In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Jordan Morris explore the fascinating world of storytelling and the entertainment industry. They discuss the intricacies of pagecraft and the importance of business acumen in the creative field. Jordan shares his unique journey from toy store owner to screenwriter and producer, emphasizing the value of mentorship and the need for aspiring creatives to prove their skills. The conversation also highlights memorable moments from Jordan's career, including th...
Jul 04, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 181
In this conversation, Harrison Browne shares his unique journey from hockey player to pursuing a career in acting. He discusses the challenges of changing careers, the importance of visibility for the trans community, and the lessons learned from sports that have influenced his approach to acting and storytelling. Harrison emphasizes the need for authentic representation in media and offers advice for aspiring actors, encouraging them to embrace their curiosity and take small steps towards their...
Jun 27, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 180
In this conversation, Paul Glancey shares his unique journey from education to acting, highlighting the influence of his background in sports and teaching. He discusses the creative freedom he found in acting, the mindset required to succeed, and the challenges of navigating the business side of the industry. He emphasizes the importance of research, preparation, and building confidence. He discusses how his athletic background influences his approach to acting, the significance of learning from...
Jun 20, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 179
In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Pershlie 'Perci' Ami explore the the importance of storytelling. Perci shares her personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and learning moments she faced while navigating the film industry later in life. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding one's rights, the role of support systems, and the value of behind-the-scenes contributions in filmmaking. She emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one's life, the powe...
Jun 13, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 178
In this conversation, Ken Hall shares his journey from feeling like an outsider in his youth to discovering his identity through punk rock and improv. He discusses how finding a creative outlet in improv transformed his life. Ken emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and using performance as a means of connection and healing, both for himself and others. Ken reflects on his own journey from a career counselor to a performer, emphasizing the importance of play and exploration in the ...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 177
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Suzanne Miller discuss Suzanne's journey from community theater to animation, the myth of being discovered in acting, the blend of animation and acting careers, navigating the business side of acting, and advice for aspiring actors. She reflects on her experiences working on various projects, including her role in the acclaimed series Handmaid's Tale, and discusses her passion for genre storytelling, particularly in dystopian and fantasy settings. Suzanne...
May 30, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 176
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Susan Serrao explore the journey of becoming an actor, the importance of business acumen in the arts, and the impact of the pandemic on artistic growth. Susan shares her personal story of transitioning from a toy seller to an actor, emphasizing the need for networking, creating opportunities, and managing the emotional toll of acting. They discuss the importance of community and support systems in navigating the ups and downs of an acting career, as well ...
May 23, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 175
In this conversation, Jinny Wong shares her early experiences in acting and the challenges of navigating career choices. She emphasizes the importance of personal development, the unpredictability of the acting industry, and offers advice for aspiring actors. Jinny also reflects on how her past experiences have shaped her current approach to acting and coaching. She discusses the importance of affirmations, the impact of societal expectations on women, and the launch of her new podcast, Hitting ...
May 16, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 174
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Anne Cloud explore the intersections of healthcare, creativity, and personal journeys. The emotional connections formed in both healthcare and acting are highlighted, along with the challenges and rewards of building a voiceover career. The discussion emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the development of imagination in voice acting. . Anne discusses finding balance between pursuing a career in the arts and the practicalities of making a living,...
May 09, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 173
In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie speaks with Mike and Zac about their unique journeys into the world of acting and filmmaking. They discuss their personal stories of pursuing their dreams despite family expectations, and the challenges they face in the creative industry. The duo shares insights on collaboration, the importance of education and experience, and the surprising realities of their artistic journeys. They share personal anecdotes from their experiences on set, discuss the...
May 02, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 172
In this conversation, Pamela Estrada shares her journey into the acting industry, the challenges of relocating to a new country, and the impact of education on her career choices. She emphasizes the importance of empathy in acting and the value of networking and content creation in building a successful career in the arts. She chats about the importance of Shakespeare in understanding acting, and the surprising kindness she has experienced in her career. She discusses the value of on-set experie...
Apr 25, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 171
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Christina Fox discuss Christina's journey into acting, the influence of family support, and the emotional connections that drive their passion for storytelling. The conversation delves into the complexities of theater school experiences, the importance of mental health in the arts, and the evolution of intimacy coordination as a means to create safe spaces for performers. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of art and the necessity of prioritizing safe...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 170
In this conversation, Valerie Lalonde shares her journey from a shy theater enthusiast to a professional actor. She discusses the importance of support from her family, her experiences in school, and the challenges of transitioning to the competitive acting scene in Toronto. Valerie emphasizes the need for artistic fulfillment outside of auditions, the significance of vulnerability in acting, and the importance of trusting oneself as an artist. She concludes with encouraging advice for aspiring ...
Apr 11, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 169
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Raffael Ponce-Valencia explore Raffael's journey from a late start in acting to finding his passion through various life experiences. They discuss the importance of teamwork, the transition from sports to acting, and the lessons learned along the way. Raffael shares personal anecdotes that shaped his perspective on life and creativity, emphasizing the beauty of pursuing one's dreams despite challenges. He discusses the challenges of self-doubt and rejecti...
Apr 04, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 168
In this engaging conversation, Watson shares her journey from a small town to the world of theatre, discussing the importance of community, self-belief, and the impact of the pandemic. The conversation delves into the complexities of navigating the Canadian arts scene, highlighting the need for change and the importance of confidence in performance. Watson and Janet express frustration over the inaction among artists, the unique support for local art, and the difficulties of competing with large...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 167
In this conversation, 4x Emmy nominated hairstylist Raissa Patton shares her unique journey, detailing her family background, early influences, and the challenges she faced in the hair and makeup industry. She discusses the importance of unions, the surprises she encountered in her career, and offers valuable advice for actors on how to collaborate effectively on set. She emphasizes the importance of communication, the value of collaboration, and the lessons learned from setbacks. Raissa also ex...
Mar 21, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 166
In this conversation, Jacob Wyse shares his unique journey from aspiring doctor to actor, highlighting the importance of creativity, family support, and the courage to pursue one's passion. He discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to a career in acting, the balance between logic and creativity, and the excitement of navigating the unknown in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the need for passion and courage in pursuing one's dreams, while also reflecting on memorable mome...
Mar 14, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 165
In this engaging conversation, Alison Mullings shares her journey into the world of acting and podcasting, discussing the importance of storytelling, the challenges of theater school, and the evolving landscape of the acting industry. The dialogue highlights the significance of personal growth, family support, and the unique experiences that shape an artist's career. Alison's passion for celebrating Canadian talent and her reflections on education provide valuable insights for aspiring actors an...
Mar 07, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 164
In this conversation, Casting Associate Kelly Boaz shares their unique journey from being an actor to a casting director, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. They emphasize the importance of mentorship in the casting industry, the nuances of auditioning, and the relationship between actors and casting directors. Kelly also provides valuable tips for actors to enhance their auditions and discusses the significance of agency representation in the industry. The conversation...
Feb 28, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 163
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Kat Fury discuss Kat's journey from a finance career in Singapore to pursuing acting in Toronto. Kat shares her experiences of moving to Canada, the challenges of starting a new career, and the supportive community within the acting industry. They explore the surprises and realities of acting, the importance of networking, and the whimsical nature of pursuing a career in the arts. She offers practical advice for those looking to make similar career change...
Feb 21, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 162
In this conversation, John Mawson shares his unique journey from a successful career in the Merchant Navy to becoming an actor and filmmaker. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to pursue his passion for acting later in life, emphasizing the importance of commitment, continuous learning, and the collaborative nature of the arts. John also highlights his project 'Unsinkable,' inspired by a true story from World War II, showcasing his dedication to storytelling and resilience in the face...
Feb 14, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 161
In this conversation, John Thomas Gauthier shares his journey into acting, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced while pursuing his passion in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of community, networking, and staying motivated amidst the ups and downs of an acting career. John also provides valuable advice for aspiring actors, particularly those looking to enter the industry later in life, and reflects on the realities of being a character actor in a visually drive...
Jan 31, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 159
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Amy Crater discuss Amy's journey from high school to Chicago, the challenges she faced throughout it all, and her eventual return to acting in Arizona. Amy shares her insights on navigating the unpredictable landscape of an acting career. She emphasizes the importance of intuition, the value of life experiences, and the necessity of finding stability amidst the chaos of the industry. She also highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptabili...
Jan 24, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 158
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Pascal Langdale delve into the education system for actors, the illusion of a career ladder, and the necessity of finding joy in the craft of acting. Pascal emphasizes the importance of practicing and honing one's skills, regardless of industry recognition, and the need to maintain a sense of play in the art of acting. He emphasizes the importance of character immersion and the psychophysical relationships that actors must navigate to deliver authentic pe...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 157
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Alaine Hutton explore the intricacies of acting, the importance of listening, and the transition from sports to the performing arts. They discuss the challenges actors face in maintaining authenticity on camera, the skills transferred from athletics to acting, and the surprising business aspects of a career in the arts. The dialogue emphasizes the need for training, the value of being present, and the ongoing journey of self-improvement in both fields. Th...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 156
In this engaging conversation, Chai Valladares and Janet McMordie explore the nuances of being a Canadian actor in the industry, discussing the balance between gratitude and a sense of belonging. They delve into the importance of recognizing one's worth, the joy that Canadian actors bring to productions, and the challenges they face. The discussion also touches on the significance of comfort on set, memorable experiences, and the value of pursuing passions outside of acting, such as Dungeons and...
Jan 03, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 155
In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Ava Val explore Ava's journey into stand-up comedy, detailing the challenges, learning processes, and the importance of community and mentorship in the industry. The discussion highlights the vulnerability of performing stand-up, the evolution of the comedy landscape, and the surprises encountered over her career. She shares advice for aspiring comedians and emphasizing the need to confront fears to achieve happiness. Ava also expresses her commitment to ...
Dec 27, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 154
In this special episode, in collaboration with the Firecrackers podcast, Janet McMordie and Naomi Snieckus explore the evolution of their podcasting journeys and the importance of community in creative fields. They discuss the influence of their parents on their creative pursuits, the challenges of navigating the acting industry, and the invaluable skills gained from improv that enhance their professional lives. The conversation also delves into the birth of the Firecracker Department, a support...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 153
In this conversation, Colin McMurray shares his journey from working in a department store to becoming a successful talent agent. He discusses the importance of spotting talent, the daily responsibilities of an agent, and how actors can empower themselves to succeed in the industry. Colin also addresses the challenges faced by actors, especially those entering the industry later in life, and emphasizes the need for continuous training and commitment to the craft. The conversation highlights the ...
Dec 13, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 152
In this engaging conversation, Andy Paige shares her remarkable journey from a small town to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. She discusses her early aspirations of being a sportscaster, her unexpected transition to reality television, and the challenges she faced after a life-altering accident. Andy emphasizes the importance of resilience, networking, and planting seeds for future opportunities. She also delves into the fast-paced world of soap operas, the significance...
Dec 06, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 151
