📖 What happens when the life you thought you wanted changes in an instant? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with Brian Ziegler, whose incredible story of surviving paralysis became the inspiration for the book and film A Paralyzing Redemption. Brian shares his journey from dreaming of playing Division I basketball to struggling with addiction, experiencing a devastating accident at 21 years old, and being paralyzed from the neck down.

Brian opens up about his recovery, learning to walk again, finding a new sense of purpose, and how faith played a major role in transforming his life. He also explains how personal journaling eventually became A Paralyzing Redemption, leading to a book, a screenplay, and ultimately a feature film based on his life.

Deaton Gabbard also discusses what it was like to portray Brian in the film, including researching his story, working directly with him on set, recreating some of the most emotional moments of his life, and the challenge of portraying a real person whose story he had studied so closely. The conversation also covers the unexpected on-set injury Deaton suffered while filming a basketball scene, which forced production to be postponed.

Today, Brian is a pastor, author, and speaker who travels around the country sharing his story with students and others going through difficult seasons. His goal is to use his experiences to encourage people who may be struggling and remind them that they aren't alone.

Topics include: Brian Ziegler's journey from basketball to addiction, surviving paralysis, recovering from a devastating accident, faith and finding purpose, writing A Paralyzing Redemption, turning a true story into a movie, portraying a real person on screen, the emotional challenges of playing Brian, recreating the accident and recovery, Deaton's on-set injury, postponing production, Brian's work as a pastor and speaker, and using your story to help others.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 A Paralyzing Redemption
01:11 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
02:48 Meet Brian Ziegler
04:10 Brian's Basketball Dreams
05:32 Addiction & the Accident
06:14 Paralyzed From the Neck Down
06:53 Learning to Walk Again
08:31 Finding Purpose Through Tragedy
09:32 How A Paralyzing Redemption Became a Book
14:19 Turning the Book Into a Movie
16:02 Watching Your Life Become a Movie
17:30 Deaton Gabbard Portrays Brian
18:50 The Emotional Challenges of the Role
20:48 Writing the Book 15 Years Later
22:44 Deaton's Most Challenging Scene
24:19 The On-Set Accident
27:18 The Injury That Stopped Production
31:41 Brian's Life Today
34:36 The Purpose Behind the Story
36:14 Final Thoughts

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S02.5 BONUS EPISODE Confirmed Guests and How YOU Can Be a Part of Season Three, All about KickstarterThanks for tuning in to Podcast of Traveling Actors! In this BONUS episode, you get a sneak peak at the new studio setup for Season Three at OHD Studios, details about our confirmed guests for the first session of Season Three (shooting June 9th) and all the information about the Kickstarter, where we are inviting YOU to be a part of the next season! There are still 4 more episodes of Season Two releasing over the course of the next couple of months so be sure to subscirbe to the channel and follow us on your favorite platform to listen to podcasts for all the newest episodes! New episodes Thursdays at 7PM EST!Credits: Podcast of Traveling Actors is co-hosted and produced by Deaton Gabbard & Brandon Wall. Studio setup provided by OHD Studios in Louisville, Kentucky.In-Studio recording, Post Production color-grading, and audio-mixing by Tommy Shafer.Follow us on social media!JUST THE PODCAST Facebook: Podcast of Traveling ActorsPERSONAL ACCOUNTSFacebook: Deaton Gabbard Brandon WallInstagram: @deatonegabbard @b_wall93Twitter: @deatonegabbard Tik Tok: @deatongabbard @brandonjameswall4Want to let us know how we're doing? Email us directly at [email protected]! Let us know if there are any topics you want us to discuss, anything you'd like to see added to the podcast, etc.

🥊 What happens when an actor stops waiting for opportunities and decides to create them herself? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with actress, producer, and action performer Leanne Johnson to talk about her journey from competitive sports into acting, action roles, and independent filmmaking. Leanne shares her experiences as a woman in the film industry, learning to embrace her physicality as an actor, dealing with rejection, and recognizing what she uniquely brings to the screen.

Leanne also discusses producing and starring in Extraction USA, including the challenges of getting an independent film made, navigating distribution, and continuing to push forward when people told her the project couldn't be done. She talks about her work in projects including Chicago P.D., Judas and the Black Messiah, Undefiled, and Alan and the Rulers of the Air, as well as her upcoming role as Shadow in Renegade: The Series.

The conversation also covers authenticity as an actor, why understanding filmmaking beyond acting can make you a stronger performer, and the importance of adapting to the demands of working on set. Leanne shares what she has learned about auditioning, rejection, communication between actors and directors, and letting go of the need to please casting.

