Acting Business Boot Camp

This week's episode is all about doing the damn thing. Inspired by Jen Sincero's You Are a Badass, we explore how to move from wishful thinking into real, consistent action. Because let's face it: Epiphanies are useless without execution. Self-help without follow-through is shelf-help. Trying to be an actor isn't the same as being one. From Passive Habits to Active Action Many actors fall into the trap of passive self-help habits. That looks like reading books, journaling, or attending seminars but never actually taking the uncomfortable, messy steps that move your career forward. Here's the three-part shift: Awareness – Notice your thoughts, excuses, and passive habits. Acceptance – Own them without judgment. Action – Act your way into right thinking and build your courage muscle. Every day, ask yourself: Am I going to the gym… or am I really going to the gym? Be in the 5% Here's a sobering stat: only 5% of SAG-AFTRA members qualify for health insurance. And of all the people who take courses (in any field), only 5% ever implement what they learn. We want you in that 5%. The ones who suit up, show up, and keep going. The ones who build resilience, embrace discomfort, and grow stronger by being brave. Stop Waiting. Start Acting. Waiting is the perfect recipe for self-sabotage. If you want a career, start now. Start messy. Start imperfect. But start. At Acting Business Boot Camp, that's why we've built: The Weekly Accountability Group – so you don't just learn, you follow through. Monthly Classes with Mandy – so you keep sharpening your tools and confidence. The Weekly Adjustment Group – to help you build bravery into your daily life. Because knowledge without action won't book you jobs. Action will. Episode Takeaways Epiphanies without execution don't create change. Awareness + Acceptance + Action = Transformation. Success is about getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Build your courage muscle daily. Don't "try" to be an actor. Be an actor. Resources and Links Book mentioned: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero Join us in the Weekly Accountability Group or the Weekly Adjustment Group to put this into practice. Support the Podcast If you're enjoying the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast, please leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen. It helps us reach more actors around the world who are ready to stop waiting and start doing the damn thing.

Okay actors, here it is—your end-of-summer pep talk. I don't know how we got here so fast, but summer's basically over and it's time to stop stalling. Time to get your act together. In this episode, I'm giving it to you straight. Yes, I even drop a few swear words, because honestly, sometimes that's what it takes to shake things up. I'll share the story of Bowie the cat (our very cautious little housemate) and how it perfectly connects to where so many of you are stuck in your careers. The question is: are you going to stay scared Bowie… or step up and be brave Bowie? And I'm not just talking theory here. I'm breaking down the exact things that matter most right now: your resume, your headshots, your reels, your website, and the way you correspond with agents and casting directors. These are the details that decide whether we keep looking at you—or hit delete in under three seconds. What You'll Take Away Why being "brave Bowie" matters more than you think The three pillars of Acting Business Boot Camp: training, business skills, and mindset work How to make your resume speak the "Language of Agents and Casting Directors" What your headshots and reels are really saying about you Why your emails to agents and CDs often get ignored (and how to fix it) The one website mistake that can literally cost you a job Why being 98% committed isn't enough—and how going all in changes everything My Challenge to You If you're serious about becoming a working actor, you don't have to do this alone. That's what I built Acting Business Boot Camp for: to give you structure, tools, and support from someone who knows this industry inside and out. So here's my offer: book a free 15-minute consultation with me. Let's see where you're stuck, what's holding you back, and how to get your act together once and for all. If you've worked with me before and feel like you need a reset, click the link in the show notes and let's reconnect. If this is your first step, perfect. Let's get started. Ready? Let's Do This Click the link in the show notes to grab your free consultation. Because you don't want to spend the next season of your career like scared Bowie, hiding in the corner. You want to be the one who finally steps out, explores the whole house, and discovers just how good it feels to be brave. About Me I'm Peter Pamela Rose, a casting director and certified life and career coach. Through Acting Business Boot Camp, I help actors cut through the noise, build confidence, and create careers that actually work. Every week, I share real tools, mindset coaching, and industry insights to get you from feeling stuck to becoming a working actor. 👉 Click here to schedule your free 15-minute session.

When I Froze on "Three Takes" I'll be honest, the first time a casting director asked me for three takes in the same vibe, my brain short-circuited. The first one felt okay. The second? I made it louder. The third? I whispered and hoped for divine intervention. Sound familiar? If you've been there, you're not alone. No one really teaches us how to do this. We just… guess. But over the years, I've learned that "three takes" doesn't have to be torture. It's actually an opportunity to show range, subtlety, and intention — if you know where to focus. My Five Go-To Tools for Variety Here's what I rely on: Change the environment. Close your eyes and imagine where you are. A noisy coffee shop shifts your energy in a completely different way than a quiet office. Add human sounds. We don't speak like robots. A breath, a chuckle, a little "mm-hmm" makes your read feel alive. Play with pauses. I love a pause. It can create tension, warmth, or surprise. Same words, totally different rhythm. Change your listener. Who am I talking to? A best friend feels different than a five-year-old. A stranger feels different than a coworker. Shift your motivation. This one's huge. Maybe I'm trying to inspire. Maybe I'm trying to tease. Same emotion, new motivation — and suddenly the take has layers. These adjustments keep me from falling into the "loud-soft-whisper" trap. Instead, each take feels intentional. Why I Lean on Improv Here's the secret I wish someone had told me sooner: improv isn't about being funny. It's about being present. When a casting director says, "Make it feel more natural," what they really mean is, "Stop performing and start reacting." Improv trains me to do that. It helps me: Make stronger choices quickly Stay grounded when I mess up React honestly instead of overthinking Give multiple takes that feel genuinely different As Kristen Wiig said, "Improv is about listening and not trying to be funny. It's about being honest." I've found that to be absolutely true. What Fear Taught Me I know improv scares people. It used to terrify me. My brain would scream, "Don't mess this up. Don't look stupid." But here's what shifted everything: fear means I care. Fear tells me I'm right at the edge of something interesting. If I can use it, not run from it, that's where the magic happens. Now, I remind myself: I don't have to be clever. I don't have to be perfect. I just have to be available. And ironically, that's when my best work happens. Why This Matters for You If you've been frustrated by the 1-2-3 take request, know this: it's not about pleasing the casting gods. It's about showing them you can be flexible, creative, and real. With these five tools and an improv mindset, you'll stop guessing. You'll start delivering takes that feel grounded and alive — and most importantly, like you. If you want help practicing this, I'd love to work with you. I offer free 15-minute consults, and I'm always excited to help actors build confidence in the booth and on the mic. 👉 Book your free consult here

Most actors treat their careers like a guessing game. Send a few emails. Hope someone notices. Post on Instagram. Cross your fingers. But what if you could know what's working? What if you had the exact information to make better choices, save time, and book more work? That is what tracking data does for you, and yes, it is way less boring than it sounds. Why Most Actors Avoid Tracking (and Why That Hurts Them) A lot of actors shy away from anything that feels "too business." They think tracking numbers will suck the artistry out of what they do. But here is the thing: you are your own product. If you are selling anything, you need to know what is resonating and what is falling flat. Data is not about turning you into a robot. It is more like a script you did not know you needed. It tells you what is landing, what is missing the mark, and where to put your energy next. How to Start Small Without Overcomplicating It You do not need fancy software to start. A simple spreadsheet can change the game. Write down who you contacted and when, the subject line you used, whether they opened it, clicked, replied, or ignored it. Tools like MailTrack, Boomerang, or Yesware will do the tracking for you. Open rates tell you if your subject line was compelling. Click-through rates tell you if your reel or website got attention. The Power of Testing What Works Want to level it up? Try sending two slightly different versions of the same email, maybe just the subject line changes, and see which one gets better results. That is A/B testing. It is not complicated, and it tells you exactly what works. What Your Website Metrics Can Reveal Installing Google Analytics (it is free) can show you how many people visit, where they came from, how long they stay, and what they click. You might even notice patterns, like everyone skipping your résumé PDF but clicking on your behind-the-scenes video. That is information you can use. Heatmap tools like Hotjar take it further by showing where people actually click. If your most-visited link is your dog's Instagram, maybe rethink what you are putting front and center. Social Media: Looking Beyond Likes Social media works the same way. It is not about likes, it is about patterns. Which posts get saved the most? Which videos are watched to the end? Does posting at 9 a.m. get more engagement than 9 p.m.? Use those answers to repeat what is working and retire what is not. Your Weekly Career Check-In Once a week, set aside time to check: Emails sent, opened, clicked, and replied to Social media reach, saves, and comments Website traffic and bounce rate Auditions requested and booked Optional but useful: moments you felt completely burned out It does not have to take long, but it will change the way you approach your career. Data without action is just a sad spreadsheet. The Takeaway Tracking does not make you less creative, it makes you more strategic. It gives you the freedom to spend your energy where it matters most. Start small. Track your emails, your socials, your auditions. Let the numbers guide your next move instead of just hoping you are on the right path. And if you want one-on-one coaching to help you track, strategize, and grow your acting career, reach out to [email protected]. Let us build your career with purpose, not guesswork.

If you've ever gotten an email offering $850 for 45 minutes of voice work and thought, huh, that sounds… generous—you're not alone. Today I'm walking you through one of the most common and dangerous traps voice actors fall into: the voiceover scam. Let's talk about how to recognize one, why we fall for them, and how to protect yourself. These Scams Are Getting Smarter I've seen so many of these land in my inbox or get forwarded from friends and students. And honestly, they're getting better. Better design. Better phrasing. More personal. But when you know what to look for, the patterns start to repeat. Here's the kind of language I often see: "We came across your demo…" "We're excited to offer $850 for a quick project…" "A studio will be rented near your location…" They sound legit. But when you look closer, there's no company name, no usage terms, no specifics—and that's your first red flag. Why It's Easy to Fall For Let me be clear: falling for one of these doesn't make you gullible. It makes you human. We're trained to get excited when someone wants to hire us. So when you get a message that sounds like your SEO efforts are working or your voice finally got discovered, your brain lights up. But scammers know that. They prey on that excitement, that desire to get booked, and that dream of breaking through. And because so many actors are navigating financial stress, looking for validation, or craving that first big break, the offer feels like a miracle. That's by design. Real vs. Scam: What to Look For Let me give you a side-by-side. Here's a real email I received: "Hi Mandy, we're currently casting a series of short-form e-learning modules for a corporate client in the healthcare space. We heard your narration demo and would love to invite you to audition. If selected, the rate is $450 per finished hour for internal usage. Remote recording is preferred." Notice the difference? There's a category (e-learning). A rate and usage clause. A clear, grounded tone. Now contrast that with a scam version that said: "We have a voice-over assignment with a copyrighted script to be recorded at a studio near your location. Your emotional readiness is crucial." Um… what? Common Red Flags I See Over and Over I've seen these pop up again and again. Here are the top ones: Too much money too fast. Real jobs involve negotiation. Not just a flat $850 for 45 minutes with no questions asked. No company name. Or they use a real one but spoof the email (like "creta.net" instead of "creta.com"). No contract or NDA. No paper trail. Nothing to protect you. Weird language. "Emotional readiness"? "Check your email frequently"? No legitimate producer talks like that. Fake check scam. They'll send a "check" to pay a studio, ask you to forward the money, and when it bounces—you're the one out the cash. And sadly, they've even impersonated real companies like TransPerfect or Creta. They pull real employee names from LinkedIn to make it look legit. What I Recommend You Do Instead Here's how I keep myself (and my students) scam-free: Google the sender. If they're real, they'll have some kind of digital footprint. Ask questions. Who's the client? What's the usage? Where will this air? Book your own studio. Or ask to record from home. If they refuse, walk away. Never deposit a check from a stranger. Ever. Reach out to SAG-AFTRA. Even if you're not union, they have resources and will help. Keep good records. Save your emails, contracts, and create a CRM to track inquiries. Join VO red flag groups. There's strength in community. And above all—trust your gut. Final Thought I love this industry. Voiceover has changed my life in ways I couldn't have imagined. But it also comes with risks. If something feels weird… pause. Screenshot it. DM a friend. Or send it to me. You're not alone in this. If you want to talk more about your VO goals, I'd love to help. You can always reach me at [email protected] or schedule a free 15-minute session here.

