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Creating Behavior with Charlie Sandlan

Charlie Sandlan

Creating Behavior is a podcast exploring artistry, human behavior, emotional truth, and the creative life through the lens of acting.


Hosted by Charlie Sandlan — Artistic Director and Master Teacher of the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City — the show examines what it truly means to live as an artist in an age increasingly shaped by superficiality, distraction, and performance.


Through solo reflections and deeply honest conversations with actors, writers, directors, and artists, Creating Behavior explores discipline, vulnerability, imagination, empathy, creativity, identity, and the pursuit of truthful human behavior.


Rooted in the belief that acting is an art form — and that the best actors are artists — the podcast challenges shortcut culture and surface-level performance, while advocating for rigor, humanity, emotional courage, and artistic integrity.

Whether discussing craft, psychology, film, literature, culture, or the inner life of the artist, each episode is an invitation to remain curious, fully alive, and devoted to the deeper pursuit of truthful artistry.

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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 55 min
  • English
  • S6 · E108
    Tuesday · 1 hr 5 min

    108 What Happens After You Get What You Wanted?

    What happens when you get the role you dreamed about—and discover success is different than what you imagined? Six years after her first appearance on Creating Behavior, Charlie sits down again with former student and All the Queen’s Men star Candace Maxwell. They talk about five seasons as DJ Dime, the realities of working professionally, why talent isn’t enough, the insecurities that success can amplify, and what it takes to keep your craft alive when acting becomes your job. A candid conversation about ambition, artistry, fame, sacrifice, and the long road of becoming the actor, and person, you hoped to be. Hosted by Charlie Sandlan, the Artistic Director and Master Teacher of the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com Follow Charlie on Instagram @creatingbehavior and @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by Lawrence Trailer.

    • Transcript
  • S6 · E107
    August 25 · 51 min

    107 Discipline is Devotion

    What do you say you want—and does the way you live support that claim? We admire excellence, but often resist what it takes to achieve it. In this episode Charlie explores wasted talent, failure, comparison, distraction, curiosity, and the private work behind a serious artistic life. Who are you when no one is watching? What owns your attention? And if someone watched how you spent the last 30 days, what would they conclude you were devoted to? Maybe discipline isn’t something we impose on ourselves. Maybe it’s what love looks like when we take our life's work seriously. Hosted by Charlie Sandlan, the Artistic Director and Master Teacher of the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com Follow Charlie on Instagram @creatingbehavior and @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by Lawrence Trailer.

    • Transcript
  • S6 · E106
    August 10 · 33 min

    106 Return to Craft

    What happens when the craft and technique you once worked so hard to develop begin to dull? In the Season Six premiere, Charlie explores what it means to return to process, discipline, imagination, vulnerability, and truthful artistry. He also announces Return to Craft https://www.returntocraft.com - a new program created for trained actors who feel distanced from the artist they once were, and still hope to become. Hosted by Charlie Sandlan, the Artistic Director and Master Teacher of the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com Follow Charlie on Instagram @creatingbehavior and @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by Lawrence Trailer.

    • Transcript
  • S6 · E105
    May 26 · 31 min

    105 Bonus - Truthful Artistry in an Age of Superficiality

    We live in a time where modern culture increasingly rewards performance over truth. An age where branding, appearance, and clever curation often substitute for real artistry. Visibility has begun to replace depth. In this Bonus Episode before the launch of Season Six, Charlie reflects on why art and truthful artistry still matter. A conversation about discipline, artistic rigor, high standards, vulnerability, and the responsibility of the artist to illuminate the truth of the human condition rather than chase shortcuts to visibility and viral content. Hosted by Charlie Sandlan — Artistic Director and Master Teacher of the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City. Follow Creating Behavior on Instagram @creatingbehavior and the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by Lawrence Trailer. For private coaching, voicemail submissions, and more, visit: creatingbehaviorpodcast.com maggieflaniganstudio.com

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E104
    Jan 21, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min

    104 Season 5 Finale!

    Well fellow daydreamers, another fantastic season of CBP has come to an end. Thank you to all of the actors and artists out there who have found this podcast to be a source of inspiration and a way to continually stimulate your intellectual curiosity. This week Charlie talks about the work of Nicole Kidman, Colman Domingo, Cynthia Erivo, as well as sharing highlights from this season's guests. Charlie will take a few months off, and then be ready for season six, which will premiere in the summer. In the meantime, stay resilient, play full out with yourself, and don't ever settle for your second best. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

