The premiere episode of The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían dive into what you need to know about how two voice-over actors had their voices stolen by an AI start-up and insightful comments by the Emmy-winning co-creator of Hacks on the current state of TV. They tackle deep topics, like "Do you want to be right or happy?" or why it's so easy to be cynical. You will hear how they got into acting in the first place which in E-Kan's case, was pure rebellion. Also lessons learned from recent table reads, why you should always accept a compliment whether you believe them or not, and why you don't speak louder than the lead. And how it feels to get cut from a show. 

New episodes every Monday! Follow us on social media @actorsguidepodcast and all episodes on YouTube and Substack as well! @ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on Instagram

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

Time stamps: 

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) Actors' Voices Stolen by AI

(05:01) Hacks' Co-creator Jen Statsky

(09:48) E-Kan and Rían Acting Origins stories

(15:30) Quality vs Quantity

(16:33) Cynics never win

(19:20) Table Read Stories

Welcome to the episode 5 of the Actor’s Guide to the end of the World! It’s award season, and the guys talk about the many free screenings and star Q&A’s offered to SAG members and what it was like to hear the biggest stars and creators share behind the scenes of projects like Gladiator 2, the Substance, and more. Also, Rian shares insights from a panel of the top casting directors in Ireland, including the unpredictability of casting and how to navigate it as an actor. They discuss the biggest myths about networking and actors’ biggest mistakes make. Then Rian tells a story of being blown away when he saw Anya Taylor Joy act, which gets them on a discussion of movie stars, what gives an actor that “movie star” quality, and why we are so captivated by them. 

New episodes every Monday! Follow us on social media @actorsguidepodcast and all episodes on YouTube and Substack as well! 

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

Screening Q&A's on E-Kan’s YouTube channel @ekansoong

Geeky Teas & Games in Burbank, 900 W. Alameda Ave, Burbank is a game store/cafe but also a kitten adoption shelter! Play with kittens!

Dates on Bread (Irish soda bread ideally) and it tastes like cake!

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:41) Free screenings for actors

(03:00) Why don't actors take advantage of this? 

(04:50) Scary elevator story and interesting characters

(07:00) Why are we obsessed with movie stars? 

(10:25) Gladiator 2 and why Denzel Washington is the man

(13:15) Paul Mescal and his breakout performance

(13:50) Anya Taylor-Joy blew Rían away

(16:20) Lessons learned from the top casting directors in Ireland

(17:10) Actors and networking

(22:45) Acting is a craft

(25:26) More networking tips and don't be a dick 

(34:00) Hidden gems

Welcome to episode 4 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! In this episode, the guys will discuss a new proposal by Governor Newsom boosting CA film TV tax credit to a whopping $750 million, almost double the amount previously. E-Kan also discusses what It was like to go to a SAG W&W meeting (Wages and Working Conditions for the first time) and how it changed his mind on how he looks at the industry. Also we will touch on what the presidential election means for Hollywood, diversity, and a look at what entertainment might look like in the future and share some revelations on dealing with adversity in a volatile industry. Rian and E-Kan share insights on the dangers of entitlement as an actor and then get into a discussion on the subversive nature of comedy.

New episodes every Monday! Follow us on social media @actorsguidepodcast and all episodes on YouTube and Substack as well! 

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

Holiday Hold-Up - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29704583/

Academy Museum Film Program https://www.academymuseum.org/en/programs/section/films

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:12) New CA Film Tax Credit proposal

(05:20) SAG W&W meetings

(13:50) More mergers during Trump and what that means for actors

(15:25) Trump vs the unions

(17:18) Will diversity and representation suffer?

(19:15) Conservative art doesn't work

(21:20) Competition and diversity in Hollywood

(23:35) Controlling what you can control

(26:00) Why art matters

(27:30) Hidden gems

Welcome! Episode 3 of The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! We look into the collapse of 23 and Me and what that means for our DNA and data moving forward and things actors should think about with AI. We also talk about what actors need to know about SAG W&W union meetings for our upcoming Commercials Contract. Rían shares a crazy story about how he almost got scammed by an AI Tech marketing company. Also, the guys open up about recent pivotal life changing moments, including how E-Kan first got on YouTube and how that affected his life and career. They also discuss how fame has changed and been democratized with the internet.

New episodes every Monday! Follow us on social media @actorsguidepodcast and all episodes on YouTube and Substack as well! 

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

Hidden Gems: 

Cafe Vida - New American cuisine healthy - brunch/lunch/ bowls in Pacific Palisades

85th Anniversary of the Batman character exhibition at the WB Studio Tour

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) 23 and Me Bankrupt

(03:10) What that means for Actors and AI

(03:45) Rían almost gets scammed

(08:11) SAG Union meetings

(12:40) The moment E-Kan’s life changed

(17:40) Actors don’t only do one thing

(19:10)  Why actors don’t like social media

(21:50) How fame has changed with the internet

(24:35) Rían’s AHA moment

(26:00) Hidden gems

Welcome! This is The Actor's Guide to the End of the World's second episode. Will Mayor Karen Bass’s plan to keep productions in Los Angeles work? Should we blame production companies for leaving the US? Or celebrities taking their corporations to other countries to avoid paying taxes? We dive into these questions and break down exactly how far California has fallen behind the rest of the country in film production. As Rían considers the prospect of moving back to Ireland as production ramps up overseas, you will hear them weigh opportunity vs cost of living and answer the big question - Is it still worth it to live in LA? And the guys break down the new California AI bills just passed by Governor Newsom and how they will affect actors, deceased performers, and future elections with a nifty powerpoint by E-Kan.

Follow and subscribe wherever you find your podcasts. And catch us on Instagram, TikTok, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast! @ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on Instagram.

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

Hidden Gems:

Kneecap (2024) w/ Michael Fassbender

Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) LA Mayor Karen Bass's plan for Hollywood

(04:53) California Tax Credits vs the World

(06:26) Governor Newsom passes AI Bills

(09:53) Is it worth it to live in LA anymore?

(12:12) Building a community in LA

(13:27) E-Kan loves LA

(16:24) RÍan weighs moving back to Ireland

(20:50) Hidden Gems of the Week

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

This past weekend, Rían celebrates his birthday going to see a soccer match as E-Kan anxiously awaits the Super Bowl (Go Birds). They talk about America’s obsession with football and E-Kan explains why the Philadelphia Eagles get a bad reputation and why he thinks football is the ultimate team sport.

Also, E-Kan and Rían dig into the controversial comments made by an Atlanta casting director about how she only watched actors’ self tapes for four seconds. This is a conversation that actors need to hear. Was it overblown? Is this common amongst casting directors? What can actors learn from this? And what is the job of the casting director and what does this say about our industry moving forward? They talk about it their experiences working for a casting office as a reader and how it will change how you approach auditions.  Be sure to listen to the next episode for our Part 2 on the Casting Director Self-tape conversation...  

And Emilia Pérez... where do we begin? They give their thoughts on Karla Sofia Gascon's Oscar campaign that came and went. They also break down the AI controversy in the Oscar competition this year with The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, both Best Picture nominees that have admitted to using AI. Is this going to start a trend? Do actors care if performances are altered? Or are we being naive? They also discuss what is the need to perfect performances through AI and is it worth the backlash.  E-Kan shares insights from a VFX supervisor about how they use technology to alter films that blew his mind.

New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

https://deadline.com/2025/01/atlanta-casting-director-self-tapes-viewing-1236273084/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2025/01/21/emilia-prez-and-the-brutalist-ai-controversies-explained/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/02/05/emilia-prez-director-disavows-karla-sofa-gascns-tweets-and-slams-actress-for-playing-the-victim-all-the-films-controversies-explained/

Latinos on Emilia Pérez- https://www.indiewire.com/features/commentary/emilia-perez-latinos-racist-does-academy-care-1235090484/

AI at the SuperBowl

https://www.adweek.com/media/no-ai-super-bowl/

Hidden Gems - Emmet Kirwan’s "Accents" show on tour

https://www.civictheatre.ie/whats-on/accents/

Dog Man (2025)

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:45) The Super Bowl and Philly Eagles' fan reputation

(07:09) Rían explains how sports differ in Ireland than the US

(09:44) Casting director 4 seconds controversy

(17:29) Do casting directors watch every self tape? 

(19:14) Lessons actors can learn from this 

(22:14) Atlanta growing pains

(23:59) What actors can learn from being a casting director

(26:59) Emilia Pérez and Karla Sofia Gascon disaster

(29:44) The Latino problem with Emilia Pérez

(33:15) AI Controversy in the Oscars

(35:19) Do actors care if performances are altered by AI?

(40:04) The things that are altered with technology

(41:59) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! 

Good news- Rían got hit with one of the worst storms in Ireland’s history and lived to tell about it. Quentin Tarantino is sounding off at Sundance about the state of film and how watching theater compares to film right now. Is he right? What does it say about the future of film? Is it going extinct? E-Kan and Rían will dig into it from the actor's perspective and talk about their own experiences on stage (or lack thereof), and why they wish they acted on stage more. Also the value of working in theater vs film and tv as an actor. Is it true theater should be the foundation of most actors? 

Also, the guys talk about the Stay In LA petition that is growing momentum and what you need to do to help support the cause (link below), as well as a great editorial by actor PJ Byrne on the importance of keeping productions in LA. 

They go down memory lane and talk about their first jobs - Rían touring through Europe, E-Kan shooting a film while living on the beaches of Santa Barbara for a film - and why they would never do it again. Also what are the demands for the modern day actor right now? They discuss why it helps to have the mindset and dedication of a professional athlete and how that will change your career and help you deal with the grind. Also discussed - what are the biggest actor pet peeves and what we wish non-actors would understand about our profession. Why "everyone's a critic". And the power of saying "no."

They also bring up the famous actor who said the difference between theater and film is like the difference between making love and masturbation. They disagreed- what do you think? In the pod, E-Kan mistakenly attributed it to Meryl Streep, but it was Susan Sarandon. Listen to the end and you'll hear the Viktor Frankl quote that got them going down the rabbit hole. This is a good one, folks! 

