Justine and Michael are staples of WE tv’s wildly popular Lockup franchise and their journey continues in the new season of Life After Lockup, which premieres tonight, and we here at NTG were lucky enough to sit down with Justine and Michael to discuss their time on television before tonight’s new episode. 

John Betancourt: What motivated each of you to open your lives up and participate in this franchise?

Justine: I think it was a just like a rare opportunity that just doesn't come around every day. So, I really wanted to share my experience in my love story. With the world, I think it's very special. It's very unique. It's something that not everybody can relate to. And, you know, turns out, we give a lot of people hope. So that's why I wanted to do it.

Michael: For me, it was just being able to show the world that for a person coming home, it's hard. But when you have the right mindset, it's doable. You know what I mean? So, I wanted, I wanted the world to be a part of my journey, as well, and allow them to come into my home, so that people who are incarcerated stop getting that stigma, like, they're just pieces of poop, you know what I mean? They're just, they're no good. If he just came out of jail, don't give him a job. No, he's deserved the job. So, he doesn't commit another crime and end up in there, you know, people change, and I've been around a lot of guys in there who have changed their lives. So, I thought it was a good way for me to show the world that you know, change is possible.

John Betancourt: What’s changed in your life, by being so open with the world? 

Michael: Well, what has changed the most is the scrutiny you get and being in the public eye. You know, a lot of people have a lot to say. And I honestly, I don't care about opinions, because I'm strongly opinionated myself about who I am, what I do, or what I'm capable of doing. So, when I see a negative comment, or people talking about things that they don't know, it doesn't bother me, because I know who I am. I know what's going on. I know what goes on behind the scenes. So, I'm more--we're more in control of our emotions, because we're aware of the scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye. But I mean, what's changed the most is just… I think people recognizing us, you know, everywhere we go, now, it's like, “Hey, let's take a picture!” And I tell her all the time… apart from all the scrutiny and stuff, look, look at the pros and cons of this. People want to take pictures with you, they want you to you know, they are in her inbox asking her for things. So, it's like, it's… I think it's a blessing.

Justine: I mean, going off of what he said, you know, just people recognizing you more, it lets me know that I'm way more than just ‘Justine’, the mom, the wife, you know, I can really inspire people, people want to hear what I have to say. And that really makes me feel good.

John Betancourt: Now Michael, you mentioned scrutiny there and that leads me to my next question. What kind of challenges have you each faced now that you’ve been part of this franchise? 

Justine: I think, you know, I can't please everybody, no matter what I do, it's not going to please everybody, there's going to be some people that love it, there's going to be some people that tear it apart. You know, sometimes it can be hard to pick and choose what I want to do to put myself out there, because the scrutiny does get hard at times, you know, I'm a woman, I'm pregnant. There's a lot that's going on right now. But I'm trying to handle it the best way I can. And he's been very supportive. He's really good with things.

Michael: I mean, yeah, to me, it's just being approached, this much now, makes me nervous. Because I don't know everyone's intentions. You don't know who really wants to take a picture or pose from someone who wants to throw a drink in your face just to capture that moment and go viral, you know, so it's like, I'm just a little more focused and aware of my surroundings than I was before.

John Betancourt: Now that also brings up a good point, because I don’t think people recognize the fact that you’re constantly surrounded by cameras and now I’m wondering, how do you handle that? 

Michael: You know, having cameras around… I'm used to. Before me and Justin got together, I was in the in the entertainment world. I was doing shows shooting videos. I was already very comfortable with the camera, you know. So just allowing them into my space into my home. It's just like, they're not even there. For me. They're not even there. We're just doing what we're doing. Let them record, this is our lives, let's give the public what we do on a daily basis. So, it hasn't really been that hard. Now on my kids, they don't like it, they just don’t like it… well, I'm gonna let you elaborate on that a little bit.

Justine: I think the kids, you know, they're, it's not that they're not feeling the show. It's what other kids want to say to them. Like for my daughter, for instance, she said that she lost a lot of friends, because they just wanted to be friends with her because of the show. So, she started letting go of people because she’s seen their intentions, and it became a little bit hard on her. So that that's something for sure. What it's doing with the kids.

John Betancourt: Well now I have to follow that up by asking, how do you handle that as parents?

Justine: You know, I've explained to them that this is our job now. And that there's a lot of positive that comes along with it. And it's also a good thing that it's showing them people's true intentions. So, they don't have to waste the time being friends with people who don't really have a pure heart and really don't want to be friends with them for the correct reasons. So, it's a lesson that they've had to learn early, but a good lesson to learn.

