ACTOR JESSE KOVE

Summary

Kat on the Loose – ACTOR JESSE KOVE (w/ surprise co-host David Chokachi)

Episode Date: April 15, 2026
Host: Kat Zammuto
Guests: Jesse Kove (actor, animal rescuer), David Chokachi (actor, animal rescuer, original Baywatch cast)
Theme: Real talk on acting, animal rescue, staying grounded in Hollywood, relationships, and purpose-driven work

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Episode Overview

In this lively and unscripted episode of Kat on the Loose, Kat Zammuto sits down with actor Jesse Kove, best-known for his role in Cobra Kai and following in the footsteps of his father, Martin Kove (Karate Kid, Cobra Kai). In a heartfelt twist, Kat surprises Jesse with fellow actor David Chokachi (original Baywatch), who joins as a spontaneous co-host. Together, they dive into topics ranging from their unique Hollywood friendship, their passionate involvement in animal rescue—particularly with Wings of Rescue—to how they stay grounded amid fame, the realities of dating as a public figure, and the discipline of mental and physical wellness. The episode brims with authentic connection, humor, advocacy, and inspiring realness.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Surprise Co-Host: The Power of Genuine Friendship

• Setting the Scene: Kat surprises Jesse by inviting David Chokachi as an unannounced co-host, creating a joyful and spontaneous reunion.
  • [01:43] Jesse (surprised): “Oh my God. What? See what? ... I had no idea David was going to be here. This is incredible.”

2. How They Met: The Movie, The Dogs, The Mutual Passions

• Origin Story: Despite industry proximity, Jesse and David didn’t meet until cast together in a movie, thanks in part to mutual friends in animal rescue.
  • [03:58] Jesse: “We had mutual friends ... and they were always like, oh, like, David Chokachi does all this animal stuff, and Jesse does all this animal stuff. ... And then we get to this, and so she connects us.”
• Bonding Over Dogs: Their on-set chemistry was forged in 15 minutes—talking about dogs.
  • [05:23] David: “...We just talked about dogs. And then we... did the scene. I look at that scene man, it’s like we knew each other forever.”
  • [06:43] David: “The dogs can improve your acting career, FYI.”

3. Wings of Rescue: Their Shared Purpose

• What is Wings of Rescue?: A volunteer org that flies at-risk shelter animals from kill shelters (especially large dogs) to safety/adoptable areas, plus disaster relief.
  • [08:00] David: “They’re flying at-risk dogs nonstop ... as long as they have funding. It’s all donation-based.”
  • [09:23] David: “...They’re also the only organization that flies into active natural disasters and gets the pets out.”
• Hands-On Heroics: Both actors do the work—loading planes, caring for the animals en route, lacking creature comforts.
  • [11:11] Jesse: “It’s us in a cargo plane... Sometimes we get to bring out little puppies or cats, kittens, to play with a little bit and give them some love.”
  • [13:31] David (describing a recent mission): “There was one dog that was 120 pounds... We have to hand load up into the hatch… Thank God we had Jesse because he’s a beast...”
• Message to Listeners: They urge everyone to support Wings of Rescue (wingsrescue.org) and consider adoption.

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4. The Myth of Hollywood Glamour

• Reality vs. Perception: Kat calls out that people see actors on screen but don’t understand the physical, unglamorous, and service-oriented side of their lives.
  • [12:34] David: “It’s about 25-30 hours of almost no sleep ... It’s on a steel floor, there’s nothing there.”
• Why They Do It: Emotional and spiritual rewards—beyond fame.
  • [12:42] Jesse: “Spiritually, it’s very rewarding…You feel so good about what you’re doing, and every time the call comes in—‘hey, we’re loading up’—it’s always like, I’ll be there.”

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5. Staying Grounded Amid Fame

• Dealing with Attention & Fame:
  • [17:23] Jesse: “...Having grown up in the business ... I love being busy, so it’s very hard for me to stop. It's a practice I’m continuing more ... the gym is a very important place.”
  • [18:26] Jesse (on humility): "We’re in a plane together… we got dogs, unfortunately, that are defecating in their crates... We’re cleaning it out mid-flight. You can’t put it anywhere…"
• Using Social Media Responsibly:
  • [21:20] Jesse: “More than ever, people are so accessible... either rules set in place or, you know, things that deal with ethics..."

6. Relationships: Partnership & Public Life

• How to Sustain a Relationship in the Public Eye:
  • [19:44] Jesse: “She’s not even in the business at all… I’m so incredibly lucky... Shelby’s always been such a rock for me... I fell in love with her dog first.”
• On Big Dogs as Relationship Litmus:
  • [20:32] Jesse (joking): “You know what? Shelby’s awesome because…she picks up big poops from this dog! She doesn’t have, like, a little arm candy dog. That means she’s awesome.”

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7. Hollywood Casting, Social Media, and Craft

• Shift Toward Social Metrics in Casting:
  • [22:04] David: “He [the producer] starts breaking out the numbers. It was like, ‘she has this many followers and that’s why we cast her.’ I’m like, wow...”
  • [24:55] Jesse: “It’s got to be a balance—it can’t all just be numbers...I think it translates better to audiences.”
• The Real Skill of Acting:
  • [22:38] David: “People say, oh, I could do that, I could be an actor...Okay, imagine this: there's a hundred crew...you’ve got to hit three marks...do all your business, hit your next mark, stay in focus...It takes years to find the skill.”

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8. Physical Health & Mental Wellness

• Fitness as Necessity and Therapy:
  • [27:30] David: “Sports and fitness... it’s always been a way for me, honestly, for mental health. ...If you went for a run, now all these positive chemicals—endorphins—are kicking. ...Exercise is...going to help in our business, clearly.”
  • [31:36] Jesse: “Working out is literally the elixir of life…if you want to look good forever and keep your heart and body in good shape...”

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9. Breaking Into the Business & Career Advice

• Jesse’s Path:
  • [32:02] Jesse: “I grew up in LA...I went to Beverly Hills High School…”
  • [35:00] Jesse (on breakout): “Probably Cobra Kai was the biggest attention...I played the bully that bullies my dad’s character from the show and the original movies.”
• Advice for Aspiring Actors:
  • [46:35] Jesse: “It takes time...you just keep chipping away at it, and then when it finally hits, you’re ready for it. ... Don’t give up.”
  • [47:03] David: “Live your life. ...You’re not growing waiting for the phone...you’ve got to go out and get some marks on you and then come back and then you have something to bring to your character.”

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10. Love for Dogs, Animal Rescue Stories & Healing Power

• Why Animals Matter So Much:
  • [37:53] David (quoting Bill Murray): “If you’re a person who doesn’t like dogs...I won’t be friends with you. ...It’s like a character indicator.”
  • [39:43] Cat: “They’re loyal. ...If humans were as loyal as dogs—right?”
• On Pet Adoption & Mental Health:
  • [40:55] David: (sharing story about a veteran and service dog) “...He went from the lowest, darkest place in his life—he’s thriving because of it. ...The dog healed him.”

