Welcome to Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan. I'm so excited to be sharing my love of the entertainment industry with you. I'll be interviewing actors, musicians, choreographers, singers, lighting and stage tech, writers… Basically, if they've got anything to do with the entertainment industry, I'll be speaking with them. So come and join me, Me'sha Bryan on Stage & Screen.
Episode 25: Joseph Millson on Phantom, screen acting, and writing Miller Rose Roberts
Joseph Millson on Phantom, screen acting, and writing Miller Rose Roberts
Joseph Millson joins Me'sha Bryan to talk about playing Monsieur André in Phantom of the Opera's 40th anniversary run, the craft of acting on stage and screen, and the creative leap into writing his debut novel, Miller Rose Roberts. It's a candid conversation about staying loose, staying useful, and building a career that can survive the ups and downs of the industry. They discuss performance technique, voice care, flow state, method acting, and why writing has become an essential part of Joseph's creative life. He also shares the story behind Miller Rose Roberts—how a dog walk, an old mailbox, and a fascination with seven-year cycles sparked the book.
Sound bites
"There is such magic to musicals."
"Concentrate on the other bugger."
"Acting shouldn't be a chore."
"Acting is just a game."
"I am enjoying writing more."
"What a great name for a girl."
"You can't fake it though."
"There's too much bullshit around."
Chapters
00:00 Meet Joseph Millson
00:51 Playing Monsieur André in Phantom
02:08 Voice care and musical theatre
04:07 The live audience experience
05:14 Phantom's anniversary filming
06:30 Stage acting vs. screen acting
07:56 Getting out of your own head
10:46 Breath, relaxation, and flow
11:27 The "robot" phase of screen acting
13:40 Joseph's one-sentence acting advice
15:30 Listening as an actor
17:00 Meditation and performance
18:44 Lessons from Peak Practice
21:25 Method acting as play
23:02 Transforming for The Chameleon
25:04 Moving from acting into writing
26:09 Studying screenwriting and making Signs of Life
27:07 Why actors should write
28:38 The inspiration for Miller Rose Roberts
30:16 Miller's story and its seven-year structure
31:45 Finding personal truths in fiction
34:32 Writing the novel one chapter at a time
35:49 Finishing the book through a difficult period
38:14 The book launch and seeing a reader in public
39:03 What's next in Joseph's writing career
39:56 The realities of a long acting career
41:14 Day jobs and making a life in the arts
42:42 Staying creative between acting jobs
45:36 Where to find Joseph and his projects
@thatjosephmillson
@millerroserobertsbook
@signsoflifefilms
11 Aug 2026
Episode 24: Steven Puri: From Tech to Film to Sukha
In this conversation, Steven Puri shares his unique journey through the entertainment industry, from his early days in digital effects to becoming a senior executive at major studios. He discusses the importance of hard work, collaboration, and the pressures of working on blockbuster films. Puri also delves into the impact of AI on the industry, his transition to a more balanced family life, and the creation of his flow state app, Sukha, designed to help individuals achieve peak productivity. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the design and philosophy behind Sukha, an app aimed at enhancing focus and productivity. They discuss the importance of creating a friendly and supportive environment for users, the significance of achieving a flow state in work, and the challenges of distractions in modern life. The conversation also touches on the role of community in fostering motivation and the personal journey of naming the app, which reflects the essence of happiness and meaningful engagement in one's work.
Takeaways
Steven Puri's background in tech influenced his film career.
The intersection of technology and creativity is crucial in modern filmmaking.
Hard work and dedication can lead to recognition in the film industry.
Collaboration is key in producing successful films.
High-pressure environments require strong diplomatic skills.
Celebrating achievements is important, even in a fast-paced industry.
The Oscar nomination process involves both expert and popular votes.
AI can enhance creativity but also poses challenges to traditional skills.
Balancing family life with a demanding career is essential for personal happiness.
The flow state can significantly improve productivity and creativity.
Sukha is designed to be a friendly reminder to stay focused.
Achieving a flow state can feel transcendent and energising.
Distractions often come from responding to texts and notifications.
