What's Your Secret

Today's guest is Jazmyn. Jazmyn is a comedian, content creator, and TikTok star. Some things we chat about:

Quitting a corporate job to do comedy
Today is preparing you for something in the future
Not everyone is going to like you
Being a multi-faceted creator
Having a strong point of view
A week in the life of a content creator
Growing on TikTok
Not being polite in comedy
Writing down your accomplishments
Taking the time to do the things you want to do
Recognizing your own capabilities
Talking about things you’re embarrassed about
Believing others when they express the good in you

Connect:
IG: JazmynjwTikTok: Jazmynjw

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

Today's guest is Arielle Kilker. Arielle is a documentary filmmaker who developed and co-directed the Emmy award winning docuseries Cheer, supervising editor on Last Chance U, and more. Some things we chat about:

Turning down opportunities
How development works in the doc world
How long it takes to film a docuseries / how long post production takes
Reverse engineering the story
Faking it till you make it
You don’t have to be born brave
Making Cheer with a predominately female crew
Getting serious about ideas
Lifting other women up

Connect:
IG: ariellekilker Stay Up to Date:

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with Felicia Pride. Felicia is the writer and executive producer of Really Love (available on Netflix), a producer on Grey's Anatomy, and an award winning filmmaker. Some things we chat about:

Giving writing “one last shot”
Making writing the most important thing
Defining a writing practice for yourself
Getting strong on the rewrite
The importance of self work
Moving into directing
Live your life so you have things to write about
Looking forward to getting older
Learning about distribution
Morning rituals
Holding your work back is a selfish act

Mentioned in the Episode:Tendermovie.com
Create Daily

Connect:
IG FeliciaPride

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is Sienna Beckman. Sienna is the head of Development and Production at Emergence Films. Some things we chat about:

Transitioning from LA to London
Being the only woman on set
Starting a production company
The LA grind
Financing and distribution
The overnight success myth
The feeling that you’re supposed to know everything

Mentioned in the Episode:Stephen Follows BlogCinando

Connect:
Emergencefilms.us
IG: emergencefilms Stay Up to Date:

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is Eric Matlin - Director of Development and Production at Likely Story. Some things we chat about:

Balancing a job at a production company with working a job in film
Figuring out what works for you
A writer partner to hold you accountable
What it’s like working at a production company
The difference between production and development
The benefits of a consistent schedule
No one knows what they’re talking about
Building confidence
Owning who you are

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is producer Christine Cho. Some things we chat about:

The decision to go to film school
How films shape who we are
What a producer does
How film school differs from the real world
What it’s like producing a feature (and a first feature)
The importance of representation
Funding a feature film
Social media and filmmaking
The challenges of producing
Reminding yourself of your accomplishments

Connect:Face On Seed and Spark
Faceonmovie.comChocreative.com IG: faceonmovie

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is costumer Annie Manning. Some things we chat about:

The hierarchy of a costume shop
Qualities to succeed as a costumer
The importance of asking questions
Feeling behind on your own life
Creating on TikTok
Creative problem solving in costuming
Experience vs skill
Building the muscle memory - do it over and over

Connect:

Tiktok thederpiestpony
IG thederpiestpony

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is multi-hyphenate filmmaker Keylee Sudduth. Some things we chat about:

Transitioning from commercial actor to multi hyphenate filmmaker
Making your own opportunities
The pressure to be productive
Comparison and moving the goal post
Imposter syndrome from not going to film school
Everyone who has ever made something wonderful has had the same fears
Fear is part of the process
Create the story you want to tell
Don’t let rejection stop you
Don’t compare your movie to someone else’s movie

Watch:

Talk
Home
Backsliders

Listen:

Backsliders Podcast

Connect:

Creative coaching: bobbilliamsproductions.com
IG: keyleemakes
IG: backslidershow

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Today's guest is Dara Taylor. Dara is a composer in Los Angeles. Some things we chat about:

Transitioning from NYC to LA
Breaking into the LA industry
Finding ways to be useful
Finding work as a composer
Getting an agent as a composer
The benefits of deadlines
Finding the voice of the film
Tips for directors communicating to composers
How Covid has changed composing
It’s about who you know - but it’s easy to get to know people

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is Mayumi Yoshida. Mayumi is an actor, writer, and director and we chat about:

Learning from being on set
The benefits of being a multi-hyphenate
Not banking on one single thing resulting in less disappointment
Audition blues
Self image
Allowing yourself to indulge in sadness
Acknowledging your own feelings
Following your impulses
The importance of representation

Connect:IG: immyyoume

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today's guest is Erica Bream. Erica is a casting director, and we chat about:

The day to the day in the life as a casting director
How casting blends creativity and business
The fear of not working again
Comparing to others career
Accepting that not everything is about you
Defining success
How casting directors are rooting for actors
Do actors need to be on TikTok/ social media?