New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

Stay In LA Petition - https://www.stayinla.org/

PJ Bryne editorial - https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/la-bigger-tax-incentive-program-rebuild-fires-1236282891/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRknmmDcF20

Susan Sarandon interview- https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/susan-sarandon

VIktor Frankl - A Man's Search for Meaning- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning

Hidden Gems: About Time (2013)

Free Paddle Tennis (Venice, CA)

Theatr App (resold theater tickets)

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(05:17) Stay In LA Petition to help recovery from the wildfires

(08:12) Tarantino on theater vs film

(11:32) What makes theater special

(14:02) Is theater out of touch? And the future of entertainment

(16:52) Rían toured around with a show around Europe

(17:17) E-Kan's first job living on the beach of Santa Barbara

(19:17) The demands of the modern actor now in 2025

(23:17) Why everyone's a critic when it comes to acting and people just don't understand

(30:17) Their first times on stage

(33:47) Why theater is the purist medium for actors

(35:37) Theater is making love, film is masturbation

(38:17) Live life like it's the second time around

(40:37) Hidden Gems

Welcome to a jam packed Episode 6 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían get into the controversy at the Camerimage Film Festival after its founder made offensive remarks regarding women cinematographers, prompting several top directors and filmmakers to boycott the festival. As award season continues, the guys tackle the questions - Can an actor watch too much TV? Is Social Media changing how we think? They also discuss the importance of being in acting class and how they stay fueled creatively during the holidays as well as share confessions of iconic shows and movies they haven’t seen and shows so good they can’t watch. Then Rian reveals what he watches at night to go to sleep, and E-Kan why he still has a DVD player. The guys also introduce their newest bit to deepen their appreciation for film that everyone can join in. For Hidden Gems, they get into their latest culinary obsessions.

New episodes every Monday! Follow us on social media @actorsguidepodcast and all episodes on YouTube and Substack as well! 

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

Hidden Gems: 

Baking Cheesecake in the Instapot - https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-cheesecake-new-york/

Making bread with only yogurt and oats! 1 part yogurt, 1 and a half part oats, 2 teaspoons with baking powder, bake for an hour at 380 F/ 190 C - delicious bread! Sweeten with dried fruit or honey, and don't use Greek Yogurt!

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:00) Camerimage Film Festival Drama

(07:20) Notable Women Cinematographers 

(09:15) The creative diet of an actor

(13:00 What we pay attention to is what we care about

(16:30) What do actors work on when not on set

(19:20) How much tv and film should an actor watch?

(21:00) TV shows so good E-Kan couldn't watch

(24:26) Greatest Movies Never Seen

(28:30) Hidden gems

Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Episode 13! … a little later than usual because of a big weekend for Philly (Go Birds).

While Rían braces for possibly the worst storm in Ireland’s history (he’s okay), he tells us about the first time he faced an American winter (he was not okay). Los Angeles gets ready for another wild week, and E-Kan gets a little more into the air quality of the fires and what we need to know about 9-11 and a previous study on California wildfires. Also, incarcerated firefighters are getting paid almost nothing to fight the fires and what Kim Kardashian has to say about it.

Not surprisingly TikTok is still around, and they also banned one of E-Kan’s videos. You can be the judge how fishy it was. We also learn a little history lesson courtesy of Oscar-nominated actors of “The Apprentice” Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong, and Donald Trump. Also, how the “The Apprentice” film shows how art and film can intersect with the society and politics. The guys share how difficult it is to stay engaged and not get overwhelmed by politics and 24/7 news cycle, and what do you do when it feels like there’s nothing you can do.

The Oscar nominations just got announced, and the guys will discuss the top storylines from the nominations, history being made with Emilia Perez and others, and notable Golden Globes moments. Also a nice reminder - if you steal a few scenes, you might end up getting burned alive by Leo Dicaprio. And E-Kan and Rían realize what award shows are really about and why they’re so captivating. 

New episodes every Monday!

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Substack and on all social media at @actorsguidepodcast

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/sep/10/epa-head-wrong-911-air-safe-new-york-christine-todd-whitman

https://www.asbestos.com/featured-stories/9-11-lingering-health-effects/#:~:text=Since%20the%209/11%20attacks,illness%20with%20over%2029%2C000%20cases.

https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/10/wildfires-and-health-los-angeles/

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/10/09/907099868/smokey-skies-are-the-new-normal-are-they-making-us-sick

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/new-analysis-shows-spikes-metal-contaminants-including-lead-2018-camp-fire-wildfire-smoke

https://deadline.com/2025/01/kim-kardashian-la-wildfires-incarcerated-firefighters-wages-1236255068/

https://www.statnews.com/2024/06/07/smoke-exposure-california-wildfires-52000-early-deaths-study/

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/10/09/907099868/smokey-skies-are-the-new-normal-are-they-making-us-sick

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(04:00) Ireland’s worst storm in their history

(05:25) Rían’s first American winter

(07:20) California’s Air after the wildfires

(09:15) What we can learn from 9-11

(13:15) TikTok is back and how they banned E-Kan

(16:35) How all the apps are getting wacky

(19:00) How do you stay above the noise and when things get overwhelming

(23:00) Incarcerated firefighters are making almost nothing

(24:00) Oscar nominations and history is made

(30:45) Demi Moore’s Golden Globe speech and why awards shows are so captivating

The Actor's Guide to the End of the World is back from a week off, and what a week it was. This is a bonus double episode and a much needed sanity check-in for E-Kan and Rían (and maybe for you as well), which then turned into a therapy session.  We hope you’re all safe, and thank you to the first responders, firefighters, and incredible community in Los Angeles for all they have been doing in response to the wildfires. If you’ve been affected, we hope you have found resources, but if not, we’ve attached resources and links below. 

E-Kan and Rían share their first reactions to seeing and hearing the devastating wildfires in CA and what they want people to know about the biggest stories and misleading headlines coming out of California. Could this have been avoided? Will LA be changed forever? Was this is a Black Swan event? And thank God for Bill Burr. They also talk about the predatory schemes by insurance companies and landlords preying on those affected by the fires you should watch out for (links below) as well as trends that you might see more of when it comes to climate change. Rían will talk about how he sees Dublin being affected already. And about that air quality in Los Angeles...they will go through how you can prepare yourselves from the air as the city recovers from the fires. 

Also, is TikTok actually going to be banned forever? Spoiler alert - not yet. This was recorded before the ban and unban of TikTok, but does anyone really care at this point? Rían shares his particular struggle with social media, and they discuss why so many actors dislike social media- and why it might be more important than we think. They also talk about how difficult it is to not care what people think and how much can you really know about a person from their social media? We get deep, ya'll. 

Then it all takes a turn and they get onto dating apps. E-Kan shares why he doesn’t touch them, and they find the parallels between getting rejected as an actor and in dating. Stick to the end and you'll hear about the time E-Kan tried one…for five minutes. You'll hear Rían's mediocre maybe even bad advice on the best way to use dating apps. And we might answer the big question- Who's more cynical when it comes to dating, E-Kan or Rían? 

New episodes every Monday!

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Substack and on all social media at @actorsguidepodcast

California Fire Resources -

https://actorsguidepodcast.substack.com/p/california-wildfires-resources-list?r=4mm2fh

Air Quality in Los Angeles FYI - https://coveacupuncture.substack.com/p/i-just-watched-a-25-hour-webinar

K95 are good, but N100 are best - https://www.amazon.com/3M-Particulate-Respirator-8233-N100/dp/B008MCV43K

Bill Burr on the Wildfires - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAZE2aYUrHY

Compensation Claim for the Eaton and Hurst Fires-

McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP

Report Rent Hikes here - Dial 3-1-1 or https://oag.ca.gov/contact/consumer-complaint-against-business-or-company

1 year Moratorium on insurance cancellations- Richard Laura is giving consultations. Reach at 800-927-4357

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:15) Reactions to the wildfire disaster

(07:10) Bill Burr on the wildfires

(08:50) Biggest stories and misinformation about the fires

(12:45) Black Swan events

(15:15) What we need to think about with climate change

(17:05) How Dublin is being affected by climate change

(19:30) How people are preying on the fire victims

(23:30) How LA residents can prepare themselves for the air quality

(27:00) TikTok Ban - will it go through?

(30:15) The value of social media and the internet

(34:30) Rían talks about his struggle with social media

(41:00) Why E-Kan isn't on the dating apps

(45:50) Is anything we see online true? 

(48:30) The parallel between getting rejected as an actor and in dating

Hey everyone - there will not be a new episode this week. With the ongoing wildfire situation in California, we will get back to uploading new episodes when it feels right, hopefully soon. If you are moved to donate to help the disaster relief, here is a list of organizations, places to volunteer, as well as resources for those in need and evacuees. Stay safe, and we will be back soon.

Donate: 

REDCROSS - redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.

CORE (Core Organized Relief Effort) - https://www.coreresponse.org/

Volunteer:

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Volunteers are needed to sort food and non-food donations. https://www.lafoodbank.org/
• Canine Rescue Club: Foster or volunteer to help rescue animals. https://www.caninerescue.club/
• LA Animal Services: Fostering pets is essential right now. Adoption fees are temporarily waived. https://www.laanimalservices.com/

• Pasadena Humane Society - foster an animal

  361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, California 91105, (626) 792-7151

• UNION RESCUE MISSION - https://urm.org/get-involved/volunteer/

   

It's the new year, and this is episode 11 of The Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

Some key AI bills in California start this week, and E-Kan and Rían will get into what you need to know about digital replicas and how this bill will protect actors. Also the Golden Globes are this week- this episode was taped before the Golden Globes happened so it will just be a preview of the show and any notable stories will be in the next episode. 

You’ll hear E-Kan’s hard take on New Year's resolutions and New Year's in general and how they celebrated, or in   E-Kan’s case, not celebrate.  Is it the most overrated holiday ever? What is Dublin really like for New Year's? Is        E-Kan actually Larry David? They will get to the bottom of this, as well as break down what works for them when it comes to building habits and why resolutions haven't worked for them in the past. Do they work for you? You might start reframing resolutions like they do and come up with a few of your own. They also drop a few gems on the trap of vision boards and the keys to a daily routine.

They also dish on some of their guilty reality show pleasures and some of the most surprising shows that came out of the writers’ strikes. 

New episodes every Monday!

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Substack and on all social media at @actorsguidepodcast

Hidden Gems: 

Live tapings and sitcoms: https://1iota.com/

Awards screenings blog - https://awardswatch.com/studio-fyc-pages-for-2023-2024-film-awards-season/

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:00) AI Bill for Digital Replicas start this week 

(04:45) Nikki Glaser hosts Golden Globes this week

(05:50) Reality show guilty pleasures

(07:45) Crazy reality shows that happened during Writers' Strike

(09:20) Is New Year's the worst holiday ever?

(14:00) How Dublin parties on New Year's 

(17:25) The problem with New Year's resolutions

(21:50) The trap of vision boards

(25:30) Atomic Habits and morning routines

(30:00) E-Kan finds a resolution

(32:00) Rían's resolution

(35:30) Hidden Gems

Happy Holidays! This is episode 10 of The Actor's Guide to the End of the World and we saved the best for the last of the year! Today we’re diving into AI this week which is a point of concern for many in Hollywood, but Ben Affleck’s surprising comments on AI have gone viral and might encourage a lot of filmmakers. Will AI upend traditional Hollywood as we know it? Will it replace actors and creatives altogether? Are we in control of what we watch or are we the ones being controlled?

