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. 19H AGO

    The Oscars Chose Real Filmmakers

    Sinners, PTA, and the Night Hollywood Got it Right... Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 72! The big night is here, and it lived up to all of our expectations.  Hollywood chose real filmmaking — and it was beautiful. E-Kan and Rían break down the biggest winners- Sinners, PTA, Frankenstein's practical effects sweep, as well as Conan's best bits, the speeches that stopped us cold, and how this Oscars made history like the first female cinematography winner and Best Casting Oscar. Also, what this night means for actors and the future of our industry and why Conan makes a great case for watching the show live… Best bits would be linked below, and there are a lot of them.  Follow @actorsguidepodcast, send to a friend if you want to help the podcast! @ekansoong @riansheehykelly Conan’s opening monologue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIcxwxMMjXg&pp=ygUPY29uYW4gbW9ub2xvZ3Vl0gcJCcMKAYcqIYzv Casablanca Sketch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQK_Uy8xjZg Sinners performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3ae7BvTuC4 Paul Thomas Anderson Speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymG9WHPpt5o Performers present Casting Oscars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4wILRyKaFQ&t=100s&pp=ygUOY2FzdGluZyBvc2NhcnM%3D Best Casting Oscar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZloizXlSj9Q Michael B Jordan Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly6TmTNq6EU&pp=ygUbbWljaGFlbCBiIGpvcmRhbiBiZXN0IGFjdG9y Amy Madigan speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOVfb_SxduQ&pp=ygUTYW15IG1hZGlnYW4gc3BlZSBjaA%3D%3D Jessie Buckley speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Qv5NJxH2k&pp=ygUWSmVzc2llIEJ1Y2tsZXkgc3BlZWNoIA%3D%3D Kumail Nanjiani Best Short Live Action - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwwv_BrDvlU&pp=ygUSa3VtYWlsIHNob3J0IGZpbG1z Last Conan Sketch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMzgcrvgFd8&pp=ygUSa3VtYWlsIHNob3J0IGZpbG1z0gcJCcMKAYcqIYzv Hidden Gems:  Irish Film Festival - https://ciacla.com/film/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23580600435&gbraid=0AAAAABxFSeYudHIwVDFoEwysGaNMJANr3&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9-PNBhDfARIsABHN6-09bnib7vcYygWK3w6NVHYo8hRDLVqu3hg-mLJWHbrLsxGCpTO3Ev8aAiGHEALw_wcB Sag-Aftra Foundation free events for Sag-Aftra Members -https://sagaftra.foundation/ https://nibble-app.com/ Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:13) Conan O’Brien crushed (05:50) How many passed on hosting the Oscars? (07:30) Conan handled the serious moments (08:40) Best Sketches (09:25) In Memoriam (10:40) Big Winners - Sinners and One Battle (11:50) Sinners dance montage had ballet (17:00) Where was Sean Penn? (19:15) First time Best Casting Oscar (22:26) Oscars tie for Best Short Film (23:20) The worst part of the Oscars (25:40) Big wins for Ireland (26:28) Amy Madigan and Jessie Buckley’s speeches (30:30) Coogler, del Toro, and PTA (33:30) Oscars are a boost of optimism (35:49) Hidden Gems

    37 min

  2. MAR 11

    Did Timothée Chalamet Just Cost Himself the Oscar? | Our 2026 Oscar Predictions

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 71! The Oscar race just flipped, and now Michael B. Jordan is now the favorite to beat Timothée Chalamet for Best Actor.  Was it Michael B. Jordan's win at the SAG Actor Awards or Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera? Both? We break down what he said, why it matters to Oscar voters, and the surprising family connection that makes it even more interesting. E-Kan and Rían got the full betting odds breakdown across every major category, and our picks for who wins and who should win.  You will also hear gems like the inside story of how Ryan Coogler and his casting director hunted down Miles Caton, a high school kid touring the country as a musician — and turned him into the heart of Sinners. A lesson in the power of casting, and the guys talk about the very first Casting Oscars this year.  Plus — the tip Chalamet learned from LeBron James about how to perform at the highest level.  Jessie Buckley is running away with Best Actress, but plenty of drama in the other categories, like Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress is a 3-way war, and Best Picture is Paul Thomas Anderons's to lose. Get ready everyone- The Oscars are this Sunday! And Monday we'll have our Oscars Reaction episode!  Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts, and on all social media. New episodes every Monday.  @ekansoong @riansheehykelly Oscars betting lines: https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/oscars Met Response to Chalamet's opera comments - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVhCWgujcuV/ Conductor Alondra de la Parra's response - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVkqxdFiOWB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Their song for Timothée - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjxJ0LiOG8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Esquire best thing to happen to Opera - https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a70698493/timothee-chalamet-movies-ballet-opera-contoversy/ Ryan Coogler talking about the one take montage in Sinners- https://youtu.be/nPut3MB2gs4?si=9g4qAW60xDRY0wex Hidden Gems: Pappy and Harriet's (Joshua Tree) Too Good To Go App (Discounted food to save waste) Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:26) Timothée Chalamet backlash affects Best Actor race (07:18) Best Actor race- Chalamet vs Michael B Jordan (12:31) Chalamet interviewed by... LeBron James?? (15:39) Jessie Buckley a lock for Best Actress (17:28)Supporting Actress is tight 3-way race (18:40) Best Supporting Actor - Sean Penn? (20:05) Best Casting is first time ever at the Oscars (28:15) What’s the best picture - Sinners or One Battle After Another? (37:22) Hidden Gems

