Live On Air with Steven Cuoco

Carson Steele is an American professional football fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. He played college football for the Ball State Cardinals and the UCLA Bruins. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL draft.

Ben Methvin is an actor and content creator based in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Ben brings sharp comedic timing, with a serious dramatic side, and grounded authenticity to every role. He has over 350,000 followers on social media with over 400 million views. He has a passion for life and romance and this is clearly displayed in his work.

In this compelling episode, we spotlight Murray John SawChuck—an acclaimed stage illusionist, magician, comedian, actor, and host whose inventive performances have captivated audiences across Las Vegas and beyond. Known for his signature blend of humor and illusion, Murray has carved a distinct niche in the world of magic, earning the moniker “The Dennis the Menace of Magic” for his playful, mischievous stage persona. His shows are a masterful orchestration of comedic misdirection and technical precision, where apparent blunders transform into astonishing feats. Recently inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame by the International Magicians Society, Murray’s recognition reflects not only his showmanship but also his enduring contribution to the craft. With decades of experience and a deep respect for the traditions of magic, he continues to evolve the art form—infusing it with personality, unpredictability, and charm. This episode explores Murray’s creative philosophy, his journey through entertainment’s most competitive stages, and the discipline behind the magic. It’s a candid look at a performer who understands that behind every illusion is a story—and behind every laugh, a deliberate choice to connect.

Antonio Sabàto Jr. is an Italian-American actor, model, and television personality, born to Italian film star Antonio Sabàto Sr. and Czech-born Yvonne Kabouchy. His maternal lineage includes a Czech aristocrat and a Holocaust survivor, reflecting a rich and resilient heritage. Rising to fame in the 1990s as a Calvin Klein underwear model, Antonio became a household name through his role as Jagger Cates on General Hospital and later starred in The Help on the WB. A devoted father, he shares daughter Mina Bree with longtime partner Kristin Rosetti and son Antonio Harvey Sabàto III with Cheryl Moana Marie Nunes. Antonio is a passionate collector of Batman memorabilia, owns a custom Batman motorbike, and sports a hidden tattoo of a yellow moon with a black Batman symbol. He’s known for his adventurous spirit—skydiving, racing cars, and exploring art galleries—and maintains strong ties to his Italian roots in Rome, Palermo, and Sardinia. Antonio does not drink or smoke, and his charisma earned him the 2008 Fox Reality Channel Really Award for “Favorite Hottie” following his win on Celebrity Circus. A former boyfriend of Nicolette Scorsese, he has also made headlines for his political endorsements and public appearances.

Born and raised in Denmark, Lukas Hassel trained and graduated from the Samuel Beckett Theater School, Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Resides in the US. As a screenwriter, Lukas won the Screencraft and CineStory Fellowship as well as placing top 30 and top 40 in the Nicholl's Fellowship. Won the Shore Film Fund as well as Fresh Voices TV Pilot competition. Lukas wrote and directed the sci-fi short film "Into the Dark" which went on the win multiple awards for acting, writing and directing and played in over 70 film festivals world wide. His latest award winning horror short film, "The Son, the Father..." got a production deal after winning the Hollyshorts Film Festival competition for best screenplay and has screened on over 60 film festivals winning multiple awards. He's working on getting his first feature as a writer/director underway. He has appeared on TV recently as recurring Elias VanDyke in The Blacklist as well as in shows such as Blue Bloods, Limitless, Elementary and more. In features like The Black Room, Art of the Dead, In Sickness and more.

In this episode, Dru Hammer shares her deeply personal journey of faith, resilience, and redemption, reflecting on the defining moments that shaped her life. Dru also sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the Hammer family. As a mother in the public eye, she discusses the values she instilled in her children and the bonds that have carried her through life's toughest trials. Finally, she speaks about her advocacy work, staying grounded in her faith, and the impact she hopes to leave not just as a Hammer, but as Dru.

Victoria Male is an internationally recognized screenwriter, earning accolades from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, film festivals, and major industry lists. Most recently, she’s consulted for the popular entertainment apps GalateaTV and PocketFM. Her prose has appeared in over a dozen literary magazines, including oranges Journal, The Chamber Magazine, Carolina Muse, The Icarus Writing Collective, and Retrospect Journal. She’s also written op-eds and personal essays spanning a variety of topics for major publications like No Film School and Salty Magazine. A New Jersey native and Tar Heel, Victoria is a shrewd adaptor of biography, history, and mythology, and is particularly drawn to unearthing and illuminating the parts of the past that are relevant today. She seeks to balance both spectacle and character intimacy as a storyteller as well as champions inclusivity on and beyond the page. Victoria worked with some of the most prolific talent in Hollywood today through spending five years in creative development at The Montecito Picture Company under Ghostbusters’ director/producer Ivan Reitman. Recently, she aided in launching the Western arm of media startup Graphic India.

