Ourselves Podcast Breaking Bad Star Daniel Moncada Talks About the Tattoo That Changed His Life
Daniel Moncada’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—born in Honduras, he faced unimaginable challenges, from navigating a dangerous childhood to surviving the brutal realities of prison. In this episode, Daniel reveals how he turned his life around, landing the role of a lifetime as one of Breaking Bad’s most iconic villains. With behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, an unforgettable audition that nearly went sideways, and the risks he took while on parole to film the show, this conversation dives deep into his transformation from hardship to Hollywood. It’s a raw, inspiring, and gripping look at resilience, redemption, and what it takes to seize life-changing opportunities.
00:00 Introduction
03:01 Childhood Struggles and Military Fears
07:38 Adapting to American Life
09:23 Juvenile Hall and Learning to Fight Back
12:39 The Turning Point: Education and Trouble
35:49 Breaking Bad: The Audition Story
43:41 Parole Dilemma: Seeking Permission
44:22 Testing the Waters with the Parole Officer
46:37 Defying Parole: The Risky Decision
46:53 Journey to New Mexico: The Anxiety
55:44 Breaking Bad: The Big Opportunity
59:28 On Set with Bryan Cranston
01:04:52 The Iconic Explosion Scene
01:21:15 Typecasting Challenges and Opportunities
01:24:51 Working with Legends: Mel Gibson and Clint Eastwood
01:29:23 Breaking the Rules: Audition Stories
01:30:20 The Audition Do-Over
01:35:47 On Set with Clint Eastwood
01:39:54 Hollywood's Current Landscape
01:42:41 The Impact of Streaming and Residuals
01:56:15 Navigating the Crypto Craze
02:05:19 Advice for Aspiring Actors
02:08:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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