Michael: I tell my children that, once again, what I've realized in life is, no matter what you do, there's always going to be someone to say something, whether it's positive or negative, you know, in life, you're going to gain friends, and you're going to lose friends, you know, but one thing that you never change is who you really are. Whether you’re on a show, whether you're a millionaire, whether you're broke, whether you're poor, you continue to be you. So that whoever is there, or whatever, friend, you have, whatever sibling, whatever is there, they're there because of your true soul. And they're not there because of who you are, or what you got, what you can do for them. You know, relationships are not supposed to be based on incentives, you know, so I just kind of like coach them into that, you know, like, don't fall for everyone who comes around and wants to come to your house now. Because now they know, there’s cameras over here.

Justine: They want to meet, you know, meet us. So, they're like, “Oh, can we come over? Can we come hang out?” And it's like… no.

John Betancourt: What has it meant to each of you to be part of a franchise that is so popular?  

Michael: I mean, it's a blessing, you know, shout out to WE tv, Sharp Entertainment, for giving us the opportunity to share our story with the world. You know, it's also helping me on my music, my music side, you know, I'm gaining more followers, more fans, I'm able to showcase what I've been working for my whole life. So, it's definitely become a platform for me, in that aspect. And I'm just, you know, I thank God every morning when I wake up that I'm able to, you know, I'm able to do something with it, that they’re just not recording me. And I'm just the guy sitting on the couch. 

Justine: As for me, I enjoy the platform, there's a lot of things that I go through as a woman, I'm just like everybody else. So, it really gives women a chance to look at me and see where I'm going and see the things, I can do see the opportunities that are in front of me, you know, they could do it too. You know, I'm just like everybody else. So, I like the fact that I can give a lot of women hope, and you know, help them push through. 

John Betancourt: What it means to you each of you to have your journey and what you want to accomplish, shared with the world?  

Justine: That's a big one. You know, I just hope that I reach a lot of women that are in my same situation, you know, it's… dating a guy that's been in jail is not an easy task. It can be very lonely. It can be very taxing; it can be expensive. It can be a lot of things, you know, and a lot of women reach out to me, a lot of women are going through it. And it makes me feel really good that they can come to me, I don't just ignore people in my inbox, I actually sit there, and I really try to get to everybody.
 
Michael: She reads everybody’s messages. 

Justine: I spent a lot of time reading… I read everybody's messages and I spend a lot of time on my responses. I like to be personal and make sure that you know, I'm answering everything that they want. So that's been a big plus.

Michael: For me, it's… the same thing, I just want to show… I just want to show the world and you know; we make mistakes. And as humans, we all make mistakes. Some mistakes are not publicized. You know, a lot of people break the law. I mean, you break the law, if you're driving over the speed limit, that is considered breaking the law, but you didn't crash into anybody. You didn't get pulled over, so you got away with it. So, I feel like people are quick to judge and point the fingers and put people down because they've never been through that experience. You know, other people who are more open to the fact that I just got released from prison and stuff are people who have dealt with that. Who have been in prison themselves, who have family members who've been in prison. Or are dealing with someone who is in prison, they're more receptive to you because they're going through your experience, you know, so I just want to show the world like, “Look, man, you know, I don't gotta go back to selling drugs, regardless of what anyone thinks.”  I have a platform. Now I'm using it for something positive. And I want to set an example, I want to set example for everyone who's to come home to say “Hey, I might not be on a TV show. But listen, I could do the right thing.” You know what I mean?

John Betancourt: What do you ultimately hope people take away from your time on this series?  

Michael: What I want people to take from this is that, like I said, I'll elaborate on it a little more, you know, for a guy to come home, after doing six years and have seventeen different crew members with cameras and mics and stuff can be overwhelming, I was willing to put myself through that. I didn't even have an hour with her alone. In the beginning. Like literally from the time, I walked out the door, our embrace has been on camera. So, you know, I was willing to sacrifice, because that's a sacrifice, I was willing to sacrifice these moments, and share them with the world, to inspire people. That's all it’s about. It's not about trying to get my music, because I'm gonna make a point here. And they can vouch for that. When I first got on the show, I told them, “I don't want to mix the music with the show, I want the show to be about our family. And I want the music thing for me to do it separately.” Because I didn't want people to think the only reason, he got on this thing was for the music, which was what a lot of people would think, you know? So, I just want people what I want people to take from this is just that, you know, change is possible. And then when you have your mind set on things and you execute, you see results.

Justine: I would just like to say, you know, not to give up on love, not to give up on our loved ones, our men or women that are in the system, you know, they're there, they've done their time, let's give them an opportunity to grow. Let's give them the benefit of the doubt at this point. You know, love can be found in some crazy places. And I'm really glad that I found mine.

John Betancourt: The last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your time in this franchise? 

Justine: I'm most proud of me being able to put out there how I am as a mom, how much I love my children. You know, the type of woman that I am. The fact that I was able to sit here for three and a half years, do the right thing, have his back, support him. Do all those things that can be really rare nowadays.

