Alexander Ludwig (Vikings, Heels) joins us this week to share his journey in fighting his demons head on by finding sobriety, plus the experiences in this industry that have given him hope and the reassurance that kindness and gratitude win in the end. Alexander talks about his passion for adventure and activity to calm his anxiety and how difficult it is to pursue his passions given the contracts he has on certain shows. We also talk about going all out with Stephen Amell during scenes on Heels, how fitness helps center himself, and his love for and pursuit of a country music career.
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Heels’ ALEXANDER LUDWIG: Finding Sobriety & Trusting the Process

I’m Michael Rosenbaum, I’ve spent the better part of the last two decades in and out of film and television - mostly known for playing the bald dude on the show Smallville. I’m the guy that you probably don’t know by name, but when you see my face you might say “oh, that guy from that thing.” I’ve befriended some of the most talented people in the business, but it wasn’t until I started inviting them into my home that I realized, I didn’t really know these people. What started as me having some fun, quickly evolved into something I’ve fallen in love with. What I’ve discovered is that all these people aren’t that different from you and me. They have the same insecurities and flaws that we all deal with every day. In a dark, yet enlightening way... I find a lot of comfort in that. I invite you all to join me while I get inside each of these fascinating people.

TV & Film

Comedy

Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things, Sweeney Todd) joins us again this week to share his perspective on Stranger Things coming to and end… how he’s preparing to say goodbye to Dustin after a eight years… and the lessons he’s learned after landing a hit show at the age of 12. Gaten starts the episode talking about his dream come true of performing Sweeney Todd on Broadway and the highs and lows that came with its seven month run. We also talk about the unique experience of literally growing up with his cast mates on a hit series, how he’s managing his mental health today, and being at peace with the reality of coming off one of the biggest series of all time.

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GATEN MATARAZZO: Stranger Things Growing Pains, Saying Goodbye to Dustin & His Dream Come True!

Felicia Day (Third Eye, The Guild) joins us this week to share her new mindset of ‘being enough’ after realizing that her self valuations were merely career and achievement based. Felicia discusses the relief of shedding people in the industry who were looking to ‘take from her’ and the joy of telling stories that she cares about, like the sci-fi comedy Third Eye. We also talk about her time on Mystery Science Theater 3000, disappointments with prominent authors of this era, and her lack of amusement with hockey.

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❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/inside


FELICIA DAY: Setting the Bar Low, Being Enough & Landing Mystery Science Theater 3000

Tim Blake Nelson (Old Henry, O Brother, Where Art Thou?) joins us this week to share his experience in this industry as a respected character actor and the on-set lessons learned from masters of their craft like Steven Spielberg, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Tom Cruise. Tim shares how James Franco helped pull him out of creative complacency during a lull, helping him develop his new approach of preparing for roles. We also talk about his last minute addition to ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?,’ collaborating with his son Henry on ‘Asleep in My Palm,’ and his reaction to being cut out of ‘Dune 2.’

Thank you to our sponsors:
❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/inside


TIM BLAKE NELSON: Overcoming Complacency, Breaking Type Cast & Intimidations on Set

Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding, The Wedding Date) joins us this week to share remarkable stories (on and off set) throughout his career and how he uses them as mental health check ins for gratitude in everything he’s been able to accomplis. Dermot also talks about his experience as a cellist, being able to work scores in both the Star Trek and Star Wars universes, and how he’s chasing the golden goose of working with Yo-Yo Ma. We also briefly talk about old stories of protecting Drew Barrymore, his big start with Julia Roberts, and how he turned a corner after his divorce and sobriety.

Thank you to our sponsors:
❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/inside


DERMOT MULRONEY: Manifesting Yo-Yo Ma, Protecting Drew Barrymore & Being a Mouthy Cellist

Introducing A Stroll through the Smithsonian [Buteyko Breathing] from Soothing Sleep. Follow the show: Soothing SleepStep into the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C. on a rainy day. Wander through exhibits that span the breadth of human history, connecting with prehistoric creatures and our ancestors. This reflective journey through time is paired with the Buteyko breathing method, known to enhance calm, reduce symptoms of asthma, and significantly improve sleep quality. Experience a trip to the museum like no other, where history meets relaxation.
For more from OpenMind, follow us on Instagram @openmindstudiosDISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

Heels’ ALEXANDER LUDWIG: Finding Sobriety & Trusting the Process

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