"Get experience wherever you live."

 

Rene Haynes has always wanted to be the one who puts actors on screen. After dipping her toe in the acting pool, she cut her teeth working as crew. Her dedication would soon open the door to casting extras in Dances With Wolves. Eighty projects later, Rene is a prolific Casting Director of such projects as: Killers of the Flower Moon, Prey, and Dark Winds. She talks about her beginnings, working in Montana, and casting indigenous performers. Tune in now!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Dark Winds Season 3 (Coming Soon!)

"Be in the moment."

"Being prepared is the best way to relax."

 

Suteara Vaughn and Jaedon Rio, of The Girl in the Pool, join the show to share their experience working on the film. Tune in as they touch on memorable on-set moments, preparation practices, and working with industry legends like Monica Potter, Kevin Pollak, and Freddie Prinze Jr!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-The Girl in the Pool

“It’s fun and it shouldn’t be taken too seriously.”

 

Since the early 2010s, Josh Brener has catapulted into the comedic stratosphere with memorable roles in Silicon Valley, Old Dads, Mythic Quest, and more! As the pandemic slowed things down, Josh kept his focus on his voice acting work and pitching his own projects. Oh, and if you thought sharing a drink with someone was awkward, imagine Wolverine taking a swig of your old fashioned… Tune in!

 

“Love what you do enough that you don’t care about success.”

 

If you’re a fan of stand up comedy or gut busting television shows, you’ve witnessed the immense talent of this week’s guest, Alice Wetterlund. With the drive and determination to be a performer at a young age, she found her footing during an Improv class after college. Through a combination of Open Mic Nights and Improv shows, Alice cut her teeth in comedy and quickly found commercial work. She chats with PWRP about paving her own career, embracing what you love, and keeping yourself grounded in the arts industry. You can catch her now as D’Arcy in SyFy’s Resident Alien.

 

SHOUTOUTS AND PROMOTIONS

 

-Alicewetterlund.com

 

-My Mama is a Human and So Am I

“Having an outlet that’s your own is so important.”

 

Lucie Guest is an Actor, Director, and Writer who has crafted an incredible career on both sides of the camera. Her immense talent for story telling placed her as one of the Top Ten Filmmakers to Watch in 2017! She joins PWRP to chat about her experiences working throughout the pandemic, spiritual awakenings in Bali, and sending VHS short films to Steven Soderberg. Plus, there’s a fair amount of laughs in this episode. Perfect for your morning commute!

 

SHOUTOUTS  & PROMOTIONS

 

-Disappearance in Yellowstone

“If you love it, stick with it.”

 

This week’s guest is Texas raised Skater turned Actor, Akie Kotabe. With limited experience, he left his Computer Science major behind to pursue his dream of acting on camera. This life changing transition led to him teaching English in Japan, finding a second home in England, and embodying characters alongside some of the most prolific artists in the world. You can catch him in The Batman (currently streaming on HBO MAX), and the upcoming film, The Son.

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Passenger List 

 

-The Batman

“It is most important to be unapologetically yourself.”

 

We’re headed to the American Southwest as Tyler sits down with Actor, Writer, Artist, and Musician; Tabatha Shaun. You may have initially seen them in the 2014 cult hit, The Guest, but Tabatha has built a fantastic resume in the years since. Most notably appearing in episodes of Better Call Saul, Preacher, Godless, and Crash. Here they share their love for music, navigating parenthood as an arts worker, and what lies on the horizon. Their next project, End of the Road, is due to release later this year!

 

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Thank you, 5

 

-End of the Road

“The more you know who you are, the further you’ll go.”

 

This week, Meredith Garretson of Resident Alien and The Offer, joins the PWRP crew! A Musical Theatre fan from a young age, Meredith bounced around varying departments during college until she found her calling in acting. Since her graduation from Tisch in 2017, she’s manifested an incredible career that shows no signs of slowing down. Tune in as she discusses navigating the industry, taking risks, and what it means to be a gramophonetic synesthete!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Resident Alien

 

-The Offer (April 28th)

“Stay curious.”