Connect:IG: ericasbreamcastericasbreamcasting.com

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Hi friends! We are back for Season 2! Check out this episode for an update on where I've been and a preview of what's to come.

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A little update on what's happening with the show - we'll be be back soon!

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Today we're chatting with film critic, writer, and audio producer Beandrea July. We chat about:

Going through the open doors
Starting out as a film critic
Writing the articles you would want to read
Looking for your unique perspective & looking for the story that hasn’t been written
Basing your opinions on research
Pay expectations for arts journalism
Misconceptions about film critics
Fear of judgement is normal
Getting comfortable with asking
Smaller indie movies getting traction because of COVID
Taking it day by day

Mentioned in the Episode:Study Hall
Book: Reel Inequality
Brighter Lens Podcast

Connect:
Twitter: beandreadotcom

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

Reel Inequality: Hollywood Actors and Racism

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Today we are chatting with Nikki Menon. We chat about:

Cold emailing
Growing your network
Paying it forward
The benefits of working at an agency
The power of being an assistant
Doing things for fun
Continuously moving the goalpost
What do you want to say with the things you make?
The word selfish
Pushing the conversation forward
You learn by experience

Listen to the Chaat Room podcast!

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with actor and actor career coach Jenna Doolittle. We chat about:

Feeling “behind”
How to build relationships with casting directors
Tips for actors (from an actor coach!)
The importance of taking classes in LA
Generosity in the industry
Asking for what you want
Using social media as a tool
How you define success

Connect:
IG: thatdoolittle
Actors Rise Newsletter

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we are chatting with the Founder of Polo's Pantry, Melissa Acedera. Polo's Pantry is a mobile food pantry dedicated helping unhoused and marginalized communities in L.A.

The need to wear multiple hats
Including structural change in the food system as part of the conversation
Not know where to start and feeling intimidated by activism
How to get involved in food justice
Taking cues from the houseless community
COVID’s affect on food access
Making activism personal
Why language is so important in this work
Imposter syndrome in the mutual aid space

Connect:IG: polospantrylaTwitter:polospantry

Volunteer/ Donate:Polo's PantryHomeyMadeMeals(Sign up it's easy and fun!)

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Today we are chatting with Ebony Adams. We chat about:

The Women in Film organization and the amazing programing they do
The most productive thing you can do is survive
Giving yourself permission to create bad work
Accountability partners
Doing the pre-work
Finding what works for you
Embracing the zero-draft
Writing stories because it’s a story you want to tell
The notion that an overnight success is a myth
There’s no time limit on your work

Mentioned in the Episode:
Wif.orgCheck out Ebony's podcastsFeminist Frequency Radio Podcast and Cinema Ball

Connect with Ebony:
Twitter: ebonyaster Stay Up to Date:

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with post audio engineer Brielle Achterhof.

We chat about:

The difference between production sound and post production sound
How to get a job in sound
Starting as an intern
Social presence in sound
Women in sound
What makes a good sound engineer
Using the background to help tell the story
Ditching the 5 year plan
Believing in yourself

And more!

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with photographer and performer Marissa Mooney. We chat about:

How to get work as a photographer in LA
Being curious and building relationships
Admitting when you don’t know the answer
The day to day of working as a photographer
Inspiration is a sacred thing
People photograph better when they feel better
Setting boundaries and knowing your worth
Establishing your rate
Making friends with your anxiety
Aligning your worth with your productivity

Connect with Marissa: mmooneyimages

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we are chatting with actor and filmmaker Tessa Markle (co-host of the Femme Regard Podcast!) We chat about:

Learning to fall in love with filmmaking
How filmmaking helps you as an actor
Creating your own work when you didn’t go to film school
Looking at your accomplishments to overcome imposter syndrome
How to start a production company
The benefits of deadlines
Why podcasting is awesome
The pressure to know how everything in filmmaking works
Everyone has to start somewhere
Ask yourself what you already have and what you’re already good at

Connect with Tessa:IG: misstessalauren
Listen to the Femme Regard Podcast

Mentioned in the episode

The healing breath
Wim hof Breath
Hags Podcast
Ghosted Podcast
Gratitude is a Journey Podcast
You Are a Badass

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with actor and filmmaker Brooke Trantor.

