Honest Conversations with Alex Cubis

Award-winning filmmaker Robert Scott Wildes, whose debut feature ‘POOR BOY’ starred Oscar-nominee Michael Shannon and SHAMELESS actor Justin Chatwin, talks all things about his daily writing routine and his filmmaking journey. First crucial takeaway from this conversation? Fake it ’til you make it. You’ll have to listen though for what exactly that means in this context. Amongst many other top pieces of advice, Robbie gives incredibly specific and valuable insights into being a professional storyteller that would benefit anyone adopting the journeyman’s lifestyle. Listen to the end of this recording as we break down in minute detail what he ‘thinks’, ‘feels’, ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ , as well as memorable anecdotes about how he has secured financing, nabbed a top cast, and his key relationship with personal-development. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

‘ARROW’ and NBC ‘CAMP’ actor Liam Hall, who is also about to appear on the next season of CW’s RIVERDALE, is more that meets the eye. A pure artist in every sense of the word, Liam gives credence to the notion that contemporary actors can balance mainstream fare with free expression. Liam talks filming on set, juggling roles and handling success with humility. For anyone wanting to know more about what really goes on behind the grid of thousands of Instagram followers, listen to Liam’s interview. You’ll walk away provoked in thought and feeling beyond what a typical conversation with an actor might usually offer. Aspiring to work in entertainment? Need some life advice and motivation without the b.s. ? What would Liam have told himself 5 years ago before all his current success? Hear about course-correction and career guidance from the hardest working actor in Vancouver. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alison McGirr, one of the stars of Oscar nominee’s Bruce Beresford’s latest feature film ‘LADIES IN BLACK’ with Rachel Taylor, talks all things acting and her journey in this refreshingly honest chat that places special focus on craft and technique. This episode is particularly insightful for anyone interested in learning about how an Australian actor staying in LA halfway around the world gets cast in a feature film also starring Julia Ormond and Angourie Rice. Listen to the end to hear what inspiring and heartfelt advice Ali has to offer female actors, and take away an understanding about developing self-belief and knowing that the net will appear once you jump. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Publicist/Producer Jessica Carrera is one fifth of The Dollhouse production company and Director/Founder of Carrera Press Agency. She recently produced the Lexus Fellowship winning short film 'MY BOY OLEG', written and directed by Sundance 2018 international Short Jury Prize winner Goran Stolevski. Jess is also a recipient of Screen Australia’s Enterprise People funding to work alongside renowned producer Robyn Kershaw. In this episode, she offers many valuable insights about talent management, marketing, strategy and building a career in entertainment. How did she get her start? What’s her first piece of advice to up-and-coming industry talent? Listen in to find out. In addition to proving how a person can truly be a successful multi-hyphenate, Jess is a fantastic example of how success in the industry is built on collaboration, care and supporting others. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sunday Emerson Gullifer is at the forefront of the next-wave of Australian storytellers. She offers insights about her writing and directing process in this down-to-earth and practically minded, but artistically inspiring, conversation. Sunday, who won the Lexus Fellowship at the Sydney Film Festival earlier this year and has also screened at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival, address questions about how she finds and casts her actors, how she starts writing a script, and what she thinks makes a good actor. Listen in! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Brother directing duo Jonathan and Josh Baker, whose debut feature film ‘KIN’ stars Zoe Kravitz, Jack Reynor, James Franco, Dennis Quaid, and newcomer Myles Truitt, is currently playing in cinemas around the world. They discuss their approach to directing, turning down a “$70 million dollar movie” before they even had an agent, and the genesis of their creativity. Both Jonathan and Josh give their insights about career development, where they started, and the honest advice they’d tell themselves 5 or 10 years ago if they could. For these Australians currently killing it on the world-stage, you’ll get a sense of their humility and a courage of convictions above all else - a welcome respite from the diluted filmmaking landscape that explains what makes their movie ‘KIN’ so unique. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Love Is…” star Michele Weaver talks all things acting and God in this illuminating episode that will resonate with any aspiring artist or entrepreneur - regardless of background or passion. Michele speaks with a self-awareness that’s equally uplifting and challenging. Do you want to find out about the specific moments which lead to her current success and recent impressive bookings? Open your mind and ears to this hardworking talent: an example of how there’s no substitute for a good work ethic and faith. