

5M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

Ike Barinholtz (The Mindy Project, Blockers) joins us this week to share his experience going from an upbringing in a comedy heavy household to landing a big break on MadTV to the reality check he received after his time on the series was over. Ike discusses passing the ‘crazy test’ with his writing and his initial fears of joining the Mindy Projec…

1
FRANKIE MUNIZ: Honest Parental Reflections, Dangers of Racing & The Reality of Child Actors 1:16:46

5M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle, Nascar) joins us this week for an open and honest conversation about everything from the realities of what’s asked of child actors to the reflections on family dynamics once he became a father himself. Frankie talks about the chip on his shoulder that he’s carried into his new racing career and the different mi…

1
CHRISTOPHER JUDGE: Wild Stargate Stories, Freedom from Forgiveness & Acting Out of Spite 1:18:46

5M ago1:18:46

1:18:46

Chris Judge (Stargate SG-1, God of War) joins us this week for an open, honest, and forthcoming conversation about the pain in his past and how he’s been able to not only overcome it throughout his career, but also use it to his advantage when portraying characters like Teal’c in Stargate SG-1 and Kratos in God of War. Chris shares his tumultuous u…

1
SIMON PEGG: Mitigating the ‘Black Dog’, The Tom Cruise Effect & Shaun of the Dead Brotherhood 1:06:51

5M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) joins us this week for a humble and grounded conversation about the rise in his career from indie movie hits to massive blockbusters, all the while trying to mitigate the ‘black dog’ of depression following him. Simon talks about his brotherhood with Nick Frost, how they drop everything to have each others b…

1
DANNY TREJO: Respecting Death, Punching His Way into Hollywood & Living with Gratitude 1:03:16

6M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

🎬 Check out Danny's new film 'Seven Cemeteries' now available on Digital and On-demand! Danny Trejo (Machete, Desperado) joins us this week to share his story of breaking cycles of incarceration to make it in Hollywood and ultimately transform his life to lead with gratitude. Danny opens up about his misguided childhood and the lessons learned grow…

1
CASSANDRA PETERSON: Retiring ELVIRA, Elvis’ Big Warning & Embracing Being Different 1:11:49

6M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

Cassandra Peterson (Elvira: Mistress of the Dark) joins us this week to grace us with stories she couldn’t share before her book release… warnings from Elvis, retiring her Elvira get-up, coming out and more! We talk about what could have been with Paul McCartney and other iconic stories during her tenure as Mistress of the Dark. Cassandra shares th…

1
ERIC ROBERTS: The Fear Behind Ego, Life Changing Honesty & Early Career Misconceptions 1:12:02

6M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

Eric Roberts (Dark Knight, The Pope of Greenwich Village) joins us this week on the heels of the release of his new memoir ‘Runaway Train: or, The Story of My Life So Far’ to share lessons learned through his decades experience with this industry… from the misconceptions that come early in an actor’s career, to realizing fear is behind ego, to a li…

1
DJ QUALLS: Reality Checks, Hiding in Hollywood & Crazy Supernatural Moments! 1:15:33

6M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

DJ Qualls (Supernatural, Hustle & Flow) joins us this week to share his experience coming out of a strict rural South upbringing, having to hide who he truly was while on sets in Hollywood, and eventually carving a path of success that allows him to operate on his terms without any curated persona. DJ opens up on why he hid his sexuality when he ca…

1
HEATHER GRAHAM: Betting on Yourself, Boogie Nights Reflections & Valuing True Independence 1:12:02

7M ago1:12:02

1:12:02

Heather Graham (Boogie Nights, The Gunslingers) joins us this week to share the addictive side to Hollywood and the pride she has in being able to be her own boss and create on her terms… like with the new film she has written, directed, and starred in: Chosen Family. Heather shares her experience in Boogie Nights, how she threw caution to the wind…

1
MICHAEL DORN: Setting Star Trek Records, Embracing Worf & Escaping the Hollywood Hamster Wheel 1:19:54

7M ago1:19:54

1:19:54

Michael Dorn (Star Trek, Steelworks) joins us this week to share his record setting tenure throughout Star Trek as Worf along with the grounding and gratitude that has allowed him to maintain a love and passion for his character and cast mates. Michael talks about auditioning for the role with the likes of the late great James Avery and how embraci…

1
MEG DONNELLY: Anxious Superpowers, Crappy Intrusive Thoughts & Losing Supernatural Fanbase 1:12:23

7M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

Meg Donnelly (Zombies, American Housewife) joins us this week to share the duality of having a history of severe anxiety while being an entertainer, and how she’s been able to turn that into a superpower over the last few years navigating this industry. Meg talks about pessimistic expectations going into new projects and her feelings after the Winc…

