The Commercial Break Podcast
Episode Summary: TCB Infomercial – Malin Akerman
Release Date: July 29, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Commercial Break titled "TCB Infomercial: Malin Ackerman," hosts Bryan Greene and Krissy Hoadley (referred to as Eddie) welcome acclaimed actress Malin Akerman for an in-depth conversation about her illustrious career, personal journey, and latest projects. The episode seamlessly blends humor, insightful discussions, and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into Malin's experiences in the entertainment industry.

Guest Introduction: Malin Akerman (02:22 – 09:31)

Bryan Greene kicks off the episode by enthusiastically introducing Malin Akerman, highlighting her extensive body of work in both comedic and dramatic roles. He mentions her notable performances in projects like Watchmen, The Comeback, Billions, and Couples Retreat. Malin is praised for her versatility and recognizable presence across various media platforms.

Notable Quote:
Bryan Greene [02:22]: "Malin Ackerman has been in more things than I can mention, from Watchmen to Couples Retreat and beyond."

Career Journey: From Modeling to Acting (09:31 – 15:09)

Malin Akerman shares her early beginnings, detailing her move from Canada to Toronto at 16 to pursue modeling. Despite her initial intent to study psychology, Malin recounts how she pivoted to acting after feeling burnt out from balancing school and work.

Notable Quotes:
Malin Akerman [14:10]: "I went to university. I only completed one year of psychology. I thought I was going to become a child psychologist."

Bryan Greene [14:34]: "You took a left in Albuquerque. Yeah, totally."

She discusses the challenges of transitioning from modeling to acting, emphasizing the perseverance required to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry.

Notable Roles and Breakthroughs (15:09 – 21:11)

Malin delves into her early acting roles in Canadian television, often landing small parts in drama series. Her breakthrough came with The Comeback, which Bryan Greene identifies as her "little big break." Malin also touches on her experiences working alongside prominent actors like Rob Schneider and her involvement in projects such as Billions.

Notable Quotes:
Bryan Greene [10:02]: "If you go to a Comic Con, then yes, yes, yes."

Malin Akerman [19:11]: "That was my little big break on HBO."

Malin reflects on being typecast and how roles like those in Watchmen allowed her to showcase her range beyond comedy.

Upcoming Project: The Hunting Wives (32:19 – 41:33)

The conversation shifts to Malin's latest project, The Hunting Wives, a Netflix original series set to release on July 21st. She describes her character, Margo Banks, as the "queen bee" of the Hunting Wives group in a small East Texas town. Malin compares the show to a mix of Big Little Lies, Yellowstone, and Desperate Housewives, highlighting its dramatic and seductive elements.

Notable Quotes:
Malin Akerman [36:31]: "It's like Big Little Lies meets Yellowstone meets Desperate Housewives."

Bryan Greene [38:32]: "But is there a lot of sex in this? Are we going? Is it a sexy show that we can watch as adults?"

Malin Akerman [38:45]: "It's sexy. It's sexy."

She elaborates on the filming locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, and shares anecdotes about shooting scenes on Lake Norman with co-star Dermot Mulroney.

Personal Insights and Anecdotes (21:11 – 35:49)

Malin opens up about her personal life, including becoming a mother and the impact it had on her acting. She discusses the emotional depth motherhood brought to her roles, particularly in Billions, where she plays a strong, manipulative character inspired by her new-found maternal instincts.

Notable Quotes:
Malin Akerman [34:37]: "When I came home with my son, I felt like I had this whole new well of emotions."

Bryan Greene [34:37]: "You really felt this urge to go, like, express this creatively?"

Malin also shares her experiences with demanding audition processes, including her nerve-wracking chemistry reads with Lisa Kudrow and Ben Stiller, highlighting the stress and unpredictability of securing substantial acting roles.

Notable Quote:
Malin Akerman [27:05]: "I was living in a motel at that point and working under the table at some restaurant."

Host and Guest Interactions: Humor and Banter (Throughout the Episode)

The dynamic between Bryan and Eddie adds a layer of humor and relatability to the episode. They share laughs over shared experiences, such as moving out at a young age and dealing with the unpredictability of the acting industry. Their playful interactions create a comfortable atmosphere, making Malin's stories even more engaging.

Notable Quotes:
Bryan Greene [15:19]: "Who in their right mind lets you out of the house at 16 years old?"

Malin Akerman [16:40]: "I would like to hear that story one day."

Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Encouragement (41:33 – 48:09)

As the episode draws to a close, Bryan and Eddie express their excitement for Malin's new series and commend her for her resilience and talent. They encourage listeners to watch The Hunting Wives and look forward to Malin's future projects.

Notable Quotes:
Brian Greene [42:28]: "Can we please get a Taylor Sheridan show for Malin?"

Eddie [46:05]: "I've done was for two seasons. I did too, but it was only one."

Malin thanks the hosts for having her on the show, reinforcing the friendly and supportive tone of the episode.

Key Takeaways

• Malin's Career Path: From modeling at 16 to pursuing acting, Malin's journey underscores the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the entertainment industry.

• Versatility: Her ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles, particularly highlighted by her performances in Watchmen and Billions, showcases her range as an actress.

• Upcoming Projects: The Hunting Wives marks an exciting new chapter for Malin, blending drama with complex character dynamics.

• Personal Growth: Becoming a mother has profoundly influenced Malin's approach to her craft, adding depth and authenticity to her performances.

• Industry Insights: The episode provides a candid look at the challenges of auditions, typecasting, and the demands of maintaining a career in acting.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Bryan Greene [02:22]: "Malin Ackerman has been in more things than I can mention, from Watchmen to Couples Retreat and beyond."

• Malin Akerman [14:10]: "I went to university. I only completed one year of psychology. I thought I was going to become a child psychologist."

• Bryan Greene [10:02]: "If you go to a Comic Con, then yes, yes, yes."

• Malin Akerman [19:11]: "That was my little big break on HBO."

• Malin Akerman [36:31]: "It's like Big Little Lies meets Yellowstone meets Desperate Housewives."

• Malin Akerman [38:45]: "It's sexy. It's sexy."

• Malin Akerman [34:37]: "When I came home with my son, I felt like I had this whole new well of emotions."

• Bryan Greene [42:28]: "Can we please get a Taylor Sheridan show for Malin?"

Final Remarks

This episode of The Commercial Break offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Malin Akerman's professional and personal life, enriched by the hosts' humor and genuine interest. From her early days in modeling to her latest ventures in television, Malin's story is both inspiring and entertaining, making this episode a must-listen for fans and aspiring actors alike.