off the record

Actor Aalok Mehta’s journey into the industry didn’t begin with years of formal training — it began with music. At 23 years old, with no acting background, Aalok landed his first role. What started as a surprise opportunity became the start of a career filled with breakthrough moments, hard lessons and unexpected turns. In this episode, Aalok opens up about filming two pilots that never aired — in...

Andy Clark is the Sports Business Program Director at DePaul University, where he has spent years shaping the next generation of leaders in sports media, marketing and management. Known for his deep understanding of how money, branding, and strategy move behind the scenes of the sports world, Andy combines academic expertise with real-world industry insight. His work focuses on the evolution of at...

Manon Rhéaume made history as the first woman to suit up in an NHL game, becoming one of the most influential pioneers in hockey. Beyond the headline, her journey is one of perseverance, reinvention, and quiet strength. In this episode, Manon opens up about the realities of being a trailblazer, navigating scrutiny from men as often being the only woman in the room and what it truly means to leave...

Kendall Gill is an NBA veteran, broadcaster and analyst whose career spans multiple eras of professional basketball. Over more than a decade in the league, Kendall competed at the highest level, guarding elite talent and adapting to the constant evolution of the game. Since stepping away from the court, he’s continued to make an impact as an on-camera television analyst, offering thoughtful, hones...

Actress Elizabeth Tabish joins the podcast for a candid, reflective conversation that goes far beyond the screen. Best known for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen , Tabish opens up about navigating an industry that often demands constant access and how she protects her inner life while remaining fully present in her work. In this episode, she discusses the roles that have found her—and...

This special behind-the-scenes episode was recorded inside a UFC gym -- coffee in hand, sitting in recovery chairs and hydrogen therapy on. UFC veteran and my good friend Beneil Dariush opens up about life lately, pressure and staying grounded in the quiet moments between fights. We talk faith and relationship advice, as well as how Beneil has evolved through the years. Beneil also shares what&#39...

Professional boxer and former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa — goes Off The Record for his first-ever podcast interview. Brandon opens up about training in Los Angeles ahead of his highly anticipated fight against Nick Ball in Liverpool, what it’s like preparing to compete on foreign turf and how he mentally approaches one of the biggest challenges of his career. Beyond the rin...

Judith McCray is a multiple Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist, documentary filmmaker and media activist with over 30 years in television and media. Her experience includes working both full time and as an independent producer for public broadcasting stations WNET/New York, WTTW/Chicago, WBEZ/Chicago, WYCC/Chicago and more. She’s written, directed and produced independent documentaries for PB...

Ben Zobrist is a two-time World Series champion, three-time MLB All-Star and the 2016 World Series MVP — but his impact reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. Known as one of the most versatile and clutch players of his generation, Ben played a pivotal role in the Chicago Cubs’ historic championship run and built a career defined by consistency, humility and leadership. In this episode of Off th...

Alex Kurdecha is a world-reknowned professional arm wrestler from Poland. Standing at 6'7" and over 330 pounds -- his combination of size, strength, and athletic versatility makes him one of the most compelling heavyweights in the sport.   Born and raised in Ukraine, Alex was an all-around athlete growing up — competing in track & field, swimming, and even dabbling in American footbal...

In this very special New Year's episode, I look back at an unforgettable inaugural year of the podcast. Joined by my fiance Giavani Cairo, I brought back a few of the incredible guests I've had on to reflect some of the biggest moments of the year for them, as well as what they hope for in 2026. I personally reflect on the highs, the health challenges and the lessons of 2025. My fiance Gia...

If you've wondered what really makes a great journalist, this episode is for you. Rick Brown is a former network field producer and legendary DePaul professor who sent out hundreds of reporters and anchors into newsrooms across the country. Rick's tough love, sharp eye and unmatched storytelling instincts shaped a generation of broadcast journalists. In this heartfelt conversation during h...

Pavlo Derbedyenyev is a super-heavy weight, world-class arm wrestler from Ukraine. At 6-foot-1 265 pounds, Pavlo is one of the strongest, most technical arm wrestlers out there. He's faced many of the sports best like Devon Larratt and John Brzenk. In this episode, Pavlo and I talk about how he moved his way up the ranks in arm wrestling, the biggest moments of his career and who he's hopi...