1
STEPHEN AMELL: Overcoming Toxic Lifestyle, Blind Auditioning for Suits: L.A. & Pro-Wrestling Miscalculations 1:15:10

7M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

Stephen Amell (Suits: L.A., Heels) checks in again this week for a much needed update on all things life, career, and mental health. After reflecting on the somewhat toxic lifestyle that he had to put aside for mental and mental physical stability, Stephen goes on to talk about the importance of balance and work that gives him purpose. He also talk…

1
JOHNNY KNOXVILLE: Hitting Jackass Limitations, Rage Against the Bullying & Stunting is a Habit 1:16:05

7M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Johnny Knoxville (Jackass, Pretty Sure I Can Fly) joins us this week to share his early aspirations for show business, how those led to his addiction to wild and crazy stunts on Jackass, and how the latter contributed to his mind and body hitting a unfortunate breaking point. Johnny really opens up this week about his upbringing - sharing how he ma…

1
JAMES MARSTERS: Path to Self Acceptance, His Darkest Day on Buffy & His Dragon Ball Apology 1:18:33

8M ago1:18:33

1:18:33

James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Schmactors) joins us again this week to share gratitude for his tenure as an actor along with his path to self acceptance after realizing how empty the pursuit of external validation can be. James also talks about the misinterpretation that got him kicked out of Juilliard, his darkest day on set while filmi…

1
TOM HOPPER: Shocking UMBRELLA ACADEMY Revelation, Parental Learning Curves & Bittersweet Endings 1:17:55

8M ago1:17:55

1:17:55

Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy, Black Sails) joins us this week to share his experience in this industry from finding balance in his health amid physically demanding roles to the grounded perspective that parenting has brought him. Tom talks a lot about Umbrella Academy’s bittersweet ending, uncomfortable pain in early seasons, and everything in …

1
MARTIN KOVE: Softie Bad Guy, Mystique of Karate Kid & Leading with Vulnerability 1:12:21

8M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

Martin Kove (Cobra Kai, The Karate Kid) joins us this week to share the vulnerability and soft side behind over 50 years of onscreen villainy. Martin talks a lot about the depth added to his character in the Cobra Kai series, while recounting crazy stories during the audition and filming of the iconic Karate Kid franchise. We also talk about going …

1
ZACH BRAFF: Stressed When Still, Missing Scrubs & ‘Garden State’ Chip on the Shoulder 1:18:27

8M ago1:18:27

1:18:27

Zach Braff (A Good Person, Scrubs) joins us in person this week for a deep convo about the passion and catharsis that went into his film ‘A Good Person’ alongside the emotional rollercoaster that came with its production. Zach opens by reminiscing about belly laughs and good times with his cast mates during Scrubs and the life changing experience t…

1
Foreigner’s LOU GRAMM: Rock & Roll’s Greatest Voices, Finally Making the Hall of Fame & The Party That Never Ended 1:16:33

9M ago1:16:33

1:16:33

Lou Gramm (Foreigner, Black Sheep) joins us this week to share his story of growing up as a New York kid with aspirations in music, to fronting one of the most iconic rock groups Foreigner, and being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Lou shares the origins of classic songs like ‘Feels Like the First Time’ and ‘Juke Box Hero’ along with th…

1
JIM CUMMINGS (Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and more!) Voicing Generational Cartoon Characters & Secrets to Success in Voice Acting 1:19:24

9M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse Funhouse) joins us this week to give the ins and outs of what it’s like to be one of the forefathers of modern cartoon voice acting through classic recognizable roles in Balto, Aladdin, Winnie the Pooh, and more! Jim pulls back the curtain, sharing unique tools to the trade that helped advance his career;…

1
PATTON OSWALT: Refusing to Settle, The Issue for Comedians Today & Emotions Reconciling Loss 1:25:31

9M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille, Young Adult) joins us this week for an amazing conversation about his upbringing that cultivated his creative side, to balancing gratitude and the drive needed to push through contentless, to painful moments reconciling the loss of a loved one… Fantastic episode. Patton goes on to share his joy for comedy and the problem…

1
PETER SEGAL: Threatened to Create Tommy Boy, Chris Farley’s Physicality & Naked Gun Disappointments 1:15:10

9M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

Peter Segal joins us this week to take us behind the camera and share his experience creating iconic comedies like Tommy Boy and Naked Gun. Pete shares the joys of working with Chris Farley at the height of his career, along with the guilt that came after his loss. We also talk about his experience of walking on pins and needles while working with …

1
RACHAEL HARRIS: Confronting Trauma Head-on, Letting it Rip on Hangover & The Wonderful World of Dating 1:20:32

10M ago1:20:32

1:20:32

Rachael Harris (Lucifer, Suits) was an absolute blast this week! Before she talks about her improv background coming in handy during iconic comedies like the Hangover, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more, we get deep… Rachael opens up about traumatic experiences in her childhood and catching herself from passing the same trauma on to her chil…

