Game of Life Podcast

Dan is joined by actor, writer, and now published author, Marc Bendavid! We chat about his time on the TV series Dark Matter and his departure from the show, the newfound confidence he found as the lead of a show, the secret dream of being a writer, the deeper side of himself he finds as a writer, the isolation in writing, the terror he felt when sharing his writing for the first time, not doing enough as a writer, the story behind working on his book The Sapling, finding a publisher, honest feedback, imposter syndrome, always just going onto the next step, the absurdity when he started to get paid to act, accepting there's very little within your control, the enjoyment of acting, playing Romeo, the possibility of collaborating with another writer, carrying a notebook, when he's at his most happiest, working on Reacher, and a whole lot more! Check out Marc's book, The Sapling! Links below. https://www.simonandschuster.ca/books/The-Sapling/Marc-Bendavid/9781668093962Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actress Elizabeth Dennehy otherwise known as Lt. Cmdr. Shelby from Star Trek: The Next Generation and more recently ADMIRAL Shelby from Star Trek: Picard!We chat about her experience of the Star Trek Las Vegas convention, fan encounters, filming the infamous two part episode of Best of Both Worlds, always wanting to perform from a young age before she was aware her father was an actor, the compulsion of performing, making sure she couldn't do anything else, writings plays, processing knowledge in your own way, what audiences need to know first, looking at her son's career as an actor, not auditioning for the job after you've got the job, the difficulty of owning your part, working with a young Hilary Duff on Chicago Hope, watching younger people figuring it out, teaching style, needing to think on multiple levels as an actor, working on Kevin Costner's Horizon, her husband's job playing Father Byles in Titanic, being filled with gratitude, nerves, being a woman of a certain age, the invisible work, people pleasing, memories of her father Brian Dennehy, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor, director, and true legend, Jonathan Frakes!We chat about being a recovering actor and practicing director, working on Picard Season 3, having trust in his acting partners, open conversations, communicating ideas, preparation, enjoying both sides of the camera, running a happy set, turning shows in on time, making sure everyone is happy, the Star Trek Lower Decks/Strange New Worlds crossover episode, the fun of improvising, having writers on set, laziness, the creative ladder you have to climb, being bitten by the bug, accepting your success, resisting the idea that your experience has value, experience being a burden, envy, becoming a director, ageing, meditating, the current state of Star Trek, being an optimist, the importance of the editing room, a potential reboot of Beyond Belief, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by photographer, YouTuber, and car lover Mike Amarico, otherwise known online as North Borders!We chat about his recent overseas trip, the point where he was able to call himself a photographer, his first job working at a car dealership, being encouraged to be creative, the importance of social media marketing, taking initiative, creating an unintentional network, taking off on YouTube with other friends and creators, looking weird in public, staying consistent, gaining inspiration from different types of industries, the craziest shoot he's ever been on, inspiring others, standing out, reading comments, constructive critiques, time capsules, taking photos on your phone, mood boards, having no expectations, always raising the bar, being paid to be creative, pushing yourself against yourself, taking action, and a whole lot more!Keep up to date with all of Mike's work! Links below.https://www.youtube.com/c/NorthBordershttps://www.instagram.com/northborders/?hl=enhttps://www.northborders.co/Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by a music theatre superstar, Noah Gill Mullins! This one was recorded when Noah was in the last week of performances for Hadestown!We chat about the end of Hadestown, seeing posters of yourself everywhere, taking on the lead in a show, weeping, stepping into the shoes of Orpheus, walking to hell and back, the thoughtful performance that comes with portraying the character of Orpheus, the honour of being in Hadestown, being familiar and comfortable with the rehearsal space, auditioning for the role, letting go, being in the 'set up' phase of the career, proving yourself, time off, rediscovering yourself after a show, being in the headspace of creativity, dyslexia, holistic learning, hyper fixating, the neurodiverse brain, moving around a lot, learning how to detach easier, becoming humbled very quickly, the team effort of musical theatre, learning on every job, the stacked cast of Hadestown, keeping the show fresh, the process of finding a character, doing