Second Act Actors
A podcast about people who have made a major life or career change into acting.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Have you always had a burning desire to pursue acting but believed it was too late to start? Perhaps you've been told that your age puts limitations on your dreams, leading you to feel frustrated and discouraged. The pain of not taking action and staying stuck in the belief that it's too late can be suffocating. But what if I told you that it's never too late to follow your passion for acting and create a second act in your career?
Unfolding against all odds, Buzz Leer's journey isn't just a tale of chasing dreams, but an unexpected twist that will leave you in awe. From thriving in the corporate world to harboring a secret passion for the stage, Buzz's decision to dive back into acting later in life will tug at your heartstrings. As his story unfolds, you'll witness the power of self-reflection, the unwavering support of loved ones, and the indomitable spirit that propels him forward. Brace yourself for a journey that will captivate your soul and leave you yearning for more.
Launching a career in acting later in life can be an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. Acting can offer a fresh perspective and allow individuals to uncover hidden talents, boost their confidence, and express their creativity. Buzz Leer's experience underscores the fact that age is not a barrier, but rather an advantage in acting, where the competition diminishes, making the pursuit of passion in later years a rewarding endeavor.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Uncover the potential of following your acting dreams at any stage in life.
Master the art of managing your creative spirit and business acumen in the acting world.
Grasp the rising trend of self-taped auditions and its impact on your acting career.
Recognize the distinctive advantages of growing older in the show business.
Grasp the significance of steadfastness and resilience in forging a successful acting career.

Friday Sep 08, 2023
EP 87: Adam Murciano: Actor, Writer & Producer
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Friday Sep 08, 2023
First act actor and second act actor meet to swap experiences and perspectives on breaking into this notoriously tough industry! On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I talk to actor Adam Murciano who grew up in an acting family and decided to pursue acting and ended up becoming a famous podcaster along the way.
Adam tells me what it was like to see his parents and grandparents regularly go off to auditions and how he landed his early successes as a child actor. We get into an interesting discussion on coping with rejection and whether you’d prefer to be notified that you’re not chosen or just ghosted by the casting director. Adam tells me about how he’s developed skills to protect his feelings from being burnt by rejection and how he keeps the fun alive in auditions. Listen out for the great advice that Adam’s acting coach gave him, which might just help you to book your next role!
Later on in the episode, we get onto Adam’s exciting new fictional podcast series Cascadia. He delves into how he made the podcast and what it means to him to achieve success on his own terms, with his own project. Stay tuned right to the end to hear his words of wisdom for anyone trying to break into the entertainment industry.
If you enjoyed listening to this episode of Second Act Actors, please support the podcast by recommending it to an acting friend.
Links
Cascadia podcast
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter

Friday Sep 01, 2023
Friday Sep 01, 2023
What does it take to overcome your family’s expectations and your perfectionism and become a successful screenwriter? Well, Chris Soucy’s solution was to feel the fear, do it anyway and write a script every week for a year. On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I’m talking to another creative professional who’s finding his way in the industry.
Chris tells me about his early childhood in military towns in Georgia and how he transitioned into script writing. We get into an interesting discussion on combating perfectionism and Chris tells me how he changed the goalposts of his expectations to allow himself to write more and not judge his own work. We also talk about what it means to lead a fulfilling life and what that looks like to different people, especially those who don’t find satisfaction in their day jobs. Listen out for Chris’ reflections on sharing your feelings with others through art, which might inspire you to make room for more creative pursuits in your life.
This is a deep episode of the Second Act Actors podcast with a lot of material for you to think over. If Chris’ words of wisdom inspired you, please share the episode with other people and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter

Friday Aug 25, 2023
EP 85: Amy Lyndon: Acting Coach, Actor & Director
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
In a world where dreams have no expiration date, Amy Lyndon offers a lifeline to second actors pursuing their passions later in life. But just as they're ready to take the leap, a shocking revelation leaves them questioning everything. Will they find the courage to continue their journey, or will their dreams remain unrealized? Find out in this riveting interview with Amy Lyndon.
Meet Amy Lyndon, a seasoned actor and much-admired coach. Amy began her acting journey in her early years, working tirelessly to perfect her craft. It's this dedication and love for acting that birthed the trademark Lyndon technique, that she uses to train actors all around the world. Never one to mince words, Amy is known to make her students excel through constructive feedback. Her empathetic approach, particularly towards second act actors, has seen her guide many to success.
If you want a big career and get on a TV show, you need to take some time and figure out how to book television. It's not just about acting, it's about telling a great story in a deep, personal, and connected way. - Amy Lyndon
In this episode, you will be able to:
Recognize the importance of storytelling in crafting memorable TV performances.
Understand the role of self-initiative in creating an impactful acting career.
Explore the interplay between commercial savvy and artistic vision in the acting world.
Ascertain how to steer your path through the industry and find your unique acting specialization.
Absorb essential tips for those who are embarking on their acting dreams in later years.
Balancing Business Acumen and Creativity: Acting isn't just about artistic expression, but also understanding the industry's business aspect. Amy Lyndon's advice highlights the importance of aligning your demo reel, resume, and image with current casting trends, and proactively steering your career journey. The key point to draw from this conversation is how managing the business side strategically can accelerate your acting career and maximize opportunities for desired roles.
Links:
WORK WITH AMY
SECOND ACT ACTORS WEBSITE
JANET MCMORDIE'S PERSONAL WEBSITE
MERCH STORE!

