The DNA Podcast with Douglas Nyback

I recently worked with Jake Epstein on Doc and was SO excited to finally meet the guy I’d been hearing so much about for years. Jake is a profoundly talented actor who began as a child star and quickly found himself as a regular on the iconic teen drama, Degrassi. Where his story becomes even more interesting is that he chose to leave that show and go to theatre school, beginning the steps of the journey that would lead him to starring on Broadway as “Spider Man” in Spider Man: Turn Off The Dark (one of the most technically ambitious Broadway shows in history). Jake is whip smart, funny, and profoundly brave in his willingness to follow the creative threads of his life. I’m a huge fan of this gent, I have a feeling you’ll love this episode, so dive on in. Find Jake: Instagram: @officialjakeepstein 🤝 Podcast Partners & Listener Perks We’ve teamed up with brands we genuinely use and trust. 🔥 Othership Sauna • Cold Plunge • Breathwork• 11% OFF classes & packs — code DOUGLASNYBACK • 2-for-1 first-timer offer • 1 month FREE on the breathwork app 👉 Links in bio ✨ Fancy Face On-camera beauty & skincare• 20% OFF products + services — code DNAPOD • fancyface.ca Using these codes helps support the podcast 🙏 Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @dramaclubfox @suitspeacock @degrassi @spiderman @ent_ntsShow Partners: @othership @fancyfaceinc #DNAPodcast #thednapodcast #Degrassi #Suits #JakeEpstein

Patrick Walker is one of many unbelievably talented series regulars on the hit Fox medical drama “DOC” where he plays Dr. TJ Coleman. He also happens to be one of the kindest, most passionate, and creative people I have the good fortune to know. Listen, I’m biased on this one because Patrick and I work together on the show. This also happens to give me first hand credibility when I say that Patrick is a rising tide who lifts all boats. Every time he steps on set he brings light, creativity, and an insatiable curiosity of the entire filmmaking process. There are no bad days when you’re working with Patrick. As early as the pilot, I wanted to get him on the show because he’s profoundly passionate about acting. This episode is full of incredible insight, stories of faith, amazing tips, mindset lessons, and out of the box thinking. Patrick is a rising star, so come get to know him. Thanks, again, to Patrick for coming on the pod and don’t miss the two hour season finale of Doc on Fox dropping April 14th on Fox (next day on Hulu)! Find Patrick: Instagram: @thepatrickwalkerTikTok: @thepatrickwalker 🤝 Podcast Partners & Listener Perks We’ve teamed up with brands we genuinely use and trust. 🔥 Othership Sauna • Cold Plunge • Breathwork• 11% OFF classes & packs — code DOUGLASNYBACK • 2-for-1 first-timer offer• 1 month FREE on the breathwork ap 👉 Links in bio ✨ Fancy Face On-camera beauty & skincare• 20% OFF products + services — code DNAPOD • fancyface.ca Using these codes helps support the podcast 🙏 Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @dramaclubfox @hulu @anyabanerjee @amirahvanofficial @omarmetwally @charlottefj_ @jonecker @blairunderwood @buchanknightcasting @senatorclarmstrong @connimiu @christiestewart22 (And all the amazing folks from DOC I missed/who aren’t on socials. You’re all amazing)!Show Partners: @othership @fancyfaceinc #podcast #DNAPodcast #thednapodcast #DocOnFox #PatrickWalker #Doc #Hulu #MollyParker

