Pretend Worlds Real People

Pretend Worlds Real People

Carving your path within the Entertainment Industry takes a lot of guts, passion, and unbeatable optimism. Whether you’re an actor, writer, director, make-up artist, or a production assistant; this business will find a way to push you back. But, every obstacle lays the ground work for an incredible story. A story that Actor and Writer, Tyler Laracca, always sought out to hear while working alongside the incredible artists of Film, Television, and Theater. Each week, he’s joined by industry veterans and newcomers alike, to share their story and connect through the surprisingly common experiences of working in entertainment. Catch new episodes every Tuesday!

Episodes

May 16, 2025 30 mins

“Don’t focus on the ending, focus on the journey.”

 

Tania Gunadi caught the acting bug after booking a Disneyland commercial. Driven to learn more, she threw herself into acting and improv classes while improving her English. Her incredible work ethic and natural talent has led to a thriving career, with no end in sight. Here, Tania shares her thoughts on the audition process, living fruit...

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“Leave it in the room.”

 

As the family rascal, Kimberly Condict always stood out from her siblings with boundless energy. With a University of Oklahoma degree in hand, she leaped around theatrical communities in Denver and Dallas - before finally landing in Los Angeles. Her artistic roots began to grow over the next fifteen years as she found community in The Groundlings, dove into writing...

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May 2, 2025 34 mins

“Just don’t quit.”

 

Actress, writer, and mischief maker, Thesy Surface joins the show today! Known for her work in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Chuck, White Gold, and more - she’s consistently broken the boundaries of character work. Here, she discusses the reality of being a working performer, writing for herself, and keeping true to yourself in a shifting business. Tune in now!

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April 18, 2025 33 mins

“Find community.”

 

Paloma Guzmán diverted from the pre-med trajectory to pursue acting at Carnegie-Mellon. While juggling flexible jobs around NYC, she would soon land her first on-camera role in Law and Order. In the years that followed, she would add numerous prolific projects to her resume, including: Broad City, Person of Interest, and Atlanta. In this episode, Paloma reflects on indus...

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March 21, 2025 40 mins

"Get some hobbies."

 

In high school, Brian Thomas Smith traded in his basketball uniform to set his sights on acting. A dream he's had since he started making films with his childhood friends. Through numerous side jobs, acting classes, and networking opportunities - Brian honed his skills and stamina to succeed in the entertainment industry. His most notable credits include: The Big Bang Theory, Casual, Shrinking, and Bad Monkey....

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March 14, 2025 45 mins

“Define the moment, don’t let the moment define you.”

 

Katie Leclerc is an Actor and Producer with an undying love for storytelling. From her breakout leading role in Switched at Birth, to her numerous credits onwards - that love has only strengthened. Tune into this episode as Katie touches on the entrepreneurial spirit, on set experiences, and navigating the producing process.

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January 10, 2025 47 mins

“Be a good person.”

 

Christi Webb has always loved everything music, film, and television. Initially pursuing a career at MTV, a cosmic pivot would direct her to Los Angeles - where she would thrive as a casting associate with numerous credits like: Rick and Morty, TMNT, The Cleveland Show, Con Man, and more. Today, Christi is the Los Angeles Agent Assistant for Mitchell & Associates! ...

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December 27, 2024 49 mins

“Be as community-minded as possible.”

 

Last looks! Make-Up Artist, Kristin Forgy, joins the show this week! LA raised and New Mexico transferred, Kristin has always loved everything cinema. After some life changes, she began pursuing a career in Make-Up, where she’s thrived for the last ten years. Kristin talks about living minimally, embracing kindness, and some highly memorable on-set ex...

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December 20, 2024 39 mins

“If you feel called, find a way to fill up your life.”

 

This week, PWRP is joined by Elyse Levesque. As an actress, writer, producer, and model - her career has been anything but boring. Since her break on Incredible Story Studio at 11 years old, Elyse has amassed a wealth of credits that include: Ready or Not, Stargate, Orphan Black, and more! She dives into her modeling adventures, minds...

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December 13, 2024 56 mins

“Just know that you never know.”

 

Jason Potter is a Swiss Army Artist! He’s an Actor, Filmmaker, Cinematographer, and Editor, with credits alongside legendary talents like Josh Brolin. With a Video Production degree in hand, he decided to transition towards the other side of the camera, and the rest is history. Tune in has he leads us through the early years, co-star stories, and plans for...