In this solo episode, Peter gets deeply personal about a challenging week—and the powerful mindset shift that came from it. After getting emotionally "twisted," Peter turned to her most trusted tools: journaling, meditation, and coaching. What started as a spiral led to a breakthrough realization: Your mind is your world. And your world is your mind. When you're in your fear-based thought system, everything feels like a problem. But when you shift into a more loving, conscious mindset, you begin to see challenges as opportunities. Peter shares how unconscious thinking patterns can create unnecessary suffering, and how awareness, honesty, and a willingness to feel your feelings can shift your entire experience. Whether you've had a tough week yourself or you're just ready for a new perspective, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate reminder of how much power lives in your mindset. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between fear thoughts and love-based thoughts What Peter does when she feels overwhelmed or triggered How to use stream-of-consciousness journaling to uncover what's really going on Why it's okay to "suffer a little" before you're ready to shift A practical way to reset your emotions when you're feeling stuck Resources mentioned: Free Time Management Workshop – Click here for details Book a free consultation with Peter Pamela Rose Stephen Ridley episode – Listen here Want more support? If this episode resonated with you and you're ready to take the next step, whether that's with time management, mindset, or your acting career, I invite you to book a free consultation. Click here to schedule your session. And as always… stay safe and treat yourself real well. You don't have to be perfect.

If you're a creative who rolls their eyes every time someone says, "You should be on TikTok," I get it. I did too. But I've also seen firsthand how a free platform with a low barrier to entry can quietly change your entire business. Not overnight. But steadily. Strategically. Without becoming someone you're not. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I use TikTok to stay visible, book clients, and build trust—without filters, dances, or pretending to be an influencer. So, why TikTok? I never expected to like it. I don't love being on camera. I don't enjoy over-polishing or oversharing. But I do love showing up for my community. I love talking shop. And I really love when a new client says, "I found you on TikTok… I just felt like you got it." They didn't care about my résumé. They didn't go through my website. They watched a few videos, got curious, and reached out. That's the power of visibility. Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever I set a personal goal of 30,000 followers. Not for vanity. Because I've seen how perception changes with scale. At that number, people stop wondering if you're legit. They start assuming you are. It's wild, but true: I've had actors tell me they didn't book the job because they "didn't have a big enough following." So while I don't love the rule... I'm learning to play the game. What I Post (and How I Keep It Manageable) I post just once a day, Monday through Friday. No weekends. That's it. My content rotates through three categories: 1. Trend-Based Posts Not dancing. Not chasing virality. Just using trending audio or formats to talk about life as a voice actor. Red flags. Weird specs. Behind-the-scenes stress. Stuff people relate to. 2. Original Content This is where I share warmups, workflow tips, gear recs, or things I wish I knew when I started out. The more specific, the better. 3. Personal Stories No life-overhauls or tearful confessions. Just honest stories from inside the booth: bombing auditions, almost quitting, learning the hard way. Those posts? They connect deeply. A Weekly Posting Roadmap If you want to try it out, here's a simple structure: Monday – A trend or audio reworked for your niche Tuesday – Respond to a question or comment Wednesday – Share a personal or client story Thursday – A POV sketch or observation Friday – Tips or encouragement for beginners Repeat. Tweak. Evolve based on what's resonating. Use Your Analytics TikTok gives you free data. Look at what people are watching all the way through, saving, or sharing—and lean into that. Kill what's not working. Keep what is. Don't overthink it. This isn't about being viral. It's about being valuable. Profile Tips to Help You Get Hired You don't need a perfect feed. But your profile should make sense to someone new: Clean, recognizable photo (not necessarily a headshot) Bio that says what you do and what kind of content you make Link to your site or lead magnet Keep your vibe real. Show up as yourself. Don't hide your mic. Don't over-filter. You're not selling a brand. You're being a person. What If You're Not Using TikTok? That's totally fine. But then ask yourself: Where are your future clients going to find you? Instagram? YouTube? Discord? Email? Wherever you plan to show up, you need a strategy. And if you're not going to show up at all? Then you need a different kind of strategy. Need Help? I've Got You. If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck about how to grow your VO presence online—let's talk. You can always reach me through [email protected], or DM me on TikTok at @astoriaredhead. I'd love to see what you're creating. Because we're not just growing followers. We're growing careers.

How to Change Your Momentum When You're Stuck as a Creative If you're an artist or creative who feels stalled—like you've hit a wall in your motivation, progress, or passion—you're not alone. Whether it's burnout, fear, comparison, or just plain fatigue, creative momentum can vanish without warning. And getting it back? That can feel impossible. But here's the good news: momentum is a choice. Not something that magically returns when the conditions are perfect—but something you can actively create, even in the mess of real life. In this week's Acting Business Boot Camp podcast episode, I spoke with Stephen Ridley, musician, speaker, and founder of Ridley Academy, about exactly that. What unfolded was a deeply personal and practical roadmap for any artist who wants to stop stalling and start moving forward again. What Does It Mean to "Change Your Momentum"? Momentum isn't about working harder. It's about shifting the energy underneath your decisions. According to Stephen, the way we talk to ourselves—our internal attitude—shapes what happens next. He calls it the self-fulfilling nature of mindset. "Both negativity and positivity become self-fulfilling prophecies," he says. "And both are equally available." In other words, what you expect tends to be what you get. So if you're expecting things to be hard, slow, or pointless… they probably will be. But here's where this conversation gets interesting. Stephen doesn't suggest "faking" positivity. He actually recommends the opposite. Step 1: Stop Resisting Your Mood When you're stuck in a low state—feeling anxious, apathetic, overwhelmed—the worst thing you can do is pretend you're not. Instead, lean in. "I'll play piano in apathy," Stephen says. "I'll let myself feel lazy. I'll turn up the volume on the feeling until I get bored of it. That's when the momentum shifts." When you stop resisting how you feel and start actively creating it, you take back control. It's no longer happening to you. You're the one creating it. That awareness is where movement begins. Step 2: Ask the Question That Changes Everything Once you've moved through the feeling—not skipped over it—there's a simple question Stephen recommends to create forward momentum: "What can I do for you?" Not just you, the person in front of you. But you in the broadest sense: the audience, the community, the world. This question flips your attention from inward to outward. It connects you to purpose. It anchors you in service. And for artists, that's everything. Because the role of the artist, as Stephen beautifully puts it, is not to collapse into the emptiness of life—but to provide the antidote. The Trap of Creative Victimhood So many creatives are unconsciously stuck in a victim mindset. Waiting for permission. Hoping to be chosen. Scared to make the wrong move. But as Stephen says, the longer you wait, the more you stall. And stalling, while it may feel passive, often comes with a payoff: you don't have to take responsibility. That's the truth most people don't want to hear. But the moment you reclaim that responsibility—without shame or blame—you begin to unlock the creative momentum you've been craving. Final Thought: You Don't Have to Wait The most successful creatives aren't necessarily the most talented. They're the ones who know how to take action even when things aren't perfect. They've learned to choose positivity without needing to feel it first. They know how to get out of their heads and back into service. Stephen's message is simple, but profound: "You don't have to find momentum. You can create it. And it starts with one decision." Want to Practice This Work? If you're ready to rebuild your creative momentum in a grounded, supportive space, I invite you to try a free class of The Weekly Adjustment—my coaching group for actors and artists working on confidence, mindset, and meaningful progress. 🔗 Click here to join us for free And if you've ever dreamed of learning piano—or reconnecting to passion through creative play—check out RidleyAcademy.com. Stephen's method is changing lives.

Let's talk about something most coaches won't say out loud: Just because you love something doesn't mean you're great at it. I know. It stings. But it's important. In this episode, I'm digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) gap between interest and aptitude—especially in voiceover. Because if you're frustrated that you're not booking in your dream genre, you might be ignoring the thing you're actually great at. What I Talk About in This Episode: Why passion doesn't always equal potential How to spot the areas where you naturally shine Why ignoring your strengths can slow your career What to do when your "boring" voice actually books How to balance income work with creative fulfillment The difference between fantasy reels and real-world needs The Harsh Truth I've Learned (and Lived) Interest is loud. It's shiny. It gets excited. But aptitude? Aptitude is quiet. It's efficient. It gets the job done with less effort. That's your edge. If you're constantly trying to "break into" animation but clients keep calling you back for corporate narration... maybe it's time to listen. I Like to Think of VO as a Buffet You don't have to love every dish at the buffet. But you do need to eat. Some genres feed your wallet. Others feed your soul. Both matter. But the key is building a career that includes both—without starving either. A Little Homework for You Ask yourself: What do I love to do in VO? What do I actually book? Where do I get the most consistent positive feedback? If those answers aren't lining up, that's your cue to rework your business plan. Not to quit. To recalibrate. This Isn't About Giving Up on the Dream You can still create that weird fantasy assassin rabbit character (I mean, please do). Just don't expect it to pay your rent. Yet. Instead, learn how to work your income genres well. Use them to build your skills, connections, and freedom. Let them support your creativity instead of crush it. Need Help Strategizing? If you're feeling stuck between what you want and what's working, let's talk. Seriously. On-camera actor? Peter's your person: [email protected] Voiceover artist? That's me: [email protected] We love helping actors figure this stuff out. It's what we do. Thanks for being here, and if this episode hit home, share it with a fellow actor who needs to hear it too.

In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most important and misunderstood parts of an actor's journey: confidence. Without confidence, you're benched. Without humility, you're a liability. Confidence is essential in the entertainment industry, but it has to be real—not performative, not overblown, and definitely not hubris. I break down how to build real, grounded confidence that will keep you moving forward in your voiceover or acting career, using neuroscience-backed tools and personal experience from over two decades in the industry. Key Topics Covered: Why confidence is essential, and why too much of it (aka hubris) can end your career The underrated power of self-awareness and how to cultivate it "Talent blindness" and why some actors can't see where they're falling short Real talk on imposter syndrome and how it rewires your brain The difference between self-trust and self-delusion Three Neuroscience-Backed Tips to Build Confidence: Focus on Small Wins Create a "brag file" with positive feedback, wins, compliments, and proud moments Celebrate progress, not perfection, and let your brain build new confidence loops Use Visualization Imagine your future success in vivid detail to activate the same brain networks as real achievement Rehearse emotionally grounded wins before you step up to the mic or camera Interrupt the Cortisol Cycle Practice intentional breathing to calm your nervous system and stay present Use 4-4-6 breath work to reset stress levels before auditions or sessions 7-Day Confidence Challenge (Free Prompt Series): Day 1: Write down 5 wins or moments you felt proud as an actor Day 2: Visualize a successful performance, using all five senses Day 3: Record and review a short piece of work Day 4: Practice calming breath work for 2 minutes Day 5: Take a risk with your craft (bold choice, new tone, character) Day 6: Write and say 3 affirmations aloud Day 7: Journal your growth and what you noticed about trusting yourself Final Takeaway: Confidence is not just mindset. It's a habit. A neurological pattern. A cycle of self-trust, built one decision at a time. If you're struggling with imposter syndrome or feel like your confidence disappears when it matters most, you're not alone—and you're not broken. Try the challenge. Start small. And keep going. Mentioned in This Episode: My TikTok: @astoryredhead Actors Index Substack Email: [email protected] Want More? Check out our Monthly Gyms and Weekly Classes at Acting Business Boot Camp for ongoing training, coaching, and confidence tools.

