Leslie and Jonathan laugh through bizarre audition requests—pretend walking on a glacier, invisible bikes, whale‑watching scenes—and discuss what casting really needs from self‑tapes.

Jonathan shares why he’s returning to teaching, offering practical classes on on‑camera technique and running your acting career like a business so performers can set boundaries, negotiate rates, and reclaim their value.

This episode (first half of a two-part conversation) explores how actors can adapt to rapid industry changes, especially the rise of vertical shorts, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and confidence in auditions.

Leslie and Jonathan discuss practical tips for working on fast-paced vertical productions, boundary-setting around roles or brand endorsements, and share real-world stories about negotiating pay and making personal choices about representation.

Part two of the episode covers vacation and recharging after the holidays, how to avoid burnout, and simple ways to decompress.

We share practical self-tape tips for dealing with awkward or over-the-top audition instructions, including shortcut strategies (use reels, show competence without staging full scenes) and why casting sometimes requests front/back hand shots or full-body framing.

We wrap up with examples, personal stories, and reminder to set boundaries on elaborate self-tapes, and an invitation to leave your thoughts in the comments.