E-Kan and Rían will tackle all these questions and more, including the challenge and opportunities that AI will provide in the future and why we still need regulations. They also will talk about why traditional Hollywood is usually seven years behind and who really is winning the streaming wars. Then they get on a deep conversation about actors’ sometimes difficult relationship with money, personal stories about juggling their side hustles over the years, and lessons they’ve learned along the way. And what we can learn from Silicon Valley tech entrepreneurs about pursuing their passions and aspirational words from Colman Domingo.

New episodes every Monday!

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Substack and on all social media at @actorsguidepodcast

Ben Affleck on How AI will and will not impact Hollywood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07XJicGWMVo

Hidden Gems: 

Slainte Cold Plunge (Dublin)-

https://slaintesaunas.ie/

IKEA weekly food deals and all you can eat buffet..?!

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:30) Affleck on AI 

(08:25) Will customers really want generative AI?

(15:00) Customers might win but they won't be happy

(17:11) Hollywood is seven years behind

(19:00) Will traditional media be replaced by AI?

(20:00) How can actors manage their side hustle? 

(25:45) Rían talks about the mindset shift that happened for him

(28:00) E-Kan shares what his father thought about his career

(32:00) E-Kan talks about the blind spots when you have blinders on

(35:00) Inspiring words from Colman Domingo

(37:00) Hidden Gems

Episode 9 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World and it's the holidays! The guys discuss the biggest risks of the year and who really won in a turbulent year for the industry, including Shogun, The Substance, Kneecap, and others. They also discuss the things like David Zazlav selling 30 million dollars of Warner Bros Discovery stock, whether studios have any idea what they're doing, and examine what makes a film bad. Rían saw an incredible play in Dublin while E-Kan shares some stories watching Laurence Fishburne, Sam Rockwell, and Jeff Daniels on Broadway, some lessons he learned, and the time he went around NYC looking for Keanu Reeves. They get on a conversation about the importance of making art accessible for all walks of life and economic backgrounds and James McAvoy's comments on the subject.   

New episodes every Monday! We want to hear from you- email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com, Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including YouTube and Substack and on all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

https://qz.com/david-zaslav-wbd-stock-1851725550

"It's Always Your Bleedin' Own" (Dublin) - https://projectartscentre.ie/events/its-always-your-bleedin-own/

https://deadline.com/2024/11/wolfs-sequel-demise-jon-watts-george-clooney-brad-pitt-no-longer-trusted-apple-1236186227/

James McAvoy on the "Class Ceiling" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDwRkzJPkSA&t=65s

Hidden Gems:

Gabe and Max's Internet Thing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPsUmhqncAg

Discounted Broadway NYC tickets: https://www.broadwaybox.com/discounts/the 

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:37) Zazlav sells 30 million dollars in stock of WB

(06:05) Biggest Winners of 2024

(09:30) Why award shows and film festivals matter

(12:22) Studios don't know what they're doing

(15:12) The biggest bet of 2024

(17:35) What does it mean when a movie is bad?

(19:45) Rían talks about "It's Always Your Bleedin' Own" play

(24:00) Why E-Kan loves Keanu Reeves and on seeing American Buffalo

(26:00) James McAvoy talks about the importance of making art accessible

(27:00) When E-Kan saw "To Kill A Mockingbird"on Broadway

(29:00) Hidden Gems

Episode 8 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World and award season is underway! Golden globe nominations were announced and the guys discuss the notable films this year as well as the show's spotty history and rebuild. They tackle the questions: Are the Golden Globes the sketchiest awards show? Are awards shows relevant anymore? Then they talk about what got them into acting in the first place, their deeper motivations, and the irony that they became performers despite their shy childhoods. They also get to the recent SAG Health Plan data breach and class action lawsuit and why actors need to be careful taking selfies on set. Rían talks about the greatest moment of his career and the ritual he does everytime he books a job while E-Kan talks about the time he made a spectacle in high school… and paid for it. They also dive into the importance of mindset and the key to affirmations and what happens when you dream big. 

New episodes every Monday! We want to hear from you- email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com,

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including YouTube and Substack and on all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

Hidden Gems:

8-Bit Christmas (2021)

Buy Nothing Facebook Free-cycle group

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:30) SAG Health Plan Data Hack

(07:00) Security Training for Actors

(08:44) Sag Health Plan

(10:34) Golden Globe nominations

(12:25) The sketchiest awards show

(17:40) Are acting awards important to us?

(18:30) The key to affirmations and goal setting

(20:40) Why E-Kan got into acting

(22:00) What drives Rían and why he loves to act

(25:00) The time E-Kan made a spectacle in high school 

(26:15) Rían getting over his shyness

(27:00) The power of mindset

(28:45) Rían shares a special moment with his father

(30:20) Ritual to celebrate the victories

(32:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! This was an eye-opening one. The guys discuss the newest developments of the possible ban of TikTok. Rían talks about doing Commedia dell'arte for the first time, E-Kan shares about starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which gets them on a conversation of being a beginner, embracing challenges, and daring to suck.  They discover many similarities between the two and discuss how it has helped them get past their ego and learn to let go. E-Kan shares about his battle with stage fright and why everyone should take an acting class. Rían tells us about a beloved and now-extinct social media app in Ireland, and E-Kan updates us on how his handmade cheesecake was received.

New episodes every Monday! Follow us on social media @actorsguidepodcast and all episodes on YouTube and Substack as well! 

We want to hear from you - actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com and more on YouTube and Substack  - https://substack.com/@actorsguidepodcast

https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-court-ruling-china-6bfd505295ad44126df0544fc083d6a6

https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/fbi-warns-texts-between-android-iphone-users-pose-cyber-risk

Subsconscious BBJ - https://www.subconsciousbjj.com/

Hidden Gems: 

Suay Thrift Store: https://suayla.com/

Corn Exhange Theatre in Dublin: https://www.cornexchange.ie/

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:27) Beloved Beebo Platform

(02:10) TikTok Ban

(09:40) Rían tries Commedia dell'arte

(17:00) Learning Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

(21:30) Every day on the mat was a day getting better

(27:00) How acting has changed their lives

(30:00) Hidden gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 45! This is a monster episode, so get ready because class is in session.  This week, Actor, union leader, educator Shaan Sharma wrapped Season 6 of the worldwide hit "The Chosen" where he plays "Shmuel" and is currently running for re-election for Los Angeles SAG-Aftra Board right now (ballots are due this week!). It's a miracle he had time to join the show this week. 

You probably know Shaan's record of service for the union, programs he founded, or classes he taught, but you'll hear how his journey in the arts started and how he went from being the skinny Indian kid that was picked on to starring in musicals and playing in bands, and eventually making his way to Los Angeles where he helped transform the local acting community and Los Angeles branch of the union. (List of some programs Shaan has founded below.)

Shaan shares how he got an edge early in his career by soaking up information wherever he could, primarily working for casting directors and eventually became one of the top session directors in the city. With that knowledge, he has taught actors throughout the city at the SAG Conservatory and his own studio.  He also discusses why many drama schools fail to prepare their students on how to work on camera for film and tv and what he teaches to his acting students. 

Through diligence, resourcefulness, and providing value for others, Shaan became an indispensable asset which eventually got the attention of the union. He gives E-Kan and Rían a brief and turbulent history lesson of the union, and breaks down what are the union's biggest obstacles, and what he hopes for the union in the future. 

Shaan also talks about what it was like being on the Negotiating Committee during the Strike, being the only leader who said NO to the contract, and the fallout that happened afterwards. Was there a huge opportunity for the actors missed? There are many lessons learned here, and keep in mind, the contract will be up for renegotiation next year... 

And last but not least, they talk about how Shaan's hit The Table Read Podcast came about, how they just won a Webby, and how it may have manifested his goal of becoming a series regular.  There's so much covered in this episode and so many hidden gems-  this is a must listen for actors. 

(Shaan has founded The Storytellers Conservatory, an on-camera acting studio, Adjunct Professor for PACE University's School of Drama, and Solidarity, a grassroots SAG-AFTRA education group.)

New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media. 

@ekansoong @ríansheehykelly

Shaan Sharma @shaan_sharma

SAG Conservatory - https://www.sagaftra.org/los-angeles/local-programs/los-angeles-conservatory

Solidarity Meeting Zoom - SolidarityMeeting.com

Table Read Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/table-read/id1673590083

Watch “The Chosen” - https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us

Shaan's book - "Commercial Acting in LA: A Session Director's Guide" - PDF - http://bit.ly/1I2tpSM

Hidden Gems:

Diary of CEO w/ Mr. Beast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjrJ2DJN_pA

Mark Rober's "Mario Effect" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vJRopau0g0&t=2s

Jordan Peterson video “How to Gain Self-Respect” - https://youtu.be/I5y19Vapk1A

Bread Head - @breadheadla

Delmonico's Steak - https://www.theoriginaldelmonicos.com/

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:51) You can disagree with people you like

(05:10) How arts saved Shaan as a kid

(13:10) Being one of the top session directors in the city

(15:25) The power of the Union

(18:15) Having a savvy business mind

(21:44) How to be indispensable

(29:30) The cup of success never runs out

(35:35) How Shaan eventually got involved in the Union

(37:00) You need to have a goal as an actor

(39:00) How did the Table Read Podcast happen

(54:30) Table Read tips

(58:50) How the union works

(01:03:35) What we can learn from Mr. Beast

(01:05:02) A history lesson of the Union

(01:18:20) The fallout after the strike

(01:26:30) The Chosen and how it’s changed his life

(01:34:55) Shaan’s biggest struggles

(01:40:05) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 44 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

A good friend of the podcast, actor/playwright/teacher/Brazilian JiuJitsu badass Timothy Davis, joins the show this week and it was a blast.  Tim talks about growing up in the midwest and going from jock and journalism major to studying theater at one of the most prestigious drama schools in history, the Actor's Studio (DeNiro, Hoffman, Ellen Burstyn, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando to name a few students). 

Tim shares what he learned, a brief history of method acting and its misconceptions, why he feels some drama schools fail to prepare their actors for the professional world and how much he appreciates his time at studying at Lesly Kahn Studios where he is also teaches. 

Tim takes the guys on a real ride this week with stories of victories, hard lessons, missed opportunities, and even being homeless for a period of time. Tim, also a Jiu Jitsu blackbelt and teacher gives an incredible and poignant description of all the benefits of Jiu Jitsu and why it complements acting so well. You'll also hear the most heart-wrenching first day on the set of Billions ever, shooting an indie film with Steven Soderbergh, and the time he was asked to be James Gandolfini’s assistant. 

Also keep an eye out for Tim's Distress Signals Project launching in October in Los Angeles - a theater experience aimed to raise funds and create awareness and discussion for communities in need. 