Today I want to talk about something that comes up in almost every coaching session I have with actors. Fear. Not just nerves before a big audition. Not just that pit in your stomach when you hit "submit" on a self-tape. I mean the kind of fear that quietly shapes your entire career. The fear that keeps you playing small, second-guessing yourself, or holding back in moments when you need to be bold. The fear that convinces you maybe this dream isn't really for you. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What if I'm not good enough?" or "What if I can't handle it?"—you're not alone. And that's exactly what this episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast is all about. The Root of Fear in an Actor's Life Fear is instinctual. It's wired into us. Back when humans were being chased by saber-toothed tigers, fear served a purpose—it kept us alive. But today? That same adrenaline spike shows up when you're waiting outside a casting office or uploading a tape for your reps. And here's the thing: fear doesn't know the difference between real danger and perceived danger. That's why something as simple as a callback can feel like life or death. But what I've learned—both as a working actress and a coach—is that fear isn't the enemy. The real challenge is how we respond to it. The Real Reason Fear Holds You Back There's one core truth I want you to consider: At the bottom of every fear is the belief that you can't handle what life throws at you. That's it. That's the root. Not the audition. Not the agent meeting. Not even the rejection. It's the belief that if those things happen—or don't—you won't be able to cope. So what do we do? We avoid. We procrastinate. We shrink ourselves. But I'm here to tell you, you can handle it. You just haven't built that muscle yet. Shifting Your Energy From Fear to Power In my weekly mindset class for actors, The Weekly Adjustment, we work on exactly this. We shift from what I call catabolic energy (draining, fear-based, victim-thinking) to anabolic energy (creative, empowered, growth-oriented). It's not magic. It's mindset work. It's learning how to interrupt those thought loops and say, "Hey, I see you, fear. But you're not driving the car today." Once you do that—once you raise your energy—you start to attract the opportunities, collaborators, and outcomes that match your new level. Not because the world changes. But because you've changed. What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Handle Anything? That's the question I leave you with. What would you do differently in your acting career if you had full trust in your ability to handle whatever came your way? Would you submit more? Would you stop apologizing in the room? Would you finally reach out to that rep? You don't need to "get rid" of fear. You need to learn how to work with it. To build your handling muscle. That's how we grow as actors and as humans. Ready to Try This Work for Yourself? If this resonates, I'd love to invite you to try two free classes of The Weekly Adjustment. No catch, no obligation—just real tools to help you feel more confident, more connected, and more in control of your career. This work has changed lives, including my own. It might just change yours too. 👉 Click here to claim your two free classes And remember—you'll never be given more than you can handle. But you will be given more than you can control. Let's build that muscle together. With love and belief in you, Peter Pamela Rose Certified Life & Career Coach for Actors Host of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something I think we all struggle with at some point—especially if you're a voice actor, on-camera actor, or creative trying to "make it": shiny object syndrome. You know the feeling. You see someone post about a fancy new mic, a game-changing workshop, a big booking, and suddenly you're wondering… should I be doing that too? I've been there. I've spent the money. I've chased the dopamine hits. And I want to talk honestly about how jealousy, comparison, and impulse spending can quietly erode your confidence, your clarity, and your career. This one's for the overthinkers, the late-night scrollers, the folks who are constantly trying to prove they belong. You don't need to spend your way into success. You need a strategy. And maybe a little tough love. That's what this episode is all about. In this episode, I talk about: Why shiny object syndrome shows up so often in creative careers How to tell the difference between real growth and reactive spending The not-so-cute side of jealousy (and what it's actually trying to tell you) Why a new mic or class might not be the thing that moves the needle What to track so you can make strategic, data-backed decisions A practical, free action you can take this week to reconnect with your voice and value What I Hope You Take Away: Just because someone else is booking doesn't mean they're better. Just because you feel stuck doesn't mean you need to spend. You already have more than you think. The key is learning how to use it intentionally. Mentioned in this episode: 🎤 Join my Voiceover Gym – Monthly improv-based VO workout sessions with direct feedback 📬 Subscribe to my Substack – Real talk on creative mindset, VO coaching, and the business of being an artist 📱 Follow me on TikTok – For behind-the-scenes, soapbox rants, and the occasional mic drop Want to support the show? Share this episode with a fellow actor who needs to hear it. Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It makes a huge difference.

How to Land Acting Work in Smaller Markets (And Why It's More Accessible Than You Might Think) Have you ever thought that real acting work is only found in big cities? Like you have to be in New York or LA to make it? I used to think that too. But my conversation with actor Aaron Marcus on the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast really shifted that perspective. About Aaron Marcus Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor for over 40 years, with nearly 1,300 bookings across film, TV, commercials, and more. You might have seen his scene with Tom Hanks in the film A Man Called Otto. Aaron started his acting journey in a small market, with no connections and no clue how to break in. After figuring it out through trial and error, he dedicated himself to helping others avoid those same pitfalls. He's led over 800 workshops on three continents and offers private virtual coaching sessions to share his hard-earned wisdom. You can learn more about Aaron's work, watch his free quick-tip videos, or sign up for his mailing list at howtoactandmodel.com. The Reality of Smaller Markets It's easy to forget that acting isn't only about movies and television. There's a whole world of paid acting work in smaller markets that most people overlook: training videos, corporate films, industrials, standardized patient work at hospitals, even local commercials and role-playing jobs for law schools and agencies. Aaron shared how he built up a steady income and impressive résumé by seizing these opportunities. And he's proof that you don't have to be in a major city to find consistent, paid work as an actor. Finding These Hidden Opportunities Aaron offered some practical insights that really stuck with me: Reach out to local businesses and small chains. These places need content to promote themselves—commercials, training videos, even social media content. Connect with teaching hospitals and medical schools in your area. Standardized patient work is fascinating and pays you to improvise as a patient to help train medical professionals. Contact advertising agencies nearby, not just the national ones. Local agencies need real people with authentic voices for regional commercials and corporate videos. And maybe my favorite point: Aaron still believes in mailing hard copies of your materials. Yes, it's old-fashioned. But it's memorable. Most emails get deleted. A real letter can make an impression. The Importance of Staying Connected Aaron also talked about the value of looping in your agent, even when you book work yourself. It's not about giving away part of your earnings. It's about showing your agent that you're proactive and working. It's about nurturing relationships and building a sense of partnership. A Reminder: There's Work for Everyone What struck me most in talking with Aaron was this simple truth: there's work out there for everyone. You just have to know where to look and be willing to take action. If you're feeling stuck or discouraged by the idea that you have to be in a big city to book work, I hope this encourages you. You don't. The opportunities are out there. They're in your community. And often, the first step is just reaching out and asking who's doing the hiring. Until next time, remember: there's work out there for everyone. Stay safe and treat yourself real well.

It's Mandy Fisher here, your Voiceover actor and creative coach. Today I want to dive into something that's been on my mind a lot: how the neuroscience of decision-making can help us as actors and creative professionals. Because we're not just making choices in auditions or on stage. We're making decisions every single day that shape our careers, relationships, and—let's be real—our self-worth. How the Brain Guides Our Creative Decisions Let's talk brain science for a sec. The prefrontal cortex? It's the part of the brain handling complex thoughts and decisions, like our personal command center. Think of it like that alien in Men in Black—the one sitting up front, pulling the strings. Then there's the hippocampus, which stores memories and helps us imagine what's next. They're constantly in conversation, helping us weigh options and see potential outcomes. Understanding how these parts of the brain work together is powerful. It reminds us that strategic thinking isn't just some abstract idea. It's already woven into the way our brains work, whether we realize it or not. A Simple Challenge to Build Strategic Thinking I want to offer you a challenge. Pick one decision you've been dancing around—something big or small, doesn't matter. Think about the risks, the rewards, and what those future scenarios might look like. Then go ahead and make the decision. After a week, check back in with yourself. How did it feel? What did you learn? This exercise can help you see that you're already more strategic than you give yourself credit for. It's about bringing that awareness to the forefront, so you can start making choices with more clarity and intention. Limiting Beliefs: The Invisible Blocks to Your Success But here's the thing: decision-making isn't just about what's outside of us. It's also about what's going on inside. I'm talking about those limiting beliefs. You know, the ones that say, "I'm not good enough," or "There's too much competition." These thoughts show up for so many of us in the acting world. These beliefs often come from past experiences, family dynamics, or even well-meaning but misguided advice. And they can really hold us back if we're not paying attention. Another Challenge: Reframe Those Old Beliefs So here's another challenge. Name one limiting belief that's been lurking in the background. Ask yourself: Is this really true? Where did it come from? Then see if you can reframe it into something more helpful. Like changing "I'm not good at public speaking" to "I can improve my public speaking with practice." Write it down. Repeat it to yourself. And take one small action that lines up with that new belief—like volunteering for a presentation or sharing your work with a trusted friend. Living Authentically in Your Acting Career At the heart of all of this? It's not just about making smart moves. It's about making choices that feel authentic to you as an actor, as a creative, as a human. When you understand how your brain works, and when you let go of those old beliefs that no longer serve you, you start to make decisions that feel more like you. So that's my invitation: try these challenges. And if you do, I'd love to hear about it. Shoot me an email at [email protected]. I love hearing from actors who are ready to ditch the autopilot and start building careers that actually feel fulfilling. If you know someone else who might need this gentle nudge, pass it along. Let's keep this conversation going. Want to Take This Work Deeper? Join our Weekly Accountability Group for actors and get the kind of support that helps you keep growing, testing new ideas, and showing up for yourself. Two weeks free to see if it's the right fit.

When we talk about acting tools, we usually mention headshots, reels, technique, or coaching. But punctuation? Not so much. And yet, punctuation—something you probably haven't questioned since middle school—might be interfering with your most natural, honest performances. The Problem Most Actors Don't Know They Have You get a script. Maybe it's commercial copy, maybe it's a scene. And without realizing it, your brain starts obeying the punctuation. Comma. Small pause. Period. Full stop, drop your pitch. Exclamation mark. Boost the energy, punch the line. Your body responds to those tiny marks automatically. But here's the thing: those cues might not match what your character is actually feeling. They might even contradict the emotional truth of the scene. If you've ever given a read that felt stiff, too "correct," or like something was missing… this might be why. Why Punctuation Feels Helpful (But Can Hurt) Punctuation is meant to clarify meaning in writing. It's useful when you're reading silently or trying to follow someone else's train of thought. But acting isn't silent reading. It's expression. It's listening and responding. It's emotional and often messy. Here's where things get interesting: studies show that your brain processes punctuation differently depending on the mark. Semicolons and dashes? They activate the left side of the brain. Exclamation points and periods? The right side. Each carries its own emotional weight. Each sends a signal, even if you don't consciously register it. Which means your delivery may be less about what you're feeling… and more about how your brain is reacting to a comma. How to Break Free (Without Losing the Script) As Mandy Fisher shared in this episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast, one of the most helpful things you can do—especially for commercial reads—is to strip out the punctuation entirely. Remove the commas. Take out the periods. Uncapitalize everything except brand names. Why? Because when you stop being told where to pause or emphasize, you start making those choices from instinct. From character. From context. It might feel strange at first, but that discomfort is exactly where more interesting, more connected performances begin. A Simple Experiment to Try This Week Take 60 seconds of script. Could be anything—a monologue, a commercial, a scene. Delete every piece of punctuation. Then read it out loud. Notice what your voice does. Notice how your pacing shifts. See what happens when you stop "reading" and start speaking. You might stumble. You might feel a little out of control. But you'll also find something new. A more honest rhythm. A stronger point of view. A version of the script that sounds less like a performance and more like a person. Final Thought: Punctuation or Presence? Punctuation has a place. It can help with rhythm and intention. But if you're performing with one eye on the commas, you're probably holding back. So ask yourself: are you punctuating for performance? Or are you speaking from presence? You already have a voice that's worth hearing. You don't need grammar rules to make it powerful. Let go. Experiment. Trust that you know how to connect without a period telling you when to stop. Ready to take your training deeper? Explore our upcoming classes and coaching programs to build confidence in your voice, your instincts, and your career. Check out what's coming up → Prefer to keep learning in your inbox? Subscribe to Mandy's Substack for more creative insights, voiceover tips, and honest conversations about the business of being an artist.

