How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting Networks

Casting Networks

How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting Networks, breaks down an actor's journey, one topic at a time. Join award-winning actor, writer and host Robert Peterpaul alongside industry talent and experts as they discuss how to build a successful career as a performer and beyond in the entertainment industry. From inspirational casting stories to practical advice on the craft of acting, tune in to expand your skill set and book that role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.

  1. 1d ago

    From 'Hocus Pocus' to 'Chucky:' Legendary Producer David Kirschner on What Makes Characters Come Alive

    Submit a question! What makes an actor unforgettable? Much like a horror flick, it’s the choice nobody saw coming. This Halloween week, Robert Peterpaul sits down with legendary creator, illustrator, and producer David Kirschner, the creative mind behind Hocus Pocus, Chucky, An American Tail, and more, for a spooktacular conversation on the art of building memorable characters right from the audition. David shares what he’s learned from working alongside extraordinary talents like Bette Midler, Jennifer Tilly, Bill Paxton, and Steven Spielberg. From the unexpected choices that make casting teams take notice to the humanity hiding underneath even the most wicked villains, this conversation is packed with inspiration for actors looking to make their work stand out. In this interview for actors, we discuss: How childhood memories, personal experiences, and observing people can inform a performance.Why physicality plays an integral role in legendary acting choices.What actors can learn from the layered villains and lovable misfits of David’s filmography.David shares the worst creative note he ever received—and the words from Steven Spielberg that changed his confidence.The key ingredients David looks for in his cauldron of repeat collaborators.David reflects on the changing entertainment landscape and AI’s growing impact on voice work.Plus, we play Hocus Focus, our Halloween-inspired rapid-fire game for tricks, treats, and practical advice for actors. Whether you're prepping for your next self-tape, searching for a fresh character choice, or simply looking for a little creative courage, this episode is your reminder to bring you into the work. DAVID KIRSCHNER is an award-winning film producer, writer, and creator best known for Hocus Pocus, the Child’s Play franchise, Curious George, An American Tail, and The Land Before Time. His extensive career spans film, television, animation, and horror, bringing some of pop culture’s most memorable characters to life. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    From 'Hocus Pocus' to 'Chucky:' Legendary Producer David Kirschner on What Makes Characters Come Alive

  2. Sep 29

    React First, Then Speak: The Acting Science Method with Faith Hibbs Clark

    Submit a question! What if the secret to a believable performance isn't in what you say, but how you react before you say it? This week, Robert Peterpaul sits down with casting director, educator, author, and Acting Science Method creator Faith Hibbs Clark to explore the psychology, body language, and science behind unforgettable acting. Drawing on nearly 30 years of casting experience and her background as a deception detection expert, Faith reveals why all acting is technically a lie—and how actors can make that lie feel completely real. From decoding nonverbal cues to triggering authentic emotions on demand, she breaks down the science of human behavior and how it can transform your next audition or on-camera performance. In this interview for actors, we discuss: Why your body delivers a performance before you ever speak a line.Faith's "reaction first" formula for script breakdown and creating believable character choices.How body language coding can help actors access authentic emotions on demand.Why forcing eye contact can actually undermine a performance.How to manage audition nerves while maintaining confidence and control in the room.The psychology behind effective goal setting and building a sustainable acting career.Plus, Faith answers questions from our creative community and shares practical, science-backed tools actors can start using right away. No lab coat necessary. Whether you're preparing for your next self-tape, struggling to connect emotionally with a character, or looking for a fresh approach to your craft, this episode is your reminder that sometimes your most powerful acting choice happens before you say a word. FAITH HIBBS CLARK is a casting director, educator, author, and creator of the Acting Science Method, a film and television training approach rooted in communication science, psychology, body language, and human behavior. With nearly 30 years of casting experience on projects for major studios, she brings a unique perspective to actor training. Before her career in casting, Faith worked as a deception detection expert, analyzing nonverbal communication for CEOs, trial attorneys, and politicians. Today, she helps actors understand not only what makes a performance compelling, but why it works. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    React First, Then Speak: The Acting Science Method with Faith Hibbs Clark