 

Sit down with the PWRP crew with this week’s guest, Maria Sten! You may recognize her from her breakout role as Jillian in Channel Zero: The Dream Door,  Liz Tremayne in Swamp Thing, or Francis Neagley in Reacher. Maria shares her journey from professional dancer to diving headfirst into acting. Utilizing her free time to travel around the world to some of the most remote destinations. Tune in to all of this and more!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Reacher

 

-The Thirst Project

“Don’t take rejection personally.”

 

This week’s guest has taken the arts industry head on for the last ten years. Jarreau Benjamin is a Manchester-based actor, writer, and producer who caught the acting bug by helping a friend with an audition tape. Since then, he’s left his football roots behind to pursue the craft. Catch him in the upcoming reboot, Jeepers Creepers: Reborn!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Jeepers Creepers: Reborn

“Know why you’re doing it.”

 

Strap in as we hop across the Atlantic to chat with Georgia Goodman, seen most recently in in Uncharted and Master of None. Having grown up all over the world and accrued her Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Georgia was on the fast track for her Master's. But her love for acting made the call and launched her into a global adventure working on some amazing projects. Let’s not forget that she speaks multiple languages! Catch her on the big screen in the upcoming Jeepers Creepers: Reborn and The Infernal Machine. But first, you better listen to this episode!

 

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Uncharted

 

-Jeepers Creepers: Reborn

 

-The Infernal Machine

“Live your life.”

 

Jessica Matten is an actress, producer, and social activist of Red River Metis-Cree descent; best known for her roles in Frontier, Tribal, The Empty Man, and Burden of Truth. She’s also set to star in AMC’s upcoming series, Dark Winds. Jessica has spent her life promoting positive awareness and creating new opportunities in First Nations communities around Canada. Through film, she continues to give back, having co-founded The Counting Coup Indigenous Film Academy!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Dark Winds

“Take as much pride in whatever position it is you’re currently doing, and trust that it is an important step for where you need to go.”

 

Where in the world is Natasha Walford? PWRP is joined by the nomadic Producer, Writer, and Assistant Director during production of Guardian’s of the Galaxy Vol. III! Having cut her teeth on various projects in Australia with a hunger for more, Natasha moved to Canada where she continued building her resume as an Assistant Director. After working with James Gunn on Peacemaker, she moved down to Atlanta and hasn’t looked back. Tune in as she shares her career goals, a pair of comfort shows, and plans for the future!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Peacemaker

 

-Liberated

 

-The Drip (Atlanta)

“You have to have other stuff going on.”

 

For early twenty years, Quincy Dunn-Baker has had an amazing career on both stage and screen. His most notable projects include: The Righteous Gemstones, Only Murders in the Building, Black Mirror, and No Hard Feelings. In this episode, he touches on the discovery of acting in high school, building a career in The Big Apple over eighteen years, and running blocker for Clive Owen at a wrap party.

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

• The Commoner

 

 

“You have to stay really persistent.”

 

We’re back in the writer’s room this week with Cait Duffy! With the constant hunger to write and create from a young age, she took the big leap to Los Angeles after college. Steadily finding work as a Production Assistant, with shows such as American Gladiators and Scorpion under her belt. Her rigorous work ethic soon paid off when she was hired on as a writing assistant for Breakout Kings. Now, Cait is a Staff Writer for Amazon Prime’s Reacher, currently prepping for it’s second season. She chats with Tyler about writing for yourself, the magic of D&D, and what it takes to get into the room. Tune in now!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Reacher

 

-Donate to your favorite charity!

 

-Legend of Vox Machina (Critical Role)

“Listen to others when you have a chance to speak.”

