Think Bigger Actors Podcast with DaJuan Johnson Podcast
I'm DaJuan Johnson—an actor who's spent the last decade working in TV and film while helping actors build careers of their own. I'm obsessed with mindset because I believe success leaves clues. Every week, I sit down with actors, casting directors, agents, managers, producers, and other industry professionals to unpack the real conversations, strategies, setbacks, and lessons behind building a career that lasts. Sometimes it'll be an interview. Sometimes it'll just be you and me. But every episode has one goal: to help you do more of the work you love to do.
Episode 618: Acting Industry: Are Actors Already Behind On Verticals? With Guy Chachkes
Today I am sitting down to talk with Guy Chachkes, Owner & Co-Founder at Reelarc. Are verticals here to stay, and if they are, are actors already behind? I hope this conversation brings you more clarity as we navigate what it means to be an actor in 2026. Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 624: Star Wars, Jar Jar Binks & the Amazing Career Behind the Character: Ahmed Best (Part 2)
In Part Two of my conversation with Ahmed Best, we pick up with how he found his way back to himself as an actor and eventually returned to Star Wars as Jedi Kelleran Beq. We talk about why Ahmed doesn't see that return as a redemption, AI and the future of performance, and what it actually means to be an actor after everything he's experienced. If you haven't heard Part One, start there. You'll want the whole conversation. Follow me on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 623: Star Wars, Jar Jar Binks & the Amazing Career Behind the Character: Ahmed Best
Actor Ahmed Best opens up about the extraordinary road from Stomp to Star Wars, becoming Jar Jar Binks, and carrying the response to one of the biggest franchises in the world. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Ahmed takes us inside the craft, innovation and personal cost behind a role that changed his life. This is a conversation about what happens when an actor does the work, becomes part of something enormous, and then has to live with everything that happens to the work after it leaves their hands. Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 622: Why I decided to take a GLP-1
Are GLP-1s cheating? Five months into my own journey, I'm talking honestly about the weight I've lost, the judgment around getting help, and why this conversation is more complicated than people make it. Plus, actor Tony Robinette joins me to share how GLP-1s changed his health, his body—and even how Hollywood sees him. (16:32) -- Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 621: Acting Career: How to Handle the Gaps Between Acting Jobs | Stacie Greenwell
Working actor Stacie Greenwell (The Pitt, Cross) gets real about the start-and-stop reality of an acting career and the constant question: "What's next?" What do you do when you're booking, your career is moving, and somehow it still doesn't feel like enough? ------------ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 620: How to Audition for Verticals - Kristin Brancaccio
Director Kristen Brancaccio breaks down how vertical dramas work, why each app calls for a different audition, and what makes an actor stand out on tape. We also talk about Issa Rae's Screen Time, Keke Palmer's Lady Miss Jacqueline, where this format may be headed, and what actors can make instead of waiting for permission. Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Keep exploring verticals: Hear the actor's perspective: Ashley BeLoat on having her likeness recreated with AI Hear the producer's perspective: Guy Chachkes on whether actors are already behind on verticals Find vertical shows and reviews at Jen Cooper's Vertical Drama Love Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching Opening audio excerpt: Mahershala Ali in GQ's One More Question, hosted by Zach Baron. Watch the full interview.
Episode 619: How to Know When to Say No to an Acting Job
Should you work as a local hire if you have to pay your own travel and might actually lose money on the job? Same question for an unpaid acting project that promises footage or a credit. And how do you know if you've outgrown an opportunity and just don't know it yet? In this coaching episode, DaJuan helps an actor figure out when taking a short-term loss is a smart strategic move and when it's time to say no. - Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 617: 10 Things Actors MUST Hear From TV Directors - Jody Margolin Hahn + Mary Lou Belli
10 Things Actors MUST Hear From TV Directors - Jody Margolin Hahn + Mary Lou Bell! This is one you do not want to miss! Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 616: How to Use a Teleprompter for Self-Tapes
Someone called me a con artist for suggesting actors use a teleprompter. So… let's talk about it. I'm breaking down when I use one, why I use one, and why the rules of self-taping have changed. Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 615: How AI Is Already Replacing Actors. Ashley BeLoat's Story
Vertical dramas already stealing actors' likenesses? Bet you thought that was just an urban legend. Nope. It's here. When I read Ashley BeLoat's story in Business Insider, I had to have her on the pod. She joins me to talk about what happened, the reality of working in verticals, and what actors need to understand now that AI isn't some future threat. It's already here. Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
How to Build an Acting Career with Talent Agent Anthony Boyer
What happens to your acting career when the auditions slow down? Is your whole vision for your acting career contingent on your reps? Oof. Been there...think I might still be there if we're being honest. In this Re-Think, I revisit my conversation with theatrical agent Anthony Boyer after I listened to a talk with a showrunner where they said they work harder than their reps, and gets most of their jobs themselves. And it made me think, am I working harder than my team. Do you think you are? You say you're the boss of your acting career. Well, let's go down this road together. -------- Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 614: How to Stop Putting Your Life on Hold for Your Acting Career.
