The DNA Podcast with Douglas Nyback

#7 Anna Hopkins - Showing your true heart to the audience

In this episode of The DNA Podcast I have the pleasure of talking with my dear friend and client, Anna Hopkins. Anna has been a prolific actor for years, working non-stop in projects like Shadowhunters, The Expanse, Letterkenny, Barney’s Version, Arrow, and Bad Blood (to just name a few). We talk about her journey as an actor, getting rejected from theatre school, growing up studying Meisner, the loss of her first acting coach, and the beautiful life lessons she’s cultivated as she’s grown through the industry. Anna will always hold a special place in my heart as a friend, client, and colleague. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

#6 Jon McLaren - Is acting for video games the coolest job modern actors can get?

In this episode of The DNA Podcast I chat with the profoundly talented Jon McLaren. Jon is a leading man best known for his work as Star-Lord in the hugely successful Guardians of the Galaxy video game. I met him working on a feature I co-wrote, produced, and co-starred in and it was immediately apparent from his auditions that he was on a whole other level. In this ep we talk about the trials and tribulations of acting, emotional connection, male vulnerability, and just how dang cool video games are to work on as actors and what they mean for the future of on-camera performance.

#5 Kelly Shaw - At the crossroads between dance and acting

In this episode of The DNA Podcast, I sit down with the remarkable Kelly Shaw, a lifelong dancer who is making her mark in the world of acting for the first time. We dive into her journey as an artist, exploring how her background in dance has influenced her approach to acting, the challenges she’s faced, and the exciting discoveries she’s made along the way. Whether you're an aspiring actor, dancer, or just someone interested in the creative process, this conversation offers valuable insights into how art forms intersect and how to embrace growth in your creative career.
FOLLOW KELLY: @k22shaw

#4 Julie Nolke - Being funny in an unfunny industry

In this episode of the DNA Podcast, I chat with the multi-talented Julie Nolke — actor, writer, comedian, and YouTuber extraordinaire. Julie is pulling network sitcom numbers with her hilarious and relatable YouTube content and we explore everything from her rise to success to the challenges of navigating the digital landscape vs the traditional film industry, and how she’s carving her own path.
FOLLOW JULIE: @julienolke

#3 Amalia Willamson - Is the “it” factor real and what it means to be a series lead

In this episode of The DNA Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Amalia Williamson—actor, writer, and director known for her roles in Sullivan's Crossing and Northern Rescue. Amalia shares her inspiring journey into the world of acting, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and what it truly means to "make it" in the entertainment industry.
FOLLOW AMALIA: @amaliaawilliamson 

#2 Jordan Clark - What it's like to be on the edge of life changing opportunity

In episode 2 of The DNA Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Clark. Jordan is an incredible actor and dancer known for starring in over 100 episodes of the #TheNextStep. She is also the winner of #SYTYCD Canada Season 4. In this episode, we chat about how Jordan got into performing, how she is auditioning more than almost anyone else out there (and the challenges therein), what she loves about the craft of acting, and art of "letting go".
FOLLOW JORDAN: @jordanclark

Bonus Episode - Dealing With Rejection As An Actor

You're going to be rejected FAR MORE than you will book as an actor. This is one of those realities I knew going in and thought I was prepared for. But after two decades in the industry all those tiny losses have taken their toll. Every actor needs coping mechanisms and this solo episode is a candid and vulnerable view into the harmful ways I've coped over the years, the healthier ways I handle rejection now, and helpful tips for you to handle rejection going forward.
FOLLOW DOUGLAS: @dnybackact

#1 Alexandra Chaves - Is an actor’s life worth the suffering?

In the very first episode of The DNA Podcast, I chat with the extremely talented actor and dancer Alexandra Chaves, known for the hit shows #TheNextStep and #GeekGirl. Listen along as we talk about validation, booking work, and the endurance required to succeed in this industry.
FOLLOW ALEXANDRA: @alexandrachaves