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The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
SAG-AFTRA vs Seedance 2.0 - The AI Threat Gets Real
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 68! Seedance 2.0, an AI video generator, just dropped new videos from the program and shots are fired. SAG-AFTRA immediately released their firmest statement yet declaring why it's infringement on its actors and stands by studios like Disney which has already sent cease-and-desist letters. E-Kan and Rían break down why this AI feels different—because honestly, the Walter White videos look straight out of Breaking Bad, and so does the viral clip of Brad Pitt fighting Tom Cruise. Rían pushes back with the ultimate quest...
2026-02-18
38 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Denzel Told Him “Don’t Quit” 48 Years Ago- Now He’s Oscar-Nominated
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 67! This week we have an extra-strong dose of actor inspiration. E-Kan shares how Denzel Washington and Delroy Lindo have been friends for 48 years since their acting conservatory, surviving on wheat bread and peanut butter, and how Denzel watched Delroy act in class and thought, “I need to get better." And after a conversation with Denzel helped Delroy fight off burn out, he’s now nominated for an Oscar. E-Kan and Rían also dig into what life really is like in the self-tape era as...
2026-02-11
39 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
$26 Billion, Taye Diggs, and the Vertical Drama Takeover
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 66! Vertical dramas are here, and they're not going anywhere. E-Kan and Rían talk about the $26 billion industry — but now, Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher, and Taye Diggs are all in, as well as Netflix and TikTok building their own vertical dramas platforms. SAG-Aftra just put out a signatory contract so they can get in on it too. Will it be enough or will these mostly non-union dramas take over Hollywood? And should actors do them? We break down the money, the risks, and a little tip S...
2026-02-03
29 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
“They wanted a real asshole”- What Kevin O’Leary’s Casting in Marty Supreme Teaches Actors
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 65! The Oscar nominations just dropped, and Sinners broke records with 16 nominations. E-Kan and Rían break down their favorites and top picks, but most interesting story - The guys diving into Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary casting debate. The Shark Tank billionaire got cast in a major role for Oscar favorite Marty Supreme with zero experience, and many actors are furious. The guys have an honest conversation about stunt casting, the acting industry, and what can you learn about it. Then there's Mil...
2026-01-28
26 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Critics Choice gave Best Foreign Language Film on the Red Carpet
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 64! E-Kan and Rían dive into some more awards shows stories (the bad ones). There is an unfortunate trend, award shows are disrespecting filmmakers like giving Best Foreign Language Film - on the red carpet...? And then the Golden Globes cuts Original Score winner, Ludwig Göransson for Sinners, from the telecast to the dismay of many, including all time great, Hans Zimmer. Also, this week, the iconic Radford Studio, where Seinfeld and Will & Grace were filmed, foreclosed, which is a shocking development that might jus...
2026-01-20
33 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Timothée Chalamet's says his acting is "Top Level Sh*t" - Confidence or Cockiness?
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 63! The 2026 Golden Globes happened, and we break down the best moments and some misses, but the real story this award season is Timothée Chalamet's unapologetic pursuit of greatness—and whether Hollywood thinks he's brave or cringe. In a recent interview, he has said he’s doing "top level sh*t" and very open about his ambition, then he won the Critics Choice and Golden Globes over Leo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Ethan Hawke. E-Kan and Rían break down what might be the n...
2026-01-14
40 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Stranger Things Finale Brought in $30 million in Two Days - And Actors Got None of It
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 62! Hope you had a great holiday, E-Kan and Rían are ready to kick off the year with a bang… This week, Stranger Things Finale was a massive success making $30 million dollars in two days, yet gave it all to AMC. The craziest part is how the actors saw NONE of it… Then the guys dive into Disney's $1 billion dollar OpenAI partnership and how they’re planning on rolling out generative AI content on their platform. Are you ready for your kids to g...
2026-01-06
29 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
An Actor's Crisis - When Is It Actually Time to Give Up?
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 61! Hope you're all ready to ring in the new year. We sure are and have a real banger of a Reddit Rundown, where we take our favorite bits from the acting subreddit, and this one was a doozy. An actor who's worked steadily for 13 years with only co-star credits to show for it asks, "Is it time to face reality and throw in the towel?" This is a deep one and might change how you look at success, the industry, and finding deeper purpose in our...
2025-12-31
41 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
McDonald's AI Ad Disaster and Inside the $83B Netflix-Warner Bros Deal
Welcome to Episode 60 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! McDonald's pulls their AI-generated holiday ad after massive backlash—and the studio’s response might have been even worse… If AI is supposed to revolutionize everything, why did it take so much work for something that didn’t work? Then we dive into the biggest Hollywood deal in years: Netflix's $83 billion bid for Warner Bros and “Succession-like” love triangle with Paramount, hostile takeover bid and all. Paramount tried to pony up with $108 billion and we haven’t heard the end of it yet. E-Kan and...
