Off Duty Actors

Rachel Di Renzo

Imagine this: you're having a bloody great yap about the acting industry with your mate. You exchange ideas, tips, insights, stories, successes, fails and suddenly? You realise there's no such thing as an expiration date. Listen in for a sneak peak into the film industry and the hustle of actors, writers, directors, producers, agents, casting directors and more. Welcome to the Off Duty Actors pod hosted by Rachel Di Renzo.

  1. Rebecca Dyson-Smith: The On-Set Experience and Finding Your Creative Path by Not Sleep Walking Through Life

    1 DAY AGO

    Rebecca Dyson-Smith: The On-Set Experience and Finding Your Creative Path by Not Sleep Walking Through Life

    Welcome to Off Duty Actors! You might recognise our stunning guest Rebecca Dyson-Smith “Becca” from shows such as Slow Horses, The Queens Gambit, SAS Rogue Heroes, the list goes on. In this episode we chat about how Becca found her point of difference in her German heritage and used it to her advantage, creating work for herself before she even left acting school and how she maintains a consistent flow in her career.  We chat about studying acting in Scotland, hierarchy on-set (do you introduce yourself to Number One on the call sheet or do you wait for them to introduce themselves?), advocating for yourself in hairy scenes, enjoying and finding fulfilling work outside of acting, the audition experience with Nina Gold for Slow Horses, the actors anxiety and finding the creative path that works for you. I particularly enjoy our back and forth on the little things, like habit forming and making sure you’re not sleep walking through life... ya know, little things. Becca and I really delve into the nuances of the creative brain and it’s SO MUCH FUN.  I loved this episode, it’s an intellectually stimulating chat about acting, being on-set, career advice and figuring it out between two very curious actors. So please enjoy this chat with actress Rebecca Dyson-Smith. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo, music is One Woman Band by Grace Mesa and sourced from Premium Beat. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by me, Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    47 min
  2. Actor Mirko Grillini - On Embracing Your Accent, The Study of Acting and Forging Your Own Path

    26 FEB

    Actor Mirko Grillini - On Embracing Your Accent, The Study of Acting and Forging Your Own Path

    It was a beautiful reunion, interviewing my mafia boss father from my second-ever short film, actor Mirko Grillini, more than a decade after we wrapped. It’s a reminder of how important the relationships you form early in your career can be! You might recognise Mirko from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Wanted (Netflix), Underbelly Files: Infiltration, or the recently AACTA Award–nominated Not Russian Anywhere. His journey began in Bologna, Italy, where he worked as a model before moving to London to work in an Italian restaurant, casually meeting the likes of Princess Diana, Jerry Lewis, and Paul Newman, before eventually beginning his acting career in Australia, “despite his accent.” We dive into his path to becoming an actor: from making pasta from scratch to studying at The Actors Conservatory; leaving an agent who saw his accent and heritage as obstacles rather than strengths; and now mentoring the next generation about the realities of life on set. Mirko shares stories of a life rich in food, experience, love, and craft. We also talk about his work in writing, producing, and teaching, and the value of strong casting and on-set relationships, qualities that have earned him deep respect in the Australian industry. It’s essentially two Italians joyfully talking each other’s ears off and what a joy it was. I recommend this episode to anyone who thinks their accent might be a “problem,” actors just starting out, or anyone tempted to give acting a crack for the sheer love of it. Mirko shares his hard-earned wisdom, and I was beyond chuffed to hear his story. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo, music is One Woman Band by Grace Mesa and sourced from Premium Beat. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by me, Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    48 min
  3. This month on Yapper Board: The New Hollywood: How Margot Robbie, Personal Branding & Film Marketing Are Reshaping Hollywood | The Rise of Actor-Led Empires | Wuthering Heights Redefining Success

    20 FEB

    This month on Yapper Board: The New Hollywood: How Margot Robbie, Personal Branding & Film Marketing Are Reshaping Hollywood | The Rise of Actor-Led Empires | Wuthering Heights Redefining Success

    Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights" first thoughts, Lucky Chap and Margot Robbie are redefining the cinema experience, SEND HELP! (but don't!) Personal Branding & What TV We're Watching Right Now!  Welcome to February’s Yapper Board Session with your hosts Actor Rachel Di Renzo and Creative Producer Brooke Lagana. In this episode of Yapper Board, Rachel and Brooke dive into the evolving landscape of film and television, exploring how cinema is transforming into a fully immersive cultural experience. From Margot Robbie’s influence on modern film marketing (hello premiere dresses made out of hair) to the rise of actor-driven branding, they unpack the forces, such as Jacob Elordie’s golden tooth, shaping entertainment today. After a Valentines Day screening with her mum, Rachel’s “Wuthering Heights” gushing review is in and it might be controversial considering the conversations happening online! A deep dive into performances, Director Emerald Fennell’s casting choices, production design, costume design, reimagining and taking on a beloved (and heavily adapted) book - there was a lot to discuss. Send Help! But don’t if we’re stuck on an island with Dylan O’Brien and Rachel McAdam’s because there is fan-girling flying around this movie chat - we are obsessed. MASSIVE stamp of approval, being dubbed as an actually very fucking funny comedy thriller featuring flawless chemistry, impeccably well paced storyline and phenomenal acting. Chemistry casting is back! What are we watching? TV Shows such as Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette (Yesssss) Amadeus (Fuck yesssss) Under Salt Marsh (FUCK YES!!!) The conversation explores authenticity, chemistry between actors, and why audiences today crave entertainment that transports them emotionally. Key word there: ENTERTAINMENT. A deep dive into the intersection of storytelling, marketing, and cultural influence in modern cinema. We chat about the evolution of cinema as spectacle, Margot Robbie’s cultural and commercial influence, personal branding in Hollywood, the power of authenticity in actors and how marketing is the real determiner of a films success. So strap in, this Yapper Board Yap Session is all about entertainment and the reimagining of what it means to release a movie as a filmmaker 🎬 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo and Brooke Lagana. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    48 min
  4. Darren Raymond : Exploring The Power of Shakespeare Through Intermission Youth Theatre in London

    12 FEB

    Darren Raymond : Exploring The Power of Shakespeare Through Intermission Youth Theatre in London

    Welcome to Off Duty Actors! I had the absolute pleasure of interviewing The Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Intermission Youth Theatre, Darren Raymond. Darren was announced as a recipient of the 2025 Sam Wanamaker Award, presented by Shakespeare’s Globe in London. This prestigious award recognises individuals who have made pioneering contributions to Shakespearean Theatre, bringing understanding and enjoyment through Shakespeare’s works. It’s cited that Darren was awarded for nearly 20 years of life-changing work, specifically through Intermission Youth, which is an organisation dedicated giving young people the tools and opportunity to make positive choices, to become the best version of themselves through theatre and Shakespeare.  We chat about Darren’s early life growing up in East London, what lead him to discover Shakespeare, how he was randomly (was it random or by design?) cast in Othello, and how touring the UK and making meaningful connections lead him to Intermission Youth. In his work, Darren challenges the status quo, and his plays delve into the experiences and challenges faced by people from the African and Caribbean diaspora. I lead a comedy writing workshop for Intermission back in London and I was apart of a mentorship program; I can confidently say that both of those experiences were incredible opportunities to teach really smart, invested and creative young people valuable skills. The environment Darren and his team have fostered is one of connection, artistic expression and inclusion. So please enjoy this important and beautiful conversation with Darren Raymond.  You can check out Intermission Youth Theatre here: https://www.intermissionyouththeatre.co.uk/  Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo, music is One Woman Band by Grace Mesa and sourced from Premium Beat. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by me, Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    46 min
  5. Actor Poppy Gilbert : On-Set Endurance & The Nuance of ‘When You Stop People Pleasing, People Stop Being Pleased’

