Empty Netters Podcast (Almost Friday Media)

BONUS: ROBBIE GK made Kip a HEATED RIVALRY star, can beat you at Spike Ball & needs his own Marvel movie

Date: January 12, 2026
Guest: Robbie GK (actor, known for “Heated Rivalry”)

Episode Overview

This episode features Port Credit, Ontario native and actor Robbie GK, known for playing Kip on the hit series “Heated Rivalry.” The Empty Netters crew dives into Robbie’s journey from musical theater to TV stardom, touching on everything from his early stage experiences, the phenomenon surrounding Kip, his family’s athletic roots, and his passion for both performance art and sports. The conversation is peppered with humor, heartfelt anecdotes, rivalries on and off screen, and fan-favorite “Pass, Shoot, Score” game.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Robbie’s Artistic Origin Story

• First Performing Experiences:
  • Robbie’s love for performing was ignited as a child after being pulled onstage with clowns at a Cirque du Soleil show.

    “That’s kind of when you were like, oh, I like performing and this is really cool.” (Host 2, 03:02)

• Musical Theatre Training:
  • Studied at Etobicoke School of Arts, started as Kurt Von Trapp in “Sound of Music,” and developed his craft in tight-knit theater communities where everyone pitched in—from building sets to creating costumes.

    “You really get this sense of character and learn how to work with people...musical theater, you’re just a small part of a bigger ensemble.” (Robbie, 04:30)

• Transition to TV & Film:
  • Dropped out of NY musical theater school partly due to strict attendance rules while filming “Full Out”:

    “They were like, you gotta come in every weekend to make up classes or leave...I wasn’t going to class sometimes, yeah.” (Robbie, 03:32–04:18)

2. The Heated Rivalry Phenomenon

• Path to “Kip”

  • Originally auditioned for Scott Hunter, showed up with a mullet and mustache envisioning a stereotypical Canadian hockey player.

    “I was a ski bum in Whistler…then got back to Toronto and everything got back to normal” (Robbie, 10:40)

• Finding Relatability in Kip:

  • Drew from his own experiences working sales jobs to fund his creative pursuits, making Kip grounded and relatable.

    “This is a guy who’s just kind of normal and looking to make some money...to pursue these greater aspirations.” (Robbie, 11:39)

• Unique Character Dynamics:

  • Appreciates that Kip’s drama with Scott isn’t based on tired miscommunication tropes:

    “It was so nice to see a dramatic story between people that wasn’t just about miscommunication.” (Host 3, 11:21)

• On Set Relationships & Method Acting:

  • Matt Gordon, who plays Kip’s dad, became a genuine paternal presence on set.

    “…he daps and went for a big hug immediately…I get your vibe.” (Robbie, 12:58)

  • Francois Arnault (Scott) brought intensity and skill, making the rapid development of the on-screen relationship feel natural.

3. Making of the “Bottle Episode”

• Filming Episode 3:

  • Almost all of Kip & Scott’s arc was filmed in order, mirroring the growing chemistry between the actors.

    “Our first scene was at the art gallery…Both nervous to be out in public…It worked out so well.” (Robbie, 17:44)

  • Robbie intentionally avoided reading the original book for a fresh perspective, mirroring many first-time TV viewers.

    “I almost don’t want to know all that backstory because…my performance will be, like, winking.” (Host 2 & Robbie, 19:05)

• Emotional Impact:

  • Even reading the episode script at his father’s cottage (“cabin!”), Robbie was moved to tears:

    “I was crying…my dad came in the room, he’s like, what’s wrong with you?...You wouldn’t understand.” (Robbie, 21:38)

• Fan Reception and Legacy:

  • Kip’s launch as a character was slow-burning but intense, with people recognizing Robbie in public and floods of fan messages—including handwritten airport notes.