    42 min

  3. MAR 4

    YouTuber with 38 Million Followers Beat Hollywood at Its Own Game

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 70! Hollywood just got a whole lot smaller. The Paramount-Warner Bros.-Netflix drama is coming to a close with a stunning ending, and one company is about to own DC, Harry Potter, CNN, SpongeBob, the Sopranos, Game of Thrones, and countless other titles. E-Kan and Rían break down what a Paramount universe will actually means for actors,  creators, and beyond. It's not a rosy picture for everyone- Stephen Colbert, who's ending his show this year under CBS, just got forced to pull an interview by his own network's lawyers. Susan Sarandon says she hasn't been working after being fired by her agents for speaking out about Palestine, and Melissa Barrera got fired from Scream 7 for a social media post. Politics is in the building — and it's affecting careers. And then there's Markiplier. A YouTuber with 38 million followers spent three years making a $3 million indie film, and on his own distribution, got it into 2,500 theaters around the world in counting. Its made $50 million in month. This was a true lesson in perserverance, dreaming big, building trust with your audience, and the cavalry isn't coming- so make it yourself.  New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media and share with a friend if you enjoy!  @ekansoong @riansheehykelly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiTJ7Pz_59A https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/17/media/colbert-talarico-cbs-trump-fcc https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mark-ruffalo-james-cameron-paramount-netflix-warner-bros-1236511611/ https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/susan-sarandon-banned-hollywood-gaza-ceasefire-comments-1236518699/ https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/scream-7-rewrites-neve-campbell-salary-melissa-barrera-firing-1236671347/ https://archive.is/20260216170652/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/02/iron-lung-markiplier-youtuber-movie-review/686020/ Hidden Gems:  Train Dreams Netflix CIACLA Film Festival - https://ciacla.com/film/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23580600435&gbraid=0AAAAABxFSeZsETFMqzSx8Oe6Mx9NAMX59&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhjNXOGCXDFtYK--V4wYnmgrK1tllssMKzdfun7dii8_IahanZFdXgxoCRhYQAvD_BwE   Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:26) Paramount WB Merger (04:18) Politics getting involved  (06:04) Colbert forced to pull an interview  (09:30) James Cameron vs Mark Ruffalo (11:30) Scream 7 falls flat  (14:50) Markiplier YouTube creator sells out movie theaters (19:30) We need more theaters, this is disrespectful (27:30) The power of in real life connection (28:18) Hidden Gems

    34 min

  4. FEB 24

    Ryan Coogler's Sinners: The Irish-Black Connection Nobody's Talking About

    Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, episode 69! E-Kan and Rían recently stumbled on Ryan Coogler's deep appreciation for Irish culture, and they do a deep dive on how that comes through in his Oscar-nominated hit, Sinners, and why the lead vampire is Irish. They geek out on Ryan Coogler's beautiful DGA Awards speech, his families’ strong ties to unions, and why Sinners, which has been nominated for record breaking 16 nominations, is a masterpiece. This episode also is a rare opportunity to honor some special immigrant stories, including Rían’s. E-Kan will share his parents’ journey to the U.S., and clear up exactly how and why he does not know the difference between Neil Diamond and Paul Simon. There's also a lesson for creators and artists in there.  This is a special episode everyone, enjoy! Ryan Coogler's DGA Speech- https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1548374013100034 Ryan Coogler - “Luck of the Irish” story https://deadline.com/2025/11/ryan-coogler-dcom-the-luck-of-the-irish-influenced-sinners-1236619175/ Hidden gems: Stay Home Friend https://stayhomefriend.com/ This Bitter Earth/On the Nature of Daylight (Hamnet Song) https://open.spotify.com/track/0fVUKrJpQM7jMTgOABVkyi?si=Oa3o9ocKSjm97tvoVFKnrw  Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:00) Ryan Coogler’s DGA Awards speech and union ties (03:45) How important was it joining the union? (05:12) Ryan Coogler and his Irish ties (12:43) Why E-Kan doesn’t know Paul Simon and Neil Diamond (20:15) Lessons for creators (21:05) Rían’s immigration story (25:23) Hidden Gems

    28 min

  5. FEB 18

    Did The AI Threat Just Get Real? Hollywood Attacks Seedance 2.0

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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