Where Working Actors Talk

Where Working Actors Talk
  • 5.0 (38)
  • TV & FILM
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Where Working Actors Talk

#Whereworkingactorstalk: An illuminating, entertaining, no bullsh*t look into the entertainment industry. Each episode features a candid chat between the SKS staff and a variety of Film and TV professionals ranging from seasoned actors to casting directors, talent representatives and directors as they share their experiences, provide advice and discuss issues that are pertinent to actors today. Follow us on Instagram @StanKirschStudios and go to www.StanKirschStudios.com

  1. Eps 31: Rigging The System In Your Favor: An Actor's journey with Dajuan Johnson

    18H AGO

    Eps 31: Rigging The System In Your Favor: An Actor's journey with Dajuan Johnson

    Rigging the System in Your Favor: An Actor's Journey with DaJuan Johnson Host Colleen Foy and guest DaJuan Johnson reconnect on this episode, taking us through DeJuan’s journey as an actor in Los Angeles. Together, they reflect on his 15-year career from his humble beginnings in theater to notable TV roles on Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS. DaJuan gets candid about his struggles in the industry and gives advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of being an actor by rigging the system in your favor, the importance of mindset, and strategies for lifelong success. From his Emmy campaign to making an impression with cookies, this conversation will leave you encouraged in getting to exactly where you want to be in your career.  00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming DaJuan Johnson 00:11 — Reflecting on 15 Years of Friendship 00:17 — DaJuan’s Journey to Los Angeles 00:36 — Early Struggles and Realizations 01:38 — Finding Seriousness in Acting 03:02 — Meeting and Learning from Stan 04:37 — Booking the First Role 08:59 — The Impact of Bosch on DaJuan’s Career 16:31 — The Importance of Mindset and Coaching 19:17 — Navigating the Modern Acting Industry 27:40 — Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Care 28:13 — The Reality of Talent and Persistence 29:21 — Mindset and Personal Growth 29:54 — Navigating the Acting Industry 31:18 — Rigging the System in Your Favor 32:42 — The Emmy Campaign Journey 33:58 — The Importance of Visibility 42:52 — Auditioning and Building Relationships 45:16 — Holding the Vision, Not the Circumstance 50:05 — Validation and Self-Worth 54:53 — Final Reflections and Advice EPISODE LINKS: · Follow DaJuan on IG @dajuanjohnson · DaJuan’s IMDb · DaJuan’s Website · Listen to the Think Bigger Actors Podcast · Think Bigger Coaching · DaJuan’s Resources · Dajuan’s YouTube Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    59 min
  2. Eps 30: GLOW’s Britney Young on Life After a Series Regular

    JUN 25

    Eps 30: GLOW’s Britney Young on Life After a Series Regular

    Actress, producer, and overall superstar Britney Young shares her journey from Tokyo to America, graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and establishing herself in Hollywood. Britney candidly discusses her behind-the-scenes roles on TV shows like 'The Mentalist' and 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' and her big break as Carmen Wade on Netflix's ‘GLOW.' She highlights the importance of community, learning the industry, and not  sweating the small stuff. Host and Britney’s coach here at SKS, Brock Ciarlelli, delves into Brittany's transition from production to acting, her experiences working on GLOW,' and her mindset through career ups and downs. They also explore her return to acting classes at Stan Kirsch Studios to refine her skills, the supportive network it provided, and what her life has been life after wrapping a series regular role. You will walk away with a sense of how persistence, authenticity, and genuine connections are crucial in navigating the acting industry. 00:00 — Introduction to Brittany Young 00:28 — Early Career and Transition to Acting 02:28 — Behind the Scenes Experience 10:40 — The Glow Audition Story 18:05 — Life After Glow 23:04 — Joining SKS Studio 26:32 — Booking and Specificity 26:39 — Comedy Week and Typos 27:58 — Day-to-Day Life of an Actor 28:49 — Navigating the Industry 33:32 — Audition Process and Challenges 36:31 — Preparation and Mindset 43:04 — Rejection and Authenticity 44:12— Rapid-Fire Questions 47:33 — Instagram Stories EPISODE LINKS: · Follow Britney on IG @britneyyoung · Listen to Britney and her sister talk movies on the Movie Night Podcast · Britney’s IMDb Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    53 min
  3. Eps 29: Acting Journeys and Life Lessons with Brock Ciarlelli