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I chat with casting director and recent Casting Society of America President, Matthew Lessall. Matt was previously director of feature film casting at 20th Century Fox, worked with Paramount Pictures Television Studios and currently casts an array of feature films, carving out a niche for himself in the industry as the go-to-guy for artists and directors wanting to find their next leading actor. Case in point, Matt cast Oscar-nominees Anna Kendrick and TImotheé Chalamet on the cusp of their mainstream breakout. We talk about how some actors are “stars” and others aren't, tips for filmmakers and actors (hint #1: chill out), how the audition process has changed and so much more in this refreshingly open and free-flowing conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this instalment I have a chat with GREY’S ANATOMY star Giacomo Gianniotti, a Canadian-Italian actor who has become a fan-favourite for his role as Dr. Andrew Deluca in Shonda Rhimes’ mega-hit ABC show. Listen in to find out what belief Giacomo is an advocate for when it comes to success and happiness, and join me in hearing about what the passionate philanthropist and filmmaker has to say about making mistakes and being true to yourself. Are you an actor or a business-owner? Take note of his advice about auditions that I know will be applicable to many life scenarios (and specifically hear about what he think helped with his GREY’S ANATOMY self-tape). Make sure to listen to the end of the episode to hear one of the biggest lessons Giacomo has learned in the past few years about life and career, as well as many anecdotes and tips about shooting on set and staying in the zone. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID star, and THE GOOD DOCTOR actor Zach Gordon opens up in a way he claims to not have done so before for any other interview. He’s only 20 but speaks with the authority of someone much older - we touch on this irony with reference to his career as a child actor up to his current status as working adult thespian. Which ’WIMPY KID’ cast member did he speak to on the drive to our interview (they’re friends in real life guys!)? Which Oscar-nominated actor gave him some life changing career advice while drinking a coke? What’s the question he’s most frequently asked and what would he rather answer? Zach answers all of these questions and more in this free-flowing episode that’s a must-listen! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fresh off premiering her feature at SXSW, Becca Gleason and I have a little chat about her career and her latest film SUMMER ’03, a project she describes as “60% autobiographical, 40% fabricated.” A veteran of short filmmaking and web series content, Becca goes into detail about whether challenges are increased by being on a feature film set. We discuss her next moves and her unique writing process (does it or does it not involve adderall?). She also gives valuable advice on how filmmakers should communicate with their actors to help them deliver stronger performances, a spiel that segues nicely into how she cast her film which includes Paul Scheer (FX’s THE LEAGUE, NTSF:SD:SUV), Joey King (THE CONJURING, THE KISSING BOOTH), Erin Drake (AMC’s DIETLAND) and Andrea Savage (EPISODES with Matt LeBlanc, TruTV’s I’M SORRY). And finally, we get to that plug moment where she tells us about the film’s release date - you’ll have to listen to find out when you’ll get to see SUMMER ’03! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I chat with HBO ‘INSECURE’ star Jay Ellis, also known for his work on on BET hit ’THE GAME,’ ‘MASTERS OF SEX’ , upcoming Sony feature ’THE MAZE’ and Sundance feature ‘A BOY. A GIRL. A DREAM,’’. If you’re listening to hear about Hollywood stories or behind the scenes gossip, you should probably go somewhere else - because in this chat we dive a little deeper. Among other things, Jay and I talk about eclecticism, art and whether ingratiation is a skill-set. He offers advice for actors and writers, and we discuss the genesis of his passion for acting and being a storyteller. Jay also reveals what advice he would tell himself 10 years ago and through our conversation shows an empathy for humans through discussing the universality of ‘coolness,’ all the while also offering a down-to-earth point of view on content creation and mastering one’s craft. Hope you guys enjoy this chat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

