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 that goes viral, which E-Kan loved - and many actors didn’t. E-Kan and Rían discuss Elordi’s “bloody” acting tip, what makes acting advice helpful, and how it can be dangerous for younger actors.
E-Kan and Rían do their inaugural “Greatest Movies Never Seen” segment and in honor of Tom Cruise receiving an honorary Oscar this week, they take it back to 1983 and watched “Risky Business” for the first time. For those wondering why we chose “Risky Business”, it’s one of the few “Tom Cruise” movies we have not seen.  Aside from some dated aspects of the film (like the premise of running a brothel out of your family’s home), they break down why it stands out amongst the cookie-cutter coming-of-age films we see today and how fascinating it is to see a 20-year old Tom Cruise bust onto the scene, right when his career was sky rocketing. They discuss some great secrets from behind the scenes, like the crazy diet Cruise got on to give him that adorable baby fat. E-Kan also shares what it was like watching Cruise and Rebecca DeMornay’s screen test (link below) and even saw them do a little Lesly Kahn acting trick in the test (Actors, you’re going to want to steal this).
And you’ll hear who received their newly created “Clint Howard” Award, named after Ron Howard’s beloved and lesser famous brother … you’ll want to hear the explanation. This is a fun one, everyone.
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LINKS: 
Sophie blog The Final Scene Substack - https://www.thatfinalscene.com/
Jacob Elordi audition advice-
https://youtube.com/shorts/pgS6KyL1LVk?si=SypqPpO4WEBQ8x8P
Frankenstein Screening conversation with Del Toro, Isaac, and Elordi-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5sQhzju0RA
“Tom Cruise” speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWZKuueumJE
“Risky Business” screen test -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok47XuYDEKk
 
Clint Howard MTV awards sketch - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C98Kfetv7P4/?hl=en
Hidden gems
Glucosamine Lotion for joint pain - https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Glucosamine-Arnica-Liposome-8-Ounce/dp/B001B7I2YW/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1O1O25TYJ4HAJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kUCD113KdLOqdNU-Rn71q0MXAHToiVNBje_4oBzVpf0byMgf0EbNPahQ16XXa5yxibG7wstok9c3Chh5k9o9Im0Bq4WbzMj4dNOEU3X8cqjXIvBPp5_Xo8caHj7YRFjiYXCO0cEHEmL4eZpAtPpIse2u1wq1VdIZbzsxJO6g4jlF7Lc1GpA09e4Jrv7EszLInYWfVxHmT7ltivCCU8kfKmhj9ijlnj_RO5trk4hYMxsbQupVdMHu9N7rdDJON2Y97JZ5iqQD06uAJBRDmAhCF9pRBvsjMWyRQPUg2gDcrUU.iVuU4GjsP0f5YgHtA-du5q27tkOiXypoZgKuBooZHVA&dib_tag=se&keywords=glucosamine%2Blotion%2Bmsm&qid=1764047151&sprefix=glucosamine%2Blotion%2Bms%2Caps%2C397&sr=8-6&th=1
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/raisin-water
 
Time Stamps:
(0:00) Intro
(2:42) Feeding the creative diet watching good movies
(5:20) Frankenstein with Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, and Jacob Elordi
(07:20) Guillermo del Toro says “they’re playing football”
(12:30) Jacob Elordi’s crazy audition advice
(16:44) The danger with acting advice
(23:00) “Risky Business” and Greatest Movies Never Seen
(33:00) How Tom Cruise is the ultimate Every Man
(35:50) Does Risky Business hold up? 
(38:20) Watching the Risky Business screen test
(45:22) The “Clint Howard” Award