  3. Sep 15

    What a Working Actor's Lifestyle REALLY looks like with K Callan (Widow's Bay)

    Submit a question! What does it really take to build a long acting career? Uncover the realities of embracing an actor's lifestyle from soup to nuts with Widow's Bay star K Callan. The veteran actor and author brings decades of television and film experience to a practical and empowering conversation on working in the industry alongside host (and her upcoming co-star) Robert Peterpaul. In this interview for actors you'll discover: • Why an actor must always be "ready" • Acts of kindness that can truly change everything • Why rejection isn't personal (and neither is booking a job) • How to start your career no matter where you reside and build your creative cohort • “Work begets work” and how networking actually happens over years • How to cope with dry spells in a healthy way • The key to goal-setting and following through • Finding the tone on a show like Widow's Bay and much more. K CALLAN is a veteran actor whose remarkable career has spanned over six decades, with memorable roles onscreen from films like Joe, American Gigilo, Bad Day and Knives Out to TV series like All in the Family, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, How I Met Your Mother, The Chosen, Poker Face, Brooklyn 99, Veep and Apple TV’s hit Widow’s Bay. K is also an author and longtime champion of working actors, having written the beloved industry guide How to Sell Yourself as an Actor, now in its seventh edition, and other reference books.  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    What a Working Actor's Lifestyle REALLY looks like with K Callan (Widow's Bay)

  4. Aug 25

    Should You Improvise in a TV Audition? Emmy-Winning CD Wendy O’Brien (Abbott Elementary) Explains

    Submit a question! Comedy auditions don’t fall apart because you aren’t funny, they fall apart because you’re trying too hard to show it. Emmy-winning casting director Wendy O’Brien (ABC’s Abbott Elementary and FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) joins actor and host Robert Peterpaul to get radically practical about what booking comedy of all kinds really takes. From grounded mockumentary style series to heightened multicam energy, Wendy shares how to clock tone fast and what she hopes actors do before they ever hit record. In this interview for actors, you will learn: How to utilize improv in comedic auditionsThe underrated skill she wishes more comedic actors hadWhat her and the casting team look for on Abbott ElementaryHow to truly understand an audition's tone, even within a subgenreWhy sometimes the best self tapes don't have backdrops or ring lightsWhy actors don't need to drop big bucks on headshots, plus much moreCASTING DIRECTOR WENDY O'BRIEN has amassed a 35-year career, earning widespread acclaim in the industry. She is an Emmy Award winner for ABC’s Abbott Elementary, having been nominated a total of six times, with additional nominations for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and the HBO drama Carnivale. O’Brien is also a four-time winner of the Artios Award—the Casting Society of America’s highest honor—and has received seven other Artios nominations. Her exceptional work on the series Men of a Certain Age was recognized with a Peabody Award. Recent credits include the films Brian and Love Language, both premiering at the 2026 SXSW Festival, as well as the Netflix film Bad Day starring Cameron Diaz, along with Little Brother featuring John Cena and Eric Andre. She also cast the new Netflix series The Hawk (starring Will Ferrell) and Kill Bert (starring Bert Kreischer). Currently, O’Brien is just starting back on the sixth season of Abbott Elementary and the third season of NBC’s Happy’s Place. She also just finished working on the fifth season of Netflix’s Lincoln Lawyer and the 18th season of FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, along with Hulu’s reboot of the series Prison Break and the new Apple series She’s Fine. O’Brien resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters and continues to row competitively in national and international regattas. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    Should You Improvise in a TV Audition? Emmy-Winning CD Wendy O’Brien (Abbott Elementary) Explains

  5. Aug 20 ·  Bonus

    Netflix Star Carlacia Grant Submitted the Same Self Tape Twice to Book Outer Banks [Re-Release]

