THE WAYNE AYERS PODCAST

This week on The Wayne Ayers Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into Greek mythology, fandom chaos, and behind-the-scenes secrets with Jasmine Vega, the breakout star joining Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 as Hylla.Jasmine takes us back to the exact moment she found out she’d been cast, opens up about stepping into a role beloved by Heroes of Olympus fans, and shares what it was really like walking onto the Percy Jackson set for the first time. From filming the eerie, iconic scenes at Circe’s spa to revealing a behind-the-scenes detail that might shock fans, nothing is off-limits within Disney-safe boundaries.We also talk fandom pressure, viral reactions, wild DMs, and how Jasmine is handling the sudden wave of online love. Plus, she weighs in on whether Hylla’s story is far from over and which Heroes of Olympus character she’d love to see join the series next.Beyond Camp Half-Blood, Jasmine reflects on her past roles in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Billy the Kid, compares fantasy worlds, and answers the question fans didn’t know they needed: if Lizzie met Hylla, would it be friendship or war?And of course, we get into the fun stuff, her very first audition, worst audition horror stories, bad acting advice, dream roles, dream collaborators, and the misconceptions about acting that drive her absolutely insane.Funny, honest, and full of fandom moments you’ll want clipped immediately, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of The Wayne Ayers Podcast, Wayne sits down with actor, multilingual powerhouse, and rising fan favorite Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova for a wide-ranging, deeply personal conversation that moves effortlessly between life, art, identity, and ambition. Ksenia opens up about her fascinating upbringing, from being born in Toronto to spending formative years in Saint Petersburg, Russia. She reflects on the meaning behind her name, her time in the Russian circus, and her Caribbean roots, including her connection to Trinidad, Caribana culture, and her growing up between worlds. The conversation blends humor and nostalgia as Wayne and Ksenia talk culture, food, and the places that shaped her. The discussion then dives headfirst into Heated Rivalry, where Ksenia breaks down her portrayal of Svetlana and the emotional weight behind the character. She speaks candidly about performing in Russian, how her language skills influenced the role, her family's reaction to seeing that side of her on screen, and whether she ever had to help co-stars with their dialogue. Ksenia unpacks the layered dynamic between Svetlana and Ilya Rozanov, exploring loyalty, unspoken love, family trauma, and whether Svetlana understands Ilya better than he understands himself. She also teases how relationships could shift if secrets come to light in a potential second season, and reflects on the overwhelming fan response to Svetlana's quiet emotional strength. From there, the episode shifts into full superhero dream mode. Ksenia talks about her desire to play Starfire in a DC film, her introduction to the character, what she would say directly to James Gunn, and her ultimate dream Titans fan cast. She also reveals which supervillain she would love to play, her all-time favorite superheroes, and whetherthere'ss a Marvel role calling her name. Wayne and Ksenia also explore her broader creative ambitions, including dream film roles, potential biopics, animated stories she would love to see adapted into live action, and what life beyond acting looks like for her. She discusses fashion, brand collaborations, and long-term goals beyond the screen. The episode closes on a heartfelt note as Ksenia shares personal goals for the year, surprises fans with something they may not know about her, and delivers a message directly to the people who have supported her journey so far. Insightful, funny, and emotionally rich, this is a must-listen conversation that shows Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova not just as a performer, but as a fully formed creative force stepping confidently into her next chapter.

This week on The Wayne Ayers Podcast, Wayne Ayers sits down with Finding Her Edge stars Madelyn Keys and Alexandra Beaton to talk all things love, rivalry, and ambition in Netflix's newest romantic teen drama, which premiered globally on January 22, 2026. Based on the novel by Jennifer Iacopelli, the eight-episode series dives into the high-stakes world of elite figure skating, where passion on the ice collides with pressure off it.
Madelyn Keys opens up about bringing 17-year-old Adriana Russo to life, a rising skater chasing her World Championship dream while torn between two partners and two very different loves: Brayden, the sport's rebellious bad boy, and Freddie, her first love and former skating partner. Alexandra Beaton discusses the deeper family drama at the heart of the series, as the Russo sisters fight to preserve their once-great skating dynasty and keep their family rink from collapsing. From fake relationships and honest feelings to sacrifice, sisterhood, and surviving the grind of elite competition, this conversation goes beyond the romance to explore what it really costs to chase greatness.
Finding Her Edge is now streaming on Netflix.

The Wayne Ayers Podcast is back with voice actor and on-camera talent Paul Castro Jr. From NYU Meisner training and Off-Broadway roots to major anime roles, Paul breaks down the craft behind his performances and the surprising overlap between theater and dubbing. He talks about voicing Riddle Rosehearts in Disney's Twisted Wonderland: The Animation, finding the emotional depth beneath the character's strict exterior, and what fans can expect as new episodes drop weekly on Disney+. Paul also dives into Netflix's The Summer Hikaru Died, balancing comfort and unease as Hikaru, and stepping into Dragon Ball Daima as mini Vegeta. Plus: franchises, producing The Divine Blood, advocacy, and what's next.

This week on The Wayne Ayers Podcast, we sit down with the extraordinary Joseph Morgan, the man behind one of television’s most magnetic antiheroes, Klaus Mikaelson. From telling childhood bullies he was a vampire to channeling that same “dark secret” energy into his legendary performances, Joseph opens up about how embracing his inner outsider helped shape him into the actor he is today.

In this intimate and revealing conversation, we dive deep into the psyche of Klaus Mikaelson, the tragedy of the Mikaelson family, and how Joseph crafted one of the most complex, misunderstood villains in modern TV history. He reflects on his most defining moments from The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, including Klaus’s most misunderstood scene, his ultimate sacrifice, and what he believes Klaus would whisper as his final words after a thousand years of love and pain.

We also explore Joseph’s evolution beyond the vampire world, his powerful turns as Sebastian Sanger (Brother Blood) in Titans, James Ackerson in Halo, and his ongoing fascination with characters who straddle the line between heroism and destruction.

He reveals how directing has changed his entire approach to acting, the importance of finding humanity in villains, and the subtle ways Klaus still lingers in his artistic toolkit.

Plus, fans from around the world, including India, send in their burning questions about dream roles, legacy, AI in the film industry, and more.

It is poetic, psychological, and deeply personal, a must-listen for anyone who has ever rooted for the villain, questioned what redemption really means, or simply admired Joseph Morgan’s craft.