Advertise on podcast: Whats My Frame: An Artistry Foundation Podcast

Sonja Wajih is a first-generation stunt performer and two-time Primetime Emmy nominee whose career is a testament to the power of persistence, preparation, and believing in yourself. Beginning her stunt career after 30, she has built an impressive body of work across major television series and blockbuster films, performing high-stakes action that brings some of the screen’s most memorable moments to life. Her work on The Rookie earned her first Emmy nomination in 2025, followed by a second consecutive nomination in 2026 for her work on Apple TV+’s Palm Royale. Beyond her work on screen, Wajih is Co-Lead of the Television Academy’s Women’s Affinity Group, where she champions connection, visibility, and opportunity for women across the television industry. In this episode of Artistry Series, Sonja shares her journey into stunt performance, the years of training and preparation behind the work, and how she balances courage with safety in a demanding profession. She also reflects on the importance of building community, creating space for other women, and pursuing a dream even when the path looks different from what you imagined. ⁠@swajih⁠ ⁠sonjawajih.com⁠ Artistry Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists through mentorship, arts education, mental health resources, financial education, and access to professional resources. Our programs are designed to help creatives build sustainable careers and thrive both personally and professionally.

Ronnie Steadman, EA, is a tax professional and working actor who understands the financial realities of building a career in the arts firsthand. Originally from the South, Ronnie graduated summa cum laude from Tennessee Temple University, where he focused his studies on mathematics, before pursuing a career in acting. His work has included roles in independent films, national commercials, television and theater. After 14 years with Chuck Sloan and Associates, Ronnie established his own tax practice, bringing a personal touch and a firsthand understanding of the entertainment industry to his work with artists. In this episode of Artistry Series, Ronnie shares how his experience as an entertainer shaped his approach to tax preparation and why he chose to serve the artistic community. From managing unpredictable income and building better financial habits to avoiding costly tax mistakes, he offers practical advice for artists looking to take greater control of their finances. He also reflects on the relationship between money and self-worth, the importance of protecting an artist’s livelihood, and what it means to show up for the creative community. Resources mentioned in this episode: Steadman & Associates Tax Practice Tax Packet Downloads Artistry Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists through mentorship, arts education, mental health resources, financial education, and access to professional resources. Our programs are designed to help creatives build sustainable careers and thrive both personally and professionally.

Erica Messer is a television writer, showrunner and executive producer whose career includes some of television's most recognizable series. She began writing on shows including Alias, The O.C. and Charmed before joining Criminal Minds, where she became a writer, executive producer and showrunner. She later helped relaunch the series for Paramount+ as Criminal Minds: Evolution, where she continues to serve as executive producer. Messer is also an executive producer of the award-winning documentary feature The Biggest Little Farm and The Biggest Little Farm: The Return. In this episode of Artistry Series, Erica shares her experience building a long-running career in television, leading a major series, balancing creative ambition with family life, and navigating the realities of working in the entertainment industry. Stream Criminal Minds: Evolution⁠ on Paramount + ⁠ Artistry Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists through mentorship, arts education, mental health resources, financial education, and access to professional resources. Our programs are designed to help creatives build sustainable careers and thrive both personally and professionally.

