This week on Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen sits down with legendary casting director Nina Gold for a deeply honest and timely conversation about craft, instinct, collaboration—and the historic moment casting is finally recognized by the Academy Awards.

From shaping global phenomena like Game of Thrones and The Crown to her breathtaking work on Hamnet, Nina’s casting has defined tone, launched careers, and built entire worlds. And now, as the first-ever Academy Award for Casting approaches, she reflects on what this milestone truly means for the profession.

Nina speaks candidly about collaboration with directors, the power of saying no, and how casting is a balance of research, intuition, and conviction.

“It’s not like last year we weren’t trying really hard to do a really good job. We’re just going to keep trying to make good work—Oscar or no Oscar.”

This is a conversation between two casting directors about responsibility, visibility, and what this moment means for everyone who has done this work—often without recognition—for generations.

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, or someone who still thinks casting is just a list of names, this episode is for you.

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Join the Casting Confidential community for bonus episodes, extended conversations, and live Q&As designed specifically for actors navigating the industry:

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Hosted by Rose Rosen.

CREDITS

Host, Creator & Producer

Rose Rosen, CSA

https://instagram.com/roserosencasting

Guest

Nina Gold

Editor

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Original Music

Orville Wright

https://instagram.com/ohyeahbeats

Artwork

Ace Anderson

https://instagram.com/aceshotthat

Follow the show and join our community:

https://instagram.com/castingconfidential

https://www.patreon.com/cw/castingconfidential

** Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, is joined by acclaimed casting director Kerry Barden (The Help, Winter's Bone, Dallas Buyers Club) and dynamic actor Amber Chardae Robinson (Palm Royale, Judas and the Black Messiah, LOOT). Together, they take a deep dive into the casting process for Palm Royale—a stylized period drama full of glamour and hidden grit.

Kerry shares the meticulous process behind assembling the series' all-star cast and discusses the nuance of reading actors, casting with authenticity, and balancing tone in a heightened world. Amber offers a candid look into her experience portraying an undercover FBI agent in a world steeped in 1960s privilege, reflecting on the personal and political weight of her role.

From actor vulnerability and the importance of energy in auditions to industry

scams and the power of saying yes to the journey, this episode is filled with

essential insights for working actors and industry professionals alike.

Plus, don’t miss the exclusive Casting Confidential Feedback Session, where

Amber and a guest actor perform a brand-new original scene and receive live

feedback from Kerry.

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MZ Studios Dallas

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Join Our Membership here:

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Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co Host:

Kerry Barden

@kerrybardencasting

Guest:

Amber Chardae Robinson

@ambershardae

Feedback Actor

Lewa Greenwood

@lewagreenwood

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a powerful Season 3 finale, Rose Rosen along with her co host casting director Kimberly Skyrme, welcome the multi-talented Shiri Appleby (Roswell, Unreal) for an inspiring deep dive into her remarkable journey from child actor to acclaimed director. Shiri shares candid insights into her

audition experiences—including the game-changing moment that landed her Roswell—and reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into directing.

She discusses the evolution of casting, navigating self-tapes, and the importance of staying creatively fulfilled both on and off set. Plus, listeners are treated to a live feedback session with guest actor Alison Bauer in a dynamic scene read with Shiri.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

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Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co Host:

Kimberly Skyrme

@kimberlyskyrme

Guest:

Shiri Appleby

@shiriappleby

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus breakdown episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen is joined by three powerhouse casting directors—Robin Carus (New York), Kimberly Skyrme (DC), and Cheryl Louden-Kubin (Atlanta)—to explore one of the industry's most enduring debates: typecasting. From its roots in the old studio system to its modern-day implications, the conversation unpacks when typecasting helps actors build careers and when it starts to hold them back.

Together, they share insights on how to leverage your “type” strategically, how to prepare to break out of it, and why knowing your lane doesn’t mean staying in it.

Plus, hear memorable anecdotes—including one about discovering the perfect cop on the side of the road—and practical advice on making your submissions stand out.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Robin Carus, CSA

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this dynamic episode of Casting Confidential, host Rose Rosen, CSA, dives deep into the booming world of vertical filmmaking with breakout star TJ Wilk and Atlanta-based casting director Cheryl Louden-Kubin. TJ shares his unique journey from modeling and music to leading over 17 vertical films, racking up more than 250 million views across platforms. He discusses his audition process, mastering the emotional intimacy of vertical acting, and the evolving landscape of mobile-first storytelling. Cheryl offers insight into casting for this format, its surprising reach, and why it's here to stay.

Plus, don’t miss our Casting Confidential Feedback Session, where one lucky

actor reads live with TJ and receives real-time notes from our expert panel.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

Wright Positive Films

@shemeka_wright

https://www.wrightpositive.com

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Co-Host:

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Guest:

TJ Wilk

@jwilkofficial

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

Sides:

StageMilk

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of Casting Confidential, Rose Rosen, CSA, dives

into the vital world of callbacks — the crucial second look that often determines who books the role. Joined by fellow casting professionals, Cheryl Louden-Kubin, Robin Carus and Kimberly Skyrme, the conversation highlights why callbacks matter just as much as the initial audition and how actors can prepare to stand out a second time.

From the importance of replicating your audition look (yes, wear that pink

sweater again!) to maintaining a positive, professional attitude, this episode is full of essential advice for navigating the callback process. You'll hear real stories — some inspiring, some cautionary — that underscore how callbacks are more than just a repeat performance; they're about building relationships and showcasing flexibility.

Sponsors:

Casting Networks

@castingnetworks

https://castingnetworks.com/confidential

RAFY APP

https://rafy.app/

Discount code: CONFIDENTIAL10

MZ Studios Dallas

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Follow the show and join our community on socials:

@castingconfidential

Join Our Membership here:

https://www.castingconfidential.com/become-a-member

Host, Creator and Producer:

Rose Rosen, CSA

@roserosencasting

Kimberly Skyrme, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠@kimberlyskyrme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Cheryl Louden-Kubin, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@loudenkubin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Robin Carus, CSA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠@robincarus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Editor:

MZ Studios

https://mzstudiosdallas.com

Music:

Orville Wright

@ohyeahbeats

Artwork:

Ace Anderson

@aceshotthat

**Opinions expressed in Casting Confidential podcast are the opinions of each individual and do not represent the opinions of any other group or entity. Nothing in this show should be interpreted as an offer of employment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.