2025-12-23
34 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Mickey O'Sullivan on Craft, Strategy, and Not Asking for Hollywood's Permission
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 59! Actor, teacher, producer, and friend of the podcast Mickey O'Sullivan (Mayor of Kingstown, Chicago PD) joins us today with a wide ranging conversation. From booking diaper commercials at age 2 to working for Green Peace to recurring on shows like Chicago PD and Mayor of Kingstown, Mickey's path has been anything but conventional. Mickey and the guys have a raw and thought provoking conversation about his childhood growing up playing hockey, how treating Hollywood like a team sport has helped him, and what he's learned f...
2025-12-17
1h 06
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
"So You're Still Doing the Acting Thing?" - How to Handle the Holidays like a Pro
Welcome to Episode 58 of The Actor's Guide the End of the World Podcast! Apologies this episode got up late, but it's worth it. The holidays are here and can be magical—unless you're facing the dreaded "So what have you been in?" question. In this episode, E-Kan and Rían tackle the unique challenges actors face during family gatherings, from navigating loaded conversations to finding that perfect pivot away while you're cornered at the cranberry sauce. E-Kan shares his own journey dealing with his strict math-professor father's expectations to finally finding peace with his career choice while Ría...
2025-12-11
45 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
The Advice that Actually Worked - Highlights from our Best Guest Moments
Welcome to Episode 57, the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast! In the spirit of the holidays, we thought we’d thank all of our incredible guests from this past year with this holiday sampler of the best moments from their interviews. If you want to review or go do a deep dive into the full interview - links are below. E-Kan and Rían will discuss with Oscar-nominated writer Kirsten Sheridan about how she developed her directing process and why her maternal instincts kicks in on a set, as well...
2025-12-02
42 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Jacob Elordi’s Audition Advice Goes Viral - Why Some Actors Hated It… and watching a Tom Cruise classic!
Welcome to the Actors’ Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 56! It’s that time of year again - it's awards season and time to watch great films, as E-Kan calls it, checking in on the creative diet and staying fit. E-Kan also drops some wisdom picked up watching Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, and Jacob Elordi speak at a Frankenstein screening and how del Toro’s gems changed his mind on the mystique of the film director and what makes great directors. Also Jacob Elordi has some unhinged advice for actors...
2025-11-25
52 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Diverse and Female Directors are Disappearing… Is Hollywood running scared?
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 55! The week we're pulling back the curtain on the maybe not-so-quiet retreat. The numbers are in for 2025, and they're brutal in terms of women directors, and in some ways, non-white directors over all. E-Kan and Rían break down to what might be driving that, and what that means for us performers and creators moving forward and some bright spots. Michael Caine announced he will be licensing his voice to an AI-startup backed up by Matthew McConaughey while Morgan Freeman fires shots, saying his la...
2025-11-18
50 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Martin Luther King Jr was Deepfaked - Are You Next?
Welcome to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 54! This week E-Kan and Rían discuss the Martin Luther King, Jr. - Open AI controversy and the scramble to remove inappropriate Martin Luther King, Jr. Deep Fake videos. (*Disclaimer: there was a mishap with E-Kan's audio for this episode. Major apologies and it was a fluke, we promise.) Also Hollywood’s elite agencies like CAA and UTA have made statements calling out Open AI, opting their clients out. The guys will break down what you need to know to protect yourself, what states have AI protections, and why CAA alr...
2025-11-12
42 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Ireland is paying artists? And what the rest of the world can learn from them
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast where we talk about acting and Hollywood in a way people understand. Today is good one, guaranteed to lift your spirits or all your money back. Ireland recently announced that the will offer a Basic Income for artists, previously a pilot program for three years, but now PERMANENT moving forward into 2026. MIND BLOWN. E-Kan's ready to move there, who's with him? The guys discuss what this means for other countries and how big this really is. E-Kan also has a recent revelation watching theate...
2025-11-04
48 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Is it a bad time to find an agent right now? And Casting Network chaos - what actors need to know right now
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 52! We get back to the ongoings in the industry, and it’s a lot of bad (surprise), but there’s some good too. Casting Networks, the casting site that most actors need to subscribe to, announced major changes about charging fees to agents and managers. (Video attached below.) E-Kan and Rían talk about the repercussions and what actors need to know, as well as speculation of AI entering the casting industry which brings up the question - would AI replace casting directors, and what would t...
2025-10-28
53 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Brian Stepanek: Taking the role they told me not to take and Working with Gene Wilder
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 51! Award-winning actor-director-teacher Brian Stepanek (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Transformers, and many others) joins E-Kan and Rían to share his incredible journey successfully transcending every genre from musical theater to one hour drama, to Michael Bay movies, commercials and voice over to directing for TV, guest teacher at Lesly Kahn Studios, and now podcasting (Here from There with Brian Stepanek) as well This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and incredible advice for actors. You’ll hear how his child...
