In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast

Arts

About

Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs bi-weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made and personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Vinnie Mancuso, Senior Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day.

Episodes

  • Dan Levy

    Dan Levy joins "In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast" to discuss his new Netflix series, "Big Mistakes," and the impact of "Schitt's Creek." He also shares insights from working with Catherine O'Hara and Laurie Metcalf.

  • Intimacy Coordinator Mam Smith ("Euphoria," "The Drama")

    Intimacy coordinator Mam Smith discusses her roles in series like "Euphoria" and "Lioness," and films such as "Challengers" and "The Drama." Smith also discusses working with Zendaya and advice for new actors.

  • Kerry Washington

    Kerry Washington joins In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast to discuss her creative process, career, and filming for 'Imperfect Women.' She also talks about the impact of 'Scandal' and the importance of background actors.

  • Lili Reinhart

    Lili Reinhart joins In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast to discuss her recent roles in "Hal & Harper," "Forbidden Fruits," and "The Love Hypothesis." She also shares her experiences as a working actor and how she manages her schedule.

  • Sam Heughan

    Sam Heughan joins In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast to discuss the eighth and final season of "Outlander," including his final day on set and the keys to on-screen chemistry. Heughan also talks about intimacy coordination.

  • Benicio del Toro

    Benicio del Toro is featured on Backstage's In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast. He shares insights into his creative process, career, and specific acting experiences, including advice from Christopher Walken and lessons from working with…

  • Ariana Grande

    Ariana Grande joins In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast to discuss her experience playing Glinda in "Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good." She also talks about studying Stella Adler technique, working with Robert De Niro, and offers advice for…

  • Michael B. Jordan

    Michael B. Jordan discusses his Oscar-nominated performance in "Sinners," his collaboration with Ryan Coogler, his acting process, theater experiences, and his interest in anime on this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast.

  • Kate Hudson

    Kate Hudson discusses her nominated performance in "Song Sung Blue," her evolving acting process, and specific techniques she's adopted during her career on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Dwayne Johnson

    Dwayne Johnson joins In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast to discuss his role in The Smashing Machine, his career in Hollywood, and his transition from wrestling. Host Vinnie Mancuso interviews Johnson about his pivot to more personal proj…

  • Teyana Taylor

    Teyana Taylor discusses her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast. She talks about working with the director, her character's perception, and filming key…

  • Jesse Plemons

    Actor Jesse Plemons joins the podcast to discuss his role in Bugonia, his approach to acting, the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, and how his early work on Friday Night Lights continues to influence his career.

  • Dylan O'Brien

    Actor Dylan O'Brien discusses his role in "Twinless," his career experiences, and his upcoming work in Sam Raimi's "Send Help." Host Vinnie Mancuso also speaks with O'Brien about his time on "Teen Wolf" and the realities of working in Holl…

  • Elle Fanning

    Elle Fanning joins In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast to discuss working on the projects Predator: Badlands and Sentimental Value. She also reflects on her career, including her experience as a child actor and her process for choosing ro…

  • Zoey Deutch

    Zoey Deutch discusses the realities of being a working actor, her role as Jean Seberg in "Nouvelle Vague," and her experiences in the industry, including being cut from "The Amazing Spider-Man." Host Vinnie Mancuso joins her for this episo…

  • Oscar Isaac

    Oscar Isaac discusses his role in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, his time at Juilliard, and lessons from his acting career. He shares insights into his creative process with host Vinnie Mancuso on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Ethan Hawke

    Actor Ethan Hawke discusses his career, his collaboration with Richard Linklater on the film Blue Moon, and his past projects, including Dead Poets Society and Training Day. In this episode, he also shares performance tips and insights for…

  • A-Listers' Acting Origin Stories

    This episode of In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast features stories from A-list actors, including Barry Keoghan, Austin Butler, and Colman Domingo, about how they first became interested in acting.

  • Paul Mescal

    Actor Paul Mescal discusses his acting process, his role in 'The History of Sound,' playing William Shakespeare in 'Hamnet,' and his upcoming portrayal of Paul McCartney in Sam Mendes' Beatles biopics.

  • Madelyn Cline

    Madelyn Cline discusses filming the final season of Netflix's Outer Banks and shares personal reflections on her career path and future professional goals.

  • Seth Rogen

    Seth Rogen discusses his series The Studio, including its Emmy nominations and the process of writing the second season, on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast. He also shares his perspectives on acting, his public persona, and his experi…

  • Cristin Milioti

    Cristin Milioti discusses her acting career, from NYC black box theater to her role as Sofia Falcone in The Penguin. She also reflects on previous projects, including Once, How I Met Your Mother, and Palm Springs.

  • Ralph Ineson (Galactus, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps")

    Actor Ralph Ineson discusses his role as Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, his collaborative work with director Robert Eggers, and his experiences in the film industry, including the Harry Potter franchise.