We chat about:

Putting yourself in a box
Defining yourself as “only” an actor
Relationships are the most tangible things in our industry
Being the best person you can be and being the best artist you can be
Admitting when you don’t know what someone said
Becoming comfortable asking questions
Healing doesn’t happen overnight
Body image in the entertainment industry
Healing is a lifelong process
The more you get to know women, the more you see how similar we are

Connect with Brooke:
IG: @brooketrantorBrooketrantor.com

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we are chatting with Charlotte T Martin. We chat about:

Getting over your own bullshit
Writing off the people that you can’t please
Being afraid people will think what you’re doing is stupid
You HAVE to put it out into the world and be proud of it, Because someone will find it and someone will find you!
The fear of rejection
Admitting to yourself that you have an idea that you think is good
You can master the practice of sitting down and writing
How to actually get into meditation

Connect with Charlotte:
IG: Charlottethewriter
Watch: Chemistry at charlottethewriter.com
Listen: We’ve Never Met

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with Carolina Alvarez from the Femme Regard podcast. We chat about:

Creating your own work (even if you didn't go to film school)
Starting a production company
How wearing multiple hats makes you better at your job
Give yourself permission to own your title
Why podcasting is awesome
Creating community

Connect with Carolina:
IG: lafemmecarolina
Podcast IG: femmeregard
Listen to: Femme Regard Podcast

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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We're back with [another] solo episode! Next week we'll be back to our interviews with our incredible guests- stay tuned!

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We're back with another solo episode! This week is 10 things that improved my 2020- I hope it helps your 2021!

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Today we have a solo episode with yours truly. We're talking about how this podcast came to be, creating your own work, New Year's resolutions, and more. Thank you so much for tuning in and for supporting the show.

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Today we're chatting with actor and comedian Kimia Behpoornia. You may have seen Kimia in Abby's, Atypical, Unicorn Store, or onstage at UCB.

What chat about:

Doing what feels good
Transitioning from guest star to series regular
The fear of never working again
Bringing yourself and your own authenticity to the character
Trusting yourself and knowing what is right for you
Finding yourself in the character

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we're chatting with Rachael Perrell-Fosket. Rachael is an actor (Midway, Grimm, Hawaii Five-O) based in LA.

We chat about:

How acting is a skill
Behind the scenes of CGI
Actor spreadsheets
The difference in the Portland acting market and LA
The fear of ruining a movie
Being afraid of what other's think of you
Being ready for the next thing

Connect with Rachael:
IG: rachaelperrellfosket

Mentioned in the Episode:Work in Progress with Sophia Bush
Causebox (not sponsored lol)Gentlemen's Guide to Romcoms

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Today we're chatting with director/producer Tracy Ip.

We chat about:

How smell can improve your life
Beauty standards
Taking time to do things you actually like
Tying self worth to productivity
Prioritizing self reflection
Accepting who you are
How we define ourselves and how identity plays into happiness
The key to succeeding in this business: being a nice person

Mentioned in the Episode:
Invisibilia: An Unlikely Super Power
Invisibilia: How to Become Batman

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Today we're chatting with AJ Joyce. AJ is the host of She's So Reel, a podcast that shares real stories and expertise from female creators, artists, and many more in the industry. Definitely go check out her show!!

Connect with AJ:
IG: Ajsoreel

We chat about:

Making your own seat at the table
Defining expertise
Becoming an expert by doing
Taking ownership of the things you want
Being intentional about gratitude
Believing your dreams are possible
And more!

Mentioned in the Episode:

A Brighter Lens Podcast
Lisa Bilyeu Ted Talk
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Shuster
Side Hustle Pro Podcast
Rachel Hollis Podcast

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Today we are chatting with my dear friend Alyssa Brocato. Ali is a cinematographer based in LA, was the first DP I’ve ever worked with as a director, and is an all around gem of a human being.

