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 his early experience working for a tv station and if you stick around, you’ll hear about the time that Sinead O’Connor sneezed on him. We get wild on this one.
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:42) Writing is Thinking
(02:45) Morning Pages
(05:15) Rían can't handle a hot bath
(09:05) The importance of getting into the right brain
(11:45) Reality TV vs Documentary
(14:15) Reality TV to unionize?
(17:45) Rían went to the Price is Right
(20:37) E-Kan went to see the Daily Show
(23:50) Rían meets Sinead O'Connor

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 poorly.  And why it's helpful to think of actors as the head of the Acting Department on set. 
This episode gets real, ya’ll.
What do you think of E-Kan’s story? What’s your worst on set experience?
Email us at @actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com
Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(01:51) The unique relationships made on set 
(05:00) Are these relationships on set real or fake?
(08:48) E-Kan's worst on-set experience
(12:00) There's no excuse for treating background actors badly on set
(17:50) Why Christian Bale might have a point 
(18:35) We're the Acting Department
(23:30) Acting can be a grind
(24:50) The differences between a bad day at your side job and on set
 

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 hear about the time Rían almost got scammed by a big tech company that was, ahem, targeting the Irish? How dare they. Take care of your data, people! 
Then an excerpt from Episode 10, the guys will dissect actors' tricky relationship with money, balancing side jobs with their passion, and E-Kan talks about how actors can learn from Silicon Valley tech entrepeneurs. Rían talks about his friend who "stopped asking his art to pay for his life" and why he used to not tell people he was an actor when he bartended, and E-Kan shares powerful words that his sister told him that he never forgot. They share personal stories about juggling odd end jobs over the years and lessons they’ve learned along the way. Desi Lydic's story about waiting to live your life. Actors, this might change how you look at your career. 
Then, from Episode 3, the guys talk pivotal life changing moments, including how E-Kan first got past his ego and started creating things on YouTube. It was a big shift in mindset and changed everything for him, including his life and career. Rían also describes how a life event changed his mindset. They also discuss how fame has changed and been democratized with the internet in this new age of Hollywood. 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:10) Rían almost gets scammed
(06:30) Stop asking your art to pay for his life
(07:30) What actors can learn from the tech world
(09:00) How an actor can be unstoppable
(10:55) Why Rían didn't tell people he was an actor
(13:20) The power of mindset work
(14:45) Being embarrassed being an actor
(16:58) Desi Lydic and why waiting is the worst
(20:10) Having big dreams
(22:30) Ride the horse in the direction it's going
(23:00) E-Kan changed his mind on YouTube
(26:30) Actors can do more than one thing
(30:15) Fame is not the same in the YouTube era
(33:15) How Rían's approach to life changed after a break up
 

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 lack of production in Hollywood and said LA should be fired. Does he have a point? E-Kan and Rían also discuss what the bigger story is about his comments that everyone is missing. Rob Lowe coincidentally is shooting a show in Dublin, and the guys discuss how the city is booming with production right now. Is Dublin going to take over Hollywood? And the bigger question - is that a good thing?
They also talk about how, despite the recent positive news about California’s film and tv tax credits, a filmmaker named Cat Rhinehart has a heartbreaking story of getting rejected for CA Film tax credit three times…
And if you stick around, you’ll also hear why many think 1 podcast subscriber equals 1000 followers on Instagram. This is going to be a good one…
Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com! Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!
Links: 
https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/1jjmjot/how_long_did_it_take_you_to_get_to_a_1000/
https://www.reddit.com/r/podcasting/comments/xn3crs/90_of_podcasts_dont_publish_more_than_3_episodes/
Rob Lowe interview with Adam Scott- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ELn-95HeRE
Filmmaker Cat Rhinehart video about CA tax credit  -https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHKEmNNygtS/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Hidden gems-
https://newbridgehouseandfarm.com/
Capri Club - https://capriclublosangeles.com/ner.com/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner?srsltid=AfmBOormctFIcl9lQ3AJZd_ejc9q20QuVNFjTynNd3UF7sdGQm9HmrmF
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(04:10) Rob Lowe says LA should be fired
(08:00) The most surprising thing about Rob Lowe’s comments
(10:50) Filmmaker gets denied for tax credits three times
(13:30) Dublin taking over Hollywood?
(14:20) The problem with studios going international
(17:30) How many podcasts fail
(21:00) What can actors learn from the YouTubers
(23:30) How actors should measure their growth
(27:30) Why podcasts followers are stronger than social media followers
(30:20) Hidden Gems

