Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 78 with special guest, Actor and Writer Mel Rodriguez (The Residence, Better Call Saul, Last Man On Earth).

E-Kan and Rían talk to the hilarious Mel Rodriguez who shares about his storied career, including the time he had to drive away from Hollywood with his wife when a phone call changed everything. He landed the HBO cult favorite Getting On and turned things around. In this episode, Mel opens up about four seasons working alongside Will Forte on Last Man on Earth, how generous Bob Odenkirk was on Better Call Saul, learning from geniuses like Laurie Metcalf and Niecy Nash, and why the Shonda Rhimes set of The Residence felt like an oasis. Plus the audition tip that changed his process forever and how he dropped 170 pounds and was featured on Men's Health and Men's Journal.

Hint: It started with one walk around the block. And the circle just kept getting bigger.

This conversation is packed with inspiration, practical acting wisdom and a lot of laughs. Enjoy!

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Mel Rodriguez - Men's Health -https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a70606667/mel-rodriguez-workout/

Men's Journal - https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a70606667/mel-rodriguez-workout/

Hidden Gems:

Barnsdall Art Park

Kahnversations at Lesly Kahn- intimate Q/As every month with industry professionals in LA - (free for students, $20/general)

Nap-a-latte-Coffee Hack, for a quick recharge

Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:20) Mel Rodriguez

(03:00) E-Kan interned at Mel’s manager

(04:40) Mel’s start in acting

(06:00) Why he chose acting

(08:05) Mel’s first break in NYC

(10:20) Finding balance as an actor

(11:05) The influence of his parents

(13:52) How Mel found peace at a low point

(16:50) Mel has a lot of stories to tell

(22:00) The time Mel left Los Angeles

(27:15) Building relationships and hard work pays off

(29:00) Will Forte wrote a role for him

(32:05) Bob Odenkirk

(35:00) Lessons to his younger self

(36:00 The Residence was an incredible experience

(45:25) Sarah’s Oil

(50:35) Men’s Health and the fitness journey

(52:40) Was there pressure not to lose the weight?

(55:52) Hidden Gems