Explore every episode of the podcast Pretend Worlds Real People

“Don’t focus on the ending, focus on the journey.”

Tania Gunadi caught the acting bug after booking a Disneyland commercial. Driven to learn more, she threw herself into acting and improv classes while improving her English. Her incredible work ethic and natural talent has led to a thriving career, with no end in sight. Here, Tania shares her thoughts on the audition process, living fruitfully, and producing her own projects. Catch her in StuGo, premiering this July on Disney+!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-StuGo (Disney Plus)

“Leave it in the room.”

As the family rascal, Kimberly Condict always stood out from her siblings with boundless energy. With a University of Oklahoma degree in hand, she leaped around theatrical communities in Denver and Dallas - before finally landing in Los Angeles. Her artistic roots began to grow over the next fifteen years as she found community in The Groundlings, dove into writing, and began booking numerous television roles. Oh, and she spots Jeff Goldblum at her local gym from time to time!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

• Help donate what you can to the victims of the L.A. Fires.

“Just don’t quit.”

Actress, writer, and mischief maker, Thesy Surface joins the show today! Known for her work in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Chuck, White Gold, and more - she’s consistently broken the boundaries of character work. Here, she discusses the reality of being a working performer, writing for herself, and keeping true to yourself in a shifting business. Tune in now!

“Find community.”

Paloma Guzmán diverted from the pre-med trajectory to pursue acting at Carnegie-Mellon. While juggling flexible jobs around NYC, she would soon land her first on-camera role in Law and Order. In the years that followed, she would add numerous prolific projects to her resume, including: Broad City, Person of Interest, and Atlanta. In this episode, Paloma reflects on industry experiences, having an actor for a spouse, and the importance of community!

"Get some hobbies."

In high school, Brian Thomas Smith traded in his basketball uniform to set his sights on acting. A dream he's had since he started making films with his childhood friends. Through numerous side jobs, acting classes, and networking opportunities - Brian honed his skills and stamina to succeed in the entertainment industry. His most notable credits include: The Big Bang Theory, Casual, Shrinking, and Bad Monkey. Here, Brian reflects on building professional relationships, adapting to an ever changing business, and raising a family!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Bad Monkey

-Shrinking

-Brian Thomas Smith

“Define the moment, don’t let the moment define you.”

Katie Leclerc is an Actor and Producer with an undying love for storytelling. From her breakout leading role in Switched at Birth, to her numerous credits onwards - that love has only strengthened. Tune into this episode as Katie touches on the entrepreneurial spirit, on set experiences, and navigating the producing process.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

• The Interrogation of Anna Goode
• Pulse (Episode 8) - Coming soon to Netflix
• A Very Vermont Christmas

“Be a good person.”

Christi Webb has always loved everything music, film, and television. Initially pursuing a career at MTV, a cosmic pivot would direct her to Los Angeles - where she would thrive as a casting associate with numerous credits like: Rick and Morty, TMNT, The Cleveland Show, Con Man, and more. Today, Christi is the Los Angeles Agent Assistant for Mitchell & Associates! Here, she talks about her early days, joining the agency side, and hanging out with Rachel McAdams!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

• Shrinking Season 2 (Watch it!)

“Be as community-minded as possible.”

Last looks! Make-Up Artist, Kristin Forgy, joins the show this week! LA raised and New Mexico transferred, Kristin has always loved everything cinema. After some life changes, she began pursuing a career in Make-Up, where she’s thrived for the last ten years. Kristin talks about living minimally, embracing kindness, and some highly memorable on-set experiences.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-PULSE (Coming soon to Netflix)

“If you feel called, find a way to fill up your life.”

This week, PWRP is joined by Elyse Levesque. As an actress, writer, producer, and model - her career has been anything but boring. Since her break on Incredible Story Studio at 11 years old, Elyse has amassed a wealth of credits that include: Ready or Not, Stargate, Orphan Black, and more! She dives into her modeling adventures, mindset, and embracing the writing process. Tune in now!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Earth Abides (MGM+)

“Just know that you never know.”

Jason Potter is a Swiss Army Artist! He’s an Actor, Filmmaker, Cinematographer, and Editor, with credits alongside legendary talents like Josh Brolin. With a Video Production degree in hand, he decided to transition towards the other side of the camera, and the rest is history. Tune in has he leads us through the early years, co-star stories, and plans for the future!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Yellowstone (December 15th)

-Eddington (Coming soon)

“You have to make sure you really love it.”

