We’re in an era of great podcasts – whatever subject you’re interested in, there’s a pod for you. But aspiring actors are particularly well served. Not only are there umpteen celebrity interview shows stuffed with your favourite actors talking openly about their careers, but there are also many more specific offerings for those interested in craft and process. They may shed light on the realities of making it in the industry, give a peek into what life is like behind the scenes on set, or help actors think of new ways to approach text and character.
Next time you’re cleaning the kitchen, on a long drive, or trying to psych yourself up for that big audition, give the following podcasts a listen. You’re sure to find inspiration and insight or comfort and guidance from hearing the best in the business talking straight into your ears.
1. David Tennant Does a Podcast With…
Podcasts featuring chummy celebrity interviews are 10 a penny, but David Tennant’s occasional side hustle is a cut above – and especially of interest to actors. Tennant proves a natural interviewer, but he also inevitably offers a bit more insight into the job than your average presenter, and his interviews are often cheerfully revealing about actors’ lives, from humble beginnings to the trappings of fame and their approach to certain roles. Plus, he has a plush contact book to draw on; it's a veritable cabinet of British national treasures, including Celia Imrie, Billie Piper, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Michael Sheen, as well as Jon Hamm, Whoopi Goldberg, and Tina Fey. Please, David, can we have some more?
2. In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast
One of the longest running and most highly respected podcasts for actors, In the Envelope is produced by Backstage (Mandy’s sister company). Since 2017, it has been a home for in-depth interviews that put the actor’s craft and career at the centre. It’s currently hosted by Backstage’s senior editor Vinnie Mancuso.
By giving performers the chance to get stuck in talking about the nuts and bolts of their artistic process, it often nets a decent whack of time with huge names. Check out Ariana Grande reflecting on what happens when your biggest professional dream comes true, or Paul Mescal on how he finds his way into a character. But it’s not all celebs – the podcast also features industry figures who actors work with, from intimacy coordinators to casting directors, in illuminating conversation.
3. Not True, But Useful
Cheek by Jowl is one of the most influential theatre companies the UK has produced – even if their much-admired work is now mostly seen outside of Britain, in theatres across Europe and beyond. Their podcast, Not True, But Useful, is furiously intelligent, both thoughtful and thought-provoking in its explorations of how actors might approach texts – especially Shakespeare and other weighty classics – with a fresh, inquiring openness.
Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod are interviewed by Lucie Dawkins (be warned: It’s an extremely plummy set of accents!) across five seasons. There are short introductions to plays and how they have approached directing them, as well as episodes for actors on topics ranging from imposter syndrome to developing a character to finding spontaneity onstage. Just don’t expect any neat how-to tips and tricks. This is a philosophic, almost spiritual dive into the power of art and the mysteries of the human condition.
4. What’s On Stage
The British theatre website’s editor, Alex Wood, and chief critic, Sarah Crompton, know their stuff when it comes to all things theatrical, and their podcast is great listening for anyone interested in the next big openings, the most exciting upcoming shows, or exploring the issues facing the industry.
As well as keeping would-be thesps up to date, the podcast also features tons of interviews with stars of stage, from musical theatre titans to up-and-coming talents. Being hosted by two real theatre experts means the chats are often revealing in how shows get made, how actors land their latest roles, and why they love performing in certain plays or working with certain directors – while still being a breezy, chatty listen.
5. Back to One
This podcast is subtitled “actors on acting,” and it delivers exactly what it says – and at generous portions, with one-on-one chats that often stretch over the hour mark, allowing host Peter Rinaldi to go deep. “No small talk, no celebrity stories, no inane banter – just the work,” promises the show description.
Back to One is a great podcast for aspiring actors who want to gain insight into how some of our most respected talents cracked key roles, found trusted collaborators, and developed their craft. Rinaldi’s approach is both spacious and serious, allowing top-tier actors such as Mark Strong, Nina Hoss, and Michael Shannon to reflect profoundly on their impressive careers.
6. Making Trouble
Listening to A-listers talk about their staggering successes and most remarkable roles is all good follow-your-dreams inspo, but sometimes it’s also good to be reminded of how hard it is to keep going as an artist in the current climate.
Enter Molly Naylor. The playwright, performer, and poet’s podcast, Making Trouble, encourages those in the creative industries to open up about the things that are difficult about a career in the arts and the inner stumbling blocks so many of us wrestle with. It’s a hugely comforting and reassuring listen, and her guests are candid about their struggles and wise in their advice. Each guest picks a troublesome topic – ambition, burnout, self-doubt, exposure – and she interviews people from across the arts, including actors such as Julie Hesmondhalgh, Cariad Lloyd, and Rachel Parris.