Michael: I mean, I'm most proud of… just to show how much I love her, just to show that you know that a man can treat a woman like a queen. And that it's part… like I said it's possible, to get out of the system and change your life. You know, once you have a strong woman behind you, the world is yours. I tell you that much. I tell you that much.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. 

Nat Wolff, Brittany O’Grady, and Aimee Carrero are some of Hollywood’s hottest starts right now. In fact, they’ve all been part of major shows and movies over the past couple of years, having starred in The Stand (2020), Star, and The Menu, respectively. Currently, they play Craig, Elaine and Patti in the new Prime Video series, The Consultant, which debuts on the network tomorrow (2/24/23), and we here at NTG were fortunate enough to sit down with this trio to discuss their new series.
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John Betancourt: Now this is a show with a lot of layers. Lots of satire, lots of commentary. What’s the number one thing you hope audiences take away from this series?

Brittany O’Grady: I hope that they take away the stakes and the excitement and the pressures that all the characters are feeling because I think that's what makes the story so engaging, and it made it so engaging for all of us to be a part of.

Nat Wolff: I, when I first read the script, I was really taken by the tone and by the eerie atmosphere, and sort of obvious thematic elements that were starting to appear. But then the twist at the end, I screamed in my apartment, and I was like, “I have to be part of this.” So, I think that there's… something about this show that digs deep into your subconscious. I know, when we were working on it, I was dreaming of it every single night, I was dreaming of the show and of elements of the show. You know, I think there's something about it that you can't put into words that that permeates… that just permeates and goes into you somewhere.

Aimee Carrero: I think what I took away from it is how quickly the human mind can be bent and stretched. And it just takes a person with a very specific kind of skill, a person that is magnetic and has power. And I think as a society, we're all sort of ruminating, like, “How did we fall prey to this or that.” And I think this is this is how, I think it just takes someone with a little bit of power and you know, a little bit of influence. And we are all… we can all fall prey to a suggestion or an idea. Even if we think we really know who we are. Nobody's immune.

John Betancourt: That brings up a great point as well. How’s there an infectiousness that happens in the series, and it puts all of your characters under a lot of duress, and that brings me to my next question. How did all of you as actors, get into the mindset to be under the pressures your characters endure?

Nat Wolff: That's a great question. Yeah. I mean, every time I got a new script, it was like getting a Christmas present. Because he's (Tony Basgallop) such an incredible writer. I was like, “What's going to happen?” But every time I looked, I'm like, “Oh, my God, I have to go through this now?” every single time I’m like, “Ahhhhh!” Because then I’d think, “How could it get worse for Craig? And I'm like, “And it gets worse for Craig.” You know, in a strange way, I felt like in a way where Craig had to grow up, you know, and face his demons, I really felt like I had to grow up. And there was there was something about doing the show that I feel like I can almost measure my life from before and after doing it. It was a really formative experience for me.

Aimee Carrero: The mindset, you know, it's what… it's actually what Nat said, the script is very specific. Tony's a specific kind of writer. And I think clear about who the characters are. So, I could follow the trajectory of my character through conversations with Tony, but also through his writing. And I think that with Patti, you know, she, she has a very strong religious belief, she has an idea of what her life is going to be and what she wants and who she wants to spend it with. And I think as the show progresses, she actually starts seeing Craig for who he actually is versus who she's projecting him to be. And, and I think that's, that's a very… that's something that I as a person have had to deal with, as well in relationships. You know, sometimes you just… you just stop seeing the person that's in front of you, and just see who you want to see, regardless of what it's doing to them. And so that was really clear from the beginning.

Brittany O’Grady: I think the mindset that I had working on this project was probably very similar to Elaine's or just living in her mentality or her world. And just making sure like, kind of being the person that puts out the fires or the person that's trying to make sure that things keep moving forward. And being aware of my environment. How do I navigate that? So, I think that was that was something that was kind of parallel, I guess, in a way to Elaine. And the mindset that I kept along with the story and just making sure that I understood as much as I could where Elaine was going because her journey was a little bit elusive to me. Yeah, so that was more of being quick on my feet and trying to just concentrate on that one moment, and then going to the next moment and interacting with someone and what does she want in this moment? What does she need?

This interview has been lightly condensed and edited for clarity.

Martin Starr and Ryan Hansen are a pair of accomplished actors, that have appeared in a bevy of well-known franchises such as Silicon Valley and Veronica Mars, respectively. But they are perhaps… best known for their work on the wildly popular STARZ series, Party Down. And it just so happens that they are reprising their roles on the show for season three, as Roman DeBeers and Kyle Bradway, respectively, and we here at NTG were fortunate enough to speak with these gentlemen regarding their return to this iconic series.
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John Betancourt: I would love to know, what this whole experience and just the whole phenomenon of Party Down has meant to each of your personally?

