Michael Peña: All His Preparation

Michael Peña: All His Preparation

In this conversation, Michael Peña reflects on a career defined by curiosity, observation and fully committing to every character, no matter the size of the role. He shares how he approaches acting as a practice of listening and presence, and why staying grounded in truth is what makes performances resonate. Michael looks back on the early days of auditioning and learning on set, the importance of instinct in his process and how he continues to refine his craft through collaboration and preparation. He also discusses working across a wide range of projects, including his role in Ant-Man, and how finding specificity and humanity in each character, especially in unexpected or comedic ones, has been central to his work. Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of I AM AN ACTOR. Keep up with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamanactorpod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamanactorpod], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@iamanactorpod], and X [https://x.com/iamanactorpod].  I AM AN ACTOR  is produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA and SickBird Productions.

Phil Dunster: Rooster and Reinvention

Phil Dunster explores the craft of acting, reflecting on early drama school training through to breakout success in Ted Lasso and what it takes to build complex, compelling characters that feel deeply human. He shares how physicality, clowning, and stage work shaped his approach to performance, and why leaning into flawed or difficult characters often leads to the most honest storytelling. He also discusses stepping into roles that balance comedy and vulnerability, learning to trust instinct over perfection, and the importance of ensemble work on set. Along the way, he breaks down what it means to find humanity in characters who don’t always get it right, and why those roles tend to resonate most with audiences. Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of I AM AN ACTOR. Keep up with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamanactorpod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamanactorpod], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@iamanactorpod], and X [https://x.com/iamanactorpod].  I AM AN ACTOR  is produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA and SickBird Productions.

Chase Infiniti: One Audition After Another

From self-tapes during the pandemic to starring in some of Hollywood’s most anticipated projects, Chase Infiniti reflects on the mindset, resilience and self-belief that have guided her rapid rise in the industry. She shares how growing up in Indianapolis and falling in love with performance at a young age led her to pursue acting, the lessons she learned navigating auditions during the pandemic and why letting go of perfection changed everything. Chase opens up about landing her breakout role in Presumed Innocent, training for One Battle After Another and stepping into the world of The Testaments. Along the way, she discusses staying curious, finding joy in the work, learning from seasoned collaborators and the importance of paying it forward for the next generation of actors. Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of I AM AN ACTOR. Keep up with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamanactorpod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamanactorpod], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@iamanactorpod], and X [https://x.com/iamanactorpod].  I AM AN ACTOR  is produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA and SickBird Productions.

Mariska Hargitay: The Banana in the Bag

Mariska Hargitay reflects on the unexpected path that led her from ballet training to a lifelong career in acting, sharing how an early documentary on Sanford Meisner sparked her commitment to the craft and how formative early roles, including on ER, helped shape her voice on screen. She opens up about the deep preparation behind her work, the importance of empathy and emotional truth and what it means to sustain a 27-year legacy on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role she says she “manifested” and continues to find meaning in every day. Mariska also speaks about the profound love she has for her SVU cast and crew, and the gift of working alongside both longtime collaborators and new generations of actors. She closes on her recent documentary about her mother, My Mom Jayne, and how telling that story deepened her understanding of legacy, grief and authenticity in her own life and work. Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of I AM AN ACTOR. Keep up with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamanactorpod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamanactorpod], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@iamanactorpod], and X [https://x.com/iamanactorpod].  I AM AN ACTOR  is produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA and SickBird Productions.

Katherine LaNasa: Performance and The Pitt

Katherine LaNasa reflects on the unexpected journey that took her from ballet dancer to acclaimed actor, sharing how a documentary about Sanford Meisner first inspired her to pursue acting and how stepping away from the industry at times helped her rediscover her love for the craft. She opens up about overcoming burnout, embracing her identity as a “pretty weirdo” and finding truth through empathy, grief and deep character work. Along the way, Katherine discusses studying with Meisner, working alongside legends like Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton, and memorable roles throughout her career, closing on why her recent work has reminded her that authenticity will always matter more than perfection. Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe so you never miss an episode of I AM AN ACTOR. Keep up with us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamanactorpod], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamanactorpod], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@iamanactorpod], and X [https://x.com/iamanactorpod].  I AM AN ACTOR  is produced in partnership with SAG-AFTRA and SickBird Productions.