Through the highs and the lows, this is a gritty story of a working actor.  Enjoy, everyone! 

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media for clips during the week!

@ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on IG

Timothy Davis- @itstimothydavis (IG, Bluesky) 

Distress Signals Project live in Los Angeles @distresssignalsproject

Tickets available here - Oct 3-5, 11, 12, 2025 - https://shorturl.at/f09JU

Hidden Gems:

Brazilian JiuJitsu, 

Subconscious JiuJitsu in North Hollywood - https://www.subconsciousbjj.com/

Electrolytes for hydration

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:25) Growing up in Iowa and how Tim knew acting was for him

(12:25) Getting in to the Actor’s Studio

(16:30) The shortcomings of Drama School

(33:30) The problem of the “starving artist” lifestyle

(37:30) Being a “shadow artist”

(39:50) No one taught Tim how to read a TV script

(42:00) Getting drunk on a Soderbergh movie

(47:40) Working on the pilot of “Billions” and the worst first day ever

(58:00) Launching theater philanthropic project Distress Signals Project in Los Angeles

(1:03:50) Saying “no” to James Gandolfini

(1:06:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, CA got some big news and a step forward for getting production back in CA. E-Kan and Rían talk about the latest progress in CA’s $750 million film/tv tax credit as well as what just went down the FilmLA contract renewal. FilmLA is the non-profit that helps LA filmmakers get permits for their productions, at least that’s the idea. But with productions leaving CA in droves, LA filmmakers want some major change and showed it by making their voices heard at a town hall in Downtown LA. You’ll hear what went down.

The guys also continue their conversation on making your own work, obstacles and roadblocks they’ve faced, and some practical tricks and methods to trick your brain and get sh#* done.

E-Kan also saw a talk with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and shares incredible lessons on leadership and collaboration from the Broadway gods themselves. And that gets them to Rían’s worst audition story for a musical and what could’ve been… if Rían just knew how to dance. You’ll also hear why Christopher Nolan said “You don’t need to be typing to be writing”, and E-Kan says “Write what makes you angry.”

If you find yourself hitting stumbling blocks, this episode might help you.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/l-a-renews-film-office-contract-five-more-years-1236297718/

https://deadline.com/2025/06/california-passes-750m-film-tax-credit-funding-1236444493/

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzHVG7r0G0c

E-Kan directed a short- No Laughing Matter: Tears of A Clown link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=sleaN1b0og8&t=1s&sttick=0

Hidden Gems:

The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/9395741538/ref=asc_df_9395741538?mcid=5fad61ab3eb73b24b49e34f8e10be519&hvocijid=10747138887357338460-9395741538-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10747138887357338460&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003384&hvtargid=pla-2281435178778&psc=1

B&H Bild Expo- https://www.bildexpo.com/

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(3:50) CA Film TV Tax Credits

(5:10) FilmLA Tax Renewal

(08:40) Creating your own work

(09:45) Rían’s worst audition story was for a musical

(12:20) E-Kan enters a singing contest

(15:00) Rían was almost a pop star

(17:00) Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s the best

(21:00) Roadblocks that Rían faces

(23:00) Practical ways to get started creating

(26:40) Trick your brain

(29:00) Get a deadline

(38:00) Lesson E-Kan learned and why consistency is key

(40:25) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the guys talk about why Disney and Universal is suing AI powerhouse Midjourney. It's time to root for Disney this time, and E-Kan and Rían talk about why it's a big deal for creators and the future of AI regulations. They dig into what Midjourney does exactly and the tricky debate about whose at fault if a copyrighted image is created - the user or the tool? Is Midjourney like using other tools like Photoshop? 

E-Kan also opens up about AI tools he's scared to use and why we need to look into the terms of service for these sites. Can we trust anyone? So far, it's unclear.  They discuss the importance of AI regulations and the power of unions which gets them onto Tyler Perry and his tricky relationship with unions in the past. 

And a side tangent- what does it mean when we say someone's intense? Is E-Kan intense?

We then get into a conversation about Tom Cruise, how he's saving the movies, and what makes him, according to us, possibly the best movie star we have today. The dedication he has to working on camera and what actors need to learn from him. E-Kan then shares a story about how he did background on a Tom Cruise film back in the day which thrills Rían. This is a fun one, folks. 

New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Follow us on social media at @actorsguidepodcast!

Disney vs Midjourney Dain Walker post - https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0pmxdTupE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.wired.com/story/midjourney-generates-videos-of-disney-characters-amid-massive-copyright-lawsuit/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/business/media/disney-universal-midjourney-ai.html

https://blavity.com/entertainment/heres-why-tyler-perry-could-get-in-trouble-with-labor-unions-again-with-new-play-madeas-farewell

Hidden Gems: 

The Artist's Way (Julia Cameron) https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252

Magnesium L-Threonate (I'm not a doctor, shocker, please do your research)

Time stamps

(2:17) Disney sues Midjourney

(5:37) Who’s at fault?

(10:33) Tyler Perry and Unions

(15:10) We’re scared to use certain AI tools

(20:08) Tom Cruise is saving movies 

(22:40) How well Tom Cruise understands the lens

(25:47) The intensity of Tom Cruise

(30:48) When E-Kan worked on a Tom Cruise movie

(40:09) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 33 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week the guys discuss the massive layoffs happening throughout Hollywood, including WB Discovery, Paramount, Disney, and many more.  Looks like the actors and crew aren't the only ones looking for work. E-Kan and Rían find a little comfort in this turbulent time in the industry and talk about the only real thing to do right now - make your own stuff!

This is just skimming the surface and part two will come, but E-Kan talks about his experience directing, producing, writing, and starring in award-winning web series and short films (links below). They talk about their experiences collaborating  with others, gems like don’t let great be the enemy of good, how creating your own work will make you a better actor, and how to prioritize starting a production from the ground up with limited resources. 

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to creating your own projects, this is the episode for you. 

https://deadline.com/feature/hollywood-media-layoffs-list-1236007845/

Web series "Born Losers"

https://bornloserstv.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@bornloserstv2995

Short Film - "No Laughing Matter: Tears of a Clown" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sleaN1b0og8&t=141s

"How to Book with Lesly Kahn" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSg6Q03W4o&t=22s

Hidden Gems: 

Ci Siamo (NYC) https://www.cisiamo.com/menus/

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(2:50) Layoffs at the studios

(7:15) The only thing you can do as an actor

(11:25) Don't let Great be the Enemy of Good 

(13:25) Making your own stuff

(15:50) How do you start? 

(17:50) The freedom in making your own work

(19:37) Minimizing expectations and the real purpose

(29:00) Where it all started

(29:50) The importance of finding the right partner

(32:50) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 32 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast!

Still coming down from last week’s epic episode with last week’s guest Kirsten Sheridan, E-Kan and Rían recap major takeaways and lessons learned. Be sure to check out her summer workshop happening this month in LA, info below.

They get onto a little blast from the past when E-Kan worked with a screen acting legend and all because he was an intern at the casting office. Listen in to hear how E-Kan’s ass got his first studio credit.  Rían also shares his first movie experience with Joel Schumacher and how he also worked at a casting office. You’ll hear what he learned about auditioning from watching and reading with so many actors as well as why “sexy indifference” is so appealing.

Rían also brings up wisdom from incredible actor Michael Kostroff that changed how he looks at auditions and how it helped to remember “you’re not going to get the fucking job.”

And then they discuss a controversial post about "self-tapes truths" from a former casting director that has caused a stir online. No ring light? Don’t act, just be yourself? No "bold choices"??  The guys get into it and what actors need to remember, especially newer ones. You’re going to want to hear this one.

New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on Youtube and Substack!

Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media including IG and TikTok.

Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net 

Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop 

Aaron Paul “Breaking Bad” audition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6vWahav9E

Amy Adam’s “June Bug” audition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxxVcAc4gZc

Emma stone’s audition “Easy A”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f0UgVxpe9E

Hidden gems: Museum of Moving Image (Astoria, NY) Jim Henson and Mission Impossible https://movingimage.org/whats-on/screenings-and-series/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22307333704&gbraid=0AAAAAogSa6Wx8yyXir9YTjwyjqeZFYzj5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjJrCBhCXARIsAI5x66XlXeI3vGlrWaJ2gD1A1MEz2nVXJz1fo9cnMikUedk5lfQr6S7bsjgaAmNzEALw_wcB

Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari https://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Brief-History-Information-Networks/dp/059373422X

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(2:45) Kirsten Sheridan recap

(7:05) Working with legend Tom Hanks

(12:50) Rían first film experience with Joel Shumacher

(17:00) Lessons learned from interning at a casting office

(18:00) Audition workshop from "The Wire" actor Michael Kostroff

(23:30) "Self-Tape Truths" debunked

(35:24) Learn from the best auditions online

(37:00) Hidden gems

Welcome to Episode 31 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! This episode came out a little late this week but it’s worth the wait. We have our very first guest- Oscar nominated writer director Kirsten Sheridan stops by the show.  That's right. We might just quit after this episode.  We discuss so many things, from being nominated for writing “In America”, the indie hit based on her life story immigrating to the U.S., watching her legendary director father direct Daniel Day Lewis, and directing her first feature starring a 25-year old Cillian Murphy.

The incredible actors she has worked with include Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, and of course Robin Williams. She has so much wisdom to share. 

Kirsten talks about the biggest lesson she learned from her father and the one piece of advice she always gives actors. Also what on Earth is Danny Devito’s Troll Foot? And what’s a 99?

Also Kirsten's latest show "Say Nothing" on Hulu is earning rave reviews. The gripping true story spans four decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and we discuss the impact it's having on audiences. She and Rían also reminisce as they happened to have gone to the same high school as one another.  As if that wasn't enough, she started a filmmaking community/school in Ireland and is bringing that experience to LA this summer (info below). We talk about how she likes to work with actors and how she helps them achieve their best work, as well what she looks for in self tapes. 

Kirsten is clearly a director an actor would dream to work with but also to have as a guest. Please enjoy this episode. 

Kirsten Sheridan’s website-  www.kirstensheridan.net 

Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop 

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0792202/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1

IG: @bowstreetacademy

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(1:24) Kirsten Sheridan

(3:11) Seeing the flaws of your old work

(5:09) Cillian Murphy is an incredible actor

(9:27) Pitfalls learning lessons as a young director

(09:54) The big lesson Kirsten learned from her legendary director father

(11:12) The worst thing a director can do

(15:24) Growing up on film sets

(18:20) How writing helped her find her voice

(18:54) Starting a film acting school

(21:11) In America

(23:03) Imposter syndrome

(24:26) Behind the scenes of In America

(30:27) Building a community in LA

(34:43) Hulu hit “Say Nothing”

(41:11) Ireland’s tumultuous history

(44:33) How to survive in the new industry of entertainment

(49:26) Danny Devito and Troll Foot

(50:24) Teaching classes and building community

(56:07) Viciously protecting your craft like Cillian Murphy

(57:51) Directing Robin Williams

(1:00:35) How do you keep up with all the content?

