Never disappoints! Zachary Levi (Shazam!, American Underdog) joins me this week to catch up on how he’s holding up mentally and what the process of shooting a football biopic over the last couple years was like with American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Zach delves very deep into what it means to love oneself and how that not only affects our own lives but others as well. We discuss relationships with our mothers, the imminent return of Chuck, and the difference between love and like.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shazam!’s ZACHARY LEVI: Being Woke vs. Awake

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

Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers, Sleepy Hollow) joins us this week to share how he changed course from his military upbringing to pursue his dream of acting, and how his career has come full circle with the lives he’s impacted through this work. Casper shares a lot from his experience with Starship Troopers - from the marketing stunts that weakened it in the box office, to the industry legends who geek out over the project, and why there’s a resurgence in its popularity nearly three decades after its release. We also talk about what it’s like having a daughter pursue acting, his Ironside mentorship, and memorable moments on set with legends like Ernest Borgnine. 
 Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ Betterhelp: https://betterhelp.com/inside 

CASPER VAN DIEN: Starship Troopers Resurgence, Defending Ironside & Leaving Bootcamp for Hollywood

Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats) joins us this week to share the duality of having immense gratitude for everything he’s been able to accomplish throughout his career, all the while being cursed with ambition that drives him to create more. Being a trailblazer in independent film, Kevin gives us his opinion about the current state of filmmaking post pandemic, the cyclical similarities between major sci-fi franchises, and the problem with today’s movie rating system. We also talk about creating a legacy off of a basic name, bottoming your way through life, and embracing fandom. 
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KEVIN SMITH: Bottoming Life, Embracing Fandom & The Current State of Filmmaking

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. 
 Thank you to our sponsors: ❤️ 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 

Shazam!’s ZACHARY LEVI: Being Woke vs. Awake

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