Casting Directors Stacy Gallo, Mary Egan-Callahan, Brooke Thomas, and Lauren Charkow combine their decades of experience casting commercials, short and feature films, etc.
We will share our personal do's and don't's, audition horror stories, favorite bookings & more! Drawing back the curtain to show you the process from when we receive the project to when it airs. *Special Guests will include talent agents, directors, producers, actors, & more.
We want this to be a place you can feel comfortable, seen, and laugh a lot while feeling it! Come sit with us. You always have a seat at our table.
Episode 10 - Some Reunions, Some Advice with Jeff Hiller
We are overjoyed to be joined by the incredible and big hearted, Emmy award winner, Jeff Hiller! After 20 years in the industry, Jeff coins himself an overnight success after being cast in the HBO series, Somebody Somewhere.
Since his early days taking improv classes and booking many commercials, his authenticity proved he would inspire fellow actors along his journey.
Jeff shares advice for young actors, what "success" means to him, and the powerful moment he won an Emmy award.
Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!
13 Apr 2026
Episode 9 - We're Back!
Hi all! After a very busy holiday season and beginning of spring, we are so happy to be back with new episodes!
In episode 9, we catch up with the ladies on how they think the industry is changing, the casting director they would give an Oscar to, and a moment that made Brooke and Mary cry.
For an extra clip where Brooke reveals the movies she falls asleep to, check out @podcast.hers on Instagram!
00:00 - 00:20 - Intro
00:20 - 02:00 - Big Home Studios
02:01 - 04:20 - How is the industry changing?
04:24 - 06:59 - Best Casting category at the Oscars!
07:00 - 09:27 - Casting Directors WE would give Oscars to.
09:28 - 10:26 - TV Shows We Love
10:27 - 10:49
6 Feb 2026
Episode 8 - The Casting Collaborative with Jason Styres
This week we are joined by the illustrious Jason Styres! From a very young age, Jason knew he was meant to be in this industry. Now, he is an accomplished casting director working for stage, film and commercials. Jason gave many kids their start as Young Simba and Nala in Disney's The Lion King on Broadway as well as the National Tour and he continues to provide people with life changing opportunities.
He talks to us about how he got his start, his favorite thing about casting, and what ultimately led him to make the brave choice of branching out on his own and founding The Casting Collaborative.
Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!
9 Jan 2026
Episode 7 - Do the Work with Beth Melsky
In this week's episode, we are joined by the iconic, incomparable, highly requested, Beth Melsky. We ask Beth burning questions like 'What really pisses you off?', 'Do you still get anxious before a job?' and 'What would someone be surprised to know about you?' She gives us insight on how the industry has changed since she founded Beth Melsky Casting and where she sees it going in the future.
Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!
00:00 - 00:23 - Intro
00:24 - 01:48 - Beth's Journey
01:49 - 02:44 - Favorite Part of Casting
02:45 - 03:13 - We Still Get Nervous
03:14 - 06:07 - Bookings that Surprise Us
06:08 - 07:44 - What Do You Miss About Casting?
07:45 - 09:30 - What Do You Love Outside of Casting?
09:31 - 11:58 - Where Do You Find New Talent?
11:59 - 14:30 - What Really Pisses You Off?
14:31 - 14:58 - What Stands Out to You?
14:59 - 17:24 - Do You Have a 'Grudge List'?
17:25 - 22:45 - Know Your Union Status
22:46 - 29:35 - The Future of the Industry
29:36 - 30:23 - Do the Work
30:24 - 32:30 - Beth Asks US a Question
32:31 - 34:18 - You've Built an Empire
34:19 - 34:48 - Outro
16 Dec 2025
Episode 6 - Taking Care of Each Other with Nef Jones
In today's episode, we are joined by the wearer of many hats (but not Crocs). Real people casting director, musician, entrepreneur, and many people's favorite person, Nef Jones.
One half of Jones & Juliet Casting, Nef dives into her journey starting in street casting, why clients ask for "real people" instead of actors, and the campaign that left her speechless.
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!
00:00 - 00:48 - Nef Intro
00:49 - 02:58 - Nef’s Story
02:59 - 05:20 - Street Casting to Real People Casting
05:21 - 06:36 - How Real People Casting Has Changed
06:37 - 08:23 - Why Cast Real People Instead of Actors?
08:24 - 10:29 - Philips SimplyGo 9/11 Campaign
10:30 - 11:19 - Worst Real People Gig
11:20 - 12:19 - Nef’s Husband Jimi K Bones
12:20 - 14:54 - Haven Kids Rock
14:55 - 17:22 - Difference Between Actors and Real People
17:23 - 19:01 - The Challenges of Real People Casting
19:02 - 23:25 - We’re Taking Care of Each Other
23:26 - 24:57 - Documentary Casting
24:58 - 26:29 - Home Depot Disaster Relief Doc
26:30 - 27:12 - Outro
11 Nov 2025
Episode 5 - We're On Your Side with Mia Cusumano and Meghan Rafferty
This episode we are joined by the incomparable casting duo Mia Cusumano and Meghan Rafferty (The Better Sister, The Leftovers). Mia and Meghan invite us into their casting process for their new show, The Better Sister, thoughts about this new era of self taping, and a famous actor they always knew would be a star.
We had a wonderful time asking them about the differences between legit casting and commercial casting, Meghan's experience as an actor and casting director, and advice they have for people just starting out in casting.
Follow podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on upcoming episodes!
4 Nov 2025
Commercial Break - Mental Health Minute
Welcome to 'Mental Health Minute'! A new segment where we talk about all the things we have in common that we're too afraid to talk about.
We are all human. We all have self doubts. Let's talk about it.
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates and let us know if there is a topic you want us to cover for Mental Health Minute!
14 Oct 2025
Episode 4 - You Are Enough with Phil Cassese
In episode 4, Stacy, Lauren and Brooke sit down with talent agent, Phil Cassese! Phil talks about his start in music, his ambition to become the successful talent agent he is today, and the advice he gives his actors who aren't booking roles.
Many actors ask the question, 'Is it more important that I meet a talent agent or casting director?' The answer? Both! Phil and Stacy also discuss their popular commercial improv class, 'Drop In', how it started and why they believe actors keep coming back.
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on future episodes!
00:00 - 00:12 - Intro
00:13 - 01:11 - Phil's Start in Music
01:12 - 01:40 - Becomes a Talent Agent
01:41 - 02:47 - Phil & Stacy Meet!
02:48 - 05:40 - UCB Talent / Going to Live Shows
05:41 - 08:04 - How Do You Build a Roster? / Non Union
08:05 - 09:23 - Relationship Between Talent Agents & Casting Directors
09:24 - 11:46 - How Drop In Started
11:47 - 13:47 - We Have Your Back
13:48 - 17:56 - Things Are Happening Behind the Scenes
17:57 - 19:46 - You Are Enough
19:47 - 20:45 - How Fast Do You Know an Actor 'Has It'?
20:46 - 21:25 - Thank You, Phil!
21:26 - 21:36 - Outro
8 Oct 2025
Commercial Break - Answering Your Questions
In this week's commercial break, Brooke, Mary, Stacy, and Lauren answer YOUR questions about self tapes!
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for updates on upcoming episodes and to submit your questions to the team!
30 Sept 2025
Episode 3 - It All Happens For a Reason with Rebecca Yarsin
In this week's episode, we sat down with casting director and long time friend of Brooke and Mary, Rebecca Yarsin! Being introduced to the business at an early age, Rebecca grew a love for theater and being involved in the process of making a show.
She shares her college experience, favorite early career memories, why she ultimately made the switch to on camera casting, and what she would tell her younger self.
00:00 - 00:10 - Intro
00:11 - 00:30 - Welcome Rebecca Yarsin
00:31 - 03:20 - Rebecca's Journey
03:21 - 05:54 - Switching Paths
05:55 - 08:29 - On Camera Casting
08:30 - 10:11 - The Unexpected
10:12 - 11:58 - Japanese Chocolate
11:59 - 13:06 - We Knew Them When
13:07 - 14:19 - It All Happens For a Reason
14:20 - 16:01 - Teaching at NYU
16:02 - 16:54 - Rebecca's Broadway Recommendations
16:55 - 17:09 - Outro
17:10 - 22:01 - RECAP & The Choices We Make
23 Sept 2025
Commercial Break - Lying
In this week's commercial break, Brooke, Mary and Stacy talk about lying on your resume and special skills as well as knowing and communicating your conflicts!
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for behind the scenes content and updates on upcoming episodes! Thanks for listening!
16 Sept 2025
Episode 2 - Finding Your Community with Lauren Charkow
In this week's episode, we sit down with casting director and co host Lauren Charkow! We chat with Lauren about the moment in her conservatory program that sparked her interest in casting, the wonderful projects she has had the opportunity to work on since, and how she spends her time while she’s not working.
Join us as we welcome an amazing co-host, casting director, mother and friend!
00:00 - 00:35 - Intro
00:36 - 01:11 - Welcome Lauren Charkow!
01:12 - 04:20 - Lauren's Story
04:21 - 07:44 - Documentaries / Real People Casting
07:45 - 09:42 - Motherhood
09:43 - 11:38 - What Do You Do When You're Not Busy?
11:39 - 13:39 - How Can Actors Find Their Community?
13:40 - 16:35 - Transition from College to NYC
16:36 - 22:07 - Our Kids Aren't Nepo Babies, We Swear!
22:08 - 23:17 - Movies & TV Shows We're Watching
23:18 - 24:05 - Outro
9 Sept 2025
Commercial Break - 'Pepsi Gal'
In our first commercial break, Brooke, Mary and Stacy will describe how a commercial is made, at what point in the process casting gets involved, and who ultimately decides which actor books the job.
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for behind the scenes content and updates on upcoming episodes! Thanks for listening!
2 Sept 2025
Episode 1 - Welcome to the Cool Table
Welcome to the Cool Table! In this episode of PodCast-Hers, we dive into Stacy, Mary and Brooke's journeys of how they got into commercial casting and what has made them stay. From hustling in their early twenties, to balancing career and motherhood, to starting their own businesses, these incredible women are proof that we can have it all.
They also share their thoughts and pet peeves on self tapes and if they honestly watch every single one. And tune in next week for our first 'Commercial Break' about the process of making a commercial from beginning to end!
Actors are the missing piece to the puzzle so come hang with us! You always have a seat at our table.
Follow us at podcast.hers on Instagram for behind the scenes content and updates on upcoming episodes! Thanks for listening!
(00:05) Intro
(00:27) Story of This Podcast
(03:48) Brooke's Story
(08:00) Mary's Story
(13:20) The Real Brooke and Mary
(18:25) Stacy's Story
(22:37) Asking for What You Want
(24:01) Self Tapes
(34:06) Thanks for Listening!
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