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11. What’s Next for Jesse & David

• Upcoming Projects:
  • [41:43] Jesse: “The one I’m most excited about right now...The Last Firefighter. It’s a firefighter drama I did with Jon Voight, Kelsey Grammer...Trying to get a theatrical release...Paramount Plus in early fall or end of summer.”
• On Working With Legends:
  • [42:14] Jesse: “Kelsey’s so nice...Jon Voight is such a gentle guy. He calls me up, asks how I’m doing, ‘Oh, you want to grab a coffee?’...He’s so poetic in the way he talks. So intelligent.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [05:23] David Chokachi:
  “We just talked about dogs. And then we... did the scene. I look at that scene man, it’s like we knew each other forever. I totally agree and I think honestly, it was the dogs.”

• [09:41] David Chokachi:
  “They are also the only organization that flies into active natural disasters and gets the pets out... They fly in humanitarian aid... and then haul out as many dogs and cats as they can.”

• [18:26] Jesse Kove:
  “There’s a bit of a struggle for me...I love being busy, so it’s hard to stop. But doing Wings of Rescue is rewarding...your attention is on these animals...it's spiritually rewarding.”

• [20:32] Jesse Kove:
  “One of the reasons I fell in love with Shelby was because she had a blue nose pit bull...That means she’s awesome...she’s not afraid to deal with that.”

• [22:04] David Chokachi:
  “I saw the producer breaking out the numbers—she has this many followers and that’s why we cast her...As opposed to, ‘she did this movie and trained here.’ I’m like, wow.”

• [31:36] Jesse Kove:
  “Working out is literally the elixir of life.”

• [46:35] Jesse Kove:
  “It takes time...just keep chipping away...when it finally hits, you’re ready for it...Time is your friend. And don’t give up.”

• [47:03] David Chokachi:
  “Live your life...You’re not growing...waiting for the phone...You’ve got to go out and get some marks on you and then come back and have something to bring to your character.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:01] – David Chokachi introduced as surprise co-host
• [03:58] – How Jesse and David met; their instant connection through animal rescue
• [07:59-11:34] – Deep dive on Wings of Rescue: what they do, hands-on stories
• [12:34-13:54] – Unfiltered look at the realities of animal rescue flights
• [17:23] – How to stay grounded in Hollywood as an actor
• [19:44-21:20] – Navigating relationships, social media and fame as a public figure
• [22:04-26:28] – Social media’s effect on casting, the real work of acting, the value of craft
• [27:30-31:11] – Discipline, fitness, and how physical health supports career and well-being
• [35:00] – Jesse’s career beginnings, his Cobra Kai breakout
• [37:32-41:59] – The power of animal companionship, rescue stories, and healing trauma
• [41:43-44:47] – Jesse’s new projects, working with Kelsey Grammer and Jon Voight, special anecdotes
• [46:35-48:08] – Advice for aspiring actors; persistence, growth, and living life outside the industry

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Final Thoughts

• Support the Cause: Listeners are encouraged to donate to Wings of Rescue (wingsrescue.org) and consider pet adoption.
• Podcast Merch for Good: Kat announces that all profits from her “My Dog is Nicer Than You” merch go to dog rescue throughout April-May in honor of this episode.
• Stay tuned for future episodes and more from Jesse & David!

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For animal lovers, aspiring actors, and anyone needing a dose of real talk about Hollywood life, service, and following your passion—this episode brims with heart, humor, and hope.

Transcript

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[Cat (Podcast Host)]

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[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Jess, you're welcome to cut on the loose.

[Jesse Cove]

Can't wait. I'm finally here.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I know. You know that I've been trying to get on the show for, I think, over a year.

[Jesse Cove]

Yes.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

With your crazy busy schedule.

[Jesse Cove]

It's been wild.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I know. So I feel so honored. I hope this is okay with you because I know I didn't tell you in advance, but I decided to bring in a co host because I think this is so special. And I was like, I don't know if I'm gonna be able to do this by myself. So I hope it's okay. I don't know if you know this guy and I don't know if he's gonna be a co host, but I hope you're. You're good winging it.

[David Chokachi]

Sure.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So I'm gonna. I'm gonna bring him. Co host. Co host?

[David Chokachi]

What?

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Are you kidding me right now? Are you serious?

[Jesse Cove]

Oh, my God. What? See what?

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

He came out of the. The. The. The ocean.

[Jesse Cove]

So happy to see you. This is amazing. I'm tripping out right now.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I know.

[Jesse Cove]

We were so great.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Are you guys. Episode for you guys that are not watching the video now. David Chokachi in the house.

[Jesse Cove]

You're good.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Wow.

[Jesse Cove]

I had no idea David was going to be here. This is incredible.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Rushing because we're like, we gotta hide. David. We don't want you to find Out. We wanted to surprise you down pch.

[David Chokachi]

Trying to be you. At least you're early.

[Jesse Cove]

Oh, it's good that I was late. Yeah, Meant to be.

[David Chokachi]

Really good.

[Jesse Cove]

This was meant to be.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I know. I'm so excited to have both. And, girls, if you're listening to the audio episode, please go to kondalu show on YouTube so you can see their beautiful face. With all due respect to your significant others, this is massive guy eye candy for you today and massive talent, because

[Jesse Cove]

actually sitting here with our shirts off, you don't even know, but we are.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Hey, listen, feel free to take them off if you feel too hot in the studio, okay? Please.

[Jesse Cove]

I'm just trying to look like David.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I mean, I know, right? But before we start asking Jesse a bunch of questions, I want to tell you guys something really funny. I think you know the story, but I don't think you know the story. Last year, I went to Ken the movie festival, the first time in my life. And there's this huge movie pavilion there, right? Where people are, like, selling movies and. And distributing was la la. So I walk in this massive pavilion. You guys picture this. All countries world. So it's huge. And I literally walk in, and there is a. An enormous, like, the size of a billboard poster. And I see our faces. I'm like, wait a minute.

[David Chokachi]

That is awesome. Yeah, you sent me that. That was so cool.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And I did a video. I'm like, wow. They're more famous than they even know. They're, like, all over the world with this movie. President down.

[Jesse Cove]

Yes.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So let's start with that. So you guys made a movie? You work together.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. There's actually a better backstory. How. I'm sorry, do you want. You want us?

[Jesse Cove]

Well, I think if I'm right. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm just so glad you're here. This is amazing.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

The surprise is like, oh.

[Jesse Cove]

We had mutual friends who have worked with each other on different movies that he's done, and they were always like, oh, like, David Chokuchi does all this animal stuff, and. And Jesse does all this animal stuff. Like, you guys got to work together. I think it was Lori Forte.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. We were doing a movie together.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah.

[David Chokachi]

In February.

[Jesse Cove]

That.