life better, not being precious, the love of climbing the mountain, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo: Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by the multi-talented, Jason Arrow, relatively fresh off a 4-year run, playing Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton and a production of Guys and Dolls on Sydney Harbour!We chat about ending his long run in Hamilton, learning about longevity, managing a show, not doubting yourself or your ability, taking on feedback, the irony of delivering a solid performance while feeling tired, the mundaneness, feeling psyched to go into work, the importance of physical and mental clarity, being absolutely fine with taking a show off, the scheduled day off standard, the crazy requirements needed for shows, crying when Hamilton came to an end, the beauty found from Hamilton, the loss of having a life during the course of Hamilton, going straight into Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour, performing in the rain, diversifying the tool set, auditions, respect, The Lovers, cascading events, a question for Keanu Gonzalez, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (Background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by another Dan, the vocalist from heavy metal band, NTH RD, Dan Charlton!We chat about going from Ironstone to NTH RD, time signatures, learning drums and guitar, singing lessons, originally wanting to be the next Ed Sheeran, impostor syndrome, faking it until you make it, receiving compliments, falling into the bad habit of comparison, collaboration, the excitement for the release of Endlessly, the feeling of knowing a piece of music is going be good, the admin involved of being in a band, getting messages from fans around the world, touring, the fear of flying, balancing life and being in a band, building trust, the fanbase, the ins and outs of band meetings, being more organised, filming the Endlessly music video, not being able to perform without a red and blue powerade, weird gigs, mosh pits, the heavy metal community, the prospect of international tours, being a little bit of a diva, becoming more comfortable, performing for an all ages show, and a whole lot more!Follow Dan and NTH RD on all the socials below.https://www.instagram.com/nth_rdhttps://www.instagram.com/dancharltonxx/https://www.facebook.com/Nthrdbandhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdifor7jzDjMkNOsf2jRs3AAlso, go and follow the band for updated tour information and new song releases through their website.https://nthrd.band/Cover Photo: Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor, singer, dancer and adoptive Australian, Javon King!We chat about getting the job on the Australian production of Back to the Future: The Musical, being on the tail end of Jesus Christ Superstar, taking a break, learning to say no, not comparing your journey to other people, growing up an athlete, looking up to Billy Porter, waiting for what is right for you, playing Angel in Rent twice, having a thick skin, the enjoyment of auditioning, the chance of doing things differently the second time round, history repeating itself, the jump to Australia, his friendship with MacKenzie Dunn, not taking anything too seriously, embracing some imperfections in a performance, becoming comfortable within a new cast, not wanting to get put into a box with stereotypical roles, the inner voice saboteurs, Roger Bart, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by dancer, singer, and most recently, an onstage swing for the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Bella Massey! We chat about being on medical leave from Jesus Christ Superstar, being on her first commercial musical, working as an onstage swing, her experience working on a cruise ship, figuring out the eight show a week schedule, wishing she gave herself more time to chill out, dealing with the high pressure and nerves of the show, placing certain expectations on herself, pushing yourself, being the superhero of the cast, knowing you can take a break, being a people pleaser, auditioning for the show, celebrating the job offer, the anticipation before working on the show, considering herself a dancer first, learning how to sing, not being shy, growing up with verbal dyspraxia, being able to express herself through dance, the challenges of getting a visa for America, looking to others for inspiration, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan's epic chat with Andrew Coshan continues!Part IIWe chat about taking moments to stop and appreciating being the lead in a show, an unspoken mentorship, the prospect of A Knight's Tale going to The West End and elsewhere, establishing the 'bible' for a new show, the in between period of acting job, playing a role with a temp agency, easing the financial pressure of living in the UK, auditioning for The Greatest Showman, the pros and cons of knowing and not knowing where you sit when auditioning, riding the wave of success, the first time the career became