To celebrate our 200th episode of Whats My Frame; I'm joined by Alexis Booth & Faith Abraham for an inside look at the casting process. Alexis shares her creative journey to Head of Casting at Kapital Entertainment, while Faith reflects on nearly a decade in casting across TV and film. Together, they walk us through the executive casting process at Kapital Entertainment. It’s an encouraging, conversation about building relationships, staying grounded and gaining a deeper understanding of the creatives championing for us with each audition.  Alexis Booth Full Bio: Alexis began her career working on hit shows like Scrubs and Desperate Housewives before transitioning into television casting. She worked in Scott Genkinger & Deborah George’s office on Breakout Kings and Gigantic, and then moved to feature films with Roger Mussenden & Jeremy Rich, casting X-Men: First Class and Jack and Jill. Alexis then transitioned to TNT and TBS, where she rose through the executive ranks and oversaw casting for a decade, managing projects such as Snowpiercer, The Alienist, The Last Ship, Major Crimes, The Last O.G., Wrecked, and People of Earth. With the launch of HBO Max, she also managed casting for The Flight Attendant and Made for Love. After working as a casting director on an assortment of television pilots and films for cable and streaming, Alexis began her current position as Head of Casting at Kapital Entertainment. She has worked on shows and films, including The Neighborhood, Watson, DMV, Crutch, One Mile, Civil Justice, and Comedy Pays. Faith Abraham Full Bio: Faith Abraham has been working in casting for nearly a decade and is currently based in Los Angeles. This native east coaster came out west to work in the film and entertainment industry. Since then, she has worked on several different television shows and features films. Some of which includes, CBS’s CSI: Vegas and Fire Country, NBC’s Good Girls, Netflix’s Firefly Lane and Blumhouse’s Halloween. More recently she has become apart of the in house casting team at Kapital Entertainment. Over the years, Faith has developed an eye for spotting exceptional talent and has enjoyed years of nurturing relationships between talent and creatives.

Kelly Park's journey is a reminder that creative careers rarely follow a straight line. In this conversation, we talk about career pivots, trusting your instincts, and the unexpected opportunities that come from following what genuinely lights you up. From acting coach to television director, Kelly shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, confidence, and building a creative life on your own terms. Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, or simply navigating your next chapter, there's so much wisdom packed into this episode. Follow Kelly on Instagram Alliance of Women Directors Spotlight

This conversation with casting director Meg Morman opens a thoughtful look at the early creative decisions that shape the stories we eventually see on screen. We talk about the instinct behind casting, what it means to truly see potential in an actor, and how trust and collaboration shape every step of the process across film television and narrative podcasting. Meg brings a grounded perspective on what it means to champion a story and the artists within it, with a deep respect for both craft and care. Whether you are an actor trying to understand how decisions are made or a creative curious about how projects come together behind the scenes, this episode offers a generous and insightful look into the heart of casting.

This conversation with voiceover actor Ian Cardoni explores what it means to step into an iconic role and grow into it in real time. We talk about the craft of voiceover performance, the discipline behind sustaining characters across animation and video games, and what it feels like to inherit a role as widely recognized as Rick Sanchez in Rick and Morty. Ian shares the range, training, and adaptability it takes to build a career in voiceover, along with the responsibility that comes with bringing a beloved character forward into new seasons and audiences. At its core, this is a conversation about trust, preparation, and finding your own voice inside a legacy role. Whether you are an actor, voiceover artist, or simply curious about how animated worlds are built, this episode offers a grounded look at the work behind the performance. Born and raised just outside of Boston, Ian Cardoni currently stars in Adult Swim’s two-time Emmy Award-winning animated comedy series “Rick and Morty” as the titular character Rick Sanchez. Cardoni stepped into the iconic role at the start of season 7 and can be heard as the voice of Rick in seasons 7 & 8 which are available to watch on HBO Max, with season 9 coming to Adult Swim soon. The hit series was recently renewed through season 12. Cardoni has voiced numerous roles across adult and children’s animation, video games, TV promo, and commercials, including recent roles in the Children’s & Family Emmy-nominated and Annie Award-nominated Nickelodeon series “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” in Fox’s animated series “Krapopolis,” and in the Sony Pictures Classic film “Scarlet” from Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda which had its national theatrical release on February 13, 2026, and was an official selection at Venice and Toronto international film festivals in 2025. Cardoni’s voice has also been heard announcing for WWE, SyFy Network, Apple TV, and Disney+. In the video game space, Cardoni has voiced roles across various critically-acclaimed titles, including “DC: Dark Legion” by Warner Brothers Games, “CookieRun: The Darkest Night” by Devsisters, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & 4” by Iron Galaxy, and he reprised his “Rick and Morty” role of Rick Sanchez in the chart-topping game “MultiVersus” from Warner Brothers Games which has received multiple Game Awards nominations. Most recently, Cardoni can be heard as the villain Magrus in third-person action game “Romeo is a Dead Man” by Grasshopper Manufacture and legendary developer Suda51, which released in February 2026.  Outside of his acting career, Cardoni is a proud and active Emerson College alumni who spends his time on philanthropic ventures and educational endeavors. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife. @iancardoni How ‘Rick and Morty’ Cast Its New Voice Stars *Ian Cardoni (Rick) and Harry Belden (Morty) were cast in Rick and Morty under the SAG-AFTRA 2023 Basic Cable Animation Agreement as the series began production on Season 7