  • S5 · E103
    Dec 24, 2024 · 57 min

    103 A Face of Anxiety Pt. 5

    Hard to believe it's time for Trish Barillas to come on for her 5th episode of CBP. We are winding down season five fellow daydreamers, and Trish once again has a lot to say. This time Charlie and Trish talk about some misconceptions people have about the wellness space, her thoughts on peri-menopause, and the importance of staying up to date on your breast health. Trish also has a few books to suggest, and shares some of her favorite shows. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

  • S5 · E102
    Dec 10, 2024 · 58 min

    102 Yes, Be a Multi-Hyphenate!

    Daydreamers! This week Charlie brings on actor, writer, composer, musician, playwright, and director Tyrone Robinson. Tyrone is a former MFS alum, and has been carving out a multi-faceted career for over two decades. Charlie and Tyrone discuss his artistic process, and what he has learned along the way about creating all forms of content. A great conversation about living a professional creative life! You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E101
    Nov 26, 2024 · 44 min

    101 Cry the Beloved Tears

    Daydreamers! A solo episode this week. Charlie shares a few tidbits on human tears, and his thoughts on the films A Different Man, Emilia Pérez, and Anora. We've also lost a few titans of the art form in James Earl Jones and Maggie Smith. Charlie reflects on their careers, along with some words on the passing of dancer Michaela DePrince. And of course you know what you can expect from Charlie, so he's going to challenge those of you who want a professional creative career. What are you willing to sacrifice? You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E100
    Nov 12, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min

    100 The Butterfly Effect

    Well fellow daydreamers, we've made it to episode 100, and Charlie decided to do something he's never done before - bring on a current student of his for a conversation. This week Charlie talks to Maggie Flanigan Studio second year student Tariq Kateeb. Tariq has a fascinating life story having grown up a Palestinian living in Jordan. Charlie and Tariq discuss what that was like, how he came to America and into NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, only to drop out after freshman year to study with Charlie. This is a great talk about art, politics, and the joys and struggles of pursuing a professional creative life. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E99
    Oct 29, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min

    099 There's No Easy Road

    Daydreamers! Today Charlie shares his conversation with actress Francis Benhamou. Francis has been carving out a career for over two decades, and most recently earned critical acclaim for her Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk award winning performance in Joshua Harmon's play A Prayer for the French Republic. Charlie and Francis discuss her four year journey with this play from a table read for the playwright, to making her Broadway debut playing Elodie Benhamou. So if you think the last name is a surprising coincidence, it's just the first of many unbelievable similarities to Francis' own life. This is a great conversation about the creative process, balancing career and family, and the profound impact a role can have on your life. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E98
    Oct 15, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min

    098 Monsters Episode 5 The Hurt Man

    It's a solo episode this week fellow daydreamers, and Charlie devotes all of it to The Hurt Man, the fifth episode of Ryan Murphy's Netflix series Monsters. The second season of this hit series focuses on the Menendez brothers and the murdering of their parents in 1989. The actor Cooper Koch plays Erik Menendez in the show with Ari Gaynor portraying his attorney Leslie Abramson. Cooper's work is an excellent example of stillness, ease, tremendous depth, and psychological nuance. Charlie breaks down this 35 minute episode shot in one take with no cuts and no edits. This is acting at its finest and Charlie explains why! You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E97
    Oct 1, 2024 · 45 min

    097 Work Begets Work

    There's a certain amount of tenacity and grit you will need if you are going to carve out a professional creative life. The actor's journey never plays out the way you think or hope it will. This week Charlie talks to one of his best friends of thirty years, actor PJ Sosko. PJ has never sat back and waited for things to happen. He writes, directs, produces, and edits his own content. Several are now appearing in film festivals across the country. Charlie and PJ talk about his career, what he's learned along the way, and how moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma during the pandemic took his career to another level. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E96
    Sep 17, 2024 · 55 min

    096 Trauma is Our Teacher

    Daydreamers! An artists path can take unexpected turns. The vision we have of our life and career when we start out can lead us to a life purpose we could not have imagined. We kick off our first conversation of season 5 with Charlie's former student Tara Magalski. Sixteen years ago, Tara was fully pursuing her acting career, having success and moving forward in exciting ways. The sudden death of her mother lead her on a path toward a completely new way of living and working. Tara is now the founder and director of Divine Lifestyles, a global wellness collective dedicated to holistic health and healing. Charlie and Tara talk about grief, the understanding that trauma is our teacher, and the importance of getting out of the victim mentality. It's a deep conversation with a truly special human. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. Check out Divine Lifestyles at https://www.divinelifestyles.comTo leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

    • Transcript
  • S5 · E95
    Sep 3, 2024 · 42 min

    095 Season 5 Premiere!

    Greetings fellow daydreamers! After a six month break Charlie is back with season 5 of Creating Behavior! This week Charlie kicks off with a solo episode. He discusses the careers of Gena Rowlands, Alain Delon, and the director/producer Roger Corman. Charlie shares some of the television that he thinks you should watch, along with a few actors and some upcoming films to look out for. Get ready for another incredible season of interesting conversations, acting advice, and a deep dive into the human condition and the creative process. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. To leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com and his NYC acting studio https://www.maggieflaniganstudio.com.

