This episode of the Stronger Podcast features a conversation between host Don Saladino and actor Sebastian Stan. They discuss Stan's career evolution, the importance of mindset, discipline, and authenticity. The conversation touches upon his early experiences in theater, preparation for Marvel roles, daily routines, and the challenges of maintaining balance in a demanding industry.
In this segment, Don Saladino asks Sebastian Stan about what's next for him professionally. Stan reveals he's focusing more on producing and developing his writing skills behind the camera. He mentions a specific project in development about "pizza wars," historical conflicts between pizza families, and is excited about the challenge of learning Spanish for a role in a film by director Felipe Galvez. He expresses a desire to be involved in projects that ask difficult questions and expose truths, contributing to larger conversations. Saladino then humorously suggests Stan could play one of the "Guido pizza guys" in the movie, to which Stan playfully agrees, seeing it as a fun challenge despite the potential stereotype.
This extensive segment covers the final Q&A portion of the podcast, where Sebastian Stan answers pre-recorded questions from fans.
Key topics and discussions include:
The conversation concludes with Saladino and Stan expressing their deep friendship and appreciation for each other, followed by a brief mention of the production crew and venue.
In this segment, Don Saladino introduces the fan Q&A portion of the podcast. A fan named Corey, from Dearborn, Michigan, asks Sebastian Stan what show he would love to do if he could return to Broadway, noting it as her "bucket list show." Stan, after a moment, suggests "Chapter Two" by Neil Simon. He also mentions that he's fortunate to have had the opportunity to play a role in a revival of "Talk Radio" with Liev Schreiber, which was a significant experience for him. Corey, who is in the middle of performing in a show herself, thanks them and has to leave for Act Two.
A fan named Julia from Russia asks Sebastian Stan which of his own movies he would choose to watch purely as an audience member, not as an actor. Stan humorously selects "Tony and Tina's Wedding," a film from early in his career that he admits not many people saw at the time, finding it funny to revisit now. He mentions it was an off-Broadway show originally and involved other notable actors like Joey McIntyre. Don Saladino jokes that this might lead to a surge in viewership for the film.
This section features a question from Justine, a 31-year-old fan from Northern France, who discusses her struggles with anxiety. She finds it exhausting as it impacts her self-perception, work, and view of the future. She asks Sebastian Stan what helps him manage moments when anxiety feels overwhelming, noting that his openness about mental health has been meaningful to her.
Stan shares his perspective, explaining that after many years, he realized he couldn't "think his way out of" anxiety because it's a physical experience that then affects the mind. He suggests reframing anxiety as excitement, as both stem from adrenaline and a similar physiological response. He advises slowing down during anxious moments, focusing on breathing (particularly the exhale), and paying attention to the body rather than dwelling on anxious thoughts. He also mentions that experiencing anxiety himself has helped him empathize with others who go through it. He then briefly touches on his own fear of flying and turbulence, noting that learning from a pilot that planes can withstand more than humans can provides some comfort.
This segment addresses fan questions about productivity and dealing with rejection.
First, Lynn asks Sebastian Stan if he ever feels guilty about resting. Stan admits he does struggle with this, often comparing his rest days to his most productive times. However, he emphasizes the importance of rest for recovery and mental reset, comparing it to the necessity of rest days in training to avoid overtraining. He advises being kind to oneself and not beating yourself up, viewing rest as a way to come back stronger.
Stan then shares a story about losing a major role in the remake of Point Break. He was initially told he got the lead role and excitedly celebrated, planning for the extensive international filming. However, just before production, he received a call that the decision had changed, leaving him devastated. This experience taught him to be more measured in his reactions to good news and to not fully believe things until he's on set, acknowledging the many moving parts in the industry.
Don Saladino relates a similar experience, recounting how he was a finalist to be a coach on "The Biggest Loser." He was offered the job, which would have required him to leave home for several weeks, but ultimately lost out to another candidate. Although initially disappointed by the rejection, he later realized it was a blessing as the show didn't perform well, and not taking the job allowed him to focus on other opportunities that led him to where he is today. Both speakers conclude that rejection, while difficult, can often redirect people toward better paths and that it's important to learn from it and move forward.
In the final part of the Q&A, Sebastian Stan addresses a young fan named Eliza from Australia who wants advice on starting an acting career. Stan emphasizes the importance of studying actors and films one admires, researching their career paths, and understanding that success is rarely overnight, often involving personal struggles. He learned this through reading biographies and observing mentors. For his "aha" moment, he recalls attending the Oscars with his mother, describing it as a surreal and special experience, despite a humorous incident involving her feather-adorned dress causing a spectacle during the live broadcast.
The podcast concludes with Don Saladino expressing his gratitude and deep friendship with Sebastian Stan, highlighting Stan's consistent support and willingness to help. They acknowledge their long history, including their work with the Ronald McDonald House. Saladino thanks the crew and the venue, wishing listeners enjoyment of the episode.