Stop putting your life on hold for a job you haven't booked. Live yo' life! In this episode, listen to a real coaching session I have with one of my actors inside First Team Collective. We all do this. We don't take the trip. We don't make the appointment. We don't make the move. Because… what if they call? But what if they don't? And even better—what if they do, and it all works out? If you've been putting something on hold or just need to hear this one more time… this is your episode. ----- Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Want coaching like this every week? Join us inside First Team Collective: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/the-first-team-collective-2/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson @thinkbiggercoaching
How to Do Some Inner Work?
Today is all about your mindset. Now is the time to do the work. It's okay to grieve the industry you once knew, as long as you get back up and keep moving forward. Want more auditions—and a better shot at booking them? Download my free Booked It Self-Tape System: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/self-tape-system/ Need self-tape equipment? I've tested the equipment in my Amazon storefront so you don't have to: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thinkbiggercoaching Traveling but don't want to book out? Check out my Self-Tape Travel Program: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/selftapetravelstudioprogram/ Follow DaJuan on Instagram: @dajuanjohnson | @thinkbiggercoaching
Episode 613: Eric Nenninger - How to Build a Sustainable Acting Career
From Malcolm in the Middle to the upcoming revival, Eric Nenninger shares what it really takes to build a sustainable acting career—including self-tapes, life after a hit show, and why he chose to leave Los Angeles. Website: https://ericnenninger.com/ Instagram: @ericnenninger
Pam Carbonero - Episode 612: How to Stop Waiting for Permission
What if the thing holding your career back isn't a lack of opportunity—but waiting for someone else's yes? Pam Carbonero joins me for a conversation about leadership, reputation, and creating your own momentum. CONNECT WITH PAM: Instagram: @latinadirector CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching WHO IS THIS GUY? Check me out at: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com
Episode 612: Pam Carbonero - How to Stop Waiting for Permission
What if the thing holding your career back isn't a lack of opportunity—but waiting for someone else's yes? Pam Carbonero joins me for a conversation about leadership, reputation, and creating your own momentum. CONNECT WITH PAM: Instagram: @latinadirector CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching WHO IS THIS GUY? Check me out at: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com
Episode 611 - DaJuan Johnson - State of the Industry: What Getting My Show Canceled Taught Me
I'm back. In this State of the Industry episode, I open up about the cancellation of Electric Bloom, what I learned from losing another series, and why nobody talks enough about what happens after the job ends. I get into why your community is your ceiling and why who you surround yourself with matter more than people think. I also talk about reimagining what it means to be an actor in 2026, why I've leaned into directing this past year, and why self-tapes and verticals are both worth your attention right now, whether you like it or not. If you're feeling stuck or unsure where you fit in this version of the industry, this one's for you. CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching WHO IS THIS GUY? Check me out at: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com
How to Create Verticals — Let's Talk!
Vertical dramas — those two-minute, phone-first shows on apps like Tubi, ReelShort, and MyDrama — are now an $8 billion business. SAG just launched a Verticals Agreement. Fox is producing hundreds. Disney's investing millions. In this episode, DaJuan breaks down how to do verticals — what they are, why they matter, and how actors can use this moment to stop waiting for permission and start creating in the new storytelling lane that's already here. Featuring a conversation with producer Guy Chachkes. CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching WHO IS THIS GUY? Check me out at: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com
Episode 610: DaVida Chanel Baker - How to Build a Real Partnership With Your Reps
Talent Manager DaVida Chanel Baker breaks down what reps are really looking for—and how to turn your rep relationship into a true partnership. A must-listen for actors ready to take control of their careers. Casting Network: For a limited time, Casting Networks is offering our listeners $65 off a Premium Annual membership when you use the code "THINKBIGGER" at checkout, and start submitting to casting calls right away. Terms and conditions apply. Visit https://www.castingnetworks.com/promo-codes/ to learn more. CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching WHO IS THIS GUY? Check me out at: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com CONNECT WITH DaVida: Instagram: @davidachanel
Your Other Dream
So you want to be an actor and also something else? Good, let's talk about it! CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching WHO IS THIS GUY? Check me out at: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com