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December 5, 2024 45 mins

“You have to make sure you really love it.”

 

Molly Burnett is a dynamic actress, writer, and producer known for Queen of the South, Days of Our Lives, and Law & Order: SVU. A Colorado native, Molly maintains her home state roots while working across the globe. In this episode, she shares her start in theater, honing her memorization skills on a legendary soap,...

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September 12, 2024 37 mins

"Get experience wherever you live."

 

Rene Haynes has always wanted to be the one who puts actors on screen. After dipping her toe in the acting pool, she cut her teeth working as crew. Her dedication would soon open the door to casting extras in Dances With Wolves. Eighty projects later, Rene is a prolific Casting Director of such projects as: Killers of the Flower Moon, Prey, and Dark Winds. She talks ...

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September 5, 2024 37 mins

"Be in the moment."

"Being prepared is the best way to relax."

 

Suteara Vaughn and Jaedon Rio, of The Girl in the Pool, join the show to share their experience working on the film. Tune in as they touch on memorable on-set moments, preparation practices, and working with industry legends like Monica Potter, Kevin Pollak, and Freddie Prinze Jr!

 

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August 3, 2024 39 mins

Tune in with friend of the show, Matthew Smaldone, as he discusses his upcoming feature film, The Scars of Our Hands! Filmed entirely in Colorado, this epic fable follows two brothers as they trek through The Rockies to stop an arsonist. Matthew and his crew at Chameleon are the ones to watch in the years ahead, so don't sleep on this one. Catch the premiere here in Denver on August 18th at The Oriental Theater!

 

SHOUTOUTS & P...

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July 25, 2024 56 mins

“De-center yourself from your career.”

 

The wonderfully dynamic, Maura Kidwell, joins PWRP this week! A multi-hyphenate to the highest degree, Maura is an accomplished Actor, Writer, Producer, Director, and Intimacy Choreographer in training. Her journey spans from thriving theatrical spaces in St. Louis and Chicago, to her magnetic presence on shows like Sirens, South Side, and The Bear. ...

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July 18, 2024 52 mins

“If you can make them laugh or cry, you can make them think.”

 

Gary Farmer is an Actor and Musician with a dynamic career that spans over fifty years in theater, film, and television. His most recent roles have filled the frames of Resident Alien, Reservation Dogs, and The Curse. Gary has also served as an advocate for indigenous health and livelihood in Canada and the United States. Here,...

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June 27, 2024 56 mins

“Find ways to satiate yourself.”

 

It is my great pleasure to welcome, Writer and Director, Erica Tremblay! Through her family’s dinner table stories, creating homemade short films, and watching VCR recordings of MTV; she has always sought after any form of storytelling. Her hard work, talent, and love for the craft would lead her to the Sundance Indigenous Program. There, she would find mentorship and rep...

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June 20, 2024 47 mins

"Just make sure you always have something you're passionate about."

 

Brianna Brown knew she wanted to act at 14 years old, taking it upon herself to scour the yellow pages in search of an opportunity. Years later, she would leave her home state of Minnesota for Los Angeles in pursuit of a career on screen. Her career spans over 70 credits, a pivot into writing and producing, and the creation of her non-profit, Manifesting Your Mis...

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May 23, 2024 29 mins

"Don't give up."

 

This week, we're joined by the incredibly talented actor, Jeff Holman. You've seen his comedic chops steal the scene in shows like Yellowjackets, Minx, Parks & Rec, and Amazon's Being The Ricardos. He opens up about finding his passion for performance in the first grade, making the jump to LA, and finding your power in the process!

 

SHOUTOUTS & PROMOTIONS

-West Side Rescue Mission

-Denver Zoo 

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May 16, 2024 32 mins

“You have to stay positive.”

 

Molly Mcowan is the epitome of a renaissance artist, with a love for skateboarding, surfing, climbing, and snowboarding. She’s lent her voice to video games such as Bully, performed stunts alongside Brie Larson in The Marvels, and embraced the volatile atmosphere of Dune: Part Two as one of Feyd Rautha’s Harpies. Her career has also expanded into the modeling ...

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