#Whereworkingactorstalk: An illuminating, entertaining, no bullsh*t look into the entertainment industry. Each episode features a candid chat between the SKS staff and a variety of Film and TV professionals ranging from seasoned actors to casting directors, talent representatives and directors as they share their experiences, provide advice and discuss issues that are pertinent to actors today. Follow us on Instagram @StanKirschStudios and go to www.StanKirschStudios.com
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An Industry Tell-All with Colleen’s Manager Paulo Andres
Season 2 · Episode 32
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 58:16
Host Colleen Foy speaks with her talent manager Paulo Andres about his 23-year career in the industry. They delve into Paulo's journey from aspiring actor to successful manager, highlighting the transition and his dedication to his clients. Paulo shares why he signed Colleen, what stands out in submissions, how to find joy in the industry, and why he believes all actors need to pursue their career full-time. From personal anecdotes from his time as an actor to discussing how he approaches manages his clients, Paulo shares how he has adapted to the changes in the business over the years and the importance of perseverance. This episode is a valuable resource for everyone who is looking for a rep, and for all those looking for the motivation to keep going.
00:00 — Introduction and Background
00:26 — Early Career Struggles
01:36 — Finding the Right Manager
02:29 — Building a Career in Acting
03:00 — The Importance of Hard Work and Persistence
Eps 31: Rigging The System In Your Favor: An Actor's journey with Dajuan Johnson
Season 3 · Episode 31
Friday, July 11, 2025 • Duration 58:52
Rigging the System in Your Favor: An Actor's Journey with DaJuan Johnson
Host Colleen Foy and guest DaJuan Johnson reconnect on this episode, taking us through DeJuan’s journey as an actor in Los Angeles. Together, they reflect on his 15-year career from his humble beginnings in theater to notable TV roles on Bosch, Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS. DaJuan gets candid about his struggles in the industry and gives advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of being an actor by rigging the system in your favor, the importance of mindset, and strategies for lifelong success. From his Emmy campaign to making an impression with cookies, this conversation will leave you encouraged in getting to exactly where you want to be in your career.
00:00 — Introduction and Welcoming DaJuan Johnson
00:11 — Reflecting on 15 Years of Friendship
00:17 — DaJuan’s Journey to Los Angeles
00:36 — Early Struggles and Realizations
01:38 — Finding Seriousness in Acting
03:02 — Meeting and Learning from Stan
04:37 — Booking the First Role
08:59 — The Impact of Bosch on DaJuan’s Career
16:31 — The Importance of Mindset and Coaching
19:17 — Navigating the Modern Acting Industry
27:40 — Embracing Uncertainty and Self-Care
28:13 — The Reality of Talent and Persistence
29:21 — Mindset and Personal Growth
29:54 — Navigating the Acting Industry
31:18 — Rigging the System in Your Favor
32:42 — The Emmy Campaign Journey
33:58 — The Importance of Visibility
42:52 — Auditioning and Building Relationships
Eps 30: GLOW’s Britney Young on Life After a Series Regular
Season 3 · Episode 30
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 52:54
Actress, producer, and overall superstar Britney Youngshares her journey from Tokyo to America, graduating from USC's School of Cinematic Arts, and establishing herself in Hollywood. Britney candidly discusses her behind-the-scenes roles on TV shows like 'The Mentalist' and 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,' and her big break as Carmen Wade on Netflix's ‘GLOW.' She highlights the importance of community, learning the industry, and not sweating the small stuff. Host and Britney’s coach here at SKS, Brock Ciarlelli, delves into Brittany's transition from production to acting, her experiences working on GLOW,' and her mindset through career ups and downs. They also explore her return to acting classes at Stan Kirsch Studios to refine her skills, the supportive network it provided, and what her life has been life after wrapping a series regular role. You will walk away with a sense of how persistence, authenticity, and genuine connections are crucial in navigating the acting industry.
Eps 29: Acting Journeys and Life Lessons with Brock Ciarlelli
Season 3 · Episode 29
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 54:27
You may know Brock Ciarlelli from his work on iconic projects like ABC’s The Middle, Universal Pictures’ BROS, Netflix’s Glamorous, and Hulu’s Dr. Odyssey or from working with him in class. Whether he’s mentoring, acting, writing, or producing, Brock has had quite the journey in Hollywood. In this episode, host Colleen Foy gets into all of the twists and turns in Brock’s journey. They delve into what it was like for Brock to grow up in Colorado and then to book his recurring role on ABC's 'The Middle' while still in high school. They discuss his academic background in mathematics, his industry internships, and his multi-faceted career. The conversation highlights the non-linear path of the acting industry, the importance of perseverance, and the lessons they've both learned along the way. Brock and Colleen also touch on the significance of proactivity, maintaining an your abundance mindset amidst the industry's highs and lows, and the value of genuine connections and humility on set.
