Salt Sessions

Owning the Room: Casting Director Brian Beagle on Self-Tapes, Confidence, and Keeping It Human

In this episode of Salt Sessions, hosts Kelly and Madeline are joined by actor-turned-casting director (and proud UGA fan) Brian Beagle – one of the most in-demand casting directors in the Southeast. Brian shares how he went from booking his very first audition at eight years old to spending 42 days on the film “We Are Marshall,” and eventually finding his true lane behind the camera in casting. Brian pulls back the curtain on the modern casting process, especially in a self-tape world. He breaks down exactly what he wants to see on tape – clean, horizontal framing, eye-level camera, simple backgrounds, no clutter or perfection-obsession – and why “honoring the craft” matters more than having a fancy setup. He explains how quickly he can tell if someone is an option, why fun and presence beat perfection every time, and how to keep performances grounded and real instead of “perform-y.” From his close-your-eyes visualization trick to his walk-and-talk water-cup exercise, Brian gives practical tools to help talent stay relaxed, believable, and connected. They also dive into the realities of audition volume and time pressure, the difference between Atlanta and LA casting culture, why classes and reps matter, and how platforms like Actors Access can help you get opportunities while you’re still building. Brian talks about social media and conflict (why that old commercial on your profile might cost you the next booking), the importance of using real readers instead of AI for auditions, and how the industry can protect human creativity as AI continues to grow. Finally, he reminds talent that every audition is a job interview, the director makes the final call, and the real “screen test” is the journey itself: there’s only one you in the world, and your losses are just building blocks toward future wins. Salt Sessions is produced by Soundspired [http://soundspired.com], a video-first podcast agency that transforms ideas into polished, professional shows designed to engage and grow audiences. Follow them on Instagram at @soundspiredmedia [https://www.instagram.com/soundspiredmedia/] Follow us on Instagram: @saltmodel [https://www.instagram.com/saltmodel/] Check out our website: Saltmat.com [http://saltmat.com]

Contracts, Red Flags, and AI: Entertainment Lawyer Lisa Moore on Protecting Models and Creators

In this episode of Salt Sessions, hosts Kelly and Madeline sit down with entertainment lawyer and entrepreneur Lisa Moore, longtime attorney to Cardi B, for a deep dive into the legal side of the modeling and entertainment world. Lisa shares how she went from studying criminal defense at UVA to accidentally landing in entertainment law on her very first day at a firm, and what it’s really like balancing transactional work and high-stakes litigation for major talent. Together, they break down what models should look for before signing with an agency: key contract terms like term, termination, transparency, territory, compensation, and exclusivity, plus major red flags such as pressure to sign quickly, vague one-page contracts, and “talk to our lawyer only” situations. Lisa explains why every model should do due diligence on an agency’s roster and placements, and why having an independent lawyer review your contract is so important. The conversation also covers safety on set, listening to your gut when something feels off, bringing support when possible, and what legal options exist when images are misused. Lisa unpacks the growing world of influencer and brand deals, FTC disclosure rules, why you still need a real contract even for “small” collaborations or gifted product, and how bad influencer contracts can quietly kill future opportunities. Finally, they talk about AI and why models must be extremely careful with any clause that allows their image, name, or likeness to be used for training or generating AI content, the value of forming a loan-out company for talent, and how choosing the right agency and legal team can protect both your career and your reputation long term. Salt Sessions is produced by Soundspired [http://soundspired.com], a video-first podcast agency that transforms ideas into polished, professional shows designed to engage and grow audiences. Follow them on Instagram at @soundspiredmedia [https://www.instagram.com/soundspiredmedia/] Follow us on Instagram: @saltmodel [https://www.instagram.com/saltmodel/] Check out our website: Saltmat.com [http://saltmat.com]

Inside the Agency: Jenny Nowak on Model Development, Placement, and the Business Behind the Scenes

In this episode of Salt Sessions, hosts Kelly and Madeline sit down with Jenny Nowak, Agency Director at Click Models and longtime friend of Madeline’s, for an inside look at how top modeling agencies operate behind the scenes. Jenny shares her journey from starting as a teen model in Paris and London to eventually “switching sides of the desk” and leading a major agency office. Together, they dive into what an agency director really does day to day, the realities of scouting talent, how client needs differ across markets, and why Atlanta leans more toward lifestyle and commercial print work than high fashion. Jenny also explains how placement decisions are made, why a strong and consistently updated book is the most important career tool a model has, and the common mistakes new models make when entering the industry. From tattoos and body modifications to changing beauty standards, development timelines, and managing expectations in today’s fast-moving market, this episode offers candid, practical insight for models, parents, and anyone curious about how agencies think and operate. Salt Sessions is produced by Soundspired [http://soundspired.com], a video-first podcast agency that transforms ideas into polished, professional shows designed to engage and grow audiences. Follow them on Instagram at @soundspiredmedia [https://www.instagram.com/soundspiredmedia/] Follow us on Instagram: @saltmodel [https://www.instagram.com/saltmodel/] Check out our website: Saltmat.com [http://saltmat.com]

Behind the Rates and Runways: Kelly and Madeline Answer Your Top Modeling Questions

In this episode of Salt Sessions, hosts Kelly and Madeline sit down together for a candid Q&A, turning the spotlight on themselves as they break down what really surprises them about working with models, what clients notice on set that talent often overlook, and why the “little things” – from showing up early to hanging up your clothes and staying off your phone – can make or break a career. They also dig into how the modeling industry has evolved: from social media and AI to more inclusive standards of beauty, body types, and gender expression. Kelly and Madeline explain how rates are set in different markets, the difference between runway, lifestyle, and commercial work, what “usage” and “in perpetuity” actually mean, and how money flows between client, agency, and model – including realistic payment timelines and commissions. Finally, they share honest advice on when to say yes to test shoots, why choosing the right mother agency matters, and how shifting markets in New York, LA, Miami, and beyond are reshaping what it takes to build a sustainable career. If you’ve ever wondered how the business side of modeling really works, this episode is your inside guide from the agents’ perspective. Salt Sessions is produced by Soundspired [http://soundspired.com], a video-first podcast agency that transforms ideas into polished, professional shows designed to engage and grow audiences. Follow them on Instagram at @soundspiredmedia [https://www.instagram.com/soundspiredmedia/] Follow us on Instagram: @saltmodel [https://www.instagram.com/saltmodel/] Check out our website: Saltmat.com [http://saltmat.com]

The Truth About Model–Agent Relationships: A Conversation with Walter Birdsong from Salt

In this episode of Salt Sessions, hosts Madeleine and Kelly sit down with Walter Birdsong, a signed model at The Salt Agency, to demystify what really goes on between models and their agents. They open up about the trust, communication, and collaboration that shape successful careers—and share personal stories from their own experiences in the modeling world. Walter offers his unique perspective from in front of the camera, giving aspiring models a real look at what it takes to build lasting, professional relationships in the industry. Salt Sessions is produced by Soundspired [http://soundspired.com], a video-first podcast agency that transforms ideas into polished, professional shows designed to engage and grow audiences. Follow them on Instagram at @soundspiredmedia [https://www.instagram.com/soundspiredmedia/] Follow us on Instagram: @saltmodel [https://www.instagram.com/saltmodel/] Check out our website: Saltmat.com [http://saltmat.com]