(1:03:09) The one piece of advice I always give actors

(1:04:44) Finding the actors’ essence

(1:08:44) What's next for Kirsten

(1:10:49) Hidden gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 30! Both E-Kan and Rían are having excellent days with this recording, you’ll have to listen to hear why.

E-Kan saw DeNiro speak and learned what it makes him such a great movie star and actor. It was also the first time E-Kan's sister was ever star struck. We talk about how the game has changed since DeNiro was coming up and a little about the pros and cons of self-tapes. What are actors missing out on not going into the room anymore? Does it hurt them on set?

We get onto a little bit about the process, memorizing lines, what we have found to be successful, and an interesting story about Anthony Hopkins and why he reads his script 200 times. 

Then E-Kan talks about how he sets boundaries, avoids getting overwhelmed by the news cycle and what he's learned about the Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. 

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.

Hidden Gems: 

Radio Bakery (NYC) @radiobakerynyc

Line Learner App

Anthony's Paint & Body Shop (Santa Monica) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/anthonys-paint-and-body-shop-santa-monica?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Walton Goggins video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJaSWnKs9mB/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Anthony Hopkins Westworld video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kSGkGKwp9U

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck-

https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713

(00:00) Intro

(05:08) Meeting DeNiro

(09:04) How the industry has changed

(10:50)The trap of self-tapes 

(13:40) How important is memorizing lines

(14:20) Anthony Hopkins' simple process

(19:00) What works for us

(26:00) How do you choose what to care about? And not get overwhelmed

(28:40) The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

(30:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 29 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World!

This one is PACKED. We have AI Regulations for actors, healthcare, and everyone else are in danger thanks to the folks in Congress. You'll hear what happened when E-Kan gave them a call this week. 

E-Kan and Rían also go over the tentative SAG-Aftra commercial contract up for vote this week and everything actors need to know to make an informed decision and what major gains were achieved. Also why these contracts are important for all actors, whether you're in SAG-Aftra or not. They get on to the very polarizing talk about union, fi-core, non-union, and the rampant amount of non-union projects, especially commercials. Why is Fi-core so polarizing? Should there be a stigma around fi-core? We go DEEP on this.  Rian even drops some Ireland political history into the mix.

You'll hear what casting site just got called out for using AI models on its site. OY it never ends. 

Then they discuss the valuable lesson learned from Alan Rickman, who achieved major fame with his first movie role at age 41 in Die Hard which gets them on to the importance of having a life, staying in the game, and how to play the waiting game as an actor without being a victim. Both Rían and E-Kan share how fear and ego has held them back and what they're doing about it and the power of community.

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.

Hidden Gems: 

AMC Discount Wednesdays and Tuesdays (with free Stubs membership)

Griffith Observatory show (Los Angeles) https://griffithobservatory.org/explore/daily-programs/

(02:10) Congress tries to strip AI Regulations

(04:15) E-Kan calls Congress

(07:26) The ongoing AI debate

(09:13) Casting site gets caught using AI models

(12:00) SAG-Aftra Commercial Contract

(14:15) How Streaming commercials pay out vs Linear TV

(24:00) What is Fi-core?

(28:55) Does Fi-core weaken the Union?

(35:00) Is it wrong to work outside of LA?

(37:10) Alan Rickman broke out at 41

(39:15) What is your idea of making it?

(43:16) E-Kan faced his fear

(44:20) Don’t wait for someone to reach down to you

(45:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, episode 28!

You asked for an episode on Trump’s tariffs, and you got it. E-Kan and Rían were intended to jump into political waters but it just so happens everyone and their mom was asking, and they couldn’t NOT talk about it. This is everything you need to know, what exactly was said, the surprising responses from those in the industry - IATSE, SAG-Aftra, the Teamsters, as well as Governor Newsom and Jon Voight, of all people.  Rían battle a headache while E-Kan digs into Jon Voight’s proposal to reinvigorate the US Hollywood industry.. and dare we say, Make America Film Again…

This is going to get wild.

They also open up about how do you stay informed without getting bogged down with the depressing news cycle? E-Kan found a silver lining and some benefits in learning a little more about what makes our industry run, or in some ways, not run.

Also, the first American pope got announced, and you will hear the crazy connection E-Kan has with him. Then Rían and E-Kan dig into the social dynamic on set- should you be social and chat with everyone or keep your distance, stay on set or break away to your trailer? The guys discuss what works for them and what they prefer, and the unnamed star who absolutely did NOT talk to him.

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.

https://deadline.com/2025/05/trump-movie-tariffs-hollywood-1236384980/

https://deadline.com/2025/05/sag-aftra-reacts-trump-film-tariffs-1236385594/

https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/president-trump-gavin-newsom-film-tariffs-tax-credit/

https://abc7.com/post/governor-gavin-newsom-offers-work-trump-75-billion-tax-credit-proposal-boost-us-films/16339525/

https://deadline.com/2025/05/jon-voight-hollywood-plan-read-in-full-trump-tariffs-1236387042/

NYC increases tax credit -  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/new-york-aims-large-scale-producers-indie-projects-film-subsidy-boost-1236212240/

Texas increases tax credit- https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/31/texas-film-television-incentive-fund/

Hidden Gems-

Yellow mangoes. Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it.

Capital One Cafes - (NYC, LA)

(00:00) Intro

(01:00) E-Kan’s Pope story

(05:10) Trump’s Tariffs

(08:30) Union’s response

(11:40) What Governor Newsom has to say

(13:35) Jon Voigt’s proposal

(22:00) How do you not overwhelmed by the news?

(26:00) Stay on set in between takes?

(30:40) The one rule on set

(35:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 27 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World! Apologies for the late upload, but this one is packed and well worth the wait.  This episode was recorded BEFORE Trump announced possible tariffs on foreign film production, but coincidentally this episode we discuss the complexities of the current entertainment industry and whether it is a Hollywood vs the World issue. So apparently we do predict the future... more to come. 

E-Kan tells us what he thought about the hottest show on Broadway, Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Bon Odenkirk, Kieran Culkin, Bill Burr, and Rían’s friend John Pirruccello- make sure to listen to our Hidden Gems at the end of the episode to hear how he snagged them!

There’s positive news for the California film industry and Stay In LA as two crucial bills to reform film tv tax credits just got pushed through to the next round, but there's still a long road ahead. The guys dig into the fierce competition for film and tv production across the world and the deeper issue - Is it really Hollywood vs the world, or do we all succeed if Hollywood succeeds? Does Hollywood deserve to be protected? And did E-Kan really compare the Hollywood industry to the great pyramids of Egypt? Yes he did. This will be part of ongoing conversation you don't want to miss. 

Jeremy Renner walks away from Season 2 of Hawkeye because Disney offered half of what he made the first season and calls them "penny pinchers". Is this an actor fighting for what he's worth or just entitlement? And how is this relevant to the working actor? E-Kan and Rían differ in opinion and it'll make you think. 

And E-Kan shares insights from a panel with two of TV's top directors, one of which directed him on Bosch: Legacy. Some things discussed- what a director's job SHOULD be, the differences between film and tv, how much say do they have in who gets cast. 

But the burning question on Rían's mind - what does "holding space" actually mean?

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jeremy-renner-hawkeye-season-2-salary-1236205536/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/california-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bills-1236148381/

TV Director Panel with Deborah Kampmeier and Hagar Ben-Asher- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x_sbaKjIh0

Hidden Gems: 

Glengarry Glen Ross $45 tickets (listen to the end)

https://youtu.be/z7-p3XIzoAE?si=kAULbdLSlUWTNBFI

Da Michele Pizza in Hollywood - https://damicheleusa.com/

(00:00) Intro

(02:30) Glengarry Glen Ross

(05:50) Two Film/TV bills get pushed up in California

(06:50) Stay in LA Rally 

(11:18) Is California taking Hollywood for granted?

(13:00) Hollywood vs the World 

(17:20) Is Hollywood still an institution?

(18:40) Jeremy Renner walks away from Hawkeye

(22:30) TV Director Panel

(28:30) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 26!

E-Kan has come back from his travels - you’ll hear what far off place he visited and why he prefers a little danger on his trips. Ryan Coogler, Sinners, and its huge opening weekend are all the talk in Hollywood, but is it getting enough credit? And why is it making Hollywood studios scared? E-Kan and Rían break down Coogler’s unique deal with the studio, why it challenges traditional Hollywood contracts, and whether we should expect to see more of the same in Hollywood.

Then E-Kan talks about his recent experience going to an industry screening and reception with Michael Fassbender, Richard Gere, and Jeffrey Wright, and how weird the energy is at networking events. This gets them on the often-dreaded question actors face- “So what have you been in?”. They explore why it’s so hated and what we can learn from it. We’re back in the saddle, everyone, and this one goes deep.

Email us at @actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

Kara Mayer Robinson’s podcast “Really Famous” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/really-famous-with-kara-mayer-robinson/id1231521180

Sinner’s box office success -https://movieweb.com/sinners-ryan-coogler-warner-bros-ownership-dealexplained/#:~:text=Coogler%20isn't%20the%20first,Upon%20a%20Time%20in%20Hollywood

https://www.npr.org/2025/04/25/nx-s1-5375043/why-the-box-office-hit-sinners-is-making-waves-in-hollywood

Hidden Gems: Woody Harrelson’s the Woods Cafe - https://thewoodsweho.com/ Mint Pearls for travel and nausea - https://www.daburinternational.com/uae/product/dabur-pudin-hara-pearls

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) E-Kan's travels

(08:00) Coogler and Sinners box office success

(10:10) Breaking down Coogler's deal

(14:30) Variety gets called out

(18:45) The Agency panel with Fassbender

(21:30) The question actors hate

(24:45) Are actors more zen?

(27:20) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 43 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

Marvel drops the bomb it’s no longer doing business in Georgia and hopping over the pond to the UK. Has this been happening for years? E-Kan and Rían will get into that and discuss why they think UK has been bustling with film production. They also get into the nitty gritty, break down the differences between what an actor makes in SAG-Aftra in the US vs in the UK, and why E-Kan thinks the race to the bottom isn't sustainable. 

On a bit of a lighter note, E-Kan also brings up a revealing article that might spell good news for LA and the Hollywood industry. 

Stay to the end and you'll hear, did E-Kan really have an extra tooth? 

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well! Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media for clips during the week!

@ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on IG

Marvel Leaves Georgia - https://nypost.com/2025/08/18/business/marvel-leaves-georgia-to-film-in-uk-gutting-states-movie-industry/

The productions numbers LA vs NYC vs Georgia - https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdFbz4O1WM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Hidden Gems:

@industryjazzcafe - https://industry-cafe-jazz.res-menu.com/menu

Wilson US Open Scavenger Hunt - @wilsontennis

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:30) Marvel Has Left Georgia for the UK

(8:15) The current number of productions LA vs NYC vs Atlanta

(11:55) How it's like predicting stocks

(17:50) How much does an actor make in the UK

(28:15) Who's to blame? 

(39:55) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 25!

This is the Self-care Episode, also another change of pace episode. This is random unreleased goodies from previous episodes. Some things you’ll hear in this conversation -  why this podcast is therapeutic for E-Kan and Rían, the power of writing things down, things we can’t stand, Artists’ Way and Morning pages, and why Rían hates hot baths. Also, E-Kan and Rían will discuss reality tv show guilty pleasures, and the blurred line between documentary and reality tv. And is reality tv underrated? Rían will talk about his early experience working for a tv station and if you stick around, you’ll hear about the time that Sinead O’Connor sneezed on him. We get wild on this one.

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:42) Writing is Thinking

(02:45) Morning Pages

(05:15) Rían can't handle a hot bath

(09:05) The importance of getting into the right brain

(11:45) Reality TV vs Documentary

(14:15) Reality TV to unionize?

(17:45) Rían went to the Price is Right

(20:37) E-Kan went to see the Daily Show

(23:50) Rían meets Sinead O'Connor

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 24! This episode is also a change of pace from previous episodes - unreleased footage that got cut from a previous episode.  E-Kan and Rían discuss the unique and intense bond actors and crew make shooting a production, and are these relationships real or fake? Also why being on set is very much like a dinner party, as E-Kan likes to call it. E-Kan then has a flashback to his worst on set experience, and they describe what makes a bad set, as well as wonder why background actors get treated so poorly.  And why it's helpful to think of actors as the head of the Acting Department on set. 

This episode gets real, ya’ll.

What do you think of E-Kan’s story? What’s your worst on set experience?

Email us at @actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) The unique relationships made on set 

(05:00) Are these relationships on set real or fake?

(08:48) E-Kan's worst on-set experience

(12:00) There's no excuse for treating background actors badly on set

(17:50) Why Christian Bale might have a point 

(18:35) We're the Acting Department

(23:30) Acting can be a grind

(24:50) The differences between a bad day at your side job and on set

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 23!

This episode is going to be little different than our past episodes - E-Kan will be doing some traveling so for a few weeks, we will mix together our best hits, a few of our favorite segments from past episodes -  in case you missed it or if you're still catching up. 

We have some a lot of new stuff coming for the podcast, follow us wherever you find your podcasts, Youtube, Substack, on all social media @actorsguidepodcast. 

This episode, you'll hear about the time Rían almost got scammed by a big tech company that was, ahem, targeting the Irish? How dare they. Take care of your data, people! 

Then an excerpt from Episode 10, the guys will dissect actors' tricky relationship with money, balancing side jobs with their passion, and E-Kan talks about how actors can learn from Silicon Valley tech entrepeneurs. Rían talks about his friend who "stopped asking his art to pay for his life" and why he used to not tell people he was an actor when he bartended, and E-Kan shares powerful words that his sister told him that he never forgot. They share personal stories about juggling odd end jobs over the years and lessons they’ve learned along the way. Desi Lydic's story about waiting to live your life. Actors, this might change how you look at your career. 

Then, from Episode 3, the guys talk pivotal life changing moments, including how E-Kan first got past his ego and started creating things on YouTube. It was a big shift in mindset and changed everything for him, including his life and career. Rían also describes how a life event changed his mindset. They also discuss how fame has changed and been democratized with the internet in this new age of Hollywood. 

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:10) Rían almost gets scammed

(06:30) Stop asking your art to pay for his life

(07:30) What actors can learn from the tech world

(09:00) How an actor can be unstoppable

(10:55) Why Rían didn't tell people he was an actor

(13:20) The power of mindset work

(14:45) Being embarrassed being an actor

(16:58) Desi Lydic and why waiting is the worst

(20:10) Having big dreams

(22:30) Ride the horse in the direction it's going

(23:00) E-Kan changed his mind on YouTube

(26:30) Actors can do more than one thing

(30:15) Fame is not the same in the YouTube era

(33:15) How Rían's approach to life changed after a break up

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 22!

The podcast has hit a small milestone, and E-Kan and Rían will discuss the significance of getting to its 22nd episode and a shocking statistic of how many people quit. E-Kan also talks about what actors can learn from YouTubers about building a brand and dealing with the creative grind, and the biggest misconception about building an audience. If you’re getting burnt out from the marathon of being a creative, this is the episode for you.

Also this week Rob Lowe had some fiery criticisms of the lack of production in Hollywood and said LA should be fired. Does he have a point? E-Kan and Rían also discuss what the bigger story is about his comments that everyone is missing. Rob Lowe coincidentally is shooting a show in Dublin, and the guys discuss how the city is booming with production right now. Is Dublin going to take over Hollywood? And the bigger question - is that a good thing?

They also talk about how, despite the recent positive news about California’s film and tv tax credits, a filmmaker named Cat Rhinehart has a heartbreaking story of getting rejected for CA Film tax credit three times…

And if you stick around, you’ll also hear why many think 1 podcast subscriber equals 1000 followers on Instagram. This is going to be a good one…

Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com! Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

Links: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/1jjmjot/how_long_did_it_take_you_to_get_to_a_1000/

https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/xn3crs/90_of_podcasts_dont_publish_more_than_3_episodes/

Rob Lowe interview with Adam Scott- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELn-95HeRE

Filmmaker Cat Rhinehart video about CA tax credit  -https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHKEmNNygtS/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Hidden gems-

https://newbridgehouseandfarm.com/

Capri Club - https://capriclublosangeles.com/ner.com/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner?srsltid=AfmBOormctFIcl9lQ3AJZd_ejc9q20QuVNFjTynNd3UF7sdGQm9HmrmF

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(04:10) Rob Lowe says LA should be fired

(08:00) The most surprising thing about Rob Lowe’s comments

(10:50) Filmmaker gets denied for tax credits three times

(13:30) Dublin taking over Hollywood?

(14:20) The problem with studios going international

(17:30) How many podcasts fail

(21:00) What can actors learn from the YouTubers

(23:30) How actors should measure their growth

(27:30) Why podcasts followers are stronger than social media followers

(30:20) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 21!

This is our Indie Film episode and we get to a lot of gems that didn’t make it during award season. There was also some backlash from crew members of Oscar darling, Anora. What really happened on set? And was Sean Baker anti-union? We get into the story and talk about the tricky line where independent film is today as well as why unions are so important for artists.

Also, they discuss how the film Sing Sing, the true story of inmates starting a rehabilitative theater program at the Sing Sing prison, experimented with a new financial model for their film - they paid everyone the SAME - all cast and crew, plus they got equity and points on the backend. The filmmakers are trying to revolutionize the film world and are launching a company to do it more. This is an incredible idea, and the guys will talk about whether it might be a sing of things to come for the indie film world. 

E-Kan and Rían also talk about the milestone California just hit with upcoming film and tv production talks about everything you need to know about what’s coming in the Golden State and how you can help. Information on Keep California Rolling below - nothing is guaranteed and we need to let our state representatives know how important this is.

There’s also plenty of love for inspirational actors like Colman Domingo, and E-Kan and Rían get into a discussion on a quote from Meryl Streep - Are actors more Zen? And how has acting made E-Kan a better person?

This is a good one, folks!

Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com! Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!

Links: 

https://keepcaliforniarolling.org/

Ekan’s video on California production https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHZgkUmSgZI/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/03/19/while-other-states-chase-hollywood-california-locks-in-record-breaking-film-slate/

Sing Sing paid everyone the same - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sing-sing-filmmakers-paid-everyone-on-set-the-same-1235945503/

Anora controversy -https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/anora-iatse-union-set-1236162501/

https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/can-sing-sing-pay-equity-model-save-indie-film-interview-1235079671/

"Rust" Documentary - https://press.hulu.com/shows/last-take-rust-and-the-story-of-halyna/

Hidden Gems: 

Bear Market Coffee in Dublin https://www.bearmarket.ie/pages/blackrock-coffee-shop?srsltid=AfmBOopW3nRPRTuOYiGPZriIFFgM2RpmB7Hu9Pe-fIpwrPaFU5YSmTmv

Dr. Bronner’s Salsuds

https://www.drbronner.com/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner?srsltid=AfmBOormctFIcl9lQ3AJZd_ejc9q20QuVNFjTynNd3UF7sdGQm9HmrmF

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:55) California hits record

(06:28) Sing Sing filmmakers experiment with new pay model

(11:20) Why we love Colman Domingo

(14:25) Anora backlash

(19:45) Gwyneth Paltrow comments on Intimacy Coordinator

(21:43) Why we need unions

(27:20) Are actors more zen?

(28:50) E-Kan thought acting would make him a better person

(31:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 20!

There’s a viral article circulating comparing Hollywood’s reaction to Jeremy Strong’s compared to “golden boy” of the moment, Kieran Culkin (article link below). If you weren’t aware, Jeremy Strong is deeply passionate about the craft of acting and the reaction is mixed. If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll see the picture from 1993 when he was waiting outside the Oscars to watch the actors and actresses enter the ceremony. Adorable or mortifying? E-Kan and Rían will be the judge.   

E-Kan and Rían discuss the comparison - is being passionate about the craft and caring too much unsexy, almost cringey? Is having ambition uncool?  Also getting some side eye was Timothy Chalamet’s SAG Awards speech. What can actors learn from these actors, and how does likability fall into play? What does this tell us about society and even politics and dating?

They also dig into the recent developments of a billion dollar studio expansion in Los Angeles and what Rick Caruso has to say about it and why he's filing a lawsuit against it. Everything you to know about a pivotal project for the Hollywood's future. 

The guys also launch their newest segment - The Week in Reddit! They go through the Acting Reddit thread for the best (and maybe the worst) questions and insights. Is it genius? Toxic? It's Reddit! Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com!

Hidden Gems: 

https://www.eltondrinks.com/

Report on Plastics in common day foods- https://www.plasticlist.org/

Links: 

Jeremy Strong/Kieran Culkin Substack Article, thatfinalscene.com - https://substack.com/@itssophieschoice/p-158233281

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/23/entertainment/jeremy-strong-oscar-nomination/index.html

Jeremy Strong Q/A - https://youtu.be/SM4vf6oskw8?si=Yv4Z05Z_21D-rDjk

Timothy Chalamet SAG Awards speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P50UQeIL4o

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:05) Rick Caruso vs Hollywood

(05:40) Jeremy Strong - Kieran Culkin debate

(09:13) Status is ease

(14:30) Ambition is unsexy?

