Speak L.A.

In this podcast you will learn:

How to approach social media when you're not a fan. How to treat social media like a business. How to protect your energy on social media and get back to what you love - acting. How to connect to YOUR story in order to connect to and build your followers. How to make social media your virtual coffee house. Instead of one coffee date, you're going on 1,000s! 

In this episode you will learn:

How making a drastic change in appearance can help you find YOU? Why building a character in your body is more powerful than just learning your lines? Why it's important to say yes to the things that scare you and are important to you? Why models aren't just models anymore - how to embrace your look? Why a proof of your work is important in the modeling and acting industry? Why social media is an opportunity to connect on a personal level with your audience?

In this episode, you will learn: 

What are three tips John gives to actors about auditioning? 

What should you NOT do when you audition?

What kinds of parts will you most likely play at the beginning of your career? 

In this episode, you will learn:

How can you get through the difficult times as an actor? How does Matty not get nervous when he auditions? How can YOU have REAL confidence?

(Big Sky, Cybill, Red Surf)

In this episode you will learn:

1. Why L.A. is scary, exciting, salty, sweet and a little deep fried?

2. Why the most beautiful things in life can be accidents?

3. Why being an actor is not all about being famous?

4. How not to “future trip” when you’re on set?

5. Why the twelve step recovery programs in L.A. are so amazing?

In this episode, you will learn:

1. Why incorporating more JOY in your life is helpful for a thriving acting career?

2. How you can amplify more joy in your life?

3. Why is following joy the REAL strategy behind your actor business?

4. What are concrete ways you can still your racing mind?

5. Why you’re a BADASS for making it through to 2022?

Website: https://www.josephinewilkins.com

(Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, Mission Impossible IV Ghost Protocol, The Bourne Identity)

In this episode, you will learn:

Are there specific rules and guidelines regarding auditioning for scenes with intimacy/nudity?  How have things improved with regard to the subject of intimacy in film? What’s the best way for an actor to explore their value system when it comes to nudity? What are the questions every actor should ask before agreeing to do an intimate scene in film or tv? 

In this episode, we discussed:

What’s the difference between being an actor in LA and being an actor in Hawaii? 

How much acting work is there in Hawaii? 

Where is the very best place for an actor to live? 

Can you have an agent in Hawaii AND in Los Angeles or New York?

How does this agent define “The Ideal Client?”

What quality leads to true confidence?

In this episode, you will learn:

Why does Stuart say, “Anything you want to do, you can find it in L.A.?”

How can you be comfortable in your own skin?

What does it REALLY mean to Be Yourself?

How can you get rid of your fear? 

How can you not be waiting, waiting, waiting anymore?

(Nike, Intel, T-Mobile, Bridgewater, Cyberpunk)

In this episode, you will learn...

How can you create your own V.O studio at home?

Where in your apartment should you record your V.O work? 

What are V.O agents looking for in a new client? 

How can you get started in the voiceover world?

Should you start by making an expensive demo?

In this episode, you will learn:

Why is working in television a noble cause? 

How can you make your mark in the industry?  

Is it more important to be original or to be “on-trend?”

What do literary agencies look for in young writers? 

(Scrubs, Greenhouse Academy, Baby Daddy)

In this episode, we learned:

What kinds of (unusual) things should you put on your resume? 

Always do THIS when you audition for TV…

Never do THIS when you audition for TV…

What’s the difference between auditioning for single-camera vs 4-camera?

Why is it crucial to always BE REAL?

Is it okay to improvise in an audition? 

What should you do when you feel stuck?

A Mixed Race Actress shares a story about how it feels to be told she can “only pick one.”

(Kim's Convenience, Train 48)

In this episode, we discussed:

How a small piece of theatre became a hit television show. 

What to do when everyone around you says “No…”

Why you should never deny who you are and where you’re from. 

A Latin American Actor shares how it feels to always have to wait for a role to come his way because of the color of his skin

(Parks and Recreation, Good Girls, Barry, Rosewood)

In this podcast, we discuss:

What if theatre isn’t in your family’s background but you’re sure it’s your calling? 

How can you make the transition from theatre to film & TV? 

