Second Act Actors

Second Act Actors

A podcast about people who have made a major life or career change into acting. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

November 14, 2025 51 mins

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Jen Viens explore the multifaceted world of the entertainment industry, touching on themes of mentorship, the evolving role of intimacy coordinators, and the challenges faced by actors and producers alike. Jen shares her journey from acting to producing and intimacy coordination, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and respectful environments on set. The discussion highlight...

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In this conversation, Kelsey Lacombe shares her journey from being a musical theater performer to physiotherapist and now blending the two! She discusses her experiences at Stratford, the challenges and joys of balancing her dual careers, and the personal sacrifices involved in the performing arts. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of not limiting oneself, pursuing passions, and the value of reaching out to others for guidance and s...

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In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Kelly Michael Stewart discuss Kelly's journey into the film industry, and the intricacies of programming a film festival. They discuss the unique appeal of horror films, the importance of community in film festivals, and provide valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers. Kelly shares insights on balancing multiple roles in the film industry, creating memorable festival experiences, an...

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In this conversation, host Janet McMordie chats with Sophie Engelhardt shares her journey from being a medical doctor to pursuing a career in acting, discussing the challenges and joys of transitioning between these two worlds. She emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and staying true to oneself, even when it means making unconventional choices.


Takeaways

  • Do the things that make absolutely no sense.
  • Th...
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October 17, 2025 34 mins

Adam Lupis shares his journey from being a barber to pursuing a career in acting. He discusses the challenges he faced, the transition during COVID, and his passion for storytelling. Adam emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and offers advice for aspiring actors.


Takeaways:

-Everything great comes with sacrifices.

-Acting is about exploring human behavior.

-If you have the drive, don't let go of it.

-Be yourself to bri...

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In this engaging conversation, Ashwyn Singh shares his journey from a computer scientist to a stand-up comedian, discussing the cultural shocks he faced after moving to Canada, the challenges of the comedy industry, and the importance of artistic freedom. He reflects on his experiences with open mics, the impact of his background in computer science on his comedy, and offers valuable advice for aspiring comedians. The discussion al...

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In this engaging conversation, Melissa Millett shares her journey into the world of animal training, highlighting the passion that drives her work. She discusses the importance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the film industry, the role of animal coordinators, and the preparation required for animals on set. Melissa offers valuable advice for actors working with animals, emphasizing the need to understand animal beh...

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September 26, 2025 48 mins

In this engaging conversation, Janet McMordie and Cindy-Ann Boisson explore Cindy-Ann's journey into stand-up comedy and the importance of storytelling and humor in bridging personal pain. Cindy-Ann shares her experiences from her first performance to building a career in comedy, emphasizing the significance of self-love and passion over monetary gain. The discussion highlights the challenges and joys of being a comedian, along wit...

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September 19, 2025 53 mins

In this conversation, Anthony Chin-Quee: Writer & Doctor shares his transformative journey from a medical career to becoming a television writer. He discusses the emotional challenges faced during medical training, the importance of storytelling, and how he found his passion in writing. Tony reflects on his experiences in the Grey's Anatomy writing room, the cultural shifts in medicine, and the significance of humor in coping w...

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In this engaging conversation, Madison Caan shares her journey from a young performer to athlete to actor and producer. She discusses her experiences in LA and New York, the importance of community in Toronto, and her unique approach to acting. Madison emphasizes the value of hard work, genuine connections, and the need for artists to explore various creative avenues beyond acting. Her insights provide valuable advice for aspiring ...

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HAPPY TIFF SEASON TO EVERYONE WHO CELEBRATES!!


In this conversation, Peter Kuplowsky shares his journey from a passionate film enthusiast to a prominent curator and independent film producer. He discusses the evolution of his curatorial voice, the unique experience of Midnight Madness at TIFF, and the importance of networking in the film industry. Peter also offers valuable advice for aspiring curators and filmmakers, emphasizin...

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In this conversation, Chloe Szczyglowski shares her journey into the world of makeup artistry, detailing her early exposure to the film industry through her father. She discusses her education, the various niches within makeup artistry, and the importance of networking in building a successful career. Chloe emphasizes the significance of makeup in enhancing performances and also offers valuable advice for aspiring makeup artists an...

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August 22, 2025 65 mins

In this episode, host Dr. Janet McMordie chats with the multi-talented Tricia Black, an actor and comedian known for their dynamic performances in shows such as Pretty Hard Cases, Small Achievable Goals and the upcoming Netflix show Tall Pines. Tricia shares their unique journey from the vibrant world of East Coast dinner theater to the bustling sets of major productions. With humor and honesty, they discusses the highs and lows o...

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Join host Dr. Janet McMordie as she chats with her medical school friend and colleague, Dr. Kate Gerster, an OB-GYN and musical theater actor. Discover how Kate balances her medical career with her passion for the arts, the importance of community theater, and the joy of pursuing creative outlets.

They chat about the importance of maintaining creativity alongside a demanding career and Kate provides insights into the vibrant theater...

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In this conversation, the legendary Robert McLachlan shares his journey from a young boy fascinated by photography and film to becoming a successful cinematographer. He discusses the evolution of visual storytelling, the intricacies of cinematography, and the creative process behind filmmaking. Robert offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers and reflects on memorable moments from his career, including his work on Game of Thro...

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In this conversation, Chloe Van Landschoot shares her unique journey from healthcare to acting, exploring the emotional toll of working in the emergency department and how she found artistry in her experiences. She discusses the intersection of nursing and acting, the challenges of burnout in healthcare, and the importance of creativity as a coping mechanism. Chloe emphasizes the need for authenticity in storytelling and the heali...

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In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Shaun Benson explore the intricate relationship between listening, acting, and personal growth. They discuss the challenges of balancing multiple careers, the importance of time, and the value of embracing one's identity. Through their experiences, they highlight the significance of consistency, creating opportunities, and finding joy in the audition process. The dialogue reflects on aging a...

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Join Dr. Janet McMordie as she chats with her medical school colleague Dr. Laura Lawson, a former actor turned doctor. Discover how Laura's theater background enriched her medical career and the surprising parallels between acting and medicine.


#SecondActActors #TheaterToMedicine #InspiringJourneys


Tune in next week for more inspiring stories on Second Act Actors!


Hosted on Acast....

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In this episode of Second Act Actors, I had the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stark, a talented voiceover actor who transitioned from a successful corporate career to the world of acting during the pandemic. Todd shared his fascinating journey from working in global supply chain, marketing, IT, and strategy across various industries to rediscovering his passion for acting, a love he had since high school.

Todd discussed the pivotal...

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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 als...

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