In this star-studded episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto with Greg Hanna, veteran actress Catherine Carlen joins Greg for a heartfelt and entertaining conversation about her decades-long career, her unexpected comeback, and her latest breakout role in Netflix’s The Residence, a Shondaland production.

Catherine’s journey is anything but ordinary. From turning down her first film opportunity as a college student, to modeling in New York alongside icons like Janice Dickinson, Catherine found her true calling in acting thanks to a chance encounter with designer Giorgio di Sant’Angelo — and never looked back. She shares how legendary acting teacher Uta Hagen changed the course of her life by recognizing her natural talent and encouraging her to pursue the craft seriously.

After stepping away from the spotlight to raise her daughter, Catherine made the bold decision to start over — enrolling at UCLA, performing in student films, building a new reel, and rebuilding her career from the ground up. She dives into the struggles and triumphs of that journey, and the resilience it took to earn roles in NCIS: LA, Sharp Objects, and now as the former First Lady in The Residence.

• The “aha” moment that changed everything: Catherine recalls being told by Giorgio di Sant’Angelo that she was “an actress, not a model” and how that led her to acting classes in New York.

• Working with Uta Hagen: The encouragement and guidance that helped Catherine believe in her natural gift.

• A personal and professional reboot: Her decision to step away for motherhood and the grit it took to restart her career in her 50s.

• Behind-the-scenes stories:

  • Doing her own stunt on Ghostbusters

  • Support from LL Cool J on NCIS: LA

  • An unforgettable moment with Amy Adams on Sharp Objects

• Her role in Netflix’s The Residence:

  • Playing former First Lady Kim Aiken

  • Improvising on set and collaborating with Shondaland

  • The impact of co-star André Braugher’s unexpected passing during production

• Spirituality, trust, and resilience: Catherine opens up about the lessons that have guided her through life, including grief, reinvention, and trusting the journey.

• Why The Residence is a standout success: The “murder mystery-meets-political satire” vibe, comparisons to Clueand Only Murders in the Building, and why viewers binge-watched the entire series.

• What’s next: Catherine teases the potential for a second season — and the importance of staying visible and memorable in Hollywood.

“Giorgio said, ‘You’re not a model — you’re an actress.’ And that was it. That was my moment.”
— Catherine Carlen

“I had to start from the beginning. I made a reel, did student films at UCLA, and got an agent all over again.”
— Catherine Carlen

“If it’s supposed to be mine, it’ll be mine. I just have to lift it up and let it go.”
— Catherine Carlen on faith and letting go of attachment to roles

“Playing Kim Aiken was a blast. The former First Lady — fun, lively, and a little too honest.”
— Catherine Carlen on her role in The Residence

Catch her scene-stealing role as Kim Aiken in The Residence, streaming now on Netflix. With Shondaland behind the series, it’s a sharp, funny, and refreshingly bold murder mystery.

• Instagram: @realcatherinecarlen

• Website: www.catherinecarlen.com

⭐️ Topics Covered:💬 Notable Quotes:🎬 Where to Watch Catherine Carlen:📲 Connect with Catherine Carlen:

In this powerful episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with acclaimed character actor Armen Garo, best known for his memorable roles in The Sopranos, The Departed, and CODA. With his signature intensity and authenticity, Armen opens up about his journey from military prep school stages to working with legends like Martin Scorsese.

Armen shares stories from behind the scenes, the real-life observations that shaped his iconic wise guy roles, and how his past experiences — from bouncing at clubs to real-life moments of anger — influenced his acting approach.

[00:00] – Armen talks about how Zoom changed the acting game — and why theater and in-person energy can’t be replicated.

[00:03:00] – His early experience performing in front of large audiences — and how heckling classmates taught him to improvise under pressure.

[00:05:30] – Playing wise guys: how real-life experience working in clubs with mob-connected figures gave Armen deep insight into complex characters.

[00:08:00] – Understanding the psychology of organized crime figures — and why their leadership and “family values” made them both feared and revered.