Why we should all stop using the word “success”?

Why and How Rodney says we should all be creating our own work?

A mixed-race actress from the UK shares the challenges of auditioning for roles that don't match the person she is. 

(The Hangover, Step Brothers, Walk of Shame)

Here’s what you’ll get from this podcast:

(A lot of laughs and…)

1) When is “too old” to start an acting career?

2) Do you need connections to get ahead as an actor?

3) What’s a powerful trick to being really good at comedy?

In this episode, you will learn:

1. As a brand new actor planning to move to LA, what are the first 5 MOST IMPORTANT things you should do?

2. What does it mean to have an entrepreneurial mindset and do YOU have one?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of creating your own business?

4. How can you as an actor make helpful connections in the entertainment business in a way that isn’t scary and icky?

An American Latinx Acting Coach shares a story about the challenges felt by many actors of color in the casting room and classroom. 

In this podcast we covered: 

1. How can you help yourself with actor depression? 

2. What is radical self care and why should you be doing it?

3. How can you best deal with rejection as an actor?

4. What do you do about a friendship that is not making you feel good?

(In Darfur, Spare Rib, No One is Forgotten, Penetration Play)

In this episode, you will learn:

1. What can you do if you feel like you don’t “fit” into the typical character “types” in film and tv? 

2. Why do actors make great writers? 

3. What should you, as an actor, be writing about? 

4. How can you approach a brand new script? 

5. How can writing help you with your own frustrations in life?

In this podcast, you will learn: 

1) What is CastingAbout and why should YOU be utilizing it to further your acting career? 

2) How can you build strong relationships with casting directors? 

3) What important research should you do before every audition? 

4) What are some great ways you can market yourself as an actor? 

5) What’s the most powerful and effective (AND FUN!) way to approach auditions? 

(Saw, Jigsaw, Mississippi Burning, The Firm)   In this episode, you will learn: 

1) How many day jobs did Tobin have before he was able to make a living as an actor (the answer will shock you!)?

2) Should YOU do background work?  

3) How do you find the strength to keep going in the most difficult moments?

An acting teacher in a maximum security prison shares a story.

(The Leftovers, Judging Amy, Private Practice)

In this episode, you will learn:

What does it feel like when you find your passion?

What does Amy Brenneman ask all her characters before filming?

How does Amy define confidence and how can YOU find it within yourself? 

How can you use your love of acting to make the world a better place?

A 2nd generation American Latinx actress shares a story about how it feels to be asked to do a “random Latin accent”.

(Primary Stages, The Pearl Theater Company, New York Classical Theatre)

In this episode, you will learn: 

1) How can YOU pursue regional theatre? 2) How can you keep your spirits up as an actor when you aren’t working? 3) If you’re over 25 and don’t have “great” credits, do you still have a shot at an acting career?  4) What does NYC offer to actors that L.A. might not? 

A Black American Actress shares how it feels to be asked in an audition to try to "be more Black."

(Raisin, Scandal, Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Good Wife)

In this episode, you will learn: 

What famous theatre inspired young Joe Morton to dream of a life in show biz? What was the moment Joe Morton decided he was meant to be an actor?  Why is it so crucial to FIRST know WHY you want to be an actor? What MISTAKE led to Joe Morton’s first acting job ever?  What are the FIVE QUESTIONS Joe asks himself before every job?

A Character Actress shares a story about having her body objectified in primetime television.

(The Raincoat Academy, Hood Naruto The Movie)

In this episode:

Do you need to go to film school to learn to create your own content? 

How do you use social platforms to showcase your own work?

How do you not lose sight of your dream when you hit a major roadblock? 

How do you start the process of creating your own content?

How can you stop comparing yourself to others (and stop feeling bad about yourself)?

(Shameless, Santa Clarita Diet, Will & Grace, Lucifer)

In this podcast, you will learn:

1) Do you have to start young to have a real shot at an acting career? 

2) Do THIS to embrace the joy of auditioning!

3) How do you find the balance between bringing your unique self to an audition AND serving the writer’s vision? 

4) Is it okay to say “no” to stereotypical roles that you might find objectionable and/or not want to play? 