My fiance Giavani Cairo is back for another episode! We've been back home in the Midwest, so we catch you up on how our life has been lately during our wedding planning season. From our Dancing With the Stars opinions to Giavani's behind the scenes experiences filming season 6 of The Chosen TV series and the movies we've loved this year, we let you in on our lives a little bit right no...

George Xanthis is an Australian actor and producer. Many of you may know him most for his role as "John the Apostle" in The Chosen TV Series. George is also known for his roles as "George Stephanopolous" in Impeachment: American Crime Story, "John Travolta" in Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You miniseries, "Frank Capone" in The Making of the Mob: Chicago, and more. George is a huge Live...

Rock Middleton is a professional basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters. A street-baller who plays hoops at a world-class level, Rock owns 13 Guinness World Record Titles and earned Top Rookie Player during his debut season with the team. He's now been with the Globetrotters for eight years. If you've went to a Harlem Globetrotters game, you've seen his amazing handles and deep four-point...

Jonathan Togo is an actor most known for his role as Ryan Wolfe on CBS' CSI: Miami for 8 seasons. It was named the world's most popular show in 2006. Prior to his role on the hit CBS show, he made his feature film debut in Clint Eastwood's Oscar-nominated film "Mystic River" with Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. A graduate of Vassar College, Jonathan has appeared in many independent films and guest spot...

Jalein Abania is The Chosen TV series insider. If you're a fan of the show, you know her. Jalein brings you all the fun content through social media. You may also know her for her "Bible tea" videos on Tik Tok and Instagram, where she provides fun insights into the scripture. In this episode, Jalein and I discuss how she became an insider for The Chosen, and what she was doing in her...

Andrew Gonzalez is an actor who works quite consistently in the industry. Andrew is best known for his roles in “Law and Order SVU,” “Promised Land”, “It’s always sunny in philadelphia,” “general hospital” and “Power Book 2 Ghost” He’s a meisner trained actor, is fluent in Spanish and also teaches the craft. If you love learning more about the film world and acting, then you're going to love t...

Sophia Blum is an actor, director, producer and educator. She’s best known for her role as Martha in The Chosen. In addition to recently completing filming for season 6 of The Chosen, she is currently in post-production for a short film she wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in called MIA. She is also currently teaching acting and directing a production of Pride and Prejudice at The Universi...

Eric Woodyard is the Detroit Lions beat reporter for ESPN. He’s an award-winning journalist from Flint, Michigan. Eric has also authored a few books, we talk about that and his personal journey growing up in flint and making it to where he is today, and the most touching story he's covered so far in his career. With the Lions playing some Monday Night Football tonight, we talk about what you c...

Nicholas Moreano is a Chicago Bears beat reporter and digital media coordinator for the Marquee Sports Network in Chicago. Nick is also a fellow DePaul grad and has been covering the Bears professionally for four years now. This week we bring you another bonus episode because of the time sensitive topics Nick and I discuss regarding the Bears week 3 preview, what you can expect and why this game a...

Pat Ragazzo is a Mets reporter on SI which is part of sports illustrated. He also does recurring guest spots on TV for NBC and local news PIX11...as well as radio for ESPN New York and WFAN. I sat down with Pat and dove deep into Mets news and their chances of taking a wild card spot as the MLB postseason approaches. We talked about tonight’s series against the padres and its playoff implications,...

Demetrios Troy is an actor. You may recognize him most from his role as "Lazarus" in The Chosen TV series. He's also been on shows like Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. Demetrios also has many theatre credits, having performed in the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Demetrios is a fellow Chicagoan, we talk about his roots and how he began his acting career. We also talk about his faith, bein...

Diane Pathieu is a traffic anchor and reporter for ABC7 Chicago. Diane is Assyrian, her parents are immigrants from Syria and Lebanon. In this episode, we discuss touching topics like the recent passing of her husband Nick Adamski, who was battling brain cancer. Diane talks about dealing with grief and how she's been seeing a grief therapist. We also dive deep into her personal journey in the...