The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World

actorsguidepodcast
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Two actors, E-Kan Soong and Rían Sheehy Kelly talk acting and Hollywood in a way people understand. Dive into the most interesting headlines you need to know from the ever changing Hollywood industry as they share hilarious stories and insights from on set and off, and find joy along the ride. Frank, informative, and entertaining conversations for those in and out of the industry. All the world’s a stage, and this stage is on fire... but you know E-Kan and Rian are going to have a laugh either way. Watch and listen to new episodes every Monday wherever you find your podcasts! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack for all the best moments from the show. Follow E-Kan @ekansoong and Rían @riansheehykelly on Instagram

  1. 3D AGO

    SAG-AFTRA vs Seedance 2.0 - The AI Threat Gets Real

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 68! Seedance 2.0, an AI video generator, just dropped new videos from the program and shots are fired. SAG-AFTRA immediately released their firmest statement yet declaring why it's infringement on its actors and stands by studios like Disney which has already sent cease-and-desist letters. E-Kan and  Rían break down why this AI feels different—because honestly, the Walter White videos look straight out of Breaking Bad, and so does the viral clip of Brad Pitt fighting Tom Cruise. Rían pushes back with the ultimate question: "Once I know it's AI, why would I care?"  which prompts a debate -  who has more to lose?  This is what actors need to know right now and could non-established creators might look at this as an opportunity? and Reagan drops the best historical take: remember when CGI was supposed to replace movies? We're still watching Hamnet. Speaking of things that are hard, E-Kan had his worst commercial audition in years this week and has many lessons learned, including why in-person auditions pairing up actors is like speed dating and blind dating at the same time, how blending the technical and organic skills of acting might be getting lost in the era of self tapes, and how even if you nail everything - you still can still bomb it.  Also, E-Kan and Rían had the special treat to see Jessie Buckley speak about Hamnet and her incredible collaboration with Chloe Zhao, both nominated for an Oscar. A lot of inspiration and wisdom in this episode, including how Jessie's humility about her craft might look different than say Timothée Chalamet's and how you can be in charge of your craft yet stay humble. New episodes every week, follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcast. The best way to support is to share with a friend!  https://deadline.com/2026/02/disney-bytedance-cease-and-desist-letter-seedance-ai-video-1236719549/ https://variety.com/2026/film/news/motion-picture-association-ai-seedance-bytedance-tom-cruise-1236661753/ https://geektyrant.com/news/sag-aftra-slams-seedance-20-after-ai-tom-cruise-and-brad-pitt-fight-video-blows-up-online Hidden Gems:  BOGO Offer from Everyday Dose and Sprouts Santa Monica Public Library (free printing)   Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:07) SAG-AFTRA and Disney vs. Seedance 2.0 (05:00) The real threat to actors with AI (09:10) Is this an opportunity for non-established creators? (11:50) CGI never took over film (13:20) The worst commercial audition ever (21:30) The core skills of acting (23:30) Hamnet and Jessie Buckley (30:30) You can do all the work but you need the magic (32:20) Jessie Buckley's humility vs Timothée Chalamet's (35:35) Hidden Gems

    38 min

  2. FEB 11

    Denzel Told Him “Don’t Quit” 48 Years Ago- Now He’s Oscar-Nominated

    Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 67! This week we have an extra-strong dose of actor inspiration. E-Kan shares how Denzel Washington and Delroy Lindo have been friends for 48 years since their acting conservatory, surviving on wheat bread and peanut butter, and how Denzel watched Delroy act in class and thought, “I need to get better." And after a conversation with Denzel helped Delroy fight off burn out, he’s now nominated for an Oscar. E-Kan and Rían also dig into what life really is like in the self-tape era as an actor. “Am I David Finchering myself with 75 self-tape takes?” The guys break down how they handle the mental toll of having “lines live in your head 24-7”, how actors are not paid for the majority of work they do, and what they think “being an actor” means in 2026. They also have an interesting follow up with the Marty Supreme non-actor discussion when Timothee Chalamet gets threatened by a non-actor on set. Also, does anyone know why they say don’t act with children or animals? You’ll hear more words of wisdom from Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ben Kingsley and Wonder Man co-star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II on what changed his trajectory as an actor. We also have another big step for vertical micro-dramas with the first SAG-Aftra Vertical Drama studio opening up in LA, with an Oscar-nominated actor to boot. New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including YouTube, Substack. Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media. @ekansoong @riansheehykelly   First SAG-Aftra Vertical Drama Studio opens- https://deadline.com/2026/02/knockout-shorts-launches-oscar-star-sag-project-matthew-ko-chris-crema-1236707321/ Timothee Chalamet gets threatened by actor on set of "Marty Supreme"- https://variety.com/2026/film/news/timothee-chalamet-threatened-by-marty-supreme-background-actor-1236632566/ Denzel-Delroy Lindo conversation- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXp9wAATmYM Philip Seymour Hoffman actor advice- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2KtZG3uqeU Wonderman Yahya video -  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUEOmilkjfs/ Full Wonder Man Conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifl_klRUo7o&feature=youtu.be Hidden Gems: Peppermint Capsules (nausea, migraines) Calm App - Papaji quote Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:15) First SAG-AFTRA vertical micro-drama studio opens (03:25) Timothée Chalamet gets threatened by non-actor on Marty Supreme (06:00) Don't act with kids or animals (09:30) Delroy Lindo and Denzel go back 48 years (12:00) Actors have a BS detector (13:15) The grind of doing self-tapes right now (24:05) Great actor advice from Philip Seymour Hoffman (24:50) Lessons from Ben Kingsley and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Wonder Man (28:50) What does it mean to be an actor right now in 2026? (37:10) Hidden Gems