5) What leads to true confidence? 

A mixed-race actress shares a story about not being "brown enough" when she auditioned for a hot new pilot…

What's your #1 headshot tip?

In this podcast, you will learn: 

1) What does a GREAT manager look like and why is it MUCH more than just a good audition? 

2) Why is an actor’s MINDSET crucial to their success? 

3) How can YOU develop true confidence as an actor? 

4) How often should you communicate with your manager? 

5) How can you best connect with a new manager? 

A Gay Black American Actor shares a story about being told he should learn to "act more straight"...

In this podcast, you will learn: 

(Paradise Lost, The Haves and the Have Nots, MacGyver)

1) How did this actor go from “pushing carts at Walmart” to being a full time working actor?

2) Is getting an advanced degree in acting important? 

3) Should YOU, as an actor, check out the Atlanta acting scene? 

4) What do you NEED TO KNOW about making a great self-tape?

A Mixed Race Actress Shares a Story about (not) Fitting In in Hollywood

(Better Things, Coop & Cami Ask the World, Nip Tuck)

In this podcast, you will learn:

1) What ONE inspirational idea helped Rebecca’s career take off?

2) Why should YOU stop worrying about “what you’re right for?”

3) What is your most important job as an actor when auditioning?

4) Why is a point of view as an actor CRUCIAL to your ultimate success?

5) Why should you stop worrying NOW about having a great agent?

(Miss Saigon, Chicago, West Side Story, A Chorus Line)

In this podcast, you will learn: 

1) What’s a trick to keep yourself inspired as an actor?

2) What is the most fun part of doing stand-up comedy?

3) How did Marita overcome racial profiling as a young actor? 

4) As an actor, how can you redefine people’s preconceived ideas about you?

5) Why did Marita break into tears when she booked her first pilo

What's your #1 tip for the international actor?

(Pasadena Playhouse, A Noise Within, Sundance Film Festival)

Here are some of the things you’ll hear about in this episode:

1) How did an interest in performance draw Nicole to casting?

2) How important is it to keep track of connections you make in the industry? 

3) What is the casting director’s role in creating the world of the show?

4) What is an important tip for a New York actor coming out to L.A.?

5) Why are EPA’s important for me to do as an actor?

What's your #1 headshot tip?

(Evil, The Daily Show, The Brink, Halal in the Family, The Proposal)

We had so much fun getting to talk with Aasif!  Here are some of the things you’ll hear about in this episode: 

1) How many years did it take Aasif to get his first professional acting job? 

2) How did Scott Baio influence Aasif’s acting career (WHAA?)? 

3) What was it like when Aasif and Connie Britton used to perform for a Murder Mystery company in the 1990s?

4) Why should YOU think about writing a one-man/woman show? 

5) How did Aasif’s first agent work? (It isn’t what you think!)

We loved being able to interview Speak L.A.’s sound engineer and learn how he makes everyone sound so great.  

Here are a few things we learned: 

Why would an actor want to get into voice over acting?  How can you know if V.O. work is right for you?  If you want to work in V.O., do you need to have a home studio?  Can YOU build a home voice over studio?  Do you have a closet?  What are the three steps to building a home studio?

This episode deals specifically with navigating life as an actor in the time of Covid-19. 

Here are just a few of the many wonderful things we learned: 

How can we stay creative and productive while still taking care of ourselves?  How can we manage stress and anxiety during this time?  How important is structure right now?  Do THIS and you will feel so much better! Should we reach out to contacts during this time or should we just take a break from things?  Is casting happening right now - Should I be trying to get auditions?

What's your #1 audition tip?

Whats your #1 audition tip?

What's your #1 commercial headshot tip?

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1) Should YOU move to L.A. with your actor child?  Here’s how to know for sure. 

2) How long did it take Dove Cameron before she got her FIRST JOB and WHAT WAS IT?

3) How can you best prepare for your child actor’s future? 

4) Can you work as a “legal 18” if you are only 16 or 17 years old?  (Yes, here’s how!)

5) Should you as a parent also be your child’s manager? 

6) What is THE LAW that protects all child actors?  (You need to know about this!)