Feeling behind in your acting or voiceover career? You're not alone. But you might be burning through your creative energy in the wrong ways. In this blog, we'll unpack something that rarely gets talked about in the entertainment industry: desperate energy. What it looks like, how it sneaks into your process, and why it might be the real reason you feel stuck. What Is Desperate Energy? Desperate energy is that anxious, frantic feeling that shows up when you think you're falling behind. It's applying to projects far below your rate just to stay busy Sending emails that sound like begging rather than offering value Obsessively checking job boards and refreshing your inbox Saying yes to everything, even if it doesn't align with your goals It feels like progress, but it's just panic in disguise. And it doesn't lead to your best work. Why Talented Actors Burn Out Most actors don't fail because they aren't good enough. They fail because they're exhausted. The entertainment industry rewards people who are grounded and consistent. Not those who hustle out of fear. If you're operating from a place of desperation, your decisions will reflect that. You'll chase misaligned jobs, sabotage your rates, and create chaos in your outreach. A prepared actor is a powerful one. A desperate actor is a noisy one. Desperation vs. Preparation Here's the difference in how each one shows up: Desperate Energy Prepared Energy Sends mass emails with no targeting Sends thoughtful outreach to aligned leads Auditions for anything and everything Submits only for strong-fit roles Overthinks every rejection Moves on with focus and perspective Chases opportunities from guilt Follows a repeatable business system Prepared actors don't rely on luck. They build habits that create consistency. You're Not Behind — You're Building Here's a truth that might surprise you. You're probably not behind. You're just in a part of the story that no one posts about. You're laying track for a train that hasn't arrived yet. That doesn't mean you're late. It means you're doing the work. Comparison creates fake urgency. Your timeline isn't broken. It's unfolding. Five Ways to Shift Desperate Energy This Week Create a morning check-in. Set one creative and one business goal to guide your day. Limit job board time. Give yourself 10 focused minutes instead of getting stuck for hours. Track your outreach. Use a CRM or simple spreadsheet to stay organized. Submit and let go. Don't carry one audition's result into the next. Post a reminder. Write this on a sticky note: Building does not mean behind. Put it on your mic. Your mirror. Your computer. Wherever you need to see it. Your Brain Thinks You're in Danger When you feel behind, your brain can't always tell the difference between a real threat and a made-up one. The nervous system doesn't distinguish between missing a flight and watching someone else book a dream role. Both can feel like danger if you let them spiral. This is why structure matters. Habits and systems help ground you in the reality of what you're actually doing — not what you're afraid you're not doing. Final Thought: Keep Building The outreach that goes unanswered. The audition that goes nowhere. The early morning rehearsal no one sees. That's building. You're not behind. You're in the part of the journey that creates the part everyone else sees later. These quiet days matter. They're not wasted. They're foundational. What's one habit you'll try this week? Tag @actingbusinessbootcamp with your sticky note mantra. Mandy wants to see what you're committing to — and she'll share hers too. 💛

Episode Summary: Feeling stuck? You are so not alone. In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest roadblocks I see actors (and creatives of all kinds) face: procrastination. I'm breaking down my signature framework—the **3 P's: Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Paralysis—**and showing you how procrastination is often just fear wearing a clever disguise. I'll help you reframe your stuck-ness, understand what's really going on underneath the delay, and—most importantly—take messy, imperfect, courageous action. And yes, I'm also sharing how the energy behind procrastination doesn't just slow you down…it actually blocks your creativity, your confidence, and even your opportunities. Whether you're stuck in your acting career, your voiceover hustle, or anywhere in life where you're overthinking and under-doing—this episode is here to help you shift into action mode. What I cover in this episode: How perfectionism leads to procrastination…and then straight into paralysis. Why procrastination is really fear in disguise (and how to spot it). Fear of failure vs. fear of success—what's really holding you back. Why you don't need to feel ready (you just need to act). How procrastination sends out the wrong energetic signal to the universe. The simple truth: Clarity comes from commitment, not contemplation. My Favorite Quotes from this Episode: "Procrastination is fear in disguise." "Your desire for your dream needs to be bigger than your fear." "You can act your way into right thinking." Resources I mention: You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero The Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein 🎧 Help Mandy and Me Reach 100 Reviews! Mandy and I have been stuck at the same number of reviews for the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast for a while now...and we would be SO grateful if you could help us cross the finish line to 100 five-star reviews. If this episode resonated with you, it would mean the world to us if you left us that review. You could be that one small but mighty step that gets us there! Stay Connected: Website: ActingBusinessBootCamp.com Instagram: @actingbusinessbootcamp

Welcome back to the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast! 🎙️ I'm Peter Pamela Rose — casting director and certified life and career coach for actors. My mission? To help you break down the business of acting into clear, actionable steps that move your career forward. In today's episode, I dive into a powerful concept from Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider — the idea that we are constantly choosing between two mindsets: the dream and the nightmare. 💭 Are you focused on the dream of your acting career? Or are you unconsciously living in the fear-based nightmare? You'll learn: The energetic difference between fear and love thought systems How most actors get stuck in low-level energy (victimhood, passivity, conflict) Journal prompts to help you shift into a dream-focused mindset Why your thoughts directly impact the speed and direction of your success A practical visualization exercise that will change how you show up Plus, I'll share a few personal stories from my coaching journey — including what I've learned from over two decades of helping actors tap into the truth of who they really are and what's possible for them. 🎯 Ready to refocus on your dream? Click below to book a free consult: 👉 Book your Working Actor Road Map consult with Peter Whether your focus is on commercials, film, television, or theater — I'll help you clarify the next right step. Rate & Review If this episode helped raise your energy or shift your mindset, would you take a second to rate and review the show? Your support helps more actors find the guidance they need. Until next time, stay safe — and treat yourself real well. 💛

Episode Summary: In today's solo episode, Mandy Fisher gets real and raw about something that far too many actors and creatives are experiencing but not talking about enough: burnout. This isn't your typical "self-care" pep talk. This is a grounded, honest conversation about the soul-deep exhaustion that can hit even the most passionate, high-achieving creatives. Mandy shares her personal experience with burnout — how it feels, why it happens, and what it actually means — and offers a compassionate, human-first way to start recovering. You'll learn: Why burnout isn't a failure — it's a warning light What it actually feels like (and how to spot it early) Why pushing through doesn't work (and what to do instead) Small, sustainable ways to start healing — without quitting your career How to rebel gently against a system that demands constant output If you've ever felt like your passion is slipping away, your to-do list is a brick wall, or your self-worth is tied to your productivity — this episode is for you. Resources & Links: 📝 Mandy's Burnout Recovery Guide: Check out her Substack post on Burnout with a 7-week stretch goal list to help you gently stay engaged with your creative life while recovering. 💛 Need support? Peter Pamela Rose's Weekly Adjustment coaching group is a safe, nurturing space to reconnect with your creativity and confidence. Learn more & join here. 📬 Got questions or want to share your burnout story? Email us or DM us on Instagram @actingbusinessbootcamp. Memorable Quotes: "Burnout isn't a failure of willpower — it's your body saying, this isn't sustainable." — Mandy Fisher "You don't owe the world your exhaustion. You don't have to become a cautionary tale just to prove you were committed enough." "Tiny exits count. Letting yourself be imperfect in public counts. You're allowed to take the slow way home." If this episode resonated with you, please: Share it with a fellow actor or artist who might be carrying too much. Leave us a rating & review — it really helps other creatives find us. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Stay connected: Instagram: @actingbusinessbootcamp Website: www.actingbusinessbootcamp.com Substack: Mandy Fisher on Burnout & Creative Life

🔊 Episode Summary Hey hey! It's Mandy Fisher here, and in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something I see way too often in the VO world—over-relying on email templates to do your marketing. Especially the kind that demo producers hand out like candy. If you've ever sent one of those plug-and-play emails and heard crickets, this episode is for you. I'm digging into why that approach might be sabotaging your chances—and what to do instead. Because while templates can save you time, they can also strip away the one thing that books the job: your voice. So let's get into how you can show up more authentically in your outreach, stand out in a sea of sameness, and most importantly—build trust. 🧠 What You'll Learn Why those "proven" VO templates often fall flat How sounding like everyone else kills your shot at connection The real reason you're not getting replies (and it's not your talent) Why your unique voice is your superpower in cold outreach How to get off the perfection treadmill and start building actual trust The 3 big pillars of your VO career: Trust, Consistency, and Risk 🔥 Key Takeaways "Templates can be a great starting point. But they are not the finish line." "Trust isn't something you get. It's something you build—with your voice, your choices, and your actions." "Being the most talented person in the booth doesn't matter if clients don't trust your process or presence." "Consistency isn't sexy, but it is the backbone of a sustainable career." 🛠️ Tools & Tips You Can Use Right Now ✏️ Write your cold emails like you're texting a friend—not like you're begging for a job. 🎯 Don't just say what you do—say why you're reaching out and make it personal. 🤖 Be human. In an AI world, real voice cuts through the noise. ↻ Don't ghost your outreach—consistency builds trust (with clients AND yourself). 📩 Drop the "Dear Sir." Use contractions. Sound like you. 💬 My Challenge for You Take 10 minutes today to peek at your emails, your reels, or your site. Ask yourself: Does this actually build trust—or am I just trying to sound impressive? And if it's the second one, don't panic. It's fixable. Just start small, tweak a little, and keep showing up. 📁 Wanna Practice This? 💥 Let's do this together! Join me in one of our Voiceover Gyms—monthly $35 drop-in classes where we stretch your VO muscles, get feedback, and sharpen your tools. It's low-pressure, high-impact, and actually fun. Reserve your spot → 👋 Stay Connected Peter Pamela Rose – Instagram | Website Mandy Fisher – Instagram 🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Preview Text (for email/newsletter use): Why voiceover templates might be sabotaging your business—and what really builds trust in a crowded, AI-saturated industry.