[00:11:00] – A gripping real-life story: the one time Armen truly lost it after getting hit in the head with an ashtray during a club incident.

[00:15:00] – Behind the scenes of The Departed: no written dialogue, working with Martin Scorsese, and improvising one of the film’s most brutal scenes.

[00:19:00] – The CODA experience and what it meant to be part of an Oscar-winning film.

[00:20:00] – Armen’s exciting new projects:

• 🎥 Federal Hill – as Raymond Patriarca in a new crime series

• 🔍 Shackled – a high-concept crime sci-fi thriller

• 🎬 Once a Week for Life – a gritty NYPD drama series

• 📖 Screenplay adaptation of The Abduction of Lily Waters

[00:25:30] – Armen’s most important life lesson: understanding what’s real, when to speak, and when to stay silent.

Armen Garo is an American actor known for his intense, layered performances in film and television. He’s appeared in The Sopranos, The Departed, CODA, Ray Donovan, and many more acclaimed projects. A former kickboxer and nightclub doorman, Armen brings authentic energy to every role — and continues to evolve as both an actor and writer.

• 📺 IMDb

• 📸 Instagram: @ArmenGaro

• 🌐 Facebook: Armen Garo Official

Hosted by Greg Hanna, Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto features intimate, engaging conversations with Hollywood’s most fascinating voices. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, personal revelations, and life lessons from some of the industry’s most unforgettable talents.

🎬 What You'll Hear in This Episode:🎭 About Armen Garo:🔗 Follow Armen Garo:🎙️ About Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto:

In this dynamic episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with acclaimed author, journalist, screenwriter, and classical music critic Michael Walsh. His latest book, Rage to Conquer, is a powerful tribute to warriors, sacrifice, and masculinity.

With a writing career spanning 50+ years, 20 books, a Grammy-winning classical background, and reporting during the fall of the Soviet Union, Michael shares how his Marine upbringing shaped his worldview—and how the Chosin Reservoir battle, where his father fought, inspired his bestselling war history series.

[00:00] – Michael on releasing his 20th book, why writing is his life’s work, and how he lives it every day — no hobbies, just passion.
[00:01:00] – The emotional and historical roots of Rage to Conquer, tied to his father’s survival in the Korean War.
[00:02:30] – Growing up Marine: constant relocations, a love for history, and how the Corps shaped his storytelling.
[00:03:30] – Linking Rage to Conquer to Last Stands through personal interviews with his father.
[00:04:00] – Why Michael distrusts AI, and the critical importance of reading primary sources and studying the greats.
[00:05:30] – His historical research process, concert pianist training, and the parallels between music and writing.
[00:06:30] – Adventures as a Time Magazine correspondent in East Berlin and Moscow during the fall of communism.
[00:07:30] – Why Rage to Conquer might work better as a limited series — and how Hollywood has evolved.
[00:08:30] – Candid takes on the decline of spec scripts, Netflix’s pros and cons, and how writers are often sidelined.
[00:10:30] – Screenwriting tales, including Cadet Kelly — and why it wouldn’t get greenlit today.
[00:12:30] – The hard truths of screenwriting: writing and selling are just the beginning.
[00:14:00] – Why a strong editor is essential, even after 20 books — Michael trusts his to make him better.
[00:15:30] – His hope for Rage to Conquer: to inspire young men and those who love them with stories of legacy.
[00:18:30] – How modern publishing has alienated young male readers — and why stories of courage matter.
[00:20:00] – Why Colonel Jessup from A Few Good Men reflects a vital, misunderstood archetype.
[00:21:00] – A lesson from Chosin Reservoir: “We weren’t scared. We just went to work.”
[00:22:00] – Michael’s guiding truth: Never give up. Keep writing. Keep living.

Rage to Conquer by Michael Walsh
From the bestselling author of Last Stands, this military history spans legendary battles from Alexander the Great to today. A compelling narrative of courage, strategy, and legacy.