[David Chokachi]

And she's like, you remind me so much of Jesse. I started telling her about Wings of Rescue and the stuff I do, and. And we were at this one location over and over. So there's a lot of times, like, a thriller. So we're just in this green room for hours. You know, that's what like actors do, and we're like. And then we get to this. And so she's connects us. But it was like, you know, everybody's busy.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

You know, but life is so funny. Like, literally within a month or two, we end up doing this.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So you guys knew each other already before you.

[Jesse Cove]

Oh, you did not know she had mutual friends.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Okay. So you didn't meet before you made the movie together. Oh, so you get cast in the same movie. Which is a really cool movie, by the way.

[David Chokachi]

But it's embarrassing. I don't know how I discovered it, or I think whether it was like, there's an email to the cat because there's no rehearsal or anything. And I think you started. He was the lead and he killed it. But he. They started before I got to the set, but I'm looking down. I don't know what. It was a call sheet. And I'm like, we. Jesse Cove. I'm sure. I'm like, my mind is blown. I'm like, oh, my God, dude. Then we started, like, messaging.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, bro.

[David Chokachi]

We're working together.

[Jesse Cove]

It was. We were, like, meant to be. Universe putting us together. Which is true. I mean, that's definitely a.

[David Chokachi]

And one of the coolest things because, like, so real quick. And then I won't hog this because it's just. But so. Because we didn't have rehearsal time. And in the movie, I'm. I'm a senior Secret Service agent, and I've kind of brought him up through the ring.

[Jesse Cove]

My mentor in the film.

[David Chokachi]

So we were, in theory, in story. We've had a lot of history, a lot of time together. So we have a banter. We have a. There's a comfortability factor amongst us. And, you know, so it. You got to establish that in, like, five minutes, you know. But luckily, the coolest thing that happened was I. I get there. I don't know. We maybe had. Because you were already shooting a different scene, but we had maybe had 15 minutes to wrap out and hang out. And we just talked about dogs. And then we. They're like, we're ready for you on set. And. And that's next scene. We're about to go shoot it. It's the scene where you really see there's. There's history between these guys. There's, like unspoken kind of like body language and some nods and some. Whatever you. And because we talked about dogs, we didn't even rehearse, but we had this connection that was way deeper. And then we went and did the scene. I. I look at that. Scene man. I just like we knew each other forever. I totally agree and I think it's honestly it was the dogs.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

It was the dogs.

[David Chokachi]

The dogs can improve your acting career. FYI.

[Jesse Cove]

I always thought there should be. You would agree with me. There should always be like an on set morale dog calming you down. Yes. For everyone I have to agree. I have imagine dogs that are in, in you know, shelters but you grab one that's good, whatever and they get to be on set, someone handles it and they're there every day just hanging out.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh my goodness.

[David Chokachi]

We should make it do a movement for that.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes. I should have brought my dog. So you guys meet. Let's explain to people that don't know you guys because of course I want to talk about Wings of Rescue because you know I'm a huge advocate for animal resc. I don't rescue more dogs because I don't have more space. But rewinding you, were you already doing your work with Wings of Rescue before this?

[Jesse Cove]

No, I wasn't. I didn't even know.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You just love dog.

[Jesse Cove]

Yes.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, you just love like all of us.

[Jesse Cove]

I worked with other different rescues. I stand with my pack Cantu foundation, stand up for pits, bunch of other different ones as well. And, and it Zach show Marley's mutts. And so you know I was always doing stuff for different rescues but then he told me about Wings of Rescue, explained to me what it was and I mean it's, it's unbelievable.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes.

[Jesse Cove]

Such an incredibly well run organized.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Can you guys explain what it is for people that never heard of it?

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, you dude.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. So basically, you know they fly large quantity like so it's a lot of people be like I have nine dogs and they, they can't do that. They have to. But they work with partnered shelters and they're flying at risk dogs non stop like during the week, every weekend, year round. As long as they have funding. It's all donation based. Please go to wings rescue.org donate and they. So for example this the. The there was a flight we loaded at three in the morning in Van Nuys.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So you guys literally go on, you go to the airport, you go to the tarmac, you get dogs from shelter from kill shelters, right? Which that's a whole other episode, right? Because I cannot even believe that this is illegal. It drives me crazy out of my mind. But you guys basically save these dogs and you put them on planes and many times you go on this flight, I think they and you send them to places that they're actually not going to be killed. They're going to be saved and adopted. Correct.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah, there's. There's like all through the eastern seaboard, there's space in the shelters. In California in particular, people don't want large breed dogs for some reason, which blows my mind.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[David Chokachi]

So they are. They're the ones that really get stuck. But on the east coast again and Maine and all those. Those kind of states, they want big dogs.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[David Chokachi]

It's just, you know, you want a big dog up in Maine, you don't want a little thing like that thing will be gone in two minutes by either an eagle or something. Yeah. So they fly at risk pets that are on an imminent euthanasia list. And they are also the only organization that flies into active natural disasters and, and gets the pets out because.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Super nice.

[David Chokachi]

What people. And this happened. I saw it firsthand in the Palisades fire is. Okay, the city's burning, People's homes are burning. Oh my God. What about our dogs? Our cats? And then. So it's an afterthought. But they. Because they've been through this so many times, it wasn't an afterthought for them. So yeah, they. They were on the ground like is I think within like the second day of the fire. And that's the first time I met them. But so. And every time, like that horrible event down in Texas with the floods and the girls, they were all that town got wiped out. So a lot of times they're those kinds of incense incidents. They're lacking supplies. So they'll fly in humanitarian aid, veterinarian aid, food and dog food, cat food, whatever. So they come in fully loaded with aid, which is awesome. And they're just like, boom, here, take it. And then they haul out as many dogs and cats as they can because in those kinds of situations, like so say in the Palisades fire, say there's 3, 000 dogs displaced and we have at cap capacity shelters already. So if they're gonna kill 3,000.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Right. Oh my God.

[David Chokachi]

So they were just like, boom. We would get out. Oh.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And I think it's incredible that you guys, you're crazy busy actor. So is David and you guys use your platform because obviously you have a huge audience to help these animals. I think that's like really, really nice.

[Jesse Cove]

Thank you. I don't. I. I try to just do animals. I don't like to do politics.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

Just.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh my. Yeah, same, same.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, it's. It's an amazing. I'm so honored to be part of that group, I mean, David brought me in, and I just, you know, right away I was like, yes, I want to do this. And, you know, it's basically us in a cargo plane. It's not luxurious at all. You know, we're like in these tight little spaces in the front of the plane. And, you know, sometimes we get to bring out little puppies or cats, kittens, to, like, play with a little bit and, like, you know, give them some love.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You give them a lot of love. You guys give them a lot. And it's interesting. The reason I'm bringing this up, of course, I want more and more people to know about the work they do. But I know that a lot of people that don't live in Hollywood, that don't know this industry, they see you and. And the movies and all that stuff, they think it's all glamorous, right? They think how all these actors in their trailers drinking champagne and everything, and you guys are so down to earth.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah, we're. I think we're a rare breed.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You think you're the. Except.