Molly Burnett is a dynamic actress, writer, and producer known for Queen of the South, Days of Our Lives, and Law & Order: SVU. A Colorado native, Molly maintains her home state roots while working across the globe. In this episode, she shares her start in theater, honing her memorization skills on a legendary soap, and taking creative control of her career.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

- GIANT VOID (Coming Soon)

"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

Tune in with friend of the show, Matthew Smaldone, as he discusses his upcoming feature film, The Scars of Our Hands! Filmed entirely in Colorado, this epic fable follows two brothers as they trek through The Rockies to stop an arsonist. Matthew and his crew at Chameleon are the ones to watch in the years ahead, so don't sleep on this one. Catch the premiere here in Denver on August 18th at The Oriental Theater!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Reserve your Premiere Tickets!

-The Scars of Our Hands (Trailer)

-Chameleon Film Studios

“De-center yourself from your career.”

The wonderfully dynamic, Maura Kidwell, joins PWRP this week! A multi-hyphenate to the highest degree, Maura is an accomplished Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, and Intimacy Choreographer in training. Her journey spans from thriving theatrical spaces in St. Louis and Chicago, to her magnetic presence on shows like Sirens, South Side, and The Bear. Here, she shares her passion for artistic living, building a career in a new city, and finding foundation through parenthood!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-WaitWhat Films

-Theatrical Intimacy Education

-Intimacy Choreography in Conversation with Ann James (Podcast)

“If you can make them laugh or cry, you can make them think.”

Gary Farmer is an Actor and Musician with a dynamic career that spans over fifty years in theater, film, and television. His most recent roles have filled the frames of Resident Alien, Reservation Dogs, and The Curse. Gary has also served as an advocate for indigenous health and livelihood in Canada and the United States. Here, he discusses the beginning of his artistic journey, fighting for the betterment of indigenous communities, and the importance of studying your culture.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Fancy Dance by Erica Tremblay

-Boil Alert w/ Layla Staats

“Find ways to satiate yourself.”

It is my great pleasure to welcome, Writer and Director, Erica Tremblay! Through her family’s dinner table stories, creating homemade short films, and watching VCR recordings of MTV; she has always sought after any form of storytelling. Her hard work, talent, and love for the craft would lead her to the Sundance Indigenous Program. There, she would find mentorship and representation amongst native artists like Sterlin Harjo. But this is just the tip of the iceberg to Erica’s fantastic story! You can catch her most recent work in Reservation Dogs, Dark Winds, and her feature film, Fancy Dance, starring Lily Gladstone!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-NIWRC

-Support Native Films

-Fancy Dance

"Just make sure you always have something you're passionate about."

Brianna Brown knew she wanted to act at 14 years old, taking it upon herself to scour the yellow pages in search of an opportunity. Years later, she would leave her home state of Minnesota for Los Angeles in pursuit of a career on screen. Her career spans over 70 credits, a pivot into writing and producing, and the creation of her non-profit, Manifesting Your Mission. Brianna continues to study her craft, in addition to helping others hone theirs as well. Don't miss this episode!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Manifesting Your Mission

"Don't give up."

This week, we're joined by the incredibly talented actor, Jeff Holman. You've seen his comedic chops steal the scene in shows like Yellowjackets, Minx, Parks & Rec, and Amazon's Being The Ricardos. He opens up about finding his passion for performance in the first grade, making the jump to LA, and finding your power in the process!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-West Side Rescue Mission

-Denver Zoo 

“You have to stay positive.”

Molly Mcowan is the epitome of a renaissance artist, with a love for skateboarding, surfing, climbing, and snowboarding. She’s lent her voice to video games such as Bully, performed stunts alongside Brie Larson in The Marvels, and embraced the volatile atmosphere of Dune: Part Two as one of Feyd Rautha’s Harpies. Her career has also expanded into the modeling industry. Here, she touches on her beginnings in entertainment, loving an active lifestyle, and her expedition into a ‘Rave Cave.’

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

Take 3 Action Agency

“Give yourself permission to write that first draft.”

Sheryl Glubok has always loved film and it’s dynamic process. Having studied film in Prague, she would continue to hone her craft as a filmmaker and a writer in New York, Arkansas, California, and Vermont, before settling in Colorado. By cutting her teeth on crew work, and writing spec scripts, Sheryl would use her experiences to produce and direct her own short films. Many festivals and awards later, she now prepares to shoot her first feature film, Welcome to the Fishbowl, in Colorado!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

• By and Large Media Labs
• Welcome to the Fishbowl
• Watch These Films:
  • Anatomy of a Fall
  • Origin
  • American Fiction
  • Poor Things

“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!

“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

“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

“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

"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)

“Make stuff and get it out there.”  

“Be a little weird.”  

Christmas season is officially here, and this week’s guests are delivering the bloody goods with Violent Night! Screenwriting duo, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, combined their creative forces in high school. After tearing through public access, independent short films, and a stack of screenplays; their talents would hit the main stream with Sonic The Hedgehog in 2020. They share their start in Los Angeles, advice for new writers, and the creation of a bruiser Santa Claus!  