    5 FEB

    Actor Poppy Gilbert : On-Set Endurance & The Nuance of ‘When You Stop People Pleasing, People Stop Being Pleased’

    Welcome to an infectious episode of Off Duty Actors featuring actor Poppy Gilbert! You may know this dazzling redhead from My Oxford Year (Netflix), The Catch (Prime), My Week with Macy alongside Joanna Lumley. Last year she returned to The Globe Theatre to portray Desdemona in OTHELLO and you’ll see her in The Other Bennet Sister (Coming March 2026), where she plays the iconic Lizzie Bennet. Poppy’s career is absolutely one to watch, as is the musical production she’s currently starring in, Fly By, written and directed by Theo James, which makes its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough this April - May (tickets linked below). We chat about her early career moves, performing Shakespeare at The Globe, finding her agent and landing her first job out of drama school on Call the Midwife. Poppy opens up about the challenges of being away on set, the intricacies of setting boundaries at work as an actor and shares wonderful insight into her character building process. She also talks candidly about balancing that niggling feeling of imposter syndrome with the grounding belief of “I deserve to be here.” Bloody oath, this one is a jam-packed episode. All in all, Poppy is an absolute joy to chat with. Her hard work and professionalism are evident, while she still carries a beautiful lightness into the job. Please enjoy this episode with the stunning Poppy Gilbert.  Fly By: 3 April - 16 May in London  https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/flyby/ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo, music is One Woman Band by Grace Mesa and sourced from Premium Beat. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by me, Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    46 min
  6. Lainy Boyle : London based Actor and Casting Studio Owner On Releasing Expectations and Owning Your Audition Experience

    29 JAN

    Lainy Boyle : London based Actor and Casting Studio Owner On Releasing Expectations and Owning Your Audition Experience

    Welcome to Off Duty Actors! If you’re an actor living in London, you’re gonna wanna listen to this episode featuring the lovely Lainy Boyle. You might recognise her from shows such as The Good Ship Murder, 3 Body Problem, Maternal, Casualty and the upcoming mini series Jack the Ripper: Written in Blood. But if you’re an actor, you’d know her friendly face soothing your nerves in a casting at Observatory Studios. Lainy and her husband Nigel took over running the infamous Observatory Studios, in London’s Soho in 2023, a casting studio that books spaces for casting directors from the UK and all over the world. I had the pleasure of working and learning from Lainy at the studios while I was living in London and if there’s one thing we can both attest to; working at a casting studio really does change the way you approach auditions. We chat about the decision to take over Observatory studios, what it’s like being two actors with children who also run a business and how Lainy approaches her acting career with a no gatekeeping and no expectations approach. We relive some of the most hilarious and daunting casting situations, plus some stories and casting goss (no names obviously) from the studio that we’ve witnessed which turned out to be great learning experiences. We chat about being a creative in the school environment, the reality of being cut from the edit in TV shows and movies, the REAL reason you may not be cast in something and how to have a f**king great time in your audition. So please enjoy this episode with the lovely Lainy Boyle. Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo, music is One Woman Band by Grace Mesa and sourced from Premium Beat. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by me, Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    47 min
  7. Yapper Board: Golden Globes Nominees & Winners Review, Oscars Predictions, Why Hamnet Ruined Us! Frankenstein & Wuthering Heights, Film Industry Trends and How Heated Rivalry is Moving The Needle

    23 JAN

    Yapper Board: Golden Globes Nominees & Winners Review, Oscars Predictions, Why Hamnet Ruined Us! Frankenstein & Wuthering Heights, Film Industry Trends and How Heated Rivalry is Moving The Needle