1
MAX LUGAVERE: Dropping Everything to Combat Dementia & Being Fed Dangerous Food Misinformation 1:31:15

10M ago1:31:15

1:31:15

Max Lugavere (Genius Foods, Little Empty Boxes) joins us this week to share his unique story of leaving his career in entertainment behind to help his Mother after she was diagnosed with dementia and the passion it ignited for his exploration into modern day diet and its connection to longevity. Both of which Max dives deep into with projects like …

1
LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS: Biggest Shock with La Bamba, Returning to Young Guns & Most Humbling Moment 1:07:03

10M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

Lou Diamond Phillips (La Bamba, Young Guns) joins us this week and shares his gratitude for being able to sustain a successful career in the arts for over 40 years, while highlighting the importance in open conversations about mental health along the peaks and valleys that come with it. Lou talks a lot about his experience in La Bamba - going from …

1
RUDY MANCUSO: Art Imitating a Synesthetic Life in ‘Música’ & Pushing Past Influencer Stigmas 1:23:36

10M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

Rudy Mancuso (Música, Awkward Puppets) joins us this week to share the drive and passion behind his directorial film debut: Música. He talks about the lived inspiration of synesthesia, why stopping listening to other was the smartest thing he could do, and how Camila Mendes was the only feasible option to star in the film. We also talk about being …

1
CASPER VAN DIEN: Starship Troopers Resurgence, Defending Ironside & Leaving Bootcamp for Hollywood 1:08:04

10M ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers, Sleepy Hollow) joins us this week to share how he changed course from his military upbringing to pursue his dream of acting, and how his career has come full circle with the lives he’s impacted through this work. Casper shares a lot from his experience with Starship Troopers - from the marketing stunts that weake…

1
KEVIN SMITH: Bottoming Life, Embracing Fandom & The Current State of Filmmaking 1:20:05

11M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats) joins us this week to share the duality of having immense gratitude for everything he’s been able to accomplish throughout his career, all the while being cursed with ambition that drives him to create more. Being a trailblazer in independent film, Kevin gives us his opinion about the current state of filmmaking post …

1
GATEN MATARAZZO: Stranger Things Growing Pains, Saying Goodbye to Dustin & His Dream Come True! 1:15:42

11M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things, Sweeney Todd) joins us again this week to share his perspective on Stranger Things coming to and end… how he’s preparing to say goodbye to Dustin after a eight years… and the lessons he’s learned after landing a hit show at the age of 12. Gaten starts the episode talking about his dream come true of performing Swee…

1
FELICIA DAY: Setting the Bar Low, Being Enough & Landing Mystery Science Theater 3000 1:02:44

11M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

Felicia Day (Third Eye, The Guild) joins us this week to share her new mindset of ‘being enough’ after realizing that her self valuations were merely career and achievement based. Felicia discusses the relief of shedding people in the industry who were looking to ‘take from her’ and the joy of telling stories that she cares about, like the sci-fi c…

1
TIM BLAKE NELSON: Overcoming Complacency, Breaking Type Cast & Intimidations on Set 1:23:58

11M ago1:23:58

1:23:58

Tim Blake Nelson (Old Henry, O Brother, Where Art Thou?) joins us this week to share his experience in this industry as a respected character actor and the on-set lessons learned from masters of their craft like Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Tom Cruise. Tim shares how James Franco helped pull him out of creative complacency during a lull,…

1
DERMOT MULRONEY: Manifesting Yo-Yo Ma, Protecting Drew Barrymore & Being a Mouthy Cellist 1:14:19

12M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding, The Wedding Date) joins us this week to share remarkable stories (on and off set) throughout his career and how he uses them as mental health check ins for gratitude in everything he’s been able to accomplis. Dermot also talks about his experience as a cellist, being able to work scores in both the Star Tr…

1
KATEY SAGAL & KURT SUTTER: The Real Divas of SOA, Love Through Sobriety & Killing Peg Bundy! 1:07:52

12M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Katey Sagal & Kurt Sutter (PIE, Sons of Anarchy) join us this week as (potentially) our first married couple to share their experience working together on the hit series Sons of Anarchy, finding love through sobriety, and fighting for marriage while giving grace to your partner at their lowest. Kurt talks about the creative inception of Sons of Ana…

1
SKEET ULRICH: Leaking the End of Scream, Close to Death at 10 & Newfound Perspective in Fatherhood 1:12:08

12M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Skeet Ulrich (Scream, Jericho) joins us this week and shares crazy experiences from his childhood like getting life saving open heart surgery at age 10 and being kidnapped by his father at age 6. Skeet talks about his journey in the Scream franchise, his bond with the cast and crew, and one story where he almost spoiled the crazy reveal by doing pr…

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