Martin Starr: Yeah, it's one of the coolest things that I've ever been a part of from 13 years ago. You know, we did this when no one knew about it. And we were just kind of making each other laugh and having the best time on set. And then years later, you know, through doing some press and doing interviews and people coming up to us on the street, people are watching it all of a sudden, you know, and so to be a part of this kind of cult, comedy, show that, you know, some people were watching has been incredible. And so, to get to do it again for hopefully a new audience and those who were with us from before is just… it's kind of an honor. It really is.

Ryan Hansen: So fun. It's like summer camp, but we get paid. I don't know how that happens.

John Betancourt: Were there any struggles that came about in getting back into your characters? Or was it just like reuniting with an old friend?

Martin Starr: I mean, genuinely, it was like reuniting with an old, like actual friends. That’s more just… seeing the cast. I don't know anyone that would call Roman a friend.

Ryan Hansen: I would.

Martin Starr: He’s a loner.

Ryan Hansen: Well, you're right. But um, I was a little nervous getting, you know, not having done the show for so long. Because I’m like, “How am I going to do this? Now? I'm so much older and all this stuff.”  And then once we read John Enbom’s scripts, it was like, “Oh, he's knocked it out of the park.” We can just read the lines. And it was very easy to settle right back in.

Martin Starr: And that's what Ryan does. He just reads the lines.

Ryan Hansen: I read my lines only.

Maritn Starr: Yeah, he has them read. Usually when you're doing a scene with him. He's like,
“Oh, that's what you're gonna say.”

Ryan Hansen: Isn't that kind of cool?

Martin Starr: He like really listens. Because he didn’t read it.

Ryan Hansen: And that’s acting.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

It is definitely safe to say, that the WE tv series, Kold x Windy, is quite the impressive show. One that has offered up a wonderfully refreshing and original plot, some fine acting and music that straight up slaps. Which is likely due to the fact that the production team hired a Chicago-based artist to bring Drill Music to life for us on the small screen, named MissDriDri, and we here at Nerds That Geek were lucky enough to sit down with MissDriDri to discuss her work on the show and her love of music.
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John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit about what got you into music in the first place.

MissDriDri: I dated a guy. And he was a local rapper. And I was a person that worked nine to five, I've always had a nine to five kind of blue-collar job. And he would play the same beats over and over and over again, just writing to them, and this one Saturday, I just wanted to go out and it took him forever. He's just… I'm like, are you still writing? He said, “If you think it's so easy, you do it.” And I did. And then when I'm like, “I'm ready. Are you ready to hear?” He's like, “Alright, let me hear.” So, then I rapped it for him. And he's like, “Oh, my God.” I'm like, “What?” He's like, “I feel like Dr. Dre when he heard Eazy E on the NWA movie.” I'm like, “No!” He's like, “You should do this.” I'm like, “Really?” And then I just kept going.  

John Betancourt: Now every writer in every industry has their own unique creation process, what does your process look like?

MissDriDri: Um, I may be hearing a melody. And then you know, I might hum it, I'll start by sometimes humming and doing a voice note, that'll be combined with taking notes. Or sometimes I can just be out and about, and I'll hear someone say something that may strike me to write off a complete verse. Sometimes you can hear a track that is so good that you just start -- you can write a whole song in five minutes. It's all different, just all based on just the vibe. And sometimes I have to just take myself completely out, you know, out of my book, out of my notepad, and just go outside and get inspired. So, it's a combination of everything, honestly. But I'll write, I’ll freestyle. Just the combination.

John Betancourt: What is it that you love about music and music writing?

MissDriDri: Expression. You know, I feel like… I mean, I'm not sure if it's the way that I was raised, or, you know, a lot of times you just feel like you don't have a voice. And through music. It's a way I mean, in creating music, I started to understand the power of it. You're able to, to capsule an emotion. So, every time I go back to that place, I can feel that again. And to me, that's just like the ultimate power. So that expression for me, it's just… it's an amazing outlet.

John Betancourt: Now to shift gears a bit, how did you get involved as the lyrical composer for Kold x Windy?

MissDriDri: Oh, man, so Kold x Windy, I got a call from one of the producers who had heard some of my personal music. And they thought maybe I might work out; I could try to see if I was able to write for one of the characters. And I was like, “You know what, I've never had an opportunity this big before.” So, I just engulfed on it. They sent me the script and the placement. I read the script back and forth. So, I was married to all the characters. And then once I saw the placement list, I just started submitting music for everyone. I'm like, “You know what, I'm gonna just get right in there.” And that worked out for me. I mean, they at, at a certain point, I developed the sound for the group, you know, so they just let me keep going. They're like, “Hey, Dri do you want to try to write for a male character?” I'm like, “Let's do it.” So, I just I just went for full throttle.