Julia Tomasone’s journey through life hasn’t always been easy, in fact the road that has led her to starring as Delilah in the hit series “The Way Home” has taken her all the way from child actor, to patient at Sick Kids Hospital, to author, producer, and much more. I’ve worked with Julia for years and I was shocked by just how much I didn’t know about her. This is one of my favorite things about the podcast, learning deeper truths about artists that I respect and admire. Julia is a grounded, confident, and respectful human. She respects others and herself, and she brings that sense of self into her work every time she steps on camera. She’s present, clear, and deeply emotionally engaged, all while being led by a super powered intellect. Learning about her journey, struggles, and triumphs was inspiring for me and I know it will be for you all as well. Julia is one of a kind, my friends, so dive on in. I can’t wait for you to get to know her. Find Julia: Instagram: @juliatomasone TikTok: @juliatomasone 🤝 Podcast Partners & Listener Perks We’ve teamed up with brands we genuinely use and trust. 🔥 OthershipSauna • Cold Plunge • Breathwork • 11% OFF classes & packs — code DOUGLASNYBACK• 2-for-1 first-timer offer• 1 month FREE on the breathwork app👉 Links in bio ✨ Fancy FaceOn-camera beauty & skincare • 20% OFF products + services — code DNAPOD• fancyface.ca Using these codes helps support the podcast 🙏 Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewasAssociate Producer: @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @thewayhomehallmarkchannel @netflix @netflixca @sickkidstoronto Show Partners: @othership @fancyfaceinc

I’ve been a fan of Daniel Maslany’s work since first seeing him on the YouTube Red series, Impulse. Since then he and I have crossed paths many times but we finally got a chance to work together on the pilot for Fox’s Doc. Getting to see his work up close was a delight. He’s empathetic, present, focused, giving, and professional. He saturates everything he does with thought and personality, bringing a full three dimensionality to every character he builds. He’s also an actor who takes his relationship with audience very seriously. He never forgets who these stories are for, and getting to chat with him about his long running roles was eye opening and insightful. In short, there’s a lot here to both be entertained by and learn from. I’m a big fan of Daniel, and I know you will be too (if you aren’t already). So check out the full episode (links in bio to wherever podcasts are found). Don’t forget to like and subscribe (and rate 5 stars) wherever you find us. Find Daniel: Instagram: @daniel.maslany 🤝 Podcast Partners & Listener Perks We’ve teamed up with brands we genuinely use and trust. 🔥 Othership Sauna • Cold Plunge • Breathwork• 11% OFF classes & packs — code DOUGLASNYBACK • 2-for-1 first-timer offer • 1 month FREE on the breathwork app 👉 Links in bio ✨ Fancy Face On-camera beauty & skincare• 20% OFF products + services — code DNAPOD • fancyface.ca Using these codes helps support the podcast 🙏 Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @cbcmurdoch @cbc @cbcgem @impulseseries @YouTube @dramaclubfoxSponsored By: @othership @fancyfaceinc

There is nobody on the planet quite like Steffi D. In so many ways she is like the second coming of Liza Minnelli in that she is a powerhouse of musical and acting talent that is rarely seen on stage or screen. She has IMDB list as long as my arm (including major series + films like Chucky, Umbrella Academy, and Stage Fright) and a musical theatre resume that is both prolific and growing. She was a top 5 finalist on Canadian Idol which lead her to tour with the first national Broadway tour of Spring Awakening, and originated the role of Janice in the Broadway smash hit “Come From Away”. She also (takes a second to dab on my haters) is an old student of mine, a profoundly kind person, and an absolute delight to talk to. This episode is full of gigantic opinions (from both of us), major life questions, and lots of laughs. Can’t wait for you to dive in. Find Steffi: Instagram: @steffid5 Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @comefromaway @comefromawayto @mcnallykennedyacting @mirvishproductions Coffee and Snacks: @impactkitchen (not a sponsor, we just pop in every podcast and love these guys)

Evan Stern is basically the human embodiment of talent, opinion, and relentless charisma. The dude is one of the funniest actors out there, with a mastery of physical comedy that few can match. This episode is a deep dive into his iconic performance as Stuart on the hit show, Letterkenny, as well as all the successes and failures that came before and after. This conversation is wild, folks. We pulled any thread that came to us, leading from spicy takes to insights on life and acting, to jokes, to more spice. I’ve always been a fan of Evan, so getting to sit down with him like this was a genuine delight. I know you’re going to love this one as much as I loved filming it, so dive on in. Oh! He’s also one half of a new podcast he co-hosts with @michellemylett called @SparePartsPodcast, so check that out after ours! It’s hilarious and insightful. Big fan. Find Evan: Instagram: @evanjsternTikTok: @evanjsternSpare Parts Podcast: @SparePartsPodcast Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @michellemylett @avatarfrontiers @ubisoftcanada @letterkennyproblems Coffee and Snacks: @impactkitchen (not a sponsor, we just pop in every podcast and love these guys)