7) How can you get in touch with Bonnie so YOU can personally consult with her? 

What's your #1 audition tip?

(Masters of Sex, Gilmore Girls, Grown Ups 2)

In this Podcast you will learn:

1) How can you feel more confident when you audition for things?

2) What HUGE movie star auditioned for Jami before he was a MASSIVE star... and then made a BIG impression on her... and WHY?

3) How can actors avoid scams? 

4) What is something experienced actors know that new actors (sometimes) don’t?

5) What should you do if you don’t have an agent yet? 

6) Do THIS every day.

What's your #1 audition tip?

(Alanna Masterson - Actress - Walking Dead Series Regular)

EMPOWER yourself as you hear about…

1) What made Alanna take a break from acting 10 years ago? 

2) How can you deal with rejection? 

3) Why is it not PERSONAL when you don’t get the job?

4) How does Alanna Masterson deal with sexual harassment issues? 

5) How did Alanna get her part on The Walking Dead?

What is your #1 audition tip?

(Better Call Saul, A League of their Own, Sully, Grey's Anatomy)

Here’s what we talked about:

1) When did Ann first know she wanted to be an actress?

2) What was Ann’s first film (hint: it was a hugely successful movie)?

3) Do THESE two things when you’re scared (as an actor).

4) How can you build confidence?

5) Where can you find validation as an actor?

6) How can you deal with negativity and fear as an actor?

7) There is a lot you can’t control, but you CAN control THIS...

What is the first thing an actor should do when they move to L.A.?

In this podcast we covered:

1) As an actor, how can you not take all the rejection personally?

2) What is one great way to deal with the unpredictability of an acting career?

3) How has the industry changed for the better over the years?

4) Who do you think Rory should have ended up with?

5) How does being an African American actor play into the roles you get?

(Series Regular on Gilmore Girls)

Here’s some of the cool stuff we talked about:

1) How did this Gilmore Girls Star become an actor “by accident?”

2) How did Yanic go from a modest single parent up-bringing to the life of a Hollywood professional actor?

3) For child actors, is it important to start your acting training at a young age?

4) What is it about “being yourself” that all great actors understand?

5) How can you not “push” as an actor?

6) How important is training for an actor?

What is your #1 audition tip?

(Bosch, Grey's Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What is the best advice for actors who are just starting out?

2) How do you prepare for a scene with extreme emotion?

3) How important is it to be memorized?

4) How was DaJuan able to cry so much on Grey’s Anatomy?

5) What is the best way to prepare for an audition?

6) What is it like getting to work with Shonda Rhimes?

(Bosch, Grey's Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) Should you have a career to “fall back on?”

2) How can you balance the craft with the business?

3) What’s the most important thing an actor should know/do when they first come to L.A.?

4) What does it mean “They need more of you in there?”

5) What’s the best part of being on a hit tv show for 6 seasons?

What is your #1 audition tip?

(In The Dark, The Librarians, Bella and the Bulldogs, Leverage, Band of Brothers)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What makes a great headshot...GREAT?

2) Do casting directors look at actors with no credits?

3) What was the casting process like for Band of Brothers?

4) Do casting directors look at actors who aren’t represented?

(In The Dark, The Librarians, Bella and the Bulldogs, Leverage, Band of Brothers)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What a casting director is looking for from your audition?

2) Do casting directors look at actors with no credits?

3) What kind of training is a casting director looking for?

4) Do casting directors look at actors who aren’t represented?

(Cold Case, Ringer, Roswell)

In this episode, you’re going to learn:

1) What is the most challenging part about being a casting director?

2) How much is too much for an actor to reach out to casting directors?

3) How can you find a job working for an agent or casting director?

4) How important is it for an actor to have a really good reel?

5) How can you avoid picking the wrong agent?

(Cold Case, Ringer, Roswell)

In this podcast, here are some important topics we cover: 

1) What does this casting director say is “the best education an actor can get?”

2) What should every actor do every day?

3) What does Crazy Ex Girlfriend and Broad City have in common?

4) Don’t ever send an email to a casting director that says THIS ————???!

5) Should you chat with the CD before an audition?