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS  

-Violent Night (Available everywhere)

-Sonic The Hedgehog III (2024)

Let's have an impromptu talk about the post-strike boom, self tapes, work/life balance, and supporting other creatives!

“Just keep making stuff.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s bad. You just have to keep doing it.”

VAULT RELEASE: This week’s guests crafted a tense independent thriller, Resolution, on a shoestring budget nearly ten years ago. Their work would shine throughout the 2010s with films like Spring, Synchronic, The Endless, and their most recent film; Something In The Dirt. Following their work in Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight, Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead now set their sights on season 2 of Loki! Needless to say, we have a lot to cover in thirty minutes…

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Loki Season 2

-Something In The Dirt

“Keep it positive and push the fear out.”

What do you get when you combine a mutual love for filmmaking, a dash of persistent creativity, and a work ethic unmatched by anyone else in the industry? Well, you get the cinematic duo of Alix Moad and Evan Runkle.  These two dive into their collaborative process, finding creative peers in Colorado, the undying devotion needed to get a film made, and the anxiety that comes with a Kickstarter campaign. You won’t want to miss this!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Field of Screams (IG)

“Be true to yourself.”

Crank up the volume for this week’s episode with Actor, Writer, and Producer, Dorian Brown Pham! After joining acting classes in the pursuit of a celebrity crush, Dorian found an immense love for the craft. Years later, she’s built a dynamic career in theater, film, and television. Her next creative endeavor includes screenwriting, with a plethora of projects on the desk. She highlights her start in Los Angeles, exposing the creative process, writing a pilot, and raising a family while balancing her career. 

“You just have to do it.”

This week’s guest is the incredibly witty Actor and Comedian, Devora Wilde! While at university, she pursued a degree in Fashion Journalism before transitioning into drama school and venturing into acting. She soon found incredible success as a Voiceover and Mo-Cap Actor with numerous credits to her name. Devora talks about career pivots, the nature of motion capture performance, taking a comedy class, and if pistachios grow on trees.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-The Breakfast Club (London)

“Believe in yourself.”

(Released 02/14/2022): This week the PWRP crew is joined by the incredible, Rahul Kohli. He talks 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!

“Believing in yourself is your greatest superpower.”

To call this week’s guest a multi-hyphenate, would be a disservice to just how talented she is! PWRP is joined by Actor, Writer, Designer, and Filmmaker, Chloe Chamberlain. After building and developing a thriving family business in her early twenties, she decided to embrace her immense creativity and start her acting journey. Keep up as she shares her nomadic early years, finding herself in art, and how her recent work behind the camera may be the start of something new!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Vitality

-Girls Inc. (Denver-based Organization)

-Werewolf Margarita (Coming Soon)

DENVER theater fans, gather ‘round and escape reality with Bookuchi!  Catch up with stars of the production, Angie Kalen and Ricky Perry, as they talk about the journey to Opening Night!

Grab your tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bookuchi-play-tickets-715658051497

Step into the enchanting world of 'Bookuchi,' an original stage play where literature comes to life! Follow Lisa and her friends on literary adventures that will inspire both laughter and tears. Don't miss out on these amazing performances! Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening. See you there!

Fridays, October 6, 13, 20, 27 at 7:30 pm

Saturdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 at 7:30 pm

Sundays, October 8, 15, 22, 29 at 2 pm

“I’d rather create and get critiqued, than not create and critique others.”

We’re entering the world of professional dance, cinematic stunts, dynamic acting, and independent filmmaking with this week’s guest, Ricky Perry. After leaving a collegiate pursuit of Business behind, Ricky chased after his dream of professional dancing. This journey would soon direct him into acting, stunt training, and creating his own projects. Oh, and did I mention his first theatrical performance starts this month? Check it out!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Bookuchi (Play)

-IG: @slkrick4

"There's no path forward."

And we’re back! This week Actor and Filmmaker, Don Markus, joins the show. We dive into his early career in residential architecture, moving back to Chicago to study acting, and singlehandedly producing his first feature film, A Colorado Road Trip. Not to mention a party story you’d never expect!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Joywreck

-DonMarkus.com

Hope you're ready for this impromptu, overly-caffeinated episode! Tyler dives into working in a regional market, the pertinence of acting classes, the great job hunt, and what lies ahead for PWRP. 

Recorded 06/28/2023

“Write what you know.”

We’re hitting the stand up comedy circuit this week with Denver-based Comedian, Morgan Gallo. Just a few years ago, she left behind her marketing job to pursue comedy full time. Since then, she’s toured across the country while building Dude, IDK Creative, a local creative collective and studio. Morgan expands on her start in comedy, the differences in audiences, hosting her own podcast, and what’s next!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Dude, IDK Comedy Show

-High Plains Comedy Festival

“Community is really important.”