  • Alden Ehrenreich

    In this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast, actor Alden Ehrenreich discusses his career, including his roles in "Weapons" and "Ironheart," as well as working on "Oppenheimer" and his Han Solo audition. He also reflects on his…

  • Amanda Seyfried

    Amanda Seyfried discusses her career in Hollywood, her dramatic role in "Long Bright River," the reception of "Jennifer's Body," and the possibility of "Mamma Mia 3" on this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast.

  • Tramell Tillman

    Actor Tramell Tillman discusses his role as Milchick in the series Severance, his acting career journey, and his experience working on Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. He also shares advice for aspiring performers and personal in…

  • Jason Segel

    Jason Segel discusses the second season of "Shrinking," his early acting career, managing burnout, and his life as an artist on this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Vincent D'Onofrio

    Actor Vincent D'Onofrio discusses his role as Wilson Fisk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including insights on Daredevil: Born Again. He also reflects on his extensive career and shares advice for aspiring performers on living an artist…

  • Darren Criss

    Darren Criss discusses his Tony-nominated role in the Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending and reflects on his career, from A Very Potter Musical to Glee and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

  • Hailee Steinfeld

    Hailee Steinfeld discusses her performance in Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners," reflects on her career, and talks about her role in the MCU and "True Grit." Vinnie Mancuso hosts this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Finn Wolfhard

    Finn Wolfhard discusses his feature-directing debut, the film Hell of a Summer, on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast. He also shares his thoughts on the conclusion of Stranger Things and the industry's approach to writing for Gen Z.

  • Kit Connor

    Kit Connor discusses his work on the A24 film "Warfare," his Broadway debut in "Romeo & Juliet," and his professional growth following his role in Netflix's "Heartstopper."

  • Samara Weaving

    Samara Weaving discusses her career journey, transitioning from Australian soap operas to horror films. She also shares insights on her upcoming projects, including Borderline and the Ready or Not sequel.

  • Daisy Ridley

    Daisy Ridley discusses her acting career, from her early musical theater background to her roles in Star Wars, Magpie, and Cleaner. She also reflects on returning as Rey for a future project directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

  • Angelina Jolie

    Angelina Jolie discusses her role as Maria Callas in the film "Maria," her acting process, and her perspective on fame in this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast. She also shares advice for those pursuing creative work.

  • Demi Moore

    Demi Moore discusses her Oscar-nominated performance in Coralie Fargeat's The Substance, her career evolution, and maintaining perspective throughout an acting career in this episode of In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Pamela Anderson

    Pamela Anderson discusses her SAG Award-nominated role in Gia Coppola's "The Last Showgirl," her acting training with Ivana Chubbuck, and her experience during awards season on In the Envelope: The Actor's Podcast.

  • Javier Bardem

    Javier Bardem discusses his acting philosophy and roles in 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story', 'Dune: Part 2', and 'Lyle, Lyle Crocodile' on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Jodie Comer + Jeff Nichols (ScreenCraft Summit)

    Jodie Comer and Jeff Nichols discuss acting and screenwriting during a conversation recorded at the 2024 ScreenCraft Winter Writers Summit. The pair explore the creative partnership between actor and director, as well as the rules of filmm…

  • Guy Pearce

    Guy Pearce joins In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast to discuss his role in The Brutalist. He also reflects on his early acting career, his personal evolution in the industry, and his views on balancing acting as both an art and a job.

  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor + RaMell Ross (ScreenCraft Summit)

    Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and writer-director RaMell Ross discuss the creative process behind the film Nickel Boys. This special episode was recorded during the 2024 ScreenCraft Winter Writers Summit for In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Daniel Craig

    Daniel Craig joins the podcast to discuss his role in the film Queer. He also reflects on his early theater experiences, his process for building characters, and his perspective on discussing the craft of acting.

  • Cynthia Erivo

    Cynthia Erivo discusses her role as Elphaba in the "Wicked" movie adaptation, including her audition process, working with co-stars, and her approach to storytelling through song.

  • Saoirse Ronan

    Actor Saoirse Ronan discusses her roles in "The Outrun" and "Blitz" on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast. She also reflects on her career trajectory, experiences with directors, and her interest in directing.

  • Naomi Scott

    Naomi Scott discusses her performance in the film "Smile 2," her creative process, her background in music, and her experiences working on horror film sets.

  • Katherine Langford

    Katherine Langford discusses her West End role as Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" and her preparations for her professional stage debut. Host Vinnie Mancuso interviews the actor about her career and experience on the project.

  • Kathryn Hahn

    Kathryn Hahn discusses her acting career, from her early auditions in New York to her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series "Agatha All Along," including her chemistry with co-star Aubrey Plaza.

  • Gaten Matarazzo

    Gaten Matarazzo discusses his role in the final season of Stranger Things, his early Broadway career, and his involvement in LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.

  • Rudy Pankow

    Rudy Pankow discusses his acting process while working on the Netflix series Outer Banks and his role in Romeo & Juliet. He also shares his perspective on seeking out strong writing and his future career outlook.

  • Walton Goggins

    Walton Goggins discusses his early career, professional decision-making, and his role as The Ghoul in the Fallout series on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast.