Katie O'Brien | Laughing From X to Z

Katie O'Brien | Laughing From X to Z

Author: Marc Preston Productions, LLC February 4, 2025 Duration: 1:02:31
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, writer and producer,Katie O'Brien from theTubi series “The Z-Suite!”  We explore Katie's career journey from Omaha to L.A., through the world of improv and her successful stint with the comedy group “The Katie Dids.”  Katie shares her experiences working on “Teachers”, advice and anecdotes about navigating Hollywood, and her approach to storytelling that bridges generational gaps. Additionally, we dive into comedic inspirations from Christopher Guest to reality TV, and how Katie balances the roles of writer and producer and showrunner.  This was a fun exploration of the creative process and the essence of multigenerational comedy.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS02:24 Katie's Journey: From Omaha to LA04:09 The Comedy Path: Improv and The Katie Dids09:08 Creating Teachers: From Web Series to TV Show11:22 Life in LA: Jobs, Struggles, and Breakthroughs26:11 Post-Teachers Career and COVID Impact30:29 Navigating the Pandemic on Set31:05 The Need for More Comedy31:36 Creating the Show32:53 Generational Dynamics in the Show36:39 Casting the Characters40:23 Writing Process and Inspirations44:34 Gen Z Research and Realism47:48 The Seven Questions58:06 Final Thoughts and AdviceListen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.  Also, check out the show and sign up for the newsletter at  www.storyandcraftpod.com...#podcast #KatieOBrien #TheZSuite #Tubi #LaurenGraham #NicoSantos #Actor #Director #Producer #Acting #Writing #Producing #Comedy #Improv #Chicago #Teachers #GenX #GenZ #TheBubble #JuddApatow #GilmoreGirls #storyandcraft

For over thirty years, Marc Preston has worked from both sides of the microphone, building a career as an actor and a nationally syndicated radio host. That unique perspective informs every conversation on Story and Craft with Marc Preston. This isn't a standard interview podcast; it's a series of deep, meandering, and genuinely connective dialogues. Marc's endless curiosity drives him to explore not just what his guests have done, but how and why they do it. He sits down with a compelling roster of creative minds-actors from film and television, voiceover artists, writers, musicians, and cultural influencers-to unpack the fascinating, often unseen work behind their public personas. Listeners are brought directly into a discussion that feels like eavesdropping on a great chat between old friends, one that naturally veers from technical craft to personal philosophy. The result is consistently entertaining and offers unexpected insights into the worlds of comedy, culture, and storytelling. Each episode of this podcast reveals the nuanced decisions, the years of practice, and the personal stories that shape art and performance. You'll hear about the awkward auditions, the breakthrough moments, and the simple love for the work that sustains a creative life. It’s that blend of professional insight and human experience that defines the podcast, making it a rewarding listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, society, and the discipline required to excel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 93

Story and Craft with Marc Preston
Podcast Episodes
Shohreh Aghdashloo | Be Brave...But Be Careful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:47
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Shohreh Aghdashloo. We explore Shohreh’s journey from Iran to Hollywood, which is as captivating as her performances. Shohreh shares her early defianc…
Tye Sheridan | Small Town to Asphalt City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:37
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with Actor, Tye Sheridan, whose journey from child actor to seasoned professional unfolds in this enlightening discussion. We discuss Ty's diverse career, from hi…
Anja Savcic | Sarajevo + Vancity = Funny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:04
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with talented actor, Anja Savcic. She can currently be seen in the new Prime Video movie, "Ricky Stanicky." Listen in as Anya opens up about her experiences on se…
Jennifer Morrison | Inspiration is Everywhere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:24
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with Actor & Director, Jennifer Morrison. We chat about her journey from the theater stage in Chicago, to the dynamic world of television…both in front of and beh…
Kylie Rogers | Growing up on Camera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:05
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Kylie Rogers. Listen in as Kylie, a child actor turned accomplished actress, shares her unique experiences and insights from her career. With notable…
Leigh Steinberg | Major League Mensch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:41
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with legendary Sports Agent, Leigh Steinberg. We discuss some of the secrets of peak performance, athlete representation, and the economics of professional sports…
Graham McTavish | Men in Kilts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:01
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Graham McTavish. We chat about working on the STARZ series, Outlander, as well as the show he and his Outlander co-star, Sam Heughan created for STARZ…
Nathan Kress | Full Circle Freddie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:10
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with actor, Nathan Kress! Nathan is a former child actor who has matured into a successful adult actor, director, and producer. Nathan shares his journey from his…
Matt Walsh | Windy City Improvisor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with comedic actor, Matt Walsh. We chatted about his Emmy-nominated role as Mike McClintock on Veep, as well as his work as a founding member of the Upright Citiz…
Fabiana Udenio | Da Roma al FUBAR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:13
On this episode of The Story & Craft Podcast, we sit down with Fabiana Udenio, the talented Italian actress who plays Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife in the new Netflix series, FUBAR. Fabiana shared her journey from moving…