    40 min

  3. FEB 3

    $26 Billion, Taye Diggs, and the Vertical Drama Takeover

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 66!  Vertical dramas are here, and they're not going anywhere. E-Kan and Rían talk about the $26 billion industry — but now, Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher, and Taye Diggs are all in, as well as Netflix and TikTok building their own vertical dramas platforms. SAG-Aftra just put out a signatory contract so they can get in on it too. Will it be enough or will these mostly non-union dramas take over Hollywood?  And should actors do them? We break down the money, the risks, and a little tip SAG-Aftra actors can use to flip a non-union production. (The podcast covered vertical dramas back in Episode 36 last July, and let’s just say, things have escalated. If you want more of the nuts and bolts you can check that out.) Meanwhile, Odessa A'zion just turned down an A24 movie — and the reason might surprise you. And you'll find out why the current "It" Girl just got cooler in E-Kan's eyes. The guys also revisit the Kevin O'Leary debate from last week, and how a friend's observation might make you rethink O'Leary's performance.  Plus, we pay tribute to Catherine O'Hara with a quote that every actor needs to hear. RIP to a legend.  Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts, including social media. New episodes every Monday.  @ekansoong @riansheehykelly https://variety.com/2026/film/news/odessa-azion-drops-out-deep-cuts-a24-1236644176/ https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/global-microdrama-boom-1236560947/ https://deadline.com/2025/10/miramax-bill-block-gammatime-1236595530/ https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/taye-diggs-vertical-drama-romance-candyjar-1236632447/ https://petapixel.com/2026/01/29/following-tiktok-and-instagram-netflix-is-set-to-roll-out-vertical-videos/ Catherine O'Hara video- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUJWM6siPVG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:15) Odessa A'zion drops out of A24 movie (03:50) Follow up on Kevin O'Leary's performance in Marty Supreme (08:55) Vertical Dramas are taking over Hollywood (12:30) How much do vertical drama actors get paid?  (14:00) Taye Diggs and other stars are getting in (20:00) How the tech world was smarter than Hollywood (24:15) Tribute to Catherine O'Hara  (26:30) Hidden Gems

    30 min

  4. JAN 28

    “They wanted a real a*****e”- What Kevin O’Leary’s Casting in Marty Supreme Teaches Actors

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 65!  The Oscar nominations just dropped, and Sinners broke records with 16 nominations. E-Kan and Rían break down their favorites and top picks, but most interesting story - The guys diving into Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary casting debate. The Shark Tank billionaire got cast in a major role for Oscar favorite Marty Supreme with zero experience, and many actors are furious. The guys have an honest conversation about stunt casting, the acting industry, and what can you learn about it.  Then there's Miles Caton—20 years old, never acted before, and crushes it in Sinners while Odessa A'zion's "overnight success" actually took 10 years of work, and many are claiming it's nepotism due to her famous mother.  They are tackling all the uncomfortable questions: Does training even matter anymore? How do you compete with nepo babies and stunt casting? Plus, they explain Ryan Coogler's genius deal that lets him own Sinners in 25 years decode Oscar release strategies, and reveal why this year's nominations actually give us hope for the industry.  Hidden Gems:  https://elementalsuperfood.com/seedbars/ Tsujita Ramen @tsujitala (Arts District, Los Angeles)   Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:13) Sinners breaks Oscars record for nominations (11:19) Thoughts on Hamnet and Weapons (16:46) Marty Supreme Kevin O’Leary casting controversy (20:57) And what about Nepo babies (22:40) What can an actor do about it? (25:21) Hidden Gems