WGA-award-winning writer Gretchen Enders offers a refreshingly honest and commonsensical series of insights about putting creative aspirations into practice, and balancing creative self-indulgence with results-oriented focus. We discuss her journey from pursuing acting and discovering improv in LA, and working a temp job at HBO all the way to stepping into the writer’s room for Netflix, Amazon, and currently, Facebook Watch (with its billions of dollars). We also discuss whether an award win is an advantage or a hindrance, the challenging sleeping practices of show-runners, her lessons from Oscar-winner Martin McDonagh (THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI) and the ‘perfectly fine answer’ you can present in a pitch meeting. Content creators, and those seeking ways to find confidence within themselves, will most definitely enjoy this chat! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jon Carlo - Actor and Co-Writer behind Harvey Keitel’s latest film: “FIRST WE TAKE BROOKLYN,” co-starring Anna Lynne McCord and Charlotte McKinney - sits down with me to talk career paths, the dream and full-circle moments involving being a waiter to an Oscar-nominated actor serving him breakfast one year, to acting as their co-star in a feature film 10 years later. Jon, who has also appeared on popular shows “PARKS AND RECREATION” and “TRANSPARENT”, tells a great story involving the classic definition of luck being preparation meets opportunity, as well as a refreshingly vulnerable recount of his journey that has seen him arrive in LA, take a 3-year hiatus, and come back again. Jon and I also talk about the genesis of his writing process, as well as how a predisposition towards problem solving informs his storytelling point of view. Listen in towards the end for his advice for actors, and through our chat appreciate the ways in which humans just need to sometimes ‘shut up and do.’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cassie Jaye is an award-winning American documentary filmmaker behind the quote-un-quote controversial movie “The Red Pill”, a documentary chronicling a ‘feminist’s journey into the Mens’ Rights Movement' which posed questions about the future of gender equality. Cassie also has a prolific online presence and recently delivered a TEDX talk, all of which was preceded by the production and release of other documentaries which explored LGBT and women’s issues. Australian audiences might remember Cassie from a “controversial’”appearance Channel 10’s “The Project” in which hosts were puzzled by her response to their skewed questions. We go into that viral moment in our chat, but also discuss the ironic intolerance the internet has fostered in our current age, social climates suffocating from political correctness, and how changes in the way news outlets make money has informed our “fake news” milieu. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joyful and boss director Suzi Yoonessi has two films out this year: “UNLOVABLE", a Duplass Brothers' film premiering at SXSW starring Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, Oscar-nominee John Hawkes and Charlene deGuzman, and Blue Ribbon Content's “DAPHNE AND VELMA" from the Scooby Doo universe. Also known for her award-winning feature “DEAR LEMON LIMA”, Suzi has created acclaimed content for Funny or Die, Lancome, Kylie Jenner and Snapchat. We discuss one way she’s become a good judge of character (and by extension, an award-winning filmmaker ), the surprising advantage of leaving powerhouse talent agencies, and a guiding purpose for her work that made me want to raise my own standards for my creative purpose. Don’t be intimidated though, because Suzi’s pretty awesome and you’ll want to listen past the half-way mark for what she thinks makes a good actor, and two paths she can suggest for a director wanting to jump-start their career. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gary Pearl: Film Financier, Producer, Filmmaker and all-round Entrepreneur. Gary is an Executive Producer of the Golden-Globe winning “JANE THE VIRGIN,” and a former agent of William Morris, Paradigm and ICM. He was involved with packaging films like the Oscar-winning "GOOD WILL HUNTING", and produced “10.5” with Kaley Cuoco, leading to an overall 8 hours of programming for the limited series. This episode is more business in focus, so forgive my hard line of questioning, but it nevertheless is a very insightful conversation for those aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives out there looking to ground themselves in reality, while staying connected to their dreams. Here’s one tip: make the right phone calls. How do you do that? Listen in to find out. Make sure to stay past the 16 minute mark for an important lesson anyone can benefit from heeding, but also listen for a reflection on the industry that is both refreshingly blunt and honest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Director of ‘THE LAST SURVIVORS’ with Haley Lu Richardson (SPLIT, THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN), Tom gives an eloquent analysis for how American filmmaking, and therefore one’s financial obligations, informs content creation in a way that can blend art and commerce in an effective, rather than mutually exclusive fashion. Tom, who has worked on productions with actors like Tom Hanks, and filmmakers like Adam Wingard, gives great suggestions for the aspiring content creator out there for how to path a career (preview: find any opportunity to tell a story in whatever role possible). Also listen in for how he got his agent (hint: take risks!) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alethea Jones (director behind Sony’s upcoming live-action feature BARBIE with Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway, and Sundance feature ‘Fun Mom Dinner’ with Toni Collette) discusses the nitty-gritty process behind her directing career - from acting school, up to winning the Screen Australia Breakthrough Award from AiF in October. Hear about what themes from her life and society she attributes her success to, as well as a rather surprising story for what helped pay the bills while she was an up-and-coming short-film director. Alethea also gives generous tips for those aspiring filmmakers out there, so take a listen and take notes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gia Carides (MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, HBO’S BIG LITTLE LIES, SHOWTIME’S TWIN PEAKS), discusses her career and all things acting. Listen in to hear from a working actor who has balanced careers in both countries for many years and worked with legends like Baz Luhrmann, Mike Myers and Mike Nichols. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Catriona McKenzie is only one part of this interview. The filmmaker, of Australian-Aboriginal descent, has directed Freeform/ABC Family's “Shadowhunters", the Emmy-winning "Dance Academy", worked alongside Ridley Scott on "Alien: Covenant" and was awarded prizes at the Berlin Film Festival for her feature film "Satellite Boy." Luckily Catriona invited her friend to join our conversation at the last minute: emerging Canadian director Kirsten Carthew, who was recently handed Best Narrative Film by Meg Ryan at the Bentonville Film Festival for "The Sun at Midnight” starring "The Revenant"s Duane Howard and award-winning actress Devery Jacobs. Each filmmaker provides an understanding for what type of actor they respond to, along with Kirsten's insights into authenticty and Catriona's belief that people function within systems designed to "push and pull.” Both multi-hyphenates also discuss their experience making decisions while being judges at film festivals, and you'll hear about working on the "Alien" franchise, creative empathy, an example of a great litmus test for making big life decisions and some awesome practical tips for budding filmmakers and actors (so listen past the halfway mark). Oh, and you'll find out how the best insights can sometimes come from a 7 year old girl. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Anyone in the industry, and anyone for that matter, should listen to Megan's musings and share in her audacity. Case in point: Oscar-Winner Helen Mirren may have narrated one of her films, but Megan (winner of the 2016 Greg Coote Scholarship) was the one to put her life on the line to shoot it. The AACTA and IF-nominated filmmaker substantiates my inquiry into candor as a means of cultivating an artistic identity, and is a notable example for how practicing gratitude and just getting to the work (please, just stop complaining everyone) is the secret to success. Namely, we discuss how self-realisations have to be worked at and are often the result of an accumulation of events (read: they're not easily epiphanic), how hardships teach lessons (and especially useful in avoiding the 'rabbit hole' of industry obsession) and the distinction between being honest in a nice and constructive way as opposed to just being a dick (my word, not hers). Also, we touch on the practical realities for self-care in entertainment, what Hollywood power players DON'T and DO care about and going against people's advice (when maybe it's not best for the career, but it's necessary and vital for your humanity). Stay around past the halfway mark for what she thinks is the #1 source of unhappiness and cause of artistic death, and listen in to find out what question she asks herself while working on her projects. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Michael Schwarz, Sam Worthington's producing partner @ Full Clip Productions and current producer @ Deepwater, offers some brazen and unpretentious insights into the nature of film producing in all his Australian-ness. This isn't so much an analysis of expressing your POV, but rather a clear example of how being authentic and down-to-earth is a sure-fire way of forging your path in the industry. We discuss the practical realities of how he got started as a producer (preview: there were lots of random jobs in his early-late 20s, plus a few acting classes thrown in for good measure), how he connected and started working with the AVATAR superstar, as well as the means by which anxiety is clearly a common incentive experienced by entertainment professionals. Oh, and make sure to listen past the 9 minute mark to hear about which big-budget flop Michael convinced a certain A-lister to turn down -- while technically still a film-school student. A few further anecdotes suggest that perhaps not even Hollywood veterans really know what they're doing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