[David Chokachi]

Well, there's not. Well, I just. Given what we're doing, these flights are usually like. It's usually like about 25 hours or 30 hours of almost no sleep because we fly at night. You. So you're. I get up early, so if I get up at 4 in the morning, we fly all night, we fly into the morning, and then I don't sleep until I get on a commercial plane the next day, fly home. So. And yeah, like Jesse said, it's all you have is about, like. It's like this by this much. And it's on a steel floor, so it's. There's nothing there.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You do it because you love it. Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

It's like acting, right? It's in your blood.

[Jesse Cove]

It's. Yeah, it's a very, you know, spiritually, it's very rewarding. I always feel so grateful to be able to help these animals, you know, get them to a better place. And, you know, even when you're on the flight with them and they're in their little crates, you know, you stick your fingers in and just know that they're going to a better place. It's. It's very touching and. And it's beautiful, really. You know, you feel so good about. About what you're doing, and it's like every time the call comes in, like, hey, we're loading up, it's always like,

[David Chokachi]

I'll be there question, you know, this guy's amazing.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You find time in Your schedule, right?

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

Or you move stuff.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Or you move stuff. So if you're not shooting a movie or you're.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, I'll. That totally. If I can make that a priority, like that's always something I, I would, you know, want to do. Because now, now since I'm in it, all I'll think about is like, oh, they're missing someone who needs help to load a big dog.

[David Chokachi]

You should have seen and see what they think because on Friday night we just did that flight and there's no belt loader so. And there was a couple. There was one dog that was 120 pounds. That's not including the crate. And so we have to hand load up into the hatch and then, you know. And thank God we had Jesse because he's a beast. Like that footage of you just like, you're just like almost single handed.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You're so super tall. Right. I didn't know you were this 63. I did not notice you were this tall on your inst.

[Jesse Cove]

We got to get. The thing is like seven foot. I think you know the, the, the cargo door to.

[David Chokachi]

It's great because like, you know, I think the. The and wings of rescue is not like, hey, we're looking for people to come do this all. They're very selective. Even the how I got picked, I, I started during the Palisades fire. Best friends asked me to go, if you ate money, go load dogs. And I was, I felt like LA was burning. I want to do something. And then Rick the guy. So we get them all out of the rescue. They're on the tarmac and it was super hot and he's like, I need one volunteer to come in and help stack. And I just went in there and I went, I just went head down like a savage and didn't even I could anticipate things. I set the cargo. He's like, how do you know how to set cargo netting? Or like I was like, I work construction. He's like. And I just kept working and I was soaking wet and then I left and he was just, he, he went to the best friends. He was like, who was that guy? And this doesn't really matter. But there he was just like, who was that guy? And they were like, oh, that was the guy from Baywatch. You didn't know that?

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

He's like David Jokici.

[David Chokachi]

But he goes, more importantly, he goes, that's the hardest working volunteer I've ever had. 12 years of running the whole thing. Like. And then like I did six more flights and Then a month later, he called me to be a flight crew member. But Jesse does the same thing.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And I know, I see, I open Instagram. You guys are like, it's like you're every day like, I don't. When do these guys sleep? I think most of us agree that starting a business can feel, honestly terrifying. Although what ifs start creeping in. What if I fail? What if no one buys? What if I don't even know where to start? I remember feeling exactly like that when I launched my body positivity brand, Girly a la mode. But then I found Shopify and everything changed. Shopify made it so easy to actually build my brand. They have hundreds of beautiful ready to use templates. So your store instantly looks elevated and on brand without needing to be a tech expert. And it's not just about design. Shopify really is all in one business partner. From managing inventory to international shipping, to processing returns, they handle all of it. One of my biggest fears was what if nobody finds my brand? But Shopify helps you reach your audience with super simple email and social media campaigns. And if you ever feel stuck, they got 24, seven award winning customer support. Like, you're never doing this alone. The best part, everything lives in one place. Inventory, payments, analytics. No juggling a million platforms. It just makes running your business so much smoother. So you've been sitting around with an idea wondering, what if? It's time to turn those what ifs into real sales. Sign up for your $1 a month trial today at shopify.comcat that's shopify.comkat K A-T shopify.comcat so this is a question that I get a lot and I don't know how to answer. Maybe you guys can answer. You're very busy in this business. You do one movie after the other. How do you stay grounded? Because I, I know I asked you the first time you came to the show because you know, in the, the height of Baywatch fame, like you're on People magazine now, you're doing all these moves. I mean, obviously the attention is crazy, right? How do you. Don't let it go up to your head.

[Jesse Cove]

It's a great question, you know, and one, having grown up in the business, for me, you know, having grown up in the business, I've seen things from a very young age. So I've seen the highs and the lows and I've seen like what works and what doesn't. There is a bit of a struggle with, for me personally, being able to like, really, I'm I'm. I love being busy, so it's very hard for me to stop. Like. It's very hard for me to, like, stop moving. Like, I. Sometimes I get anxiety if I. If I'm not just, like, doing stuff. But it's a practice that I'm. That I'm continuing more. Like, you know, David's so inspiring that he does his meditation and his yoga, and, like, I just. I condone that so much. I think it's amazing. I. I have some of that as well, like, at home, like, when I'm with my own dogs or I'm in my, you know, my infrared sauna at home, just kind of chilling or, like, the gym is a very important place for me that I get to put all that energy out there. But doing stuff like the Wings of Rescue is really rewarding, and it's kind of like getting yourself out of your own head because your attention is on all these animals and what's.

[David Chokachi]

What's.

[Jesse Cove]

What? The. The job at hand, you know, so that's like, a really great way to kind of stay out of it. And also, like, you know, very humbling experience. You know, like, we were in a plane together and. And like, we've got dogs, unfortunately, that are, like, you know, defecating in their crates. And, like, we would get in there and we'd clean it out mid. Mid flight.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, totally. I would do this.

[Jesse Cove]

We can't put it anywhere. It's like, you gotta. You can't, like, throw it out the window. You know, you're putting it in the bag and you. You know, it's just like this sweet little dog, cat, can't do anything, but, you know, just go in there. And so it's like those little moments, and it's. It's definitely an important thing, you know, for people to. To. To stay grounded, you know, because you can get caught up in doing so much. It is.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You can get caught up. Right. Because it is an industry that gives you so much attention. Right. Especially now with social media. You must get dozens, both of you. You must get dozens and dozens of messages, right? Are you married?

[Jesse Cove]

I have a girlfriend.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes.

[Jesse Cove]

We basically are, though.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

How so?

[Jesse Cove]

How.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Because that's another question. How do you handle the attention, the female attention, the dms, the message. No, no, no, no. You. You have to date someone. You have to date someone with really thick skin and strong personality, right?

