I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In!
🎭 Ever watched a local production or a regional commercial and thought, "Hey, I know that person!"?
Welcome to I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, the podcast that goes behind the scenes of the acting world in the Northeast. Join host Stephen Lomer as he sits down with talented New England-based actors to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to build a career in the industry.
From regional theater and indie films to major sets, we explore the unique journeys of local talent. Whether you're a fan of the craft or an aspiring performer looking for a roadmap, this is your front-row seat to the reality of the acting life.
Episodes

Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
🎬 From Jewelry Designer to SAG-AFTRA Actor: Roe Pacheco on the "Weirdness" of the Acting Journey
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the incredibly versatile Roe Pacheco. With a career spanning from professional floral and jewelry design in Chicago to booking roles alongside stars like Robert Redford (by accident!) and Donna Kelce (in a viral Chunky Soup commercial), Roe’s story is a masterclass in creative evolution.
Roe dives deep into why she believes acting is "emotionally liberating," her transition into the SAG-AFTRA union, and why she prefers the grit of high-quality writing (think HBO’s Girls or True Detective) over the modern trend of "vertical" social media dramas.
Inside This Episode:
📌 The Lifelong Journey: Why Roe waited until her daughter was grown to pursue acting full-time.
📌 The "Robert Redford" Story: A literal run-in with a Hollywood legend on the streets of Chicago.
📌 Union Talk: Roe’s honest advice on when to join SAG-AFTRA and the pros/cons of being a union actor in New England.
📌 Known For: A look at her roles in Swallowed, The Grilled Cheese Party, and the curiously titled Accidental Incest.
📌 The Design Mindset: How her 25-year background in jewelry design informs her approach to film costuming, color palettes, and storytelling.
📌 Losing Friends to Success: A candid conversation about the "rocket boosters" theory of friendship as you ascend in your career.
📌 A Call to Creators: Roe’s passionate plea for artists to "make shit" until they make something meaningful.
Connect with Roe Pacheco:
Instagram: @RoePacheco_Actor
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5225258
Referenced in this Episode:
Book: Future Relic by Daniel Arsham
Inspirations: Lena Dunham, Issa Rae, Sharon Horgan
🎙️ Support the Show & Our Sponsors: Parody News Network (PNN): Your favorite movies and TV shows satirized for your protection. Subscribe here: / parodynewsnetwork
I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In:
Follow us on Spotify and leave a review if you enjoyed the craft talk!
#RoePacheco #StephenLomer #NewEnglandActors #ActingPodcast #SAGAFTRA #IndieFilm #CreativeJourney #WomenInFilm #ActingAdvice #RhodeIslandFilm #FilmDesign #DanielArsham #Storytelling #ISawYouInThatThingISawYouIn

Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
🎬 From "The Littlest Reindeer" to the Big Freaking Rat: This is the journey of an unstoppable actor. 🎭
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the multi-talented Meg Salisbury. Meg is an actress, model, and voice artist based in Maine who has built a career on resilience, humor, and a mindset that simply won't quit.
Meg takes us through her early start in fourth grade, her time at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), and the hilarious reality of her IMDb "known fors" (including a project she wasn't even in!). Whether she's discussing her transition from musical theater to film and TV or how she learned to change oil while living in a cross-country RV, Meg's story is the ultimate guide to building a sustainable acting career through action and mindset.
In This Episode, We Discuss:📌 The Power of Mindset: Meg talks about rebranding her podcast to Unstoppable Actor Mindset and how she helps actors overcome self-doubt and rejection.📌 The "Our Town" Fiasco: Why skipping an entire scene in a high school play actually led to a more successful path in character roles and villainous leads.📌 IMDb Mysteries: A deep dive into the "Big Freaking Rat," "Creepypasta with Trollmaster Hades," and the bizarre inaccuracies of IMDb credits.📌 The "Chicken" Audition: How a literal chicken nearly stole her spotlight, and why the "moment before" is the most important part of any self-tape.📌 Producing Your Own Work: Meg discusses her "producing era," writing her first short film, and her dreams of creating a feature-length documentary on the hero's journey.
✨ Support Our PartnersThis episode is presented in partnership with Unstoppable Actor Mindset. If you're ready to build confidence and navigate the inner work of a creative career, subscribe to Meg's podcast on all major platforms!
Connect with Meg SalisburyPodcast: Unstoppable Actor Mindset 👉 https://shorturl.at/ZwNiYServices: Mindset Coaching for Actors
If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe! Tell us in the comments: What's the weirdest thing that ever happened during your audition?
#ActingPodcast #MegSalisbury #UnstoppableActor #MaineActors #ActingTips #AMDA #FilmAndTV #PodcastForActors #MindsetCoaching #IndieFilm #StephenLomer #ISawYouInThatThing #SpoonPlaying #ActorLife

Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
🎭 From physical therapy "disasters" to the stage, this is the ultimate comeback story.
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the incredibly talented Dianne DeChellis. After a 20-year hiatus from the spotlight to focus on teaching Special Education and raising a family, Dianne is back on the New England stage—and she’s sharing the raw, hilarious, and sometimes bloody truth about her journey.
Dianne opens up about her "process of elimination" college years at Northeastern University, her brush with 9/11 that changed her New York City dreams, and the terrifying reality of returning to acting two decades later. Plus, don't miss the Sweeney Todd "trap door" story that will make your jaw drop!
In This Episode, We Discuss:
📌 The 20-Year Gap: Why Dianne left acting, her career as a Special Ed teacher in Lexington, and what finally brought her back to the craft.
📌 Stage vs. Camera: Dianne explains her love for musical theater and why the "technical loop" of film acting and teleprompters can be more intimidating than a live audience.
📌 The "Bloody" Truth: A legendary (and slightly gruesome) story about a malfunctioning trap door during a production of Sweeney Todd.
📌 Dinner Theater Chaos: Tales from the trenches of Joey and Maria’s Italian Wedding in Boston, including an audience member who took the "immersion" a little too far.
📌 The PNN Connection: Dianne’s experience working on the Parody News Network and her favorite "out of control" Christmas episode.
🎬 Support Our Sponsor
This episode is powered by the Parody News Network (PNN).Every week, PNN takes aim at popular movies and TV shows, satirizing them for your protection. If you need a break from mainstream news, this is your destination for humor and entertainment.
👉 Subscribe here: youtube.com/ParodyNewsNetwork
🎙️ Connect with the Show
Are you a New England actor with a story to tell? Let us know in the comments!
Like, Comment, and Subscribe to stay updated on the journeys of local performers.
#ActingPodcast #DianneDeChellis #NewEnglandTheater #StageActing #SweeneyTodd #ActingComeback #SpecialEducationTeacher #ISawYouInThatThingISawYouIn #StephenLomer #BostonActing #TheaterStories #MusicalTheater

Thursday Apr 02, 2026
Thursday Apr 02, 2026
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the multi-talented Sophia Hartwood. From her roots in New England theater to her first lead role in the film Syncopation, Sophia shares the "firsts" that define an actor's journey.
Sophia dives deep into her experience as a student filmmaker, discussing her project The Barrier to Brilliance, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the New England acting scene, including her time at Boston Casting and working with Angelwood Productions. Whether you're an aspiring actor or a fan of local indie film, Sophia’s advice on being "over-prepared" and navigating the world of self-tape auditions is a must-hear.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
📌 The "First" Moments: From getting a live reaction at Boston Casting to seeing herself on screen for the first time while at Disney World.
📌 Filmmaking & Directing: Sophia talks about writing, directing, and editing her own film, The Barrier to Brilliance, based on a real-life Massachusetts story.
📌 The "Known Fors": A look at her resume, including the Red Flags music video, Against All Odds, and the New Bedford-based production Sin Eater.
📌 Acting Advice: Why being a background extra is the best way to start and why you should always run your lines one more time.
📌 Future Plans: Moving from Massachusetts to Florida and eventually LA, plus her upcoming book about being a DCP (Donor Conceived Person) in the arts.
🎬 Support Our Sponsor This episode is brought to you by the Parody News Network (PNN). Tired of the mainstream cycle? PNN parodies your favorite movies and TV shows with a satirical edge. 👉 Subscribe here: youtube.com/parodynewsnetwork
🎙️ Connect with the Show If you enjoyed Sophia’s story, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe!
Have a favorite New England actor we should interview? Let us know in the comments below. #ActingPodcast #NewEnglandActors #SophiaHartwood #IndieFilm #BostonCasting #ActingTips #StudentFilmmaker #ISawYouInThatThing #StephenLomer #AuditionAdvice #NewEnglandFilm