In this episode, I'm getting real about something every actor struggles with at some point in their journey: the frustration of not seeing the success you know you're capable of. Inspired by a powerful passage from Jen Sincero's You Are a Badass, I explore how your dream career (yes, including that dream agent, those callbacks, and the big booking) isn't out there in the future… it's already here, waiting for you to meet it at the right frequency. If you've ever asked yourself: Why isn't this working? Where's the success I've been working so hard for? Why do I feel like I'm doing everything right, but nothing's landing? …then this episode is for you. 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why the success you're looking for is already here (and how to tap into it) How energy, mindset, and "vibrational frequency" impact your acting career What You Are a Badass teaches us about staying present and attracting opportunity How to tell if you're just on the wrong "level" — and how to shift your energy upward The real reason self-doubt keeps sabotaging your career momentum The #1 mindset mistake I see actors make when success feels out of reach 🧭 My Personal Story (Yes, It Involves LAX and the Wrong Terminal!) I share a real-life moment that perfectly illustrates what it feels like to be this close to the career breakthrough you want — but not quite aligned with it. Think you're just unlucky? Think again. It might be your energy that's off, not your effort. 💬 My Challenge to You: The life and career you want are not only possible — they're available right now. But if your thoughts, energy, and daily habits don't match the level of what you desire, you won't be able to see the opportunities that are right in front of you. Let me help you get into alignment. 🎯 Ready to Work Together? If this episode resonated with you and you're ready to shift your mindset, raise your energy, and finally start seeing the results you deserve… 👉 Click here to book a free consult with me — let's talk about your goals and how we can bring them into reality. Or check out my Working Actor Road Map program — a step-by-step career strategy for actors who are ready to stop spinning their wheels and start booking the work they're meant for. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Jen Sincero's book: You Are a Badass (highly recommend!) My free consultation link: Book here The Working Actor Roadmap: Learn more 💌 Stay Connected: Loved this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! And if you want weekly tools, mindset tips, and business strategies for actors, join my newsletter — I'll be in your inbox every week with fresh insights to keep you inspired and in action. Until next time — stay safe and treat yourself really well. xo, Peter Pamela Rose

Why Your Energy May Be the Missing Link to Booking Work Have you ever looked at another actor and thought, "They're not more talented than me... so why are they booking and I'm not?" If so, you're not alone — and you're asking the exact right question. In a recent solo episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast, I (Peter Pamela Rose) dove into what I call the "X Factor" — that invisible yet undeniable energy that seems to magnetize auditions, callbacks, and career opportunities to certain actors... even if they're not the most trained or technically gifted in the room. Spoiler: it's not luck. It's vibration, energy, and alignment. And if you've been hitting walls despite working hard and doing "all the right things," this post might be the energetic reset you didn't know you needed. What Is the X Factor in Acting? The "X Factor" isn't about looks, representation, or even talent. It's about vibrational alignment — the frequency you're putting out and how it matches (or doesn't) with the opportunities you want to attract. Inspired by You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, I shared how this idea is more than spiritual fluff. It's rooted in quantum physics: All energy vibrates at a frequency. That includes you, your goals, and yes — your fears. When you're vibrating at a lower frequency — feeling stuck, unworthy, or doubtful — you repel the very things you're working so hard to attract. But when you shift your state to feel good, confident, and connected, you become magnetic. The Triangle That Changes Everything To make this actionable, I teach a simple model: 🧠 Thought → 💓 Feeling → 🔁 Action → Thought Your thoughts generate your feelings. Your feelings create your actions (or inactions). And your actions either reinforce or shift your original thought. This loop runs your career — whether you're conscious of it or not. Change your thought, and you change your emotional and energetic output — which changes your results. Two Simple (But Powerful) Energetic Exercises ✍️ Exercise #1: YOU vs. UNIVERSE Diagram Draw a line down the center of a page. On the left: "YOU" — mark 6 inches down. On the right: "UNIVERSE" — mark 2 inches down. This is a visual representation of your current vibration vs. where your desires are. If they don't match, there's no energetic "handshake." It's time to raise your side of the equation. ✍️ Exercise #2: The Thought-Feeling-Action Triangle Draw a triangle. At the top: "THOUGHT." Lower corners: "FEELING" and "ACTION." This tool helps you diagnose where your cycle may be keeping you stuck — and how to shift it in your favor. Why Feeling Good Isn't Optional "You can't fool the universe. But if you can raise your frequency just to feel good — you'll start attracting things that feel even better." That quote from Jen Sincero hits home because it's the foundation of everything I teach: When you feel good for the sake of feeling good, your vibe aligns with your desires — and the universe responds. In one Weekly Adjustment class, a student practiced this and within minutes received a text from a filmmaker offering her a role — someone she hadn't spoken to in years. That's not luck. That's synchronicity. That's alignment. Ready to Raise Your Frequency? If you're curious about how to work with these concepts in real time — with support, community, and over 100 hours of powerful content — I invite you to check out The Weekly Adjustment, my mindset coaching group for actors. 🎁 Special Offer: 👉 Click here to learn more and claim your listener-exclusive bonus Love the Podcast? Help Us Out ❤️ This podcast is 100% unsponsored and made with love. If it's helped you, please take 30 seconds to leave us a 5-star review. It helps more actors find their way to this work — and that means a better, more energetically aligned industry for all of us. Let's Stay Connected Peter Pamela Rose – @actingbusinessbootcamp Mandy Fisher – @mandyfishervo 🎧 Listen to this episode now — and start attracting the career (and life) you truly want.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this empowering solo episode, voiceover actor and coach Mandy Fisher poses a bold question that every actor must learn to answer with confidence: "Are you a good actor?" We're taught from day one to expect rejection in this industry—but rarely are we taught to say yes to ourselves first. Mandy breaks down why internal validation is the foundation of success and how your energy, mindset, and self-belief shape every audition, job, and opportunity. 💡 Key Takeaways: Your Confidence Sets the Tone: If you walk into the room unsure if you belong, others will sense it. Start with a Daily Practice: Ask yourself: Am I a good actor? Am I an expert storyteller? Am I worthy of this career? Am I ready for my next opportunity? Your answer needs to be YES—every single time. Don't Wait for External Feedback: Casting directors and agents often won't tell you what you did right. Create your own feedback loop by reviewing your past work and tracking your progress. Rejection Hits Different When You've Already Said Yes to Yourself: A "no" becomes part of the process—not a blow to your self-worth. Progress Is Quiet: Celebrate subtle wins—more callbacks, better auditions, stronger connections. 🛠️ Resources & Coaching: Build unshakable belief in The Weekly Adjustment (mindset + core work) Stay focused and supported in The Weekly Accountability Group Book a 1:1 session with Mandy or Peter for coaching tailored to you Join Mandy's monthly Voiceover Gym to keep your VO skills sharp and bookable 🧠 Your Homework: For the next 14 days, ask yourself daily: "Am I a good actor?" "Am I ready for success?" Say it. Mean it. Own it. 📣 Connect with Us: Coaching & programs: www.actingbusinessbootcamp.com Instagram: @actingbusinessbootcamp You are enough. You are ready. The "yes" starts with you. 🎭

Hey there, it's Peter Pamela Rose. In this episode, I'm getting real with you. After what feels like forever since I last recorded (even though I know that might not be true if you're bingeing episodes!), I'm back to talk about something that's been coming up a lot in my weekly classes—how to deal with fear, anxiety, and overwhelm when the world feels like too much. Whether you're feeling the pressure of what's going on globally, or you're just tired of asking yourself, "How the hell did I end up back here again?"—this episode is for you. Here's what we get into: The Serenity Prayer and how I actually use it in my daily life A simple but powerful tool called "Just For Today" The difference between your conscious and subconscious mind Why it feels so hard to change—and how we actually can And how to keep your actor mindset strong when everything feels uncertain This episode comes straight from the heart—and from what's been resonating in my Weekly Accountability Group and The Weekly Adjustment class, where we dive into both the business of acting and the emotional and mental work behind it. 🎯 Want to try one of my classes for free? Come join me on Fridays from 12–2 PM Eastern. You'll get the full live experience and access to over 100 hours of recorded content to watch on your own time. 👉 Click here to try a class free Also, if you haven't already listened to the two-part interview with Erik Passoja about AI and the future of acting—please, please go check that out. And if you've got questions, send them in! I'm bringing Erik back for a follow-up episode and I want to include your voice in that conversation. Thanks for listening. Be safe, stay grounded, and treat yourself real well. With love and gratitude, Peter Pamela Rose 💛 🧠 Quote of the Day: "Just for today, I have food in my belly, a roof over my head, and money in the bank. And that's all I need."

Thinking about attending a voiceover or acting conference? Conferences can be an absolute goldmine for networking, learning, and career growth—but only if you go in with a plan! In this episode, Mandy Fisher shares her personal experience attending (and now avoiding) conferences, including why she prefers virtual attendance due to being partially deaf. More importantly, she breaks down exactly how to make a conference work for you so you don't just leave with a pile of swag and a drained bank account. Learn how to: ✅ Identify your specific goal before attending ✅ Research attendees and speakers in advance ✅ Develop a tight, compelling elevator pitch ✅ Network like a pro without being salesy ✅ Follow up after the conference to build real connections Whether you're a first-time conference attendee or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you maximize your investment and leave with meaningful industry relationships—not just free pens. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Know Your Why: Be clear on what you want—clients, agents, casting connections, or coaching. 🔹 Do Your Research: Check out the speaker list, social posts, and attendee rosters. 🔹 Craft a Strong Elevator Pitch: Who you are What makes you unique Why people should care 🔹 Engage, Don't Just Sell: Instead of forcing your business card on strangers, start conversations with curiosity: "I loved what you said about industry trends. What do you think is next?" "How did you land that TikTok project? What was that process like?" 🔹 Follow Up Like a Pro: Send emails within a week Connect on social with a personal message Take notes to remember key details 🔹 Mandy's Conference Checklist: ✅ Research the attendee list & make a target list ✅ Polish your online presence & elevator pitch ✅ Pack your business cards (yes, people still use them!) ✅ Bring a phone charger (you'll need it!) ✅ Attend the right panels & introduce yourself ✅ Follow up with new contacts within a week Resources & Contact: 📲 Follow Mandy Fisher: TikTok: @AstoriaRedhead Substack: Find her content here Email: [email protected] 📢 Let us know what conferences you're attending! Tag us on social or send us a message—we'd love to hear about your experiences! 🎭 Join the Acting Business Bootcamp Community: Want more industry tips and career guidance? Visit Acting Business Bootcamp for coaching programs, insider insights, and more. 👉 And remember—wear comfy shoes! 🎧 Listen now and get conference-ready!

In today's episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast, Mandy Fisher dives into a crucial topic for actors and entertainment professionals—the balance between authenticity and privacy online. With social media playing a major role in personal branding, many performers feel the pressure to share intimate details to connect with their audience and industry decision-makers. But where is the line between being real and oversharing? Mandy unpacks the risks and consequences of unchecked openness in the entertainment industry, including how it can impact casting decisions, make audiences uncomfortable, and even invite scrutiny. She also shares practical tips for determining what to post and what to keep private, all while maintaining a strong, engaging online presence. Plus, she challenges you to be intentional about what you share over the next month—because authenticity is powerful, but so is discretion. Key Takeaways: 🎭 Why actors instinctively overshare online (and the risks involved) 📣 The difference between advocacy and venting on social media 🎥 How your online presence affects casting directors and producers 🤔 A simple self-check before you post: "Would I say this in a casting meeting?" 📌 Why specificity and intentionality are the keys to a strong brand Resources Mentioned: 📺 Skamanda on Hulu – A case study on social media and storytelling 📺 An Update on Our Family on HBO – The impact of online sharing in real-time Connect with Mandy: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📲 TikTok: @AstoriaRedhead 📝 Substack: The Actor's Index 🎬 Go kick some ass today—but don't show those butt cheeks! 😆

