The DNA Podcast with Douglas Nyback – Details, episodes & analysis

You're going to be rejected FAR MORE than you will book as an actor. This is one of those realities I knew going in and thought I was prepared for. But after two decades in the industry all those tiny losses have taken their toll. Every actor needs coping mechanisms and this solo episode is a candid and vulnerable view into the harmful ways I've coped over the years, the healthier ways I handle rejection now, and helpful tips for you to handle rejection going forward.

FOLLOW DOUGLAS: @dnybackact

In the very first episode of The DNA Podcast, I chat with the extremely talented actor and dancer Alexandra Chaves, known for the hit shows #TheNextStep and #GeekGirl. Listen along as we talk about validation, booking work, and the endurance required to succeed in this industry.

FOLLOW ALEXANDRA: @alexandrachaves

In episode 2 of The DNA Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Clark. Jordan is an incredible actor and dancer known for starring in over 100 episodes of the #TheNextStep. She is also the winner of #SYTYCD Canada Season 4. In this episode, we chat about how Jordan got into performing, how she is auditioning more than almost anyone else out there (and the challenges therein), what she loves about the craft of acting, and art of "letting go".

FOLLOW JORDAN: @jordanclark

In this episode of The DNA Podcast, I sit down with the remarkable Kelly Shaw, a lifelong dancer who is making her mark in the world of acting for the first time. We dive into her journey as an artist, exploring how her background in dance has influenced her approach to acting, the challenges she’s faced, and the exciting discoveries she’s made along the way. Whether you're an aspiring actor, dancer, or just someone interested in the creative process, this conversation offers valuable insights into how art forms intersect and how to embrace growth in your creative career.

FOLLOW KELLY: @k22shaw

In this episode of the DNA Podcast, I chat with the multi-talented Julie Nolke — actor, writer, comedian, and YouTuber extraordinaire. Julie is pulling network sitcom numbers with her hilarious and relatable YouTube content and we explore everything from her rise to success to the challenges of navigating the digital landscape vs the traditional film industry, and how she’s carving her own path.

FOLLOW JULIE: @julienolke

In this episode of The DNA Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Amalia Williamson—actor, writer, and director known for her roles in Sullivan's Crossing and Northern Rescue. Amalia shares her inspiring journey into the world of acting, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and what it truly means to "make it" in the entertainment industry.

FOLLOW AMALIA: @amaliaawilliamson 

In this episode of The DNA Podcast I chat with the profoundly talented Jon McLaren. Jon is a leading man best known for his work as Star-Lord in the hugely successful Guardians of the Galaxy video game. I met him working on a feature I co-wrote, produced, and co-starred in and it was immediately apparent from his auditions that he was on a whole other level. In this ep we talk about the trials and tribulations of acting, emotional connection, male vulnerability, and just how dang cool video games are to work on as actors and what they mean for the future of on-camera performance.

In this episode of The DNA Podcast I have the pleasure of talking with my dear friend and client, Anna Hopkins. Anna has been a prolific actor for years, working non-stop in projects like Shadowhunters, The Expanse, Letterkenny, Barney’s Version, Arrow, and Bad Blood (to just name a few). We talk about her journey as an actor, getting rejected from theatre school, growing up studying Meisner, the loss of her first acting coach, and the beautiful life lessons she’s cultivated as she’s grown through the industry. Anna will always hold a special place in my heart as a friend, client, and colleague. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

In this episode of The DNA Podcast I sit down with Aris Athanasopoulos, who is an acting teacher and performer I greatly admire. I seldom find a coach I feel 100% comfortable sending my clients and peers to and Aris is one of them. In this episode we dive deep into the Character Creation technique he teaches, rooted in the Laban-Malmgren System of Movement Psychology. It sounds complicated but it’s an incredibly intuitive way for actors to develop their whole instrument (mind, body, heart) and I cannot wait for you to learn from this wonderful man.

Instagram: @arisathan

Website: www.arisactingstudio.com

In our 10th episode of The DNA Podcast I sit down with Leading Lady, Carolina Bartczak. Carolina has been a client, collaborator, and friend for over a decade and through that time I’ve watched her become one of the world’s leading talents. Now, she likely wouldn’t say that, she’s too humble. But if you take a look at her resume you will see her working alongside a laundry list of A-Listers from Michael Fassbender, to Lena Headey, to Taylor Kitsch and more. And now, finally, she’s the lead of her own series with the upcoming season of Plan B. Carolina’s success is built on a mountain of hard earned victories, challenges, wisdom, talent, hard work, and a surgical understanding of her audition process. Oh! And she’s also the creator and host of the industry podcast “10-1” which I highly recommend you check out. This episode is full of useful insights, practical advice, and touching stories of resilience and triumph. I’m grateful to call Carolina a friend and it means the world to me that she’s here for this milestone episode.

Carolina’s Info:

Instagram: @carolinabartczak

10-1 Podcast: @10_1thepodcast

10-1 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Qzkak3

10-1 ApplePods: https://apple.co/4gTDrHT

Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas

Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms