Shows
Second Act ActorsEP 148: Serge De Marre: Radio DJ Turned ActorIn this conversation, Janet McMordie and Serge De Marre discuss the nuances of voiceover work, tracing Serge's journey from a small radio station to becoming a successful voiceover artist. They explore the importance of creating a comfortable work environment, the evolution of voiceover styles, and the necessity of training and specialization in the field. The discussion also touches on the impact of changing consumer preferences on commercial voiceovers and the vital role of imagination in delivering compelling performances. He reflects on the changes in the industry post-pandemic, the influx of new voice actors, and the challenges of breaking into...
2024-11-1545 min
Second Act ActorsEP 147: Nadine Charleson: Web Designer & ActorIn this conversation, Janet McMordie and Nadine Charleson explore Nadine's journey into the acting world, her experiences in various cities, and her transition into voiceover work. They discuss the challenges of the acting industry, the importance of self-worth, and the creative process behind auditions, particularly for high-profile projects like Star Wars. Nadine shares insights into her imaginative approach to voice acting and the technical aspects of her craft, highlighting the joy and freedom it brings her. Nadine emphasizes the value of embracing failure as a learning tool and the importance of training in acting. She concludes with insights on...
2024-11-0846 min
Second Act ActorsEP 142: Richard Comeau: Actor & Fight DirectorIn this episode of Second Act Actors, host Dr. Janet McMordie welcomes the talented Richard Comeau, actor and Canada's first Indigenous fight director. Richard shares his unique journey into the performing arts, starting from a high school experience marked by shifting dreams—from aspiring baseball player to pilot—until a chance encounter with a drama teacher changed his path. Currently starring in the production "1939" at Can Stage in Toronto, Richard reflects on his career, including his recent successes at Stratford, and offers insights into the determination and passion required to thrive in the acting world. Tune in to hear Rich...
2024-10-0447 min
Second Act ActorsEP 141: Sophie Ann Rooney: Director, Filmmaker, Acting CoachIn this conversation, Janet McMordie and director/filmmaker/acting coach Sophie Ann Rooney discuss the importance of collaboration and the artistry of acting. They emphasize the need for actors to understand and appreciate the work of other professionals in the industry, such as filmmakers, composers, and costume designers. Sophie also highlights the importance of taking direction and being open to creative exploration. She emphasizes the need to unite as a team and the power of shared knowledge. We discusses her approach to directing actors in different art forms, highlighting the importance of understanding the medium and adjusting the performance...
2024-09-271h 10
Second Act ActorsEP 137: David John Clark: Super Secret Job He Can't Talk About Turned ActorIn this conversation, David John Clark and Janet McMordie discuss the joys and challenges of pursuing a career in acting. David shares his journey into acting, starting as an extra and eventually realizing his passion for the craft. David's day job, although undisclosed, provides him with valuable experiences and insights that he can draw upon in his acting roles. They explore the emotional connection that acting can create, the highs and lows of the journey, and the importance of finding a balance between acting and other aspects of life. They also touch on the concept of late bloomer actors...
2024-08-3052 min
Second Act ActorsEP 135: Robert Sciglimpaglia: Lawyer Turned ActorThe conversation between host Janet McMordie and lawyer turned actor, Robert Sciglimpaglia explores the similarities and differences between the practice of law and the practice of acting. They discuss how both professions require focus, concentration, and the ability to make connections with others. Robert shares his journey from being a lawyer to pursuing a career in voiceover and acting. He emphasizes the importance of being well-rounded and finding balance in both professions. They also discuss the importance of listening and reacting in both acting and law, as well as the role of emotions in storytelling and persuasion. In this...
2024-08-1654 min
Second Act ActorsEP 131: Sarah Boston: Veterinarian And Stand-up ComedianIn 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 highlights the importance of artists supporting other artists and the value of being a supportive audience. Sarah shares her excitement about her upcoming performance at the Guelph Fringe and discusses her podcast, Co-Medicine, which focuses on healthcare professionals...
2024-07-191h 07
Second Act ActorsEP 130: David Pinard: Reality TV Star Turned ActorIn 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 pursue acting full-time. They discuss the challenges and unpredictability of the industry, including the impact of reality TV on acting careers. David discusses the challenges and opportunities for Canadian actors, particularly in the context of Christmas movies and M.O.W.s. He...
2024-07-1251 min
Second Act ActorsEP 127: Jon Duque: Business Owner turned Actor/WriterOn 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 setbacks, Jon persevered and is now working towards producing his feature film. His story highlights the importance of resilience and following one's passion. Jon emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes and approaching life's challenges as lessons. He discusses how his background in security...
2024-06-211h 04
Second Act ActorsEP 126: Joanna Syrokomla: Costume DesignerIn 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 of accurate measurements and the challenges of working with actors who do not provide their current measurements. GET YOUR MEASUREMENTS, PEOPLE!! She also discusses the transformative power of the fitting room and the joy of collaborating with actors to bring characters to life. She highlights the impact of...
2024-06-141h 03
Second Act ActorsEP 123: Nicole Yost: Teacher Turned ActorIn 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 YouTube channel and promoting her voiceover work. The episode also touches on the importance of trying new things and the value of persistence in the face of failure. Main Lessons & Ideas:From Tragedy to Triumph: Nicole's journey from a dedicated teacher to...
2024-05-2449 min
Second Act ActorsEP 119: Marcella Young: Office Life To Film LifeIn 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 ALLMarcella 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 as overcoming performance anxiety and embracing fun. Marcella emphasizes the importance of building confidence and trusting oneself as an artist. She also highlights the transferable skills and life experiences that contributed to her acting career. Ultimately, Marcella...
2024-04-261h 10
Second Act ActorsEP 113: Krista Barzso: Actor, Producer, Insurance AgentIn 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 background has influenced her creative work and how skills from acting can be applied to other areas of life. In this conversation, Krista Barzso and Janet McMordie discuss the parallels between acting and other careers, such as business and public speaking. They emphasize the...
