Greenlit and Grounded

We got the chance to speak with Director / Actor Cat Hostick on how she made her first film, how she casts, and why it's so important for actors to also produce. She also talks about working with AI, and some of the lessons she's learned from working alongside Eli Roth.Connect with Cat here: https://www.instagram.com/cathostick/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/5pTBzBilNZcWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Cat Hostick is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated director and actress known for her bold, cinematic approach to genre storytelling. Her recent thriller Taken in Plain Sight reached #2 on Netflix U.S. and #9 globally (Fall 2025), and she has directed multiple hit horror series executive produced by Eli Roth - establishing her as one of the most exciting emerging voices in elevated thrillers and prestige horror. She has directed over 30 episodes of television, including Murdoch Mysteries (CBC/Netflix) and a #1 MGM+ series, and created, wrote, and directed the acclaimed digital dramedy Poly Is the New Monogamy, which was acquired for television. Cat recently played the lead in a new romance movie that will be coming out end of 2026. With a background as both an actor and producer, Cat brings a uniquely intuitive approach to working with talent and storytelling. Earlier in her career, she co-founded a production company that serviced 8-10 feature films annually, collaborating with talent such as Simu Liu, Aaron Eckhart, and Tommy Lee Jones, giving her a deep understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Rene Escobar Jr. to discuss the nuances of being a professional in the film industry, offering valuable career advice for anyone pursuing a career. He shares insights on how to be professional, why he is no longer a "yes man" and his time working alongside Jason Biggs.Connect with Rene Escobar Jr. here: https://www.instagram.com/reneescobarjr/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/6RLsZvpHyBgWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!René Escobar Jr. is a Canadian actor with a growing body of work in film and television including NBC’s Taken, Fox’s Accused, and CBS’ Good Sam. He was on CBC’s Heartland for two seasons, one of the leads in Lionsgate’s Dear David with Justin Long and most recently stars alongside Jason Biggs in Paramount’s Untitled Home Invasion Romance. Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

We sat down with screenwriter Daniel Gold to discuss his career path, from script coordinator to selling a feature film script to Amazon. This insightful interview explores his journey in writing for movies and offers valuable writing tips for aspiring script writers. Connect with Daniel Gold here: https://www.instagram.com/danielhgoldConnect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9pEmE2Y3vQUWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Daniel Gold is a Toronto-born writer and producer who recently sold his action-comedy feature TOUGH GUYS to Amazon/MGM, with Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell attached to star and produce. He is best known for his work on all seven seasons of the International Emmy-nominated Netflix/CBC comedy WORKIN' MOMS, where he rose through the ranks and most recently served as Supervising Producer. Daniel also has a dark comedy feature in development with Aggregate Films and Tessa Thompson's Viva Maude producing, a horror-thriller with Lili Reinhart attached to produce through her company, and a horror feature with Platinum Dunes - all currently being packaged.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In this episode of Greenlit and Grounded, we sit down with Tony Nappo to discuss his impressive 30-year acting career. Tony shares valuable acting advice and acting tips, touching on common struggles faced by young actors. We also explore his unique perspective on directing and filmmaking, offering insights into what defines a good versus a bad director. Connect with Tony Nappo here: https://www.instagram.com/nappo.tony/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/X43UYTovU1AWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Tony Nappo has been an actor for almost 40 years now. He has 217 film and television credits at the time of this podcast and has done 32 professional stage plays. He’s been. Nominated for a CSA, Two Dora Macie Moore Awards, Two Actra Awards and a Broadway World Award. He has been teaching an independent auditioning workshop for the last six years and really enjoys coaching and mentoring young talent. He’s a father and a dog owner and last, but of course not least, a National Treasure. If we didn’t say the last thing he promised he would storm out of the studio. Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

From working engineer to full-time actor — Praneet Akilla sits down with the guys to talk about booking SkyMed (Chopper), launching Akilla Express, and the tough family conversations that came with betting on himself.Connect with Praneet Akilla here: https://www.instagram.com/praneetakilla/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGroundedWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Praneet Akilla is an award winning Indian-Canadian Actor & Producer best known for his leading roles on The CW’s Nancy Drew, Disney’s Motherland Fort Salem, and Netflix’s October Faction. He is currently a series regular on the Canadian Screen Award nominated medical drama Skymed on CBC Gem & Paramount Plus. Over the last 3 years Praneet has made the successful transition into producing a variety of critically acclaimed short films and digital series with his new production company Akilla Express, focusing on joyful, genre-bending stories featuring complex BIPOC protagonists. Praneet’s recent producing highlights include the multi-award winning short film Mom vs Machine (Fantasia Film Festival, Brooklyn Horror Festival, now playing on YouTube’s DUST channel) and the short film Not For Us (2023- LA Comedy Festival Best Short film). He is currently in development on a feature film adaptation of the celebrated Canadian novel Junie with 100 Dragons Media Inc. and a new comedy horror series called Raksha with support from the Canada Media Fund. Praneet is a recent graduate of the National Screen Institute of Canada’s Access BIPOC Producers program and the 2025 Netflix Diversity of Voices program.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