 

Have you ever thought about leaving your corporate job to tackle the entertainment industry? This week’s guest gave the finger to corporate America to pursue her dream of performing. Nicole C. Page is an L.A. based actress, model, and performer who dove into the industry full time following a spiritual awakening in the jungles of South America. For the last few years, she’s utilized her musical talent, multilingualism, and rigorous work ethic to make that dream a reality. Expect to see more of her on both the small and silver screen!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Nicole’s Instagram

Live from Youtube!

 

Steph and Tyler reunite with the fantastic Adelle Drahos for PWRP's first ever live stream! Adelle is joined by her LARPer co-stars: Adetinpo Thomas (Black Lightning), Robert Walker Branchaud (The Walking Dead), and Clayton English (A.P. Bio), to chat about their experiences on Hawkeye, 2022 so far, and play a game of Co-Star Trivia!

“Set a goal and attack it with everything you’ve got.”

 

The occasional scrape or bruise can happen to anyone. But for stunt performers, a scrape is a light day on the job. Spencer Thomas has spent his career putting his body on the line for the perfect shot. Always looking to learn more and further develop his skills. Since 2017, he’s worked consistently as John Cena’s stunt double, with the scars to prove it! We talk F9, Bumblebee, The Wall, and Peacemaker. Tune in now!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Peacemaker

“Believe in yourself.”

 

This week the PWRP crew is joined by the incredible, Rahul Kohli. You may recognize his work from shows like iZombie, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Harley Quinn, and Midnight Mass. He chats with Tyler about his diligent pursuit as an actor, acknowledging self worth in the industry, meditative hobbies, and the surreal nature of working with your childhood hero!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Midnight Mass

A special episode to update you on former guests, Marcus, Nathan, and Vicki and the exciting events surrounding their musical Blodlina!

“It’s fun and it shouldn’t be taken too seriously.”

 

Since the early 2010s, Josh Brener has catapulted into the comedic stratosphere with memorable roles in Silicon Valley, Maron, Mythic Quest, and more! As the pandemic slowed things down, Josh kept his focus on his voice acting work and pitching his own projects. Oh, and if you thought sharing a drink with someone was awkward, imagine Wolverine taking a swig of your old fashioned… Tune in!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-The Mighty Ones

 

-Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie

“Don’t believe that you know everything.”

 

For over twenty years, this week’s guest has worked on some of the most intricately designed creatures, and the goriest of gory effects to grace the screen. Carey Jones is a Special FX/Makeup Artist and Actor, who’s resume consists of: Sin City, The Walking Dead, Drag Me To Hell, Lovecraft Country, and more! He most recently joined the Star Wars universe as the badass gladiator, Black Krrsantan, in The Book of Boba Fett! Carey talks about hitting the pavement for a job in LA, working with his heroes, and what it feels like to be a Star Wars fan working on a Lucasfilm production!

 

Shoutouts & Promotions

 

-The Book of Boba Fett

-Carey’s Instagram

"If you don't ask, you'll never know."

 

If you’re Marvel fans like we are, you may recognize this week’s guest as a member of the most badass group of Larpers in the MCU! Adelle Drahos is an actress and writer who found her start in church and school plays before she acquired her BFA from Savannah College of Art and Design. For the last ten years, she has been working tirelessly to master her craft: producing independent projects, finding opportunities in Atlanta, and now fighting alongside Hawkeye himself! What are you doing? Press that play button!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Hawkeye

"It's important to know a little bit of everything. Learning as much as you can while you can is important."

 

Jasmine Day may be young in her career but she's got a life full of experience being in the arts. She dances, she acts, she's punk rock, and she handles being sprayed in the face with fake blood like a pro. Tune in to learn all about this lovely, talented actress, who inspires her, and what she plans to focus on as she continues to pursue her profession.

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

- The Midnight Show podcast

- Safehouse 1618

- Jasmine's IG

“Stay curious.”

