In this episode, two-time Emmy Award winner Mike Manning joins us to talk about his latest project — the fun, campy indie sci-fi adventure Unexpected Treasures, premiering September 19 exclusively on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.
Audiences know Mike from his powerful roles on This Is Us, Days of Our Lives, Teen Wolf, The Bay, and films like Son of the South and God’s Not Dead. Now, he takes on an entirely new kind of character: Sam, a charming alien fugitive who crash-lands in the Mojave Desert and teams up with Hartley (Olivia Blue) to outrun bounty hunters, unlock prophecies, and explore the magic of unexpected connections.
From filming under the mystical skies of Joshua Tree to the Comic-Con buzz surrounding the premiere, Mike opens up about why sci-fi resonates with audiences, how this role stretches his creativity, and how his passion for activism shapes the projects he chooses.
Behind the scenes of Unexpected Treasures
Shifting from dramatic roles to quirky sci-fi comedy
Filming in Yucca Valley & Joshua Tree
Why “aliens among us” stories remain timeless
Balancing acting, producing, and activism
What’s next for Mike Manning’s career
What drew you to Unexpected Treasures and to playing Sam?
How different was this quirky, campy role from your past dramatic work?
Did the Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree feel like characters in the film?
Do you have a favorite on-set story from filming?
Why do you think alien comedies and adventures have lasting appeal?
What sets Unexpected Treasures apart from other sci-fi stories?
How did fans at San Diego Comic-Con respond to the premiere?
How does this role fit into the bigger picture of your career?
How do you choose projects that align with your values in both acting and activism?
What upcoming projects should fans be looking forward to?
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