John Betancourt: Now speaking of that… how did you as a composer, get into the heads of Kold and Windy and the other characters and get these lyrics to work as well as they do.

MissDriDri: Oh, man. Well, thank you for that. Um, I went out and I went to Kinko’s, and I went to Walmart, and I went to CVS, and I got everything I could to organize. And I just I just subdivided each episode. And then I just went through and made sure every song was there, every placement was there, you know, everything was right. I would go back and play it, is there, you know, making sure we were following guidelines to the network. You know, are we saying anything that we shouldn't be saying. Does it sound does it relate to the script, all of that good stuff. So, it was a process, you know, but it was so fun because again, I was I was engulfed in the script like, I knew it back backwards and forwards. So, it was probably one of the best things I've ever done artistically honestly.

John Betancourt: Now you mentioned the power of expression and what music can do for you from an emotional standpoint. What do you hope people take away from an emotional standpoint when it comes to the songs you’ve written for the show?

MissDriDri: I'm hoping that as opposed to Drill being looked at as, as just a negative source, that people can understand the soul and the passion and the journey of why the expression is there in general. If that makes sense. I want to I want the viewers to see the journey of how this develops, how do you become a Drill artist? As opposed to wow, look at the results of you know, the negative results of Drill, but how do you become that? So, I want them to see the people behind the song.

John Betancourt: Now you’ve brought up some great points there about how people don’t quite understand Drill, and its meaning. So… what does Drill music mean to you?

MissDriDri: Drill Music to me, is an expression. I mean, it's what I grew up on, you know? It was… we were so… like Drill Music, it was such a movement for us that we didn't realize that there were outside listeners, you know, so it was shocking to me when I came to New York, and there were it was… New York Drill, because I think just like maybe the creators of Drill Music, I don't think they realize that there were outside viewers because it's such a part of your journey. So, Drill Music to me, it means who I am. You know, it's a staple of how I grew up. So, it represents where I came from.

John Betancourt: What does it mean for you to create for a show that is so pioneering?

MissDriDri: Oh, man, this is… I haven't even been able to find a word for it. Because it's super surreal for me, I just, sometimes I just can't even believe that, you know, it's like standing on your porch and trying to shoot a target in the sky with a bow and arrow and actually hitting the target. Like, I'm just like, you know, I'm super thankful for it. It means everything to me to be a part of it. Because music in general is such a part of my life journey and Drill in particular. And just being able to have just a portion, a sliver of the pie of what that means, means everything to me. So, I'm thankful.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today. What are you most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

MissDriDri: I'm proud of the fact that I'm a female, like I'm a girl that has been able to conquer a space that's been predominantly led by men. I'm thankful that… I'm proud that I'm an inner-city girl, also, that's been able to express themselves in such a broad space. I'm thankful that I'm able to be in media, I mean, all of these different plateaus that I've been able to step on. And then also that I am the sole lyricist, I'm the sole writer for this show. I mean, I wrote for every single character. And then, once, I said to myself, if I get the theme song, that's when I'm gonna say “Momma, I made it.” And I got the theme song. So… Momma! I MADE IT! (Laughter.)

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Amit Bhalla and Lucas Jansen are a pair of talented writers and producers that have worked together on several projects now, and their current endeavor is to show serve as Showrunner, Executive Producers, and writers on the Apple TV+ series, Hello Tomorrow! And we here at NTG were fortunate enough to sit down and speak with these gentlemen about the genesis and meaning of this creative new show.
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John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit about each of your role in bringing this show to life.

Amit Bhalla: You know, we work very, very collaboratively and have for a very long time. And the show began with conversations with a good friend of ours, Ryan Kalil, who's a producer on the show, who showed us these videos of 1950s salesmen, their salesmen training videos, and they're kinda like, “Oh, shucks, you know, Mr. McKenna, If I sell five more station wagons, will I become assistant manager?” “Well, you're right, Jimmy, you know, you can make it all the way to the top, you will be the president this company one day,” and you know, in those is this beautiful, naive optimism that, you know, makes America run. And it's also this really dark, you know… “that’s not gonna happen for you, Jimmy!” It’s more like, you know, “what about all the dark shit that's gonna happen in your life that you have to deal with?” You know, and this isn't gonna solve that problem for you. And kind of in that paradox have a kind of optimism tied to a realism or a cynicism or whatever you want to call it, the tone of the show was born.

Lucas Jansen: You know, it struck us that as a fascinating thing, we became fascinated with the idea of the salesman, and the idea of the salesman, who is kind of the “first dupe” if you're going to use a cynical expression, because they, in this case, in the case of Jack Billings, certainly deeply believes in every promise he's making to his customers. And that kind of belief, that kind of hope, that kind of ability to dream on the part of a salesman to us is this sort of unique, sort of tragic aspect of the American spirit. And it also makes for a character who could be incredibly charming and incredibly persuasive. And Billy Crudup is absolutely all those things on the screen in this show, but also who lives a very precarious life because… they, it's easy to become lost in your own dreams. And the consequences are, well, exactly the drama of Hello Tomorrow!

