Connor Dean is an actor, influencer, tennis player, and podcast host in Los Angeles. His latest project is the podcast “In or Out with Connor Dean”. It is streaming now on BLEAV, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and Sticher. This busy young talent took time out of his schedule for a one-on-one interview about this new project as well as his plans for the rest of 2023.
You have a very busy career! What made you want to add podcast host to your resume?
I was approached in 2022 about doing a tennis podcast and I thought it would be fun. I decided I didn’t want it to be all about tennis because there is so much more to my life than just tennis. That’s when I decided to mix it up and tie in tennis with pop culture events.
Is that when you decided to bring on some of your friends in the industry as guests?
Yes! I think it can be boring to just have yourself doing all the talking LOL! Most of the podcasts I like have more than one host which is why I asked my friends to help out. I am lucky that I have friends in the industry that are always willing to help a guy out.
Do you have any plans to bring on guests that aren’t in the industry?
I am open to all kinds of ideas! It would have to depend on who the guests are and how they will tie into the show.
With such busy schedule how do you keep yourself from getting burnt out?
It is hard to not get burnt out when my schedule gets crazy with work, school, tennis training, tournaments, coaching, etc. I make sure to schedule in some time with my friends to play video games or just hang out or go to the movies. Sometimes, I just take a day and do nothing so I can recharge.
What is your favorite thing to do with your friends when you have time?
I think my favorite thing to do with my friends is play video games. We have a group that plays several times a week online since our schedules are too crazy to get together in person.
You have a production company called Penny Arcade Pictures. How did that come about?
My brother, Alex Dean, and I grew up with our parents’ owning businesses, so we decided to follow in their footsteps with a business of our own. Penny was our grandfather’s last name and “arcade” was inspired by the fact that we owned roller skating rinks and loved hanging out in the arcade.
Fun Question– If you could interview anyone on your podcast who it would be and why?
That’s a hard question! If I was going to interview someone in the entertainment industry, I would have to say it would be George Lucas. I have been a fan of Star Wars for as long as I can remember, and I would love to pick his brain. If I was able to interview someone in the tennis world, it would be either Rafa Nadal or Roger Federer. Both of those players are to be admired for their work on the court and off the court. They are two of the best to ever play the sport!
Any upcoming releases you can share?
I do have a new project that I am being part of called “Veghead”. It’s being shopped around right now and there are some really fun things happening with it. I can’t wait to tell you more when I can!