Character's Talent Agent Bryan Misener talks about pitching his actors to casting, things he wished actors wouldn't do, and how to know if an agent is a good fit for you.Connect with Bryan Misener here: https://www.thecharacters.com/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/djeikIDwBnAWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Originally from Winnipeg, Bryan moved to Toronto to be an actor. After a few years he realized he was terrible at it, so decided to work on the business side of show business.Over more than 20 years as an agent, he's had clients in lead roles in Canadian and American series and feature films, and in theatre;  at Stratford, Shaw, on Broadway and in national tours.He loves to brag about his clients, a lot.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In today's episode, we sit down with Starr Domingue, an actor, singer, and incredible performer who has entertained all over the world. We dive into what it means to be present, and how she's become a trailblazer in the industry. Connect with Starr here: https://www.instagram.com/starrdomingue/?hl=enConnect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGroundedWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Starr Domingue is a multi-hyphenate artist, scholar and educator, with 20+ years on stages and screens across the Caribbean, the United States, Europe and Canada. Selected credits include A Change in Heart, Hudson & Rex, 4square’s 4tone, Oddsquad’s Puppy Master and the upcoming feature No Boundaries. She was an original Toronto company member of Hairspray, the stage musical and the motion picture of the same name. She has been featured in multiple productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’ including the 30th Anniversary Broadway National Tour which culminated in a resident directorship for the European tour. Starr has spent years performing at Canada’s two major repertory companies, the prestigious Shaw Festival and the world famous Stratford Festival, where in 2026 you can see her as she reprises her role as Bea from the 2024 season's critically acclaimed production of Something Rotten, General Cartwright in Guys and Dolls and her one woman show, I’m the Greatest Starr… (but no one knows it). Most recently, you may have seen her as Hannah in Gander, Newfoundland's production of Come From Away. A graduate of Sheridan's Musical Theatre Performance program, Starr recently also achieved her Masters in Theatre while simultaneously performing in the musicals Room and Dixon Road for Mirvish Productions and The Musical Stage Company, respectively. She followed that up with an award nominated role in The Musical Stage Company’s Retold and was in The Crow’s Theatre’s Dora award winning production of Red Velvet. She is also the creator/producer and host of the digital talk show, The Blacktor's Studio: an online interview series highlighting the journey of actors of Colour who grace the Canadian stage. Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In this engaging discussion, Julius Cho shares valuable life lessons from his acting journey, offering insights into his personal growth within the industry. He reflects on moments of self awareness that shaped his career path, much like a compelling ted talk. This conversation provides a glimpse into the dedication and passion required for a successful acting career, similar to the impactful narratives often found in ted talks that inspire and educate.Connect with Julius here: https://www.instagram.com/chojuliuscho/?hl=enConnect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGroundedWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider rating it 5 stars and subscribing!Julius Cho is a CSA-nominated Canadian actor, voice artist, and performer, known for his roles in CTV's Children Ruin Everything, Kim's Convenience, What We Do In the Shadows, and will appear in the next few weeks on season 2 of Hallmark's Mistletoe Murders. In addition to his on-screen success, he has lent his voice to popular animated series such as Paw Patrol, Total Drama Island, My Little Pony, and can be heard in the upcoming season 3 of the animated series PeopleWatching on Outtv. With a career that spans television, film, and voice work, Julius continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances and is quickly becoming one of Canada's most exciting talents. While also currently running for ACTRA Toronto Council this year.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In today's episode, we sit down with Madison Brydges, known for her portrayal of Paige in My Life With the Walter Boys, Vanessa in the Hardy Boys, and April in Big Top Academy. We covered her experiences growing up as a child actor, the comparisons between dance and acting, and her approach to the work. Connect with Madison here: https://www.instagram.com/madisonbrydges/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGroundedWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Madison Brydges (Maddie) is a Canadian born actor known for the series "My Life With The Walter Boys" (Paige), "Hardy Boys" (Vanessa), "The Parker Andersons" (Rickylnn), "Big Top Academy and Big Top Academy - Schools Out Edition" (April), "Murdoch Mysteries" (Agnes), and "Close Encounters" (Freida). Her films include "Single All The Way" (Daniela), "Love You Like Christmas" (Jo), and "Flatliners" (Tessa). Madison made her theatre debut in "Numbers" (Halina) and also made her mark in the music industry with her video, "Walk the Walk".Madison has been recognized and achieved a Young Artist Award, a Young Entertainers Award, and a Joey Award for her role as Jo in "Love You Like Christmas". In addition to her awards, she has received both a Young Artist Award and a Joey Award nomination for her roles in Murdoch Mysteries, Flatliners, and Numbers, as well as a Joey Award nomination for her music video, "Walk the Walk."Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In today’s episode, we talk with Humberly González, and explore how she approaches the work, the pressure of stepping into franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as her love for horror.Connect with Humberly González here: https://www.instagram.com/humberly/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Jarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/Watch on:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGroundedWe hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider giving us 5 stars and subscribing!Humberly Gonzalez is a rising star with standout roles in major film, television, and video game projects. She stars in Netflix’s The Waterfront and recurs in the global hit Ginny & Georgia—both currently in the platform’s Top 10. She appeared alongside Michelle Yeoh in Star Trek: Section 31 (Paramount+), and her Sony horror film Tarot was one of 2024’s top box office hits. Gonzalez plays the lead in Star Wars: Outlaws from Ubisoft and Lucasfilm, a performance that earned her the Best Performance award at the Canadian Game Awards. Her past credits include Nobody, Slumberland, Utopia Falls, In the Dark, and Orphan Black. Born in Venezuela, she is a graduate of the CFC and the National Theatre School and is fluent in Spanish.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In today’s episode, we chat with David Reale, a journeyman actor who has been in over 75 film and TV productions. We dive deep into his mindset work, the difference between being seen vs. heard, and why he always plays Jewish characters.Connect with David here: https://www.instagram.com/therealedavid/Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGroundedJarred - https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/Daniel - https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/David Reale is an actor with over 20 years of experience in film, television, and theatre. He starred in the TIFF award-winning Bang Bang Baby, appeared alongside Christoph Waltz in Georgetown, and with Elliot Page in Dominic Savage’s Close to You. On television, his credits include recurring and guest roles on Suits, Murdoch Mysteries, My Dead Mom, The Boys, and Murderbot. On stage, he has taken on leading roles in productions across the country, such as My Name is Asher Lev, John, and Fifteen Dogs. In addition to his acting work, David teaches and coaches actors at George Brown College, McGeachie Actors’ Practice, and John Riven’s Meisner Studio.Recorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In today’s episode, we chat with Harrison Browne, the creator of Pink Light, a film slated to premiere in the Toronto International Film Festival Short Cuts Programme in 2025. We dive deeper into the topic of identity, what it means to "make it your own," how their life as a professional athlete has informed their mindset as an artist, and so much more.Connect with Harrison here: https://www.instagram.com/hbrowne24/Connect with us: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGrounded⁠Jarred - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/⁠Daniel - ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/⁠We hope you enjoy, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping a like and subscribing!Harrison is a filmmaker and author based in Toronto. He is the director of the short film PINK LIGHT, an official selection of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Prior to his career in film, he was a professional hockey player in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) and the first out transgender athlete in professional hockey. During his tenure in the NWHL, he helped form the first-ever transgender policy in professional sports. He was the appointed Inclusion Leader for the NWHL advisory board and special ambassador for the National Hockey League’s Hockey Is For Everyone initiative. Through his efforts, Harrison was recognized in 2016 by The Hockey News as one of hockey’s 100 Top People of Power. Harrison is also the co-author, alongside his sister Rachel Browne, of Let Us Play: Winning the Battle for Gender Diverse Athletes, published by Beacon Press and released in May 2025.#GreenlitandGrounded #HarrisonBrowne #PinkLight #TIFF2025 #ArtsRecorded at Sleepless Studios in Toronto.

