Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole ThomasEpisode 32: Comedy, Courage, and Creativity — with Francesco Paladino (Classically Trained Actor, Writer, Comedian & Producer)Release Date: SEPT. 4, 2025Host: Nicole ThomasGuest: Francesco Paladino — classically trained at Lee Strasberg / The Actors Studio; credits across stage, TV, film, and stand-up (incl. Orange Is the New Black); writer for touring comics and TV (2 years with Wendy Williams); producer/director building new work under his production banner and live showcase series.Episode OverviewNicole sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Francesco Paladino to unpack a career that spans Off-Broadway, television, film, and ten years on the comedy circuit. From earning his SAG card to studying with master teachers, to writing for others and eventually creating his own films and live showcases, Francesco shares how craft, courage, and continual reinvention fuel a sustainable arts career. He opens up about embracing comedy (even while pursuing serious drama), the spiritual side of creativity (trust, surrender, alignment), and why building safe, positive sets is a non-negotiable. The conversation serves as a masterclass in resilience, networking, mentorship, and mental health for creatives at all stages.What You’ll LearnTraining to translate: How classical work at Strasberg/Actors Studio shaped Francesco’s approach to acting and writing/directing.Comedy vs. drama (why not both?): Refusing to be boxed in, and letting your range serve the story and the season.From talent to tenacity: Why the people who “make it” are often the ones who keep getting up after “no.”Directing with empathy: How acting experience makes for actor-literate direction (reading the room, guiding performance).Spirituality & surrender: Trusting the process; letting go of outcomes; “the obstacle is the path” mindset on set.Casting as a superpower: Following instinct, hiring well, and building psychologically safe productions.Mental health for creatives: “Fight in the open”—ask for help, name the struggle, and surround yourself with the right people.Networking that works: Why relationships (including with professors/alums) often open doors faster than résumés.Supporting local arts: Why likes aren’t enough—show up, buy tickets, or gift tickets so others can attend.Francesco’s Journey (Highlights)Early stage & SAG: Off-Broadway in his 20s; film/TV work led to his SAG card.Writer’s chops: Ten years touring stand-up; writing for other comedians; two years with Wendy Williams under producer Patrick Riley.Dual track artist: Auditioning for serious plays while doing stand-up, teachers encouraged him to embrace his inherent comedy.From acting to producing/directing: Tired of waiting for the phone to ring, Francesco began creating opportunities for himself and others.Production & Live Showcases: Launching film projects (including the short “Fata Morgana,” now in post-production) and curating the long-running FreakOut showcase at The Stonewall Inn (NYC), along with a growing FreakOut NJ series.Memorable Quotes“If you’re in the room, you belong in the room. You didn’t just fall in.”“The difference isn’t talent—it’s the people who keep going after they’re told no.”“As a director, your job is to understand the actor’s inner life and meet them there.”“Let go, and it often turns out better than you planned.”Likes don’t keep venues open. Bodies and tickets do—show up or gift seats so others can.”Resources & MentionsTraining: Lee Strasberg / The Actors StudioTV: Orange Is the New Black (Netflix)Film: Fata Morgana (short) — in post-productionLive Series: FreakOut at The Stonewall Inn (NYC) + FreakOut NJ (monthly showcases)Mental Health mantra: “Fight in the open” (share struggles; ask for help)Practical Takeaways for CreativesBuild range on purpose: Let comedy inform drama and vice versa—audiences live in both.Network with intention: Reconnect with former teachers, classmates, and colleagues; ask directly, “Who should I be talking to?”Cast and crew culture: Aim for a professional and humane environment. Safety and kindness elevate the work.Finish what you start: Use deadlines to ship the project; simultaneous projects are fine—completion is king.Support your scene: Buy tickets, bring friends, or sponsor seats for artists/fans who can’t afford them.Connect with Francesco PaladinoWebsite / Social: Live Shows: Search “FreakOut Stonewall Inn” and “FreakOut NJ” for monthly datesFilm Updates: Follow for Fata Morgana festival announcementsConnect with Nicole ThomasPodcast: Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose — Subscribe, rate & reviewFollow: Contact / Booking: Calls to ActionIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a creative friend.Show up for local arts this month—buy a ticket (or gift one!).Block 30 minutes this week to reach out to a mentor or offer help to someone coming up behind you.
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2025/10/0242 分