2025-10-21
1h 32
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Our 50th episode! What we got right, what we got wrong, and what Soderbergh can teach you about your self-tapes
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, this is Episode 50! We have decided to look back on the past 50 episodes and talk about what the experience was like, what was our favorite parts as well as the biggest surprises. The conversation ranges widely from takes that we thought we got right, and some that were wrong, and how the podcast changed our mind on certain things. This is a wide-ranging conversation, and have you ever heard of the Soderbergh - three shot rule?... This is a special one, thanks to everyone for...
2025-10-14
39 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Apple TV’s “Chief of War” Brandon Finn talks Going Toe to Toe with Jason Momoa
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 49! Special treat, friend Brandon Finn (Chief of War) joins E-Kan and Rían and shares the whirlwind the past few months has been. Brandon Finn plays Prince Kupule on Apple TV's "Chief of War" co-created by and starring Jason Momoa, Cliff Curtis, and premiered August 1 to rave reviews. The show depicts the rarely told incredible history of Hawaii, how the rival kingdoms fought and eventually united. Brandon also shares how much it actually is like Game of Thrones and what it means for the legacy of th...
2025-10-07
1h 20
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
AI "Actor" Tilly Norwood Stirs up Hollywood and an AI Studio BOMBS - What do we make of all this?
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 48! And what a week it was… we cannot NOT talk about AI this week, as a new starlet has come on to the scene. Welcome Tilly Norwood, a completely AI generated “actress” if you can call her that. Talent agents are lining up at her door, and E-Kan and Rían have thoughts… And where is the union on this matter? Contract strike 2023 vibes, right? On the flip side, Lionsgate comes out and admits that their venture with AI startup Runway has bombed...
2025-09-30
38 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Emmy's Hits and Misses, Speaking Fake Chinese, and Why Does Everyone Love One-Hour Dramas?
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 47! Apologies for the upload issue on last week's episode, it has been resolved and E-Kan and Rían are here with the big Emmy's recap- the big surprises, heartfelt underdog wins, and what was up with that Nate Bargatze bit? You also will hear how it was for E-Kan sleeping in Central Park last week, and is he the Bear Grylls of the theater world? E-Kan and Rían also discuss what's so captivating about the one hour drama and what our exp...
2025-09-24
52 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
(RE-UPLOAD)Why is E-Kan Sleeping in Central Park?
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 46! E-Kan and Rían get back to some of the happenings around town after back to back interview episodes. FYI this was recorded BEFORE the Emmy's, we will do our recap of the Emmy's next week. The Actors Access Terms of Use has been causing many actors drama confusion the last month. E-Kan breaks down what actors need to know and why he feels a relief about what went down... for now. The HBO Max hit "The Pitt" productions assistants have officially unionized. Is that...
2025-09-20
42 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
PAs on the Pitt unionize and Why is E-Kan sleeping in Central Park?
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 46! E-Kan and Rían get back to some of the happenings around town after back to back interview episodes. FYI this was recorded BEFORE the Emmy's, we will do our recap of the Emmy's next week. The Actors Access Terms of Use has been causing many actors drama confusion the last month. E-Kan breaks down what actors need to know and why he feels a relief about what went down... for now. The HBO Max hit "The Pitt" productions assistants have officially unionized. Is that...
2025-09-16
42 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Actor and Union Leader Shaan Sharma on The Chosen, Masterminding Your Career, and the Fallout After the Strike
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 45! This is a monster episode, so get ready because class is in session. This week, Actor, union leader, educator Shaan Sharma wrapped Season 6 of the worldwide hit "The Chosen" where he plays "Shmuel" and is currently running for re-election for Los Angeles SAG-Aftra Board right now (ballots are due this week!). It's a miracle he had time to join the show this week. You probably know Shaan's record of service for the union, programs he founded, or classes he taught, but you'll hear how hi...
2025-09-09
1h 45
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Timothy Davis: Crazy On-set Stories from "Billions", and what no one tells you about the Actor's Studio
(Apologies- this file was accidentally replaced by Episode 46. Sorry for the inconvenience, we are trying to repair it ASAP.) Welcome to Episode 44 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! A good friend of the podcast, actor/playwright/teacher/Brazilian JiuJitsu badass Timothy Davis, joins the show this week and it was a blast. Tim talks about growing up in the midwest and going from jock and journalism major to studying theater at one of the most prestigious drama schools in history, the Actor's Studio (DeNiro, Hoffman, Ellen Burstyn, Paul Newman, Marlon Brando to na...
2025-09-02
1h 10
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Marvel Leaves Georgia and How Much an Actor Makes in the UK Compared to the US
Welcome to Episode 43 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! Marvel drops the bomb it’s no longer doing business in Georgia and hopping over the pond to the UK. Has this been happening for years? E-Kan and Rían will get into that and discuss why they think UK has been bustling with film production. They also get into the nitty gritty, break down the differences between what an actor makes in SAG-Aftra in the US vs in the UK, and why E-Kan thinks the race to the bottom isn't sustainable. On a...
2025-08-27
43 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
The NY Times Top 100 Films of the 21st Century and what they missed
Welcome to Episode 42 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This episode is one for the film lovers - mostly. Tarantino has a gripe about the current state of film, calling it "repressive" while Richard Linklater has a word of caution for young filmmakers. On the brighter side, the NY Times released their Top 100 Films of the 21st Century and E-Kan and Rían break it down - what they got right and what they think they missed - and why they appreciate these films more now than ever. Meanwhile Amazon invests i...
2025-08-19
57 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Kids want to be YouTubers when they grow up - But is that really a bad thing?
Welcome to Episode 41 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían jump around this episode with a nice a recap of our recent guests Patrick Massett and Kevin Walsh, and some not so nice news with Actors Access changing their terms of service. You will hear what actors need to know, why actors are in a sticky situation, and the root of the problem actors have with Actors Access. They also get into a discussion about keeping your status as an actor in a turbulent time in the industry. Then somehow th...
2025-08-12
44 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Kevin Walsh - Professional Footballer Turned Actor Talks Grit and Following Your Passion
Welcome to Episode 40 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week we have friend of the podcast and fellow actor in Los Angeles, Kevin Walsh! For most of his life, Kevin was a professional footballer playing around the world, and now he’s taking center stage as an actor. Along with hilarious stories, Kevin tells the guys about his transition to the arts and how he was a “closeted” actor and knew from early on, he was driven to pursue the arts. They also discuss how Kevin’s athletic background translates to his acting career, the moment...
2025-08-05
40 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Patrick Masset Pt. 2 - The Writing Process, How to Pitch, and Life and Death with Michael Mann
Welcome to Episode 39 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This is a special one, folks. Writer-Producer Patrick Massett (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Friday Night Lights, The Blacklist) returns to the show. Unlike most sequels, this one might be better than the first time. This week, Patrick discusses how Friday Night Lights became a cult classic, his writing process, the very best book on writing, and how he manages to keep the fire going despite the ups and downs of this crazy industry. They also get into a very insightful conversation about min...
2025-07-28
1h 28
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Stephen Colbert Fired and Does Rehearsing Too Much Kill Your Performance?
Welcome to Episode 38 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, we got a few bombs to drop. First WeTransfer, online file sharing service announced a highly confusing and enraging change to their terms and conditions, did someone say machine learning? This service is used by almost all actors and those working in the industry, so needless to say, people were freaking out. E-Kan and Rían will go over the backlash and what you need to know. Next, is the announcement that The Late Show with Colbert is ending despite strong ratings, a...
2025-07-22
34 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Writer-Producer Patrick Massett talks Taking Risks, Tomb Raider, and Hanging with Val Kilmer
Welcome to the Actors Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 37! This week we have a very special guest, prolific screenwriter and producer, Patrick Massett! This episode is packed as Patrick walks the guys through his incredible career spanning decades, beginning with hitting it big co-writing Lara Croft: Tomb Raider w/ Angelina Jolie, the most successful video game adaptation until Super Mario. E-Kan and Rian got a treat to Patrick’s many classic Hollywood stories like doing theater with Val Kilmer and behind the scenes hanging on the set of Oliver St...
2025-07-16
1h 09
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
What ChatGPT is Doing to Our Brains and Should Actors Do Vertical Shorts?
Welcome to Episode 36 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the AI Regulations Ban gets voted down by the Senate 99-1, so chalk one up for the good guys. Can’t speak about everything else in the bill, but that’s really good news for AI state regulations. Thanks to the overwhelming action taken by voters calling in to their local lawmakers and Senators, state AI laws will still be in effect and are safe… for now. The guys also discuss a recent MIT study on the brains of Chat GPT users and th...
2025-07-08
48 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
What Creators Can Learn from Lin-Manuel Miranda
Welcome to Episode 35 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, CA got some big news and a step forward for getting production back in CA. E-Kan and Rían talk about the latest progress in CA’s $750 million film/tv tax credit as well as what just went down the FilmLA contract renewal. FilmLA is the non-profit that helps LA filmmakers get permits for their productions, at least that’s the idea. But with productions leaving CA in droves, LA filmmakers want some major change and showed it by making their voices heard at a tow...
2025-07-01
43 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Disney Sues Midjourney, AI Tools We're Scared to Use, and What it’s like to Work on a Tom Cruise Set
Welcome to Episode 34 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the guys talk about why Disney and Universal is suing AI powerhouse Midjourney. It's time to root for Disney this time, and E-Kan and Rían talk about why it's a big deal for creators and the future of AI regulations. They dig into what Midjourney does exactly and the tricky debate about whose at fault if a copyrighted image is created - the user or the tool? Is Midjourney like using other tools like Photoshop? E-Kan also opens up about AI to...
2025-06-24
43 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Layoffs rip through Hollywood and How to Create Your Own Work
Welcome to Episode 33 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week the guys discuss the massive layoffs happening throughout Hollywood, including WB Discovery, Paramount, Disney, and many more. Looks like the actors and crew aren't the only ones looking for work. E-Kan and Rían find a little comfort in this turbulent time in the industry and talk about the only real thing to do right now - make your own stuff! This is just skimming the surface and part two will come, but E-Kan talks about his experience directing, producing, writing, and sta...
2025-06-17
37 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Working with Tom Hanks and Debunking Self-tape Myths on the Internet
Welcome to Episode 32 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! Still coming down from last week’s epic episode with last week’s guest Kirsten Sheridan, E-Kan and Rían recap major takeaways and lessons learned. Be sure to check out her summer workshop happening this month in LA, info below. They get onto a little blast from the past when E-Kan worked with a screen acting legend and all because he was an intern at the casting office. Listen in to hear how E-Kan’s ass got his first studio cr...
2025-06-09
39 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Our first guest! Oscar-nominated writer-director Kirsten Sheridan on Cillian Murphy and Hulu’s Say Nothing | Ep 31
Welcome to Episode 31 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! This episode came out a little late this week but it’s worth the wait. We have our very first guest- Oscar nominated writer director Kirsten Sheridan stops by the show. That's right. We might just quit after this episode. We discuss so many things, from being nominated for writing “In America”, the indie hit based on her life story immigrating to the U.S., watching her legendary director father direct Daniel Day Lewis, and directing her first feature starring a 25-year old Cillian Murphy.
2025-06-03
1h 15
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
DeNiro, Self-Tapes, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 30! Both E-Kan and Rían are having excellent days with this recording, you’ll have to listen to hear why. E-Kan saw DeNiro speak and learned what it makes him such a great movie star and actor. It was also the first time E-Kan's sister was ever star struck. We talk about how the game has changed since DeNiro was coming up and a little about the pros and cons of self-tapes. What are actors missing out on not going into the room anymore? Does it...
2025-05-27
32 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
AI Regulations Ban, the New SAG Commercial Contract, and Staying in the Game
Welcome to Episode 29 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World! This one is PACKED. We have AI Regulations for actors, healthcare, and everyone else are in danger thanks to the folks in Congress. You'll hear what happened when E-Kan gave them a call this week. E-Kan and Rían also go over the tentative SAG-Aftra commercial contract up for vote this week and everything actors need to know to make an informed decision and what major gains were achieved. Also why these contracts are important for all actors, whether you're in SAG...
2025-05-20
49 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
The New Pope, On-set Etiquette, and Trump's Hollywood Tariffs
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, episode 28! You asked for an episode on Trump’s tariffs, and you got it. E-Kan and Rían were intended to jump into political waters but it just so happens everyone and their mom was asking, and they couldn’t NOT talk about it. This is everything you need to know, what exactly was said, the surprising responses from those in the industry - IATSE, SAG-Aftra, the Teamsters, as well as Governor Newsom and Jon Voight, of all people. Rían battle a headache while E-Kan digs in...
2025-05-13
38 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Jeremy Renner Leaves Hawkeye, Hollywood vs the World, and Secrets from Top TV Directors
Welcome to Episode 27 of the Actor’s Guide to The End of the World! Apologies for the late upload, but this one is packed and well worth the wait. This episode was recorded BEFORE Trump announced possible tariffs on foreign film production, but coincidentally this episode we discuss the complexities of the current entertainment industry and whether it is a Hollywood vs the World issue. So apparently we do predict the future... more to come. E-Kan tells us what he thought about the hottest show on Broadway, Glengarry Glen Ross, starring Bon Odenkirk, Kieran Culkin, Bill Burr, and...
2025-05-07
33 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Mingling with Fassbender, Sinners Shakes up Hollywood, and the Question Every Actor Hates
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 26! E-Kan has come back from his travels - you’ll hear what far off place he visited and why he prefers a little danger on his trips. Ryan Coogler, Sinners, and its huge opening weekend are all the talk in Hollywood, but is it getting enough credit? And why is it making Hollywood studios scared? E-Kan and Rían break down Coogler’s unique deal with the studio, why it challenges traditional Hollywood contracts, and whether we should expect to see more of the same in Hollywood. Then E-Kan...
2025-04-29
31 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Hot Baths, The Artist's Way, and Reality TV Guilty Pleasures - The Self-Care Episode
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 25! This is the Self-care Episode, also another change of pace episode. This is random unreleased goodies from previous episodes. Some things you’ll hear in this conversation - why this podcast is therapeutic for E-Kan and Rían, the power of writing things down, things we can’t stand, Artists’ Way and Morning pages, and why Rían hates hot baths. Also, E-Kan and Rían will discuss reality tv show guilty pleasures, and the blurred line between documentary and reality tv. And is reality tv underrated? Rían will talk about...
2025-04-22
25 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Best and Worst On-Set Experiences - The Lost Episode
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 24! This episode is also a change of pace from previous episodes - unreleased footage that got cut from a previous episode. E-Kan and Rían discuss the unique and intense bond actors and crew make shooting a production, and are these relationships real or fake? Also why being on set is very much like a dinner party, as E-Kan likes to call it. E-Kan then has a flashback to his worst on set experience, and they describe what makes a bad set, as well as wonder why background actors get treated so po...
2025-04-15
28 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
What Actors Can Learn From Silicon Valley and The Power of Changing Your Mind - Best Hits
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 23! This episode is going to be little different than our past episodes - E-Kan will be doing some traveling so for a few weeks, we will mix together our best hits, a few of our favorite segments from past episodes - in case you missed it or if you're still catching up. We have some a lot of new stuff coming for the podcast, follow us wherever you find your podcasts, Youtube, Substack, on all social media @actorsguidepodcast. This episode, you'll hea...
2025-04-07
34 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Rob Lowe Calls Out Hollywood, Is Dublin Taking Over the Industry, and Avoiding Burnout as a Creative
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 22! The podcast has hit a small milestone, and E-Kan and Rían will discuss the significance of getting to its 22nd episode and a shocking statistic of how many people quit. E-Kan also talks about what actors can learn from YouTubers about building a brand and dealing with the creative grind, and the biggest misconception about building an audience. If you’re getting burnt out from the marathon of being a creative, this is the episode for you. Also this week Rob Lowe had some fiery criticisms of the...
2025-04-01
32 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
The Indie Film Episode - Anora Backlash and Sing Sing Reinvents the Indie Film
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 21! This is our Indie Film episode and we get to a lot of gems that didn’t make it during award season. There was also some backlash from crew members of Oscar darling, Anora. What really happened on set? And was Sean Baker anti-union? We get into the story and talk about the tricky line where independent film is today as well as why unions are so important for artists. Also, they discuss how the film Sing Sing, the true story of inmates starting a rehabilitative theater program at...
2025-03-25
34 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Is Caring Too Much Cringe? Rick Caruso vs Hollywood, and the Best of Reddit
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 20! There’s a viral article circulating comparing Hollywood’s reaction to Jeremy Strong’s compared to “golden boy” of the moment, Kieran Culkin (article link below). If you weren’t aware, Jeremy Strong is deeply passionate about the craft of acting and the reaction is mixed. If you’re watching on YouTube, you’ll see the picture from 1993 when he was waiting outside the Oscars to watch the actors and actresses enter the ceremony. Adorable or mortifying? E-Kan and Rían will be the judge. E-Kan and Rían discuss the compa...
2025-03-18
31 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
The Oscars - The Good, Bad, and the Cringe, Kieran vs. Adrien, and The Actor's Guide Awards!
Welcome to the Actor's Guide Podcast, Episode 19! This is the big Oscars recap as well as our favorite moments of Awards season, including our very first Actor's Guide Podcast Awards (they're not real but special nonetheless). How did Conan O’Brien do his first time hosting the Oscars? Biggest Shock? Biggest Cringe? Favorite Couple? (Not who you're expecting). And of course we had to talk about Adrien Brody... which gets E-Kan and Rían on their favorite speeches and the power of brevity, whether you're giving an Oscars speech or writing an Instagram post. Ad...
2025-03-10
43 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Betting on the Oscars, Gambling Stories, and Sean Baker on Being an Indie Film Lifer
Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World, Episode 18! This was recorded BEFORE the Academy Awards, that’s life when you release on Mondays. E-Kan and Rían take a look at the Oscar favorites and even betting lines, so now you can step back into the future and look at what could’ve been, and who really made some money on the upsets. And how much money would you have made if you bet on Mikey Madison to win Best Actress? And Anora? Be sure to stick around, you’ll hear the story of why Rían wil...
2025-03-04
28 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Maya Hawke, Instagram, and How Much Money Does It Cost to Win An Oscar?