(Supernatural, The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, Christmas with the Kranks)

In this podcast, you will learn: 

1) What was it like working on The Suite Life of Zach and Cody?

2) How do you memorize lines?

3) What is it like on the set of Supernaturtal?

4) Why should you “never be a dick” on set?

(Supernatural, The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, Christmas with the Kranks, Supernatural Fandom)

In this podcast, you will learn: 

1) Why Kim Rhodes calls L.A. “A chimera and a meringue”?

2) How can you develop true confidence?

3) What’s the worst part about this industry?

4) Is just being YOU enough?

(Downton Abbey, Ghostbusters, Beecham House)

Here’s some special backstage BONUS footage with Lesley!  Hear about:

1) How is working in Europe different than working in the U.S.?

2) How do you keep your focus when you are working with a green screen? 

3) How do you best use your theatre training? 

4) How did your life change when you got the part in Downton Abbey?

(Downton Abbey, Beecham House, The Catch)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) Can you be shy AND be an actor?

2) How can you get past the nerves when auditioning?

3) Should you take non-paying jobs?

4) How important is it to have an agent?

5) How old is too old to be an actor in Hollywood?

(The Family the Preys, House of Payne, Meet the Browns, The Haves and The Have Nots, Love Thy Neighbor)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What qualities does Rhayvnn look for in an actor when she’s casting a movie?

2) How should you approach auditioning?

3) Should you be trying to break into the Atlanta film and TV market?

4) How many of the actors Rhavynn casts are local Atlanta hires and how many are flown in?

5) What about being an African American woman guides the choices Rhavynn makes in her work?

Michelle is the owner and lead manager of MORE ZAP MANAGEMENT (Clients have included: Tony Nominee - Brian Lane Green,  Disney TV star - Kelli Berglund, and many other working actors, dancers, singers, choreographers, directors, and writers.)    

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) How can you deal with all the NO’s in this business?

2) What is the role of a manager?

3) How do you know if a rep is good?

(True Blood, True Detective, Spider Man 3, Jericho, Insecure)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) How did Gregg become a recognizable actor overnight?

2) What’s the trick to having a successful relationship if your significant other is also an actor?

3) How do you emotionally get through the times when you’re not working?

4) How has the entertainment business changed as far as work for African-American actors?

In this podcast YOU will learn: 

1) Where should you start with your social media?

2) What should you do if you HATE social media?

3) Why is NOW is the best time to be an actor?

4) Why did Julia Roberts finally join Instagram?

5) What should you be posting about?

(A Little Help With Carol Burnett, Liv and Maddie, Good Girls)

In this podcast, we learned: 

1) What’s a child actor’s life like?

2) Is it fun being on a TV show?

3) How does it feel to be the only kid on set?

4) As a parent, how do you balance career and real-life for your kid?

(Will & Grace, Fuller House, Entourage)

In this podcast, we learned:

1) Why does Farah Bunch say working on a sitcom is “the life?”

2) What made Rami Malek special before he was a star?

3) How did Johnny Depp influence Rami Malek’s career?

4) How can YOU have a celebrity mentor?

5) Why is having “an unusual look” a bonus for actors?

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) How much money should an actor have when they first move to L.A.?

2) Do you need a car in L.A.?

3) What’s the difference between a W-2 and a 1099 and why is this an important distinction for actors to understand?

4) If your parents are “helping you out “do you have to declare that?

5) What is the number one financial mistake that actors make?

(Days of Our Lives, The Bold & The Beautiful, Acting Dead, The Bay)

In this podcast, we covered:

1) Day jobs for actors other than waiting tables.

2) How you should approach the beginning steps of your acting career.

3) What’s it like working on a soap opera?

4) Why Patrika calls soap acting “the hardest work she’s ever done.”

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) Can a “real-looking” person be a print model?

2) What pictures do you need if you want to peruse a career in print?

3) How old is too old to start your career as a model?

4) How should you dress for a print agency meeting?

5) What is a print audition like and how can you nail it?

6) Can YOU be a print model?

(Fuller House, Red Ruby, A Day in the Life of Young Robin Hood)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) How did this young actor’s life change overnight?

2) What is a network test like?