Available now at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bookstores | St. Martin’s Press

About the Author
Michael Walsh is an award-winning author, journalist, and screenwriter. A former Time Magazine correspondent and Grammy-winning classical critic, he’s written 20 books on courage, history, masculinity, and the will to overcome.

Follow him on X (Twitter): @TheEmanu
Visit his site: the-pipeline.org
Find him on Substack and stay updated on his columns and exclusive interviews.

brity Interviews Live from The Grotto:

In this unforgettable episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with world-renowned clarinetist, professor, and Grammy-winning principal with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra — David Singer. From cab driver to the White House. From dodging bullets in Bolivia to teaching the next generation. From Carnegie Hall to climbing fences at shipyards — David’s life is a true symphony of experience, passion, and resilience.

Now an acclaimed author of From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall, David shares his fascinating journey through decades of performance, travel, unexpected detours, and unshakable perseverance.

[00:00] – David recalls his most unlikely path to becoming an author and why writing his book became a way to honor his wild and inspiring journey.

[00:01:15] – The surreal story of performing for President Jimmy Carter at the White House… then returning to New York that same night to drive a cab.

[00:02:30] – Performing again for President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and their Hollywood friends — in the last peaceful days before 9/11 changed everything.

[00:04:00] – David’s 36-year career with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, a revolutionary group without a conductor, and how they rose from playing free library concerts to becoming global ambassadors of music.

[00:06:00] – Touring the world with Orpheus: performing in Vietnam, Bolivia, and Calcutta, facing language barriers, cultural differences, and even security threats — all while bringing classical music to unexpected places.

[00:08:00] – Stories from the road, including collaborations with legends like Branford Marsalis, Yehudi Menuhin, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman — and how those moments impacted David and his family.

[00:11:00] – How he documented his legacy, gathered memorabilia, and preserved memories through pictures, press clippings, postcards, and performances — and how those pieces helped him earn his professorship.

[00:13:00] – The real highs and lows behind the music: rejection, sacrifice, losing love, rebuilding, and making peace with unexpected outcomes — including one emotional reunion 50 years later.

[00:16:00] – His transition from cab driver and welding rod salesman to building the children's music program Music Magic, combining education, performance, and creativity to transform young lives.

[00:18:00] – David's hilarious (and touching) experience writing music with kids — including a classic line: "My mama don’t allow me to go in her bra drawer!"

[00:19:00] – Why finding your purpose isn’t just about doing what you love — but doing what you love and what you’re good at.

[00:21:00] – The baseball dream he let go of — and the wisdom he gained when he chose music instead.

From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall by David Singer
Available now on:

• Amazon

• Barnes & Noble

• SingerClarinet.com

This moving memoir is filled with laughter, adventure, heartbreak, resilience, and inspiration — a must-read for musicians, dreamers, and anyone who’s ever questioned the path they’re on.

David Singer is a Grammy-winning clarinetist, educator, former professor at Montclair State University, and longtime principal with the legendary Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. A world traveler, collaborator with music greats, and now an author, David’s life is a testament to the power of persistence, humility, and following your passion wherever it takes you.

Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto is hosted by Greg Hanna and brings intimate, insightful conversations with world-class performers, artists, creators, and thinkers. Set against the cozy ambiance of the Grotto, this show offers rare, authentic access to the stories behind the spotlight.

🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:📚 About the Book:👤 About David Singer:📢 About Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto:

In this heartwarming episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Greg Hanna welcomes the multi-talented Sarah Fisher, star of When Hope Calls and Someone Like You, to talk all about her new role, her experience filming a period drama, working with donkeys (yes, really), and what she’s learned along the way.

As season two of When Hope Calls premieres, Sarah opens up about stepping into the world of Brookfield, the excitement of acting in a 1920s setting, and what fans can expect from the new episodes — including mystery, romance, and some serious horseback action.

[00:00] – Sarah shares how she landed the role of Hannah and what it was like stepping into her first period drama set in the early 1900s.

[00:01:30] – Her unforgettable first day on set riding a donkey-pulled carriage — shoutout to Kramer, the scene-stealing donkey.

