Next Act with Jeff Ornstein

Michelle Falanga – Emmy-Winning Voice Actor, Writer & Storyteller

In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Emmy-winning voice actor, actor, and writer Michelle Falanga for an honest conversation about creativity, reinvention, and building a career from unexpected opportunities.  Michelle shares how a chance improv performance at an insurance company launched a decades-long journey into acting and voiceover work, eventually leading to national campaigns, live stadium performances, and an Emmy-winning commercial. Along the way, she opens up about the emotional power of storytelling, the reality of building a freelance creative business, and the growing impact of AI on the voice acting industry.  The conversation also explores Michelle’s children’s book The Amazing Monster, her passion for helping people feel seen through storytelling, and why authentic human connection still matters more than ever in creative work.  If you’ve ever wondered how creative careers really happen, or how to turn unexpected moments into your next act, this episode is for you.

Jessica O'Donnell – Screenwriter, Actor & Comedian

What does it really take to walk away from a stable career and step into a creative life? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Jessica O’Donnell - screenwriter, actor, comedian, and story analyst - who made the leap from finance and higher education into the world of entertainment. Jessica shares how the pandemic became a turning point, giving her the space to finally write the screenplay she had always envisioned - Falls Candy - a grounded, character-driven story inspired by her hometown of Niagara Falls. From there, her creative career began to snowball. They dive into the realities of building a career in film and TV, including: *  How to evaluate what makes a story “commercial” vs. just compelling  *  Why real-life experience can be an advantage in acting  *  The discipline behind writing (even just a few minutes a day)  *  The difference between performing on stage and analyzing scripts  *  And what it looks like to build momentum across multiple creative paths  Jessica’s journey is a powerful reminder that your “next act” doesn’t have to be one thing - it can be a combination of passions that finally align. If you’ve ever thought about reinventing yourself, this conversation will make you rethink what’s possible.

Tim Eliot – Actor, Producer, Teacher, Krymov Lab NYC

What does it take to bring centuries-old stories to life in a way that still moves modern audiences? In this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Tim Eliot, an actor, producer, and educator whose work spans HBO, experimental theater, and teaching at NYU. From his early journey through athletics, academics, and the arts, to helping lead groundbreaking work at Krymov Lab NYC, Tim shares how focus, awareness, and deep storytelling shape great performances. They dive into the power of Shakespeare, why it was never meant to be read but experienced, and how today’s creators can reinterpret classic work for new audiences. Tim also shares how a viral TikTok video on Ophelia unexpectedly took off, proving that timeless stories can still find massive reach in modern formats. This is a conversation about craft, curiosity, and what it really means to push creative boundaries in your next act.

Alfred Lawrie - BAFTA-Winning TV Executive, Showrunner, THE JURY: MURDER TRIAL

What does it take to create television that captures millions of viewers and stands the test of time? On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Alfred Lawrie, the creative force behind groundbreaking UK television hits including The Jury: Murder Trial, Married at First Sight, The Apprentice, and more. Alfred shares his unexpected journey into television, behind-the-scenes stories from working with Sacha Baron Cohen and Naomi Campbell, the truth about reality TV, and how great storytelling balances creativity with commercial success. This conversation is packed with insight for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone building their own next chapter.

Joe Kowalski - Documentary Filmmaker and Editor, Substance

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with documentary filmmaker and editor Joe Kowalski to explore the art of storytelling through film. Joe shares the journey from making YouTube videos as a teenager to directing major documentary projects, including the upcoming feature Micronations. They discuss the fascinating world of self-declared countries, why unusual stories often reveal the deepest truths, and how filmmaking can create healing, connection, and perspective. Joe also opens up about working on the emotional documentary Mr. Football, the changing landscape of Hollywood, and why independent creators still have a massive opportunity ahead. If you love creativity, reinvention, and stories that make you think, this episode is for you.