Great directing is often less about control and more about communication, and Rob Spera’s career lives in that space between craft and clarity. From directing across film and television to shaping hundreds of productions on stage and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, Rob brings a grounded perspective on what it actually takes to tell a story that lands. We talk about the language of directing actors, the difference between instinct and technique, and how teaching becomes its own form of filmmaking. This episode opens up the realities of building a sustainable creative career while staying in service of story, collaboration, and growth. Whether you are an actor, director, or simply trying to understand how stories come together on screen, this conversation offers a clear, practical, and deeply human look at the work. His recently published book, Film/TV Directors’ Field Manual: Seventy Maxims to Change Your Filmmaking, has become an instant must-read for students and professionals and is available on Amazon. His other works include Actors Write For Actors, Encore, and The Field. robspera.com @robsperaofficial

Casting is often invisible when it is working well, but Leeba Zakharov’s approach brings it back into focus as a deeply human and collaborative art form. Shaped by a career that spans development, acquisitions, and decades in film and television casting, Leeba shares how instinct, trust, and cultural perspective inform the way she sees actors and stories. We talk about the responsibility of holding space for vulnerability in the audition process, the impact of mentorship, and what it means to truly honor the actor’s work in the room. This conversation offers a grounded look at casting as both an intuitive craft and a relationship driven practice. Whether you are an actor or a creative working in storytelling, this episode invites you to think differently about how performances are discovered and supported.

Playing a villain does not mean becoming one it means learning how to understand them from the inside out. Tom Wozniczka shares how he approaches complex characters with curiosity and compassion while building a career across international film and television. From his work in Drops of God and Slow Horses to his role in Champagne Problems, Tom reflects on the importance of instinct in performance and the quiet discipline behind strong self tape work. We also talk about what it means to create space for yourself as an actor and trust your own interpretation in a highly competitive industry. At its core this is a conversation about perspective craft and learning how to stay grounded while moving between countries roles and creative worlds. Casting Tom Wozniczka as Patrice in 'Slow Horses' | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations @tomwozniczka9 Aujourd’hui dans What’s My Frame, je reçois ⁠Tom Wozniczka⁠. Tom tient actuellement un rôle dans la série Drops of God sur Apple TV+. Auparavant, il a interprété « Patrice » dans la quatrième saison de Slow Horses, aux côtés de Gary Oldman. Aujourd’hui, Tom et moi échangeons sur la complexité d’incarner un méchant tout en gardant de la compassion pour son personnage, sur l’importance de faire confiance à son instinct lors des self-tapes, de se créer un espace à soi, et de collaborer avec les réalisateurs. Pendant les fêtes de fin d’année, Tom est apparu aux côtés de Minka Kelly dans le film Netflix Champagne Problems. Il a débuté sa carrière en France en jouant dans Les Damnés, puis a poursuivi avec The Damned, mis en scène par Ivo van Hove à la Comédie-Française, ainsi que No Limit, réalisé par Robin Goupil.

