The Staffa Corner Podcast, Ep. 54 – From Kid Reporter to Rising Star: Lacey Katena’s Journey of Self-Discovery.

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The Staffa Corner Podcast

Episode 54

Guest: Lacey Katena

What happens when you grow up with a professional mascot as your father? For Lacey Katena, it meant learning the art of physical comedy, performing without fear, and understanding how to read and respond to audience energy. These foundational skills served her well as she navigated early entertainment experiences as an NBA mini mascot and NBC kid reporter for NASCAR and Supercross events.

The most profound moment in Lacey’s evolution came during a transformative trip to Okinawa, Japan, where she discovered her family heritage and made the bold decision to change her name.

Now balancing auditions with a day job in LA, Lacey demonstrates remarkable self-awareness about building an acting career on her own terms. Her perspective on success is refreshingly grounded.

We discuss her recent film “Sugarcane” on Amazon Prime, her upcoming projects, and her aspiration to eventually tell her father’s story of moving from Okinawa to the United States. Through it all, Lacey reveals a wisdom beyond her years about authenticity in acting.

Listen now and subscribe to hear more conversations with fascinating creators charting their own paths.

Follow Lacey on Instagram HERE

Check out and buy her fathers books HERE

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.

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