Dalmar Abuzeid is one of the stars of the iconic series Degrassi: The Next Generation and the deeply moving Anne with an E—among many, many other credits. What I’ve admired most about Dalmar, long before this episode, is how profoundly thoughtful he is. He takes both life and craft seriously, but never pretentiously—he’s measured, grounded, and endlessly curious about the work. Talking with him always pushes me to reexamine what I believe about acting and to approach things from new and unexpected angles. Dalmar brings a rare combination of ambition, humility, and wisdom to everything he does, and that devotion to growth shows up in every word of this conversation. I learned a lot from our talk, and I know you will too. So dive on in—Dalmar’s the real deal, and a legend in the making. Find Dalmar: Instagram: @dalmarabuzeid Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei @jonelle.gunderson Special Thanks: @raymondablack @degrassi @annewithane @annetheseries @cbcgem @cbc Coffee and Snacks: @impactkitchen (not a sponsor, we just pop in every podcast and love these guys)

A Juilliard-trained dancer, star of The Next Step, Netflix’s Tiny Pretty Things, Fear Street: Prom Queen, and now a producer and actor on the feature film Loathe Thy Neighbor—it’s clear that Brennan Clost is a multi-talented artist in every sense. I’m not gonna lie, this conversation was a genuine delight. Brennan is incredibly open about the things that have driven him to succeed at such a high level from such a young age—and the cost of that relentless dedication when it’s pushed him to his limits. From training at Juilliard while filming The Next Step on his summer “breaks,” to having to rebuild himself physically and emotionally in the years that followed, to finding his creative footing again on Tiny Pretty Things—we talk about it all. So many of the people I admire hold Brennan in the highest regard, and it’s easy to see why. He’s thoughtful, passionate, grounded, and generous in sharing what he’s learned. There’s so much to take away from this conversation, and I’m excited for you to dive in. Find Brennan: YouTube: @brennanclost Instagram: @breannanclost TikTok: @breannanclost Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei Special Thanks: @tinyprettythingsseries @thenextstep @loathethyneighbor Coffee and Snacks: @impactkitchen (not a sponsor, we just pop in every podcast and love these guys) Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms #BrennanClost #TheNextStep #TinyPrettyThings #Netflix #Juilliard #FearStreet #LoathThyNeighbor #acting #ActingTips #Podcast #theDNApodcast #dnybackact #DNAPodcast

Sarah Fisher is maybe the nicest person I know. And I’m not kidding here. Sarah brings light and joy into every part of her life and career, from her early work as Becky Baker on Degrassi: The Next Generation to feature films like Kiss and Cry (BIG shout out to the fine folks at Carley’s Angels and the good work they’re doing in creating access to integrative cancer care), Someone Like You, and now her work on the hit series When Hope Calls. Sarah takes an approach of radical responsibility, of choosing to look within when life hands her hardship, choosing hope and growing through all things. She’s a personal friend and creative collaborator, someone I’ve worked with on set, as a client, and now as a co-creator of a couple series we’re developing. We dive into all of that, so expect all sorts of acting tips, life advice, creative inspiration, and lots of laughter. This is a fun one and I’m excited for you to join us. Find Sarah: Instagram: @sarahfisher Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei Special Thanks: @degrassi @schearthome @kissandcrymovie @someonelikeyoumovie Coffee and Snacks: @impactkitchen (not a sponsor, we just pop in every podcast and love these guys) Thing I Love This Week: @carleysangels is a charity that creates access to integrative cancer care of all patients. Just a fine bunch of folks over there doing great work! Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms #SarahFisher #Degrassi #WhenHopeCalls #KissAndCry #CarleysAngels #SomeoneLikeYou #Acting #ActingTips #ActingPodcast #Podcast #theDNApodcast #dnybackact #DNAPodcast