Mohamed El Manasterly is an Emmy Award-winning bilingual video editor known for his work in documentaries, narratives, commercials, and talk shows. Originally from Cairo, he moved to Los Angeles after winning an Emmy for Best Picture Editing for The Square, an Oscar-nominated documentary. His films have earned accolades at prestigious festivals such as Sundance, Toronto, and Dubai. El Manasterly has also worked on projects with Legendary Pictures and the Konwiser Brothers, contributing to a docu-series aimed at promoting innovation and STEM in America. His editing style blends cultures, making his work accessible to diverse audiences.

Carrie Lederer is a filmmaker, television producer, and cinematographer known for her immersive, human-centered storytelling. Nicknamed “Carrier Pigeon” for her global reach and on-the-ground reporting, she has traveled the world on assignment with her camera, building deep connections with the people and places she documents. Her multi-decade career spans unscripted television for major networks, independent documentaries, and nonprofit-driven social impact films across a wide range of genres and locations. Combining cinematographic expertise with a journalist’s instinct, she crafts stories that are both emotionally resonant and visually compelling. After years living and working in Santa Monica, she now calls Portland, Oregon home. Carrie returns to her documentary roots with Wild Horses at the Door, her directorial debut in the short film category.

Since graduating from drama school 2 years ago, Lewis has had some amazing opportunities in his acting career so far. He has starred in numerous feature films, TV shows, commercials and stage productions. Perhaps his most prestigious credit so far is portraying Tigger in the cult classic horror sequel ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2’.

Nikhil Koparkar is an award-winning composer and performing artist who creates scores and songs for film, television and gaming. He recently composed the score for Hills of Tanchico, a fan-favorite song featured in The Wheel of Time Season 3. Nikhil is an SCL Award nominee for his work on the psychological horror film Dead Whisper (Vertical Entertainment), which had its limited theatrical and soundtrack release on July 5, 2024, followed by VOD on July 9. For this score, Nikhil also received the SESAC / New Music USA Reel Change Grant in 2023. His recent credits include composing the official theme for League of Legends’ Lunar New Year campaign, which is featured in-game and across Riot Games’ global content and events. Nikhil has collaborated extensively with Lorne Balfe’s 14th Street Music, writing over 250 cues across 11 television series. Notable projects include Amazon’s The Wheel of Time Season 2 (where he also served as project lead), Netflix’s Life On Our Planet, HBO’s His Dark Materials, and Hulu’s Victoria’s Secret: Angels & Demons. Beyond scoring for film and TV, Nikhil composed the official theme for Peru’s CUSCO Futbol Club (2020), recorded across four continents and incorporating traditional Peruvian instruments. In addition to composing, Nikhil contributes to score production for acclaimed projects such as Amazon’s Homecoming and the Oscar-nominated score for Minari by Emile Mosseri.

Andrew was born in Budapest, Hungary, and moved to the US at a very young age. Throughout his life, he has moved around a lot, and this has given him the skills to adapt in any situation, very quickly. After graduating from Arizona State University with a film production degree, Andrew moved to LA to pursue my career. He has worked in the film industry for over 14 years now and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of different crew and production positions. From the camera department to all different levels of the production department, this has given him a clear understanding of the industry and life on set. The experiences of working in the camera and production departments gave Andrew a personal approach to relate to my clients. The idea of a below-the-line crew agency came to him while working as a Marketing agent in the camera world. After talking with production people and crew members directly, he realized that there was no other agency out there that represents only below-the-line crew members in film, TV or commercial content. With all of his contacts over the years and experiences, it became obvious that creating an agency like this was necessary, and he was up for it.

Lila McLaughlin is a screenwriter based in her hometown, Los Angeles. She currently writes for TV/Film projects for various producers in comedy, action, thriller, drama and sci-fi. She has a university Bachelor's degree in Political Science and is also an alum of the renowned The Second City. She has sold and written for independent productions and studios, including CBS, and was the 2nd Unit Director and Assistant Director on the award-winning independent feature film Hero Man. Lila has 3 comedy feature films optioned with Voltage Pictures, Fortitude International, and Big Cat Productions, in various stages of prep. Lila is also a recent published author in 2018 with her book G.I. Hollywood published by Heritage Builders Publishing and sold on Amazon, in Barnes & Noble and bookstores nationwide.