    Your favourite Creative Producer + Actor duo are back to yap. This week on Off Duty Actors: Yapper Board Sessions, we’re diving headfirst into Frankenstein, dipping our toes into Wuthering Heights (we’re in our Jacob Elordi Era) Marty Supreme, Heated Rivalry, The Housemaid, awards season chaos, and the full-blown trauma-bonding cinematic experience that is Hamnet. Welcome back, happy 2026. How are we holding up? More importantly… how are we holding up after Hamnet? Did you bring tissues, or did you convince yourself you’d be fine? (Adorable. Incorrect.) In this episode, we unpack the cinema experience of Frankenstein (and ask the very serious question: why on earth was this dumped on streaming?) with wildly different takes from both sides of the mic. The Housemaid gets its moment (why on earth did this get a cinema release?) but Amanda Seyfried saves the day, secures Rachel’s undying devotion, and reminds us what movie-star performances look like. Brooke breaks down Marty Supreme and what to expect from the Safdie brothers’ signature chaos: does it live up to the hype, the marketing blitz, and Timothée Chalamet’s alleged six years of ping-pong prep? Then, speaking of sports we know absolutely nothing about, we deliver a glowing review of Heated Rivalry and unpack how a TV show about two gay hockey players can genuinely move culture. Episode Five, last ten minutes. If you know, you know. Finally, we emotionally spiral (again) as we relive the Hamnet experience: Chloé Zhao’s direction, Jessie Buckley’s devastating, guttural performance, and why Paul Mescal’s quiet, restrained Shakespeare may have been exactly what this film needed. Bring back cinema, because watching Hamnet in a packed theatre surrounded by strangers simultaneously experiencing genuine human connection might just restore your faith in humanity. So settle in and enjoy our first Yapper Board episode of the Year of the Horse. 🎬 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok, this episode is available on Spotify, iTunes and Substack. Hosted by Rachel Di Renzo and Brooke Lagana. Like, subscribe and share if it tickles your fancy. This podcast is brought to you by Rachel Di Renzo, actor, screenwriter, producer and now, podcaster. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening to Off Duty Actors, now go make the thing.

    45 min
  8. Yapper Board: Christmas Movies, I Love LA, Bugonia & Unhinged Female Leads | Have Christmas Films Lost Their Magic & What Does Netflix buying Warner Brothers Mean For Hollywood & The Film Industry

    19/12/2025

    Yapper Board: Christmas Movies, I Love LA, Bugonia & Unhinged Female Leads | Have Christmas Films Lost Their Magic & What Does Netflix buying Warner Brothers Mean For Hollywood & The Film Industry

    In this episode of Yapper Board, actor and ODA host Rachel Di Renzo and creative producer Brooke Lagana discuss the success and standout artistry of Bugonia, the idea of female leads being “unlikable,” The Beast in Me (and the heavy breathing we all noticed), and (how could we not) the Netflix acquisition of Warner Brothers, which we distilled into two succinct paragraphs so we can accurately understand what this means for the film industry. I Love LA joins the conversation, along with our thoughts on how we’re all just hoping and waiting for the next Girls. We also chat about Christmas films, the old vs. the new and ask, where has the magic gone? We hope this episode can bring you some joy as we grieve the devastation and loss that took place in Bondi last weekend. Our thoughts are with the families of loved ones who passed, and we stand with the Jewish community during this time of unimaginable devastation. We’re also thinking of our Bondi community, which Brooke and I were a part of for many years. Below are some helplines for anyone who may be struggling: We Are Stronger Together: Pledge Support for Jewish Australians LifeLine Beyond Blue 13 YARN on 13 92 76 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 Headspace on 1800 650 890 ReachOut SANE on 1800 187 263

    45 min
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About

Imagine this: you're having a bloody great yap about the acting industry with your mate. You exchange ideas, tips, insights, stories, successes, fails and suddenly? You realise there's no such thing as an expiration date. Listen in for a sneak peak into the film industry and the hustle of actors, writers, directors, producers, agents, casting directors and more. Welcome to the Off Duty Actors pod hosted by Rachel Di Renzo.

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Di Renzo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Di Renzo
  • Show Website
    Off Duty Actors