We chat about:

Staying calm under stress
Steps to take to become a cinematographer
Doing your best rather than trying to be “the best”
Giving yourself permission to fail
Caring about what you’re working on and who you’re working with
How cinematography is more than making a beautiful image
Finding fulfillment outside of the job
The issue with being known as a “female cinematographer”

Mentioned in the Episode:Book: Masters of Light
Movie: Up in the Air
Haruki Marakami
Lulu Wang: Giver Her the Job

Connect with Alyssa:

IG: alyssabrocato

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If you are interested in writing for television then this episode is for you! Today we are talking with Lauren Moon. Lauren has written on Atypical, Good Trouble, Dash & Lily, and more!

We chat about everything from:

How to get staffed on a show
Summoning inspiration
Understanding the hierarchy within a writer’s room
Sensitivity as a strength
Vision vs delusion
Pitching basics
And more!

Watch: Play the Hits directed by Lauren Moon and CJ Ballesteros
Get Involved: Tuesday Night Project

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If you're interested in sketch comedy, stand up, or creating your own work, then you'll love today's episode! Today we are chatting with actor, writer, and comedian Ayla Glass (and fellow Kansan!) Ayla is the creator and showrunner of The BAEgency,

We chat about:

Coming from Kansas
How to get involved in sketch
The importance of deadlines
Accepting a compliment
Celebrate your wins
Feeling like a project is never enough
Looking for joy
Plant mom life

Connect with Ayla:

IG:aylaglass

Mentioned in the Episode:

Armchair Expert (Ari's favorite podcast- go listen!!)
Crippling Anxiety Barbie (BAEgency Sketch)
The Pack Theatre
Fiddle Leaf Figs

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If you're a creative in need of a feel-good episode, then you'll love this episode. Today we're chatting with filmmaker Kelsey Fordham.

We chat about:

Taking ownership of your dreams
Imposter syndrome/ feeling not enough
Directing for the first time
Staying true to yourself and following your authentic voice
Getting started "late"
Using fear as a compass
And more!

Connect with Kelsey:

IG: @kelseyfordham_
@entitled.shortfilm

Mentioned in the Episode:

Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
Article: The Crossroads of Should and Must
TED Talk: Story Corps
Kelsey's short film "Entitled" will be premiering at the Oscar qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival

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If you're interested in creating independent film, then this episode is for you! Today we are chatting with Jennifer Cho Suhr. Jen is a writer and director.

We talk about:

The process of getting a feature off of the ground
Embracing the term female filmmaker
Learning from your old work and building internal confidence
Giving yourself permission to create and make bad work
Generosity in the industry
And more!

Mentioned in the Episode:
Sofy Solomon Seasame Workshop
Tribeca: Through Her Lens

Connect with Jen:www.jenniferchosuhr.com

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Are you interested in learning about TV development? Then you'll love this episode! Allegra Breedlove works in comedy development at ABC. We cover everything from what goes into comedy development (i.e. how TV shows actually get made) to learning on the job and looking for the good in life.

Overview

What goes into comedy development?
What makes a show stand out?
Learning on the job
Using everything as a learning opportunity
Focus on being your best you instead of comparing yourself to other's journey
Stepping outside of your comfort zone
The importance of arts education

Mentioned in the Episode:The Body Pod: Ari's Body Story

Connect with Allegra:

IG: allegra_blair

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Music by:

Michael Paraskevas

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If you're a creative in need of a pep talk, then this episode is for you! Today we sit down with Songwriter, Actor, Writer, Music Artist, and all around creative badass Paige Bryan. We chat about:

Comparing yourself to imaginary versions of yourself
Being a small part of something bigger
Building others up rather than tearing people down
Being true to who you are
Dreaming big

*Please note this episode was recorded several months ago.