Join us as we jump into the world of content creation as PWRP is joined by Paris Bush! This Internet Personality, Content Creator, and Model, found incredible success through OnlyFans since 2020. However, there’s so much more to her story. Paris shares her experiences as a touring musician, building and maintaining a vintage store, and pivoting to a whole new career during lockdown!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Parisbush.com

“There’s no such thing as a problem”

Author, Writer, and Director, Steve Balderson, joins PWRP for a fantastic episode! Steve grew up making films on a home camcorder before launching his own production company and creating his first feature film at 18. With twenty films under his belt, he’s also an author; with a published memoir that will soon be adapted for the silver screen. Steve shares his approach to writing, the art of filmmaking, and becoming a published author.

This episode was recorded 06/23/23.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-The Year of the Whore (Memoir)

-SteveBalderson.com

Recorded 07/20/2022

“You have to really believe in it, believe in yourself, believe in your ability.”

For our 100th interview, PWRP is joined by the incredibly talented, Kiowa Gordon. He walks us through the years following franchise fame, navigating the industry, and finding himself.

PWRP Vault Re-Release | Initial Release (08/17/2022):

"Can we get some more bread?"

This week, we have some incredible guests reunite for a special PWRP Livestream! Sara Tomko, Meredith Garretson, Elizabeth Bowen, and Alice Wetterlund catch us up on their summer vacations, filming together, and what's next. Both heartfelt moments and laughs are abound in this episode, so smash that play button!

...And don't forget to leave a 5 Star Review!

Hey folks!

As many of you know, both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are striking against the AMPTP. The WGA is 100 days in and SAG-AFTRA is coming in at 26 days. As PWRP stands in solidarity with both strikes, we've had to change things up a bit for the show. This caffeine-free rant covers the strikes, current backlogged episodes, and what's coming next!

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT:

-SAG AFTRA Foundation

-Entertainment Community Fund

“Don’t hold back.”

We’re back! This week, PWRP is joined by an industry legend, Shauna Earp-Ballinger! Since primary school, she’s been hooked on performance and it’s wonderful freedom. Her story spans from her collegiate studies in New Mexico, to building a career in New York; then starting a family in Denver whilst finding herself on the other side of the Casting desk. Stories and laughs are abound in this one!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Miner’s Alley Playhouse

-Cherry Creek Theater (Support Local Theater)

-SCRIPTprov

“Stay true to yourself.”

Over the last twenty years, you’ve undoubtedly heard this week’s guest deliver incredible voiceover work in addition to her on-screen/on-stage performances. Haviland Stillwell has taken the industry by storm with her performances in Fiddler on the Roof, Selma, League of Legends: Convergence, Fallout 4: Far Harbor, and so many more! Here, she shares her love for the performing arts, lifelong work in equality activism, finding her voice in voiceover, and creating your own content.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

• https://www.havilandstillwell.com/
• @haviand
• League of Legends: Convergence

“Just write a scene.”

This week, we’re diving into the craft of the working actor and acknowledging the collaborative art of performance with Nathalie Boltt! You will undoubtedly recognize her from Riverdale, District 9, Demonic, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina! Here, she shares her dynamic beginning in casting, finding footing as an actress, making the leap into directing, and so much more!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Ocean Legacy

-Endangered Ecosystems Alliance

-The Orangutan Project

-Ancient Forest Alliance

-Only One

Don’t forget to drop a 5-Star review!

Follow us on social media: @pwrppodcast

" Do it for the right reasons."

In this special episode of PWRP, Tyler is joined by legendary actress, Fabiana Udenio. You may recognize her from her incredible work in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, In The Army Now, Summer School, Jane the Virgin, and Netflix's FUBAR! She shares her early start in theater, moving to Los Angeles to pursue Film/TV, and acting alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-FUBAR

“Does it make you happy?”

Join us this week as we sit down for a laughter fueled chat with the lovely, Ashlyn Sparks! She’s a Content Creator, Writer, Educator, and Traveler, who has built a thriving online brand in the years following lockdown. Her engaging blogs including everything from travel diaries,  to retro pin-ups, pop culture love, and sports. In addition, she’s immersed herself in the connection and camaraderie of her fans by (virtually) bringing them along on her adventures. Don’t be a square, hit that play button!

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-Ashlynsparks.com

“Approach it like you would approach grad school.”

This week, we’re diving into the voice acting world with our incredible guest, Alicyn Packard. In addition to her voiceover career, Alicyn is also an On-Camera Actor, Writer, Producer, and Podcast host! Needless to say, we had plenty to talk about! She reflects on her voiceover career, tracking professional/personal goals, and the importance of writing your own story.

SHOUTOUTS AND PROMOTIONS

-Alicyn’s Wonderland

-Iwanttobeavoiceactor.com

-AlicynPackard.com