stagnant, the changing of the goal posts, staying humbled, the dream of doing the job, working with the best in the world, the excitement and opportunity of being able to be part of brand new productions in the UK, stand up comedy, being aware of the best and worst case scenario, complacency, balancing side hustle jobs, living for today, the goal of being rejected, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by returning guest, and now international music theatre superstar, Andrew Coshan in the first catch up themed episode of the podcast!We chat about getting close to the role of Joe in Sunset Boulevard, making the decision committing to London, securing the first job in A Face in the Crowd, having a good understanding of where you stand within the Australian theatre industry, starting from the ground up, the perception of it being harder in London than Australia, the brighter mood in the Australian theatre industry, navigating higher expenses, hubris, the difficulty of getting an agent, the audition for A Knight's Tale, being in the pocket vocally, originating a role, being able to shadow and study Andy Karl, playing the lead, getting in and out of a horse puppet, the incredible opportunity of doing an out of town tryout show, filming THAT promo for A Knight's Tale in front of a real castle, contending with a rolled ankle, and a whole lot more!Chat continued in Part Two!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast is back after a short break!Dan is joined by a legend in the business and horror icon, John Jarratt!We chat about his new film What About Sal, the current crisis of Australian film, funding a film, the movie going experience, the enjoyment of what he does, writing, wearing many different hats, gaining inspiration from others, finding the character of Mick Taylor for Wolf Creek, never giving up, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Harman returns to the co-hosting seat!Dan and Harman are joined by a former soldier, former chef, and now one of the best comedians out there, Jarryd Goundrey!We chat about making content for a living, the freedom of the podcast format, calendar pressure, the sustainable amount of content, comparison. being computer illiterate, teaser clips, sitting in the sweet spot zone of "I must", hitting the burnout but gaining the lessons, quality of quantity, adding value, staying in the game, free energy, showing up for someone, passionate procrastination, business coaches, all of us having a 'secret' thing, playing by yourself in the backyard, a shame of being yourself, going all in socially, only knowing after it works, being careful of the crabs in a bucket, living your shadow self, a validation shift, peace, being famous for something, knowing what is enough, chaos, sleeping out of his tent and car, going viral, wanting adventure, and a whole lot more!This one was quite the ride!This will be the last episode for a while...Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor, singer, and incredible human David Hull!David's been a dream guest for ages!We chat about working on How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying with Daniel Radcliffe, performing for David Letterman, replacing and understudying people on Broadway shows, originating roles, a dreams of designing roller coasters, performing in a theme park, a career in show business feeling out of reach, the odds being stacked against you, wishing he were more impassioned at a younger age, realising law wasn't for him, being able to form an opinion, getting a lucky break with the touring production of Wicked, grinding as an ensemble cast member, insurance, the eight show week brain, a very particular monotony with musical theatre, bonding, self doubt, transitioning to TV work, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, perfectionism, reminding yourself the stakes are low, taking a moment to zoom out, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor and singer and legend in the business, Jay Laga'aia!We chat about his visit at Monash Primary School, having an impact on young people, knowing there was something else outside of rugby, the cosmic purse, always being a hustler from the get go, allowing yourself to be saved, not isolating yourself, embracing failure, looking like a genius, asking until you understand, changing the approach, taking the time to control your own fate, the real purpose of auditioning, sowing seeds, the space in between the question, interviewing Harrison Ford, playing The Pirate King in an adaption of Pirates of Penzance, back to back gigs, ending shows, theatre not loving you, teaching, people not walking far enough down the corridor, being comfortable in the uncomfortable, his children, the state of modern day entertainment, raging against the machine, Star Wars, and a whole lot more!This one is quite insightful!