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 lawyers are busy hunting all those out there stealing his voice without his consent. Welcome to the Wild, Wild, West, and the guys try to make sense of it. Also, we talk more about Abba, as you know we love here at the podcast. 
There are some bright spots, including Paramount and Disney commit to putting in more money aimed towards content, and the one thing we know-if you want it, you have to go out there and make it. 
Follow us @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts, and on all social media, including TIkTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Substack. 
@ekansoong @riansheehykelly
Gene Wilder story TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DoMtej/
https://www.ign.com/articles/michael-caine-says-licensing-his-voice-to-matthew-mcconaughey-backed-ai-audio-company-is-using-innovation-not-to-replace-humanity-but-to-celebrate-it
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/10/01/abba-voyage-ticket-sales-revenue-2024/
https://theankler.com/p/female-directors-and-hollywoods-grim
https://theankler.com/p/hollywoods-backslide-into-white-male
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/paramount-plans-price-increase-1-095028265.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAL-kpmkYFLUqK_wWZM9Ynkn0Kdk7rYTqVusPhPQ5u5TYinbShkDVVavLpugzh6Lgzpb8NdbE1iEmN1_XVKROop_1e9NUlqty01zULXk2ldKrNVEKuIXx3PeLAOp9kOa3xvTCho0pTkFcv5BLQ3vk9jHqB_BLaXlJnJFMOVr8Kar0
https://wdwnt.com/2025/11/disney-increasing-content-spending-1-billion/
https://deadline.com/2025/11/nearly-half-lgbtq-tv-characters-canceled-glaad-1236608720/
https://deadline.com/2024/11/afm-film-sellers-tell-ifta-they-wont-return-las-vegas-2025-will-set-up-own-market-1236177365/
 
Chad Sanders “Black Art Bubble” https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP6hJ-KDZQt/?igsh=MWJsbXBrODV2N21tcw==
Paramount racial layoff? - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQclLZ9Eo6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Hidden Gems: 
Turn off "Access When Locked" on Iphone - "General", "Face ID & Passcode", Allow Access When Locked- Turn Off Control Center
Petit Salons Monday Screening Nights at Petit Ermitage Hotel
Time Stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(3:00) Great CD Patrick Rush appearance at Lesly Kahn
(6:25) Michael Caine licenses his voice at AI startup
(11:45) AI chatbots are causing psychosis
(17:33) Abba's virtual show sells a million tickets
(24:40) Hollywood migration to Nevada and AFM 
(29:20) Women filmmakers drastically down in 2025
(31:20) How scared is Hollywood? 
(36:50) Paramount and Disney commit billions of dollars to new content
(39:10) If you believe in it, make it 
(40:53) The genius of Chad Sanders and the black art bubble
(45:27) Hidden Gems
 

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 already has a vault of digital replicas of its clients.
E-Kan also brings up an interesting study about how seeing unauthorized likenesses of yourself can feel like actual physical pain.
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom - they dive into their creative inspirations and favorite musicians, Mac Miller, David Bowie, and the shocking revelation that E-Kan knows nothing about the Beatles. And you’ll hear his crazy hot take on the piano vs the guitar.
A timely blend of AI anxiety and personal revelation you didn’t know you needed.
Follow us @actorsguidepodcast on all social media and wherever you find your podcasts. Video on YouTube and Substack!
@ekansoong@riansheehykelly 
 
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/caa-openai-sora-2-harmful-intellectual-property-1236543954/
https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/caa-vault-talent-ai-clones-veritone-1236001187/
https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/friendships-social-media-posting-consent-viral-law-b2798907.html
 
Hidden Gems: 
Line Learner App 
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant https://www.navalmanack.com/
Time Stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(1:48) The first time E-Kan was on stage
(5:35) Sora 2 has a Martin Luther King Jr problem
(09:00) The states that have AI protections
(12:00) Tilly Norwood creator has 40 more AI Synthetics to be released 
(13:05) How do you protect yourself if you're deep faked
(14:50) Technology is everything that doesn't work yet
(19:00) Who's older - The Beatles or Abba?
(22:55) E-Kan's hot take on the piano vs the guitar
(25:00) E-Kan's limited music tastes and obsession over Mac Miller
(32:50) How Labyrinth and David Bowie blew Rían's mind
(37:10) A surprising study when you see unauthorized photos of yourself
(39:30) Hidden Gems
 

