#194 Drop Your Armour and Act from Humanity with Kody Poisson

🎧 TL;DL: Your most powerful auditions don’t come from perfection—they come from presence. In this episode, I chat with actor, poet, filmmaker, and self-described “soldier of the arts” Kody Poisson for a deep dive into what it really takes to drop the armor and deliver an unforgettable performance. From growing up in the mountains of Germany to training in the UK, from crashing and burning in auditions to getting a single life-changing redirect, Kody shares what it takes to go from rigid performance to intuitive artistry. Whether you’re overthinking your self-tapes, stuck in your head, or just need a reminder of why you started this journey in the first place… this episode is your reset button. 🎯 Key Takeaways You’ll Love: 🎭 Why “intellectual armor” is killing your performances—and how to drop it 🎯 The surprising redirect that changed Kody’s entire approach to acting 🧪 What it means to live in the laboratory of the imagination 🍳 Why you should stop being an “artistic waiter” and start being a “culinary expert” 🎬 How to find truth in the moment instead of chasing perfection 🎥 Why Kody left the traditional path to create his own projects as a guerrilla filmmaker 🧠 How coaching other actors deepened his own artistic process 🔄 The trap of endless takes—and the real reason your 10th one never lands 🎬 Big Questions We Answer (That’ll Make You Hit Play Fast!): What do casting directors actually want—and why is it impossible to guess? How can you stop trying to “win” the audition and start showing up as your fullest self? Why is trying harder sometimes the exact wrong move? What’s the real difference between preparation and performance—and how do you know when you’ve crossed the line? How can indie filmmaking and acting training fuel each other—and help you build a creative life on your terms? 🎧 Tune in now to hear Kody’s powerful take on why your best audition isn’t planned—it’s felt.  This conversation might just change how you approach your next lead role. Connect with Kody: 📸 IG: @kodypoissonfilm   ------------------------------------------------------------- 🎭 Ready to stop waiting and start creating your next lead role? Join the Monologue of the Month Club to get supportive coaching and workshops so you can build your demo reel and land your next lead role.  Turn a single monologue into your most powerful marketing tool and get expert coaching every month. Get started at monologueclub.com 🎥 Need help with your next self-tape audition? Book a 1 on 1 coaching session now at actorsauditionclub.com ------------------------------------------------------------ 🔹 New to Inside the Audition? Grab your FREE tools: Audition Success Checklist: https://www.actorsauditionclub.com/checklist — Discover how to find a “Made-for-You” monologue that finally feels like you. Lead Role Tracker: https://www.actorsauditionclub.com/tracker — Track your auditions like a pro and start seeing real progress. 💬 Ready to connect with other actors? Join our free Monologue Jam community on FB HERE — Collaborate, ask questions, and stay inspired with working actors around the world. 🎥 Binge more episodes and get your weekly dose of audition wisdom: Inside the Audition Podcast: https://www.insidetheaudition.com — Learn from real working actors, casting pros, and top coaches every week. 📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: Follow me @joeyfreddylarsen to get more tips, ask questions, suggest topics for future episodes, or apply to be my next guest. ▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube: Subscribe and catch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/@actorsauditionclub