3) Do you have to sell yourself on social media to be a successful actor?

4) How do kid actors go to school?

5) How many hours can child actors work?

(WB/Looney Tunes Porky Pig, Tweety, Luke Skywalker, Marvin The Martian)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) If you want to do voiceovers, where/how should you begin?

2) What kind of training should a voiceover actor have?

3) How can an aspiring voiceover artist best utilize social media?

4) How did Bob Bergen land the role of Porky Pig?

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What does it really mean to “be yourself?”

2) How do you distinguish yourself from the other actors you are going up against?

3) How can you specifically define your brand as an actor?

4) What is the most important thing for an actor to know when they first arrive in LA?

5) What is the one thing that is likely holding you back in your career?

(Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Oz, What About Bob?)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What was Kathryn’s first screen test like?

2) Why do Hollywood producers hire adults to play child roles?

3) How did Kathryn get her first agent?

4) Is it possible to go from background worker to tv star?

5) Why does Kathryn describe an actor’s life like “a zen puzzle?”

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) Should you come to L.A. for pilot season?

2) Should you give yourself a certain amount of time in which to “make it?”

3) What exactly does a manager do?

4) What is the difference between an agent and a manager?

5) How should you reach out to a manager for representation?

In this episode, you’re going to learn:

1) What’s the most important AND most challenging thing that every actor needs to learn right NOW?

2) How can you be open to every door that might open for you?

3) Is it sometimes okay to quit?

4) How do you separate the fame and success from the art?

In this episode, you’re going to learn:

1) Can you have a family AND a successful acting career?

2) How can you be fearless?

3) What’s a common denominator of all working actors?

4) Why does John call acting “a crazy career?”

(IT, Burden, Game Night, The Disaster Artist, Isn't It Romantic, Shazam!) 

In this episode, you’re going to learn:

1) How can you mentally approach the waiting room and not let it freak you out?

2) What’s Coco’s #1 tip for parents of child actors?

3) What kind of submissions should you send to a casting office?

4) Why does Coco call L.A. a “teenager?”

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What are on-line submission sites and what are the best ways to utilize them?

2) How can you not get “run over” by the speed of our current world?

3) What’s the hardest part of transitioning from acting school into the world of being a professional actor?

4) Should you be submitting yourself on ALL of the on-line submission sites?

(Pampers, Jiff, Chase, Doritos, Mentos, State Farm, McDonalds)

In this podcast, we learned: 

1) What are casting directors REALLY thinking?

2) Can you improvise in a commercial audition?

3) Should you be memorized for a commercial audition?

4) Who is your “best friend” in a commercial audition room?

5) Do you need to be a certain size to book commercials?

6) What should your commercial Headshots look like?

(Butterfly Caught, Running Wild, Trafficked)

In this podcast, we learned:

1) How important is it to create your own work?

2) How can you build a powerful team around you?

3) Why should you be creating your own material?

4) How do you see something through to completion?

In this podcast, we learned:

1) How intense and competitive is the acting industry in L.A. vs other markets?

2) How do you best prepare for a move to LA?

3) Is it a totally necessary to have an immigration lawyer?

4) How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

(Once Upon a Time, Felicity, Lost)

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What are some advantages of working with a partner?

2) For shows shot in Canada, how many actors are flown in from LA?

3) How many actors typically test for a series regular role?

4) What makes an audition awesome?

5) If you’re an aspiring writer, what should you be writing about?

6) Do Adam and Eddie consider an actor’s social media following?

(Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Trolls: The Beat Goes On!, Transformers: Age of Extinction, The Adventures of Puss in Boots)

In this podcast, we learned:

1) How can a new actor get into voiceover?

2) How do voiceover casting directors determine who gets the job?

3) To work in voiceover, do you need an agent?

4) How important is versatility for a voiceover artist?

5) What should a voiceover demo tape sound like?

In this podcast YOU will learn:

1) What should you do  if you hate auditioning?

2) What is audition technique?

3) What quality is “amazingly attractive” in an auditioning actor?

4) If you’re auditioning for a character that has an accent, should you enter the room speaking with that accent?

5) What’s the most important thing to think about during an audition?