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Published on:

13th Jan 2026

Brittani Ward: Real Ones Only

Ilse sits down with filmmaker (and beloved casting powerhouse) Brittani Ward for a conversation that feels like a warm pep talk… with teeth.

They get into the weird in-between space between “I’m still learning” and “I’m ready,” how casting can sweep you up even when writing and directing was always the dream, and the mind game of feeling like you’re emailing into the void while someone on the other side knows your work by heart.

Brittani talks about making Single Car Crashes out of real grief, pandemic languishing, and the kind of timing you can’t force, plus the truth about building a career without waiting for a magical industry rescue.

Also: motherhood logistics, extrovert survival, and why restaurants might actually be her only hobby.

Follow Brittani @brittaniwardcasting and keep up with her work, and if you’ve been waiting for permission… this is your sign.

Hosted by Ilse Zacharias Rivera. Say hi / follow along here: @ilsezacharias

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Thank you to our sponsor, Mezcla Media Collective. Please follow them on Instagram @mezclamediacollective and join the community at mezclamediacollective.org

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About the Podcast

Ilse Will Say
Ilse Will Say is an EVERYTHING podcast with a core focus on the entertainment field. Expect Ilse’s takes on TV shows, pizza, nostalgia, bigfoot, butterbeer, the weird little S we all drew in middle school—literally everything. If it lives in your group chat, it lives here too.

About your host

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ilse zacharias

Ilse Zacharias Rivera is an actor, writer, and stand-up comedian who has never had a thought she didn't want to talk about. You may have seen her on The Exorcist (FOX) or Chicago P.D. (NBC), or on stage during her years in Chicago theater. Now based in Los Angeles, she hosts Ilse Will Say so she finally has somewhere to put all of it.

Find Ilse Will Say on Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.