Friday Aug 18, 2023
EP 84: Aaron Romm: Musician, Actor, & Improv Performer
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Join me for this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast as I talk improvisation, making mistakes, taking risks, acting techniques and classical music with trumpeter Aaron Romm. Aaron is a professional musician who brings his love of acting into his performances.
Aaron and I talk about how we met through an online improvisation class and the road that led him to wanting to develop his improv skills. He tells me about his early childhood growing up in a musical household and what his parents thought about him following the same career path. We go over what we’ve both learnt from improvisation and how freeing it can be to make mistakes, even if they happen in public.
Later in the episode, Aaron and I debate the role of acting in our own lives and society as a whole. Aaron shares his thoughts on how both acting and music help others to express and live through their emotions, which is essential listening if you’re looking for a way to explain your acting career to your family or friends!
If you enjoyed this episode and want to show your support for the Second Act Actors podcast, please rate and review the podcast and share it with someone in your community.
Links
Aaron Romm’s YouTube channel
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Friday Aug 11, 2023
Ep 83: Eric Miron: Teacher Turned Actor
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Friday Aug 11, 2023
In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking to an actor with whom I’ve shared the screen as we were featured together in a film! Eric Miron is a music teacher and actor who’s refreshingly honest about what it takes to break into the acting industry. Join us for an engaging discussion about storytelling, making mistakes, counting wins, boosting self-confidence and overcoming trauma.
Eric tells me about why he was initially reluctant to get into acting and what made him change his mind. We trace his journey since then and share our experiences of feeling like we messed up on set and how we came back from it. Then we move on to talking about acting techniques and how to channel your previous difficult experiences in a positive way to enhance your performance.
This is a very optimistic episode of the Second Act Actors podcast that brings home the power of living your dreams and not caring about what other people think of you. If you enjoyed hearing Eric’s thoughts on acting, then subscribe to the podcast to make sure that you don’t miss an episode.
Links
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
Janet McMordie on Twitter

Friday Aug 04, 2023
EP 82: Maggie Fleming: Event Manager turned Model & Author
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
With a rich background in business sustainability, finance, and a myriad of other roles, Maggie Fleming is nothing short of a versatile individual. Known for her hands-on approach in the many creative endeavors she undertakes, her unique journey from Texas to the West Coast is quite inspiring. Having spent her early career working on innovative projects for a sustainability startup, including renowned Tesla, she courageously transitioned into a modeling career, proving it's never too late to pursue your passion in a new industry. Her ability to navigate this dramatic change, while remaining genuinely engaged in multiple projects, is a testament to her determination and adaptability.
Maggie's book: Link for info here
Second Act Actors website
Janet McMordie's personal website

Friday Jul 28, 2023
EP 81: Jim Jenkinson: Dentist Turned Actor
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Meet Dr. Jim Jenkinson - a talented individual who transitioned from dentistry to the world of acting later in his career. After 25 years in dental practice, he decided to follow his passion and immersed himself in the craft of acting. Despite facing challenges and an initial phase of minimal success, Jim persevered and started landing roles that allowed him to learn, grow, and enjoy his newfound career. His curiosity and dedication to his craft enabled him to become a versatile performer, handling diverse roles with ease and authenticity. As an example for late-career professionals, Jim's story highlights the possibilities that arise when we pursue our passions and challenge ourselves to grow.
His journey from dentistry to acting is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and find new paths. Join us as we explore Dr. Jim's inspiring story and discover how you too can harness your inner strength to pursue your dreams.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Delve into the captivating journey from dentistry to the world of acting.
Grasp the art of making your acting performances appear seamless and genuine.
Embrace your acting strengths by finding your distinctive niche.
Tackle the hurdles of memorizing scripts and expressing emotions on screen.
Receive the energizing boost you need to push forward as an aspiring actor.

Friday Jul 21, 2023
EP 80: Rebeka Herron: Director/Producer/Writer
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Introducing Rebeka Herron, a versatile film producer with a life-long passion for storytelling. At a young age, Rebeka dove headfirst into the world of television before discovering her love for languages and music. Her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced adversity in the form of a traumatic head injury. Carrying on with determination, Rebeka pursued film and TV classes in high school, eventually earning a scholarship to film school. Following an insightful internship in Vancouver, Rebeka co-founded 180 Sisterhood, a production company that focuses on nurturing talents and fostering community growth in a smaller city setting. With her well-rounded skills and experience, Rebeka continues to inspire and empower aspiring filmmakers in her community.
This is Rebeka Herron's story:
Rebeka's move to Sault Ste. Marie proved to be a game-changer for her career. The smaller city provided a more supportive environment for indie filmmakers, with lower costs and less bureaucracy. Rebeka's experience in various facets of film production helped her and her business partner build a successful company, develop projects, and even launch a film festival in their new home. Although there may be challenges in working with a smaller crew, Rebeka's well-rounded knowledge in film production has equipped her to handle these difficulties with grace. Her journey is a testament to the benefits of gaining diverse experience and embracing the unpredictable twists life has to offer.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Learn essential career advice that can propel actors towards new opportunities.
Realize the true value of fostering connections in the tightly-knit film industry.
Understand how being well-rounded in film production can open up various career paths.
Gain an insider's perspective on the highs and lows of the Canadian film industry.
Embrace the changing dynamics of film production and thrive through adaptability.
Second Act Actors website
Second Act Actors on Instagram
Second Act Actors on Facebook
Second Act Actors on YouTube
Janet McMordie website
Janet McMordie on Instagram
Janet McMordie on LinkedIn