[Jesse Cove]

Yep. Absolutely. I mean, I'm. I.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Not everybody can date an actor.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, it's true. And she's not even in the business at all, so. I'm. I'm so incredibly lucky that I. I. Her name's Shelby. I have Shelby in my life. She's.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Hi, Shelby. Shout out to Shelby.

[Jesse Cove]

She's been a. Such a rock for me through the whole process. I mean, just over the last, like, you know, we've been together almost six years. The last seven years of my career has just gone like this, and there's been so much going on. And she's been such a grounding force for me to. To be able to do the things that I get to do because she takes care of, you know, our own dogs at home. And I love. Actually, funny story. One of the reasons I fell in love with Shelby was because she had a blue nose. Pit bull. And I don't know if I told you the story, and I was looking on her Instagram when I first met her, I was like, oh, my God. She's kind of blue nose pity, like a. Like a really stocky little beautiful boy.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You fell in love with her dog first?

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah. But I said to myself, you know what? Shelby's awesome because she has to deal with big poops. Like, she picks up big poops from this dog. She doesn't have, like, a little arm candy dog. And I'm like, that means, like, she's awesome. Like, there's something about her that. You know what I mean? She's not afraid to deal with that. She's got a pity.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And I love girl. I always had a. I have one little one, but I have one big one. I always. I love big dogs.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I just. Because I think they're the best workout part. Yeah. I can be having the laziest day, but my dog doesn't let me be lazy. Phoenix is like, mommy, let's call the dog. Let's go. Some days. Because now I'm old. David and I are way older than you by 6pm like, oh, my back. I can't take this because he makes me go out a million times a day. You know, But I love that it's true.

[Jesse Cove]

They keep you going. And to answer your question earlier, like, a lot of the stuff with the attention stuff, and, and, you know, David's under the magnifying glass now more than ever with what he's got going on. You know, it is. It is a strange time because, you know, people are so accessible now more than ever. So there has to be like, you know, either rules set in place or, you know, things that deal with ethics and all that. And. And, you know, Shelby's always someone like, I'm on my phone, all the time on my phone. Too much. It's, it's. It's not a good attribute and I'm.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

But it's part of the business, right? Like I was telling David, doing social media and a lot of people don't understand that. It's a huge part of our business.

[Jesse Cove]

We're always everybody.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Because you have to promote your. If you. If they're not looking at yours, they're looking at somebody else's. Right? So gotta. Now he really stepped up to the plate, David, because it wasn't.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. I mean, when I saw machine.

[Jesse Cove]

You're a machine.

[David Chokachi]

Well, when I saw having cast the show and like, literally it went over to the producer's house and like, he starts breaking out the numbers. Like, as opposed to like, oh, they did this movie and they trained here. It was more. She has this many followers and that's why we're in Caster. I'm like, wow.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah, because so they have the audience, right? And I think every show wants the audience, right?

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. I think it's a. Like, even for this new show, the new Baywatch, it's smart, this pro. You know, there's. There's a handful of actors and then there's a handful of influencers or whatever and who are.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

We'll.

[David Chokachi]

They'll give them, you know, they'll let them grow. Hopefully they take it seriously and are studying and trying to learn their craft, like, because it's not. I love when people, everybody says, you know, oh, I could do that. I could be an actor. And I'm like, really? Have you ever. Okay, imagine this. There's a hundred crew right now all around us. It's a close up on you. You got to walk in, say, carrying a plate and a drink, and you got to hit 3 marks without looking down at the ground and be 1000% natural. Say your lines, do all your business, hit your next mark, stay in focus, hit your third mark and do all that without and then without, like kind of interrupt, like missing a beat. Because if you're out of focus, I mean now it's a little different. They can mess with the, the actual frame. But like back like when I was doing like even Baywatch, if you were like a half inch off your mark, they're like, you're out of focus. And like, oh my God, you're kidding me. Well, why didn't you cut it? Like, why, why didn't you still go? But it's, it's just like, it takes years to find like the skill. And I don't think anybody will ever. You don't ever achieve, like, true. But it, but you get to a point. I think Jesse's doing amazing work. I feel like, like, it's taken me. I'm 58, and I feel like only within the last year and a half, I feel like I'm really doing the best work I've ever done in my life. Even though I did some cool things when I was younger, I just have a different approach. And I, I, I, I love it. I love, like, the process more. And I used to sometimes not love it.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You know, I think you get more and more comfortable in, in your own skin and in front of the camera. Right. The more you.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. And spe yourself, like, a lot of times, like, I'll just. I had some moments, and I'm like,

[Jesse Cove]

no, I'm not saying, yeah, I love that.

[David Chokachi]

You know.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah. I think that's very important to do that.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

And also, what's like, like you said, like, you love the craft more. I think it also has to do with, like, what's more meaningful to you as an artist, as what you're saying. Like, it means more, you know, if you're talking about, if you're being a dad, like, you understand that and you can, like, put that out into the, Absolutely. Into the, into the project and, like, really feel it, you know, and it is a, it is a wild time with all that stuff. You know, you have the, these people with certain brands and followings and whatever. But I feel like it's got to be, like, a balance. Right. It can't all just be numbers, you

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

know, It's a tough balance, though, right?

[Jesse Cove]

For sure.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

It's not easy.

[Jesse Cove]

Oh, yeah. I mean, I have so many friends who've lost out. People who've studied acting for, you know, decades or, you know, minimum 10 years, and they lose a part because, you know, someone's got a big following that maybe has never done a project. I'm not, I'm not saying that they shouldn't be doing that, but I feel like to quickly pull the rug out so quickly because, oh, they've got this audience. I also personally don't think that. And I just worked with someone. I did a Christmas movie with Whitney Levitt from Secret Lives and Mormon Wives. I did her first movie that's coming out in next year in December, and she was amazing to work with. We had such a fun time together, and she asked questions, and she was so grateful to be there and excited. But, you know, I think that what I was saying was you know, I think there has to be that, that balance. You know, I also think it translates better to, to audiences. Like there's a familiarity with, with some of these actors because you know that they're going to bring a certain egg. Oh yeah, totally seen before, you know, like, why do we love to go see Tom Cruise movies?

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Right?

[Jesse Cove]

Tom's amazing.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

We know he's gonna nail it. Yeah, for sure.

[Jesse Cove]

So there's a bit of that as well.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I agree. I don't think anybody wants to see a project like 100 influencers. Everybody wants to see great actors in a movie, TV show, anything, any project. So yes, I agree. Should definitely be a balance.

[Jesse Cove]

Exactly. And to make it about. Not that it's just some influencer that was good for the numbers, but they chose this actor because that actor was good for the character.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes, yes.

[Jesse Cove]

To tell that story.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I'm so glad you're putting it out there. I hope all the, the casting agents are listening because it's a tough business right now. Tough question, but we have to ask. Both of you guys are in fantastic shape. Like, I mean, seriously. And you post like, I'm at the gym, I'm at the gym. I'm like, I don't know when they sleep, but whatever. And it has nothing to do with age because I even. There was a tabloid that wrote something about David, like, David's coming back to Baywatch.