John Betancourt: Now, speaking of uniqueness, the setting and environment of this show is unlike any other. What went into the decision to set it in this world that we… know but we don’t.

Lucas Jansen: Exactly it's a world we know, we don't… it's like a part of all of our collective unconscious. And we think it is because it's a dream, we were all sold. We all know what a jetpack is, they just haven't showed up yet. Because we were told that when the future came, everything would be better. And it would be ours. But you know, in a show about delusion and about dreaming and about people who are desperately hoping that tomorrow is brighter. We set it in a delusion, we set it in a sort of collective dream about a brighter tomorrow. And what happens when you inhabit that delusion is you see, oh, it's actually full of human flaws. The robots that are going to pour our coffee in the morning, can't help but spill little motor oil in them. And all the things that we thought were going to make our lives seamless and smooth. Well, our human burdens remain and with our families with ourselves. These things are unsolvable riddles, and thank God they are because you know, even if the robots take out the trash, we still have to live with our own souls and our own spirits. And that's, that's where the show lives in that distance between the sales pitch and the inevitable reality in which we are forced to live.

John Betancourt: Now this show also does an incredible job of presenting hope in a different light. What went into the decision to present hope as this wondrous but also horrific thing at the same time?

Amit Bhalla: I mean, that that's very well put, and we've been thinking about that very idea for a very long time now. We think a lot about what happens when you hope so hard or dream so hard that it actually changes the reality around you. Weirdly, you know, we dream really hard to make a TV show. And selling a TV show was a lot like selling lunar timeshares, because you know, they can't see it, when you're selling it.

Lucas Jansen: I SWEAR! It’s gonna be good! (Laughter from everyone.)

Amith Bhalla: And, you know, you end up here, but you also… here we are. And you know, that hope for so long, got us up in the morning, it got you out of bed and made you made you live your life. But it was also a hope that you might destroy you, you know that if it didn't, you know, there… there is a paradox in it. And I think when it's sold just as the optimism without this layer of complexity to it. You know, it's a bit of a con, you need to appreciate that, that at the end of the day… that hope isn't gonna solve the problems of your daily life, or maybe not even of your daily life but of an unrequited love, or an addiction run awry, or a life left behind, you know, the deeper issues in your… you can only hope so far. And then at some point, you know, it hits you and you got to act. And again, that's kind of in that weird, uncanny valley between those things is where the show kind of lives.

John Betancourt: What do you hope audiences take away from this season when it’s done?

Lucas Jansen: Well, you know, we always talked about when we were writing the show, we would talk with the writers about thinking of characters in terms of not their motivations and their plans in the world, but their delusions, what are the stories they're telling themselves in order to live, about who they are and what the world is. And, you know, delusion is a powerful and a terrifying thing. And but it's a very human thing. And, yes, you know, delusions do make us susceptible to the next guy coming around telling us he's gonna make our lives better tomorrow, whether it's on the moon or what have you. But it seems to us that the same, the same muscles that help us believe in those delusions, those are the muscles that at the level of spirit at the level of the human heart, cause the heart to open in delusions, grand illusions, like love, and fell of feeling and forgiveness. And, you know, we all like to flatter ourselves that we know the difference between what's true and who's running a game on us, but the heart doesn't seem to make those distinctions quite as well. And we would hope that this show brings us all to, to a little more peace with the idea that we are creatures of delusion that our lives are negotiations we're always making with our fantasies, and for better for worse, you know, that's what makes us human, and we're glad to share it with the people around us.

Amit Bhalla: You know, I would say… you know, we, we really love these characters. And that's not true, always, you know, people have contempt for characters, they lie and put them through stuff. But like, we deeply care about them, we see them as full, rounded, flawed, interesting people worth spending time with. And that's what I want. That's what I hope that somebody watches it says, “oh, man, I want to like hang out with Costopolous more, or I want to like meet you know, like, or like Herb and Jack and  Myrtle” like, you know, my deepest hope is that people want to spend more time with these people you know and see themselves and their friends and their family members in them.
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This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

​The first three episodes of the brand-new Apple TV+ series, Hello Tomorrow! are available to stream right now, and to celebrate the show’s arrival… we sat down with cast members Billy Crudup (Jack), Nicholas Podany (Joey), Haneefah Wood (Shirley), and Dewshane Williams (Herb) to discuss their work on this fascinating new series!