Welcome to Episode 17 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! Maya Hawke's comments about Instagram and social media have sent shockwaves through the acting community and Hollywood, shining a light on the state of the industry and asking the big question - do actors have to be on social media? E-Kan and Rían dig into the power of social media, their love hate relationship with it, and the hard truth actors need to face - but also uncover the brighter side and how this might not be as bad as it sounds. And i...
2025-02-24
28 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Watching Self-Tapes for 4 Seconds Part 2, Oscars Fire Back at AI, and SuperBowl!
Welcome to Episode 16 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! It has been wild week in sports for both Rían and E-Kan - Rían meets his childhood heroes and Manchester United legends while E-Kan celebrates the other football as his Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl in epic fashion. E-Kan recounts his favorite moments at the Eagles Super Bowl parade and why Philadelphia unlike no other. Last week was so good, E-Kan and Rían run it back and do a follow up on last week's conversation about the four sec...
2025-02-18
35 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
AI Oscars Controversy, Emilia Pérez Debacle, and Watching Self-tapes for Only 4 seconds?!
Welcome to Episode 15 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This past weekend, Rían celebrates his birthday going to see a soccer match as E-Kan anxiously awaits the Super Bowl (Go Birds). They talk about America’s obsession with football and E-Kan explains why the Philadelphia Eagles get a bad reputation and why he thinks football is the ultimate team sport. Also, E-Kan and Rían dig into the controversial comments made by an Atlanta casting director about how she only watched actors’ self tapes for four seconds. This is a conver...
2025-02-11
44 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
First Acting Jobs, Tarantino, Theater vs. Film, and Biggest Actor Pet Peeves
Welcome to Episode 14 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! Good news- Rían got hit with one of the worst storms in Ireland’s history and lived to tell about it. Quentin Tarantino is sounding off at Sundance about the state of film and how watching theater compares to film right now. Is he right? What does it say about the future of film? Is it going extinct? E-Kan and Rían will dig into it from the actor's perspective and talk about their own experiences on stage (or lack thereof), and why they w...
2025-02-04
43 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Oscar Noms, Incarcerated Firefighters, and Getting Banned by TikTok, Oh my!
Welcome to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World Episode 13! … a little later than usual because of a big weekend for Philly (Go Birds). While Rían braces for possibly the worst storm in Ireland’s history (he’s okay), he tells us about the first time he faced an American winter (he was not okay). Los Angeles gets ready for another wild week, and E-Kan gets a little more into the air quality of the fires and what we need to know about 9-11 and a previous study on California wildfires. Also, incarcerated firefight...
2025-01-28
37 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
What Really Happened with the Wildfires, TikTok Ban (not really), and Online Dating
The Actor's Guide to the End of the World is back from a week off, and what a week it was. This is a bonus double episode and a much needed sanity check-in for E-Kan and Rían (and maybe for you as well), which then turned into a therapy session. We hope you’re all safe, and thank you to the first responders, firefighters, and incredible community in Los Angeles for all they have been doing in response to the wildfires. If you’ve been affected, we hope you have found resources, but if not, we’ve attached resource...
2025-01-21
58 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Quick Update - The California Wildfires
Hey everyone - there will not be a new episode this week. With the ongoing wildfire situation in California, we will get back to uploading new episodes when it feels right, hopefully soon. If you are moved to donate to help the disaster relief, here is a list of organizations, places to volunteer, as well as resources for those in need and evacuees. Stay safe, and we will be back soon. Donate: REDCROSS - redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation. CORE (C...
2025-01-13
01 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
AI Bills in Effect, Golden Globes, Resolutions, and Is New Year's the Worst Holiday?
It's the new year, and this is episode 11 of The Actor's Guide to the End of the World! Some key AI bills in California start this week, and E-Kan and Rían will get into what you need to know about digital replicas and how this bill will protect actors. Also the Golden Globes are this week- this episode was taped before the Golden Globes happened so it will just be a preview of the show and any notable stories will be in the next episode. You’ll hear E-Kan’s hard take on New Year's...
2025-01-06
37 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Affleck, AI, and the Secret to Juggling Your Side Hustle
Happy Holidays! This is episode 10 of The Actor's Guide to the End of the World and we saved the best for the last of the year! Today we’re diving into AI this week which is a point of concern for many in Hollywood, but Ben Affleck’s surprising comments on AI have gone viral and might encourage a lot of filmmakers. Will AI upend traditional Hollywood as we know it? Will it replace actors and creatives altogether? Are we in control of what we watch or are we the ones being controlled? E-Kan and Rían will...