    Submit a question! Re-Release! With Netflix's hit series Outer Banks ending, How We Role is throwing it back to our premiere episode with ones of the show's stars, Carlacia Grant. Actor Carlacia Grant joins host and actor Robert Peterpaul to break down what it means to be an actor in this day and age, rolling through everything from self tape tips to the process of creating a character on set to the sacrifices that come with chasing a dream. This interview for actors features: What it takes to call yourself a working actor todayWhy studying multiple acting methods can actually be an assetHow to break down a fully-dimensional character and stay in their zone on setWhat it's like working on a popular Netflix series and much moreCARLACIA GRANT found a passion for acting at a young age and has quickly made herself one to watch. Grant's breakout performance was on Netflix’s top series “Outer Banks.” She stars as ‘Cleo,’ a confident and fearless Nassau girl, whose world collides with the Pogues, alongside Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, Madison Bailey, Jonathan Daviss, Rudy Pankow, and Charles Esten. On the small screen, Grant appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s well-received megachurch drama series “Greenleaf” as well as the critically-acclaimed miniseries “Roots” alongside legendary actors Laurence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker. Grant also recurred on NBC’s crime drama “Game of Silence” and recently guest starred on FOX’s medical drama “The Resident.”  This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    Netflix Star Carlacia Grant Submitted the Same Self Tape Twice to Book Outer Banks [Re-Release]

  6. Aug 18

    Can you Really Work as a Local Hire? feat. CD Kimberly Wistedt (The Hunting Wives, Outer Banks)

    Submit a question! What is a local hire actor? Can I be a local hire if I live somewhere? How does getting cast a local hire work? Acclaimed Atlanta-based Casting Director Kimberly Wistedt breaks down all the ins and outs of working as a local hire, and how it can be a fulfilling path to steady acting work. The kind creative, who's worked on local casting for series like Netflix's Out Banks, The Hunting Wives and His & Hers, candidly spells out the rules for working in regional markets across the country alongside host and actor Robert Peterpaul. In this interview for actors, you will learn: What a local hire actor really means, and how to get hired repeatedly without living in the stateThe actor "white lies" that can get you into trouble with productionHow to weigh the best market for you to thrive as an actor and personDiscovering stars amongst local talent like Madelyn Cline on Outer BanksKey mindset shifts that will transform your auditionsWhat Casting sees and makes them click in a submissionWhat makes a strong creative pitch, plus much moreKIMBERLY WISTEDT, CSA, is an Atlanta-based casting director who spent over 13 years at Fincannon & Associates before launching her own independent practice. Credited on 60+ productions spanning independent and studio features, network, premium cable, and streaming television, Kimberly is a University of Florida theater alumna who began her training under Broadway legends Tara Rubin and Bernard Telsey. She is a 5x Artios Award Nominee, a 2026 Children's & Family Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Casting for a Live Action Program (Descendants: The Rise of Red), and an actively voting member of the Television Academy. Kimberly brings a dialed-in perspective and fresh eye for talent — with precision, instinct, and ingenuity in every casting room. Credits include Judd Apatow's The Comeback King, Netflix's Outer Banks, His & Hers, and The Hunting Wives, HBO's The Righteous Gemstones, Amazon's The Summer I Turned Pretty, Paramount+'s Tulsa King, and AMC's entire Walking Dead franchise. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    Can you Really Work as a Local Hire? feat. CD Kimberly Wistedt (The Hunting Wives, Outer Banks)

