Second Act Actors

  Join me for this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast as I talk improvisation, making mistakes, taking risks, acting techniques and classical music with trumpeter Aaron Romm. Aaron is a professional musician who brings his love of acting into his performances.   Aaron and I talk about how we met through an online improvisation class and the road that led him to wanting to develop his improv...

In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking to an actor with whom I’ve shared the screen as we were featured together in a film! Eric Miron is a music teacher and actor who’s refreshingly honest about what it takes to break into the acting industry. Join us for an engaging discussion about storytelling, making mistakes, counting wins, boosting self-confidence...

With a rich background in business sustainability, finance, and a myriad of other roles, Maggie Fleming is nothing short of a versatile individual. Known for her hands-on approach in the many creative endeavors she undertakes, her unique journey from Texas to the West Coast is quite inspiring. Having spent her early career working on innovative projects for a sustainability startup, including reno...

Meet Dr. Jim Jenkinson - a talented individual who transitioned from dentistry to the world of acting later in his career. After 25 years in dental practice, he decided to follow his passion and immersed himself in the craft of acting. Despite facing challenges and an initial phase of minimal success, Jim persevered and started landing roles that allowed him to learn, grow, and enjoy his newfound...

Introducing Rebeka Herron, a versatile film producer with a life-long passion for storytelling. At a young age, Rebeka dove headfirst into the world of television before discovering her love for languages and music. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced adversity in the form of a traumatic head injury. Carrying on with determination, Rebeka pursued film and TV classes in high school,...

  “You’re getting rejected far more than you’re getting hired… If you’re even getting an audition, you’re one of the lucky ones”. Unfortunately this is a reality for many if not most actors, so how do you keep going? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to L.A.-based actor Galen Howard about breaking into acting, keeping a positive mindset and becoming a successful character ac...

Shawn Lawrence has one of the coolest career paths I’ve ever heard of with stints as a celebrity bodyguard, police negotiator, stuntman and of course as an actor! He tells me his story on this really fun episode of the Second Act Actors podcast.    Shawn details how he moved from police work to acting and explains how his career prepared him to act on camera. We talk about how his real life experi...

It's about transformation. So magic is transformation. - Jacqueline Murphy My special guest is Jacqueline Murphy Meet Jacqueline Murphy, a multi-talented creator who discovered her passion for acting at a young age. With a background in nursing, Jacqueline made a successful transition into the world of showbiz, leading her to work with renowned directors like Martin Scorsese and Mike Nichols. Over...

Scott Butler has the distinction of breaking into not one, but two, very difficult industries. He’s a former video game artist who got laid off in the 2008 recession and then decided to become an actor. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, Scott tells me about motion capture work, overcoming stage nerves and moving on from being “flying Jesus”.    We trace Scott’s journey from video g...

On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking with massage therapist and actor Patrick Stiles!. Join us for an interesting discussion on perfectionism, balancing auditioning with another job and just what the hell you’re supposed to do with your hands when you’re acting on stage!   Patrick begins by telling me his story and how he’s managed his career since he stopped dancing and s...

Michelle’s first act before acting was also on stage, but as a professional ballet dancer. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we get into the details on what it really means to have a creative career.   Michelle starts out by telling me how she became a ballet dancer and what her family thought of her career aspirations. We compare and contrast acting and dancing, with Michelle noti...

A wee bonus episode for you all! This is the live recording of my workshop at the AACE (Association of Acting Coaches & Educators) conference! Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of podcasting alongside Chelsea and I! In this lively session, we explore our captivating journey in the podcasting realm, uncovering secrets to becoming a stellar podcast guest or host. We'll also discuss the co...

“I’ve added it up and I’m probably a seventh act actor”, Stephen told me on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast. Regardless of when or how you discovered acting, join me for this amazing conversation that traces Stephen’s journey from reporter to policeman to police cameraman to HR employee to career coach to actor.   Stephen and I compare notes on our experiences of starting a new caree...

From humble beginnings, Lewis Baumander followed his instincts and embraced the unknown to create an unexpected and inspiring acting community, changing the course of his life and the lives of his students forever. Who knew that one man's dream could have such a powerful impact? Lewis is an accomplished acting coach and the driving force behind the successful LB Acting Studio. With years of experi...

Jennifer’s relationship with acting is a long story, which is a testament to her passion and creativity. She came from a creative, artistic family and grew up acting, then left the profession only to come back to it later in life. Tune in to this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast to learn more!   Jennifer shares her perspective on living creatively and tells me why she thinks that all actor...

Although he loved acting, Nick Sowma chose to become a lawyer because it was a ‘safe choice’ that provided a stable career path. However, after he caught and recovered from Covid, he decided it was time for a change so he became an actor. He tells me the full story on this great episode of the Second Act Actors podcast.    Nick and I compare being a doctor and a lawyer and talk about how those car...

Michael Mau originally went to university to study theatre before switching into an English major, but as he tells me in this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, the desire to act never left him. He found a way to make acting part of his life, alongside being a teacher and father, before becoming a full-time actor. Listen to his story in this fun, interesting episode.    Michael tells me wha...

  “If you zoom out and look at your life…what is already working in your life that will lend itself to transitioning into an acting career?” Cole Aansen, the special guest in this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, asks this interesting question as a way of describing her route from online teaching, language learning and bar work into acting. Tune in to hear her positive attitude, her thoug...

  My interview with Scott Erwin was very memorable for a number of reasons, one of which was his inspiring message: “Anything’s possible with enough education and enough desire to do it…it’s just going to be a question of ‘at what level do I get to do it?’”. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, Scott shares his story of being an accountant and business owner who lost it all and then d...

This episode of the Second Act Actors podcast features filmmaker Jordan, who spent 4 weeks documenting the daily lives and struggles of the people of Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian invasion. He tells me about his experiences there and his lasting memories in this interesting interview.    Jordan and I also talk about acting and he tells me about how he got into acting through community th...

As actors, we sometimes feel like we’re at the centre of an entire film production but we need to remind ourselves that we’re there to bring a vision to life and that vision is the script. So on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to screenwriter Courtney Harrell about where her ideas come from and how she translates them into words.   Courtney lays out her journey and tells...

“You don’t get into acting because it’s cool”. Angie Hung is the latest guest on the Second Act Actors podcast and she’s here to get real about what it takes to thrive as an actor. Join us as we talk loving your craft, what representation really looks like and how the Spice Girls inspire us to live our best lives.   Angie tells me about her corporate life and how she rediscovered her love of actin...

Neuroscientist, producer, sporadic hemiplegic migraine warrior, writer aaaaaaaand… actress! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to one of the busiest and most interesting people I’ve met, Abby Tozer.    Like many of us, Abby started her acting career when she was cast in a school production of Annie . She tells me about her pursuit of her love of acting and performing and...

What’s it like to go from acting to casting? How does it feel to be in charge of deciding which actor to choose from an amazing round of auditions? Jesse Griffiths made the transition from acting to casting and is now a casting director at Jesse Griffiths Casting in Toronto. He tells me all about this journey on this fun, interesting episode of the Second Act Actors podcast.    Jesse begins by exp...

Katie Prentiss’ personal saying is “Never say no for someone else”, and that’s what she had in mind when she sent off her first ever self-tape audition. She ended up booking a part in a film and has been hooked on acting ever since. In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we cover her transition into acting, how it’s working around her job as a photographer and the importance of having g...