00:00 — Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:49 — Brock's Early Life and Career Beginnings
02:38 — Landing the Role on 'The Middle'
08:03 — Navigating the Acting Industry
18:12 — The Journey of 'Susu in the City'
20:49 — Managing Emotions in the Industry
26:10 — Diversifying in the Entertainment Industry
28:57 — Learning from Industry Insights
30:31 — Balancing Boldness in Auditions
30:50 — Research and Preparation
35:11 — Navigating Set Dynamics
39:47 — Proactivity and Self-Reflection
40:45 — Personal Insights and Reflections
43:14 — Favorite Words and Pet Peeves
45:43 — Creative Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs
Eps 28: Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi Dean
Season 3 · Episode 28
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 40:44
Unlocking Social Media Success for Actors with Heidi Dean
In this episode, we sit down with Heidi Dean, a social media strategist for actors and the author of 'Social Media for Actors: 100 Essential Tips to Grow, Thrive, and Survive Online.' Heidi shares her journey from a 20-year acting career to becoming the go-to expert for actors navigating social media. She offers invaluable insights on leveraging social media for career growth, including the importance of building relationships, defining your story, and finding the right platform. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies tailored for actors who want to use social media effectively without being overwhelmed! If you’ve been feeling resistance in starting a social media, you will walk away from this episode with tangible tips on presenting yourself the way you want to be seen online in a posting schedule that is sustainable for you!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:
00:00 Introduction to Heidi Dean
00:46 Heidi's Journey from Actor to Social Media Strategist
03:40 The Importance of Social Media for Actors
05:46 Building Relationships Through Social Media
08:35 Finding Your Unique Social Media Voice
14:02 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform
19:33 Consistency and Content Planning
20:08 The Myth of Consistency in Social Media
21:09 Finding Your Posting Rhythm
22:37 Experimenting with Posting Frequency
23:20 Balancing Social Media and Life
25:39 The Importance of Branding and Design
Eps 27: SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable: The State of the Industry: Colleen Foy, Aleks Ristic, Angela Fornero, Brock Ciarlelli, and Kristyn Daniel
Season 1 · Episode 27
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 • Duration 01:19:23
SKS Faculty Real Talk Roundtable, the entire faculty comes together to talk about all things industry. CEO Kristyn, Studio Director Colleen, and actors and coaches Aleks, Angela, and Brock come together to discuss their experiences and offer guidance to the SKS community. They talk about the challenging start to the year with the LA wildfires, strikes, and how to navigate life when you still need to show up for auditions and opportunities with full dedication. They touch on a wide range of subjects including the craft of acting, audition preparation, overcoming personal obstacles, and maintaining a positive mindset. They also reflect on their transitions from students to teachers and the evolving dynamics of the industry while retaining the core values of the Stan Kirsch Studios community. The episode highlights the shared passion, resilience, and mutual support among actors everywhere right now. Success is infectious!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:
00:00 — Introduction & Acknowledgements
00:26 — Navigating Challenges in 2025
02:02 — Audition Anecdotes and Techniques
03:49 — Reflections and Lessons from 2024
14:05 — Setting Intentions for 2025
20:12 — Audition Preparation Strategies
39:21 — The Challenges of Self-Taping
39:49 — Understanding the Scene's Context
41:34 — The Importance of Repetition and Practice
42:05 — Collaborative Coaching and Instincts
43:18 — Adapting to Audition Requirements
45:29 — The Role of Specificity in Acting
01:01:21 — The Journey from Student to Teacher
01:11:51 — Continuing the Legacy of SKS Studios
01:14:41 — Community and Support in Acting
Eps 26: Overcoming Adversity through Art: The Journey of Actor, Writer, and Mentor Maryam Myika Day
Season 2 · Episode 26
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 • Duration 55:38
When your world crashes down around you, how do you continue moving on? In 2015, Maryam Myika Day welcomed her daughter Ayodélé Olayinka into the world and said goodbye to her husband. Through that joy and grief came a reckoning and realization of who she wanted to be as an artist going forward in her life, and she reexamined the ways her art could reach others. Maryam shares her inspiring journey from a young dancer in prominent dance companies like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Broadway's '42nd Street,' to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter. Maryam talks about the founding of her production company, Epiphany 3 Films, to create opportunities for herself and others, and her impactful work in film and digital media. She also delves into her personal life, sharing the profound challenges she faced and how these experiences fueled her artistic and professional growth. One way she channeled her grief into action was by writing a book with her daughter, “This is My Story”, that talks about her husband’s passing, what he left behind, and all the ways he is remembered. She also speaks on the importance of mentorship, and her passion for teaching writing and empowering other artists to take a chance on themselves because we just don’t have the time. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of storytelling, and the importance of investing in yourself.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:
00:00 — Introduction and Guest Background
00:26 — Early Career in Dance
01:15 — From Broadway to Film
02:56 — Founding Epiphany 3 Films
05:25 — Mentorship and Skill Development
17:37 — Personal Challenges and Triumphs
28:29 — A Moment of Realization
Eps 25: All Things Acting Career with SKS Coach and Actor Angela Fornero
Season 2 · Episode 25
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 • Duration 44:09
Today we have on acting coach extraordinaire, the woman you want to be in a Career Corner with, and accomplished actor/writer/producer/ray of sunshine Angela Fornero. A seasoned actress and business-minded coach, we dive into her journey in the acting industry. Angela shares her extensive experience, from growing up in Los Angeles to becoming an integral part of Stan Kirsch Studios. She explains how she uses her practical knowledge from internships and various roles in crafting individualized career plans for actors. Angela discusses the challenges, mindset, and business acumen required to succeed in a competitive industry, emphasizing the importance of continual learning, self-production, and strategic marketing. Her insights provide valuable guidance for actors at all stages of their careers. This is an episode you definitely do not want to miss!