Amir Jaffer is an award-winning director and producer with nearly two decades of experience in filmmaking. Since 2005, he has built an impressive body of work that spans documentaries, feature films, short films, web series, and music videos. His projects have streamed on Amazon and aired on PBS and MTV, reaching audiences across platforms and cultures. Amir’s passion for storytelling began in his teenage years when he started experimenting with his father’s video camera. Now based in the United States, he draws from his immigrant experience to craft stories that are bold, meaningful, and socially relevant. His films often shine a light on the lives of people at the margins—fearlessly exploring taboo subjects with a blend of sensitivity and depth. In 2021, Amir co-founded the SF Queer Film Fest (SFQFF) to give back to the community that has supported his creative journey. Under his leadership, the festival has become a vital platform for under-represented LGBTQ+ filmmakers, fostering visibility, dialogue, and connection among diverse audiences. Each year, SFQFF continues to grow, cementing its place in the cultural landscape of San Francisco.

William Thomas Sadler was born on April 13, 1950 in Buffalo, New York, to Jane and William Sadler. He began his acting career in New York theaters, appearing in more than 75 productions over the course of 12 years. His roles included that of Sgt. Merwin J. Toomey in Neil Simon's Tony Award winning play "Biloxi Blues". He is best remembered for his roles in Die Hard 2, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey, The Shawshank Redemption and Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. He is also a television star, appearing in such sitcoms as Roseanne and Murphy Brown and such movies-of-the weeks as Charlie and the Great Balloon Chase. Sadler also starred as Sheriff Jim Valenti on the WB science fiction television series Roswell.

Jeremy Neumark Jones is an actor and producer from London, UK. After graduating from Oxford University, he trained with National Youth Theatre's REP company, performing a season as Macbeth in the West End. He has gone on to lead theatre, television and film productions in the UK and USA. Most recently, he starred as Michael Podchlebnik in the critically acclaimed The World WIll Tremble, and prior to that he is best known for BBC's The Last Post, ITV's Belgravia and Amazon Prime's The Feed. This summer, he will lead period epic 1242: Gateway To The West, alongside an all-star cast including Michael Ironside, Eric Roberts and Ray Stevenson. As well as his acting work, he writes novels and produces the internationally acclaimed film podcast Kermode and Mayo's Take.

Nathaniel Deen is a passionate filmmaker and advocate for the arts, residing in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Sight & Sound Theatres, Nathaniel has excelled in various roles, including with his wife Jessica. With over 30 years of diverse experience at Sight & Sound Theatres, Nathaniel has excelled in various roles such as Staff Photographer, Broadcast Producer, and Associate Film Producer. Currently self-employed as a film producer, Nathaniel has made significant contributions to the film industry, with two projects featured on IMDb. Notably, he served as the Associate Film Producer and Assistant Director for “I HEARD THE BELLS,” and took on dual roles as Writer (Original Screenplay) and Executive Producer for “BRAVE THE DARK.” This deeply personal film reflects Nathaniel’s journey of overcoming adversity, highlighting the transformative influence of a devoted teacher, Mr. Stan Deen, who became a pivotal figure in his healing process. In a heartfelt tribute, Nathaniel and Jessica changed their last name to Deen in 2018 to honor Stan’s unwavering support and love. In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Nathaniel founded The Stan Deen Foundation, where he aims to inspire the next generation and create opportunities for those in need, embodying the very spirit of compassion and resilience that shaped his own life. He currently resides as Chair of the Board.

Eric Roberts is an Academy Award nominee for his role in Runaway Train, and a three-time Golden Globe nominee for Runaway Train, Star 80 and King of the Gypsies. In addition, Roberts received acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival for his role in A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints and It's My Party. He also starred in La Cucaracha, which won Best Film at the Austin Film Festival, and for which Roberts won Best Actor at the New York Independent Film Festival that same year. Other notable performances include his roles in The Dark Knight, Final Analysis, The Specialist, Paul Thomas Anderson's Inherent Vice, Lovelace and The Expendables. On television, Roberts' memorable recurring roles include USA's Suits, CSI and Code Black for CBS, NBC's Heroes, and Crash for Starz. He has appeared in guest star roles on ABC's Greys Anatomy, NBC's Will & Grace, Fox's Brooklyn Nine-Nine, CBS' Hawaii Five-O, HBO's Entourage, and so much more.

Dylan Laube is an American professional football running back and kick returner for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League. He played college football for the New Hampshire Wildcats.

Ruchir Kulkarni is an experienced Editor-Director-Writer from India, with a portfolio that includes writing, directing, and editing two notable short films. His diverse experience spans a broad spectrum of film and digital media, having contributed his talents to various projects across genres, including advertising films, music videos, web series, and documentaries. Ruchir's creative prowess was recently recognized on a national platform when he was honored as one of the "75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow" during the prestigious 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI 2021) in Goa, an accolade bestowed by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This accolade underscores his potential and the significant impact he is poised to make in the film industry.