In today’s episode, we chat with Romy Weltman, one of the stars of the new hit SyFy show Revival. We dive into her audition process, how she made the transition from a child actor to a young woman, and more. Connect with Romy here: https://www.instagram.com/romyweltman/Connect with us: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/greenlitandgroundedpodcast/⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@GreenlitandGrounded⁠⁠Jarred - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bronst7/⁠⁠Daniel - ⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/danielkarp1/⁠⁠We hope you enjoy it, and if this episode interests you, please consider dropping, liking, and subscribing!Romy Weltman is a young Canadian actress who has worked professionally since the age of 12. Weltman can be seen next, portraying “Martha ‘Em’ Cypress”, a series regular on SYFY’s new series Revival, based on the NY Times best-selling Image comic book. Most recently, Romy can be seen as “Lexi,” a recurring role on The Pradeeps of Pittsburgh, starring comedienne Sindhu Vee and produced by Michael Showalter, which was the #1 Hit comedy on Amazon Prime. Romy started her career with her first role on the SYFY series Defiance, followed by playing the younger version of Emily Hampshire in her first indie horror film, The Returned. Weltman booked her first series regular on Backstage, where she played the role of “DJ Kit Dunn.” Backstage aired on the Family Channel in Canada and the Disney Channel in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and other countries worldwide. Other credits include the two-part season 12 finale of Murdoch Mysteries (CBC), followed by episodes of Slasher (Shudder/ Netflix), Mrs. America (FX), Ginny & Georgia(Netflix) and films including The Red Maple Leaf, The Plot to Kill My Mother (Lifetime) and Terror Train 1 & 2 (Tubi/ Crave Canada). In her career, Romy has worked on various productions with award-winning talent, including the late James Caan, Mira Sorvino, Doris Roberts, Rose Byrne, Rachel McAdams, and others.Recorded at Casting Central in Toronto.#GreenlitandGrounded #RomyWeltman #Revival #Syfy #Comicon #Arts