(19:45) The Best in Reddit

(21:46) Self-tape vs In person

(28:00) Hidden gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 19!

This is the big Oscars recap as well as our favorite moments of Awards season, including our very first Actor's Guide Podcast Awards (they're not real but special nonetheless). How did Conan O’Brien do his first time hosting the Oscars? Biggest Shock? Biggest Cringe? Favorite Couple? (Not who you're expecting). 

And of course we had to talk about Adrien Brody... which gets E-Kan and Rían on their favorite speeches and the power of brevity, whether you're giving an Oscars speech or writing an Instagram post. 

Admittedly we thought some of the moments this season were better than the films, and many of them were provided by Kieran Culkin. Did you know that Jesse Eisenberg never saw any of Culkin's work before casting him in A Real Pain? We discuss it, and it might change how you look at your social media and branding. Does anyone remember the time Kieran Culkin took a dig at Adrien Brody taking up too much time at the podium at the SAG Awards, BEFORE the Oscars? We did. You can't write this stuff. 

The guys get into a deep conversation about actors’ process and where’s the line between having doing your best work while also not alienating or annoying your fellow actors. This is a good one, everyone! 

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/adrien-brody-record-longest-speech-oscars-2025-1236153234/

Jeremy Strong Interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM4vf6oskw8

Eisenberg on Kieran Culkin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu80XNnRjpw

Kieran Culkin and Colman Domingo interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBKUDVZlLdI

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:20) New CA Bills and Keep California Rolling

(03:20) First Oscar reactions

(06:13) Biggest Shock

(07:50) Biggest Loser

(09:00) Anora 

(10:46) Adrien Brody

(12:20) Our favorite speeches ever

(14:50) The power of brevity 

(16:50) What we can learn from Adrien Brody

(19:50) Why we love Kieran Culkin

(22:12) Our favorite couple

(26:30) When Kieran took a shot at Adrien Brody

(27:16) Cutest Moment

(29:30) Jeremy Strong and an actor's process

(34:45) Kieran Culkin on actors as storytellers

(37:20) Eisenberg saw none of Culkin's work before casting him

(39:36) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 18! This was recorded BEFORE the Academy Awards, that’s life when you release on Mondays. E-Kan and Rían take a look at the Oscar favorites and even betting lines, so now you can step back into the future and look at what could’ve been, and who really made some money on the upsets. And how much money would you have made if you bet on Mikey Madison to win Best Actress? And Anora?  Be sure to stick around, you’ll hear the story of why Rían will never gamble again.

Also, more big things are coming out of Hollywood- two new bills (SB 630 and AB 1138) were announced to augment Newsom’s Film TV Tax credit proposal for CA, and just announced is the newest movement, Keep California Rolling, gearing up for lobbying to state lawmakers. This will be everything you will need to know about what Newsom and California are doing to keep productions in Los Angeles.

E-Kan and Rían will also discuss Sean Baker’s beautiful speech at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, which was a love letter to indie film but also a warning signal and rally cry for other independent filmmakers. Personal, candid, and eye opening, he talked about the troubling financial landscape as an indie filmmaker, Hollywood should take note. He also called himself an “indie film lifer” and the guys discuss if they can call themselves a “lifer” of anything. You'll also hear what E-Kan would do if he wasn't acting. 

New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

https://variety.com/2025/film/news/entertainment-union-coalition-keep-california-rolling-production-1236322768/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/california-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bills-1236148381/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/unions-california-film-tv-tax-credit-expansion-1236149638/

https://www.actionnetwork.com/entertainment/oscar-odds-2025-betting-lines-favorites-for-best-picture-best-actor-more-at-academy-awards

Sean Baker Speech Film Independent Spirit Awards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxtMGRlx0k

Hidden Gems: 

Riff Raff (2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNtKUBrNWNE

Han Dynasty (NYC) - 90 3rd Ave, NYC

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:00) New CA Bills and Keep California Rolling

(05:00) Oscar favorites and betting lines

(07:13) Why Rían stopped gambling

(09:40) More Oscar favorites

(11:45) EGOT

(12:30) Sean Baker's epic speech 

(17:00) What would do if you weren't acting? 

(25:25) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 17 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

Maya Hawke's comments about Instagram and social media have sent shockwaves through the acting community and Hollywood, shining a light on the state of the industry and asking the big question - do actors have to be on social media? E-Kan and Rían dig into the power of social media, their love hate relationship with it, and the hard truth actors need to face - but also uncover the brighter side and how this might not be as bad as it sounds. And if you’re an actor not on social media, this episode might change your mind. On the flip side, E-Kan mentions some things that actors can learn from the YouTubers and some telling signs of how the industry embraces them even more with high profile projects as well as why fame is more ambiguous than ever right now. And coincidentally, Rian will finally find out who Mr. Beast is. The icing on the cake? Ethan Hawke's comments about all this was HILARIOUS. You’re not going to want to miss this.

They also get into the hidden world of financing an Oscar campaign and how much it really costs to win an Oscar.  Is it worth it? They get into what goes on behind the scenes, the many rules and regulations controlling how you campaign and what you can and cannot say. Listen and you’ll find out the moment in history when Oscar campaigns really became a thing. And if that wasn't enough, Brady Corbet, award winning director of Oscar favorite "The Brutalist" reveals he made zero dollars for making the movie and shoots commercials to pay the bills. 

This gets the guys onto the interesting balance between making money and pursuing your creative ambitions. E-Kan shares why he thinks he has been so successful in the commercial world and gives insight on the power of mindset, and Rían shares a cool metaphor for building new neural pathways he learned from Lesly Kahn. This is going to be a good one, folks. 

New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/maya-hawke-producers-cast-actors-instagram-followers-1236309282/

https://variety.com/2025/film/festivals/ethan-hawke-casting-actors-based-instagram-followers-crazy-1236312855/

https://variety.com/2025/film/awards/the-brutalist-brady-corbet-no-money-1236311496/

https://deadline.com/2023/10/oscars-campaign-fees-rising-1235585681/

Hidden Gems:

White House (Baldoyle) -http://thewhitehousebarandfood.com/

Nobel Prize Winner - Harvard Professor William Lipscomb

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:40) Maya Hawke and Instagram

(11:30) Why this is a trap for actors

(13:40) Do actors need to be on social media? 

(15:30) What are the best practices for actors and Instagram?

(16:30) They've been doing this forever

(20:30) Studios are starting to invest in Influencers

(25:20) What Ethan Hawke had to say about it

(27:40) How much does an Oscar campaign cost? 

(29:45) Brady Corbet made zero dollars on The Brutalist

(34:00) The mindset traps for actors and building new neural pathways

(41:00) When Oscar campaigns became a thing

(43:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 16 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

It has been wild week in sports for both Rían and E-Kan - Rían meets his childhood heroes and Manchester United legends while E-Kan celebrates the other football as his Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl in epic fashion. E-Kan recounts his favorite moments at the Eagles Super Bowl parade and why Philadelphia unlike no other.

Last week was so good, E-Kan and Rían run it back and do a follow up on last week's conversation about the four second self-tape controversy as their opinions have shifted over the week. After their initial gut reaction and emotions are taken out of it, they take a more nuanced look at the discussion overall and face the honest truth about whether four seconds is enough time to judge a self tape. This might be polarizing and unpopular for a lot of actors, but it might help you be less precious about your work and change how you look at your auditions. 

Also coincidentally after last week's episode about Best Picture nominees The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez using AI, the guys dig into how the Oscars are considering making it mandatory to disclose the use of AI in Oscar entries moving forward. How much AI is too much for the Oscars?

New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

https://deadline.com/2025/01/atlanta-casting-director-self-tapes-viewing-1236273084/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timlammers/2025/01/21/emilia-prez-and-the-brutalist-ai-controversies-explained/

https://variety.com/2025/artisans/news/oscars-consider-requiring-films-disclose-ai-use-brutalist-1236299063/

Hidden Gems:

https://www.wakingup.com/

https://timdenning.substack.com/p/im-38-if-youre-in-your-20s-or-30s

Time stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) The Super Bowl and Eagles Parade

(07:35) Rían meets his childhood heroes Manchester United legends

(11:20) Oscars consider disclosing AI use

(17:35) Follow up on four seconds self-tape controversy

(26:05) The honest truth about self-tapes 

(31:35) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 42 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World!

This episode is one for the film lovers - mostly. Tarantino has a gripe about the current state of film, calling it "repressive" while Richard Linklater has a word of caution for young filmmakers. On the brighter side, the NY Times released their Top 100 Films of the 21st Century and E-Kan and Rían break it down - what they got right and what they think they missed - and why they appreciate these films more now than ever.

Meanwhile Amazon invests in a startup that has launched a streaming platform of AI generated content called "Showrunner". It will allow users to create their own animated tv shows in hopes of becoming the "Netflix of AI". Will it work? Is it more AI slop? E-Kan said it was going to be a fun episode but couldn't help himself. 

The guys get into a discussion about the art of acting and film today - with the rise of social media and influencers, is acting going to become more and more niche, like say opera and ballet? This one gets wild. 

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well!

Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media for clips during the week!

@ekansoong and @riansheehykelly on IG

"Netflix of AI" - https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/netflix-of-ai-amazon-invests-fable-showrunner-launch-1236471989/

NYT Top 100 List-

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/movies/best-movies-21st-century.html

Richard Linklater on young filmmakers - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL03De2S56-/?igsh=Mzc3ZTVlOWMwZA==

Tarantino on the "repressive era" of film- https://www.instagram.com/p/DM_0XwATpuU/

Hidden Gems:

Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon - https://www.pushkin.fm/audiobooks/miracle-and-wonder-conversations-with-paul-simon

Sundance Collab - https://collab.sundance.org/

Time stamps: 

(0:00) Intro

(2:08) Amazon invests in the "Netflix of AI"

(8:10) Richard Linklater's warning for young filmmakers

(10:30) Is acting for tv/film going to go out of date? 

(13:20) Why do people want to be famous? 

(14:15) Live events are booming 

(25:27) Tarantino calls it a "repressive era" of film 

(26:00) The NY Times Top 100 List

(55:00) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 41 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían jump around this episode with a nice a recap of our recent guests Patrick Massett and Kevin Walsh, and some not so nice news with Actors Access changing their terms of service. You will hear what actors need to know, why actors are in a sticky situation, and the root of the problem actors have with Actors Access. 

They also get into a discussion about keeping your status as an actor in a turbulent time in the industry. Then somehow the guys start comparing, who talks about their feelings less- the Irish or the Asians? And of course they start talking about their feelings. This is a deep one, ya'll. 