Zoé De Grand’Maison exudes art in everything she does. Whether it’s in her role as Agnes on Amazon Prime’s hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty, her work as the villainous Evelyn Evernever on Riverdale, Gracie Johanssen on Ophan Black, or any of her other innumerable acting credits she is always searching for more connection, more embodiment, deeper connection to character and self. Watching her is watching an actor who is never quite giving you the performance you think she will. She’s an actor who keeps you on your toes and comes at her choices from surprising angles of approach. The result is someone who keeps you on the edge of your seat in moments that would otherwise be mundane. It’s no wonder she’s on some of the decade’s most popular series and it’s only up from here. Getting to chat with Zoe was an absolute pleasure, there’s lots to learn, lots to be inspired by, and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Find Zoé: Instagram: @zomato_soup Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei Special Thanks: @ambitiontalent @thesummeriturnedpretty @primevideo @primevideoca @thecwriverdale Coffee and Snacks: @impactkitchen (not a sponsor, we just pop in every podcast and love these guys) Things I Love This Week: @drinklmnt (also not a sponsor, just drinking the heck outta these lately and love em) Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms #ZoeDeGrandMaison #TheSummerITurnedPretty #Riverdale #OrphanBlack #Acting #ActingTips #ActingPodcast #Podcast #theDNApodcast #dnybackact

Varun Saranga is a funny guy. He became a student of comedy as he learned to act, becoming a (my words here, not his) master at the rhythms of winning and losing in a way that makes people laugh. He has had tremendous success (Wynonna Earp, Carter, How to be Indie, Workin’ Moms to name just a few). The thing about Varun, though, is that in addition to his comedic super powers he possesses an undercurrent of deep vulnerability that comes out in his work in the subtlest of ways, bringing humanity to every laugh he gets from us. Varun works very hard to make it look easy, and getting to do a deep dive into his process on this pod was a huge blessing. So dive on in, folks. Get ready to laugh and grow. Find Varun: Instagram: @varunsaranga Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei Special Thanks: @Wynonnaearp @SyFy @Tubi Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms #VarunSaranga #WynonnaEarp #Carter #HowToBeIndie #PrimeVideo #Netflix #CBC #Acting #theDNApodcast #dnybackact #SyFy #Tubi #Comedy #WorkinMoms

Ryan is a whirlwind of charisma and nowhere is it more prevalent than his unforgettable turn as Suki on the hit Netflix Series “BET”. One of my pet peeves in Film & TV these days is that I’ll get through an entire movie or series and not even know the main character’s names. Not so for Suki. From the second he’s on screen to the final frames Ryan saturates frame with character and bold choices. He’s lived his life online, making sketch comedy on YouTube—where he has already gained major success—and chatting with him was like taking a trip into wonderland. Wild, wonderful, and insightful. So dive on in, I’m excited for you to meet Ryan. Find Ryan: Instagram: @theryansutherland TikTok: @ryancomedyofficial Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms #RyanSutherland #BET #TheDNAPodcast #dnybackact #Netflix #podcast #ActingPodcast #acting

Sara Waisglass blew me away with her presence, compassion, and thoughtful approach to both her work and her life. This is—believe it or not—the first episode we’ve done where I haven’t known the guest in advance. So, to not only meet Sara, but to have such an honest conversation with her was a blessing that’s hard to measure. From Degrassi through a lifetime in the industry that has led her to the hit Netflix series, Ginny & Georgia, she has gone through a LOT. The thing that stuck with me the most is how courageously she navigates her life in a fully felt way. She works with her full self, and she lives with her full self…more than that she has the courage to sit with herself in the downtime, to quietly get to know herself better amidst all the existential complication that brings. I know you’ll have as magical a time as I did meeting her, so dive on in. Find Sara: Instagram: @sarawais TikTok: @Sara.wais Produced by: @daliayegavian @breewas Associate Producer: @akisharei Additional Gear Provided By: @mountainmanfilms #SaraWaisglass #GinnyAndGeorgia #TheDNAPodcast #dnybackact #Netflix #Degrassi #podcast #ActingPodcast #acting #tudum!