Casting often begins long before anyone knows a project will become something special, and Anya Colloff has spent her career at the center of that discovery process. From early work alongside some of the most influential casting directors in the industry to co founding her own casting office, Anya shares what it means to recognize potential, trust instinct, and help shape the tone of a story through the actors who bring it to life. We talk about the balance between comedy and drama, the responsibility of making thoughtful choices in the room, and why casting is ultimately about connection more than selection. At its core, this conversation is about seeing people clearly and supporting them into roles where they can do their best work. Whether you are an actor or a storyteller, this episode offers a grounded look at the care and intuition behind great casting. Beyond casting, Anya is a passionate mentor and a deep believer in supporting the next generation of creatives. She currently mentors through weareempower.org bringing the same care, curiosity, and compassion to her life that she brings to her work. @colloffnicolocasting

Great directing is about communication and the ability to build an environment where actors and creatives can do their most honest work. Anne Renton’s approach to directing is rooted in trust, clarity, and deep collaboration, and this conversation opens up how those values show up in real time on set. We talk about the role of mentorship in shaping a creative life, how directors develop their voice through experience, and what it actually takes to guide a room full of people toward the same story without losing the humanity of the process. Anne also reflects on how each chapter of her journey informs the way she leads today, especially when working closely with actors. At its core, this episode is about leadership, communication, and the responsibility of creating space where great work can happen. annerenton.com @anne_renton Full Bio: Anne Renton is a film and television director and is a member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), the Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG) and The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). In 2023 Anne won the DGA award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Programs for an episode of the Apple TV+ show BEST FOOT FORWARD. Anne is one of the founders of the LGBTQ+ committee at the DGA which became an official part of the Guild in 2022. She was recently elected to serve on the DGA inaugural LGBTQ+ Representative Committee.  In Television, Anne has directed episodes of THE ROOKIE, THE GOOD DOCTOR, THE RESIDENT, BONES, MACGYVER, THE BOLD TYPE, THE FOSTERS and JUST ADD MAGIC. She is currently attached to direct the feature film CHEF’S CHOICE. Anne directed the award-winning short film LOVE IS LOVE featuring Emmy winner Jane Lynch. Anne’s feature film, THE PERFECT FAMILY, starring Kathleen Turner, Emily Deschanel and Jason Ritter, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film screened at over 50 festivals worldwide prior to its US theatrical release. Anne graduated from Sydney University with a B.S. in Physiotherapy. Her passion for the healing arts led her to travel internationally and study many forms of complementary medicine, healing, psychology and spirituality. While living in New York City, Anne studied acting and her inspiration for directing developed through a love of script analysis and storytelling. Anne’s background infuses her directing- she brings intuition, kindness and collaboration to her work as well as a strong ability to communicate clearly with all departments. Anne is excited to continue to direct dynamic and nuanced character driven material, especially work that highlights underrepresented communities with a focus on women and queer stories.

A long career in this industry is rarely about one big break it is about consistency, adaptability, and learning how to stay creatively grounded while everything around you keeps shifting. Brent Bailey has built a career that moves fluidly between television, film, and an extensive commercial world, all while expanding into writing, producing, and photography. In this conversation, we talk about what it actually takes to sustain momentum as a working actor, how mindset plays a role in longevity, and why diversifying your creative output can become a form of stability rather than distraction. Brent also shares how projects like Artist Footprint reflect a deeper mission around creative community and perspective. At its core, this episode is about building a life in entertainment that is steady, intentional, and built to last. @brentmbailey⁠ ⁠ARTIST FOOTPRINT⁠ ⁠@artistfootprint⁠ Full Bio: Born in Tucson, Arizona, Brent Bailey spent his childhood in Texas and Arizona, graduating from high school in Scottsdale. After attending college and earning his Master's in Business, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.Brent has been on your TV constantly whether you realized it or not. He has done roughly 150 commercials which include being the Spokesperson for Hertz, Clorox and Shell. Brent starred as famed JFK speechwriter Ted Sorensen opposite Oscar® nominees Woody Harrelson and Richard Jenkins, in Rob Reiners 'LBJ.' Brent wrote, EP'd and starred in 'Holiday Dating Guide' with Maria Menounos on Lifetime. Additional feature film credits include 'Think Like A Man', 'Cape Cod Christmas', 'Girlfriends of Christmas Past', '1-800-Hot-Nite' and 'Craft Me A Romance.' He also worked alongside Anne Hathaway in the new hit movie 'Idea of You' directed by Michael Showalter on Amazon Prime.Television audiences will recognize Brent from numerous diverse and compelling roles on hit shows like 'Lincoln Lawyer', 'Walker', 'N.C.I.S', 'Lucifer', 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D', 'Criminal Minds', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Young & Hungry' and many others. Notably, he also starred in the wildly popular web series 'Emma Approved' winner of the 2015 Primetime Emmy Award® for "Outstanding Interactive Program."