Then E-Kan talks about the recent survey that said the top job wanted by young children was YouTuber or streamer, and why it might not be a bad thing. 

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well. 

Follow @actorsguidepodcast on social media!

@ekansoong, @riansheehykelly

Actors Access video - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM8Cc9tO43p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/19/more-children-dream-of-being-youtubers-than-astronauts-lego-says.html

Hidden Gem:

Translate App

The Rainmaker (USA Network, Peacock)

Time stamps:

(0:00) Intro

(2:40) Actors Access drama

(11:49) Rían's fear of getting in trouble

(19:00) Recap of Patrick Massett and Kevin Walsh interviews and insights 

(08:07) When Kevin first got the acting bug

(23:00) Actions dictate Feelings

(26:27) Asian vs Irish culture - who talks about their feelings less? 

(34:00) YouTube is young kids' top profession

(19:40) A crazy story with the guns and the armorer

(41:40) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 40 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week we have friend of the podcast and fellow actor in Los Angeles, Kevin Walsh!  For most of his life, Kevin was a professional footballer playing around the world, and now he’s taking center stage as an actor. Along with hilarious stories,  Kevin tells the guys about his transition to the arts and how he was a “closeted” actor and knew from early on, he was driven to pursue the arts. They also discuss how Kevin’s athletic background translates to his acting career, the moment when he told his dad he was going to quit playing football and become an actor and how Steven Urkel and Family Matters was an especially formative moment for him.

Plenty of sports metaphors in this one - they talk about grit and determination and how film and tv is another great team sport. This was recorded a couple of months ago, and he talks about the process of producing a play -  “The Irish Curse 2.0: The Diverse Curse”. The play just wrapped and has been a success, selling out to great reviews.

This is a fun one!

If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review, it'll help other people find the podcast as well. 

Kevin Walsh - @mayoyank

@theirishcurse2.0_theplay

Hidden Gem:

Photographer Jeff Vespa @Jeffvespa

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(2:08) Getting Started in Acting

(05:20) Life as a footballer

(06:55) Inspired by Family Matters and Steve Urkel

(08:07) When Kevin first got the acting bug

(11:30) Having Self-Confidence

(14:50) It’s the most complete I feel

(16:50) Getting experience on set

(19:40) A crazy story with the guns and the armorer

(23:55) First paid job as an actor

(28:00) Landing an agent and knowing your type

(31:00) Why athletes make great actors

(34:50) What it takes to producing a play

(39:15) Hidden Gem

Welcome to Episode 39 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This is a special one, folks. Writer-Producer Patrick Massett (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist) returns to the show.  Unlike most sequels, this one might be better than the first time. 

This week, Patrick discusses how Friday Night Lights became a cult classic, his writing process, the very best book on writing, and how he manages to keep the fire going despite the ups and downs of this crazy industry. 

They also get into a very insightful conversation about mindset, spirituality, and how sobriety changed Patrick's life. 

Of course, there will be more Hollywood stories, like the time Michael Mann almost got Patrick killed. So sit back and enjoy this one! 

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack! And on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

If you haven't heard their first conversation Episode 37, the link will be below. They discussed how Patrick grew up in rural Nebraska with a love for movies, starting out as an actor in Hollywood without knowing anyone besides, um, Val Kilmer, and how he broke through early adapting Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, the most successful video game adaptation up until Super Mario. 

Patrick's IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557266/

Patrick Massett Pt 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writer-producer-patrick-massett-talks-taking-risks/id1776516950?i=1000717431148

Time stamps

(0:00) Intro

(2:45) Friday Night Lights

(10:00) How Friday Night Lights became a cult favorite

(14:40) Crazy Eagles football story

(16:00) What are the differences between writing and producer credits on a TV show? 

(18:00) Dealing with politics on set

(32:20) Did you think Jesse Plemons would be a star? 

(36:20) Why Robert McKee's Story is the best writing book

(45:00) What a writing day looks for Patrick

(48:00) How sobriety changed his life

(54:50) What's your favorite part about being a writer

(1:01:35) The secrets to pitching a show

(1:08:30) Gold film with Matthew McConaughey

(01:13:30) The Michael Mann story

(01:22:22) Hidden Gems

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, we got a few bombs to drop. First WeTransfer, online file sharing service announced a highly confusing and enraging change to their terms and conditions, did someone say machine learning? This service is used by almost all actors and those working in the industry, so needless to say, people were freaking out. E-Kan and Rían will go over the backlash and what you need to know.

Next, is the announcement that The Late Show with Colbert is ending despite strong ratings, and a look into why and what that means for the future of late night.

This week is another segment of “The Best in Reddit” where E-Kan and Rían answer the best questions from the “acting” thread of Reddit which poses the question, “Does rehearsal kill the spontaneity in performance” We also talk about how Tom Holland revealed that he often goes over his lines the morning of when he’s in the make-up chair and more tales from Hollywood Land.

The guys also break a new segment “Worst Breakdowns”, and go into an actual breakdown that has red flags all over it. For those not in the industry, breakdowns are the listings that have the information on the project, roles, that actors get when they audition for a project. This one was a DOOZY and a fair warning for those submitting for non-union projects especially.

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack! And on all social media @actorsguidepodcast

https://www.the-independent.com/tech/wetransfer-terms-conditions-ai-artificial-intelligence-b2789452.html

https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/wetransfer-backtracks-ai-file-training-205600763.html

https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/wetransfer-changes-terms-licensing-rights-ai-1234747368/

Late Show with Stephen Colbert Ratings -

https://latenighter.com/news/ratings/late-night-tv-ratings-q2-2025/

Reddit thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/acting/comments/1lick5v/netflixs_adolescence_kills_the_idea_that/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

https://youtube.com/shorts/iKGCSf9CjSI?si=ulSwwa0ACWN6TTbP

Hidden Gems:

Cooking fennel..?

Xing Fu Tang (NYC, Taiwan) - https://xingfutang.com/

Time stamps:

(0:00) Intro

(1:45) WeTransfer changes terms of service

(9:27) Late Show w/ Stephen Colbert ending

(14:50) Worst Casting Breakdown ever

(18:30) Best of Reddit acting thread - Does Over-rehearsing kill spontaneity in performance?

(27:20) Tom Holland says he learns his lines the morning of in the makeup chair

(32:40) Hidden Gems

Welcome to the Actors Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 37!

This week we have a very special guest, prolific screenwriter and producer, Patrick Massett!

This episode is packed as Patrick walks the guys through his incredible career spanning decades, beginning with hitting it big co-writing Lara Croft: Tomb Raider w/ Angelina Jolie, the most successful video game adaptation until Super Mario.

E-Kan and Rian got a treat to Patrick’s many classic Hollywood stories like doing theater with Val Kilmer and behind the scenes hanging on the set of Oliver Stone’s "The Doors" and how sometimes you gotta take big swings to succeed in this industry.

They  go back to the Patrick's early days starting out as an actor, working with some of the greats in TV history, including Ron Moore, Larry Gordon, and Sean Ryan, as well as humble beginning growing up in Nebraska. You'll hear a hilarious story of how he got into his first acting class and yet another lesson why everyone should take an acting class.

Patrick talks about pivoting from acting to screenwriting and following his passion for telling stories.

He also talks about his writing process and why handling criticism and feedback are so important to his success. This is a masterclass in how to handle the ebbs and flows of a tricky and evolving entertainment industry.

Of course they eventually get into the polarizing AI conversation, and a larger discussion about data, money, and how it all will affect our entertainment industry and global economy, as well as an alarming warning of what might happen if we're not careful.

This episode was so packed, stay tuned for a part two coming soon!

Follow  @actorsguidepodcast  wherever you find your podcasts! New episodes here every Monday!

Patrick's IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0557266/

Time Stamps:

(0:00) Intro

(3:00) Growing up in Nebraska and how it started

(4:00) Shooting big helped them land Tomb Raider

(7:30) The old Hollywood we miss

(9:00) How a Nebraska quarterback got into acting and writing

(10:49) The first person I met was Val Kilmer

(11:30) Early inspirations and falling in love movies

(13:10) Writing success rescued him from being broke

(15:15) Mick Jagger and taking risks

(16:45) How they landed Angelina Jolie

(22:30) Getting typecast as the bad guy

(28:55) How he started acting because of football

(29:36) Doing Shakespeare with Val Kilmer

(37:30) When Rían auditioned for Patrick

(40:00) Pivoting from acting to writing and trusting your gut

(41:21) Against all odds with Friday Night Lights

(46:40) It’s a collaboration

(52:15) Fighting the algorithm and the magic of the unknown

(56:00) Why we need AI regulations and the future of TV

(1:06:00) Final thoughts and keys to success

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the AI Regulations Ban gets voted down by the Senate 99-1, so chalk one up for the good guys. Can’t speak about everything else in the bill, but that’s really good news for AI state regulations. Thanks to the overwhelming action taken by voters calling in to their local lawmakers and Senators, state AI laws will still be in effect and are safe… for now.

The guys also discuss a recent MIT study on the brains of Chat GPT users and the results are TERRIFYING. You’ll want to hear this. Rían shares how he used Chat GPT for the first time and what happened when  E-Kan tried to adjust a picture of the Pyramids in Egypt in Chat GPT.

The guys also discuss the trending vertical shorts that are sweeping through the entertainment industry. Cheesy, addictive, quick to shoot, and non-union-What can go wrong? What actors need to know and are they good for your career?

It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly on this week’s episode!

Follow us wherever you find your podcasts @actorsguidepodcast and on all social media. New episodes every Monday! 

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-senate-strikes-ai-regulation-ban-trump-megabill-2025-07-01/

https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLEzpBUxwG5/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLafRmfJ2qi/?igsh=MTl4YWJjMzlkZ24xYw==

Hidden Gems:

Wabry Strawberry Sauce

https://www.amazon.com/W%C3%A4bry-Organic-Syrup-14-9-Strawberry/dp/B01B38XU7W/ref=asc_df_B01B38XU7W?mcid=ee468f94a7a33797ba79ab5d5c5adc45&hvocijid=9132119578248570766-B01B38XU7W-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9132119578248570766&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002783&hvtargid=pla-2281435179098&th=1

DeMillo’s (Portland, ME) - https://www.dimillos.com/

Time stamps:

(0:00) Intro

(3:15) AI Regulations survive

(4:40) Chat GPT affect on users’ brains

(10:50) Are we willing to be uncomfortable?

(15:15) How a journalist uses Chat GPT

(18:37) Is it worth it to go to film school or drama school?

(24:00) There still is hope for our youth

(26:30) Vertical shorts are sweeping Hollywood

(29:40) Should actors do vertical shorts?

(36:00) What actors should be aware of

(40:15) Hidden Gems