[Jesse Cove]

Every tabloid is talking about David.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I know he's all over the place some 30 years later, right? David. And he's in better shape. Shape or same shape? Not bad. But you're in better shape than some of the dudes they cast. I don't even know their names. With all due respect, you're in better shape than a lot of 20 year olds. 30 years. You are insanely shaved. Good shape. It's a big part of this business, right? Do you guys do. Seems like you do it, but you really love to do it. Do you feel obligated? Like, if I'm not in shape, I'm not gonna get a part. How do you incorporate that in your life?

[David Chokachi]

No, I mean, I, I grew up, you know, playing sports and playing football. So like. And then played all the way through college and I wrestled in high school and then lacrosse in college. And so, so sports and like in fitness, like, so you're always banging weights, you're always running, you're always training and I just all it, it's always been a way for me, honestly, like for mental health. It's like if you're, if you're feeling any kind of like, you know, you just have a shitty day and you come home, you're like, if you went sat on the couch, it's going to amplify. If you went for a run, you're going to come home. And like now all these positive chemicals had like endorphins are kicking. You're like, wow, life's not so bad, you know. So yeah, I think, you know, exercise is, you know, it's twofold. Like a, it's like first of all, it's gonna help in our business, clearly.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Right? That's one thing I was gonna say. Let's be honest. If you were in horrible, like if you aged really poorly, you would not be back on, baby.

[Jesse Cove]

Not.

[David Chokachi]

No, not close.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

No.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So it's a big part of, of your work, what you do.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah, I saw that even when I got on the show in the beginning I was, I saw like, I mean I showed up in shape, but I saw what worked and I was like, okay, like really quickly because I was stepping into a well oiled machine, you know, And I was like, oh my God. Like I was. My first day. I was so. My first scene is so brutal. I can't, I'm like, I can't. Even when I see it, I almost go. It goes. Takes me back there. But I was like, okay. So the more fit I was like, the more the audience paid attention, the more the writers paid attention, the more episodes they would put me in. It's basically you can create your own future. You can kind of manifest it by being super disciplined. And I would go work with my acting coach every night and it was like, that was just an everyday routine. And. And sure enough, I like, even when I got the offer, it was like, like, yeah, you got Baywatch after all these auditions and a swim test and a studio test. But here's the. There you go. Yeah, it's a five year deal, but here's the deal where they're only guaranteeing you 7 out of 22. You're kind of on a probation deal where they can. I didn't know they could just drop you at 7 or like never or that's it or. And I was like, oh, so now I was like. But I, I just, they use it as more fuel and I end up doing like 19 or 20 my first season out of 22. So. And it's just. Yeah, for a show like that, like, it's like if you show up and bang in shape, they're gonna pay attention and you will work more. You will get paid more and your. Your storyline will, will develop.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

How about you? Were you always like a, a gym rat or.

[Jesse Cove]

I like, like, like David, I played sports when I was younger, and then when I was, like, 19.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Did you ever play basketball?

[Jesse Cove]

Because I did.

[David Chokachi]

I played football.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I know. You're huge.

[Jesse Cove]

This is the big. Yeah, I didn't get, like, big, big until probably my, my mid-20s, but I loved, always loved working out. It became such a part of my life. It's like, you know, same thing. It's like mental health for me. I, if I don't get it in at some point during the day, I, like, I get a little bit stir crazy. Yeah, it's such a.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So you guys work out seven days a week?

[Jesse Cove]

At least five.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Okay, people, you're listening. Go to the gym.

[David Chokachi]

I know the whole recovery thing. I mean, after the wings, the Wings of Rescue flights, though, I was so broken, I couldn't do anything like, like,

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

that is a workout.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And you're letting this be honest. My back was so, like, you're doing Wings of Rescue. Guys literally go to their Instagrams and you can see the videos. You, I mean, you're. You're loading a plane full of dog cr. I.

[Jesse Cove]

It's worse if you do cats because there's so many more cats. So you're bending down like, 300 times.

[David Chokachi]

And the plane is also like, I, I'm not obviously, as tall as this guy, but I can't stand, like, I can't stand straight. Like, so it's. You're kind of like this. So your back is already, like, throttled, and then you're. Yeah, so it definitely works on you, but.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So in other words, no excuse, right? No excuse. It's like, to be a part of your life. And I'm glad you guys mentioned mental health.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah. It's for your longevity of life as well. Working out is literally the elixir of life. Like, if you want to look good forever and also, like, keep your heart and your body in good shit. Like working out and having exercise and even whether it's running or yoga, just staying, you know, physically active.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Do something. How'd you break in the business?

[Jesse Cove]

I, I, well, I was always in theater growing up, you know, I, I.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Where'd you grow up?

[Jesse Cove]

I grew up in la.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, okay.

[Jesse Cove]

A few people from Los Angeles.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Are you from la?

[Jesse Cove]

I went to Beverly Hills High School.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Like, oh, wow.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, you're a posh Beverly Hills baby. I'm like, are you a trust fund baby?

[Jesse Cove]

No, no.

[David Chokachi]

But his dad is right.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

No.

[Jesse Cove]

Martin Cove from Cobra Kai. Karate Kid. No, I like it. This is good. This is good.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Listen, I'm really good doing my homework.

[David Chokachi]

It's okay.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

But I didn't go, like, towards your family. You see, like, I have.

[Jesse Cove]

My dad always joked there would be a time where he. I would get introduced as like, instead of, oh, this is. This is Marty's son, Jesse. Now it's. This is Jesse's father.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

No, I did not go that far. I know Cobra Kai and everything, but I did not figure out who you're that.

[David Chokachi]

But if you've met it, I mean, you would know. You'd be like, oh, yeah, of course.

[Jesse Cove]

He's a veteran of this business.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

For 60 years.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

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[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Okay, so it was in your blood. You grew up. You're like, I'm gonna be like, I want to follow my dad's footsteps.

[David Chokachi]

What was your first, like, big thing? Like, where did you break?

[Jesse Cove]

Probably Cobra Kai was probably the most. The biggest attention that I started getting from there.

[David Chokachi]

And how many episodes you get on that?

[Jesse Cove]

I just did one in season three. But it was a really important episode because it set up so much back history to why the show is the way it is now and to the original Karate Kid movies. Like, I played the. I played the bully that bullies my dad's character from. From the show and the original movies.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, we gotta go back and watch

[Jesse Cove]

Goes to War and like all this, it's a really, like, It's a great. It's also the first time they started doing flashbacks within the series, so.

[David Chokachi]

Oh, and explains why you are that way. You are.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah. And him as well, and why he. How. Why he started Cobra Kai from the movies and from the show. So it was a really. It was a great experience. We shot in Atlanta. It was. It was amazing. You know, my co star, Barrett Carnahan, who played young Kreese, is just incredible actor, and he's great. And yeah, that was probably for sure. The most attention was. Was from that. I mean, that was just explosive. I mean, I do comic cons around the world, you know, from that, which has been such a blessing. And then just, you know, I'm a workhorse. So, like, you know, every year has just been, like, building.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And I mean, your schedule is packed.