In last week's episode, we explored the fascinating yet daunting world of AI in the entertainment industry. If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, stop right now and go back! Everything we cover in this episode builds on what we discussed previously. In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Erik Passoja—an AI expert and industry professional—who provides deeper insight into how AI is reshaping the acting world, especially in voiceover work. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI, you're not alone. But don't worry—Erik offers practical ways to navigate this shifting landscape while empowering actors to embrace their expertise. You Are the Expert One of the most impactful takeaways from this episode is Erik's powerful statement: "When you perform, you are the expert." As AI continues to evolve, actors must remember that what makes them unique cannot be replicated by machines. AI can generate voices and even expressions, but it cannot create the deep emotional connection that comes from human experience. Your authenticity, presence, and ability to breathe life into a character are irreplaceable. The Rise of AI in Voiceover and Performance Erik discusses Eleven Labs, a company that has mastered AI-generated voice replication. With just seconds of recorded speech, they can generate a synthetic voice pattern nearly identical to the original. While this technology is exciting, it also raises significant concerns about privacy, copyright, and ethical use. One shocking example Erik shared was how a deepfake voice of President Joe Biden was used in a robocall scam. This highlights the dangers of AI voice cloning and underscores the importance of protecting actors' voices and performances. How to Protect Yourself as an Actor So, how can actors ensure they remain in control of their work in this evolving AI landscape? Here are some key takeaways: Read your contracts carefully. If you're represented, make sure your agent is reviewing all AI-related clauses. If you're non-union, be extra cautious. Look for AI-related language. Contracts should specify that your voice, image, or likeness will not be used beyond what was originally agreed upon. Stay informed. The entertainment industry is actively working on protections, such as digital watermarking, which will help track AI-generated performances and ensure fair compensation. Advocate for AI ethics. Legislation such as the No Fakes Act is currently being proposed to regulate AI use in entertainment. Call your representatives and voice your support! AI as an Opportunity, Not Just a Threat While AI presents challenges, it also opens new possibilities. AI could potentially be used to generate passive income for actors by licensing their voices for ethical projects. With proper regulations and safeguards in place, AI could create opportunities rather than replace human talent. Overcoming Overwhelm Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. The key to staying grounded is focusing on what you can control: Stay present. Instead of getting lost in fear of the future, focus on honing your craft. Take care of yourself. Avoid getting consumed by the doom-and-gloom AI narratives—spend time in nature, engage in self-care, and nurture your artistry. Keep storytelling alive. As Erik eloquently put it, storytelling is what has connected humans for thousands of years. AI may change the industry, but it will never replace the need for powerful human performances. What's Next? We want to keep this conversation going! If you have any questions about AI and its impact on acting, click the link in the show notes to submit your questions. We'll be gathering them and bringing Erik back for another episode where he'll address your concerns. Also, if you feel like you need to hit the reset button on your 2025, I'm opening up free consults again! If you want to take charge of your acting career with clarity and confidence, click the link in the show notes to set up a session. Claim Your Free Consultation! Are you ready to take your acting career to the next level? I'm offering free consultations to help you gain clarity, confidence, and actionable steps to move forward. If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, let's talk! Click the link in the show notes to book your free consultation today. As always, stay safe and treat yourself real well. Until next time!

AI in Entertainment: Essential Insights for Actors The world of acting is evolving, and one of the most significant changes affecting performers today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From digital likenesses to synthetic voices, AI is reshaping the entertainment industry at an unprecedented pace. If you're an actor, understanding how AI impacts your career is no longer optional—it's essential. In a recent episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, hosts Peter Pamela Rose and Mandy Fisher sat down with Erik Passoja, a SAG-AFTRA leader and digital identity advocate, to break down everything actors need to know about AI, contracts, and protecting their digital identity. The Rise of AI in Acting AI technology is advancing rapidly, and its effects on performers are profound. Whether it's through deepfake technology, voice synthesis, or motion capture, AI is being used in new ways that could impact actors' careers and livelihoods. Without proper regulations, AI could allow companies to use an actor's likeness, voice, or movements indefinitely—without additional compensation. Key AI-related concerns for actors: Digital likeness rights AI-generated voices Deepfake manipulation Contract loopholes allowing indefinite use Residuals and monetization concerns Actors must stay vigilant and informed about how their image and voice are used in the industry. Read Your Contract: The #1 Rule for Actors Erik Passoja couldn't stress this enough: Read your contract! Many performers unknowingly sign agreements that grant companies rights to their voice and likeness in perpetuity. This is particularly concerning for non-union actors, who may have fewer legal protections. If you're a performer, here's what you need to do: ✅ Check for AI clauses in any contract you sign. ✅ Seek legal advice if anything seems unclear. ✅ Understand how your likeness and voice will be used before signing. ✅ If you're non-union, be extra cautious—you may have little legal recourse. Even union actors must be aware of the nuances of SAG-AFTRA agreements related to AI. While protections have been put in place, ongoing advocacy is needed to strengthen them further. Erik Passoja's Activision Case Study: A Real-Life Example Erik shared his own experience with AI exploitation in the gaming industry. After working on Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, he discovered that his likeness had been repurposed without additional compensation. His digital image was used in ways he never agreed to, and because of the contract he signed, he had no legal recourse. His story highlights a growing problem: AI technology is advancing faster than legal protections. Actors must take charge of their own digital identity by being proactive, informed, and careful about what they sign. AI & Union Protections: What You Need to Know SAG-AFTRA has implemented AI protections in recent contracts, but there's still work to be done. New legislation is being proposed to further safeguard performers, ensuring that companies cannot exploit their digital identity without consent or compensation. Some of the latest AI-related regulations include: Watermarking AI-generated content to track digital use Informed consent laws for AI usage in entertainment Stronger residual structures for AI-generated performances As AI becomes more prevalent, SAG-AFTRA continues to negotiate protections that will benefit all performers. Staying informed about these updates is crucial. How to Protect Yourself as an Actor in the AI Era 🎭 Stay Informed: Follow SAG-AFTRA updates and AI policy changes. 📄 Read Every Contract Carefully: Look for AI-related clauses and seek legal advice if needed. 🚫 Avoid Unregulated Scanning: If you're non-union, be extremely cautious about contracts that involve AI ingestion. 🔎 Educate Yourself on AI Rights: Understand how AI-generated performances affect your residuals and future work opportunities. Need Help Navigating Your Acting Career? Peter Pamela Rose is offering a FREE career consultation to help actors restart their 2025 with clarity and direction. If you're unsure about how AI and other industry changes affect your career, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert advice. 📌 Book a Free Consultation with Peter 📌 Learn More About SAG-AFTRA AI Policies Final Thoughts: The Future of AI in Acting AI is here to stay, and its impact on the entertainment industry will only grow. While technology can bring exciting opportunities, it also presents risks. By staying informed, advocating for fair contracts, and protecting digital identities, actors can ensure that their careers remain secure in the age of AI. 📢 If you found this post valuable, please share and leave a comment! #ActingBusinessBootcamp #AIinActing #DigitalIdentityProtection #SAGAFTRA #ActorsRights #VoiceoverAI #FilmIndustryNews #ActingCareer

Today we're talking about a phrase that might hit you right in the gut. "Work harder. Nobody cares." And I say it with love because it's a funny phrase and it's also a tough pill to swallow because it's one of the most freeing truths that you can embrace as a person and as an artist. This episode is inspired again by one of my posts on Substack which you can find at the Actors Index and it's a mantra for anyone chasing a creative career or pursuing a big dream. It's a mindset shift that could be the key to unlocking your full potential. So buckle up. We're driving into the gritty, no nonsense reality of what it really takes to succeed and why the nobody cares part might be the most empowering thing you'll hear today. Let's start with the truth. Nobody cares about your dream as much as you do. And honestly, that's the way it should be, right? The creative industry, whether it's voiceover, acting, writing, directing, anything else, it isn't designed to hold your hand. It's competitive. It's challenging. It requires you to show up every day with your A game. Even when nobody's watching, and this isn't to say that people are indifferent to you as a person, but when it comes to your goals, the responsibility to succeed falls squarely on your shoulders. And here's the thing, there's no shortcut to success. Talent isn't enough. I'm going to say that again. Talent isn't enough to succeed. Connections aren't enough. The only thing that will ever matter is the work that you put in. So, let's flip this narrative. Instead of saying nobody cares, or seeing nobody cares is harsh, let's see it as liberating. Because once you accept that no one's coming to save you, you get to take full ownership of your entire journey. You get to be in the driver's seat, which again, is as it should be. One of the biggest myths I encounter in the creative world is the idea that you need to feel motivated to work hard. I'm not feeling motivated today. I just don't want to do anything today. I'm not inspired. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And let me tell you something. Motivation is fucking fleeting. There's going to be days when you wake up feeling like the most inspired, unstoppable version of yourself. And then there will be days, probably more often than not, that you can barely drag yourself to the desk or to the studio or in front of the camera. But the successful people, guess what, buttercup, they show up and do it anyway, and they do it well. That is discipline. We are so driven as human beings to follow our wants that are like easy wants. I want a cupcake. I want to nap. I want to do X, Y, Z. But we should be replacing that with, I want to be successful, so in order to do that, I have to do X, Y, Z, because that's discipline. It's about building habits that keep you moving forward, even when you don't feel like it. Do you think I feel like sitting behind my computer every day and spending hours researching and creating content for cold leads and direct marketing? No. But I want the job. So, the good news is discipline is something that you can cultivate. It's not really about willpower, it's more about creating systems that set you up for success based on your goals. So for example, if you're a voiceover actor like me, you might have a morning routine that gets your voice warmed up before you even check your email or open your phone. It might mean setting a timer for 25 minutes to focus on your marketing outreach, no matter how unmotivated you feel. So here's the takeaway for you: Ask yourself, what's one habit I can build this week, today, that will make it easier to work hard, even on the hard days. But you gotta start small. If you start small, you can build on top of that. I don't expect you to figure it out right away. It's something that takes time. But you have to start somewhere. Success isn't linear. There's going to be days, weeks, maybe even months where it feels like you're running in place, that you're putting in the effort, but the results just aren't showing up. You'll look at your month and say, well, I didn't book anything. What did I even do? And that's why you have to track. All of those wins, you, whatever it is that you're accomplishing for yourself and your business and your goals, you have to mark that down, put a sticker on the day, put a little dot, do something, write a note in your notes app, do something that celebrates those small wins so that at the end of the month when you're like, well, I didn't book anything, I failed, you can say, no, no, no, wait, look at all this shit I did. Those are accomplishments, that's success, because when you don't see the results that you have mismanaged your expectations to see, that's when most people quit. They tell themselves it's not working, that they're not cut out for it, that they're not talented enough, that they're not good enough, and that they'll never make it. The plateaus. That's part of the process. That's part of growth. Growth happens in those moments

I'm excited to explore a concept that has sort of a strange and spooky and undeniable power in our lives, which is the power of three. This episode is inspired by one of my recent Substack posts that I called three, and if you haven't read it yet, please go check it out. But don't worry, I'm going to break it all down for you right here. So, why Three. Why does this number show up in storytelling, in structure, and even how we sometimes have to make sense of the world? Well, stick around and let's unpack it together. Let's start with that very basic, simple question: Why is the number three so universally effective? If we think about it, we tell jokes in threes. You know, three times funny in improv, a priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar. Stories are structured in threes, beginning, middle, end, and even in visual design, groups of three feel balanced and complete. There's something really satisfying about three. It's just enough to feel substantial without being overwhelming. Psychologists call this the rule of three, and it's rooted in how our brains process information. Too much, we lose focus. Too little, it doesn't feel complete. So whether you're crafting a story, building a business, or even just making a to do list, Three is a magical number. Our brains are wired to recognize patterns, and three is the smallest number needed to create a pattern. Two points form a line, add a third, and suddenly, you got a triangle. Something complete, balanced, and again, visually satisfying. That's why we see the rule of three in so many places. Just do it. I'm loving it. Eat, pray, love. And once, now that you are acutely aware of this, it's going to start showing up in all kinds of things that you weren't probably paying attention to before. But number three has this, it really is just like a magical ability to stick in our minds. But it's not just marketing. It's not just this gimmicky thing. It is us. Past, present, future. Mind, body, spirit. It's universal. Now nowhere is the power of three more obvious than in storytelling. Think about what you grew up learning. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The Three Little Pigs. Each story has three trials, three choices, or three characters. And why, why does it work so well? Because three creates a rhythm. The first is the setup. The second builds tension. The third delivers the punchline or resolution. And of course, it's not just in fairy tales. Modern stories do this too. Movies have three act structures. And in my work as a voiceover actor, I think about the beats of a performance. The setup, the build, the payoff. I'm constantly looking at scripts, even short 15 second commercial scripts, to find that structure, that storytelling aspect of it, and I always find it and it always helps me fill in the gaps because we're just given a little bit sometimes. Fifteen seconds is a blip, it is almost nothing, but it is our job to turn that nothing into something. So if you're creative, whether you're writing a script, performing the scene, or designing a marketing campaign, think in threes. It's a simple framework that works literally every time. We are built to recognize that. So let's move on from storytelling to something a little bit more personal. How the power of three can show up in your life and work. In my Substack post, I shared three words that guide me, clarity, creativity, and connection. I already shared my word of the year with the specificity, but it all kind of boils down to the fact that these aren't just buzzwords, they're a framework for how I approach everything from my business to my relationships. So, clarity, creativity, and connection are my three, and I encourage you to find your three. What are your three core values or principles that define who you are and how you operate? Write them down. Like, literally, write them down right now. Say them out loud and let them guide your decisions. I'm going to give you some time to think about it, obviously, like you can do this on your own time, but if you're struggling and you're just like, I don't know what defines me. I can't figure it out. Thanks a lot, Mandy. Think about these three questions to find your three: Ask yourself, what matters most to you right now? What do you want to be known for? What principles help you make decisions? And you're going to write down a bunch of words. Write down a bunch of words. When I was finding my three, I wrote down a bunch of words that don't even have anything to do with anything. I just wrote down words that I like. Like, I really love the word elixir, okay? But that's not going to help me. But it's going to help you just get it out so that you're not distracted by it. And here's another tip: When you're overwhelmed or stuck, you should break things down into threes. Three goals for the day. Three priorities for the week. It is such a simple way to focus and move forward. And then reset every single time you need to move forward. It's just going to gi

