Behind the Lens & Beyond: A Conversation with Leanne Johnson – Actor, Filmmaker, and Storyteller

In this inspiring and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Leanne Johnson — an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and creative visionary — to explore the heart and hustle behind a life in storytelling. From her early beginnings in acting to her bold transition behind the camera, Leanne opens up about the realities of the film industry, the creative process, and what it truly means to find your voice through art. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, filmmaker, or simply someone chasing your own creative dreams, this honest and introspective conversation will leave you feeling motivated, grounded, and creatively recharged. 🎧 Tune in to hear Leanne share: • How vulnerability fuels authentic storytelling • Lessons learned from both sides of the camera • The balance between passion, purpose, and perseverance • Insights on building a meaningful career in film and actingPerfect for fans of creative journeys, independent cinema, and personal growth, this episode invites you to step behind the scenes — and into the mindset — of one of today’s most thoughtful emerging voices in film. 👉 Available on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | YouTube #Acting #Filmmaking #CreativeJourney #LeanneJohnson #PodcastInterview #BehindTheScenes #Storytelling Canadian-American actor and filmmaker Leanne Johnson whose philosophy is founded on seeking understanding and sharing truth through bold characters and stories to redefine the narrative about women in film and our world. Since graduating from the University of Alberta in 2011 with a BSc. in Nutrition and Food Science, Leanne has consistently produced a repertoire of diverse and dynamic performances. In May 2025 she made her directorial debut with A Tree Falls in The Forest, which speaks to her raison d’etre as a storyteller. Her performance in the 2024 action-crime movie Extraction, USA resonates with her own story of humble beginnings growing up the daughter of immigrants in rural Alberta.  Her credits range from NBC's Chicago PD to Dracula: The Count’s Kin, Chasing Rabbits, Oregonda and Idle Girl. She has garnered multiple Best Actress awards including Chasing Rabbits (2022), Oregonda (2024) plus best Supporting Actress in Greek Fire-Demon Spirit (2023).  As well as her versatility on screen, Leanne is a Personal Trainer having graduated from the National Academy of Sports Training (NASM), in Lafayette, IN. Her lifelong love for sports is evident in a range of skills, including snowboarding, martial arts and roller derby where she is known as Chariot of Fire. Leanne embraces her queer identity and stereotype-bending on-screen performances while staying true to her faith which remains at her core. Leanne is currently based in Indiana and is a proud mother of two daughters.   Leanne’s links: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9786306/ https://www.leannejohnsonofficial.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@leannejohnsonactor https://www.instagram.com/leannejohnsonofficial  Some of Leanne's favorite actors:  Helen Mirren Kate Winslet Margot Robbie Jennifer Lawrence Frances McDormand Brie Larson Chloe Zhao Julia Roberts Sandra Bullock Leanne’s playlist: Marlee Carpenter Need To Breathe Coldplay  Lady Gaga  Taya Hozier Host: Chris Stafford Produced by Hollowell Studios Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram The AART Podcast on YouTube Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . A Hollowell Studios Production Instagram: @theaartpodcast  Email: theaartpodcast@gmail.com (https://gmail.com) © Copyright: Chris Stafford | Hollowell Studios All Rights Reserved