[Jesse Cove]

Yes.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You always have something go like, I'm leaving again.

[Jesse Cove]

I'm like, David and I are trying to do stuff. More stuff together. We have stuff in development now. You know, we have. We have a dinner meeting with a director later this week.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, that's so cool. Make sure you come back to give me first dibs once you can talk about it. You guys are the one.

[Jesse Cove]

Incorporate animals into it too.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes, always. No, this is. It's fun because, you know, David was on my show, like, literally a little bit over a year ago.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

It was March 2024. And he was so nice because my studio was in West Hollywood. And he was like, oh. And it was raining. Raining. It was pouring buckets. And he showed, and I was grateful. I'm like, oh. And then we start talking about dogs.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And I'm like, I'm a huge dog rescuer. I actually like dogs more Than, like, people.

[David Chokachi]

Same.

[Jesse Cove]

I say that all the time.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So bad. Like, so bad. It's difficult to drag me out of my house, I swear to God, because I am so happy being home with my dogs. And people think I'm crazy. They're like, cat, you have a dating relationships. You are not crazy, so you gotta go and date and have relationships. I'm like, I thought I wanted a relationship, but now I'm, like, so happy with my dogs, you know? So I'm, like, really at this happy spot, like, just really enjoying my dogs and my work right now. So we connected because of our love for rescuing dogs.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah. It's such a connector. It's amazing because I think. I think he was my name, Bill Murray. He's like. Like, if he said this, he's like, if you're a person who doesn't like dogs, I. I can guarantee you one thing. I won't be friends with you. And there's probably something.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes.

[David Chokachi]

Like, off with you.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Like, right.

[David Chokachi]

I feel like it's a. It's just like, it's a. It's like a character indicator, I think so.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I think if a dog. Like, if my dog, he picks up energy and he's the sweetest dog on the planet. If he barks at someone, it's usually a person with really bad energy. There's something wrong. I think that's a good. Like you said you fell in love with your girlfriend and her dog. I think that's a really good thermometer for people. I don't want to be around people that don't like animals.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, same. Totally.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I don't want to have nothing to do with you.

[Jesse Cove]

That's how my. Our other friend. My friend who I brought into Wings of Rescue, Nathan. Nathan the cat lady. He's. He's, you know, he's got, like, four cats. He's always making jokes on Instagram about people that don't like cats.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I. Well, cats. I have to admit, I'm allergic. I'm severely allergic. Not that I don't like very specific, but I literally ended up in the hospital because of a cat. My sister gave me a cat, like, two decades ago, and I ended up in intensive care.

[Jesse Cove]

Oh, wow.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Because it was a very serious allergy,

[Jesse Cove]

you know, so stay away from cats.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yes, please. The. When I go doings of rescue, I have to do the dogs.

[David Chokachi]

You will not want to be on our cat flights.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I can't. Like, I'll literally die.

[David Chokachi]

But even though, like, I. I'm. I'm obsessed with, like, the. The Special ops world. And I have buddies who came out of the seals and, and how they come back and you know what's going on in terms of their mental health and the healing power of dogs. Like their innate healing power.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh yeah.

[David Chokachi]

Mind blowing. If you tap into it or another thing is just like watching a dog. Like if you lived your life, how a dog wakes up every day and goes about his day, this whole world would be high fiving. Everybody on the street, they wake up and they start wagging their tail. It's like, boom, we're going, listen, they're

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

loyal, I always say. Right? If humans were as loyal as dogs. Right?

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

They're loving. They're just so. I believe they're angels in this world.

[Jesse Cove]

They would die for you. They wouldn't even think twice about it.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah, I would totally die for my.

[David Chokachi]

They have. I, I listen to this podcast about a vet who came back and he was, you know, a top tier guy, you know, apex predator, doing the nasty stuff that they have to do for our country and came back and then the tr. There's no transition for these guys and get one down the drain. Like everything he was, he was really close to suicidal and then he found this. There's. It's a program I think in. I don't know if it's Idaho, but they, they, they, they're, they're not emotional support dogs, but they will. You apply you, you tell them your background and they kind, they match a dog, the dog's personality with the individual. Who's this? It's all for vets. And then you go up there for two weeks and they kind of, of, they introduce you and the dog. And I mean the guy's story is he, he went from the lowest, darkest place in his life. He's thriving because of it. You know, the dog is his.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Healed him and oh my God.

[David Chokachi]

So, and there's so many stories of that. Like it's, it's really, that's why when we see the stuff we see, it's like, how can you be so, you know, like breeders, for example, if they have 10 puppies coming out of that, they'll keep six.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh my God, please don't talk. I can't. I like, I die. I can't even like it makes me want to cry. So how many dogs do you guys have now?

[Jesse Cove]

I have three.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Three?

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah. I have a three legged pit bull that I rescued from Mexico. Brody or the blue nose. I got a little tiny, little like Chihuahua type mixed dog I rescued. And then I have a Cat as well.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You have a cat?

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah.

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Okay. Do you guys want to have kids?

[David Chokachi]

Yeah.

[Jesse Cove]

I mean, we basically have kids now, but yeah, that's always something we're talking about.

[David Chokachi]

It's the first step. The dogs, then the kid.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah. Because you. So what do you have coming up? You have a lot of projects coming out.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, there's. There's a lot. The one I'm most excited about right now, it's because it's also coming out before other things called the Last Firefighter. It's a firefighter drama I did with Jon Voight, Kelsey Grammer. Wow.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, my God. I worked with Kelsey Grammar. He's so fabulous, right?

[Jesse Cove]

So great.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah, I did a show with him a million years ago, but it stayed on the. The Last Tycoon.

[Jesse Cove]

Oh, wow.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

You guys can watch it on Amazon.

[David Chokachi]

Z4. Funny and relaxing.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

He's so nice, right, Jesse?

[Jesse Cove]

So nice. Just really. It keeps to himself. But if you go talk to him, he's very open.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah, he's really nice.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, he's such a. He's so, like, poetic in the way he talks. He's so intelligent and he knows about history. I mean, he's a. He's such a thespian. You know, he came from, like, Broadway, New York. He's done a lot out there, and he's just a really, really cool guy.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

So when is this coming out?

[Jesse Cove]

This? I. They're trying to get a theatrical release right now, and then I think it's gonna be on Paramount plus in the early fall or end of summer, I believe. So. It's. Yeah, it's a great story. I'm really, really. It's got a bit of a spiritual twist at the end. It's beautiful story and it's gonna be great. Working with John was so much fun. He's such a. I mean. I mean, John is like in his mid-80s and he's just so active. He's like shadow boxing me all the time.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

That is so cool.

