The Staffa Corner
Greg Staffa created The Staffa Corner Podcast to provide listeners with a Staffatarian look at entertainment and life. Focusing on honest conversation, Staffa’s podcast is an appreciation of those he finds interesting in and out of television and film.The journey taken by Staffa in the industry started more than 8 years ago writing for Your Entertainment Corner. Motivated by the desire to become more knowledgeable in his field, he leveraged his learned and acquired knowledge and skills and earned himself the opportunity to interview celebrities such as Pierce Brosnan, Ethan Hawke, Martin Freeman and Seth Rogan among others. Setting up his own in home studio, Staffa is branching out into podcasting while continuing to write for YEC. An unsung hero recognized by The St. Cloud Times in 2013, and a Staffatarian to the core, Staffa spent several months in 2010 on a 48-state road trip transforming the perception of homelessness. During this time, he handed out over 1,000 pairs of socks and hundreds of cups of coffee to the homeless, before he finally settling down in St Cloud Minnesota. By July 2020 Staffa’s journey came full circle having bought a home. To his credit, he still finds time to help others. Staffa is able to build and maintain incredible working relationships, an attribute that has contributed greatly to his success. Consequently, actors, writers and directors among other TV/film stars are always open to guest. He has covered red carpet premieres for films like Stuber and Booksmart among other star studded TV premieres.
The Staffa Corner
Actress Andrene Ward-Hammond talks about Manifest and more.
Andrene Ward-Hammond in many ways is the reason I decided to launch The Staffa Corner. As talented as the actress is having appeared on shows like Star, Atlanta, Manifest, and Your Honor, it’s her story of the events that led to her becoming an actress I find fascinating.
Perhaps it’s because I find a lot of similarities between her story and mine. About 14 years ago we both faced life-changing medical setbacks. Mine was a severe work injury and hers was the discovery of a tumor. Living in the United States, we both had certain assumptions of the type of care we would be given. We were both in for a rude awakening. At one point we were both told our lives would have to get worse before those we relied on would be able to help us. That our situation was bad, but not bad enough to qualify for help. It was a shocking revelation as we both were faced with a difficult decision. Thankfully, we both chose to move forward and came out stronger because of it.
It’s Andrene’s determination that leads to her success in acting. Starring in some of the top shows on television, it’s difficult to imagine there isn’t anything Andrene can’t accomplish when she puts her mind to it.
It’s hard not to be inspired listening to Andrene tell her story. Even with all of her recent success you can hear the caution in her voice knowing it can just as be easily taken away. It’s that mindset that makes her appreciate her successes while being mindful of the past.
Regardless of what her passion might have been, I applaud Andrene’s hard work and dedication. I know all too well how easy it is to want to throw the towel in and give up when life deals you a major setback. It’s what one does next that will define them.
Andrene’s story is a result of hard work and determination that deserves our admiration. Her future is bright and it will be exciting to follow her career.