John Betancourt: What was it that attracted you to this particular project? 
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Billy Crudup: Well, when I read it, there was something very familiar about the sale. And I think it was because it sounded like my dad's voice. He was constantly optimistic about some BS product that he was pitching. But you could, you could hear the authenticity in his soul that he was bringing to all of it. And what he was really after was giving people hope, giving people something to dream about giving something to excite you for the day. Because if we can all get a little of that each day, maybe that'll get us through life. And so that was one of the primary things that I think I was drawn to, in addition to which the actual script itself was filled with all this iconography. And so much of the things that eventually made their way to fruition, were these like robots, and these little gadgets that they had, and they had them in the script. And I'd never seen a script that that was doing as much as it was to give you the entire world.

Nicholas Podany: I think, you know, when I got the role, and you know, I'd been auditioning for a while and there was definitely the sense that this was such an amazing world to inhabit. But what struck me so much about, you know, as we continued filming the season, and you know, the first four episodes and then you know, carrying on… is that you are bombarded by this world and all of the gadgets you can own, and buy, and all this stuff, that the commercialism… and then every now and then there are just these little slices of moments where it just hits you so hard as to what life is. The… the dullness, the emptiness, the yearning for purpose. And, and the writing that Amit and Lucas have concocted especially in a 50s kind of way with all these little idioms and catchy phrases. But sometimes it just hits… so… gut deep.

Billy Crudup: Yearning for purpose. That's a that's a fantastic phrase for so many of the feelings that these characters are managing.

John Betancourt: What would you say these characters are searching for in this show?

Nicholas Podany: I think Joey, when we first meet him, he is almost content, he has pushed aside the idea that, that there's more outside of, you know, the small-town suburbia he's living in, and he's living to support his mom. And he has a pretty clear sense of what's right and what's wrong, just in time for Jack to tell him that it's okay to dream. And that, in fact, it's encouraged, and you can change people's lives with dreams. And through all of that, while, finding this massive sense of purpose. I think it's so fascinating that in that journey of finding something that really could fulfill his life, he finds out how unfulfilling it is and how the only thing he wants is, you know, a dad, and we'll see how that goes. (Laughs)

Billy Crudup: It's a fascinating notion, that being content in your life as Americans, we somehow equate with giving up that… what… what a crazy mistake that is, like, if I if somebody said to me, are you content? I would sit back and say, yes, if I was satisfied if it was a glorious moment, you know, like, if there was a moment of respite from the chaos of life, yes, a moment of content should be joyous, something to be celebrated. And in fact, what we do is we think, “Oh, that means you're sitting on your laurels,” that means you're not going after, you're not hungry for life and the way that Americans are meant to be hungry for life, hungry, to change the world hungry, hungry to invent dreams for people to believe in. And so, I think with that kind of messaging, you can sometimes get lost. Because… life rarely lives up to its expectations. Except with this program! Except with Hello Tomorrow!

John Betancourt: I will agree with that! Wholeheartedly. Gentlemen, what are you both most proud of when it comes to your time on this show?

Billy Crudup: The authenticity of the creative collaborators, everybody put an earnest game, hardworking professional effort into every stitch of clothing, into every piece of fabric, into every feeling, and I just have enormous gratitude for the people that can stitch with components that that went to into creating this show.

Nicholas Podany: I'm really proud… that I did it! (Laughter from everyone) I did 10 episodes of a TV show. And that's very cool for me, because that's the first time I can say that. So yeah, I'm proud of that. And I think it's one that's gonna stick with people. If you stick with it. It'll stick with you. I think that's nice.

John Betancourt: I like that. A lot.

Billy Crudup: I like that a lot, too. “You stick with it. It will stick with you.” That’s the truth. That’s what happened to me watching it.

John Betancourt: There you go. There’s your slogan, put it on the poster.

Billy Crudup: That’s the one!

Nicholas Podany: Fifteen percent. (Laughter from everyone)

John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit about what was it that attracted you to this particular project? 
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Haneefah Wood: What attracted me to this project is that it's pretty kick ass. And it's a cool concept that I have not seen on television. And I think that the writing is spectacular. Our creators, Amit Bahlia and Lucas Jansen, what they have weaved together in a story with all these characters is pretty awesome. So that's what drew me and I, I think also the fact that it's a retro futuristic that we're back in the 50s. And it's kind of Jetson-like with the hover cars and the jetpacks and stuff like that, and the robots. I think that's wicked.

Dewshane Williams: Yeah, that's the same way I feel. I mean, when you as an actor, when you recognize that you have good writing on the page, it gives you a certain level of comfort, knowing that if you trust the writing, that, like everything will be there, everything will be on the page. So, it was relatively easy to step into this world, because so much was planned and thought out by the creators of the show.

Haneefah Wood: Who wouldn’t want to be in it?