"THE ORIGINALS," "ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND," and "HOUSE OF HANCOCK" actor Peta Sergeant embodies a natural way of thinking that promotes joy - something undoubtedly attributable to her success and identity as a creative with an authentically unique POV (and not surprising given she talks about how some of her life and career epiphanies occurred over peanut butter and coffee). We talk about simply trying different hobbies as a means of gaining clarity for life purpose, spiritual life, the way in which a creative's chemical make-up literally has fewer filters than a 'regular' person, her complicated relationship with one of her first TV shows (and breaking a contract) and how she transitioned from acting in Australia to the US and her (among many ++++ other tips and insights). Make sure to listen from the 10 minute mark for her definition of an actor's responsibility and how a performer can become 'dangerous.' See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kristian Schmidt! @talkingkrit offers a valuable paragraph for my thesis exploring why and how creatives organise their ideas and achieve success. This Fulbright Scholar, former MTV VJ and now LA-based actor not only talks the talk but walks the walk: we discuss depression experienced as a form of childhood inhibition, his reading recommendations, an odd series of Facebook exchanges with a famous actor (yes, we reveal who it is) that was decidedly honest, comparing his experience as a Samoan in the entertainment industry to (well. a surprising metaphor you should hear for yourselves), how he won the Fulbright Scholarship and his tips for hustling (preview: he was child entrepreneur, so start young). Twitter & Instagram: @talkingkrit! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jeremy Luke ("This is Us", "Don Jon") has worked with Clint Eastwood, Frank Darabont and Joseph Gordon Levitt. Besides these collaborations, along with his current series "Small Shots" currently streaming on Netflix, Jeremy's natural candor renders him a worthy candidate for learning about artistic honesty, how to get started as an actor (and the subsequent pursuit of "making it") and sourcing your resilience (does it involve 'The Secret'?). We discuss how everyone is truly powerless in entertainment (including the studios), exactly how he's landed his roles (including on NBC's breakout hit), balancing results oriented focus with having fun, catching momentum and "being in the good vibe", is this all really about luck (the conclusion may surprise you), and how inner strength is a consequence of being a New Yorker and also -- well, listen to find out (+ a bunch more)! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Casting directors, History Channel's "SIX" and Calvin Klein modelling. Donny Boaz and I had an #HonestConversation! Aside from discussing his definition of a good actor and what constitutes his version of "hustling" (he has some good tips, so actors: listen for them!), Donny and I talk about how brazen honesty isn't necessarily the path to the 'X factor.' In continuing my exploration of what distinguishes a creative in a saturated market, he identifies self-belief and inflated confidence (regardless of whether it's grounded in reality) as one crucial ingredient to the life of a successful actor. We also talk about the whether the old adage of luck being "preparation meets opportunity" is true, what it was like meeting Matthew McConaughey and which HBO actor played hardball with Alan Ball and won. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Peter Cornwell, director of "The Haunting in Connecticut" with Oscar-nominee Virginia Madsen, had an #HonestConversation with me and continued my investigation into the origins of a unique storyteller's POV and the source of their ideas. Find out what specific experience from his real life (and early day job while an aspiring filmmaker) informed his ability as a director, how choice of medium informs comedy, why passion (+Australian candor) garners audience respect, tips for auditioning, Jodie Foster and Emma Thompson and learned inhibitions. I'm sure you guys can look out for a Pt 2 in the future where we'll be discussing film financial structures + abandoning pretense in the pursuit of truth. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Director of TERMINUS (starring "THE VAMPIRE DIARIES" Todd Lasance and "THE LAST SHIP'S" Bren Foster) gives us an explanation for where he thinks cliché lives - filmmakers and screenwriters, listen to this conversation. He and I discuss the competing tension between contentment and complacency, rushed production schedules complicating filmic perspective, how self-congratulatory attitudes can lead to the production of "s**t" (haha) and whether achieving self-awareness, in the pursuit of a healthy creative life, is entirely informed by self-criticism. Also, for actors listening: what does this director think about the casting process. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