    JUN 11

    Eps 29: Acting Journeys and Life Lessons with Brock Ciarlelli

    You may know Brock Ciarlelli from his work on iconic projects like ABC’s The Middle,  Universal Pictures’ BROS, Netflix’s Glamorous, and Hulu’s Dr. Odyssey or from working with him in class. Whether he’s mentoring, acting, writing, or producing, Brock has had quite the journey in Hollywood. In this episode, host Colleen Foy gets into all of the twists and turns in Brock’s journey. They delve into what it was like for Brock to grow  up in Colorado and then to book his recurring role on ABC's 'The Middle' while still in high school. They discuss his academic background in mathematics, his industry internships, and his multi-faceted career. The conversation highlights the non-linear path of the acting industry, the importance of perseverance, and the lessons they've both learned along the way. Brock and Colleen also touch on the significance of proactivity, maintaining an your abundance mindset amidst the industry's highs and lows, and the value of genuine connections and humility on set.  00:00 — Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:49 — Brock's Early Life and Career Beginnings 02:38 — Landing the Role on 'The Middle' 08:03 — Navigating the Acting Industry 18:12 — The Journey of 'Susu in the City' 20:49 — Managing Emotions in the Industry 26:10 — Diversifying in the Entertainment Industry 28:57 — Learning from Industry Insights 30:31 — Balancing Boldness in Auditions 30:50 — Research and Preparation 35:11 — Navigating Set Dynamics 39:47 — Proactivity and Self-Reflection 40:45 — Personal Insights and Reflections 43:14 — Favorite Words and Pet Peeves 45:43 — Creative Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs 50:03 — Dream Jobs and Least Favorite Jobs 52:09 — Final Thoughts and Gratitude EPISODE LINKS: · Brock’s IMDb · Follow Brock on IG @brockciarlelli · Listen to Brock’s podcast “Middling with Eden and Brock” Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    54 min
  4. Eps 28: Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi Dean

    MAY 21

    Eps 28: Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi Dean

    Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi Dean In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Dean, a social media strategist for actors and the author of 'Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive, and Survive Online.' Heidi shares her journey from a 20-year acting career to becoming the go-to expert for actors navigating social media. She offers invaluable insights on leveraging social media for career growth, including the importance of building relationships, defining your story, and finding the right platform. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies tailored for actors who want to use social media effectively without being overwhelmed! If you’ve been feeling resistance in starting a social media, you will walk away from this episode with tangible tips on presenting yourself the way you want to be seen online in a posting schedule that is sustainable for you! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 Introduction to Heidi Dean 00:46 Heidi's Journey from Actor to Social Media Strategist 03:40 The Importance of Social Media for Actors 05:46 Building Relationships Through Social Media 08:35 Finding Your Unique Social Media Voice 14:02 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform 19:33 Consistency and Content Planning 20:08 The Myth of Consistency in Social Media 21:09 Finding Your Posting Rhythm 22:37 Experimenting with Posting Frequency 23:20 Balancing Social Media and Life 25:39 The Importance of Branding and Design 28:24 Common Social Media Mistakes Actors Make 29:30 Building Genuine Connections Online 32:11 The Value of Followers and Engagement 37:06 Resources for Actors on Social Media 38:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts EPISODE LINKS: · Read “Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive and Survive Online” by Heidi Dean · Follow Heidi on IG @marketingforactors · Heidi’s Links · 30 Days of Post Ideas · Marketing 4 Actors · Mojo App · Canva Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    41 min
  5. Eps 27: SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable: The State of the Industry: Colleen Foy, Aleks Ristic, Angela Fornero, Brock Ciarlelli, and Kristyn Daniel

    FEB 12

    Eps 27: SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable: The State of the Industry: Colleen Foy, Aleks Ristic, Angela Fornero, Brock Ciarlelli, and Kristyn Daniel

    SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable, the entire faculty comes together to talk about all things industry. CEO Kristyn, Studio Director Colleen, and actors and coaches Aleks, Angela, and Brock come together to discuss their experiences and offer guidance to the SKS community. They talk about the challenging start to the year with the LA wildfires, strikes, and how to navigate life when you still need to show up for auditions and opportunities with full dedication. They touch on a wide range of subjects including the craft of acting, audition preparation, overcoming personal obstacles, and maintaining a positive mindset. They also reflect on their transitions from students to teachers and the evolving dynamics of the industry while retaining the core values of the Stan Kirsch Studios community. The episode highlights the shared passion, resilience, and mutual support among actors everywhere right now. Success is infectious! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction & Acknowledgements 00:26 — Navigating Challenges in 2025 02:02 — Audition Anecdotes and Techniques 03:49 — Reflections and Lessons from 2024 14:05 — Setting Intentions for 2025 20:12 — Audition Preparation Strategies 39:21 — The Challenges of Self-Taping 39:49 — Understanding the Scene's Context 41:34 — The Importance of Repetition and Practice 42:05 — Collaborative Coaching and Instincts 43:18 — Adapting to Audition Requirements 45:29 — The Role of Specificity in Acting 01:01:21 — The Journey from Student to Teacher 01:11:51 — Continuing the Legacy of SKS Studios 01:14:41 — Community and Support in Acting EPISODE LINKS: · Learn More about Our Teachers Here · Follow Colleen @colleenfoy · Follow Aleks @iamaleksristic · Follow Angela @angefornero · Follow Brock @brockciarlelli · Follow Kristyn @kristyndaniel · Abundance Bound · Think Bigger Coaching with DaJuan Johnson · The Cold Read App  Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    1h 19m
  6. Eps 26: Overcoming Adversity through Art: The Journey of Actor, Writer, and Mentor Maryam Myika Day

    JAN 29

    Eps 26: Overcoming Adversity through Art: The Journey of Actor, Writer, and Mentor Maryam Myika Day

    When your world crashes down around you, how do you continue moving on? In 2015, Maryam Myika Day welcomed her daughter Ayodélé Olayinka into the world and said goodbye to her husband. Through that joy and grief came a reckoning and realization of who she wanted to be as an artist going forward in her life, and she reexamined the ways her art could reach others. Maryam shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in prominent dance companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway's '42nd Street,' to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Maryam talks about the founding of her production company, Epiphany 3 Films, to create opportunities for herself and others, and her impactful work in film and digital media. She also delves into her personal life, sharing the profound challenges she faced and how these experiences fueled her artistic and professional growth. One way she channeled her grief into action was by writing a book with her daughter, “This is My Story”, that talks about her husband’s passing, what he left behind, and all the ways he is remembered. She also speaks on the importance of mentorship, and her passion for teaching writing and empowering other artists to take a chance on themselves because we just don’t have the time. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of investing in yourself. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction and Guest Background 00:26 — Early Career in Dance 01:15 — From Broadway to Film 02:56 — Founding Epiphany 3 Films 05:25 — Mentorship and Skill Development 17:37 — Personal Challenges and Triumphs 28:29 — A Moment of Realization 28:48 — Turning Grief into Strength 28:55 — A New Beginning in 2016 29:07 — Using Life's Challenges as Fuel 29:34 — Gratitude Amidst Loss 30:07 — A Mother's Determination 31:12 — Writing a Book Together 31:44 — The Journey of Healing 32:32 — Empowering Through Storytelling 34:14 — From Book to Animated Series 34:55 — Teaching Others to Write 38:41 — The Importance of Mentorship 47:01 — Astrology and Life's Path 52:51 — Final Reflections and Gratitude EPISODE LINKS: · Read “This is My Story” by Ayodélé Olayinka · Ayodélé’s Website · Get into “THE WORKSHOP: How to create and sell your own children's book” · Maryam’s IMDb · Maryam’s Website · Follow Maryam on IG · Follow the North of 40 Podcast on IG · The North of 40 Podcast Links Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    56 min
  7. Eps 25: All Things Acting Career with SKS Coach and Actor Angela Fornero

