Bring Your Own Lunch

BYOL Episode 67 - Debra Markowitz

FILMS, FESTIVALS, AND FILMMAKERS ALL IN ONE!  This week we dive into writing and directing films, finding locations, getting permits, submitting to festivals, and more as Dave sits down with filmmaker Debra Markowitz (The Last Taxi Driver, Living with the Dead)!  In addition to making her own films, Debra is the Director of the Nassau County Film Commission and founder of the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE), giving her tremendous insight into the entire film process from concept to festival submissions to distribution.  She tells Dave how she began her work with Nassau County, how she managed to expand the county's film commission, how it led her to launch the LIIFE, and how her experience submitting her own films to festivals has given her new appreciation for how difficult the process can be for filmmakers.  Plus, Dave talks about his recent radio commercial booking and shares info about films he's directed! 
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on November 19, 2015

BYOL Episode 66 - David Lawson

IT'S STORY TIME!  Solo Performance is the focus this week as Dave chats with Writer-Performer David Lawson (Insomnia In Space, Flyer Guy, 2015 SOLOCOM)!  David grew up just outside Washington, DC, and his upbringing in the shadow of the White House definitely has influenced his artistic career.  He tells Dave about getting started as a storyteller, how his Bar Mitzvah gave him his first taste of the spotlight, how his interest in solo performing was sparked in college, and what makes the NYC storytelling scene so fascinating.  He also gives details for the upcoming premiere of his new show, Flyer Guy, at the 2015 SOLOCOM Festival at the Peoples Improv Theater!  Plus, Dave runs down his crazy week, announces an upcoming performance, and has updates on a few past guests!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on November 5, 2015

BYOL Episode 65 - Liz Samuel

YES, THIS IS THE CUPCAKE ONE.  This week Dave compares notes with actor/producer Liz Samuel (Mirrors, Hack My Life)!  Liz grew up at her family's landmark bakery on the Upper West Side of Manhattan but has made a career in the entertainment world.  Originally a broadcast journalist (who helped break the story behind Princess Diana's untimely death), she broke in as a TV producer before following her dreams of being an actor.  She tells Dave about her decisions to change careers, how it was impossible for her to be happy behind the scenes, and how becoming a parent changed her approach to acting.  Plus, Dave tells the entire story behind the viral hit Who Ate the Cupcake? and has plenty to say about people who leave comments on YouTube.
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on October 21, 2015

BYOL Episode 64 - Casandera Lollar

PODCAST WITH THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!  Dave's guest this week is actor Casandera Lollar (The Runner Stumbles, Celebrity Ghost Stories)!  Originally hailing from Brooklyn (Brookline, Texas, that is), Casandera has earned rave reviews for her performances on stage and on screen since arriving in NYC.  She tells Dave about her journey from small town living to the Big Apple, which includes attending USMC boot camp.  She also opens up about her struggles with endometriosis, and how her recent surgery has given her a new lease on life and rebooted her career.  Plus, Dave gives some friendly advice to anyone who needs help and are stopping themselves from reaching out.
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on October 14, 2015

BYOL Episode 63 - Heather Cunningham

WE GO RETRO!  This week Dave sits and chats with actor/producer Heather Cunningham the founder and Artistic Director of Retro Productions!  For over ten years, Retro Productions has earned praise and awards for presenting high-quality theater in NYC.  Heather, a Brooklyn native, tells Dave how the company started, how her family laid the groundwork for her career, how her first job out of college truly trained her for what she's doing today, and how her small theater company has managed to survive and thrive in an ever-changing and competitive market.  Plus, Dave shares updates on some past BYOL guests, including news about world premieres, ABC Showcases, Film Festivals, and Family Guy!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on October 7, 2015

BYOL Episode 62 - Keith Eric Chappelle

HAIL TO THE KEITH!  Dave's guest this week is actor/writer/director Keith Eric Chappelle (A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway, Madam Secretary, Elementary)!  Keith is a Julliard-trained performer whose career is a testament to hard work and dedication.  He tells Dave about growing up on Long Island, how he never considered an acting career until he reached college, the last-minute decision that got him into Julliard, what he learned by watching Kevin Kline work first-hand, and what it was like performing for the President and First Lady on Broadway!  Dave and Keith also get into a serious discussion about race, and how history plays into issues of diversity today.  Plus, Dave talks about a recent staged reading, and finds a long-lost video of his brother in an IBM commercial with Scott Grimes from 1984!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on September 30, 2015

BYOL Episode 61 - Jezabel Montero & Margo Singaliese

A BIG ONE-TWO PUNCH!  This week Dave welcomes two guests, Fuacata Films partners Jezabel Montero & Margo Singaliese (Cassanova Was A Woman, The Basement)!  Jezabel and Margo, partners in both business and life, are creating films that tackle the issues through comedy.  Their latest, Cassanova Was A Woman (directed by past BYOL guest Kevin Arbouet), a semi-autographical comedy about a struggling Latina actor who discovers her bisexuality, is showing at festivals around the world.  They tell Dave about how their film was developed, how the film's message is being used to educate others, and how language plays such an important role in acting.  Plus, Dave remembers working with Jezabel as traffic reporters!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on September 23, 2015

BYOL Episode 60 - Jenn Mello

NETWORKING, NETWORKING, NETWORKING...  Dave's guest this week is producer/entrepreneur Jenn Mello, founder and CEO of Film Interchange!  Jenn's company helps filmmakers achieve their creative goals and provides networking opportunities for everyone involved in the film business.  Just in time for their Fall 2015 season, she tells Dave about her background as a singer and actor, how her love of performing set her on her initial path, the challenge of being a singer in an acting world, how the graduate program at NYU adjusted her course, and how she transitioned from performer to facilitator.  She also explains how Film Interchange works, and how she connects people at all levels of the film business.  Plus, Dave congratulates Ato Essandoh (BYOL Episode 3) on his latest role!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on September 16, 2015

