A candid conversation with Robin Carus, legendary casting director whose career spans theater, film, and television. Robin shares her journey into casting, what drives her, and the gratitude she finds in discovering and nurturing authentic talent.

We explore the groundbreaking New York City Accessibility Fund and its promise to reshape inclusivity across the entertainment industry. Robin discusses why lived experience matters in casting, and how authentic representation of disabled and neurodivergent artists enriches storytelling for everyone.

With warmth and humor, she also reflects on advocating for siblings with developmental disabilities and wraps up with a hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen/Borat story that’s guaranteed to leave you laughing.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Advocating Podcast

00:25 Meet Robin Caras: Casting Director and Advocate

01:36 Robin's Journey into Casting

03:15 The Impact of the NYC Accessibility Fund

07:58 Creating Inclusive Casting Environments

11:38 Authentic Representation in Media

21:27 The Role of Epic Players in Neurodiverse Theater

23:09 Personal Reflections: Growing Up with a Sibling with Disabilities

24:18 A Brother's Journey and Legal Victory

26:18 Advocacy and Quality of Life

27:56 Personal Reflections on Advocacy

29:22 Heartwarming Caretaker Stories

30:39 The Importance of Seeing Beauty in Everyone

31:49 Fun and Lighthearted Questions

34:51 Hilarious Sasha Baron Cohen Encounter

41:22 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up