2024-03-1559 min
Second Act ActorsEP 110: Neta Rose: Teacher Turned ActorIn 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 career choices. Neta shares their experience of taking a break from acting and pursuing other careers before ultimately returning to their passion. They discuss the importance of embracing non-linearity in both personal and professional growth and the value of self-discovery in...
2024-02-231h 10
Second Act ActorsEP 105: Amy Lawley: Sales Executive Turned ActorIn 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 explore different emotions and experiences. Janet and Amy discuss their journeys in acting and the process of rediscovering themselves as actors. They emphasize the power of storytelling and the ability to create empathy through acting. Amy also talks about the challenges of r...
2024-01-1951 min
Second Act ActorsEP 104: Charlot DayshIn 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 discusses the differences between the Norwegian and Canadian film industries and offers networking tips for actors. Charlot also highlights the significance of taking care of mental health and treating acting as a business. She shares her favorite...
2024-01-1244 min
Second Act ActorsEP 103: Richard Cambridge & Darren Darnborough: We AuditionIn 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 and the upcoming features for WeAudition. The conversation emphasizes the support for side hustles and other skills within the community. They provide advice for overcoming shyness, as well as the importance of creating opportunities and making your own work. They also discuss the significance of supporting and...
2024-01-051h 06
Second Act ActorsEP 92: Kari Nissena: Actor, Producer & Career Coach“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 packed with practical advice for working actors, so don’t miss it! Kari tells me about how she grew up acting and developed her acting business alongside her own acting career. We get into a re...
2023-10-131h 05
Second Act ActorsEP 89: John Stevens: Acting CoachThis 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 insights into John’s incredible life story and his approach to coaching. John tells me about his early career in musical theatre and how he transitioned into acting coaching. He shares his thoughts on the roles of...
2023-09-221h 14
Second Act ActorsEP 87: Adam Murciano: Actor, Writer & ProducerFirst 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 was like to see his parents and grandparents regularly go off to auditions and how he landed his early successes as a child actor. We get into an interesting discussion on coping with re...
2023-09-0844 min
Second Act ActorsEP 86: Chris Soucy: Veteran (U.S. Army) Turned Actor/Writer/Puppeteer/DirectorWhat 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 industry. Chris tells me about his early childhood in military towns in Georgia and how he transitioned into script writing. We get into an interesting discussion on combating perfectionism and Chris tells me how he...
2023-09-011h 10
Second Act ActorsEP 85: Amy Lyndon: Acting Coach, Actor & DirectorIn 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 riveting interview with Amy Lyndon. Meet Amy Lyndon, a seasoned actor and much-admired coach. Amy began her acting journey in her early years, working tirelessly to perfect her craft. It's this dedication and love for acting that b...
2023-08-2559 min
Second Act ActorsEP 84: Aaron Romm: Musician, Actor, & Improv Performer 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 that led him to wanting to develop his improv skills. He tells me about his early childhood growing up in a musical household and what his parents thought about him following the same ca...
2023-08-181h 13
Second Act ActorsEp 83: Eric Miron: Teacher Turned ActorIn this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking to an actor with whom I’ve shared the screen as we were featured together in a film! Eric Miron is a music teacher and actor who’s refreshingly honest about what it takes to break into the acting industry. Join us for an engaging discussion about storytelling, making mistakes, counting wins, boosting self-confidence and overcoming trauma. Eric tells me about why he was initially reluctant to get into acting and what made him change his mind. We trace his journ...
2023-08-1152 min
Second Act ActorsEP 82: Maggie Fleming: Event Manager turned Model & AuthorWith a rich background in business sustainability, finance, and a myriad of other roles, Maggie Fleming is nothing short of a versatile individual. Known for her hands-on approach in the many creative endeavors she undertakes, her unique journey from Texas to the West Coast is quite inspiring. Having spent her early career working on innovative projects for a sustainability startup, including renowned Tesla, she courageously transitioned into a modeling career, proving it's never too late to pursue your passion in a new industry. Her ability to navigate this dramatic change, while remaining genuinely engaged in multiple projects, is a...
2023-08-0447 min
Second Act ActorsEP 80: Rebeka Herron: Director/Producer/WriterIntroducing Rebeka Herron, a versatile film producer with a life-long passion for storytelling. At a young age, Rebeka dove headfirst into the world of television before discovering her love for languages and music. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced adversity in the form of a traumatic head injury. Carrying on with determination, Rebeka pursued film and TV classes in high school, eventually earning a scholarship to film school. Following an insightful internship in Vancouver, Rebeka co-founded 180 Sisterhood, a production company that focuses on nurturing talents and fostering community growth in a smaller city setting. With her...
2023-07-2154 min
Second Act ActorsEP 79: Galen Howard: Character Actor “You’re getting rejected far more than you’re getting hired… If you’re even getting an audition, you’re one of the lucky ones”. Unfortunately this is a reality for many if not most actors, so how do you keep going? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to L.A.-based actor Galen Howard about breaking into acting, keeping a positive mindset and becoming a successful character actor. Galen tells me about how he built up the confidence to move to L.A. and pursue a career in acting, despit...
2023-07-1449 min
Second Act ActorsEP 78: Shawn Lawrence: Police Officer Turned Actor & Stunt PerformerShawn Lawrence has one of the coolest career paths I’ve ever heard of with stints as a celebrity bodyguard, police negotiator, stuntman and of course as an actor! He tells me his story on this really fun episode of the Second Act Actors podcast. Shawn details how he moved from police work to acting and explains how his career prepared him to act on camera. We talk about how his real life experience has influenced his acting career and Shawn tells me why he now wants to move away from police roles. Shawn gives advi...
2023-07-0744 min
Second Act ActorsEP 76: Scott Butler: Video Game Artist Turned ActorScott Butler has the distinction of breaking into not one, but two, very difficult industries. He’s a former video game artist who got laid off in the 2008 recession and then decided to become an actor. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, Scott tells me about motion capture work, overcoming stage nerves and moving on from being “flying Jesus”. We trace Scott’s journey from video games to acting and Scott details how he’s handled transitioning into a career that exposes your insecurities to the world. He gives me a behind-the-scenes scoop on his...