"You are where you are supposed to be right now” and “everything is said when it needs to be said." Chloé Boreham (who most recently appeared in Damian Walshe-Howling's MESSIAH, produced by the Weinstein Co and just shot her film LA LICORNE in Paris) and I had a, dare I say it, honest conversation. If you're a creative developing your own project, or don't know how to resolve your "20-something" neurosis, listen in. We discuss things happening for a reason, natural continuations, balancing results-oriented focus with organic artistry, writing as a function of you (as opposed to just an 'extension of you') and "unaware instances" as the archetypal moment for when the best stories are born (and what does that even mean!?). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Xavier (@XLNB) a recent Sundance Fellow, mentee of Ryan Murphy's Half Foundation, alumnus of the ABFF HBO Short Film Competition and semi-finalist for the Student Academy Awards, offers insights that deserve ears (aspiring filmmakers take note!). We talk Tina and the Gucci Flip Flop, appropriation of black culture (hear about the back stories of "cash me outside" and "on fleek"), Twitter as the "cornucopia" of his ideas, how societies experience a "spike" in populist assertion during times of political convergence and the potential racist intersectionality of a privileged white dude such as myself interviewing artists. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rory, a recent Sundance Org Fellow with 3 and a half million views for her "OnlyInHelLA" web series, gives us a lesson on discernment and the universality of specificity. Listen in to hear about the role that the concept of "good people making bad choices" plays in her life, the rise of relativity in a world of Tinder, and whether being self-deprecating and having a serious work ethic is a contradiction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cariba Heine (BAIT, H20: JUST ADD WATER, HIDING) and I talk about many things ranging from Zimbabwe to what does not serve her "one iota." I also reveal a tragic thing that happened to me in childhood, and she explains what she thinks makes a good actor. Cariba and I explore "down to earthness" allowing for the appreciation of different people, blunt streaks as a manifestation of resentment and the mutual exclusivity of social niceties and distinctive artistic expression. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Katy Perry recently enlisted Re'Sean to help choreograph her latest video, and Ariana Grande shared the stage and screen with him on "Hairspray LIVE!" Re'Sean Pates and I discuss reconciling the provocative nature of the music industry with faith, skittles, neuron mirroring, conscious avoidance of 'bougie' behaviour and inherent empathy as a means of activating self-awareness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alison Brie (COMMUNITY), Lizzy Caplan (MASTERS OF SEX) and Bellamy Young (SCANDAL) recently read Elizabeth's first play, "FRACTURED" in a Los Angeles staged-reading, and now this multi-hyphenate creative has "broken the back" of her creative life and secured her first TV literary agent at a "very fancy agency." She talks about industry hunger, how career shifts happen gradually and need not be problematised, and expresses her gratitude authentically (whether it's in an interview or while she's having coffee with a friend). Listen for some inspiration about how to be a talented self-starter (and to appreciate the difference being giving "no f's" and maintaining a strong POV). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Emmy-nominated producer Steph Meurer talks about Oscar-winning MOONLIGHT, Lena Dunham, work ethic, and gender stereotypes. And of course, whether likeable people truly exist in Los Angeles. We also talk about which approach is better: writing about what you're interested in or writing about what you know. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Famous people, Los Angeles and "word salad" are discussed by Carrie, as well as the nature of conversation when meeting through mutual friends (as her and I did). And we talk about the all-important first impressions! If you're on your way to work and don't want to eavesdrop on the people next to you, listen in on our conversation and recycle it later in your day. *Although she no longer works in the film industry, she still talks like you'd think a high powered agent or producer would. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's Oscar Week! And I was lucky enough to interview one of the actors from Best Picture nominee, LION, Arka Das (ABC's "THE CODE," "TOP OF THE LAKE"). We discuss how he's making a conscious effort to be himself (*and be unapologetic about it*) and how the journey to artistic authenticity can start off surprisingly simple before it evolves into the complex and probing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jack of All Trades Mark Reininga (who recently appeared in the CBS hit series PURE GENIUS) talks about not telling someone they're boring at a party, even though that's what was going through his mind at the time. We bond over other things like Blink 182 cover bands and not having friends in high school. Take a listen if you're unsure about why you hold back. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Star of GLEE, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and GREY'S ANATOMY, Titus begins our conversation with "I can just be myself right?" Oh, the irony. And so begins my podcast! An artistic experiment in deciphering the point of meandering conversations (so commonplace in LA) and identifying what is unique to you (wait, me?) on a moment-to-moment basis. Take a listen if you'd like to find out what Titus thinks might be helpful in conversations with friends. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.