The Truth Is

John Markland: The Truth Beneath the Identities We Build

Episode Summary

Acting teacher and coach John Markland joins us to talk about what happens when the identity you’ve built to feel safe or successful starts to feel out of alignment. We talk about the unexpressed parts of ourselves we learn to hide, why honesty matters more than approval, and how reconnecting to instinct and curiosity can bring us closer to what’s real. It’s a conversation about truth, creativity, and what becomes possible when we stop performing and start allowing.

Episode Notes

John Markland is a highly respected director, screenwriter, producer, and acting teacher, and the founder of The Markland Studio, whose work has guided countless artists and performers toward deeper, more authentic expression.

In this conversation, we talk about what happens when the identity you’ve built to feel safe or successful starts to feel out of alignment. John shares how a lifetime of adapting shaped his work with artists, and why he believes honesty matters more than approval — on stage and in life. We explore the unexpressed parts of ourselves we learn to hide, how reconnecting to instinct and curiosity can bring us closer to what’s real, and why taking the time to understand the moments that shaped you can open more freedom in how you move forward.

It’s a conversation about truth, creativity, and what becomes possible when we stop performing and start allowing.

We talk about:

If this episode leaves you thinking about the self beneath your own identity, share it with someone who might need it — or leave a review so others can find the show.

Connect with John & The Markland Studio:
Instagram → @themarklandstudio

Website → www.marklandstudio.com

Connect with The Truth Is:
🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube
📸 Follow on Instagram → @thetruthis_podcast