In Conversation with Emad Alayoubi: On Set, On Air, and Building What's Next

Photography by Theo Skudlark

Emad Alayoubi is a Los Angeles-based actor and entrepreneur with credits including Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix, 2024), HBO's Ballers, and USA Network's Graceland. A former NFL player turned actor, radio host, and podcaster, he's now launching Whiskey Talks, a podcast built on real conversations, alongside a clothing line for people who've been through something and kept moving forward.

Of everything you've filmed, which set did you not want to leave, and why?

I'd probably say Ballers. There was something about that set and the energy around it that made you feel like you were part of something bigger. I loved being around the cast and crew and seeing how everything came together. Every set teaches you something, but Ballers was one where I remember thinking, “Damn, I don't want this day to end.”

Monsters put you in front of the biggest audience yet. What's a moment from that shoot that never made it into any interview?

One thing people don't really see is how much goes on behind the scenes before the camera ever rolls. You're standing there surrounded by a huge production, and at the same time you're trying to stay focused and remember that you're there because you earned your spot. There was definitely a moment where I stepped back and thought, “Holy shit, I'm actually doing this.” Those are the moments nobody sees.

Your Graceland credit—what's the story behind landing that role?

It came from continuing to put myself out there and taking opportunities when they came. Acting has never been something where I expected one audition to suddenly change my life. It's been about building relationships, showing up, and proving that I belong in the room. Getting Graceland was one of those moments where I realized that the work was starting to pay off.

Ballers, Graceland, Monsters—three totally different worlds. Which one stretched you the most as an actor?

Monsters probably stretched me the most because of the scale and the expectations that came with it. When you're working on something that you know is going to reach a massive audience, there's a different level of pressure. But that's also what makes you grow. You have to trust yourself and stop overthinking every move.

Is there a scene from any of your projects you'd want people to go back and rewatch with fresh eyes?

Absolutely. I think sometimes people watch a scene once and move on, but there's a lot happening underneath the surface—especially with smaller roles. I'd love for people to go back and watch my scenes knowing who I am now. Maybe they'll notice something in the performance or the way I approached the character that they didn't catch the first time.

Before Whiskey Talks, you hosted The EA Show on the radio. What's one thing live radio taught you that's shaping how you're building the podcast?

Live radio taught me that you can't fake being authentic. You can prepare, you can have questions, you can have a rundown, but once that microphone is live, you have to be able to think on your feet. That's a huge part of what I want Whiskey Talks to be—real conversations, real opinions, and moments you can't script.

What's the wildest thing that's ever happened live on air or on a call-in show?

The wildest moments are usually when somebody says something you absolutely weren't expecting. You can prepare for an interview, but you can't prepare for somebody going completely off the rails live on air. Those are the moments you remember because you have to react in real time—and sometimes you just have to sit there thinking, “Did they really just say that?”

If you could get anyone in the world on Whiskey Talks for episode one, who's the dream guest?

Honestly, I'd want someone who isn't afraid to be completely real. If I had to pick one person, I'd probably say Howard Stern. There are so many layers to his story, and I think we'd have a conversation that would be unpredictable, funny, uncomfortable at times, and completely real. That's exactly what I want Whiskey Talks to be.

What's a topic you're dying to talk about on the podcast that hasn't come up yet?

I want to talk more about what actually happens behind the scenes when people become reality stars, actors, influencers or public figures. Everyone sees the finished product, but nobody sees the relationships, the pressure, the failures, the money issues, the mental side of it, or what happens when the cameras stop. That's the stuff I find interesting.

Whiskey Talks, The EA Show, acting, the clothing line—if you had to sum up your whole brand in one sentence, what would it be?

I'm just a guy who refuses to put himself in one box—I talk, I act, I create, I piss people off sometimes, I make people laugh, and I keep moving forward.

QUICK HITS — 20 QUESTIONS

Cats or dogs?
Dogs. No question.

Morning person or night owl?
Night owl. My brain doesn't shut off at night.

Dream dinner guest, living or dead?
My mom. I'd love to have one more dinner and conversation with her.

One NFL memory you'll never forget?
Coaching my son and watching him fall in love with football. That means more to me than any game I’ve watched, and the path I took to get there.

Guilty pleasure TV show?
Reality TV. I'm not even going to lie.

If you weren't acting, hosting, or building a brand—what would you be doing?
Probably still working in real estate/property management. I like being around people, and I'm definitely not built to sit behind a desk all day.

One word your friends would use to describe you?
Loyal and fun.

Favorite city you've traveled to?
Honolulu. There's something magical about being there.

Beach or mountains?
Beach. Give me the ocean, a drink, and no schedule.

Coffee, or nothing until noon?
Nothing, or a Coke.

Last text you sent?
“On my way back with your sandwich lol.”

One thing on your bucket list?
I want to go to Ireland and explore.

Favorite way to spend a day off?
Good food, good people, somewhere fun, and absolutely no responsibilities.

What's always in your fridge?
Water, leftovers, and probably something I told myself I was going to eat healthy.

Best piece of advice you ever got?
Don't let other people's opinions become your reality.

Sneakers or dress shoes?
Sneakers. Jordans.

What's a skill you wish you had?
I wish I could play an instrument. I think being able to sit down and just play music would be pretty cool.

Go-to karaoke song?
“Usher, My Way.” If I’m going to embarrass myself, I’m going all in.

Favorite food or meal?
Steak. Keep it simple and do it right.

Song that's been on repeat lately?
Kenny Chesney. I love his island vibe and great songs.

Get to know more about Emad Elayoubi on his website emadalayoubi.com and Instagram @realemadalayoubi.