 

It's time for a PWRP Vault Release with this week’s guest, Maria Sten! You may recognize her from her breakout role as Jillian in Channel Zero: The Dream Door,  Liz Tremayne in Swamp Thing, or Francis Neagley in Reacher. Maria shares her journey from professional dancer to diving headfirst into acting. Utilizing her free time to travel around the world to some of the most remote destinations. Tune in to all of this and more!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Reacher

-The Thirst Project

“The only way to do it, is to do it.”

 

This week, the PWRP crew returns to the Writer’s Room with special guest, Katie McElhenney! Her career leap from teacher to accomplished writer on two incredible tv shows (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Mythic Quest) is a journey that every creative must listen to. Not to mention, she’s quite possibly the funniest person you’ll ever meet. Wanna hear the best party story in the history of PWRP? Tune in Now!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Coffee Conservatory

“You can only fly your own flag.”

 

We’re popping back over to the UK this week with Actor, Filmmaker, and Producer, Aimee Cassettari! Having danced and sang at a young age, she soon found her calling at sixteen, during work experience on a Billie Piper production. Since then, Aimee has worked on both sides of production, while building her own company, Scripted. She most recently appeared in Edgar Wright’s film, Last Night in Soho, now available on digital! Tune in now!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Last Night in Soho

“Your resume is not going to get you a job in Hollywood. You’ve got to meet people.”

 

Have you ever thought about making the big move to Hollywood? Well, now is the time! This week’s guest is Madisen Treu, Digital Producer for Riot Games. Now taking over Netflix with their critical hit, Arcane. Madisen talks of her career pivot to video games, starting out as a nanny, and what it means to build a career in LA. Full disclosure, we fan out about Scream too!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Arcane (Netflix)

“Be professional. If you submit, do it during business hours, and by email.”

 

We’re taking a look at a crucial part of the industry today, as PWRP sits down with Denver/Nashville Talent Agent, Mark Block. After leaving his legal career in corporate litigation behind, Mark opened The Block Agency in Nashville and hasn’t looked back. Representing everyone from actors, models, musicians, and influencers. This episode is a must listen!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-The Block Agency

Sometimes an email or text just can't deliver a message the way you'd like, but you can't (or won't) deliver it in person. Well, today's guests have created and produced a web series that offer people another option for message deliveries. Human Telegraphs is a fun, quirky show about three ladies desperate for cash, who decide to deliver messages, in person, for anyone who'll pay them. Rachel, Kayla, and Fern are amazing women and we had so much fun talking to them about this series. Enjoy!

"Following your own compass is the way to go."

 

Colorado-based director, Calvin Shepherd, joins the PWRP crew just in time for the release of his newest film; Safehouse 1618. For the last five years, this tour de force creator has produced numerous features throughout Colorado on shoestring budgets. His genre-bending style and rigorous work ethic are sure to refresh the independent film industry for years to come! You can watch Safehouse 1618  now through December 15th, at www.ahith.com!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Safehouse 1618

-Calvin Shepherd

 

“Make yourself available.”   We’re keeping it local this week as we sit down with Model, Voice Actor, Writer, and Director Angie Kalen! One of the brightest personalities in the industry, Angie fills this episode with radiant stories of her journey. Come along with PWRP as she catches us up on her love for Spanish, fulfilling a Walking Dead dream, producing her own content, and being a mom. Hands down, she’s the coolest!   SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS   -Stealing the Show   -Angie Kalen Youtube

This week's guest is one of those people that you may not think about when watching a show, but you'd immediately notice if they weren't around to do their job. Rather than working on stage or screen, Sarah Levine works behind the scenes styling hair and wigs for TV and theater performers. She shares her story and offers some great insight into all the people whose arts careers don't involve acting. It was a blast talking with Sarah and we hope you enjoy it too!

“Dig as deep as you have to, to find that confidence.”

