What is Angourie Rice Even Doing?
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In this episode of *What Are We Even Doing?*, host Kyle McLaughlin sits down with Australian actress, author, and bread baker Angourie Rice for a deeply personal and playful conversation that explores her creative journey, upbringing in a theater-centric family, and her unique approach to acting and storytelling. Rice shares how she never felt a definitive 'calling' to acting, instead letting opportunities unfold organically after deferring university to pursue work. She reflects on her lack of formal training, her admiration for Saoirse Ronan’s career trajectory, and her belief that authenticity and presence—like that of a dog or a baby—are the true hallmarks of great performance. The conversation takes a whimsical turn during a game called 'Hey Mate, Let Me Cook,' where Rice and McLaughlin decipher cryptic log lines from their past projects, culminating in a shared first experience with Vegemite. The episode also touches on her new novel *My Wonderful Disgrace*, her vegan baking habits, and her global filming adventures, all while embracing the uncertainty of life and art with humor and warmth.
Authenticity in performance comes from presence, not technique—like a dog or a baby, who are always fully in the moment.
You don’t need formal training to be a great actor; sometimes, not caring is the key to being truly available in a scene.
Writing is rewriting—Rice and her mother completed 14–15 drafts of their first novel, emphasizing the power of revision.
Vegemite is an acquired taste, but it’s a cultural staple that tastes better when tied to home and memory.
The best creative work often emerges from play, curiosity, and not taking yourself too seriously.
Podcast Promos and Intro
The episode opens with promotional segments for several iHeartRadio podcasts, including *Serving Pancakes*, *Love Trapped*, *Rorschach*, *No Grip*, and *On Purpose*, setting a vibrant, multi-podcast atmosphere.
Introducing Angourie Rice
Kyle McLaughlin introduces Angourie Rice as a multi-talented creative—actress, author, and bread baker—setting the stage for a conversation about her upbringing, career path, and creative philosophy.
Growing Up in Theater
Rice recounts her childhood immersed in theater, with parents in the industry, rehearsals at her school, and even being a test audience for her parents’ youth productions. She shares emotional memories of watching her mother cry on stage.
No Clear Calling, Just Flow
Rice reveals she never felt a definitive 'calling' to acting, viewing it as a joyful side pursuit while prioritizing school. She deferred university to work, and the doors kept opening—she never planned it, she just kept going.
Acting School and Authenticity
Rice reflects on her brief acting school experience—chaotic, unimpressive, and not where she found her voice. She values honesty and presence over technique, admiring actors who remain unselfconscious and grounded.
“I've discovered that I might keep a container of Vegemite in my refrigerator because it'll stay there for a while, right? It lasts for a long time.”
“I think that is part of the journey. Maybe that's what I'm trying to say. It's like I do feel like I'm trying to go back to a place where you just don't care.”
“I don’t know if we did discover what we were even doing, but I think we gave it a good shot.”
Host
Guest
Angourie Rice
person
Kyle McLaughlin
person
iHeartRadio
brand
Vegemite
other
Kate Rice
person
The Last Thing He Told Me
other
Penguins
other
Inside Out
media
Scotty Rice
person
Mare of Easttown
other
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