About Diane: Diane Strand is a multi-award-winning serial entrepreneur, executive producer, best-selling author, nonprofit founder, and a TEDx and national speaker. Strand has over 22 years of entrepreneurial experience. She is the majority owner of JDS Video & Media Productions, Inc. and JDS Actors Studio, and the founder of the 501(c)3 nonprofit JDS Creative Academy (JDSCA). Strand is the creator, executive producer, and co-host of the locally broadcasted and nationally streamed magazine-style news and information television series, Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America, the first of its kind for Riverside County. Strand has written two approved curriculums: A Title 17 video production job-training day program for adults with developmental disabilities and a California State Apprenticeship program. She has helped launch over 100 careers in arts and entertainment. She aspires to make dreams come true by providing H.O.P.E. – Helping One Person Everyday. Her goal is to spread the Arts Across America and inspire new creative academies across the country. She is deeply involved in the local community as an active Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce member, serving as the DEI Chair, and on the Women in Business committee. She served three years as the elected Board President of Southwest Economic Development Coalition and recently completed a 10-year service as an appointed Board Member for Riverside County's Workforce Development. Prior to her entrepreneurship, Strand earned an impressive list of Hollywood A-List credits on shows such as: General Hospital, Friends, and Veronica's Closet. She built the high-def control room at Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena), produced for Barbra Streisand, and worked for Universal Creative and as an in-house producer for Disney Channel, including the launches of Playhouse Disney and Toon Disney.

I am talking about all things voiceover and creative entrepreneurialism. Hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday. Let's jump right into today's topic, which is branding. And I want to sort of unpack the essence of what branding is because we are drawn in to people who do this for a living. People who create brands for actors. And I just want to get it out into the open. That if you don't have a catchy tagline, if you don't have a palette of colors, if you don't have a logo, it's okay. You don't have to have those things in order to be a successful actor business person. If you do have those things, that's amazing. And if you want those things, you can absolutely have them and incorporate them into your business. However, you don't have to have them in order to be successful. But let's just talk about the entire branding package, what it is, why it is, and all of those things. Let's get into it. So if you follow me on my sub stack, thank you by the way you will remember I wrote a post called brand and it's been resonating with so many people. And if you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to go check it out. It's packed with insights and things that I'm going to expand upon today. You can go and find it on the actor's index on a sub stack, but grab a notebook, grab a cup of coffee, whatever helps you focus. And let's talk about what branding really is and how you can develop yours without all of the bells and whistles that we often get tempted to buy into. So first things first, when you hear the word branding, most of us automatically do think of logos and colors and catchy taglines. And yes, those are part of branding, but they're not the whole picture. Branding is the perception people have of you. It's the emotional connection you create with your audience, clients, your community, your colleagues. It's the way people feel when they hear your name, see your work, listen to your work or engage with your content. So for example, if you think about your favorite brands, whatever they are. Why do you love them? Chances are it's not because they have a cute logo or it's not because they use your favorite color. It's related to the way that they make you feel or how they impact your life. That is the magic of branding. So personal branding is a huge part of my journey as a voiceover actor and coach because when I first started out, I thought branding was just about "looking professional." But over time, I really realized that it is so much deeper than that. It's about communicating who you are, your personality, your values, what makes you unique, what you care about, and how you continue to care about others, and what their problems are and their pain points are and how you can help to solve those issues. So for me, my brand is all about being sassy, trying to be witty, clever, telling it like it is while delivering professional and polished work. It's in everything I do from my TikTok series, like the voiceover actor help desk, to the way I write on my sub stack to how I'm talking to you now. And most importantly, it's authentically me, you know, like nobody else is going to see those things or listen to those things and think that it's coming from something else. And that is something that I have spent a lot of time crafting. And you can too. I don't have a logo. I don't have a color palette. I don't have any kind of catchy phrases that people associate with me. And that's okay. It's okay to not have them, and it's okay to have them. The key to personal branding is consistency. So it boils down to what people need to know about what to expect from you, whether it's your tone of voice. The way you show up online, the day that you show up online, or the kind of work you deliver, consistency continues to build trust. So what makes a strong brand? There's kind of three parts to this, and I've already sort of talked about the visual identity which includes or could include your logo, color palette, overall design. Aesthetic, whatever it is, even as an individual person in my, you know, internet life, I'm Astoria redhead, I have red hair. I live in Astoria, so that's sometimes part of my visual identity is that name and those things. Right? But you're sending out emails to potential clients, your visual branding. Could make a statement about who you are. Second is your tone of voice and how you communicate. It's just as important, you know, as the visual aspect. Are you formal and polished? Are you casual and conversational? Your tone should align with your audience and your goals. And then lastly, it's your values and your mission. What are the things you stand for? What's your why? You know, people connect with brands that have a purpose. For me, my mission is to help creatives and voiceover actors succeed while staying true to themselves. That's what drives everything I do on the coaching side of things, right? But of course, branding isn't all sunshine and rainbows. One of the biggest challenges is staying

My co coach over here at Acting Business Bootcamp, VO expert extraordinaire, Mandy Fisher will now be joining the podcast as my co host. Today for her first episode ever on the Acting Business Bootcamp podcast, she is going to be talking about specificity, being clear about who you are and what you offer. And also about who you are reaching out to building a business includes growing it and building trust. I want to dive right into my word of the year for 2025. And this is a practice that I started doing a couple of years ago because I think it helps you enter the year with intention. And so this year, my word is specificity. Why specificity, Mandy? Why are we talking about being specific? Well, because it's the game changer. It is literally a game changer that's going to help you refine your messaging, your actions, and ultimately your results. So whether you're a voiceover actor, a creative entrepreneur, or anyone trying to land more opportunities, grow your business, getting specific is the key to cutting through the noise and all of the other shit that's happening and reaching exactly who you want to reach, which are people who are going to hire you for what it is that you do. So grab a notebook or just take this all in. Take a deep breath because we're going to talk about how specificity in your content and actions can transform your outreach to agents and casting directors or direct marketing clients and even how it can improve your website and emails to bring in more inbound opportunities. So, why does specificity matter? Let's start with that. In this world where everyone is shouting from the rooftops, like everybody, especially people in these positions like agents and casting directors and your direct marketing clients where they get pitched to by actors, and even other vendors. All the time, all day, every day, probably, vague messages get drowned. They get drowned out by all of these other people constantly seeking their attention, their money, their value, whatever it is. Think about the emails that you receive. How often do you just skim and delete and skim and delete and slide left or right or whatever it is to delete on your device. Like how often do you do that? Because the sender doesn't grab you with something clear and relevant, right? Casting directors, agents, and clients are no different. They need to know exactly who you are, what you do, and why you're the solution to their problem. Specificity also builds trust. It tells the recipient that you've done your homework, that you're not just spraying and praying your message, but that you see them and their specific needs. Here's an example. Let's say you're emailing a potential client about their product launch. Instead of saying, "I'd love to work with you on this project," get specific, reference the product, point out a gap in their current marketing, explain exactly how your voiceover services or things that you do alongside a voiceover, whether it's editing or SEO or whatever, can help them solve that problem. Specificity shows confidence. It makes you an expert. And that gets results. Now let's talk about your content. Specificity in your content means creating work that is tailored for the audience you want to reach. On your website, for example, are you speaking to everyone or are you speaking directly to your ideal client? And I'm not saying that you can't have multiple things that you do. I do lots of things. But it's better to be an expert in one thing than to do a lot of things, like, pretty well. There's lots of actors who do a ton of things really well or moderately well. How many of them do you see that are experts in what they're doing? Now, I would say probably not a ton, and that's not a dig at their talent, but people want to work with people who know what they're doing to the degree that they are paying for, right? So, does your website spell out exactly what you offer in the language that these people landing on it will understand? Not just casting directors and agents, but direct marketing clients as well? Because remember, we need to speak the language of the people that we are talking to. And if you're a voiceover actor, think about your demos and samples and reels. Are they a general sort of mishmash, or do they speak directly to specific industries? If you're trying to book more commercial work, your demos and reels and samples should sound like they're frickin ready to go, and that you have the skills and you understand the nuance of commercial work. And if you're posting on social media, specificity means avoiding generic captions like, another day in the studio. That's great, but instead, just share what you're working on. And if I see one more post about "would love to share what I'm working on, but NDA,"… don't share it yet. Like if you're under NDA for a project, pretty soon you won't be. So just wait it out until you can tell us what you're working on because those posts are noise. They don't mean anyth

I hope you had A safe week. I am actually recording this podcast from New York. However, I do live in Los Angeles and I own a house there. And, like so many, all of us Angelenos, it's been a terrifying week, and I'm saying it's been a terrifying week, and I haven't even been there. But I've been watching the fire creep closer to my house, and at the moment I am recording this, thankfully, I am out of immediate danger. My family is out of immediate danger. My house is out of immediate danger. I want to talk today. Briefly, this will be a shorter podcast about stress. Because over the past two weeks, I have endured a lot of stress. My mom and dad came out to Los Angeles to celebrate the holidays with us. And on Christmas night, my mom unfortunately had a stroke. She spent the night in the hospital. And believe it or not, this is my mom's seventh. That once I got my parents settled, almost like I went upstairs and that's when I heard about the fires in L.A. and it was stressful with my mom because she didn't have all of her doctors around her. And that was stressful. And then I got her home and I was like, okay, because I kept saying to myself, okay just wait till Sunday, just get her settled on Sunday. And then, I got her settled over the next couple of days and then this happened. So stress has been something that I have personally been dealing with. I also need to say I fully realized that my stress is my stress but the stress to those people who have lost houses is unimaginable. What I want to talk about is just one thing, because sometimes when so much is happening, it's the only thing we can do is focus on just one thing. And that is the tool of journaling. One of the things that I've picked back up recently, because of the situation with my mom, but also because I've decided to, quite frankly, go deeper with my spiritual practice. I'm doubling down. I'm raising the level. I am raising the frequency. Of what I am living, of how I am living. And one of the things that has helped me to do that is stream of consciousness journaling. I found it before everything happened with my mom, meditating, to be something, I wouldn't call meditation easy, but something that I enjoyed. But while this has been going on, that has proven to be a bit too challenging for me. Visions of the news, visions of maps, visions of, all the horrible things that all of us have seen circle in my head. But what I can do is I can sit down, and I always talk about getting a nice cup of tea because I'm a big tea drinker, sitting down and journaling just stream of consciousness. And, In situations like where we're in right now, especially for those of you who are so directly affected, I find that really forcing myself to do it for a good 20 minutes. All this is really necessary as long as you can till your hand starts to hurt. Now notice I say my hand because again when it comes to journaling I so strongly believe in writing it out. So that is my tool. Really, double down, raise the level, raise your frequency around your spiritual practice now. And stay safe, stay super safe, and take care of yourself this week. I hope this helps.