 This week PWRP hops into Doc Brown’s Delorean with Rosanna “Rosie” Hyland, star of Back to the Future: The Musical, currently showing in London’s West End! Rosie punches this podcast to 88mph as she shares her 3+ year journey bringing Lorraine Baines to the stage, her global experience finding her place in theater, and more!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Back to the Future: The Musical

"Try to dip into the deep end of the pool. You'll swim." Laughs are abound in these week's episode. Tyler and Stephanie sit down with Actor, Comedian, and Filmmaker, Gary Miller! The Best Worst Cantina creator has taken the pandemic by the horns in creating wildly hilarious sketches, shorts, and comedy albums featuring your favorite party dads. He sprinkles in his start in theater through sports and the odd logistics of a Lifetime love scene! Get to listening!!! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS -Best Worst Cantina Media

“Don’t be precious with your work.”

 

This week, we’re honored to welcome Matthew Smaldone to the show! He’s an actor, writer, director, producer, and teacher, with an undying passion for storytelling. With a handful of shorts and two features under his belt, he’s looking to further hone his acting craft with fellow artists in Colorado. Catch up with Matthew as he shares his experiences in theater, sorting problems on set, and what art truly means to him!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

 

-Life & Death

 

-The Scars of Our Hands

 

-@chameleonfilmstudios

 

“Keep going.”

After a few weeks off, we’re returning with a whole new slate of PWRP. This week’s guest is the radiant Megan Elisabeth Kelly, a Colorado-based Actress, Musician, and Film Aficionado! She joins the PWRP crew to talk about her rising career, the early days, and her incredible experience shooting her new film, INTRUSION, now available on Netflix. You better hit that play button!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Intrusion (Available on Netflix)

-Who Needs You (Currently showing in festivals)

This episode is a true conversation between old and new friends! Dale Raven and Cieran Ryan have been comrades since their teens. Over the course of their friendship, they've created their film company, Pale Raven Pictures, and most recently wrapped up production on their short film, Myrlan. These two gents were so willing to chat Steph and Tyler barely needed to ask any questions. It's a longer episode, but it's worth the listen! Shoutouts & Promotions 1. Pale Raven Pictures 2. Myrlan Film

" Find the joy of your life outside of the industry." This week, Tyler is joined by the incredible KURT YUE (Dopesick, Haunting of Hill House, Insatiable)! An Atlanta-based performer who has fully embraced the industry as a working actor. In less than a decade, he has amassed 58 credits on IMDB, and worked alongside some of the biggest talent in Film & TV. He also runs the Acting Career Center, a Youtube channel devoted to sharing his experiences in the industry and educating those looking to pave their own way. This is a perfect episode for actors of all types and experiences! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS -Acting Career Center -Dopesick

It's here! We've produced 50 episodes of Pretend Worlds Real People, and couldn't be more excited/exhausted about it! Steph and Tyler thought they'd share their experiences producing the podcast and the ever-changing status of the arts industry throughout 2021. Thank you to all of our supporters!

Our guest this week is a UK actor who, like many of us, is doing all he can to make a career out of what he loves. Alexander Clark is following all the paths available to make his mark; studying, auditioning, and writing his own features and shorts. His story is relatable and a nice reminder that everyone in the arts needs to be willing to grind a bit to get what they want.

" Learn to trust your gut." PWRP is joined by Colorado-based Actress and Screenwriter, KATHRYN GOULD! She's studied under some of the biggest names in screenwriting over the last ten years, with several of her shorts winning awards in numerous festivals. Even penning the horror film,  Apartment 212, despite being absolutely frightened by the genre! She takes us through her journey from High School Valedictorian, to Stanford graduate, to becoming one of the founding members of the Colorado Chapter of Women in Film. There's so much more packed into this episode, tune in now! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS -Kathryn Gould website -Apartment 212

We've got another team interview this week! A trio of artists, based in the UK, are working together to create a Viking-themed, stage-fighting, metal musical called Blódlina. Vicky Clubb (orchestrator), Nathan Rees (book writer & lyricist), and Marcus Wood (composer & lyricist) have a great dynamic and a clear passion for their work. In this episode, they tell us all about Blódlina (and how to pronounce it), what led them to start working together, and where they hope the show goes in the future. We also learn that Vicky is a badass who fights with longswords as a hobby, there are lots of bizarre number (license) plates in the UK, and that Human Centipede the musical exists even though it shouldn't. Enjoy!

We've got a unique episode for you this week! Stephanie has an in-person interview with her current production team for the play "Where Did We Sit on the Bus?" Satya (actress/musician), Matt (director), and Brian (playwright) have been working on this piece together for over a year. This summer will be the first time it will be staged before a live audience. The group talks about the play, as well as their personal experiences in the theater industry. The conversation is genuine, insightful, and filled with hilarity; you're going to enjoy every minute of it! Shoutouts & Promotions 1. Where Did We Sit on the Bus? - Performing at CSFAC and Cleveland Play House 2. Refuge - Performing at Curious Theatre Company, Theatre Lab FAU, Unicorn Theatre 3. Somewhere Over the Border - Performing at Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre Center, Chicago

"Do anything, and make it."

This week's guest has built his career through bare knuckled innovation and his love for the visual narrative. After kicking cancer in the butt, and operating as a motivational speaker, he rekindled his love for videography and hasn't looked back. Woody Roseland is a Denver based Writer, Director, and Filmmaker, who consistently cranks out incredible projects and should be on everyone's radar!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

- @woodyroseland

- @thedleague

"Find a way." For a 19-year-old Italian man, his way involved moving to England and over the next 20 years assimilating into British life. Fed Zanni is a London-based actor who has worked hard at his craft, earning himself some wonderful roles. He shares with us what it was like to be a young Italian in London, what it took to establish himself as an actor, and he has some incredible "day-in-the-life" stories. This interview will make you smile from start to finish! Shoutouts & Promotions 1. Mamma Mia! The Party (UK) 2. Instagram for High Pitch 3. Fed's personal training website: Moving Mountains Fitness

"Never take anything personally."

"Don't judge yourself for where you are."

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We're ringing in 2024 with two amazing artists and best friends, Ruby Modine and Suteara Vaughn. This energetic conversation reflects upon their first interaction, working on Shameless, collaborating in the self-tape process, and future creative endeavors. Strap in for this electric reunion!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

- Shameless

- Birds of Empire (Podcast)

"There's no one way." We venture into the other side, on this week's episode of Pretend Worlds Real People! Michael McMillian joins Steph and Tyler in between recordings of his addictive paranormal podcast, Bigfoot Collectors Club, to share his story. Having built his career as an actor and writer, with humble beginnings in theater, Michael shares a cluster of stories that had our hosts splitting sides. Let's do this! SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS -Good On Paper (Netflix) -Bigfoot Collectors Club -B.C.C. The Other Side -Instagram: @mcmillzz

"Challenge yourself to do something you love, instead of something you don't care about." Building your career in the arts industry is hard enough, a constant uphill battle. It takes a warrior's spirit to keep on. This week's guest has fought tooth and nail to build his career, and he doesn't plan on stopping. Kenneth Fok is a South African actor who has appeared in films like Safe House (2012) and Tomb Raider (2017), before nabbing a recurring role on Cinemax's WARRIOR. He shares some fantastic stories of his start, along with surreal experiences with Oscar winners, that will keep your ears perked to the very end. SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS WARRIOR (Currently on HBO MAX)

" Find what you love, make your own work."

 

This week, we're joined by the incredibly talented, Emma King-Farlow! The donner of several different hats in the world of theater. As a Writer, Director, and Producer; Emma has created both fantastically-original worlds, as well as genre bending adaptations of classic works for the stage. She takes Steph and Tyler through her battle with stage fright, finding her niche in writing, and spreading mental health awareness in the arts industry. What are you doing? Check it out!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Shadow Road Productions

-Fireside Folktales