2023-06-231h 10
Second Act ActorsEP 74: Patrick Stiles: Massage Therapist & Actor On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking with massage therapist and actor Patrick Stiles!. Join us for an interesting discussion on perfectionism, balancing auditioning with another job and just what the hell you’re supposed to do with your hands when you’re acting on stage! Patrick begins by telling me his story and how he’s managed his career since he stopped dancing and started acting. We talk about learning to “act small” for TV and how we’ve overcome our negative thoughts about casting directors so that we can outlast oth...
2023-06-0950 min
Second Act ActorsEP 73: Michelle LeBoeuf Taylor: Professional Ballet Dancer Turned ActorMichelle’s first act before acting was also on stage, but as a professional ballet dancer. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we get into the details on what it really means to have a creative career. Michelle starts out by telling me how she became a ballet dancer and what her family thought of her career aspirations. We compare and contrast acting and dancing, with Michelle noting how her dance background helped her to learn how to act and gave her the discipline to work on her skills. We...
2023-06-0253 min
Second Act ActorsEP 72: Stephen Walker: Police Detective Turned Actor“I’ve added it up and I’m probably a seventh act actor”, Stephen told me on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast. Regardless of when or how you discovered acting, join me for this amazing conversation that traces Stephen’s journey from reporter to policeman to police cameraman to HR employee to career coach to actor. Stephen and I compare notes on our experiences of starting a new career later in life, with Stephen sharing some great advice on how to define success when you’re an actor. He tells me how he stays moti...
2023-05-2657 min
Second Act ActorsEP 70: Jennifer Wigmore: Actor & ActivistJennifer’s relationship with acting is a long story, which is a testament to her passion and creativity. She came from a creative, artistic family and grew up acting, then left the profession only to come back to it later in life. Tune in to this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast to learn more! Jennifer shares her perspective on living creatively and tells me why she thinks that all actors need both a community and another outlet for their creativity, to combat the loneliness that can come with being an actor. We also dis...
2023-05-121h 06
Second Act ActorsEP 69: Nick Sowma: Lawyer Turned ActorAlthough he loved acting, Nick Sowma chose to become a lawyer because it was a ‘safe choice’ that provided a stable career path. However, after he caught and recovered from Covid, he decided it was time for a change so he became an actor. He tells me the full story on this great episode of the Second Act Actors podcast. Nick and I compare being a doctor and a lawyer and talk about how those career choices have shaped us. Nick tells me what he brought from law into acting and scriptwriting and he shares how hi...
2023-05-051h 06
Second Act ActorsEP 68: Michael Mau: Teacher Turned ActorMichael Mau originally went to university to study theatre before switching into an English major, but as he tells me in this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, the desire to act never left him. He found a way to make acting part of his life, alongside being a teacher and father, before becoming a full-time actor. Listen to his story in this fun, interesting episode. Michael tells me what it was like to quit his job and become an actor in March 2020 as the entire world was shutting down. We talk about how he...
2023-04-281h 02
Second Act ActorsEP 67: Cole Aansen: Linguist Turned Actor “If you zoom out and look at your life…what is already working in your life that will lend itself to transitioning into an acting career?” Cole Aansen, the special guest in this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, asks this interesting question as a way of describing her route from online teaching, language learning and bar work into acting. Tune in to hear her positive attitude, her thoughtful message and her journey into acting. Cole tells me about the serendipitous path into acting and the chance meeting that encouraged her to go for her...
2023-04-211h 13
Second Act ActorsEP 66: Scott Erwin: Accountant Turned Actor My interview with Scott Erwin was very memorable for a number of reasons, one of which was his inspiring message: “Anything’s possible with enough education and enough desire to do it…it’s just going to be a question of ‘at what level do I get to do it?’”. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, Scott shares his story of being an accountant and business owner who lost it all and then discovered acting. In the episode, we discuss everything from how Scott got into dancing to learning acting techniques later...
2023-04-1458 min
Second Act ActorsEP 65: Jordan Heron: Project Manager & ActorThis episode of the Second Act Actors podcast features filmmaker Jordan, who spent 4 weeks documenting the daily lives and struggles of the people of Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian invasion. He tells me about his experiences there and his lasting memories in this interesting interview. Jordan and I also talk about acting and he tells me about how he got into acting through community theatre plays with his daughter. We discuss how Jordan fits acting around his day job and what he brings from his role as a project manager into acting. It tu...
2023-04-071h 13
Second Act ActorsEP 64: Courtney Harrell: Screenwriter & Developmental EditorAs actors, we sometimes feel like we’re at the centre of an entire film production but we need to remind ourselves that we’re there to bring a vision to life and that vision is the script. So on this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to screenwriter Courtney Harrell about where her ideas come from and how she translates them into words. Courtney lays out her journey and tells me how she got into writing. We dive into her ‘Snuggles and Horror’ genre and where she gets her inspiration from. Court...
2023-03-3152 min
Second Act ActorsEP 63: Angie Hung: Project Manager & Actor“You don’t get into acting because it’s cool”. Angie Hung is the latest guest on the Second Act Actors podcast and she’s here to get real about what it takes to thrive as an actor. Join us as we talk loving your craft, what representation really looks like and how the Spice Girls inspire us to live our best lives. Angie tells me about her corporate life and how she rediscovered her love of acting. She walks me through her auditioning process and how she feels about rejection now. We get into a great, in...
2023-03-241h 20
Second Act ActorsEp 62: Tazito Garcia: Professional Soccer Player Turned Actor Tazito Garcia is a global traveller who had the choice between a career as a professional soccer player and who instead became an actor. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we discuss being your own agent, having the right mindset and giving back to others, even when you’re still climbing the acting career ladder yourself. Tazito unpacks where his strong mindset came from and how it’s helped him to stay the course in this challenging industry. He shares encouraging advice for actors coming into the industry late in life an...
2023-03-171h 00
Second Act ActorsEp 61: Abby Tozer: Neuroscientist Turned ActorNeuroscientist, producer, sporadic hemiplegic migraine warrior, writer aaaaaaaand… actress! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to one of the busiest and most interesting people I’ve met, Abby Tozer. Like many of us, Abby started her acting career when she was cast in a school production of Annie. She tells me about her pursuit of her love of acting and performing and how she balanced it around her demanding studies at Berkeley University. We talk about the conversations we have with our families about acting and how we explain our acti...
2023-03-101h 00
Second Act ActorsEp 60: Jesse Griffiths: Casting DirectorWhat’s it like to go from acting to casting? How does it feel to be in charge of deciding which actor to choose from an amazing round of auditions? Jesse Griffiths made the transition from acting to casting and is now a casting director at Jesse Griffiths Casting in Toronto. He tells me all about this journey on this fun, interesting episode of the Second Act Actors podcast. Jesse begins by explaining how he got into acting and gave up law school to pursue his dream. He then describes how he first started working in c...
2023-03-0349 min
Second Act ActorsEP 59: Katie Prentiss: Photographer Turned ActorKatie Prentiss’ personal saying is “Never say no for someone else”, and that’s what she had in mind when she sent off her first ever self-tape audition. She ended up booking a part in a film and has been hooked on acting ever since. In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we cover her transition into acting, how it’s working around her job as a photographer and the importance of having great ‘soft skills’, whatever your job. Katie and I compare and contrast photography and filmmaking and discuss whether you need to have innate...
2023-02-2459 min
Second Act ActorsEP 58: Kurt Evans: Actor, Teacher & Founder of Artist 2 ArtistKurt was drawn to acting by the sense of unity that it gave him. Since he caught the acting bug, he’s been in plays, on hit TV shows and in films and he’s taught acting too. In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, we talk about imposter syndrome, life experience, learning acting and Kurt’s exciting Artist 2 Artist project. Kurt uses his acting coach perspective to list some of the most important skills that you need to know in order to be successful as an actor. He gives a great reason why your...
2023-02-171h 09
Second Act ActorsEP 57: Alicia Ryan: Teacher & Actor“I love every day of my life”: Isn’t that the dream for many of us? Or all of us? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk with actress and supply teacher Alicia about teaching, acting, career advice and building a life that works for you. Alicia tells me about her childhood which was full of creative passions, and how that translated into graduating as a teacher. We discuss one of the most common dilemmas for aspiring actors and performers: Should you go for the risky career that you love, or the stab...
2023-02-1045 min
Second Act ActorsEP 56: Ray Buffer: Singer, Character Actor & Santa Claus “I’ve always been an actor” is not the usual response I get from my guests on the Second Act Actors podcast, but it’s what Ray Buffer told me in this in-depth and interesting interview. We talk about being on set, what the Covid-19 pandemic changed for us and whether you should put more of your energy into making money or pursuing your creative passions. Ray tells me about how he got into acting and what he thinks about being a character actor. He shares his pet peeve about “real actors” and why casting dir...
2023-02-0351 min
Second Act ActorsEP 55: Kato Cornell: Corporate Sales Turned ActorWhat made Kato take the leap from working in insurance sales to becoming a full-time actor? On this episode of Second Act Actors, I interview Kato and find out what her life is like now that she’s giving acting her all. Kato walks me through her transition from insurance into acting and how her life changed once she started making space for her natural creativity. Kato tells me about getting an agent and how she prepared herself to make a big life change into acting, but we also dive into what she wasn’t ready...
2023-01-2746 min
Second Act ActorsEP 54: Ryan Duchoeny: Basketball Player Turned ActorThis episode of Second Act Actors features a truly Hollywood-style entry into acting: Ryan was working at the grocery store when he was scouted by a producer who gave him his email address and told him to get in touch. Next thing you know, he’s on set and working as an actor! In the episode, Ryan and I dive into the details about what acting has been like for him as a deaf person. Ryan gives me his opinions on diversity in casting and the opportunities available for deaf people in the industry. He refle...
2023-01-2034 min
Second Act ActorsEP 53: Rebecca Durance Hine: Teacher Turned ActorRebecca Durance Hine is a second act actor and cancer survivor and she joins me on this episode to discuss acting, cancer, gratitude, people pleasing and making the most of the present moment. Like a lot of second act actors, Rebecca was interested in acting from a young age. She studied theatre at university and spent six months after graduation looking for acting work but eventually lost her confidence and decided to get a ‘real job’ instead. However, at the age of only 28, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and realised that life was too short...
2023-01-1349 min
Second Act ActorsEP 52: Alvin Cowan: Football Player Turned ActorYale Quarterback to actor…is it a viable career path? On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to Alvin Cowan who made the leap from the football field to the big screen. Alvin tells me about his journey from American football quarterback to professional actor with credits such appearances in Westworld and Better Call Saul to his name. He details how he broke into acting as a young man arriving in Los Angeles with no connections to his name, and the training he did to develop his acting skills. ...
2023-01-061h 05
Second Act ActorsEP 51: Erin Zukowski: Office Manager Turned ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I introduce the lovely and talented Erin Zukowski who’s moved into acting from an office management job and is starting to gather momentum in this second act of her career. Erin recounts her life story of growing up in Florida, losing her dad at a young age and then deciding to move to Chicago. She met her husband in Chicago and they always enjoyed watching theatre and improv shows, but Erin didn’t get involved with it herself until she eventually moved to L.A. She tells me wh...
2022-12-301h 03
Second Act ActorsEP 50: Stephanie Herrera: Salesperson Turned Actor & Children’s Animation WriterThis episode of Second Act Actors features the lovely Stephanie, who came to acting after working in sales but who also has experience as a waitress, cleaner, gogo dancer, mother, wife and much more. Tune in as we go over her story and share our thoughts on rediscovering acting after your 20s. Stephanie tells me about the huge overlap that exists between working in sales and acting, which is an extended form of selling yourself to a casting director. She explains why she felt pressured to quit acting in the first place and what coming b...
2022-12-2353 min
Second Act ActorsEP 49: Michael Stein: Long Shot Entrepreneur & Actor/Writer/DirectorMichael Stein is a second act actor unlike any other. Acting is actually part of his first and third act, as he started out doing stand-up and then landed a role in a film through a friend. From there, he tried to get his own films off the ground but wasn't having any luck in the Hollywood pitching game so he left acting behind to start his own business. He managed to make half a million dollars in his first year and is using the money from his business to fund the next stage of his acting career.
2022-12-1641 min
Second Act ActorsEP 48: Eliza Shin: Doctor Turned ActorFor this episode of Second Act Actors, I’m sitting down with another actor who came into acting from the medical field. Eliza Shin applied to medical school and spent years training to be a doctor and then specialising in urology, but she knew in her heart that medicine wasn’t for her. She tells me about her mental health struggles throughout her time in med school and how she built up the courage to walk away from it all and follow her dream to be an actor. Eliza and I compare notes of our exper...
2022-12-091h 15
Second Act ActorsEP 47: Jacqui Maloney: Business Owner & Actor/VO ArtistThis episode of Second Act Actors is packed full of advice and insights from actor and acting coach Jacqui Maloney. From the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome to her mentality around auditions to the right reasons and wrong reasons to become an actor, Jacqui’s got a wise word to say on every topic. Jacqui is another second act actor who felt called to act from a young age but put her dreams to one side to take up a more stable career. However, she couldn’t ignore her vocation and eventually retrained as an actor and moved to...
2022-12-0258 min
Second Act ActorsEP: 46: Vincent Salvador: Financial Crime Fighter & ActorVincent Salvador has had a pretty interesting life. He acted in plays in school but decided to study humanities at university. After graduation, he ended up working nights with an organisation combating financial crimes. During the day, he pursues his acting career, auditioning for roles and writing scripts. Vinnie and I talked about his passion for acting and how by chance he came to work on an award-winning production. We discuss why learning to improvise improves your acting skills, which is something that Vinnie knows a lot about as his brain injury has impaired his a...
2022-11-2539 min
Second Act ActorsEP 45: Victor Dobro: Police Officer Turned Actor What does being a cop have in common with being an actor? Well, more than you’d think, according to Victor Dobro! Victor is my guest on this episode of Second Act Actors and he’s here to talk to me about background work, auditions, starting out as a new actor, and drawing on his real-life experiences to portray a more accurate and relatable character. Victor always enjoyed watching cop shows as a child and got interested in acting when his friends were cast in shows like Breaking Bad. He decided to break into the indust...
2022-11-181h 04
Second Act ActorsEP 44: Megan Beers: Marketing Coordinator Turned ActorMegan Beers is an American-Canadian actor who’s worked in both Toronto and Los Angeles. Today she’s my guest on Second Act Actors and she shares her experiences of moving to a new city, working on the set of The Handmaid’s Tale and what marketing and acting have in common. Megan always knew that she wanted to be an actor but decided to complete a degree in marketing with a minor in theatre. She explains to me why she chose marketing over acting at that time in her life and what she’s brought f...
2022-11-1146 min
Second Act ActorsEP 43: Dr. Becky Van Iersel: Physician (Mental Health Specialist) Tune in and settle down to listen to this soothing and inspiring episode of the Second Act Actors podcast with the truly wonderful Dr Becky Van Iersel, who is a grounded, lovely doctor who also made a change in her career to align it more with her life and her feelings about health and wellness. Becky has worked several different roles within medicine but struggled to balance the demands of her career with her family life and eventually experienced severe burnout. She now has a mental health practice that supports people with burnout as well as tr...
2022-11-0454 min
Second Act ActorsEP 42: Claudia Goetzelmann: End of Life DoulaOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Compassionate Inquiry coach and end of life doula Claudia about midlife transitions and how to honour your life’s purpose in a healthy, meaningful way. Claudia tells me her life story and about how her own experience of burnout as a photographer shaped her and gave her an interest in helping others through the same process. She talks about what she does with her clients as an end-of-life doula and how she brings this deepened perspective to her clients facing a midlife crisis.
2022-11-0246 min
Second Act ActorsEP 41: Janet Walmsley: Dental Hygienist Turned ActorOn this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m sitting down with fellow Janet and actor Janet Walmsley, who was a dental hygienist for 27 years before her son persuaded her to audition for a play in a local theatre. Since then, Janet hasn’t looked back and has acted on stage and screen, been nominated for awards and has started her own acting class for people arriving into acting later in life. Janet tells me about some of the acting and life lessons that she teaches in her acting class and how she encou...
2022-10-2858 min
Second Act ActorsEP 40: Lara Tai: Social Worker Turned ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Lara, an Toronto-based actress who’s passionate about acting training and building communities of skilled actors. Lara felt pressured by her parents to pursue a ‘traditional’ career and had a job in social work but couldn’t let go of her dream to act and sing. She eventually switched into acting and is excited about the possibilities of developing her career in the industry. Lara breaks down the many reasons that acting training is so important and why she’ll never stop developing herself. She tells me wh...
2022-10-2154 min
Second Act ActorsEP 39: Will MacKenzie: First Act ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I sit down with Will, who’s a lovely, stable, positive person who’s also an actor and a teacher. Will’s a first act actor, having attended theatre school in Toronto, and today he acts and teaches other actors to have a positive mindset and to value themselves so they can truly put themselves into the character they’re playing. Will tells me what he did and didn’t learn at theatre school and how he eventually made up for his lack of knowledge by taking on a mentor an...
2022-10-1445 min
Second Act ActorsEP 36: Tony Cauch: Banker Turned ActorBanker, reggae musician, MC and actor Tony Cauch is my guest on this episode of Second Act Actors. Tony’s embraced many careers in his life and has now retired from banking to pursue his creative passions full time, as he tells me in our interview. Tony and I discuss why he chose banking over music earlier in his life and whether the millennial generation felt obligated to choose ‘traditional’ careers because they grew up seeing their parents hate their jobs. Tony tells me what surprised him about starting to work as an actor and the ‘cu...
2022-09-2330 min
Second Act ActorsEP 35: Maya Ritter: Talent AgentToday I’m lifting the veil of secrecy off one of the most misunderstood jobs in the acting industry: the talent agent. I chat with my talent agent and lovely human Maya Ritter, from Ritter Talent Agency. Maya tells me about how she became an agent after having worked as a child actor and busts some of the biggest myths about agents, actors and what they’re supposed to do for each other. This episode is a great listen for anyone who’s been signed by a talent agency or who’s starting to look for an ag...
2022-09-1652 min
Second Act ActorsEP 34: Diane Sargent: Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Turned ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I’m interviewing an actor with a life story like no other. Diane grew up in South Africa, sailed to the United States on a boat with her family, landed in San Diego and helped her parents to set up an ostrich farm. She was passionate about acting from a young age but then became a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Diane and I talk about how she rediscovered acting and what her life has been like since. Diane talks about going up against the statistics of how man...
2022-09-091h 00
Second Act ActorsEP 33: Lisa Riesner: Journalist Turned ActorOn this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I interview the inspiring Lisa Riesner, who started out in the acting industry after a career in journalism. She tried out acting at the age of 25 by joining a circus class with some friends and fell in love with it, but she didn’t make the leap into acting full-time until she tragically lost a close friend. This shock made her want to pursue her dreams and since then she’s put all of her efforts into acting, writing and directing. In our conversation, we touch on th...
2022-09-0248 min
Second Act ActorsEP 32: Rudy Salo: Lawyer & ActorOn this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I interview another actor who’s transitioning from a more ‘traditional’ career into the world of acting. Rudy Salo is a municipal bond lawyer, public speaker, Forbes contributor and former punk musician and today he also books acting gigs, especially seeking out roles where he plays the jerk boss villain. Rudy tells me about his early years in school when he was determined not to be a lawyer but came around to it in his own way. He explains how he shut off his creative side to ‘go...
2022-08-2655 min
Second Act ActorsEP 31: Leslie Goyette (Writer, Director, Producer) & Michele Englehart (Producer)This special episode of Second Act Actors features two wonderful guests who are the brains behind the 2021 indie film Maysville. I talk to film producer Michele and film writer, director and co-producer Leslie about how they managed to make such a stunning film on a shoestring budget. You’ll definitely want to tune into this episode if you’re working on a creative project right now because Michele and Leslie give great insider tips on how to make an indie film. They share with me how they were able to secure film funding, reduce permit fees...
2022-08-191h 04
Second Act ActorsEP 30: Corby Stephens: Pastor Turned Voiceover Actor and Stand-Up ComedianCorby Stephens has had a very varied career with experience working as a pastor, an IT professional, a stand-up comedian, a yoyo performer and a voiceover actor. In this episode of Second Act Actors, he tells me his life story and gives advice to other people looking to break into the voiceover industry. Corby begins by telling me about his upbringing in a musical family and how he discovered drama class at university, which introduced him to the techniques of improvisation. We talk about what his improv skills brought to the other acts in his c...
2022-08-1249 min
Second Act ActorsEP 29: Emilia Copeland: Biomedical Scientist Turned Actor/Model/FilmmakerOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with the lovely Emilia Copeland. Emilia is a British actress, filmmaker and model, coming to the creative field fresh from her biomedical degree. Emilia tells me about her school years where she struggled as her teachers didn’t value creativity or see the arts as a viable career path, so Emilia tried to push back but felt forced into studying science. However, at university she found her creative outlet by joining many different societies. Since she graduated, she moved to Toronto and has worked several acting job...
2022-08-0546 min
Second Act ActorsEP 28: Barry Clifton: Former US Marine Turned ActorThis episode of Second Act Actors introduces Barry who’s taken a conscious and strategic approach to his move from the Marine Corps to acting. Barry tells me about his childhood passion for acting and how he lost it when he worked in the Marines Corps and then in business. Rediscovering his love of acting was part of his recovery process and he explains where he is now with his career and what his hopes are for the future. Barry busts one of the biggest myths about acting, that of the ‘breakthrough role’, and details what he...
2022-07-291h 02
Second Act ActorsEP 27: Emily Nixon: Actor & Filmmaker ***TRIGGER WARNING**** Sexual harassment, eating disorders, bullying, hazing First act actor Emily Nixon chats with me this week. Emily always wanted to be an actor and was able to make her dreams come true as today she’s working as an actor, writer and director, with experience on screen with TV shows such as Umbrella Academy. Emily and I take a deep dive into what theatre school was like for her. She experienced harassment, bullying and a lot of hypercritical feedback from the teachers and saw many of her fello...
2022-07-2258 min
Second Act ActorsEP 25: Stephanie Wilson Anderson: Triple Threat (Actor/Dancer/Singer), Choreographer & Improv PerformerOn this episode, I’m talking to the wonderful ‘first act’ actor Stephanie Wilson Anderson. Stephanie grew up in a creative, artistic family and was always singing and dancing, so she decided to go to theatre school and has been working as a professional actor, choreographer and voiceover artist ever since. Stephanie tells me about her time at theatre school and what her training involved. She then lists the skills that she’s learnt since leaving theatre school, like being able to relax into auditions and to cope better with rejection. We also discuss techniques that acto...
2022-07-0856 min
Second Act ActorsEP 24: Natasha Paquin: Medical Radiation Technologist & ActorOn this fun episode of Second Act Actors, I interview my friend, colleague and second act actor Natasha Paquin. She’s a qualified x-ray technician who grew up with a love of acting but decided to keep theatre as a passion project instead of a career. Natasha and I compare notes on what it’s like to have a foot in both medicine and acting and Natasha explains how she finds the heightened emotions of acting to be a release from the constraints of working in medicine. Natasha goes on to talk about her experience of wo...
2022-07-0628 min
Second Act ActorsEP 23: Laurel Dewar: Human Resources Manager/Mom & ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I interview Laurel, who was drawn to acting through her love of community theatre. She and I met as actors in a local play that was rehearsed and brought to stage during lockdown, which was a very intense process! Laurel’s first act was as a wife and a mother, and she also had a career in HR. She can often be found acting on stage in local shows and is a member of the local theatre committee. Laurel and I discuss the magic of community theatre and the...
2022-07-0435 min
Second Act ActorsEP 22: Clodine Sponagle: Teacher & ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with teacher and actor Clodine Sponagle, who I connected with when we were both cast in a community theatre play. Clodine has been passionate about theatre from a young age but decided to keep acting as a hobby whilst she pursued her career as a teacher. Clodine explains why she chose teaching over acting and what keeps her coming back to acting and community theatre in her free time. We also explore how the pressure and fear of rejection might turn an actor off acting, especially if...
2022-07-0140 min
Second Act ActorsEP 21: Jodi Krangle: SEO & Internet Marketer Turned Voice Actor On this episode of Second Act Actors, I relax and take in the beautiful voice of Jodi Krangle, a second act actor who’s had a hugely successful career as a voiceover actor. Her first act was as a self-employed search engine optimization specialist and an online marketing guru, but eventually she got bored and frustrated and felt ready for a change of scene. She pivoted to voiceover work and has never looked back since, and has landed work with major companies such as Dell, Nespresso and Kraft. Jodi talks about the work involved in being a voic...
2022-06-2437 min
Second Act ActorsEP 20: Andrew Butcher: Stunt Performer, Actor & WriterCan you be both an actor and a stuntman? Yes, according to professional stuntman Andrew Butcher. Andrew’s dad, Randy Butcher, is a legendary stunt coordinator and got his whole family into the industry, so Andrew grew up on set. Today Andrew is still working in stunts and is expanding into other creative pursuits such as writing, with a few exciting projects on the horizon. Andrew and I explore the world of stunt performing, and Andrew gives a step-by-step guide on how to get into doing stunt work. He talks about what stunts can do for...
2022-06-1751 min
Second Act ActorsEP 19: Kiril Mitev: First Act Actor, Director, Voiceover ArtistGive your ears a dose of positive energy by listening to my interview with the wonderful Kiril. Kiril arrived in Canada at the age of 17 and pursued his dream to become an actor. He attended Dawson College’s Theatre programme and since graduating, he’s worked with Ubisoft, has also had appearances on TV shows and film and is starting to work as a director. Kiril explains his upbeat attitude to me, which he credits to his background and difficult childhood where he faced many struggles, and to a magical moment as an audience member in a...
2022-06-1046 min
Second Act ActorsEP 18: Emily Carver: Mom Turned ActorEmily is a delightful member of the Second Act Actors gang, having arrived at acting via motherhood, recovery from addiction and an intense journey into her own self-expression. In this episode, we discuss background acting, creative collaboration and why we’re members of each other’s fan clubs! #stevenuniversity We begin by talking about our experience together in online improv class with Second City, where we met. Emily tells me that she was just beginning to rediscover her latent creativity and was “following the breadcrumb trail” which brought her to that particular improv group. She always ha...
2022-06-0352 min
Second Act ActorsEP 17: Robert Parson: Actor Turned Instructional Designer Turned ActorThis episode of Second Act Actors features a special guest who’s a little different to the rest, as his first act was actually as an actor. Bob trained and worked as an actor on stage, screen and radio for 20 years, but he started to fall out of love with acting and decided to leave it behind him. He went back to university and eventually landed a job as an instructional designer and then an educational specialist at the University of Ottawa. Once he retired, he rediscovered acting and has since had parts on shows such as CBC’s The...
2022-05-2739 min
Second Act ActorsEP 16: Jen Gardiner: Cake Decorator Turned Actor *Trigger warning: This episode contains references to eating disorders and pregnancy loss* On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Jen Gardiner, who made the unlikely transition from being a professional cake maker and decorator to being an actor. Jen started out by taking a cake decorating course on a whim and discovered a passion for baking and eventually booked a regular slot on a local daytime TV to talk about her cake creations. Once the show ended, a producer recommended that she audition for another show and she landed the part and never look...
2022-05-2044 min
Second Act ActorsEP 14: Stacey Schat: Actor Turned Teacher Turned YWCA DirectorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I pick the brains of Stacey Schat, a FIRST ACT actor who’s had a career filled with twists and turns. She grew up surrounded by culture and theatre. This inspired her to go to theatre school and become an actor, but her life changed when she received a devastating medical diagnosis. Stacey then became a teacher but she struggled to balance the demands of teaching with her health. She’s now in her third act, which combines her acting and teaching background.Stacey and I dive into an interesting disc...
2022-05-1350 min
Second Act ActorsEP 15: Doug Ironside: Actor Turned Business Owner Turned Nurse/Improv Performer/DirectorToday I talk with actor, director and community theatre aficionado Doug Ironside, whose career has included theatre school, a corporate job, being a nurse and working as an actor. Doug is deeply passionate about acting, the theatre and the change they can bring in people’s lives. Doug tells me about the many different phases of his career and why he initially decided not to pursue acting as a career. Today he’s involved in community theatre and he dives into the theory of community theatre, highlighting the dangers of letting the same people run commu...
2022-05-131h 00
Second Act ActorsEP 13: Ilona Smyth: Canadian Casting DirectorOn this industry episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Ilona Smyth. Ilona started out studying early childhood education and psychology and then landed a job by chance working at an acting school. She fell in love with casting and decided to open her own agency which casts for film, TV, commercials and more, both in Canada and worldwide.Ilona tells me why she always recommends that actors practice meditation and explains the other techniques that she uses to clear her head, especially during the stress of the pandemic. She then walks me through the process...
2022-05-0634 min
Second Act ActorsEP 12: Ken Ferguson: Teacher/Court Reporter Turn ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Ken Ferguson, another second act actor who came to the screen after a very varied career which included turns as a court reporter, a teacher, a professional bather, and a traveler. Since starting acting, he’s had background roles in major films such as Suicide Squad, and he’s also appeared in many commercials and in a self-directed project where he took baths in strangers’ houses. Ken gives some great advice that will be helpful to any other new actors, from how to tell a good age...