From creating her own opportunities to stepping into producing and executive producing, Leanne offers an honest look at building a career through persistence, versatility, and taking action. She also talks about the connection between her background in sports and her work in action roles, including the training and physical performance required to bring those characters to life.

Topics include: Leanne Johnson's journey from competitive sports to acting, being a woman in the film industry, finding authenticity as an actor, dealing with rejection and auditioning, why actors should understand filmmaking, transitioning from acting into producing, making and distributing Extraction USA, independent filmmaking, joining Renegade: The Series, becoming an executive producer, action roles and physical performance, and creating your own opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Chicago P.D. — Showcasing Leanne
01:54 Welcome to Podcast of Traveling Actors
02:49 From Acting to Producing
04:50 Growing Up Without Female Role Models
08:39 The Biggest Obstacle for New Actors
11:20 Authenticity & Finding Yourself as an Actor
13:19 Letting Go of the Need to Please Casting
15:48 The Hardest Part of Auditioning
17:13 Why Actors Need to Adapt
18:57 Why Actors Should Learn Filmmaking
20:32 Life on Set & Working Under Pressure
24:06 The Reality of Being an Actor on Set
25:21 Communication Between Actors & Directors
28:35 All About Extraction USA
31:00 Why Leanne Fought to Get the Film Made
32:17 Independent Film Distribution
34:05 The Traveling Actor Mindset
34:44 Leanne Joins Renegade: The Series
36:28 Becoming an Executive Producer on Renegade
39:56 From Sports to Action Roles
41:07 Being a Woman in Sports & Film
42:01 Bringing Physicality Into Acting
43:08 Stunts, Training & Physical Performance
44:05 Where to Follow Leanne
45:28 Leanne's Upcoming Projects
47:33 The Journey of Extraction USA

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🎬 What happens when you already have filmmaking experience—but decide to go back to school anyway? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with filmmaker, writer, and producer Cam Dyer to talk about his journey through independent filmmaking, the projects that brought our group together, and why he decided to return to film school while continuing to work professionally.

Cam is a Kentucky filmmaker and co-founder of Cobra Pit Productions LLC. Alongside Deaton, he has worked on numerous short films, a comedy web-series pilot, and feature films, including Deep Within the Caves. Cam talks about the early projects that brought all of us together—including Broken Vows, the first feature where Cam, Deaton, and Brandon crossed paths—and how those experiences shaped the filmmakers they became.

We also discuss Deep Within the Caves, Cam's evolution as a writer, how his approach to screenwriting has changed through years of making films, and what he is learning by returning to school to pursue a filmmaking degree. Cam also shares what it is like to gain real set experience while studying and what he is currently developing as a writer.

The conversation also covers Cobra Pit Productions, producing and fundraising for feature films, collaboration, and the trial-and-error process that comes with building an independent filmmaking career. Cam talks about his next project, Shark Bit, and what he hopes to continue creating as a filmmaker.

Topics include: independent filmmaking, going back to film school, Deep Within the Caves, Cobra Pit Productions, Broken Vows, The Demon Box, writing and producing short films, developing feature films, how Cam's writing has evolved, filmmaking education, real set experience, collaboration, producing and fundraising, and developing new screenplays.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Deep Within the Caves Proof of Concept
03:02 Intro & Meet Cam Dyer
03:42 How Cam, Deaton & Brandon Met
05:36 Making Broken Vows
06:55 Making Darkest Before the Day
08:03 Going Back to Film School
09:04 Creating Cobra Pit Productions
10:21 The Story Behind Deep Within the Caves
12:26 Deep Within the Caves Proof of Concept
14:49 Developing & Rewriting the Script
16:46 What Cam Is Learning in Film School
18:19 Getting Real Set Experience
18:42 Cam's Role on Deep Within the Caves
19:29 Producing & Fundraising for the Feature
20:19 Cam's Next Film: Shark Bit
22:14 Where to Follow Cam Dyer

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🎬 What does it really take to build an indie film career while working a 9-5? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with filmmaker P.J. Starks to talk about his journey through independent filmmaking, from making anthology films on weekends to creating feature-length horror movies and working with one of his own filmmaking heroes, Jeffrey Reddick.

P.J. Starks is an Owensboro, Kentucky filmmaker, producer, writer, and director known for projects including Volumes of Blood, 13 Slays Till XMas, and New Fears Eve. He shares how he and his filmmaking partners built their careers while maintaining day jobs, why anthologies made sense for the "weekend warrior" filmmaker, and what it took to finally make the jump into feature filmmaking.

We also dive into the difference between producing and directing, why P.J. considers producing his "sweet spot," and the lessons he learned from stepping in front of the camera himself. He talks about the importance of collaboration on an independent set and why being willing to take other people's ideas can make a project better.

And of course, we talk about New Fears Eve — how the project evolved from an anthology concept into a feature narrative, the personal experiences that influenced the screenplay, and how P.J. ended up working with Jeffrey Reddick, the creator of the Final Destination franchise.

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, horror fan, actor, producer, or simply interested in how independent films actually get made, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a career in indie filmmaking without waiting for the "perfect" circumstances.

Topics include: building an indie film career while working a 9-5, making movies on weekends, anthology filmmaking, transitioning from anthologies to feature films, producing vs. directing, Volumes of Blood, 13 Slays Till XMas, New Fears Eve, working with Jeffrey Reddick, the Final Destination franchise, collaboration on independent film sets, and advice for aspiring filmmakers.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:32 Meet P.J. Starks
04:12 From Comedy to Filmmaking
06:09 P.J. Starks on Acting & Taking Risks
09:57 Producing vs. Directing
15:01 How New Fears Eve Started
18:21 From Anthology to Feature Film
20:40 Writing New Fears Eve
23:20 Working with Jeffrey Reddick
26:17 When Will New Fears Eve Be Released?
27:59 Where to Watch P.J.'s Films
29:19 Where to Follow P.J. Starks

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🩸 What does it take to build a career in independent horror filmmaking? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with filmmaker Roman Jossart, who shares his journey from aspiring musician to director, producer, actor, gaffer, and founder of Studio 605. Roman talks about discovering filmmaking, creating his own projects, and what he has learned after more than a decade of working in independent film.

Roman discusses the creation of Placid Park, a horror passion project inspired by a music festival, and why strong, memorable characters are so important in horror. He also talks about producing The Boy From Below, working in multiple roles on independent productions, and learning filmmaking through trial and error.

The conversation also covers Roman's work as a gaffer, his passion for lighting and filmmaking, the creation of the horror band Slasherboy, and the importance of building relationships within the independent film community. Roman shares behind-the-scenes stories from his productions, his work with Studio 605, collaborations with filmmakers like Tory Jones, and how networking has helped open doors throughout his career.

Topics include: Roman Jossart's journey into filmmaking, independent horror filmmaking, creating Placid Park, producing The Boy From Below, Studio 605, Slasherboy, horror writing and character development, directing and producing independent films, gaffing and lighting for independent productions, learning filmmaking through experience, networking in the independent film industry, and working with other independent filmmakers.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:41 Meet Roman Jossart
03:17 Starting as a Director
07:22 Creating Placid Park
09:03 Where the Idea Came From
13:17 Writing Better Horror Characters
18:28 Music & Slasherboy
20:28 Directing vs. Music
24:22 Acting in Independent Films
25:48 Producing The Boy From Below
29:13 Becoming a Gaffer
32:00 Studio 605
33:01 Working with Mahal Empire
34:04 Filming Placid Park
35:04 Where to Follow Roman

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📺 What does it take to go from independent films to booking your first network television role? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, co-host Brandon Wall shares the story behind booking Chicago P.D. after nearly missing the audition deadline. He discusses rushing to film a last-minute self-tape, finding out he booked the role, and what it was like stepping onto the set of a major network television series.

Brandon also looks back at the independent film projects and relationships that helped shape his career, including Late Checkout and Phantom Fun-World, working with L.C. Holt and Chaney Morrow, and taking on opportunities that required him to adapt quickly. He shares what he's learned from years of acting, the difference between independent productions and network television, and why being prepared matters when the right opportunity finally arrives.

Topics include: booking Chicago P.D., filming a last-minute self-tape, landing his first major network television role, working on a network TV set, going from independent film to television, Late Checkout, Phantom Fun-World, working with L.C. Holt and Chaney Morrow, building relationships in the film industry, and staying ready for unexpected acting opportunities.

Episode Chapters: 00:00 Brandon's Acting Reel • 03:03 Welcome to the Podcast • 03:35 How Podcast of Traveling Actors Started • 05:21 Brandon's Career Since Season 1 • 05:29 Late Checkout • 07:04 Joining Late Checkout at the Last Minute • 07:37 Learning Nearly 70 Pages • 08:41 Working With L.C. Holt & Chaney Morrow • 09:37 Phantom Fun-World • 11:24 Building Relationships on Indie Film Sets • 12:37 Booking Chicago P.D. • 12:46 The Chicago P.D. Audition Story • 13:41 Racing to Record the Self-Tape • 14:12 Finding Out He Booked the Role • 15:01 The Original Chicago P.D. Audition • 16:15 From Self-Tape to Network TV • 17:25 Advice From the Chicago P.D. Set • 18:22 What Network Television Is Really Like • 18:47 Where to Watch Brandon on Chicago P.D. • 19:22 Breaking Through to Network Television • 20:11 What's Next for Brandon.

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💥How do you build a lasting acting career in independent film while staying focused on what you can actually control?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with actor John Wells to discuss his journey from growing up in Kentucky to becoming one of the region's most recognizable action actors. John shares how he transformed his life through fitness, built a successful career in independent film, worked with Mahal Empire, and landed action-heavy roles in projects like Arena Wars.

More importantly, John opens up about one of the biggest lessons he's learned throughout his career: focusing on the work you can control instead of the countless things you can't. From auditions and rejection to filmmaking, fitness, and longevity in the industry, this conversation is filled with practical advice for actors at every stage of their journey.

Topics include: acting in Kentucky • independent filmmaking • Arena Wars • Mahal Empire • action acting • fitness transformation • losing 100 pounds • audition mindset • controlling what you can control • actor training • workshops • filmmaking in the Southeast • overcoming rejection • career longevity • acting advice

Episode Chapters: 00:00 Arena Wars Trailer • 01:40 Meet John Wells • 02:00 Getting Started in Acting • 05:06 From Musician to Actor • 06:03 Relationships & Acting • 08:00 Current Projects • 10:49 Fitness Transformation • 12:19 Preparing for Action Roles • 15:03 Overcoming Rejection & Controlling What You Can Control • 20:22 Working with Mahal Empire • 23:40 Dream Roles • 25:39 Speed Round • 26:51 Where to Find John Wells

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🎬 How do independent filmmakers turn passion into completed films?

In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, we sit down with independent filmmaker Chase Dudley to discuss his journey from aspiring actor to writer, director, and producer. Chase shares how he transitioned behind the camera, raised over $60,000 through crowdfunding for Broken Innocence, worked with horror icons Lynn Lowry and Paul T. Taylor, and the lessons he's learned from years of making independent films.

From directing actors and overcoming production challenges to building a supportive filmmaking community, this conversation is packed with honest insight for actors, filmmakers, and anyone pursuing a creative career.

Topics include: independent filmmaking • crowdfunding • directing actors • indie horror • Broken Innocence • working with Lynn Lowry • working with Paul T. Taylor • on-set challenges • filmmaking mistakes • Kentucky filmmaking • networking • creating original content • horror films • Steven Spielberg's influence • Blood on the Bleachers

Episode Chapters: 00:00 Cold Open • 02:28 Meet Chase Dudley • 03:00 From Actor to Filmmaker • 07:58 Crowdfunding Broken Innocence • 13:26 Behind Broken Innocence • 20:07 Favorite Genres & Future Projects • 28:39 Building a Career in Independent Film • 35:00 Lessons Learned as a Director • 38:23 Working with Lynn Lowry & Paul T. Taylor • 44:20 Difficult Experiences on Set • 49:18 Blood on the Bleachers Preview • 52:31 Where to Find Chase Dudley

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🤔 Can you become an actor or filmmaker later in life? In this episode of Podcast of Traveling Actors, Michael Breeding shares how he transitioned from a career in construction into acting and independent filmmaking. He discusses discovering his passion later in life, the importance of patience, taking acting classes, and helping create the independent feature film The Road Long.

Whether you're just starting your acting journey or wondering if it's "too late" to pursue your dream, this conversation offers practical advice and encouragement for aspiring actors and filmmakers. Michael also shares the realities of producing a no-budget feature film, wearing multiple hats on set, and why enjoying the creative process matters just as much as the finished product.

Topics include: transitioning from construction to acting and filmmaking, why it's never too late to pursue acting, creating the independent feature film The Road Long, producing a no-budget independent film, the importance of acting classes and patience, wearing multiple hats on an indie production, and advice for aspiring actors and filmmakers.

Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro • 01:17 Meet Michael Breeding • 01:35 From Construction to Acting • 03:45 Taking the First Acting Class • 06:20 Creating The Road Long • 08:20 Making a No-Budget Feature Film • 09:33 What Is The Road Long About? • 14:53 Wearing Multiple Hats on Set • 16:33 Choosing the Right Projects • 18:27 Overcoming Nerves & Starting Out • 19:20 Advice for New Actors • 23:03 Is It Ever Too Late to Start Acting? • 25:06 Where to Follow The Road Long.

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