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:
00:00 — Introduction to Angela Fornero
01:09 — Angela's Early Life and Background
02:39 — Journey into Acting
04:18 — Navigating the Acting Industry
07:43 — Joining Stan Kirsch Studio
10:44 — Angela’s Career Corner and Business Insights
12:29 — Interning in Casting and Talent Agencies
17:23 — Personalized Career Guidance
20:53 — Personal Insights and Experiences
21:16 — Understanding the Industry's Challenges
25:15 — The Importance of Mindset and Hope
25:57 — Actionable Steps for Career Growth
26:33 — Creating Effective Demo Reels
31:15 — Navigating Self-Tapes and Footage
36:16 — Headshots and Personal Branding
39:35 — The Power of Self-Producing and Social Media
Eps 24 Leonard Wu: From Peking Opera to Hollywood and Beyond – A Journey Through Acting and Cultural Identity
Season 2 · Episode 24
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 • Duration 42:41
How do you enjoy the journey of being an actor? How do you stand up for yourself on set? How do you find your actor niche? Leonard Wu comes on the podcast to reunite with his former acting classmate Colleen Foy to talk about his journey and everything that he has experienced. From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ and ‘American Born Chinese’, Leonard shares his journey from growing up in Washington D.C., studying Chinese Peking Opera, to pursuing a career in Hollywood. He discusses his initial struggles, why he has always had a day job, his breakthrough on 'Veronica Mars,' and pivotal roles in projects like 'Revenge of the Green Dragons' and 'Marco Polo.' He also takes us through the process of preparing for an action-heavy role, and learning to champion his interpretation of his characters on projects. Wu also gets real about the impact of his cultural identity on his career, the challenges Asian-American actors face, and the importance of being prepared in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:
00:00 — Introducing Leonard Wu
00:23 — Early Life and Education
01:43 — College Years and Early Career
03:28 — Breaking into the Industry
04:41— First Big Break and Challenges
05:59 — Navigating the Acting World
07:05 — Theater and Day Jobs
07:45 — Major Roles and Opportunities
15:40 — Training and Preparation
21:33 — Navigating Creative Collaboration
22:16 — Reflecting on Career Challenges
23:12 — The Rise and Fall of Marco Polo
25:41 — Adapting to Industry Changes
29:09 — Embracing Theater and New Opportunities
35:12 — Experiences on Grey's Anatomy
Eps 23: Chelsey Crisp on Becoming a Series Regular on ‘Fresh Off the Boat’, Comedy, and How the Pursuit of Acting Has Changed
Season 2 · Episode 23
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 • Duration 51:15
We’ve all felt how the acting industry has changed over the last few years. Even more than before, our individual journeys as actors show how there is no right path. This week, we are joined by ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ star Chelsey Crisp. Chelsey shares how a co-star role that she almost turned down, led her to her first series regular role on a hit show that lasted 6 seasons. She shows us a peek into her perspective on the casting process and bookings, and what she looks forward to in the next era of Hollywood. You’ll learn about Chelsey’s origin story, starting from her moving to LA at 18 to study theater, to navigating early career challenges, and finding her voice in comedy. You’ll hear firsthand about the importance of embracing one's unique path, the value of specific training and branding, and tips on navigating this ever changing industry. Chelsey also gets candid about dealing with the emotional highs and lows of auditioning, and how beneficial having that one good cry can be. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of resilience, passion for when that perfect role finds its way to you, and comfort in knowing we are all pursuing our acting dreams together.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO HEAR:
00:00 — Introduction and Origin Stories
00:39 — Early Life and Theater Beginnings
01:17 — Academy Experience and Moving to LA
02:05 — Navigating Early Career Challenges
03:34 — Improv and Finding a Niche in Comedy
09:07 — Breakthrough Roles and Career Milestones
13:42 — Reflections on Industry and Personal Growth
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