2022-04-2946 min
Second Act ActorsEP 11 (Part 2): Trish Rainone: Cafe Owner Turned Actor/Producer/Director/WriterThis episode of Second Act Actors has a guest who had a variety of experience before starting her acting career. Trish Rainone completed a degree in film studies and psychology and went on to work with autistic children before a stint managing a café. However, her lifelong passion for acting eventually won out, and she’s had a successful career both in front of and behind a camera, including a role on the Bell Fibe TV’s comedy series Pink Is In. Trish talks me through her pathway into acting, explaining how her job in the ca...
2022-04-2251 min
Second Act ActorsEP 11 (Part 1): Trish Rainone: Cafe Owner Turned Actor/Producer/Director/WriterTrish Rainone works both in front and behind the camera. Most recently, she is a producer on A CHRISTMAS LETTER, debuting on CBC and CBC Gem. Trish also makes a small cameo as Sally, the biker bar waitress. Trish and producing partner, Rebeka Herron are also the founders of the Sault Film Festival, celebrating the voices of Northern Ontario, Canada. On-screen, Trish plays the tough prisoner, Top Dog (Nikki Picano), on the series PINK IS IN (Bell Fibe TV.) She co-directed season two, airing in March 2022. Trish is the co-creator of the comedy series MY ROOMMATE'S AN ESCORT and...
2022-04-2256 min
Second Act ActorsEP 9: Helen Tansey: Head Shot PhotographerOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I take a break from talking with actors to connect with Helen Tansey, who transitioned from a career in modelling to become a full time photographer. Today, she’s known for taking headshots of some of the most famous actors and celebrities, and she captures their essence in a unique and dynamic way. Her work has been featured on TV and in many magazines. Helen and I dive into the topic of age discrimination, which is a problem everywhere but particularly in the film industry in North America. Helen...
2022-04-0840 min
Second Act ActorsEP 8: Sarah Cleveland: Mom turned ActorToday I got to chat with Sarah Cleveland, another second act actor who started her acting career once her family had grown up and she had more time and energy to explore her passion. Originally from Canada, she moved to Kentucky where she featured in Disney’s film The Music Man. This experience confirmed her love for acting and helped her to develop a professional network who also became her close friends. Sarah’s acting career hasn’t followed a traditional path as she faced many changes in her life, from working in the United States...
2022-04-0141 min
Second Act ActorsEP 7: Jessica Myrie: Salesperson turned ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with my friend and fellow actor Jessica Myrie. We met on my first ever booking as an actor! Jessica starts off by talking about her self-care regime of breathing and mindset work, which she believes is an essential tool if you’re looking to get into acting. She credits her success in the film industry to her mindset, as she’s worked hard to establish a positive mindset and to become resilient to setbacks. As she explains, if you love acting then you need to be in th...
2022-03-2559 min
Second Act ActorsEP 6: Francesca Decker: Doctor Turned ActorIn this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with Francesca Decker, a fellow doctor actor!! Francesca’s route into acting came about through her mother’s terminal illness, which occurred when Francesca was at medical school. After her mother’s death, Francesca started to make changes to her life and found the time and space to start acting classes, which blew her mind and sparked a passion that has stayed with her since. Eventually she and her husband moved to Los Angeles so that she could pursue an acting career. Francesca and I talk about t...
2022-03-181h 00
Second Act ActorsEP 5: Karrie Kwong: Corporate Role in Advertising Turned ActorMy guest today on the Second Act Actors Podcast is the talented Karrie Kwong, an actress whose first act included a corporate role in advertising which she’s only recently left to pursue acting full time. She has credits in TV shows such as Coroner, which complement her appearance in a national TV commercial. She’s also founded a production company that focuses on showcasing women’s stories. Karrie and I talk about her pathway from advertising into acting, which she planned meticulously, working on both her mindset and her financial stability. She’s also brought o...
2022-03-1152 min
Second Act ActorsWelcome to Second Act Actors!Welcome to Second Act Actors, a podcast where I chat with people who have made a major life and or career change into acting. I’m Janet McMordie and I am a medical doctor who decided to simultaneously pursue acting. Each week I will be chatting with fellow second act actors, industry experts, or first act only act actors about their lives, stories, and experiences in this crazy entertainment industry. So thank you for tuning in! The first four episodes are out now and I will be releasing a new episode every Friday. Please like, follow and sub...
2022-03-0402 min
Second Act ActorsEP 1: Madeline DeCorso: Business Analyst Turned ActorIn my very first episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Madeline DeCorso who I had the pleasure of meeting while doing background work on Guillermo del Toro’s new hit film Nightmare Alley. Madeline’s first act was very different to her current career as she completed a business degree and when she graduated, she landed a job as a business analyst for a bank based in Toronto. Although at the time she felt like she’d made it and had achieved success, she was unhappy in her career and never seemed to fully settle into it. She wa...
2022-03-0444 min
Second Act ActorsEP 2: Hassan Joseph: Software Manager Turned ActorOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Hassan Joseph, who was born in Saint Lucia and who emigrated to Canada to study commerce. His first act was working in financial services at a bank in Toronto and then he switched to a management role in software. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he had the time to take stock of his life and decided that he wanted a career that was more dynamic and aligned with his interests, so he started taking acting classes and is now pursuing acting alongside his day job. Hassan a...
2022-03-0437 min
Second Act ActorsEP 3: Lisa Crawford: Casino Manager Turned Actor/Director/Producer/WriterOn this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with actress, director, author, and producer Lisa Crawford. Lisa has had an incredible journey towards acting, which includes being an elevator technician, managing casinos, and gender transition. Lisa and I discuss the merits of using background work as a transition into an acting career, as background work can help you to develop professional connections and learn acting techniques at the same time as being paid and fed. Lisa also talks about her show Pink Is In, the second season of which is coming out in March 2021 o...
2022-03-0442 min
Second Act ActorsEP 4: Clement To: Engineer and Tech Guru Turned Actor*Trigger warning: This episode contains references to severe depression* In this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with another brave person who was ready to give it all up to pursue their passion for acting. Clement To began his working life in engineering and the tech space, trying to balance his family’s expectations for him and his own desire for a more exciting and dynamic career. He suffered from two severe depressive episodes but managed to regain stability in his life and mental health through acting classes. He eventually decided to stop half-assing acting...
2022-03-0433 min