  7. Aug 4

    How 'Snowfall' Actor Reign Edwards Approaches Character Preparation

    Submit a question! Do you dream of acting on television? Are you a TV actor in need of a little inspiration? Television star Reign Edwards (The Wilds, Truth Be Told, Snowfall, High Potential, The Rookie) joins host Robert Peterpaul to breakdown the process of booking work on networks and streamers from beginning to end. From specific craft quips to insights on the business side of acting, the Daytime Emmy-nominee generously gets real about achieving television success.  In this interview for actors, you'll learn: • How to build self-tape choices around what feels human  • Key takeaways from working with acclaimed co-stars like Octavia Spencer • Tips for staying grounded after booking a major gig and fighting imposter syndrome  • From your wardrobe fitting to filming on set: how to raise your voice in a professional way • Why actors should really read over contracts and ask questions • Tangible ways to nail intense emotional scenes  • Quick-hit audition tips on slates, callbacks, co-stars, and voiceovers, plus much more REIGN EDWARDS was most recently seen in a flashy role in season 2 of ABC's hit series HIGH POTENTIAL, as well as ABC’s THE ROOKIE. She was also seen starring in Season 3 of Apple TV hit series TRUTH BE TOLD opposite Octavia Spencer and Gabrielle Union. On the film side, she last starred opposite Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale and Bokeem Woodbine in the Miramax comedy film OLD DADS, which Burr wrote and directed (it was a Netflix major hit that topped the charts for months). In 2022, Reign concluded her iconic series regular role of 'Rachel Reid' in Amazon’s hit series THE WILDS. Other credits include starring in the Hulu/Blumhouse anthology series INTO THE DARK and her breakout role on FX’s critically acclaimed series SNOWFALL. She also recurred on CBS hit series MACGYVER and had a three-year stint as 'Nicole Avant' on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, which earned her three Emmy Award nominations. Other select credits include Reign starred in Wayfarer Studios’ LOVE YOU ANYWAY opposite Charlie Gillespie, as well as CBS Films’ thriller HELL FEST, produced by Gale Anne Hurd. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    How 'Snowfall' Actor Reign Edwards Approaches Character Preparation

  8. Jul 22

    Questions Every Actor Needs to Ask with 'Cape Fear' & 'The Wire' Star Jamie Hector

    Submit a question! The best way for an actor to build an authentic character boils down to asking the right questions. Jamie Hector, who’s been seen on television hits like The Wire and Cape Fear, reveals how leading with curiosity and empathy paved his way to working alongside greats like Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. In conversation with host Robert Peterpaul, Jamie explores the art of getting to the truth of every role. In this interview for actors, you'll learn: The serendipitous training that prepared Jamie for his breakout roleWhy asking specific questions is the foundation of every great performanceWhat he first does when he reads the script for a show like Cape FearLessons from working with titans like Spike Lee, Amy Adams, Javier Bardem and Steven SpielbergWhy slowing down during your script analysis and scene work breeds more nuanced, truthful charactersPractical tips for actors at every stage: from audition prep and self-tapes to understanding the business side of actingJAMIE HECTOR is a two-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and actor whose career spans more than two decades. Known for his commanding presence, emotional depth, and authenticity, he has built a remarkable body of work. Most recently, Hector stars in the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Cape Fear and serves as executive producer of the two-time Emmy Award-winning sports documentary series The Story of My Number on the YES Network. A graduate of New York’s Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, Hector gained recognition as Marlo Stanfield on HBO’s The Wire. He further cemented his TV star status with his portrayal of Detective Jerry Edgar in Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, while also developing his skills as a director and producer. Additional television credits include We Own This City, Queen of the South, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Strain, and Heroes. Film credits include Vacation Friends 2, All Eyez on Me, Night Catches Us, and Max Payne. In 2026, Hector expanded his creative voice with Enough, a YA short film series he directed, centered on a Brooklyn performing arts student navigating identity and vulnerability in the age of social media. Beyond the screen, Hector is the founder of Moving Mountains Inc., a nonprofit providing free arts education to inner-city youth, and the author of five Scholastic children’s books—reflecting his lifelong commitment to mentorship, education, and storytelling. This is - How We Role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com. Follow Host, Actor and Producer Robert Peterpaul (Amazon's Sitting in Bars with Cake, The Art of Kindness podcast) on Instagram @robpeterpaul and learn more at robertpeterpaul.com. Follow Casting Networks on social media for casting news, interviews and more: Instagram Threads Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    Questions Every Actor Needs to Ask with 'Cape Fear' & 'The Wire' Star Jamie Hector
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How We Role: A Podcast for Actors by Casting Networks, breaks down an actor's journey, one topic at a time. Join award-winning actor, writer and host Robert Peterpaul alongside industry talent and experts as they discuss how to build a successful career as a performer and beyond in the entertainment industry. From inspirational casting stories to practical advice on the craft of acting, tune in to expand your skill set and book that role. Discover fresh casting calls at castingnetworks.com.

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