BYOL Episode 59 - James E. Oxford

INTERVIEW WITH AN OUTLAW!  This week Dave chats with executive film producer James E. Oxford (The Demon Deep in Oklahoma, The Taking of Ezra Bodine)!  James is the co-founder of Watergun Outlaw Productions, a company that has found tremendous success as an independent film company in a short period of time.  He tells Dave about the company, how he splits responsibilities with his husband and fellow co-founder Lance R. Marshall, and how they've managed to have their films screened at top festivals (including this year's Cannes).  He also talks about how he and Lance make films on their own terms, how his own financial background (and lack of artistic expertise) gives the company an edge, and how his unique upbringing on the cattle ranches of Oklahoma is surprisingly similar to filmmaking!  Plus, Dave talks about how a simple LIKE got him an audition, and how using social media in a positive way can open up opportunities!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on September 9, 2015

BYOL Episode 58 - Alan Cross

BYOL GETS CROSS!  Dave's guest this week is televison writer/producer Alan Cross (Pop Up Video, Redneck Island, Celebrity Deathmatch)!  Originally from Texas, Alan and Dave met on the audition circuit in NYC.  Now living in Los Angeles, Alan has focused his career on writing and producing for several big-name series.  He tells Dave about growing up in Fort Worth, his early career in radio, the decision that brought him to New York, what cause his career shift, and his thoughts on moving to the West Coast.  He also talks about his creative process, how he manages his ADHD, how technology isn't the answer, and what it's like working with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin!  Plus, Dave talks about working with the great Frankie Faison on Babygirl Blues and Other Colored People, and pays tribute to the late Gary Marinoff.   
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on September 2, 2015

BYOL Episode 57 - Rebecca Yarsin

BYOL GOES INSIDE THE AUDITION ROOM!  This week Dave explores the world of casting with Rebecca Yarsin (Casting Director, House Productions)!  Rebecca is one of the most popular and respected CDs in the business, and this interview shows why she's considered a true advocate for actors.  She tells Dave about getting started in theater in Fairfield, CT, going to high school with John Mayer, working alongside Justin Long, how she learned the craft of Stage Managing at SUNY Purchase, her transition to casting, how House Productions has remained stable in a volatile business, and how she helps guide actors through her coaching career.  Rebecca also takes Dave step-by-step through the entire process of how commercials are cast.  It's a can't-miss for actors of all levels!  Plus, Dave gives career updates on some past BYOL guests!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on August 19, 2015

BYOL Episode 56 - Jen Maler

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!  Dave's guest this week is Rock-n-Roll photographer Jen Maler (Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Time)!  Dave and Jen met when they were both attending Hofstra University, and hadn't seen each other until this interview. It's a reunion full of amazing stories!  Jen tells Dave about growing up in Newburgh, NY, how she managed to become a regular at Limelight in NYC in her teens, the college friend who got her into her first photography class, the amazing cross-country trip where she met Ken Kesey, the concert that launched her career, how she's transitioning to comedians, how the digital age has created a new world of challenges for professional photographers, and how she managed to grab an exclusive pic of Billy Joel and Paul McCartney in concert!  Plus, Dave shares the word of the week!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on August 12, 2015

BYOL Episode 55 - John Tague

COAST TO COAST WITH BYOL!  This week Dave calls out to LA to chat with actor/director/writer/producer John Tague (The Rolling Soldier, 24, Crossing Jordan)!  John is originally from a small town in New Jersey but now makes his living out in Los Angeles.  He tells Dave about his early life in music with a Grateful Dead cover band, how a twist of fate got him into acting, his experience training with Terry Schreiber in NY, his decision to move to Hollywood, and what inspired him to create his own web series (The Rolling Soldier)!  Plus, Dave thanks everyone involved with The Maltese Walter at the 40th Annual Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival and shares some exciting news about Babygirl Blues and Other Colored People!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on August 5, 2015

BYOL Episode 54 - Kevin Arbouet (Part 2)

TAKE TWO!  For the first time ever, Dave has a return guest -- director/writer/producer Kevin Arbouet (Fair Market Value, Police State, I Got a Crush on Obama)!  In BYOL 52, we learned all about Kevin's upbringing on Long Island and how he broke into the business.  This time around Kevin details some of his more recent projects (including Cassanova Was a Woman and Fair Market Value), and shares his biggest casting challenge as a director.  Dave and Kevin also discuss current news stories involving Bill Cosby and Hulk Hogan, and how real-life issues impact every aspect of the creative process.  It's an incredibly thought-provoking conversation!  Plus, Dave talks about his VERY recent car accident and his involvement in the 40th Annual Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on July 29, 2015

BYOL Episode 53 - Joel Marsh Garland

BYOL MEETS OITNB!  This week Dave chats with actor Joel Marsh Garland (Orange Is the New Black, In Dubious Battle, Kings)!  Joel is one of the steadiest working actors in New York, with credits in Film, TV, Broadway, and commercials.  He tells Dave about his incredibly unique upbringing in Connecticut, how acting helped him find consistency among chaos, the lessons he's learned from the business, how he sees technology changing the business, and his tongue-in-cheek pursuit to become People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive!  He also gives lots of insight into working on Orange Is the New Black (including the low-down on Red Velvet donuts), and how the Netflix series is different from his prior series on network TV.    Plus, Dave congratulates Amy Schumer, goes to see Karl Manhair, and parties with the cast and crew of Indignation!
Hosted by Dave T. Koenig
 
This episode premiered on July 22, 2015