Casting is often invisible when it is working well, but Leeba Zakharov’s approach brings it back into focus as a deeply human and collaborative art form. Shaped by a career that spans development, acquisitions, and decades in film and television casting, Leeba shares how instinct, trust, and cultural perspective inform the way she sees actors and stories. We talk about the responsibility of holding space for vulnerability in the audition process, the impact of mentorship, and what it means to truly honor the actor’s work in the room. This conversation offers a grounded look at casting as both an intuitive craft and a relationship driven practice. Whether you are an actor or a creative working in storytelling, this episode invites you to think differently about how performances are discovered and supported.