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 the Sing Sing prison, experimented with a new financial model for their film - they paid everyone the SAME - all cast and crew, plus they got equity and points on the backend. The filmmakers are trying to revolutionize the film world and are launching a company to do it more. This is an incredible idea, and the guys will talk about whether it might be a sing of things to come for the indie film world. 
E-Kan and Rían also talk about the milestone California just hit with upcoming film and tv production talks about everything you need to know about what’s coming in the Golden State and how you can help. Information on Keep California Rolling below - nothing is guaranteed and we need to let our state representatives know how important this is.
There’s also plenty of love for inspirational actors like Colman Domingo, and E-Kan and Rían get into a discussion on a quote from Meryl Streep - Are actors more Zen? And how has acting made E-Kan a better person?
 
This is a good one, folks!
Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com! Follow us on YouTube, Substack, and all social media @actorsguidepodcast!
Links: 
https://keepcaliforniarolling.org/
Ekan’s video on California production https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHZgkUmSgZI/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/03/19/while-other-states-chase-hollywood-california-locks-in-record-breaking-film-slate/
 
Sing Sing paid everyone the same - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sing-sing-filmmakers-paid-everyone-on-set-the-same-1235945503/
Anora controversy -https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/anora-iatse-union-set-1236162501/
https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/can-sing-sing-pay-equity-model-save-indie-film-interview-1235079671/
"Rust" Documentary - https://press.hulu.com/shows/last-take-rust-and-the-story-of-halyna/
Hidden Gems: 
Bear Market Coffee in Dublin https://www.bearmarket.ie/pages/blackrock-coffee-shop?srsltid=AfmBOopW3nRPRTuOYiGPZriIFFgM2RpmB7Hu9Pe-fIpwrPaFU5YSmTmv
Dr. Bronner’s Salsuds
https://www.drbronner.com/products/sal-suds-biodegradable-cleaner?srsltid=AfmBOormctFIcl9lQ3AJZd_ejc9q20QuVNFjTynNd3UF7sdGQm9HmrmF
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:55) California hits record
(06:28) Sing Sing filmmakers experiment with new pay model
(11:20) Why we love Colman Domingo
(14:25) Anora backlash
(19:45) Gwyneth Paltrow comments on Intimacy Coordinator
(21:43) Why we need unions
(27:20) Are actors more zen?
(28:50) E-Kan thought acting would make him a better person
(31:00) Hidden Gems
 

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 comparison - is being passionate about the craft and caring too much unsexy, almost cringey? Is having ambition uncool?  Also getting some side eye was Timothy Chalamet’s SAG Awards speech. What can actors learn from these actors, and how does likability fall into play? What does this tell us about society and even politics and dating?
They also dig into the recent developments of a billion dollar studio expansion in Los Angeles and what Rick Caruso has to say about it and why he's filing a lawsuit against it. Everything you to know about a pivotal project for the Hollywood's future. 
The guys also launch their newest segment - The Week in Reddit! They go through the Acting Reddit thread for the best (and maybe the worst) questions and insights. Is it genius? Toxic? It's Reddit! Send us your questions actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com!
 
Hidden Gems: 
https://www.eltondrinks.com/
Report on Plastics in common day foods- https://www.plasticlist.org/
Links: 
Jeremy Strong/Kieran Culkin Substack Article, thatfinalscene.com - https://substack.com/@itssophieschoice/p-158233281
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/23/entertainment/jeremy-strong-oscar-nomination/index.html
Jeremy Strong Q/A - https://youtu.be/SM4vf6oskw8?si=Yv4Z05Z_21D-rDjk
Timothy Chalamet SAG Awards speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P50UQeIL4o
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(03:05) Rick Caruso vs Hollywood
(05:40) Jeremy Strong - Kieran Culkin debate
(09:13) Status is ease
(14:30) Ambition is unsexy?
(19:45) The Best in Reddit
(21:46) Self-tape vs In person
(28:00) Hidden gems

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. 
Admittedly we thought some of the moments this season were better than the films, and many of them were provided by Kieran Culkin. Did you know that Jesse Eisenberg never saw any of Culkin's work before casting him in A Real Pain? We discuss it, and it might change how you look at your social media and branding. Does anyone remember the time Kieran Culkin took a dig at Adrien Brody taking up too much time at the podium at the SAG Awards, BEFORE the Oscars? We did. You can't write this stuff. 
The guys get into a deep conversation about actors’ process and where’s the line between having doing your best work while also not alienating or annoying your fellow actors. This is a good one, everyone! 
 
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/adrien-brody-record-longest-speech-oscars-2025-1236153234/
Jeremy Strong Interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM4vf6oskw8
Eisenberg on Kieran Culkin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu80XNnRjpw
Kieran Culkin and Colman Domingo interview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBKUDVZlLdI
Hidden Gems: 
Hi Tech Golf - https://supersocial.ie/games/hi-tech-golf/
Chase Lounge at LaGuardia - https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/guide-to-the-chase-sapphire-lounge-at-laguardia-airport
 
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(02:20) New CA Bills and Keep California Rolling
(03:20) First Oscar reactions
(06:13) Biggest Shock
(07:50) Biggest Loser
(09:00) Anora 
(10:46) Adrien Brody
(12:20) Our favorite speeches ever
(14:50) The power of brevity 
(16:50) What we can learn from Adrien Brody
(19:50) Why we love Kieran Culkin
(22:12) Our favorite couple
(26:30) When Kieran took a shot at Adrien Brody
(27:16) Cutest Moment
(29:30) Jeremy Strong and an actor's process
(34:45) Kieran Culkin on actors as storytellers
(37:20) Eisenberg saw none of Culkin's work before casting him
(39:36) Hidden Gems
 

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 will never gamble again.
Also, more big things are coming out of Hollywood- two new bills (SB 630 and AB 1138) were announced to augment Newsom’s Film TV Tax credit proposal for CA, and just announced is the newest movement, Keep California Rolling, gearing up for lobbying to state lawmakers. This will be everything you will need to know about what Newsom and California are doing to keep productions in Los Angeles.
E-Kan and Rían will also discuss Sean Baker’s beautiful speech at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, which was a love letter to indie film but also a warning signal and rally cry for other independent filmmakers. Personal, candid, and eye opening, he talked about the troubling financial landscape as an indie filmmaker, Hollywood should take note. He also called himself an “indie film lifer” and the guys discuss if they can call themselves a “lifer” of anything. You'll also hear what E-Kan would do if he wasn't acting. 
New episodes every Monday! All shows are on YouTube and Substack as well!  Let us know what you think. Email us at actorsguidepodcast@gmail.com. Follow us on all social media @actorsguidepodcast
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/entertainment-union-coalition-keep-california-rolling-production-1236322768/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/california-film-and-tv-tax-incentive-bills-1236148381/
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/unions-california-film-tv-tax-credit-expansion-1236149638/
https://www.actionnetwork.com/entertainment/oscar-odds-2025-betting-lines-favorites-for-best-picture-best-actor-more-at-academy-awards
Sean Baker Speech Film Independent Spirit Awards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIxtMGRlx0k
Hidden Gems: 
Riff Raff (2024) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNtKUBrNWNE
Han Dynasty (NYC) - 90 3rd Ave, NYC
Time stamps:
(00:00) Intro
(03:00) New CA Bills and Keep California Rolling
(05:00) Oscar favorites and betting lines
(07:13) Why Rían stopped gambling
(09:40) More Oscar favorites
(11:45) EGOT
(12:30) Sean Baker's epic speech 
(17:00) What would do if you weren't acting? 
(25:25) Hidden Gems