10 Must-Listen Podcasts for Creatives

Hey friends!

If you know me, you know I’m a podcast person. Not the “throw something on for noise” kind… the “pause, rewind, take notes” kind. Working in casting, I love finding resources that actually help actors…not stuff full of fluff, not recycled advice. And podcasts? There’s gold in them if you know where to look. Real conversations. Honest insight. Perspective that helps things click.

The bonus: you can fit them into your life. On the way to an audition. While setting up a self-tape. On a walk when your brain needs a reset. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay in it without burning out. I’ve come across a handful that consistently deliver…the kind you finish and immediately think, “that was useful.” Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been at this for years, these are worth having in rotation.

1. Audrey Helps Actors

I’m sure you’ve at least heard of it if you aren’t already a listener. This is one that comes up again and again for a reason. Hosted by working actor Audrey Moore, Audrey Helps Actors is built around real conversations with actors and industry professionals, covering everything from audition technique and landing reps to navigating different markets and understanding how the business actually works. What makes it so great is how grounded it is. Audrey isn’t speaking from the sidelines..she’s in it. The podcast leans into the full picture: mindset, burnout, slow seasons, money, self-tapes, and all the in-between that doesn’t get talked about enough. It’s practical, specific, and rooted in real experience, not theory.

The tone feels like someone who’s been through it pulling you aside and saying, “here’s what actually matters.” It makes the complicated parts of the industry feel more navigable and gives you tools you can genuinely use. If you want honest guidance without the fluff, this is an easy one to keep coming back to. Listen here

2. That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse

Everyone has audition stories, but this podcast is built entirely around the ones that change everything. Catch candid conversations with actors and industry creatives as they unpack the moments that shaped their careers; both the wins and the ones that didn’t go as planned. These aren’t vague success stories. They’re detailed, sometimes messy breakdowns of real auditions, the pressure, the missteps, and the unexpected turns that ultimately led somewhere meaningful. You’re hearing not just what happened, but what they learned from it, and the “survival skills” they picked up along the way.

Across every episode, there’s a clear throughline: no path in this industry is clean or predictable. The stories span everything from awkward, uncomfortable auditions to career-defining breakthroughs, and they all reinforce the same idea…progress comes from staying in it long enough for something to click. It’s equal parts perspective, motivation, and a reminder that the moments you think went wrong might actually be the ones moving you forward. Listen here

3. Tipsy Casting

If you’ve ever wished you could sit in on a real casting office conversation…this is about as close as it gets. Casting Directors Jessica Sherman and Jenn Presser, host Tipsy Casting and really get into what actually goes on behind the scenes of film and TV casting, straight from their real-world experiences. It’s candid, sometimes unfiltered, and never overly polished (in the best way). They’re not just giving generalized advice; they’re talking through real scenarios, answering actor questions (follow them on IG and submit questions via stories!), and breaking down the decisions and dynamics that actors don’t usually get access to. It’s the kind of insight that helps you understand not just what casting is looking for, but why.

It’s conversational, a little loose, and easy to listen to, all while providing listeners genuinely valuable information you can take into your next audition. If you’re looking to demystify the process and hear how casting actually thinks and talks about the work, this is absolutely one to queue up. Listen here

4. Working Actor Life with Sam Valentine & Gabrielle Byndloss

You’ve just been added to the group chat. Working Actor Life is exactly what it sounds like; an unfiltered, real-time look at what it actually means to build and sustain a successful career. They’re in it, navigating auditions, reps, slow seasons, momentum, and everything in between as it’s happening. Episodes dig into topics actors constantly wrestle with (dry spells, networking that actually works, representation, mindset shifts) and break them down in a way that feels honest, practical, and immediately applicable. It’s a reminder that no one has it fully figured out and that real progress comes from staying in it, adapting as you go, and keeping your focus where it actually matters.. Listen here

You’ve just been added to the group chat. Working Actor Life is exactly what it sounds like; an unfiltered, real-time look at what it actually means to build and sustain a successful career. They’re in it, navigating auditions, reps, slow seasons, momentum, and everything in between as it’s happening. Episodes dig into topics actors constantly wrestle with (dry spells, networking that actually works, representation, mindset shifts) and break them down in a way that feels honest, practical, and immediately applicable. It’s a reminder that no one has it fully figured out and that real progress comes from staying in it, adapting as you go, and keeping your focus where it actually matters.. Listen here

5. An Actor Despairs with Ryan Perez

One of my FAV to listen to! Ryan Perez doesn’t try to sugarcoat the industry…and that’s exactly why it works. An Actor Despairs is built on honest, long-form conversations with actors, directors, and creatives about..all the things…breaking into the industry, personal experiences, mistakes and success stories, lessons learned…like I said…ALL the things lol What stands out to me here is the tone. It leans into the reality most actors already know but don’t always hear out loud; the rejection, the uncertainty, the long stretches of figuring it out, and then balances that with real perspective on how people push through it. It’s less about “quick tips” and more about understanding the journey from people who are actively in it. Listen here

One of my FAV to listen to! Ryan Perez doesn’t try to sugarcoat the industry…and that’s exactly why it works. An Actor Despairs is built on honest, long-form conversations with actors, directors, and creatives about..all the things…breaking into the industry, personal experiences, mistakes and success stories, lessons learned…like I said…ALL the things lol What stands out to me here is the tone. It leans into the reality most actors already know but don’t always hear out loud; the rejection, the uncertainty, the long stretches of figuring it out, and then balances that with real perspective on how people push through it. It’s less about “quick tips” and more about understanding the journey from people who are actively in it. Listen here

6. The SAG-AFTRA Podcast

If you’re serious about understanding the business side of this industry (not just the creative) this is a must. The SAG-AFTRA podcast breaks down the conversations that directly impact working performers, from contract negotiations and industry shifts to the evolving realities of things like self-tapes and AI. You’re hearing directly from union leadership, working members, and industry voices who are actively shaping the conditions actors are working under. Episodes go beyond surface-level updates and get into the “why” behind major decisions; whether it’s protecting performers’ rights, improving workplace standards, or pushing for more equitable representation across the industry.

It’s not the flashiest listen, but it’s an important one. This podcast gives you the context a lot of actors are missing, and that context matters. Because the more you understand how the system works, the better you can navigate it. Whether you’re already a member or working toward it, this is the kind of knowledge that quietly gives you an edge. Listen here

7. Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum

If you’re looking for something that goes beyond craft and gets into the human side of this industry, This. Is. Great! Hosted by actor Michael Rosenbaum (yes, Smallville’s Lex Luthor), Inside of You facilitates deeply personal conversations with actors, writers, and creatives, unpacking not just their work, but what’s really going on underneath it all. The vulnerability here will really resonate, not just with actors, but with anyone working in this industry. Rosenbaum has a way of creating an environment where guests open up about the things you don’t usually hear in press interviews…insecurities, mental health, burnout, identity, and the reality of navigating a career that’s anything but stable. It’s less about “how they made it” and more about what it actually cost them along the way, lessons learned, etc

The result is something that feels honest, grounded, and surprisingly relatable. You’ll realize that even the most successful people in the business are dealing with the same doubts and questions; just at different levels. It’s a reminder that longevity in this industry isn’t just about talent, it’s about self-awareness, resilience, and learning how to stay grounded while everything around you shifts.. Listen here

8. Voiceover Gurus

If you’ve ever thought about expanding into voiceover (or just want a clearer picture of what that world actually looks like) this is a great place to start. Veteran voice actor Linda Bruno hosts, discussing life behind the mic, pulling directly from decades of industry experience. This isn’t a polished “how-to” guide; it’s honest talk about the wins, the mistakes, the awkward sessions, and everything in between. Episodes cover the full scope of the business: performance technique, marketing yourself, adapting to industry shifts, and what it actually takes to build longevity in voiceover.

It’s especially useful if you’re newer to VO, because it makes the entry point feel a lot more approachable. You start to understand not just the technical side (like how to work from home or find opportunities) but the mindset and consistency it takes to stay in it. If you’re looking to add another lane to your career (and another income stream), this is the kind of insight that helps you get moving and keep going. Listen here

9. Casting Confidential

If you want a clearer understanding of how casting actually works, this is one worth paying attention to. Hosted by CD Rose Rosen, Casting Confidential brings together casting directors and working actors for candid, roundtable-style conversations that break down the real mechanics behind the process. Dig into everything actors are constantly trying to decode; what really happens after you submit, why great auditions don’t always lead to callbacks, how casting decisions are actually made, and what helps an actor stay on a casting office’s radar over time. It’s the kind of insight that shifts your perspective from “did I book it?” to “am I building something here?” Listen here

If you want a clearer understanding of how casting actually works, this is one worth paying attention to. Hosted by CD Rose Rosen, Casting Confidential brings together casting directors and working actors for candid, roundtable-style conversations that break down the real mechanics behind the process. Dig into everything actors are constantly trying to decode; what really happens after you submit, why great auditions don’t always lead to callbacks, how casting decisions are actually made, and what helps an actor stay on a casting office’s radar over time. It’s the kind of insight that shifts your perspective from “did I book it?” to “am I building something here?” Listen here

10. SmartLess

This is definitely lighter, but still gives you real insight into the people behind the work, SmartLess is an easy add to your rotation. Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, are quite the entertaining trio. The concept is simple (and very effective): each episode, one host brings on a surprise guest, and the conversation unfolds in real time…completely unscripted. The conversations are loose, funny, and often unpredictable, but underneath that is a steady stream of insight from some of the biggest names in film, TV, and beyond. Because the format is so unfiltered, guests tend to open up in a way they don’t in traditional press interviews (talking about their beginnings, creative instincts, career pivots, and the realities of staying relevant in an ever-changing industry.)

It’s not an “acting podcast” in the traditional sense, but that’s part of the appeal. It reminds you that behind every career is a person figuring it out in real time. It’s fun, it’s easy to listen to, and every once in a while, something a guest says will stick with you in a way you didn’t expect. And honestly, that’s the kind of perspective actors need just as much as technique. Listen here

Bonus Tip: Make Podcasts Part of Your Routine

Don’t try to take on all of these at once. Pick one or two and actually keep them in rotation. Throw one on with your morning coffee. On the way to an audition…whatever you’re doing. Let it become part of how you stay in the work…even when you’re not actively in a room.

The actors who grow are the ones who stay engaged. Always learning. Always adjusting. Always paying attention.

Podcasts are one of the easiest ways to do that without overcomplicating it. They keep you sharp, grounded in the reality of the industry, and (on the days you need it) remind you why you started in the first place.

Stay curious. Stay in it. Keep going.

— Chrissy Kane


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