Thursday Mar 26, 2026
Thursday Mar 26, 2026
🎬 In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the ultimate multi-hyphenate of New England indie film: J.R. Fortin.
From his humble beginnings answering a Facebook casting call in Berlin, New Hampshire, to producing the award-winning series Hearts of New England, J.R. shares his incredible journey. We dive deep into the "no-excuses" mindset required to be an actor, writer, producer, and director while raising seven children and maintaining a professional career.
Inside This Episode:📌 The Maine Film Scene: Why being a "big fish in a small pond" in Maine is a secret weapon for indie filmmakers.
📌 Hearts of New England: The genesis of the hit mob/war/soap opera hybrid and how it racked up over 160 awards worldwide.
📌 Production Horror Stories: Learning from a "disaster" shoot in Connecticut and why money doesn't always solve production problems.
📌 The Secret to Casting: What J.R. looks for as a casting director (Hint: It’s not just about the lines).
📌 Acting Advice: Why "paying your dues" as a PA or extra is the fastest way to get cast in a lead role.
📌 What’s Next: A sneak peek at his upcoming Western, Purgatory, and his journey toward a Doctorate degree.
Connect with J.R. Fortin:IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm7581802
Watch Hearts of New England: https://www.youtube.com/@MaineEventFilms
Support the Show & Our Sponsors:🎯 Parody News Network (PNN): Your favorite movies and TV shows satirized for your protection. Subscribe here: youtube.com/ParodyNewsNetwork
🎙️ I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In: Follow us and leave a review if you enjoyed the craft talk!
#JRFortin #StephenLomer #NewEnglandFilm #ActingAdvice #IndieFilmmaking #HeartsOfNewEngland #MaineActors #FilmProduction #CastingDirectorTips #IndependentFilm #PodcastForActors #NewEnglandActing

Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
🎬 The Journey from "Van Life" to the Big Screen | Interview with Dhanya Lott
Why acting? For Dhanya Lott, the spark started with a childhood of "playing pretend" and a deep-seated love for Classic Doctor Who. In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the New England-based actress to discuss her unconventional path from living in a converted school bus to becoming a staple in the Boston and regional film scene.
Dhanya shares incredible stories from her journey, including the time she met Matt Smith in the Utah desert and gave him a drawing of Tinkerbell (that might still be in a paparazzi photo!), her passion for cosplaying Batgirl (Stephanie Brown), and her transition from the Midwest to the East Coast.
Inside This Episode:
📌 The "Doctor Who" Influence: Why Matt Smith is "her" Doctor and meeting the cast of The Impossible Astronaut.
📌 From Iowa to Massachusetts: Navigating the move and finding her footing in a new acting market.
📌 The Reality of Auditions: Why Dhanya prefers self-tapes over being in the room and her advice for "booking the room" even when you don't book the part. 📌 Collaborating with New England Filmmakers: Insights into working with directors like Ryan Nunez (A Beautiful Day, Drowned) and Ted (The Waiting).
📌 Developing "The Day the Clowns Cried": Dhanya discusses her upcoming project based on the tragic 1944 Hartford Circus Fire.
📌 Career Advice: Why you should become a "big fish in a small pond" before heading to LA or New York.
About Our Guest: Dhanya Lott is an actress and writer known for her work in She Cries Murder, Red Shore, and the poignant IVF-focused film The Waiting. She is a frequent collaborator in the New England independent film community and is currently developing several feature-length projects.
Sponsored by the Parody News Network (PNN) Support the show by checking out our sponsor! PNN satirizes your favorite movies and TV shows for your protection. 👉 Watch here: / parodynewsnetwork
Follow us for more interviews with New England Actors! #ISawYouInThatThingISawYouIn #ISYITTISYI #StephenLomer #DhanyaLott #ActingPodcast #NewEnglandFilm #DoctorWho #MattSmith #IndieFilm #ActingTips #SelfTapes #HartfordCircusFire #Cosplay #Batman

Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
🎬 How does an actor go from watching VHS tapes in North Carolina to sharing the screen with Meryl Streep and Jonah Hill?
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with New England actor Sam Kombo to discuss his fascinating journey through the film industry. Sam opens up about his "organic" rise on social media, the pivotal moment he received his SAG eligibility letter for the Netflix hit Don't Look Up, and what it’s really like working on major productions in the Boston and New York acting scenes.
In this interview, we dive into:
📌 The Big Breaks: Sam’s experiences on the sets of Don't Look Up, Defending Jacob (starring Chris Evans), and the Netflix series The Society.
📌 Industry Insights: The difference between a Talent Agent and a Talent Manager, and Sam’s recent signing with Bush Talent Management.
📌 The Craft: Why Sam prefers recording his own voice to memorize lines and his transition from theater at UMass Lowell to independent film.
📌 Upcoming Projects: A deep dive into Sam’s lead role as the judge in the upcoming Lizzie Borden feature film, Dearest Lizzie, and his work on the Jonestown Massacre docuseries for Netflix.
📌 Advice for Actors: The "Jenna Fisher" rule for aspiring performers and why New England is a "hidden gem" for local talent.
Chapters:[0:00] Why Acting? The Power of Storytelling[2:15] Inspirations: Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie[4:30] Growing up in the Biotech Circuit & Finding New England[6:45] Building a Social Media Following Organically[8:30] Talent Management vs. Talent Agencies[11:00] The Reality of the Modeling World[14:15] Working on Don't Look Up & Getting SAG Vouchers[17:00] Memories from Defending Jacob and The Society[21:30] Theater vs. Film: The Time Commitment[23:45] Playing the Judge in the Lizzie Borden Movie[27:15] Funny & Embarrassing Set Stories (The Wardrobe Fail!)[31:00] Advice for Aspiring Actors
About Sam Kombo:Sam Kombo is a versatile actor and model based in New England. With credits spanning major streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max (Julia), and Apple TV+, Sam is a rising fixture in the Boston and New York City film markets.
🎙️ Connect with the Show:Subscribe for more interviews with New England actors!
Sponsored by Parody News Network (PNN): Check out the latest parodies at youtube.com/parodynewsnetwork.
Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the show, please give us a like!

Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
🎬 What happens when a novelist-turned-actress, a martial artist, and a "Living Dead Girl" walk into a podcast? In this episode, host Stephen Lomer sits down with the multi-hyphenate New England powerhouse KJ Traynor.
From her roots in a family of ten siblings to her "legendary" status as Lenore on the Parody News Network (PNN), KJ shares her journey through the world of independent filmmaking, acting, and scriptwriting. We dive deep into her love for Classic Hollywood leading men, the challenges of producing indie films like The Sadie McAllister Files and Michael Lawrence, and her big win at the Boston International Film Festival.
📌 In This Episode, We Discuss:
The Origin Story: How KJ went from homeschooling and fan fiction to leading roles in action films.
The "Lenore" Phenomenon: The secret behind the "Living Dead Girl" persona and her chemistry with Harley (Sophia Cormier).
Classic Cinema: KJ’s "Mount Rushmore" of Golden Age actors, including John Wayne, Errol Flynn, and Maureen O'Hara.
Indie Filmmaking Advice: Why every aspiring actor should write and produce their own content.
What’s Next: A sneak peek at the upcoming PNN spin-off, Hey, starring Harley and Lenore!
Connect with KJ Traynor: Watch KJ as Lenore on PNN: • More Lenore | The Parody News Network (PNN)
Check out The Book Sisters: booksistersproductions.com
KJ on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4021089
🎙️ About the Podcast: I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In is hosted by Stephen Lomer. We interview the hardest-working actors, directors, and creators in the New England film community to find out how they do what they do.

Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
🎬 In this episode of "I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In," host Stephen Lomer sits down with the multi-talented Ceara Comeau—actress, author, and the driving force behind Book Sisters Productions.
Ceara shares her fascinating journey from landing a lead role in Shakespeare as a high school freshman to becoming a self-taught filmmaker. We dive deep into the creation of her sci-fi fantasy series, The Amber Oak Series, and discuss the challenges of adapting a novel into a cohesive film production. If you are an aspiring actor or an indie filmmaker, Ceara’s "no-nonsense" advice on professional etiquette, avoiding the "ghosting" epidemic in the industry, and the importance of flexibility on set is a must-listen.
📌 Key Moments in This Interview:
The Acting Bug: How a modernized Shakespeare play started it all.
The Filmmaker’s Pivot: Learning the ropes from KJ Traynor and transitioning from acting to producing.
Book Sisters Productions: Ceara’s 10-year plan to help fellow authors bring their books to the screen.
Behind the Scenes: Working with family, managing micro-budgets, and the "paparazzi moment" of a local film premiere.
Industry Real Talk: Why "speed-applying" is hurting actors and how to show directors you’re actually serious.
What’s Next: Details on the Amber Oak premiere in Bellows Falls, Vermont!
Featured Projects & Mentions:
The Amber Oak Series (Based on the novel Memories of Cronosalis)
The Sadie McAllister Files (Available on YouTube)
Within My Reach (Music video collaboration with Kate Eppers)
The Time Travelers (Short film)
Connect with Ceara Comeau:
Book Sisters Productions: booksistersproductions.com
IMDb: imdb.com/name/nm12873197
Instagram: instagram.com/cearacomeau
🎙️ About the Podcast: I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In is hosted by Stephen Lomer. We sit down with New England-based actors, directors, and creators to discuss the craft, the grind, and the journeys that lead to those "I saw you in that!" moments.
Subscribe for more interviews with the best talent in New England film and theater!
#CearaComeau #IndieFilm #TheAmberOak #BookSistersProductions #NewEnglandActors #FilmmakingTips #ActingInterview #AuthorToFilmmaker #StephenLomer #ISawYouInThatThing #BostonFilm #WomenInFilm

Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
🎬 From a Stroke to the Screen: Actor Don Smith’s Second Act | I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In!
In this episode of I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In, host Stephen Lomer sits down with New England-based actor Don Smith for a powerful conversation about second chances, late-in-life career pivots, and the drive to perform.
Originally from Centerville, MA, and now residing on the South Shore in Humarock, Don opens up about the unique "bloodline" of performers in his family—from his community theater star mother to his playwright uncle. But it wasn’t until two major life events collided—a "gut punch" comment from a family friend at a memorial service and a life-threatening stroke in 2021—that Don finally decided to stop ignoring his calling. Join us as Don shares his journey from recovering with TPA to landing roles as "angry white guys" and Hollywood producers in indie films like Slick. plus, don't miss the hilarious on-set disaster story involving a beer can, a copyright issue, and a sticky explosion during the filming of Phantasma.
Whether you are an aspiring actor, a film enthusiast, or someone looking for the inspiration to start a new chapter, Don’s advice to "Just Do It" is a must-listen.
📌 Episode Highlights: The Cape Cod Connection: Growing up in Centerville and the South Shore vs. North Shore dynamic.
Family Legacy: Memories of his mother playing Lady Brockhurst and his uncle’s influence from the Yale Drama School.
The Wake Up Call: How a stroke and a disappointing comment from an old friend pushed Don into acting.
Indie Film Stories: Playing Marty Caruso in Slick and the "angry guy" typecast.
Set Life Fails: The funny story behind the exploding beer can prop in Phantasma.
Radio Theater: Working with the Talking Information Center and Ledgers Actors Workshop.
Quote of the Week: "I think finding it [acting] later is much more precious... look at me now, here I am in this 3rd or 4th chapter of life." — Don Smith
About the Podcast: I Saw You In That Thing I Saw You In is a podcast dedicated to the journeys of New England-based actors. Hosted by Stephen Lomer, we dive deep into the local film scene, audition horror stories, and the triumphs of working creatives in the Northeast.
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