In this conversation, Chelsea Johnson shares her journey in the entertainment industry and the lessons she has learned along the way. She discusses her early passion for music and movies, influenced by her family and childhood experiences. She shares her experiences in coaching and pursuing theater, as well as the challenges she faced that led her …

In this conversation, cinematographer Jeremy Benning shares his journey to becoming a cinematographer. What is a cinematographer, you might ask? Or you might not because you feel stupid asking it....FEAR NOT! I ASKED HIM! He discusses his early interest in photography, his experience volunteering at a community television station, and the different…

In this conversation, Sarah Boston and Janet McMordie discuss the challenges of balancing a whimsical career path with a day job. They explore the pressure to excel in one thing and the fear of losing edge in a profession. They also touch on the desire to be good at everything and the struggle of being mediocre at two things. The conversation highl…

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and, reality TV star turned actor, David Pinard discuss the importance of networking and building a community in the entertainment industry. They highlight the need for actors to support each other and pay it forward. David shares his journey of discovering his passion for performing arts and taking the leap to …

Apologies for the audio issues...my whole recording set-up is on ye olde FRITZ. Je ne comprend pas technology but I'll fiddle once I recover from PRIDE WEEKEND Join us on an inspiring journey as we explore the career of ANDREW MEIKLE! Listen in as we navigate the unpredictability of the film industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The …

Melissa Melottey shares her journey as a child actor, her decision to take a break from acting and attend business school, and her return to the industry. She discusses the pressure and expectations she faced as a child actor and the impact it had on her mental health. Melissa also talks about her current focus on writing and acting, and how her pe…

On this episode, Dr. Janet McMordie speaks with business owner turned actor, Jon Duque! Jon shares his inspiring journey in the entertainment industry, from pursuing a career in law enforcement to becoming an actor and writer. He faced numerous challenges, including a legal dispute over the rights to his script and health issues. Despite these setb…

In this conversation, Janet McMordie chats with costume designer Joanna Syrokomla! Joanna shares her experience of starting a career in costume design and the process of developing costumes for productions. They also touch on the importance of working with actors and creating costumes that reflect their characters. Joanna emphasizes the importance …

In this conversation, Allisha Pelletier shares her journey into the acting industry and the challenges she faced along the way. She discusses the emotional connection she experienced with fellow actors and the impact of typecasting on personal identity. She also talks about her decision to transition from a career in aesthetics to pursue acting ful…

This weeks episode celebrates the amazing Tik Tok sensation, NIR GUZINSKI!! He had a career in marketing before switching to content creation and acting. The conversation covers the challenges and journey of acting, the perception of talent and training in creative careers, and the evolution of acting on social media. It also explores the balance b…

In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, host Dr. Janet McMordie speaks with Nicole Yost about her transition from teaching to acting. They discuss the similarities between her two careers, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of seeking feedback in the acting industry. Nicole shares her coping strategies, including starting a …

My guest this week is accountant turned actor, Henry Tran! Our conversation explores the themes of self-expression, disagreement, and personal growth. It delves into the importance of expressing oneself authentically and the therapeutic benefits of doing so. It also discusses the challenges of disagreeing with others and the value of embracing diff…

In this conversation, Christina Pitts Jazzar, an intimacy coordinator, shares her journey into the industry and the role of intimacy coordination. She discusses the importance of communication, consent, choreography, and closure in creating safe and effective intimate scenes. Christina emphasizes the need for trust and understanding between actors …

Daniel Thomas, an Australian actor based in Germany, shares his journey of pursuing acting as a second act career. He discusses how he initially had a curiosity for acting as a child but ended up pursuing architecture instead. After experiencing burnout and anxiety, he took a dramatic turn and formed a band, which eventually led him to Germany. Dan…

In this conversation, Marcella Young and Janet McMordie discuss Marcella's journey as an actor and being the literal definition of "Jill of All trades"...SHE DOES IT ALL Marcella shares her early passion for acting and how it has always been a part of her life. She talks about the challenges of balancing safety and pursuing artistic dreams, as well…

Dr. Indy Saluja, an emergency room doctor and actor, discusses his journey from medicine to acting. He shares his experiences and challenges in balancing both careers and the similarities he has found between the two. Indy also talks about the power of acting to create empathy and the importance of representation in the industry. He reflects on the…

In this episode of Second Act Actors, media coach Barbara Barna Abel discusses the importance of preparation and practice in effective communication. She emphasizes that communication requires thought, intention, and consistency. Barbara explains the role of a media coach and highlights the value of coaching in helping individuals reach their highe…

In this episode of Second Act Actors. Salma Dharsee shares her journey of transitioning from a career in engineering to pursuing her passion for acting. She emphasizes the importance of identifying personal values and priorities to find fulfillment in work. Salma also discusses the challenges of letting go of societal expectations and the support s…

On this episode of Second Act Actors, we watch Janet cry three times! More importantly, I get to talk to one of my most favourite people on this planet: Sean Simms, football player turned actor. We talk about Sean's journey from football to acting, the loss of Sean's mother and his career transition, the emotional impact of acting, the challenges o…

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Jodie Bentley shares her journey into acting and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion. She discusses the pressure to choose a practical career and the mindset blocks she had to overcome regarding money and worth. Jodie also talks about the power of curiosity and how it played a role in her personal …

In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Krista Barzso discuss Krista's journey into the acting industry and how she balances her passion for acting with her background in science. They explore the importance of networking and building a community in the industry, as well as the value of feedback and validation. Krista shares how her scientific bac…

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Janet and Anne discuss the role of AI in creativity and the impact it has on jobs. They also explore how AI can be used as a creative tool and share their experiences with AI editing software. Anne shares her journey to Germany and her career as an actor and voice artist. She also talks about rediscovering her …

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Richard Barlow shares his journey of getting back into the entertainment business. He discusses his passion for acting and how he discovered a love for producing and directing his own films. Richard also talks about his goal of building a film industry in Northern Ontario and creating opportunities for aspiring…

In this episode of Second Act Actors, host Janet McMordie chats with teacher turned actor, Neta Rose about their personal journey in the acting industry. They explore the challenges of starting out as actors and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. They also delve into the topic of financial insecurity and how it can impact an actor's …

Today's episode is a special one, straight from the heart of the Sundance Film Festival. I've titled it "Sundance Potpourri" because it's a collection of mini interviews with some incredible talents I had the pleasure of meeting in Park City, Utah. First up, we have Ian Bawa, a director from Winnipeg, who shared his journey from "failed law student…

Part 1 of my Sundance Film Festival content! I had an incredible time at the festival and it all began with this panel. Join moderators, WeAudition's Richard Cambridge & Darren Darnborough, LIVE as they unpack the transformative power of casting in film with insights straight from the Sundance Film Festival's Craft of Casting panel. Listen in as th…

***There is an audio echo during the first couple minutes of our interview but I promise you it goes away at 2:00!!**** In this conversation, Andromeda discusses her experiences and upcoming projects in the acting industry. She shares the challenges she faced and how she navigated them. Andromeda also talks about her upcoming movie release and the …

In this industry episode of Second Act Actors, career coach Brian Patacca shares his journey from acting to coaching and how he helps actors navigate their careers. He emphasizes the importance of being interested and engaged in life, as well as embracing one's uniqueness. Brian explains his coaching process, which includes dispelling myths, focusi…

In this episode of Second Act Actors, host Janet McMordie and her guest, Amy Lawley, discuss their frustrations with auditions and the lack of specificity in casting calls. They share their experiences in the acting industry and the importance of visualizing characters. They also talk about the therapeutic aspect of acting and how it allows them to…

In this episode of Second Act Actors, Charlot Daysh, an actor from Norway, shares her journey in the acting industry with host Dr Janet McMordie. She talks about her early acting career, formal training, and moving to Canada. Charlot emphasizes the importance of using life experiences in acting and doing research to relate to characters. She discus…

In this conversation, Janet McMordie speaks with WeAudition creators, Darren Darnborough and Richard about the importance of building a global community in the entertainment industry. They discuss the origins of WeAudition and how it has expanded during the pandemic. They also highlight the value of finding specific types of people for auditions an…

L.A Sweeney is a Toronto based actor and an absolute dynamo. In this conversation, Janet and LA discuss their experiences in acting and the importance of creativity. They talk about the initial intimidation of acting and the feeling of always being left behind having not gone to theatre school. LA shares her journey of discovering her desire to act…

My first ever live show!! Deb McGrath and Colin Mochrie, celebrated figures in comedy and acting, join me on this captivating live episode of Second Act Actors. Deb's journey, from her early passion for musical comedy to her pivot into voice and animation, is a testament to her resilience and talent. Meanwhile, Colin's foray into improv and his piv…