  • S4 · E94
    Feb 13, 2024 · 47 min

    094 Season 4 Finale!

    Well fellow daydreamers, another sixteen episodes in the can! In this season's final episode, Charlie shares some thoughts on the actor Barry Keoghan and his performance in Saltburn, the movie American Fiction, and a new book called Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions, by the director Ed Zwick. Of course it would not be a season finale without some of the best clips from all of Charlie's guests. Creating Behavior will take a few months off, and be back in early summer for season 5. In the meantime, stay resilient, play full out with yourself, and don't ever settle for your second best. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

    • Transcript
  • S4 · E93
    Jan 30, 2024 · 1 hr 38 min

    093 A Face of Anxiety Pt. 4

    It's that time again fellow daydreamers for Charlie's wife Trish Barillas to sit down for another episode of A Face of Anxiety. Only this time Trish wanted to turn the tables, so this week she's taking over CBP to interview Charlie. Trish shares some insights and tips on navigating mental health and anxiety, and how to fight for your light. She then gets Charlie on the other side of the mic, and as you know, Charlie is going to speak his mind. It's the second to last episode of season four, and it's a blast having Trish back. If you are interested in working with Trish, find her at https://www.trishbarillas.com You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

    • Transcript
  • S4 · E92
    Jan 16, 2024 · 47 min

    092 Answering an Important Question

    At some point you'll have to ask yourself, do you just love acting, or do you love pursuing a professional acting career? This week Charlie has a conversation with his former student Isha Blaaker, who has answered this question. Isha talks about what he learned working with Tyler Perry, and his incredible experience bringing to life Allison Davis in Ava DuVernay's newest film Origin, based on the acclaimed book Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. Charlie and Isha also discuss how to manage nerves, how to handle emotional material, and the invaluable insights you can only learn on a set. It's a wide ranging and inspiring conversation on what it takes to live the life of a professional actor. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

    • Transcript
  • S4 · E91
    Jan 2, 2024 · 37 min

    091 Let's Talk About an Iconic Career

    Another solo episode fellow daydreamers! This week Charlie discusses the legacy of Norman Lear, thoughts on the NYC production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea with Chris Abbott and Aubrey Plaza, and the movies May/December and Past Lives. Charlie also shares some insights from the actress Sandra Hűller on how she approached playing a Nazi in the film Zone of Interest. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

    • Transcript
  • S4 · E90
    Dec 19, 2023 · 1 hr 23 min

    090 Actors Are Like Boxers

    This week Charlie talks with his dear friend and grad school classmate Lawrence Ballard. Charlie and Larry discuss the use of a racial slur in a structured scene work exercise in the first year of their grad school training in 1998. The impact it had on Larry, on Charlie, and on the rest of their class is talked through with vulnerability and honesty. This is an amazing conversation about racism, white fragility, and the importance of tapping into the beautiful and the ugly parts of ourselves in order to truly illuminate the human condition. Larry and Charlie also share their thoughts on acting training in this country, and what they've learned from the next generation. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

    • Transcript
  • S4 · E89
    Dec 5, 2023 · 45 min

    089 The Power of Manifestation

    This week Charlie talks to his former student, actor and recording artist Ellis Melillo about her EP release Cry Wolf. Ellis went to a Brittney Spears concert with her dad at the age of five at Jones Beach. For over two decades she saw herself on that stage performing to a sold out crowd. Charlie and Ellis talk about that dream coming true when she opened for the Zac Brown Band this summer at Jones Beach. It's an incredible conversation about manifestation, the creative process, and the importance of giving yourself permission to acknowledge your talent. You can follow CBP on Instagram @creatingbehavior, and Charlie's NYC acting conservatory, the Maggie Flanigan Studio @maggieflaniganstudio. Theme music by https://www.thelawrencetrailer.com. For written transcripts, to leave a voicemail on SpeakPipe, or contact Charlie for private coaching, check out https://www.creatingbehaviorpodcast.com

    • Transcript
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