    “For someone to see me in person, take the time to write it and then give it to me…It’s just so lovely.” (Robbie, 29:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the uniqueness of theater:

  “That is the most rewarding sensation as a performer…live musical theater.” (Robbie, 06:24)

• On Kip’s relatability:

  “…Trying to survive in an expensive city…So relatable.” (Host 1, 11:11)

• On set with Matt Gordon:

  “He dabs, went for a big hug immediately…I get your vibe.” (Robbie, 12:58)

• On the “bottle episode” storytelling:

  “I just viewed it as a standalone movie.” (Robbie, 22:52)

• On public recognition:

  “…the shock is hitting now…being here and seeing everyone, people were like, we’re such fans of the show.” (Robbie, 24:21)

  • Plane story: Airport staff recognizing him, and a fan giving him a heartfelt note. (26:12–29:50)

Fun Segment Highlights

Pass, Shoot, Score Game (41:00–49:55)

1. Outdoor Athletics:

• Pass: Rock climbing (“I’m trash at it”)
• Shoot: Skiing
• Score: Spikeball with the boys (Ultimate passion; grass & cleats only!)

  “I don’t fuck around, guys. I have my cleats in my spikeball bag.” (Robbie, 41:24)

2. Musical Theater:

• Pass: Sound of Music
• Shoot: Jesus Christ Superstar
• Score: West Side Story (“having those dance breaks…perfect production”)

3. Lord of the Rings Characters:

• Pass: Aragorn (with pain)
• Shoot: Legolas
• Score: Gimli (short king loyalty)

4. Christmas Movies:

• Top 3: Home Alone, The Holiday, Elf
  • New recommendation from the hosts: Klaus (animated Netflix film).

5. Video Games:

• Pass: Rocket League
• Shoot: Arc Raiders
• Score: CoD Modern Warfare 2019 (but honorable mention to Black Ops 2)
• Discussed intense lockdown gaming sessions and launching a Twitch stream soon.

Extended Topics & Behind-the-Scenes Details

Physicality, Marvel Dreams, and Sports Roots

• Superhero Ambitions:

  • Dreams of mo-cap or Marvel roles, especially “Planet of the Apes”/performance capture work, as well as envy of Tom Holland/Spider-Man and a soft spot for Bucky Barnes and Wolverine.

    “I want to work with Andy Serkis...train as a gorilla, put me in!” (Robbie, 32:05)

• Athletic Background:

  • Multi-sport upbringing: soccer, baseball, football, rugby, gymnastics.
  • Wears family Grey Cup ring; family is steeped in Canadian football and provincial rugby.
  • Rugby and team sports still provide his main fitness regime (notably, “crushing beers on a Friday” is also in there).

• Smoothie-Making & Living with Roommates:

  • Real-life smoothie skills have improved since getting a blender, now makes blueberry-protein combos for his roommates (much laughter about the famous “bad smoothie” complaints on the show).

Key Timestamps

• [03:02] – Robbie’s performing origins at Cirque du Soleil.
• [04:30–07:27] – Life lessons and community from musical theater.
• [09:01] – Audition mishaps: showing up with the “wrong” hockey look.
• [11:11] – Making Kip relatable, connections to his own life.
• [12:58] – Matt Gordon’s paternal bond with Robbie on set.
• [17:44] – Building chemistry with Francois Arnault (Scott).
• [19:05] – Avoiding the book, staying in-the-moment for TV.
• [22:52] – The emotional power of the bottle episode structure.
• [24:13] – Robbie describes the “slow ramp” of fame post-premiere.
• [29:50] – Receiving a handwritten note from a fan at the airport.
• [41:00–49:55] – “Pass, Shoot, Score” segments: hilarious and revealing.
• [50:00–51:47] – Plans to return to Twitch streaming, love for horror games.

Episode Tone and Vibe

• Casual, self-deprecating, highly energetic and affectionate.
• The vibe is “locker room banter meets theater green room,” celebrating both athletic and artistic achievements.
• Robbie is warm, quick to laugh, and feeds off the hosts’ infectious energy.
• The conversation weaves through geek culture, sports, theater, and personal anecdotes naturally—lots of inside jokes, humility (“I’m a loser, I bring cleats to spikeball”), and overflowing gratitude for fans and collaborators.

Final Shoutouts and Plugs

• Robbie thanks his parents and steps into a Marvel-movie-ready future with humility.
• Acknowledges support from the Heated Rivalry team (Jacob, Brendan, Rachel), the Empty Netters community, and his friend Dan, a listener of the podcast.

  “Just stoked to be here.” (Robbie, 52:18)

If you haven’t watched “Heated Rivalry” or caught Robbie on screen, this episode provides an energetic, insightful, and highly relatable journey through theater, TV, and sports—with enough laughs and behind-the-scenes nuggets to make you a new fan of both podcast and star.