[00:02:30] – What fans should expect in When Hope Calls Season 2: new characters, dynamic storylines, and action-packed surprises.

[00:04:30] – If Sarah could switch roles with any character on set, who would it be? (Spoiler: the answer is delightfully unexpected.)

[00:06:00] – Sarah talks about working on Someone Like You, a project based on a novel by the incredible Karen Kingsbury, and what it meant to portray two roles in one film.

[00:07:00] – The joy and challenge of portraying a 1920s businesswoman — and how Sarah prepared for such a unique role.

[00:08:00] – A fun side discussion about binge-worthy shows like Yellowstone and how streaming is changing the way we watch TV.

[00:09:30] – What would the When Hope Calls theme song sound like if Sarah wrote it? Think Pirates of the Caribbean meets Mountie drama — and it totally works.

[00:10:30] – Sarah opens up in a powerful moment, answering the big question: What is the most important thing you’ve ever learned in life? Her insights about surrendering control, letting life happen, and focusing on gratitude are beautiful and inspiring.

When Hope Calls Season 2 is now streaming on:

• Pure Flix – April 3rd

• Great American Family – April 6th

Don't miss this heartfelt continuation of the When Calls the Heart spinoff, full of faith, family, and frontier charm.

Sarah Fisher is a Canadian actress, musician, and artist best known for her work on Degrassi: The Next Generation, Kiss and Cry, Someone Like You, and now When Hope Calls. She is beloved for her emotionally rich performances and her uplifting outlook on life. Off-screen, she’s an accomplished musician and passionate storyteller.

• Instagram: @sarahfisher

• Twitter: @SarahFisher28

Hosted by Greg Hanna, Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto brings you inside conversations with your favorite stars from TV, film, music, and beyond. It’s real talk with real people — filmed in an iconic setting and streamed to fans around the world.

🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:📺 About the Show:🎶 About Sarah Fisher:📲 Follow Sarah Fisher:📢 About Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto:

On this exciting episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with Neil Smith, legendary NHL General Manager, Stanley Cup Champion, and the architect behind the New York Rangers’ iconic 1994 championship team.

From blockbuster trades and drafting future legends, to leading one of hockey’s most storied franchises during its most intense era, Neil reflects on his career, his philosophy on leadership, and what it really means to stay present in life.

[00:00] – Neil Smith joins Greg Hanna to talk about his career, life after hockey, and why the name “Neil” always brings greatness!

[00:01:00] – Neil talks about the infamous Penguins-Rangers playoff clash and how it crushed the Rangers’ shot at a second Stanley Cup run during the early ‘90s.

[00:02:00] – The proudest trade of Neil's career: bringing Adam Graves to the Rangers, watching him become an icon, and the lifelong relationship that followed.

[00:03:00] – Why Neil Smith became one of the most recognized general managers in hockey and how building a winner in New York elevated his national profile.

[00:04:00] – Neil shares his dream lineup of all-time hockey greats, including Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and others that shaped the golden era of the game.

[00:05:00] – The pressure of being a GM in New York City, especially as a Canadian. Neil reveals how he faced fear and uncertainty head-on when he first took the job.

[00:07:00] – The evolution of New York in the early '90s, the Dinkins-to-Giuliani transition, and how the city’s grit mirrored the spirit of his team.

[00:08:30] – What Neil misses most and least about being a GM: leading people and watching them grow — and not missing owners who thought they knew better.

[00:10:00] – The emotional rewards of helping staff and players build meaningful lives beyond the ice — and the lifelong friendships that resulted.

[00:11:00] – Neil shares his realization seeing today’s NHL players who were born after 9/11, and what it’s like watching kids become pros in a league he once led.

[00:12:30] – Favorite rivalry? Neil shares memories of facing off against Wayne Gretzky’s Kings in L.A., and the star-studded magic that came with it.

[00:14:00] – Why the Rangers have the most fans in the world, according to Neil — and how a legendary coach from Toronto was surprised to learn it.

[00:16:00] – What makes Madison Square Garden the Mecca of sports and why performing there remains unforgettable for athletes, entertainers, and fans alike.

[00:18:00] – A hilarious locker room prank story in Pittsburgh involving hotel room chaos, Vaseline in the phone, and a trash can in the pillowcase. Pure gold.

[00:20:00] – Neil’s most important life lesson: stay in the moment. A deeply personal and powerful message on presence, mortality, and mental clarity.

Neil Smith is a former NHL general manager, best known for building the 1994 New York Rangers — the team that ended a 54-year championship drought by winning the Stanley Cup. He’s also a broadcaster, podcaster, and hockey historian, and currently hosts the NHL Wraparound Podcast, bringing insight, analysis, and great guests to hockey fans worldwide.

🔗 Listen to his podcast:
🎙️ NHL Wraparound
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms.

🏒 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:🎧 About Neil Smith:

In this captivating episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with the endlessly talented and versatile actor James Urbaniak, known for his unforgettable performances in The Venture Bros., Oppenheimer, American Splendor, The Office, and countless cult classics.

With his signature wit and thoughtful storytelling, James dives deep into his creative journey — from experimental theater in New York City to voicing one of the most iconic animated antiheroes of our time.

[00:00] – Greg Hanna and James Urbaniak kick things off with laughs, clearing up misconceptions about James' background in stand-up comedy.

[00:01:30] – James reveals his true roots in New York theater and how his love of performance evolved from cassette tape skits as a kid to complex characters on screen and in podcasts.

[00:03:00] – Assembling a “Genius Squad” of his most brilliant characters, from cult-favorite poet Simon Grim (Henry Fool) to his nefarious TV producer from Review.

[00:05:00] – Theater vs. Film: James reflects on the differences in process, energy, and how returning to the stage reignited his acting muscles.

[00:07:00] – Animated throwbacks and voice acting dreams: why James would love to join Johnny Quest or be a villain from a '70s cartoon voiced by someone inexplicably 55.

[00:09:00] – The roles fans recognize him most for — from The Venture Bros. to Oppenheimer, Better Call Saul, The Fabelmans, and The Office (as Dwight’s buddy Rolph!).

[00:11:00] – Reflections on working in offices before his career took off — and how those experiences fed right into roles like Office Space-esque weirdos.

[00:13:00] – Greg and James dive deep into The Venture Bros. legacy, the cult following, and their favorite lines from the show.

[00:15:00] – Behind the scenes of Oppenheimer: appearing alongside Cillian Murphy and Einstein in Christopher Nolan’s historical masterpiece.

[00:16:00] – Transforming into Heinrich Himmler for the film Condor’s Nest, and how James learned conversational German from scratch in two months.

[00:18:00] – James’ new scripted podcast In Media Res: A Hollywood satire with sharp writing, original music, and his role as an NPR-style DJ introducing fictional James Bond-esque theme songs.

[00:21:00] – James delivers his smooth NPR voice and reminisces about jazz DJs and the classic radio cadence that inspired his character.

[00:23:00] – Greg and James geek out over their shared love of radio, public broadcasting, Larry King, Howard Stern, Mike & Mike, and the early days of WRCT college radio.

[00:27:00] – Final thoughts: James shares the most important life lesson he’s learned—“Follow your energy”—and how that philosophy has guided his eclectic, fulfilling career.

James Urbaniak is a seasoned actor whose work spans film, television, theater, voice acting, and podcasting. He is best known as the voice of Dr. Thaddeus Venture in The Venture Bros., Simon Grim in Henry Fool, and appearances in Oppenheimer, The Office, Better Call Saul, American Splendor, and Difficult People.

He continues to push creative boundaries with scripted audio projects like In Media Res, available on all major podcast platforms.

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at goodstoryguild.co
🎙️ Produced by: Good Story Guild

• Twitter/X: @JamesUrbaniak

• Website: JamesUrbaniak.com

🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:🎧 More About the Guest:📍 Where to Listen to "In Media Res":📲 Connect with James Urbaniak: