Casting Director Michael Testa on the Casting Process and Writing Features

Today we interview therapist Jenny Williams who specializes in creatives. Specifically performance and creativity expansion. We go in depth into Brainspotting which is one of the most exciting and new modalities. Brainspotting is one of the newest cutting-edge techniques for the treatment of trauma, and also in healing creative blocks and performance issues. This brain-body therapy is ideal for helping creatives heal from the past, ignite their talent, and pursue their dreams and career with all cylinders.We even do a demo of how brainspotting works in a session with me.“When Brainspotting heals an artist of their wounds, their spectrum of creativity widens dramatically”— DAVID GRAND, PH.D. Find Jenny here: https://www.jennywilliamstherapy.com/welcomeP.S. Unfortunately the last 10 minutes we had some technical difficulties that made the audio slightly harder to understand. Luckily it's only the last 10 minutes it affected.Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Exploring what it means to be present as an actor and how to get to that. What does self care look like as an actor and how do you sustain a career through all the ups and downs mentally. What does ego and identity mean and how does it apply to actors. We talk about therapy and the changes it can make. We also talk about couples therapy and who it's good for. Group therapy versus individual therapy and it's benefits.Today we're joined by Seth Menachem, LMFT, joins me today in talking about his experiences as a therapist and his experiences working with actors and entertainment professionals.Seth Menachem: Before becoming a therapist, he earned his B.A. in Psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, where he contributed to research and conducted studies in England measuring children’s abilities to identify emotions in facial expressions.He moved to LA, where he spent twenty years working as an actor and writer. He is very familiar with the unique challenges of working in the entertainment industry, and many of his clients work in TV and film.He received his Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in LA, and did his training at Beit T’Shuvah, an inpatient addiction facility. He worked with a variety of clients–some coming from a life of privilege; others who are transitioning out of the criminal justice system. He also worked at Creative Care, an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility specializing in co-occurring disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and borderline personality.He currently work with individuals, couples, and groups in private practice at Menachem Psychotherapy Group. He founded this group in order to create a place for like-minded therapists to work with clients.Find him at:Instagram: @menachempsychotherapy @the.life.of.a.therapistWebsite: https://menachempsychotherapygroup.com/team/seth-menachem-lmft/Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Today we're joined by Chris Burris, lead trainer at the IFS Institute. We talk all things IFS therapy , which is one of the leading therapies in the world right now. How it compares to traditional talk therapy. How it can help actors and others in the entertainment industry.Chris Burris is a Senior Lead Trainer for the Internal Family Systems Institute where he provides Level I, II, and III trainings in the IFS model. He has been an IFS Therapist since 1999 and a practicing psychotherapist since 1987. Chris is trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist and uses a mind-body approach to psychotherapy. He has worked extensively with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and organizations. In addition, he has facilitated groups on topics such as men’s issues, sacred activism, rite of passage, couples, healthy relationships, performance enhancement for artists, and bullying. Since 1990, he has been an active participant with men's groups and rites of passage programs. He also facilitates consultation and supervision groups for trained therapists. In addition to being a psychotherapist, Chris has trained in many nature bases models with Animus Valley institute, School of Lost Borders, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and The Center for Conscious Eldering. Chris has been featured on multiple podcasts such as "IFS Talks", "The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems Podcast", "Truth, Love, and Beauty", and "Bossy, Brilliant, and Badass". He currently lives in Asheville, NC with his wife, Deena, and their daughters. You can follow Chris at burriscounseling.comHosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Today we talk with Therapist Anna Hollaender-Bird who has a specialization in therapy for people in the entertainment industry. We talk about the specific mental health challenges of the industry industry, what you can do and why you should prioritize it. We also talk the effect that mental health has on your performances and your overall career. How can we help our mental health in an uncertain industry? We also talk about Performance coaching tips that can help your performance.Anna's bioAnna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in working with actors and entertainment industry creatives.  Anna aims to make coming to therapy a safe and warm experience. She’s integrative in her therapeutic approach using traditional  “talk therapy,” EMDR therapy, and performance psychology techniques to help people heal and achieve peak performance. Her education includes the University of Southern California (USC) and Antioch University.Anna’s career highlights include being a public speaker on the topic of mental health at universities such as UCLA and & UC Berkeley and her clinical work at the renowned Reconnect Trauma Treatment Center in the Pacific Palisades.Currently, Anna is seeing adults based in California online for therapy. Check out her website for more information at talkwithanna.com/entertainment-industry/ Anna has rolling client openings. You can always reach out to her for a free 15-minute consultation consultation at: www.talkwithanna.com/schedule/Here's the podcast Anna referenced for a unique, humorous, & heart warming take on the therapist/client relationship:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-my-psychiatrist/id1462096941?i=1000440731821Here are the links mentioned for low-fee counseling services:Center for Professional CounselingNorth Hollywood, CA https://www.thecenterpro.orgLGBT center Multiple L.A. locations323-933-7500 ext. 5https://lalgbtcenter.org/health-services/mental-health/mental-health-services-overviewCalifornia Family CounselingChatsworth, CA818-907-9980

Anthony Meindl is the founder of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop, with studios in 10 cities over the world. Named best acting studio in Los Angeles.Today we talk about what to look out for in acting classes, what it means to act, and how to actually "stop acting". Trusting your instincts, making your own choices, and bringing your own essence to your acting. We also talk about how important presence and flow is for actors and how meditation can be such a great tool to train that. We cover a range of topics and lots of golden nuggets in this one and one you'll want to relisten to.Anthony Meindl is a guest teacher at David Lynch's Masters in Film Program, was a panelist at the GATE Story Conference founded by Jim Carey and Eckhart Tolle, and a guest speaker at the Association of Transformational Leaders (ATL) conference alongside Neal Donald Walsch (“Conversations with God”) and Jack Canfield (“Chicken Soup For the Soul”). Meindl is known for teaching the new generation of Hollywood stars led by Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley (“Divergent”). He is a contributor to the Huffington Post and Backstage, as well as the author of the best-selling creativity book “At Left Brain Turn Right”; “Alphabet Soup For Grown-Ups”; and his latest, “Book the F#©king Job,” was listed as New Best Seller on Amazon for eight weeks. You can also check out his podcast: "In the Moment", as well as his Instagram: @anthonymeindlHosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Zack Duncan Gilanyi is a former talent agent and current talent manager at E85 Talent Management. He got real about the importance of truly caring for the client, and how he got into this industry to help actors feel more comfortable with their reps. He tells us exactly the way he thinks communication between and actor and their reps should be. The importance of keeping it casual. The need to really know your clients on a personal level to really represent them to the best of your ability. There's a lot to learn here! For more on Zack check out his Instagram @jdgilanyiHosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Casting Director Lindsay Chag joins us today to discuss Mindset, psychology, and mental health are key for being a successful actor. In today's episode we go in depth on what type of mindset it takes to be successful in anything, but especially as an actor. How it affects your auditions and what you attract into your life. To be a successful actor you first have to have a successful mindset. Lindsay tells us exactly how and also how a lot of tennis equates to acting. Definitely lots of golden nuggets here.You can check out more from Lindsay at:lindsaychag.com and her instagram @lindsaychag1Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Andrea Bunker is a casting director and has experience in comedy, long and short film, and television. She has worked on many films like Four Weddings, Men in Black International, and Big Little Lies. She tells us exactly what she looks for in submissions and auditions. The importance of the right way to have your reel edited. And how showing range is not that important or beneficial.Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Michael Testa is is a casting director and writer. He has cast the original Roswell and movies like The Glass Jaw, Don't Look Back, and many, many more features. Make sure to listen in on how he became a casting director and the advice he gives for auditions. He also shares his casting process as well as what he's working on now.Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement

Ramani Leah shares with us the story of how she became a casting director. How quarantine will change the casting process and the future of the industry. She also tells us the importance of questions in the audition process and other tips to ace the audition. What she finds important in an actor's marketing materials.Ramani is the casting director of Criminal Minds, has cast The Bates Motel, The Strain, and many more.Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.IG: @breakthroughapollo@theapollomanagement