In this soul-stirring episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, model, and creative entrepreneur Andrew D. Manning (Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) for a candid conversation about resilience in the face of rejection, reinvention during dry spells, and staying grounded when the industry gets loud.

Andrew opens up about:

This episode is a masterclass in moving with intention, betting on yourself, and redefining what success really looks like in your 30s. If you’ve ever questioned your path, this one’s for you.

If you've read this far-please consider liking this episode and giving us a follow! 

What really happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows?

In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Sienna Lorraine, a writer’s assistant at Lionsgate who has worked on Netflix’s No Good Deed, The Upshaws, Survival of the Thickest, and STARZ’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan. Currently working on Origins—a spinoff of a spinoff in the Power universe—Sienna gives us an unfiltered, inside look into the world of Hollywood writers’ rooms.

Together, they discuss:

Whether you’re an actor curious about how sides are created, or a storyteller looking to break into TV writing, this candid conversation is full of insight, laughs, and inspiration.

📌 Bonus: Sienna shares her dream of leaving a legacy for other Black creatives—and how she’s actively working toward it.

Welcome back to The Actor’s Instrument! This week, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and SoulCycle instructor Bryce Michael Wood, currently starring as Theo in the Off-Broadway revival of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men alongside the legendary Norm Lewis.

From Division I track at Notre Dame to national stages and network TV, Bryce opens up about his path to acting, the power of side hustles, and the real talk around surviving as a working artist in New York City. They get into why reading a script doesn’t always hit like performing one, how SoulCycle played a surprising role in his artistic journey, and the transferable superpowers athletes bring to the craft of storytelling.

🔥 Highlights:

Whether you're a working actor, aspiring creative, or just love great stories of hustle and heart, this episode brings inspiration and raw insight you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Stream now on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

In this powerful and refreshingly candid episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with rising star Zainne Saleh, who plays Bushra on Hulu’s hit series Deli Boys — a critically acclaimed comedic drama boasting a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Together, they dive deep into the heart of authentic representation, exploring what it’s like to be part of a groundbreaking show that centers South Asian American experiences.

Zainne shares what made Deli Boys such a creatively liberating set, the joy of working in a space where her cultural identity was the dominant norm, and how she navigates the balance between honoring her roots and carving her own path. From the quirks of her character Bushra to her unique journey from Miami to LA — with a pit stop in New York — Zainne opens up about family, identity, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry post-strike.

Whether you're an actor, creative, or fan of the show, this episode is a celebration of the joy, nuance, and playfulness in storytelling — and a reminder that every voice has a place on screen.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

Why hybrid cultural identity makes Deli Boys so special

Zayn’s approach to character work and comedy

The realities of auditioning post-pandemic and strike

When and why she decided to build her team — including adding a publicist

What kind of work she’s excited to do next

🎬 Deli Boys is now streaming on Hulu and FX — don’t miss it!

The entertainment industry is evolving fast—and traditional stardom is no longer the only path to success. In this episode of The Actor's Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and content creator Kalissa Persaud (aka Long Tan and Handsome) to explore what it means to thrive as a performer in the age of social media.

Kalissa shares how she built a following of nearly 200,000 across Instagram and TikTok, the mindset shifts she made to adapt to the creator economy, and how today's actors can leverage authenticity and digital platforms to build their careers. Whether you're an aspiring actor or a seasoned performer looking to stay relevant, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

-Why the old Hollywood model is “dead”

-How Kalissa balances creativity and content strategy

-The importance of finding your niche and voice online

-Practical tips for actors entering the creator space

In this powerful episode of The Actor's Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad welcomes back stunt performer and coordinator Wadi Jones (credits include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Power Book I & II) to dive deep into the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

From the Academy Awards finally recognizing stunt design as an official category to the long-term effects of the SAG-AFTRA strike, this conversation is packed with timely insights for actors, creatives, and anyone passionate about the film industry. Wadi also shares actionable mindset tips for staying resilient and visible in an ever-changing Hollywood.

Whether you’re on set, in rehearsal, or grinding between gigs, this episode will leave you inspired and informed. Tune in now!

Welcome back to another episode of The Actor's Instrument! In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad welcomes the multitalented Michael Goodfriend — actor, writer, director, and head of scripted fiction at Next Chapter Podcasts. From the stages of Korea to the studios of Sirius XM, Michael’s journey bridges classic theater and modern audio storytelling.

Together, they discuss Michael’s rich background in performance, his pioneering work in political and scripted podcasting, and how he’s helping to shape the future of fiction audio. With over 10 million downloads across his network and recent collaborations like Timon of Athens, Michael pulls back the curtain on how powerful stories are being told through the microphone.

In this conversation:

This episode is a masterclass for performers, creatives, and storytellers looking to expand their reach and impact in the digital age. Be sure to subscribe or follow wherever you listen to your podcasts! 

Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by actor and star of Disney’s Snow White, Jason Kravits. With over 100 film and TV credits to his name, Jason has been seen on shows such as ABC’s The Practice, The Big Bang Theory, Only Murders in the Building, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gilmore Girls, and Friends, amongst others. 

Hassiem and Jason discuss the behind the scenes of Disney’s Snow White, how actors need to navigate the influx of artificial intelligence (AI) in the business, the importance of creating your own work, and what roles keep him motivated. You won’t want to miss this exciting and informative conversation! 

Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by actor, comedian, photographer, graphic designer, and social media guru: Ace Anderson.

Hassiem and Ace discuss why actors need a presence on social media, the tips and tricks for going viral, and how we all have influence over the course of our careers. 

Welcome back to another episode of The Actor’s Instrument! On this episode, Hassiem is joined by Luna Sofia Miranda, one of the stars of this year’s winner for the Academy Award for Best Picture, Anora. 

Hassiem and Luna discuss the challenges she faces in the industry working as a stripper and an actor, the process of shooting Anora and winning at the Academy Awards, and the myths of success that Hollywood perpetuates.