[Jesse Cove]

He's just awesome. Yeah. And he's become a friend. He's such a gentle guy. He's really. He calls me up, asks how I'm doing. Oh, you want to grab a coffee?

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, my God, that is so nice.

[Jesse Cove]

He's just such a. He's such a humble guy. One of the best stories I from this was I. When we were filming the movie, I said to John, I was like, you know, do you want to go, like, talk to some firefighters and, like, go. And. And he's like, yeah, I'd love to. I'D love to do that. And so I went to the Studio City Fire. Studio City Fire Department. I literally just knocked on their door, and I was like, like, they're like, hey, are you okay? And I was like, yeah, yeah. I'm an actor. I'm about to do a firefighter movie with John Void. And, you know, we're wondering if maybe we come in and just chat with you guys. And they were like, oh, are you serious? We'd love that. And they said, why don't you guys come on, like, Sunday and we'll, like, cook a lunch for you and do a whole thing.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, wow.

[Jesse Cove]

And so we went, and they, like, you know, they cleaned up the place and they made their beds perfect. And I mean, you know, especially with John, and, you know, they were some of his political ties. I think they really wanted to, you know, impress him a bit or whatever. And. And they were just also big fans. And so we went there and these guys were just so cool. And I mean, you. You know, these guys, they're just amazing. And we sat with them for, like, seven hours, and we just chatted and they told stories and we. We asked questions. They asked about our movie. And, you know, we took some of that stuff with us. And after we did that, you know, John's like, hey, do you want to rehearse a little bit for some of our stuff that's come up? I was like, yeah. And I was like, I know a great coffee place down the street.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Oh, wow.

[Jesse Cove]

I remember I was grabbing a coffee. And this is also part of those. These are the moments that keep you humble, right? It's. You have to literally remember these moments. Like, I was inside. He was sitting outside of the table. I was grabbing a coffee inside. And I remember walking outside with my coffee and his coffee. And I look over and I see Jon Voight sitting at the coffee table with his script open, waiting for me to, like, study with.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Well, some people, instead of keeping them humble, they'll be like, ah, I'm in a movie with dumb, but I'm the boss. So it's because I think it's your personality that you're so down to earth. And I think this is a really nice message for younger because you're very young, but there are younger actors out there. They think they're going to come to Hollywood and everything is going to be easy, right? And they let success go up to there. Unfortunately, a lot of them end up getting tangled up with drugs and alcohol. So I think you are. Obviously, Dave does well, but you're such a fantastic example of someone who is crazy busy, beautiful, incredible career. But you're doing all, everything right. You're really like, he's one of the

[David Chokachi]

most generous human beings. Like, oh, my God, I love your brother.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I am so honored that I have two super talented, super busy guys here. Thank you, guys. It's amazing. I'm so happy that I brought you guys together. I know.

[David Chokachi]

That was so cool.

[Jesse Cove]

We like a part two and three. Yes. To go.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Well, we, I, I, can I book you for, like, next year?

[David Chokachi]

Because let's bring the dogs. Can we bring dogs next time, please?

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I, I, I, I should have brought my dogs because they would have been so happy.

[Jesse Cove]

They're so easy.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Especially Phoenix, my lab, because he loves people, you know, I should have brought them to. Yeah, next time for sure. But yes, I would love to have you back. Congratulations on your huge success. Before I let you go. Last but not least, because I know I'm gonna get this message. Anybody out there trying to break into this career, they're like, and I hear this, this phrase all the time, and I think it's funny. They're like, oh, I'm gonna give it a year. If it doesn't work, like, well, I think it's a little longer there.

[David Chokachi]

But any tips extra zero.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Right. Exactly. Right. But any tips that you can leave here that might help someone get started or not give up.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, it just, it takes time. I mean, you, it takes time to build your own, your own style. It takes time. You know, there's there and just, you know, not taking no for an answer. And time is your friend. Use that time to be, to, to study, to study the craft. Eventually you become good at what you do. It becomes noticed, and you just keep chipping away at it. And then when it finally hits, you're ready for it. So time, time is your friend.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And don't give up. Right?

[Jesse Cove]

And don't give up. Absolutely. Don't give up.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

And go to the gym every day. Yeah.

[David Chokachi]

And also live your life. Because a lot of people, I used to have buddies who just wouldn't leave because they have, like an audit. They might miss an audition. I'm like, man, I'm going camping somewhere or going, we're going whatever, mountain biking in Moab in Utah. And like, I would always be going. And I was getting life experiences while they're sitting there waiting for the phone to ring. And I ended up doing this. When I was shooting this TV show called Witchblade, there was a, this is like pre Internet or there was a Thing called casting log run by a casting director. And she call. We were doing an interview, and I told her my approach. Basically, like, I just go live life, and I use the experiences I get by living life. I can then bring back to whatever I'm going to work on. And she's like, that is the smartest answer I've ever heard. Because everybody thinks the opposite. Like, you got to be here and stay here and, like, you might miss them. Like, but you're. You're not growing when you're sitting by the waiting for the phone. You got to, like. Like, you've got to go out and, you know, get some marks on you and then come back and then you have something to bring to your character.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

I love that.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah, so true. It's, you know, you're bringing life to your character. It's where. Pulling from those experiences. Yeah, so true.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate you. Jesse, congratulations on the incredible work you do. And yes, part two. Yes, I have your commitment here. Let's sign in blood.

[David Chokachi]

She was like, I can't get this guy in here.

[Jesse Cove]

We're on David's army, right? Writes all the notes on his arms.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Came is because I sent a video of David saying, hey, you got to go to Canada.

[Jesse Cove]

He told me you were a friend. And I was like, oh, any friend of David, you know, I thought you knew. No, I didn't realize. No.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Okay, now you. Thank you, David. Of course I'm going to start using you to book other people now. I'm going to use you.

[Jesse Cove]

I have people that would come.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Yeah. Now I'm going to start going to other.

[Jesse Cove]

Yeah.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

Thank you, guys. I appreciate you so much. Congratulations on your amazing success. You guys go to the gym.

[Jesse Cove]

Wings of Rescue.org.

[Cat (Podcast Host)]

yes. And by the way. Yeah. I forgot one minor detail. I'm gonna put the. The link here to Wings of Rescue so you guys can see their beautiful work. And I'm wearing a T shirt. I was gonna forget about it. My dog is nicer than you. Usually we. We give 10 of all proceeds to shelters, but the entire month that Jess's episode is running on. On Cat on the Loose. So I. I think it's going to be April through May, I don't know, for 60 days. We're giving 100 of the proceeds of all our dog collections to Wings of Rescue. So, guys, go on the link shop, help us rescue more dogs, because you're saving a life. And if you have room in your homes and your hearts, rescue a friend. Right? So the link is here on this episode. Okay, guys, go there and get some merch. Thank you guys. You're amazing. Awesome.

[Jesse Cove]

Thank you, Cat. See you next time.

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