John Betancourt: That’s very fair, it’s pretty awesome. Now, something I’m very curious about, is what everyone is searching for in this show since everyone seems so lost. What would you say your characters are searching for in this tale?

Dewshane Williams: Good question. I feel like he's searching for what it takes to become the best version of himself. Now at this stage, like, his family's priority, and also his work is priority, because then he could help provide for his family.

Haneefah Wood: I think Shirley is searching for a reason to exist. I think that her life has been so mundane prior to coming on board with Jack and helping to grow this business. And I think it gives her purpose. And then also, she gets introduced to her lover, Eddie, and that turns things around for her as well. So, she's feeling, feelings, that she hasn't felt in many, many years, which then in turn makes her feel alive again.

John Betancourt: Now this is a story that offers up such a unique perspective regarding hope. What do you audiences take away from this show’s thoughts on hope?

Haneefah Wood: As far as the message of hope, I think I want people to you know, that saying, like, “dare to dream?” Like, why not? Because some dreams become a reality. And why not this one? Why not the reality of living on the moon, right? So, dare to dream, dare to hope that things will be better than what they are for you right now in this space. So, I think it's super poignant. And I think that we do it all the time, right, whether or not we get that dream, I think there's something satisfying and exciting about dreaming by itself, because there's a possibility, or there's no possibility. It's kind of like… HMM… life is... HMM. But where there's possibility is like, maybe it might be a little juicy somewhere, you know?

Dewshane Williams: I hope that the audience gets to take away that, you know, the future is created by people who plan for it. And usually, they're the dreamers because they have to see something that's not there. So, hopefully, not only like the characters and the storylines inspire this hope in the audience, but like, who would have thought that I'd be in this position? You know, I'll tell you how, I dreamed. I hoped. I worked on it. I was dreaming. I wouldn't have known at 18 or like 17-year-old kid in art school. Exactly. That would be this project, but I was dreaming of a day when I could use my talents in a way that could challenge me. And that I could be working with like incredible actors and producers and just like having a great team around. That's what this is. I think that's a testament to what could happen if you dream and you kind of lean into it a bit.

John Betancourt: Yeah. Manifesting. I like that. Now, I want to back up just a little bit and go back to something Haneefah mentioned about the majesty of this world. Because, I’m curious, as an actor, what it was like to step into this incredible world.

Dewshane Williams: When I was younger, I played Harold Hill, in The Music Man. And the characters were similar in the sense that, you know, Harold Hill was selling. And Herb Porter is also selling. When I was reading the script, I was just so in awe of the writing, you can tell when you've seen enough scripts as an actor, you can tell when the writing hops off the page, and you can see what the writers are trying to convey very vividly. So, I just leaned into that. And I called my acting coach, and I said, “Okay, we got another one. Let's see what we can do with it.” And then I got the call back. And then I got to, like, meet Billy, and my acting coach is a fan of Billy. So, I'm like, “I gotta do this. I got to do this. I gotta make sure. I don't let down, Louis,” you know?

Haneefah Wood: Well, I think my favorite part is when I watched the show, then I was able to see all of the gadgets, all of the smoke and mirrors that we were doing, because when I'm on set, and there's the given circumstances, I just take it all in as it's real. And I'm in the moment. So, I'm not really pulled by any of that stuff. But watching it on TV, it was pretty spectacular. To see all the things that were going on behind me, right? While we were acting, there was a lot going on, or the fact that those hover cars were just regular cars that all of a sudden, while watching it, they're flying. So, I think it was the watching of it that was so spectacular for me, as opposed to being on set with it. Because I was just in the moment and really believe that this is what life was.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today. What are you each most proud of when it comes to your work on this show?

Haneefah Wood: I don't know. I feel like I'm gonna get emotional if I… what I'm most proud of because I am going to get emotional… is that I felt completely valued by this whole team of people. And I felt like I stepped up in a certain way that I haven't done in my career. And I had a lot of freakin’ fun with these people. And they really do feel like my family. Apple did a great job putting this together, and our creators on, Amit, and Lucas, they're like my brothers. Like, they don't feel like my bosses, they feel like my brothers and to experience something where you feel so high value. It's like nothing like it, especially in this world that we're working in. So, I'm just really grateful. I'm really grateful to this show.

Dewshane Williams: Aren’t you glad you kept dreaming?

Haneefah Wood: Oh my gosh, he’s so annoying. (Laughter from all.)

John Betancourt: Hammer it home. I love it.
Dewshane Williams: Um, people, it's always about people. And whenever you get the opportunity to work with people who care about what they're doing. There's something about it. It's just like magic almost in space… and Apple, and our creators were able to just give us everything that we needed. I just felt like Haneefah was saying like, I felt valued. I felt like I felt like “Okay, I'll give you I'll give you 108% Yeah. Just because you care.” Yeah. Yeah, that was beautiful for me.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.