Michelle Arvizu is a seasoned actor and coach who knows firsthand the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in the acting industry. With a deep passion for storytelling and a natural talent for connecting with others, Michelle has become a sought-after mentor and guide for aspiring actors. Her own journey has taught her the importance of fin…

Cynthia Crofoot is a dynamic force in the world of acting and filmmaking. From a young age, Cynthia's natural talent for the dramatic arts was evident, as she would write her own scripts and stage performances for her loved ones. While pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Crime and Deviance, Cynthia's passion for theater and acti…

Spencer MacIntyre, a seasoned actor with a knack for navigating the unpredictable acting industry, joins me on Second Act Actors. Having started his acting career at the young age of six, Spencer brings a unique perspective to the table. He effortlessly exudes comfort in front of the camera, a skill that many aspiring actors struggle to master. Wit…

Meet Ruth Kaufmann, a multi-talented actor based in the vibrant city of Chicago. From a young age, Ruth knew she wanted to entertain and captivate audiences. She made her first foray into acting in kindergarten and hasn't looked back since. Despite her father's belief in "real jobs," Ruth pursued her passion, attending college and graduate school w…

Ahmed Mokdad is a talented actor who has navigated the challenges of pursuing his acting dreams while overcoming parental pressure and skepticism. With a passion for storytelling and a love for comedy, Ahmed discovered his interest in acting during high school where he participated in drama classes and musical theater productions. Despite initial d…

Unifying local stories ignite a powerful community movement as passionate Artistic Director Iain Moggach breaks down barriers, redefines theater, and immerses audiences in the raw emotion of live performances. Iain Moggach is a seasoned theater professional with a passion for local storytelling. From his early days as a theater kid to his current r…

Nadia George's journey into the world of acting is a testament to the power of personal growth and following one's passions. As a child, Nadia had a love for community theater, but life took her in different directions. It wasn't until she returned to university years later that she rediscovered her passion for acting. Realizing how much she missed…

Write what you love and what's in you. There's always an audience. - Rod Garcia Rod Garcia is a seasoned professional in the creative industry, with a wide range of experiences and expertise. From his early days as a writer and performer, to his tenure as a literary and talent agent in Beverly Hills, Rod has demonstrated a deep understanding of the…

“Dreams are awesome and we need to have them, but we need to back them up with action”. That’s what actor, business coach and IMDB expert Kari Nissena told me when I interviewed her for this fantastic episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, where we discussed being a second act actor, getting specific with branding and more. This episode is packe…

Chris Gaunt's journey into the world of acting is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one's dreams. After years of focusing on a successful career in the business world, Chris felt a longing for something more. Acting had always been a passion of his, but he had set it aside to prioritize other aspects of his life. However, th…

Do you want to unlock the key to a thriving creative career, filled with self-belief, determination, and a clear sense of purpose? Get ready to meet Andrea Osvárt, a woman who knows the power of purpose and determination. As a young girl in Hungary, Andrea, dared to dream of a career in acting, something almost unthinkable at the time. Undeterred b…

This episode of Second Act Actors features a hard hitting story told with joy and emotion by acting coach John Stevens. John shares details of his father’s death and how he worked through his trauma by discovering acting and performance, via a stint as a clown’s apprentice! Join us for this interesting, emotional conversation that’s packed with ins…

Have you always had a burning desire to pursue acting but believed it was too late to start? Perhaps you've been told that your age puts limitations on your dreams, leading you to feel frustrated and discouraged. The pain of not taking action and staying stuck in the belief that it's too late can be suffocating. But what if I told you that it's nev…

First act actor and second act actor meet to swap experiences and perspectives on breaking into this notoriously tough industry! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to actor Adam Murciano who grew up in an acting family and decided to pursue acting and ended up becoming a famous podcaster along the way. Adam tells me what it wa…

What does it take to overcome your family’s expectations and your perfectionism and become a successful screenwriter? Well, Chris Soucy’s solution was to feel the fear, do it anyway and write a script every week for a year. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to another creative professional who’s finding his way in the in…

In a world where dreams have no expiration date, Amy Lyndon offers a lifeline to second actors pursuing their passions later in life. But just as they're ready to take the leap, a shocking revelation leaves them questioning everything. Will they find the courage to continue their journey, or will their dreams remain unrealized? Find out in this riv…

Join me for this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast as I talk improvisation, making mistakes, taking risks, acting techniques and classical music with trumpeter Aaron Romm. Aaron is a professional musician who brings his love of acting into his performances. Aaron and I talk about how we met through an online improvisation class and the road …