John Markland: The Truth Beneath the Identities We Build (Encore)

We're revisiting this conversation from October 2025 because it's stayed with us — and we think it will with you too. 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: Why so many of us live inside identities built for safety, not truth What it looks like to start expressing the parts of yourself you’ve been taught to hide How honesty — not effort or perfection — creates real presence The role of play in loosening control and reconnecting to what’s real Why understanding your own story changes how you move through the world How letting go of control opens the door to something truer 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 on Instagram → @thetruthis_podcast Credits Hosted by Kathryn Flaschner Video Production & Editing by Anton LaPlume Music by Will Savino Visual Identity by Sarah Gainer & Jonathan Bush Advised by Natalie Tulloch