Connect with Paige:
IG: paigebryanofficial

Mentioned in the Episode:

Watch: Life and Times of a Single Angeleno
Watch/Listen: BLM
DONATE
Equal Justice Initiative

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Actors and filmmakers, you'll love this episode! Today we're chatting with Jordan Maranto. Jordan is an actor and filmmaker based in LA and is a proud UT alum. We chat about:

Getting caught in the comparison bubble
Separating happiness from success
Taking class for fun
Being an actor is expensive!
Finding your niche in acting
No shame in a day job

Mentioned in the Episode:

Merlin Works - Improv Class in Austin taught by Shayna Merlin
Howard Fine- Acting Class in LA
Fine on Acting- Acting Book
Shout Out: Blue Cow Restaurant

Watch Jordan in Episode 5 of Friend Request

Connect with Jordan:

www.jordanmaranto.com

IG: themaranto

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Misha Molani is an actor and comedian based in Los Angeles. When she’s not acting, Misha is an art coordinator on Orville. If you are interested in getting involved on set in any capacity, then you're going to love this episode. We chat about what exactly an art coordinator does, how to get involved on set, the underrepresentation of South Asian people in Hollywood, always being a student, and “doing it scared.”

Please note: This episode was recorded several months ago.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Watch Misha in Unfair and Ugly
Watch Misha in Episode 5 of Friend Request
Elsewhere: Directed by Kali Baker Johnson. Stay tuned for more details about this incredible film!
Baegency: WOC Sketch Comedy Team performs at the Pack Theatre First Fridays at 8pm
Shout Out: Misha’s Dad & Kali Baker Johnson

Fact Check: Was Alan Rickman a graphic designer until he was 40? Correct! Alan Rickman was a graphic designer and didn’t book his first feature until he was in his forties.

Connect with Misha:

IG: mimolani

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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If you’re interested in learning more about casting for film and television, then this episode is for you! Cara Chute Rosenbaum is casting director in Los Angeles. Some of her recent work includes The Mindy Project, The League, and Jumanji Next Level.

We chat about:

How to get a job in casting
What actually goes into casting (It’s not just about being talented!) Actors: what do YOU bring to the role?
How long does it take to cast a TV show?
Everyone feels imposter syndrome (even casting directors!)
Personal growth and continuing to learn and evolve
Balancing motherhood with a career in the film industry
Inclusion in casting
And more!

Cara’s advice to actors: Be a kind human!

Connect with Cara:

IG: ccrcasting

Mentioned in the Episode:

Casting Society of America course in casting
Casting Directors Cut
Dance Dance Party Party

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Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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This week I chat with my friend and actor Natalie Cañizares. Natalie is a former dancer and health coach but made the leap to acting when she found herself feeling like things weren’t working. We chat about everything from treating acting as a marathon and not a sprint, how to balance social media, handling rejection, pivoting from one career to another, and the pressure of aging in Hollywood.

Note: This episode was recorded several months ago.

Connect with Natalie:
IG: nataliecanizares

Mentioned in the episode:

Work Life Podcast with Adam Grant
Originals by Adam Grant
Meisner at Playhouse West
Sorel Carradine pilates
Thanks to Jeff and Natalie’s sister!

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Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Today we sit down with my dear friend, actor Cara Mitsuko. Cara is an actor based out of Los Angeles and you may have seen her in You, The Rookie, Westworld, or Man in the High Castle. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a guest star on a television show, then you’ll love this episode. We talk about everything from the pressure to appear “interesting” and “desirable,” finding freedom in exploration, following your gut, and moving away from what you feel like you “should” be doing.

Note: This episode was recored several months ago.

Connect with Cara:

IG: cara.mitsuko

Mentioned in the Episode:

Dead to Me - available for streaming on Netflix
Luis Valdez & Zoot Suit
The Last Dance - available for streaming on Netflix

Shout Out To: Rachael Perrellfosket

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Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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Do you ever feel like everyone knows some secret to life that you don't? Me too. Welcome to What's Your Secret. I'm Ari Johnson, and on this podcast you'll feel like you're sitting down with a friend to discuss the secrets to a happy, successful, and creative life. We're talking to some badass creatives including actors, writers, directors, and film folks to talk about what works for them and how they got where they are.

This intro episode is intended to help you get to know me a little bit and give some context to how this podcast came to be. I'm Ari (that's airy like the air!) and I'm an actor, writer, and director based in Los Angeles. I'm on a mission to figure out how to find happiness and success while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, and plot twist- I don't know the secret! Luckily, that's where our wise, creative, and delightful guests come in.

Thank you for tuning in. New episodes every Tuesday!

Mentioned in the Episode:

Watch Friend Request the Series

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Sign up for our newsletter at whatsyoursecretpodcast.com to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)

Music by: Michael Paraskevas

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