    JAN 15

    Eps 25: All Things Acting Career with SKS Coach and Actor Angela Fornero

    Today we have on acting coach extraordinaire, the woman you want to be in a Career Corner with, and accomplished actor/writer/producer/ray of sunshine Angela Fornero. A seasoned actress and business-minded coach, we dive into her journey in the acting industry. Angela shares her extensive experience, from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming an integral part of Stan Kirsch Studios. She explains how she uses her practical knowledge from internships and various roles in crafting individualized career plans for actors. Angela discusses the challenges, mindset, and business acumen required to succeed in a competitive industry, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, self-production, and strategic marketing. Her insights provide valuable guidance for actors at all stages of their careers. This is an episode you definitely do not want to miss! WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introduction to Angela Fornero 01:09 — Angela's Early Life and Background 02:39 — Journey into Acting 04:18 — Navigating the Acting Industry 07:43 — Joining Stan Kirsch Studio 10:44 — Angela’s Career Corner and Business Insights 12:29 — Interning in Casting and Talent Agencies 17:23 — Personalized Career Guidance 20:53 — Personal Insights and Experiences 21:16 — Understanding the Industry's Challenges 25:15 — The Importance of Mindset and Hope 25:57 — Actionable Steps for Career Growth 26:33 — Creating Effective Demo Reels 31:15 — Navigating Self-Tapes and Footage 36:16 — Headshots and Personal Branding 39:35 — The Power of Self-Producing and Social Media 42:20 — Gratitude and Final Thoughts EPISODE LINKS: · Book a Career Consult with Angela today!  · Angela’s Website  · Angela’s IMDb · Follow Angela on IG · Buckley Samspon Stylist · Amy Lyndon’s Coaching · Bonnie Gillespie’s Self Management for Actors  · Mentor Kevin E. West  Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    44 min
  8. Eps 24 Leonard Wu: From Peking Opera to Hollywood and Beyond – A Journey Through Acting and Cultural Identity

    12/11/2024

    Eps 24 Leonard Wu: From Peking Opera to Hollywood and Beyond – A Journey Through Acting and Cultural Identity

    How do you enjoy the journey of being an actor? How do you stand up for yourself on set? How do you find your actor niche? Leonard Wu comes on the podcast to reunite with his former acting classmate Colleen Foy to talk about his journey and everything that he has experienced. From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ and ‘American Born Chinese’, Leonard shares his journey from growing up in Washington D.C., studying Chinese Peking Opera, to pursuing a career in Hollywood. He discusses his initial struggles, why he has always had a day job, his breakthrough on 'Veronica Mars,' and pivotal roles in projects like 'Revenge of the Green Dragons' and 'Marco Polo.' He also takes us through the process of preparing for an action-heavy role, and learning to champion his interpretation of his characters on projects. Wu also gets real about the impact of his cultural identity on his career, the challenges Asian-American actors face, and the importance of being prepared in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.  WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR: 00:00 — Introducing Leonard Wu 00:23 — Early Life and Education 01:43 — College Years and Early Career 03:28 — Breaking into the Industry 04:41— First Big Break and Challenges 05:59 — Navigating the Acting World 07:05 — Theater and Day Jobs 07:45 — Major Roles and Opportunities 15:40 — Training and Preparation 21:33 — Navigating Creative Collaboration 22:16 — Reflecting on Career Challenges 23:12 — The Rise and Fall of Marco Polo 25:41 — Adapting to Industry Changes 29:09 — Embracing Theater and New Opportunities 35:12 — Experiences on Grey's Anatomy 39:25 — Future Aspirations and Reflections 40:03 — Inside the SKS Studio Questions EPISODE LINKS: · Leonard’s IMDb · Follow Leonard on IG @iamleonardwu Host: Colleen Foy Producer: Kristyn Daniel Music by: Lindsay Boreing and Will Boreing ________________ Want to learn more about Stan Kirsch Studios? Visit Our Website Here. Catch up on the podcast here. Follow SKS on IG @stankirschstudios

    43 min
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5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

#Whereworkingactorstalk: An illuminating, entertaining, no bullsh*t look into the entertainment industry. Each episode features a candid chat between the SKS staff and a variety of Film and TV professionals ranging from seasoned actors to casting directors, talent representatives and directors as they share their experiences, provide advice and discuss issues that are pertinent to actors today. Follow us on Instagram @StanKirschStudios and go to www.StanKirschStudios.com

Information

  • Creator
    Where Working Actors Talk
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Where Working Actors Talk
  • Show Website
    Where Working Actors Talk

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