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 theater in NYC, including Hamilton TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW, which he might call life-changing. They break down what they think the differences between acting for Film/TV vs on the stage and some differing opinions. 
Rían will recap how uber-successful TV director David Nutter's (Game of Thrones, Sopranos, The West Wing) showcase went. David Nutter recently made a very special visit to Lesly Kahn Studios to speak to the actors this month and brought a group of Norwegian actors to Los Angeles for a live showcase.
The guys also talk about the kind of perseverance they have gained in their years in LA which prompts a Chinese proverb from E-Kan...
Stick around to the end, every episode the guys share hidden gems - recommendations we’ve picked up on the way to say thanks for listening. E-Kan's Gem is courtesy of a little tip from Lesly Kahn, and is something all actors should be adding to their routine, more important now than ever. 
Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. 
@ekansoong @riansheehykelly
Leave us a review and rating if you enjoy it! 
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/ireland-basic-income-artists-program-permanent-1234756981/
Hidden Gems: 
Hamilton Cheap Tickets (Standing Room Only)
Actor Wellness Tip
https://www.amazon.com/Australian-Bush-Flower-Essences-Clearing/dp/B00757UBVY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ACSWS96AJ4YL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TRBWbWEZBSMdtGPPMrTCGEHfB4o-ajfw7MmuiyMQrXO2gmV2AGSXzrpCAQ-Oyt1PUtV0JBciNJqQ1og8mDxpAgKpa8jrIuPtjz6RwD_3Tx67MxR5TxJR721A8cVVFNbijvj7JC3HoYPQxw8N7QbGlf8LqRE4t_rBvyNqSsGW3GGxg37rW9dZNjEBSWXXKOiLZ1nzAi5xzucTtMkt1jW30Q.cdotDyWBiuHMEitW_CDRUTS7LkeKv4KGrqracOgYmz0&dib_tag=se&keywords=australian+bush+flower+essence+clearing&qid=1762286448&sprefix=australian+bush+flower+essenceclearing%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1
Time stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(2:35) David Nutter brought Norwegians to LA
(7:42) Is the Golden Age of LA over? 
(14:20) The greatest Chinese proverb ever
(20:30) E-Kan falls in love with theater 
(23:20) E-Kan watches Hamilton TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW
(25:20) Do actors have more power on the stage than in TV/Film?
(33:20) Ireland offers Basic Income to Artists permanently?
(44:35) Hidden Gems
 

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 that look like…
But some great news as well- California has huge push for projects coming into the state, including Heat 2, a Daniels film, and a Jumanji movie. Also, Rían’s Rainmaker just got picked up for another season! The guys also share lessons learned from recent guest Brian Stepanek and hugely successful director David Nutter who recently spoke at Lesly Kahn Studios. Some real dimes in this one, you’ll want to hear this.
We also have another Reddit Rundown, where we go into the hottest topics on the actor subreddit, and an actor sent cold emails to top 60 agencies ranked on IMDB, and the results might surprise you.
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all podcast platforms, including video on YouTube and Substack. 
Leave a review if you enjoy the podcast, it really helps others find us. Also follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media!
@ekansoong @riansheehykelly 
HIDDEN GEMS:
NY Ferry - https://www.ferry.nyc/
https://tubitv.com/movies/100047053/glamping
Time stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(2:10) Brian Stepanek afterparty 
(6:11) David Nutter hugely successful director talks about his process
(16:35 ) Where the younger generation will learn
(18:12) Casting Networks announces changes that might devastate actors
(28:00) Will AI replace casting directors? 
(36:00) Big projects coming to LA and California
(37:20) Reddit Rundown- An actor sent cold email to top 60 agencies
 
 
 

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 childhood in Cleveland and visiting Second City in Chicago drove him to comedy and musical theater, performing a one man musical through the coldest winter in Chicago history, to the breakout role that would make him a fan favorite among children and young adults everywhere - and how his agents told him not to take it. Brian shares advice he got from his father that he took to heart and contributed to his massive success, how he became the face of a phonebook company, how he struck up a long time collaboration with directors like Michael Bay, what he learned working with comedy legends like Jim Carrey, Garry Shandling, and Carl Reiner - and a very special moment with Gene Wilder.
You’ll also hear why he wants to give everyone that moves to Los Angeles to act a big hug.
Enjoy this episode with Brian Stepanek.
 
