New "Kahnversations" Podcast with
Actor 
Joel Johnstone!

Joel currently recurs on Amazon’s Emmy Award-winning comedy series, THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL. In its first three seasons, “Maisel” has won a myriad of awards, including best comedy series at the Emmys, Golden Globes, Producers Guild, Writers Guild, Critic’s Choice Awards, Peabody Awards and many more. Joel plays Archie Cleary, best friend, voice of reason, and loyal drinking pal to Joel Maisel (Michael Zegen). Most recently, Joel won a SAG Award as part of the Best Television Comedy Ensemble.

In addition to "Maisel", Joel recently made guest appearances on Fox’s THE RESIDENT, L.A.'s FINEST and will be seen next month on NBC's new drama series COUNCIL OF DADS. Other television credits include playing famed astronaut Gus Grissom in the ABC mini series THE ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB.  Among a multitude of other guest star work, he’s also had memorable recurring roles on several HBO series, THE NEWSROOM and GETTING ON.  Film credits include the Disney film adaption of ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY alongside Steve Carrell, DELIVERANCE CREEK, alongside Lauren Ambrose, and THE WEDDING PARTY—the indie-comedy that recently created buzz for it’s 112-minute continuous shot.

Joel was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he discovered acting at a young age. In high school, he enrolled in summer acting programs at both Northwestern University and The Steppenwolf Theatre. At the age of 18, Joel moved to New York City and earned his BA in theatre from Fordham University at Lincoln Center. He also studied abroad at the British American Drama Academy, partaking in both programs at Oxford University and London.

Joel has also written and directed his own short film, THE PILGRIM & THE PRIVATE EYE, which played the festival circuit from 2012-2013 and won multiple awards.

There are so many inspiring podcasts with fabulous stars out there. But their careers feel light years away from ours, don’t they? Wouldn’t it be great to hear from the guy who just booked his first pilot? Or the kid finally doing a studio pic after a bunch of low budget indies? Or the woman who’s been a series regular a few times but is only now becoming a name? What about the guy who’s been on a show for years and you know his face but what’shisnameagain? Or that actress who is now a freakin’ showrunner???? How’d THEY do it, right? How did they transition from relative obscurity, bartending and bottle service, to buying that house in Brentwood? We’re producing “Kahnversations,” a podcast that provides access to THOSE people -- your immediate predecessors -- so that you can learn from them while their battle scars are still fresh.

In “Kahnversations,” our own Ryan Bailey interviews some of Lesly Kahn & Company’s working actors, directors, and writers in order to learn how they got started in Hollywood, the challenges and hurdles they faced, and how they overcame the odds. (They also dish out some crazy stories!) Listen in and enjoy as these entertainers speak candidly about their paths, processes, and experiences. You might even hear a bit about how Lesly and the Kahnstitute have influenced and shaped their careers.