Most actors are told to care more about auditions.But what if not caring is the real breakthrough?In this episode of Breakthrough, actor Anthony Demarre shares the brutal truth about auditioning that nobody talks about — and the mindset shift that finally helped him stop overthinking, let go of rejection, and start showing up freer in the room.We talk about rejection, confidence, bombing auditions, mindset, and what actually changes when you stop attaching your self-worth to the outcome.If you’re an actor, creator, or dream-chaser stuck in your head and tired of hearing “just keep going” — this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Breakthrough, Ali sits down with Erin Boyes — a working actor, coach, and industry veteran who has spent over two decades navigating the brutal realities of film and television in both Canada and the U.S.This is not a highlight-reel conversation.It’s a raw breakdown of:What casting actually looks forWhy “perfect auditions” don’t book jobsHow rejection shapes (or breaks) artistsThe myth of becoming “the lead”Why creating your own work changes everythingAnd what it really takes to survive in this industry long-termErin shares behind-the-scenes truths about:Auditioning alongside A-list actorsWorking for free just to get in the roomWhy mistakes are an actor’s greatest weaponThe emotional toll of chasing validationAnd why resilience matters more than talent

What if the “safe” choice is actually the most dangerous one?In this episode of Breakthrough, actor Praneet Akilla opens up about the moment he realized he was living the wrong life — despite doing everything “right.”From studying engineering and chasing stability, to self-eliminating before anyone else could reject him, Praneet shares the raw truth about fear, identity, privilege, money, and the uncomfortable reality of pursuing acting as an immigrant kid.This is not a story about overnight success.It’s a story about delusion, patience, and choosing uncertainty over comfort.We dive deep into:Why hard work alone isn’t enough in actingThe lie of “playing it safe”How money, timing, and privilege really affect successWhy most actors don’t fail — they quit too earlyThe mental game behind auditions, rejection, and self-worthWhat a real breakthrough actually looks like

What happens when you finally book one of the biggest roles of your career — and everything almost falls apart the night before?In this episode of Breakthrough, Ali sits down with actress Candyce Weir for a raw, honest conversation about resilience, rejection, confidence, and the moments actors never talk about.Candyce opens up about injuring herself the night before filming a major role, pushing through pain on set, and why sometimes the first take is the one that changes everything. From bombing her very first audition, to working alongside legendary talent, to navigating union realities in Vancouver — this episode pulls back the curtain on what the acting journey really looks like.

What happens when you keep hearing “no” — or worse, nothing at all?In this episode of Breakthrough, actor, filmmaker, and creator Henry C King opens up about rejection, self-doubt, and the moment he stopped waiting for permission and decided to create his own breakthrough.From moving to Vancouver with no clear plan…to years of unanswered auditions…to betting on himself and making his own film Donnie,Henry shares the raw truth about what it actually takes to stay in the game as an actor and creator.This conversation goes deep into:The brutal reality of rejection in the acting industryWhy hearing “nothing” hurts more than hearing “no”The mindset shift behind “Why not me?”Creating your own opportunities when doors won’t openMaking a short film from scratch with no guaranteesTrusting yourself when no one else doesThis episode isn’t just about acting — it’s about betting on yourself, taking ownership of your path, and moving forward even when the outcome is uncertain.If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, actor, or anyone feeling stuck in life — this one will hit.

Raised in Abu Dhabi, moving to Canada with no connections, no training, and no roadmap… Maxine still managed to land her first three acting credits in six months, join the union almost instantly, and book the lead role in the award-winning film Polarized.Her story is a masterclass in risk-taking, resilience, and trusting your instincts even when you feel completely unprepared.We talk about:Growing up in the Middle East & finding her voiceGetting signed by an agent with zero materialBooking her first jobs without formal trainingThe chaotic (and hilarious) audition storiesHow she landed Polarized — and why she almost didn’t auditionThe callback that tested everything she knewHer identity, culture, and navigating the industry as an Arab womanThe tattoo she designed herself inspired by the filmHow she breaks down characters, script work, and audition prepWhy small wins matter as much as “big breaks”

In this episode of The Breakthrough Podcast, we sit down with actor Kaidan Connors — and his story is one you do not want to miss.Kaidan opens up about dropping out of university, leaving a strict religious environment, traveling across Australia to rediscover himself, and finally making the life-changing decision to pursue acting full-time. From moving across the country to starting over in Vancouver, to navigating identity, courage, and self-expression — this is one of the rawest and most inspiring conversations we’ve had on the show.If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or pressured to follow a path that isn’t yours… this episode might be the breakthrough you need.

Actor Jade Michael joins me to share how a chance encounter while serving tables led to her first big role.We talk about breaking into film without an agent, moving from Winnipeg to Vancouver, and navigating auditions in a post-COVID world.Jade opens up about resilience, creativity, and her dream of taking on Marvel-level roles.Inspiring, real, and full of gems for anyone chasing their passion.

In this episode of Breakthrough, I sit down with actor and producer Joshua Bilbao to dive into his journey from Mexico City to Montreal, his training in New York, and how he’s built a career by creating his own opportunities. Joshua opens up about: discovering acting through learning French, training in New York, landing his first Netflix credit and much more. #BreakthroughByAli #JoshuaBilbao #ActingPodcast #ActorLife #MontrealTheater #TheRecruit

🎬 In this episode, I sit down with actress and writer Dani Alvarado to talk about her journey from Calgary to New York, LA, and Vancouver, the lessons she learned in drama school, and how she balances acting, writing, and motherhood. Dani opens up about rejection, resilience, finding freedom in auditions, and her upcoming recurring role in Smoke.Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just love hearing real stories from the industry, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and laughs.