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all podcast platforms, including video on YouTube and Substack. 
Leave a review if you enjoy the podcast, it really helps others find us. Also follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media!
Follow Brian Stepanek @brianstepanek
Brian’s Podcast “Here from There w/ Brian Stepanek” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-from-there-with-brian-stepanek/id1802290098
Brian’s IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0826745/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_brian%2520stepanek
@ekansoong @riansheehykelly 
HIDDEN GEMS:
Tools of Titans- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36146011-tools-of-titans
Brian’s Podcast “Here from There w/ Brian Stepanek” - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/here-from-there-with-brian-stepanek/id1802290098
Parkinson's Law
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/627206.The_New_Drawing_on_the_Right_Side_of_the_Brain?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_20
 
 
Time stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(2:25) How it all started in Cleveland
(5:40) Doing a one man musical during Chicago in the winter
(8:46 ) How “Suite Life of Zack and Cody” changed his life
(12:10) Incredible advice from his father
(15:10) The rough welcome to Los Angeles
(17:50) He wants to give everyone who moves to Los Angeles a hug
(19:20) The role that his agents told him to pass on
(23:00) He wasn’t what they were looking for and booked it anyway
(26:40) Kids go crazy when they see him
(31:10) Doing voices for Jim Carrey
(33:00) Meeting Gene Wilder
(37:50) What he learned from the comedy greats
(40:55) Brian’s favorite story of facing fear
(44:45) Working with Michael Bay
(55:28) Why he went to Lesly Kahn Studios
(1:03:00) How to direct for TV
(1:12:20) Embracing Impostor Syndrom
(1:18:20) The honest truth about social media as an actor
(1:27:00) Hidden Gems

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 the support and sharing the journey with us.
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all podcast platforms, including video on YouTube and Substack. 
Leave a review if you enjoy the podcast, it really helps others find us. Also follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media!
@ekansoong @riansheehykelly
Soderbergh 3 shot rule- https://www.andsoitbeginsfilms.com/2018/04/breaking-down-steven-soderberghs-three.html
 
HIDDEN GEMS:
Diary of a CEO with Vanessa Van Edwards Body Language Expert- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHUrdELKjDw
John Donahue “Benedictus” -   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1056526.Benedictus
Time stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(2:30) Our take on AI
(7:40) The Gen-Z Stare
(10:50) Biggest surprise of the podcast
(18:15) On setting goals as an actor
(21:30) Rían’s clips from his life plays in his head
(28:00) Watching self tapes for 4 seconds
(33:25) Hidden Gems
 

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 the state, native people, and the Hawaiian language. 
Brandon also opens up about the roller coaster ride that is his acting journey - working as a flight attendant on Hawaiian Airlines, embracing self tapes, getting cut from movies, and eventually his first series regular role. As if that wasn’t enough, Finn also gained twenty pounds to play Prince Kupule and learned Olelo, the Hawaiian language.  Rían also finds similarities to Hawaii's story in Ireland's history. 
Insightful, engaging, and most of all inspiring - this conversation was a blast! Watch "The Chief of War" on Apple TV, streaming now. 
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all podcast platforms, including video on YouTube and Substack. 
Leave a review if you enjoy the podcast, it really helps others find us. Also follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media!
Brandon Finn - @thebrandonfinn
Manager: Brehan Fitzgerald @brioent
@ekansoong @riansheehykelly 
 
HIDDEN GEMS:
The Last Movie Stars - https://www.hbomax.com/shows/last-movie-stars/c326a2f4-8c29-4707-9477-7a8961c9bceb
Spotify Playlist - 
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0VagaLEnB7nyD82hGELj0p?si=_OTmyAffRhmgzTjqGg3vww
https://open.spotify.com/show/4S4IHMb9UiRAWOIu6xM3JF?si=MCDYLH88RmSg_XfPbm_FHQ
Deepstash App (micro-learning) - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/deepstash-smarter-every-day/id1445023295
 
Time stamps: 
(0:00) Intro
(2:30) When Brandon Finn fell In love with the arts
(8:00) Working on Hawaiian Airlines as a flight attendant
(10:05 ) Auditioning for “Chief of War”
(11:56) The scene Brandon doesn’t want you to watch
(13:00) The time he got cut from the film
(15:45) Changing his mindset on self-tapes
(21:30) What he learned from Zoom callbacks
(26:00) He was supposed to be a different role in “Chief of War”
(32:30) The similarities between Ireland history and Hawaiian history
(34:00) They tried to erase Hawaii’s language and history
(36:30) The story of Hawaii is just like Game of Thrones
(42:25) Learning the language for the role
(45:00) Preparing for the physicality for the role
(46:40) What life was like shooting in Hawaii and New Zealand
(48:39) Jason Momoa is a bad ass
(01:00:00) The biggest realization on set
(01:05:00) How has his life changed
(01:16:45) Hidden Gems