Producing is often seen as logistics but at its highest level it is actually leadership under pressure and the ability to hold both the story and the people making it. Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani has built a career in commercial production that spans major global brands while staying grounded in a deeply human approach to collaboration and storytelling. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to lead creative teams through complexity, how emotional intelligence shapes better work, and why clarity and empathy are just as important as execution in high stakes production. Soukaina also shares her commitment to mentorship and amplifying underrepresented voices, both in commercial and independent spaces. At its core, this episode is about the quiet skill of holding structure and humanity at the same time while bringing ambitious ideas to life. saelhassani.com

Today on Whats My Frame, I’m joined by Director, Writer, and Producer Stephanie Laing. Stephanie opens up about her creative process and how her dual perspective as both a producer and director strengthens her craft and career. She takes us behind the scenes of Palm Royale, sharing stories from set and what it was like collaborating with comedy legends Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett. Stephanie also walks us through the journey of bringing her upcoming feature, TOW to the screen. Full Bio: Sundance Alumni Stephanie Laing is an Emmy-winning director, writer, and producer. Laing recently wrapped production on feature film, Tow, under her newly launched Cake or Death Pictures. Tow, which Laing also directs, is the inspirational true story of Amanda Ogle, an unhoused Seattle woman who fought her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634. Tow had its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival in the Spotlight Narrative film category, and was recently picked up by Roadside Attractions and Vertical for a 2026 theatrical release. Tow stars Rose Byrne as Ogle and currently holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Dominic Sessa, Octavia Spencer, Ariana DeBose, and Demi Lovato also star in the film. On the television side, Laing most recently directed 5 episodes on season two of Apple TV’s Emmy-nominated series Palm Royale starring Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Allison Janney, Laura Dern, and Ricky Martin, where she also serves as an Executive Producer. This follows her work on season one of the show, where she also directed multiple episodes. Additionally, Laing directed 3 episodes in season one of Apple TV’s hit Jon Hamm series Your Friends and Neighbors, and she has directed 6 episodes for the upcoming season two, which she’s also an Executive Producer on. Laing also directed 24 of 30 episodes and served as an Executive Producer on the Emmy-nominated series Physical starring Rose Byrne on Apple TV+. Prior to this, she was the series director of Jez Butterworth’s Mammals starring Sally Hawkins and James Corden for Amazon Prime. A Sundance alumni, Laing’s pilot Bootstrapped starring Sam Richardson was an official selection of Sundance in 2019. Laing’s additional TV credits include HBO Max’s Made For Love starring Billy Magnussen and Cristin Millioti, Love Life starring Anna Kendrick, and HBO’s hit comedy series Veep which ran for seven seasons and won over 15 Primetime Emmy Awards. Up next in TV, Laing is directing the adaptation of Claire Vaye Watkins’ I Love You but I’ve Chosen Darkness. Laing’s feature film Family Squares, starring Henry Winkler, Judy Greer, June Squibb, Casey Wilson, Margo Martindale, and more, was released theatrically in February of 2022. Laing wrote, directed, and produced the film - her feature writing debut. Laing also directed the Netflix film Irreplaceable You starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kate McKinnon, and Christopher Walken.