Full Interview With Brandon Jay Mclaren

throwback to the Impound Podcast, creator Brent Trayce Sands sat down with actor Brandon Jay McLaren—known for his roles in Snowfall, The Rookie, Graceland, and of course, Power Rangers SPD, where he made history as one of the few Black Red Rangers.

The conversation covered the highs and challenges of Brandon’s career. He opened up about the bittersweet end of Snowfall, describing it as saying goodbye to a friend, and reflected on the special legacy the show left behind. He also shared why Graceland remains his personal favorite role, recounting an emotional one-take scene where he shaved his head on camera—a moment the entire crew felt deeply.

Beyond roles, Brandon discussed the pressures actors face, the importance of being trusted with fully developed characters, and how representation has shaped his journey. The interview also touched on timely topics like AI’s impact on Hollywood, cultural shifts in technology, and his own path from Vancouver to Los Angeles, trading a D1 soccer career and a biology degree for acting.

The conversation was equal parts real and inspiring—highlighting the resilience it takes to stay relevant in Hollywood while staying true to yourself.

👉 Watch the full interview with Brandon Jay McLaren now below and hear his full story firsthand.