2024-12-30
34 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Biggest Winners of 2024, Broadway, Keanu, and Making Art Accessible
Episode 9 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World and it's the holidays! The guys discuss the biggest risks of the year and who really won in a turbulent year for the industry, including Shogun, The Substance, Kneecap, and others. They also discuss the things like David Zazlav selling 30 million dollars of Warner Bros Discovery stock, whether studios have any idea what they're doing, and examine what makes a film bad. Rían saw an incredible play in Dublin while E-Kan shares some stories watching Laurence Fishburne, Sam Rockwell, and Jeff Daniels on Broadway, some lessons he l...
2024-12-23
31 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
SAG Health Plan Lawsuit, and Is the Golden Globes the Sketchiest Award Show?
Episode 8 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World and award season is underway! Golden globe nominations were announced and the guys discuss the notable films this year as well as the show's spotty history and rebuild. They tackle the questions: Are the Golden Globes the sketchiest awards show? Are awards shows relevant anymore? Then they talk about what got them into acting in the first place, their deeper motivations, and the irony that they became performers despite their shy childhoods. They also get to the recent SAG Health Plan data breach and class action lawsuit and...
2024-12-17
35 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
TikTok Ban, Commedia dell'arte, and the Fear of Failure
Welcome to Episode 7 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! This was an eye-opening one. The guys discuss the newest developments of the possible ban of TikTok. Rían talks about doing Commedia dell'arte for the first time, E-Kan shares about starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which gets them on a conversation of being a beginner, embracing challenges, and daring to suck. They discover many similarities between the two and discuss how it has helped them get past their ego and learn to let go. E-Kan shares about his battle with stage fright and why everyone shou...
2024-12-09
32 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Film Fest PR Disaster, Shows so good we can't watch, and Can an actor watch too much TV?
Welcome to a jam packed Episode 6 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían get into the controversy at the Camerimage Film Festival after its founder made offensive remarks regarding women cinematographers, prompting several top directors and filmmakers to boycott the festival. As award season continues, the guys tackle the questions - Can an actor watch too much TV? Is Social Media changing how we think? They also discuss the importance of being in acting class and how they stay fueled creatively during the holidays as well as share confessions of iconic sho...
2024-12-02
32 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Free Movies for Actors, Biggest Networking Mistakes, and What Makes Movie Stars So Special
Welcome to the episode 5 of the Actor’s Guide to the end of the World! It’s award season, and the guys talk about the many free screenings and star Q&A’s offered to SAG members and what it was like to hear the biggest stars and creators share behind the scenes of projects like Gladiator 2, the Substance, and more. Also, Rian shares insights from a panel of the top casting directors in Ireland, including the unpredictability of casting and how to navigate it as an actor. They discuss the biggest myths about networking and actors’ biggest mistakes make. Th...
2024-11-25
35 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Big news for California, What Trump Means for Hollywood and Representation, and Why Art Matters
Welcome to episode 4 of the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! In this episode, the guys will discuss a new proposal by Governor Newsom boosting CA film TV tax credit to a whopping $750 million, almost double the amount previously. E-Kan also discusses what It was like to go to a SAG W&W meeting (Wages and Working Conditions for the first time) and how it changed his mind on how he looks at the industry. Also we will touch on what the presidential election means for Hollywood, diversity, and a look at what entertainment might look li...
2024-11-18
29 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
23 and Me crumbles with our DNA, Getting Scammed by Big Tech, and Life Changing Moments
Welcome! Episode 3 of The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! We look into the collapse of 23 and Me and what that means for our DNA and data moving forward and things actors should think about with AI. We also talk about what actors need to know about SAG W&W union meetings for our upcoming Commercials Contract. Rían shares a crazy story about how he almost got scammed by an AI Tech marketing company. Also, the guys open up about recent pivotal life changing moments, including how E-Kan first got on YouTube and how that aff...
2024-11-11
27 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Is it worth it for actors to be in California anymore?
Welcome! This is The Actor's Guide to the End of the World's second episode. Will Mayor Karen Bass’s plan to keep productions in Los Angeles work? Should we blame production companies for leaving the US? Or celebrities taking their corporations to other countries to avoid paying taxes? We dive into these questions and break down exactly how far California has fallen behind the rest of the country in film production. As Rían considers the prospect of moving back to Ireland as production ramps up overseas, you will hear them weigh opportunity vs cost of living and answer the...
2024-11-05
22 min
The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World
Acting Origin Stories, When AI Steals Your Voice, Table Read Tips, and Getting Cut from a Show
The premiere episode of The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World! E-Kan and Rían dive into what you need to know about how two voice-over actors had their voices stolen by an AI start-up and insightful comments by the Emmy-winning co-creator of Hacks on the current state of TV. They tackle deep topics, like "Do you want to be right or happy?" or why it's so easy to be cynical. You will hear how they got into acting in the first place which in E-Kan's case, was pure rebellion. Also lessons learned from recent table rea...
2024-10-28
32 min