Dropping into flow can take time, but practice makes it easier.
Regular practice is essential for maintaining flow.
Certain personality types, like creators and athletes, benefit more from flow states.
Meaningful engagement is crucial for entering a flow state.
The name Sukha means happiness in Sanskrit, reflecting the app's purpose.
Community support enhances motivation and accountability.
Real-life success stories highlight the app's positive impact on users.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Steven Puri's Journey
03:08 From Tech to Film: The Digital Effects Era
05:55 Climbing the Ranks: Hard Work and Recognition
08:59 The Collaborative Nature of Big Films
11:53 Navigating High-Pressure Environments
15:10 The Impact of Success and Celebrating Achievements
17:48 Understanding the Oscar Process
20:52 AI in the Entertainment Industry: A Double-Edged Sword
24:01 Balancing Family Life and Career
27:01 The Birth of Sukha: A Flow State App
29:55 Exploring the Flow State Concept
35:43 Designing Sukha: A Friendly Approach to Focus
38:06 The Flow State: Achieving Transcendence in Work
39:41 Understanding Distractions: The Battle for Focus
41:43 The Practice of Flow: Building a Routine
43:54 Personality Types and Flow: Who Benefits Most?
45:57 Meaningful Engagement: Conditions for Flow
47:30 The Meaning Behind Sukha: A Journey to Happiness
53:57 Building Community: The Power of Connection
01:00:02 Real Stories: The Impact of Sukha on Lives
The Sukha Company
https://www.thesukha.co/
Me'sha Bryan's Links:
Me'sha's website: https://www.meshabryan.com/
Me'sha Bryan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/ (https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan
Stage & Screen Link:
Youtube - Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/
12 May 2026
Episode 23: Choreographer Mark Smith - How Deaf Men Dancing Is Changing the Theatre Landscape
In this interview, Mark Smith shares his journey as an Olivier nominated choreographer, his creative process, and his inspiring work with Deaf Men Dancing. Discover insights into choreography, directing, and the importance of inclusion in theatre.
Key Topics
Deaf choreography and dance Collaboration between deaf and hearing artists
Theatre directing and choreography process
Inclusion and diversity in the arts Impact of awards and recognition in theatre
Sound Bites
"Preparation before rehearsals is crucial."
"Theatre projects were on hold due to COVID."
"Dancers only count from one to eight."
Chapters
00:00 Choreographing with Non-Dancers
03:04 Collaboration in the Rehearsal Room
06:01 Navigating Director and Choreographer Dynamics
09:00 The Role of Movement Director vs. Choreographer
12:01 The Evolution from Rehearsal to Stage
15:12 Signature Styles and Personal Growth
18:03 Recognition and Achievements in Choreography
28:58 The Journey to Acceptance in Theatre
31:34 Breaking Stereotypes: Being a Deaf Choreographer
34:57 The Impact of Awards and Recognition
38:49 The Birth of Deaf Men Dancing
46:39 Transitioning to Directing: New Horizons
50:17 Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations
Mark Smith's Links
Mark Smith's Personal Website - https://www.marksmithchoreographer.co.uk/ (https://www.marksmithchoreographer.co.uk/)
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marksmithchoreographer/
Twitter - https://x.com/marksmith_prod
Deaf Men Dancing (DMD) Links
Deaf Men Dancing Official Website - https://www.deafmendancing.com/ (https://www.deafmendancing.com/)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/deafmendancing
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deafmendancing/
Me'sha Bryan's Links:
Me'sha's website: https://www.meshabryan.com/
Me'sha Bryan Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/ (https://www.instagram.com/meshabryan/)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshabryan
Stage & Screen Link:
Youtube - Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsP3kMmCnCwh08q3-4uPFtKLkwy2klA0G
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/stageandscreenpodcast)
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/stageandscreenpodcast/
Who has been a guest on Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jon Xue Zhang
Mark Buckley
Mike Nolan
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
48,101
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
79
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
Contact Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Stage & Screen with Me'sha Bryan
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Me'sha Bryan host the show. Published by Me'sha Bryan.
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