    27 min

  5. JAN 20

    Critics Choice gave Best Foreign Language Film on the Red Carpet

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 64! E-Kan and Rían dive into some more awards shows stories (the bad ones). There is an unfortunate trend, award shows are disrespecting filmmakers like giving Best Foreign Language Film - on the red carpet...? And then the Golden Globes cuts Original Score winner, Ludwig Göransson for Sinners, from the telecast to the dismay of many, including all time great, Hans Zimmer.  Also, this week, the iconic Radford Studio, where Seinfeld and Will & Grace were filmed, foreclosed, which is a shocking development that might just be the beginning. This gets the guys on the topic- would you go all in on Hollywood right now? Or should you be hedging your bets?  On the brighter side, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's production company Artists Equity strikes a landmark deal with Netflix for their new movie "The Rip" that will award its entire crew and production if it performs well. E-Kan, however, is not convinced.  Follow @actorsguidepodcast for new episodes every Monday. Please leave a review and share with a friend if you enjoy it!  Red Carpet Award Disaster- https://www.reddit.com/r/Oscars/comments/1q4mxum/the_secret_agents_team_getting_handed_their_cca/ Radford Studios foreclosure-https://variety.com/2026/film/news/radford-lot-goldman-hackman-capital-partners-1236631832/ Stagerunner Video- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTimiuzgaL7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== CAA agent leaves Hollywood to become a therapist- https://deadline.com/2025/12/jacquie-katz-leaving-caa-therapist-career-change-reasons-1236652945/ Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Netflix deal -https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-rip-review-matt-damon-ben-affleck-netflix-teyana-taylor-1236474437/ Hidden Gems: Bun Mi (@bunandmi) (Santa Monica, CA) Power of Cloves- https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17jkigBzzo/?mibextid=UalRPS   Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:16) Hamnet is incredible (03:03) Golden Globes cuts Original Score from the telecast (06:49) They gave the Critics Choice award on the red carpet (11:11) Radford Studios is going under foreclosure (14:12) Should anyone go all in on Hollywood right now? (18:53) Thinking of the people who affected your life (21:59) Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Netflix deal for “The Rip” (28:55) Hidden Gems

    34 min

  6. JAN 14

    Timothée Chalamet's says his acting is "Top Level Sh*t" - Confidence or Cockiness?

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 63! The 2026 Golden Globes happened, and we break down the best moments and some misses, but the real story this award season is Timothée Chalamet's unapologetic pursuit of greatness—and whether Hollywood thinks he's brave or cringe.  In a recent interview, he has said he’s doing "top level sh*t" and very open about his ambition, then he won the Critics Choice and Golden Globes over Leo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Ethan Hawke.  E-Kan and Rían break down what might be the new playbook for Hollywood stars in the new era, has fame and the demands of being a star changed today, and E-Kan’s hot take- Is Timmy Chalamet the “millennial Daniel Day Lewis”? Also Joel Edgerton's admiration and respect for such honesty ("I wish I had the guts to say that"). You’ll also hear Carrie Coon's truth bomb that "acting isn't a meritocracy”. They also break down a muted Golden Globes and some big misses, like why were betting odds displayed during the telecast? E-Kan also shares a little life update, being back in LA and why left for the last year.  This is a good one, folks!  Share the episode with a friend if you enjoy it! And don’t forget to follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts, video on YouTube and Substack, and on all social media platforms.  Chalamet Sag Awards Speech: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/timothee-chalamet-sag-speech-defending-great-actor-1236319180/ Top Level Sh*t: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKcGj67tv9I Carrie Coon - Economics of Theater https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTRJRIDDTul/?igsh=bWR6bm1lNTNxaWIx   Hidden Gems:  Julia Cameron’s The Artists Way LA Metro to the LAX airport Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:36) Why E-Kan left LA for a year (06:48) Could you live on the East Coast? (09:45) Golden Globes rundown (13:02) What was with the betting odds during the show? (13:59) The big winners (17:18) Marty Supreme (19:13) Timothée Chalamet’s PR run (20:52) Is Timothée Chalamet the millennial Daniel Day Lewis (25:20) Looking at Hollywood stars like professional athletes (28:41) Open confidence is not as common in Hollywood (30:37) What Joel Edgerton said about Chalamet (32:07) What actors can learn about competition (34:49) Carrie Coon - acting is not a meritocracy (37:02) Hidden Gems

    41 min

  7. JAN 6

    Stranger Things Finale Brought in $30 million in Two Days - And Actors Got None of It

    Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 62! Hope you had a great holiday, E-Kan and Rían are ready to kick off the year with a bang… This week, Stranger Things Finale was a massive success making $30 million dollars in two days, yet gave it all to AMC. The craziest part is how the actors saw NONE of it… Then the guys dive into Disney's $1 billion dollar OpenAI partnership and how they’re planning on rolling out generative AI content on their platform. Are you ready for your kids to grow up with AI starting in infancy? E-Kan and Rían talk about its implications and what actors can do about it right now and what this means for upcoming contract negotiations. They also go into SAG-Aftra’s current AI protections. Are they strong enough? And is this as doomsday as it seems? Some creatives have not responded well to the news, including a Disney creator who called Bob Iger and Disney “fu**** ghouls” and told their fans “to unsubscribe” and “pirate my show”. E-Kan and Rían also do an honest check in- how their year REALLY was. Welcome to 2026 everyone, thanks for making us a part of your day and listening this year. New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, and follow on all social media @actorsguidepodcast @ekansoong @riansheehykelly   LINKS: https://deadline.com/2026/01/box-office-stranger-things-finale-1236660176/ https://deadline.com/2025/12/stranger-things-finale-amc-adam-aron-1236659298/ https://deadline.com/2025/11/the-owl-house-creator-unsubscribe-disney-ai-content-1236619602/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/disney-openai-sora-investment-deal-1236448850/ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/tech/disney-universal-midjourney-ai-copyright-lawsuit @sun.yi on New Years - https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7tysTDuOe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== @chadsand - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSIuUa-Em1T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   Hidden Gems:  Amazon's "Fall Out" Tv show Museums for All, free museum tickets program, Surrealism 100 at Philadelphia Museum of Art Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:10) New Years' Update (02:40) SAG-Aftra's W&W Meetings starting back up (03:11) Stranger Things Finale makes $30 Million in theaters (06:35) Disney creator slams Disney for making $1 Billion deal with Open AI (09:40) What are SAG-Aftra regulations on AI?  (11:40) Kids will grow up with AI (21:50) How was your year really? (26:10) Hidden Gems

    30 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    An Actor's Crisis - When Is It Actually Time to Give Up?

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 61! Hope you're all ready to ring in the new year. We sure are and have a real banger of a Reddit Rundown, where we take our favorite bits from the acting subreddit, and this one was a doozy. An actor who's worked steadily for 13 years with only co-star credits to show for it asks, "Is it time to face reality and throw in the towel?" This is a deep one and might change how you look at success, the industry, and finding deeper purpose in our crazy industry. E-Kan has some strong feelings (that's an understatement) about whether the size of your roles are an accurate indication of your talent - ever hear the phrase, "There are no small parts, only small actors"?  while Rían gives some perspective and why "You can have results or excuses, but not both." We get to the root of the deeper questions of what makes our industry so difficult, why this is so relatable (and triggering) and what are some practical ways to stay in the game. Whether you're in year one or year twenty, this conversation will help you get some clarity on how you look at your career and how you measure success.  They also follow up with some holiday party survival stories and some great networking tips they gained. This is holiday pep talk you'll to want to end the year.  Links:  Jim Carrey Story - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DFbsqoDvoAo/ Lucy Bevans Casting Director Story- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSJGqSzkuIn/ Hidden Gems:  Whereever You Go, There You Are- Practical Meditation Book - https://www.amazon.com/Wherever-You-There-Are-Mindfulness/dp/1401307787 The Dublin Gothic Show (Dublin)- https://www.abbeytheatre.ie/   Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:58) Holiday Party Survival Stories (05:07) Best Party Networking Trick (09:43) Rían played an Irish Psychic (11:00) Reddit Rundown- Is it time to give up? (15:50) E-Kan's response (21:30) The titles of co-star vs guest star (30:27) Inspirational Jim Carrey story (34:25) The final word (38:05) Casting Director Lucy Bevans story why you should do everything (39:21) Hidden Gems

    41 min
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4.9
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About

Two actors, E-Kan Soong and Rían Sheehy Kelly talk acting and Hollywood in a way people understand. Dive into the most interesting headlines you need to know from the ever changing Hollywood industry as they share hilarious stories and insights from on set and off, and find joy along the ride. Frank, informative, and entertaining conversations for those in and out of the industry. All the world’s a stage, and this stage is on fire... but you know E-Kan and Rian are going to have a laugh either way. Watch and listen to new episodes every Monday wherever you find your podcasts! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack for all the best moments from the show. Follow E-Kan @ekansoong and Rían @riansheehykelly on Instagram

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