In episode 29 of the Young Entertainment Podcast, Mordechai and Daniella are joined by one of our favorite guests, actor Frankie Rodriguez, to chat all about his new project Chad Powers, out now on Hulu! Frankie also gives us the inside scoop on working with Glen Powell and his favorite memories from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. 

If you’ve ever wanted a podcast to learn from the stars and get the best masterclass tips and tricks for launching your own career, you’ve come to the right place!

We always love chatting with Frankie, and he has risen to stardom in the entertainment world. You may recognize him most from starring as Carlos in HSMTMTS, and he has also had roles in The Sex Lives of College Girls, Modern Family, Will & Grace, and more! 

Frankie’s latest project Chad Powers follows a disgraced college quarterback named Russ Holliday as he disguises himself as Chad Powers and walks on to a struggling football team in hopes of reviving his career. Glen Powell stars in the title role and the comedy series also features Steve Zahn, Colton Ryan, and more. Frankie’s character Danny serves as the school’s mascot. 

“I learned how to be a team player x1000 from [Glen Powell].”

Since Frankie established himself as a triple threat while singing, dancing and acting as Carlos in HSMTMTS, he joked that the pressure was off in Chad Powers, as he just had to focus on acting and didn’t have to worry about practicing any choreography!

“HSMTMTS was a show where you were using everything in your toolbox.”

Frankie said working on set of Chad Powers was a great intro into learning more about football and he did a lot of research to prep for playing Danny. Frankie was connected with someone who is in charge of mascots at top universities and got to learn about the type of people who play mascots and the etiquette needed to perfect the role.

“There are so many rules around being a mascot which is so interesting.”

One of Frankie’s favorite memories from set was meeting Glen Powell for the first time, who recognized and knew Frankie’s name from the start! The show was unique in that they were writing the show while filming, and Frankie said it was so fun to bounce ideas off each other and learn from Glen in and out of character. 

“I was like omg, [Glen Powell] knows who I am. That was the start of a great working relationship.”

We of course had to take a trip down memory lane and talk HSMTMTS with Frankie, who said his favorite episode was the pilot because that’s where it all began and there were so many great memories. 

“Stay true to yourself and just keep hustling.”

We also play a fun game where we draft our all-star lineup of High School Musical and HSMTMTS players to our football team. Would Ashlyn make a good defensive lineman? Is Eli starting quarterback material? Let us know who drafted the best team!

We always have the best time talking with Frankie and cannot wait to stream Chad Powers. We’ll be releasing podcast episodes each week so don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned!

Consider this: 

• Be yourself in an audition. Oftentimes casting directors are looking for something specific, but you don’t always have to change yourself or the way you look to fit a specific image. You are going to find the roles that are right for you.