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor and singer Chris Scalzo!We chat about working fifteen years in the music theatre industry, the difficulty and strict protocols of Moulin Rouge, shutting down mid show, delayed starts for other shows, loosing all power to QPAC, performing Wicked without lighting, becoming more resilient as a performer, being a little bit more measured while studying, starting to be seen as a peer, trust, Spring Awakening, getting an agent, going into auditions knowing you're not right for the part, forcing naivety on yourself, confidence, the consistency of work, throwing yourself into other aspects of life, pottery classes, finding focus, the high stakes of musical theatre, not being too insatiable, trying not to be too focused on yourself, exercises in trust, and a whole lot more! Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by actor, singer, dancer, and absolute superstar, Callum Marshall!We chat about his experience working on Victorian Opera's Follies, being surrounded by legends of the industry, doing a scene with Marina Prior, thriving in the deep end, being inspired by Jack Chambers, telling stories through his addiction to Newsies, working for the first time overseas, back in the grind, corporate gigs, expressing creativity through teaching, asking for work, the Elvis tour, finding balance during a show, resisting the need to call off sick, becoming more compassionate on yourself, realising that the sign posts were there all along, knowing exactly where you're meant to be, finding what makes you happy outside performing, dealing with the demise of Elvis, lessons learnt, unfinished business, not taking yourself so seriously, going with the flow, the love of tour life, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by two musical theatre superstars, Tana Laga'aia and returning guest Daniel Raso!This episode was recorded when Tana and Daniel were both in Jesus Christ Superstar, and a few days before Daniel was about to start rehearsals for Beetlejuice.We chat about the experience of working on Jesus Christ Superstar, the work of the ensemble, Michael Paynter, no substitute for hard work, knowing where to belong in the 'mob', being the fight captain, building up the cast camaraderie, trauma bonding, celebrating outgoing cast members, the team aspect of performing, positivity, diversifying your skillset, family advice, Spelling Bee, being relaxed, not comparing yourself, learning to trust yourself, dealing with mistakes, sharing stories, having awareness of the negative, the inner anxiety, always thinking you can do better, allowing for change, getting the gig on Beetlejuice, progressing through the auditioning process, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan is joined by writer, producer, and director Brannon Braga!Brannon has been a dream guest since the podcast began, so this was an absolute thrill to finally be able to have him on the show!We chat about the importance of communication, the joys of collaboration, the solitary mystique of writing, working in solitude, initially wanting to be an actor, trading the headshots in for a typewriter, getting the bug to write for the masses, the profound impact of his school teacher, connecting writing with shows like The Twilight Zone, getting an internship on Star Trek, the open submission policy, being on a week to week contract, the chaos of writing for television, looking back on perceived bad episodes, fame, compliments, becoming burnout, stepping away, the end of Trek, jumping onto 24, the fear of directing, always questioning your ability, trusting your brain, finding focus with others, the talent of others, Bob Trevino Likes It, taking an interest, success not happening in a vacuum, The Orville, the shared history of Star Trek, and a whole lot more!Cover Photo (background): Matty Parker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 250th episode!Dan is joined by photographer, Matty Parker!We chat about the long apprenticeship one has to take before calling themselves a photographer, growing up in the country, the country work ethic, leaving Sydney, figuring out what you actually want to do, spending too long researching and procrastinating, having nothing to lose, filming and documenting the process of learning to be a photographer, buying the first camera, growing into something, finding interesting people, looking at the world differently, the distraction of phones, taking a photo that matters, telling a story, burn out, having to tend to life, getting honest feedback from the places you least expect, realising what a good photo can be, the grunge and grit of Melbourne, being the guy with the camera, resetting, perfectionism, taking people's photos, connecting the love of cars and photography, the brief time of owning a keyboard, pushing through the frustration, surprising yourself, enjoying what you do, affecting others, gear, video games, putting yourself out there, just needing to start, entering the lonely stage, collaboration, and a whole lot more!Follow Matty's work! Links below.https://www.youtube.com/@Matty_p115https://www.instagram.com/matty_p115 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.