Book a Free Consultation with Peter Today is a podcast request. Yes! I take requests. So if you have an idea for a podcast, send me an email. So this is a listener who wanted to talk about the idea of being too nice. So being too nice. She said, how often have you heard, "You're too nice." I have had a few times and while I appreciate the other person's honesty and transparency, it got me thinking about the undertone behind that phrase, especially when it comes to going after what you want as an actor, performer or artist. In pop culture, actors can get a general reputation for being, dare I say it, self centered or too into themselves. But you also hear about those mostly established actors who also get the, "Oh, they're so great to work with and are so nice. What rules do you follow? What rules do you fudge a little?" Especially if you're still trying to establish yourself as an actor. Does being too nice translate into being too safe? Is it a balance of being kind with luck? and timing. When someone says this, what are they communicating? You're not being fully honest with yourself or would be not being nice mean focusing on others, not on yourself energy. I decided to take this subject and tackle it this week. And give five kind of points on how to navigate that being too nice, but not being stepped on as an actor and an artist. Now, some of these things, guess what? I know big surprise. If you listen to my podcast on a regular basis, you will notice they are, some of them sound familiar. And the first one is just that, set clear boundaries. Being kind doesn't mean saying yes to everything. My favorite codependents out there. Are you hearing that? Being kind doesn't mean saying yes to everything. Clearly define your limits, and that means with yourself, such as your working hours, your ideas on a particular project, and communicate, how you would want to be communicated. So if somebody keeps emailing you, but you don't see it, tell them, "Hey, it would be better to text me instead." Now there's something else I wanted to talk about with this. I really think that the idea of being too kind and being too, aggressive, which I'm going to get to in a minute. It also has to do with knowing yourself emotionally, and being emotionally self sufficient, so that your niceness doesn't overcompensate for your lack of belief in yourself. One of the things I talk about in the weekly adjustment, which is my core work class is that I talk about how important it is to be able to get yourself out of those emotional and mental ruts or spirals so that you don't try and look to your work or to your business to fix you. How many decades have I done that? So it's so essential that you set boundaries with yourself. I'm also going to give you a tip on if you are one of those people who just is yes. Memorize these words: Let me get back to you. I just need to check on something. Let me get back to you. And then you if you think you want to say yes, you can say that sounds good, but let me get back to you. And if you can memorize that before saying yes, you're going to help yourself out, especially during the busy season. Okay. Next one. Be assertive, but not aggressive. In a business meeting recently, someone said "you're very aggressive." And I, I literally said, "No, I'm not. I said, I'm actually assertive." And then they said to me, they go, "You know what? You're right. You're assertive. You're not aggressive." And I could tell that I had really thrown them for a loop because they wanted to put that, aggressive thing on me, but I wasn't being aggressive. I was just extremely assertive. Stating how I felt and what I needed and ultimately in the end, they really respected that and I got a very positive result from that meeting in the end. Being assertive allows you to express your needs and your ideas confidently. But while respecting other people, I talk about in boundary setting, telling someone how you feel and what you need, but leaving the word you out, meaning you keep it with you. It also prevents others from mistaking your kindness for weakness, which so often happens. Again, I want to be assertive, but all of this is tied into this valuable core work that I talk about. And that is that I'm not going to other people to fill my insecurity. That I am enough in and of myself. I am able to be assertive and not overcompensate by being aggressive because, all the time through my life, I never got what I wanted, but this time I'm going to. Again, really using I when you're being assertive. Use the I statement. Keep it with you again. State how you feel and what you need, but leave the word you out and keep it with I. Okay, tip number three in the balancing the too nice with with, being I don't know not nice. Or, no no asserting yourself. Is align generosity with strategy. When you offer someone value, what that does is it builds goodwill. And that also should align with your values and your goals. It's that idea that Brian Cra

Book a Free Consultation with Peter Hi, everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday week and let me be one of the first to wish you a very happy new year. Last week it was to close out 2024 and this week it is to welcome 2025. So allow yourself to find a comfortable position and if that means you need to push pause and get settled that's just fine do that now.

Book a Free Consultation with Peter Today I'm going to be doing a meditation to close out the year. And you can feel free to do this meditation as many times as you want. Because you can also think of this meditation as being something to close out your day, or your hour, or your morning, or your month, or your week. But for our purposes today, it will be to close out 2024.

Book a Free Consultation with Peter Today I'm going to do a podcast on self care. And the reason why I'm doing it now is that I find that December January time to be in some ways the hardest time. And I just had this idea. I'm recording this a couple weeks before the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. And I'm like, Peter, you're going to need to really listen to this in a couple of weeks. But yeah, I'm going to be honest. I find December and January to be tough. December, because there's so much going on. And January, because even if I'm in California, it's cold. Sometimes it's really rainy. And I feel sometimes overwhelmed by the entire year ahead of me. And I hope someone out there relates to that. I do find December and January to be the two trickiest months of the year. All the rest I'll take. But December. December, I particularly find December tough, but January's tough too. The focus of this podcast is on self care. What I most need to do when I'm feeling overwhelmed, whether that be because there's so much going on or because there's so much ahead of me. A couple of phrases: Whatever you put before taking care of yourself, you're going to lose. And the thing you're probably gonna lose is your sanity, your peace of mind, your serenity. Also, I find that taking care of myself pays enormous dividends. I wish I'd mastered that one so much sooner than I did. But at least I think I've got it now. Which is taking care of me, loving me, because I'm the person who I'm going to be spending the most amount of time with in my life, and I want to make sure that I have the best relationship with me that I possibly can. And in order to do that, I need to take good care of myself. The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie There's a phrase in coaching and I believe I did a podcast episode about it called planting a seed. It's a very powerful tool where you say to yourself, "Yeah, I don't know how I'm going to get everything done, but you know what? I know I'm going to figure it out." This first quote is from Language of Letting Go, and Melody says, "I don't precisely know what you need to do to take care of yourself, but I know you can figure it out. Rest when you're tired. Take a drink of cold water when you're thirsty. Call a friend when you're lonely. Ask the universe to help when you feel overwhelmed. Many of us have learned, many of us have learned how to deprive and neglect ourselves. Many of us have learned to push ourselves hard. When The problem is that we've already pushed too hard. Many of us are afraid the work won't get done if we rest when we're tired. The work will get done. It will be done better than work that emerges from tiredness of soul and spirit." Seems obvious, but how many times do I just push through? I think one of the things that I've learned to do is when I get really tired, is I stop for five minutes and meditate. I find that really helpful. OMG, how many times do I let myself get dehydrated? Take yourself out to a cafe and journal, if you've got a lot on your mind. Thank you universe for helping me to change the story of my being overwhelmed. I invite you to support me in changing this and making a shift. And I think more than anything for me, it's when my soul gets tired. When I literally ache in my solar plexus because I'm so spiritually tired because I've been giving so much. But not giving to myself. Remember that balance. Find that balance. Give to yourself. It's okay to stop. It's okay to stop and breathe. It really is. And you know what? If something falls apart, I know, planting a seed here, you'll be able to handle it. Because we are never given more than we can handle. We are just given more than we can control. Because guess what? Controlling is not our business. Managing and handling is. "Nurtured, nourished people who love themselves and care for themselves are the delight of the universe." And I will add to that, that good can come easily. If you're a workaholic, that's a hard one to swallow, but it is a true concept. And that is a True that good can come easily. "People who are nourished. and nurture themselves are well timed, efficient, and divinely led. Today, I will practice loving self care, even if it just means taking a breath."

Today is going to be a short podcast, but it's going to be a very useful one. I'm going to talk about morning routines. I'm going to be using, I haven't used it in a while, the fabulous Melody Beattie. The Language of Letting Go And this reading that I'm going to be coaching off of is called Morning Cues. Melody says, "There is an important message for us first thing every day. Often, once we get started with the day, we may not listen as closely to ourselves and life as we do in those still moments when we first awaken. An ideal time to listen to ourselves is when we are laying quietly, our defenses are down, and we're open and most vulnerable." Now, I'm going to stop there because I'm going to tell you what I do for my morning routine and then I'm going to continue to read Melody's reading. Every morning, when I get up, I make myself a cup of tea. That's a non negotiable. And then,while my husband makes me a egg white omelette, as he does pretty much every single morning, He's a master at the egg white omelette. I just have to say. The guy should open up a cafe. What I do is I go outside and I look at the mountains because I live near mountains. And I sit and I go through two prayers. And after I finish those two prayers, I then open up my little notebook and I read out loud the things that I want most. And in reading those things, I am affirming them. And sometimes I'll be using visualization. Sometimes I'm just saying them. Sometimes I'm just thinking them. But what it does is it really tunes me into what I want the focus of my life and my day to be. And when I finish, I always say these words, "Peter Pamela Rose, suiting up, showing up, reporting for duty." And that duty is not only to the Universe, God, whatever you want to call it, my God, it's also to me. And it's also to my life and what is important to me, in this one brief shot I have on this earth. So I hope that inspires you, but I'm going to go on and continue to read what the fabulous Melody Beattie says. She says, "What is the first feeling that floods through us? The feeling that perhaps we are trying to avoid during the business of the day? Are we angry, frustrated, hurt, or confused? That is what we need to focus on and work through. That is the issue." We need to address and I agree that is very helpful and then go on to affirm that you will be able to do that or that you are doing it in that morning routine for me what I am filled with in the morning and this is I'm coming up on my 30th anniversary of doing this work is that I am at peace with who I am now. And I just want to become a bigger, better, badassier version of Peter Pamela Rose than I already am. She also asks, "What is the first idea or thought that enters your mind? Do you need to finish a timely project? Are you in need of a fun day, a restful day?" I also think that is a great question to ask yourself, because that tells you what you most don't want to do, which becomes the number one thing you need to do to build self esteem, to build trust in yourself. She asks, "do you feel sick and need to nurture yourself? Are you in a negative frame of mind? Do you have an issue that you need to resolve with someone?" Again, pay attention to those first thoughts so you know where the healing needs to go. Do you need to tell someone something? Is something bothering you? Is something feeling particularly good? Does an idea occur to you? That happens to me all the time while I'm affirming in the morning. In the morning does an idea occur to you? Something you could get or something that would make you feel good? What are those things? Embrace the good. Embrace the challenge. Embrace the learning that you are listening to first thing in the morning. When you awaken, what is the first issue that presents itself? You don't have to be fearful. Be brave. You don't have to rush. Go as slowly as you need to in order to take care of yourself. Lay. Listen. Be still. Accept the message. And then, affirm the good. Find that relationship between you and the universe. And state to yourself that today, I will suit up, show up, and report for duty. Mostly to myself.

About Matthew: Matthew Corozine is a multi-hyphenated creative artist. Not only an actor, director, producer, and teacher, Matthew is also the founding artistic director and creator of Matthew Corozine Studio (MCS), which just celebrated its 24th anniversary. He is now one of New York City's leading Meisner-based acting coaches, teaching and creating opportunities for students to "get outta your head" in order to build a meaningful life with art. Already with an established student base in New York City, Washington DC and internationally (via online coaching), MCS has expanded to Miami . Over the years, Matthew has coached actors and performers on Broadway, TV, Film, including platinum-selling America's Got Talent finalist, Jackie Evancho. Matthew directed the original show "Going Through Life With No Direction" at 54 Below (NYC), produced by Alicia Keys. Matthew recently acted in THE NORMAL HEART benefit at the legendary LGBT Center 40th Anniversary with Broadway for Arts Education playing the iconic role of "Ned Weeks". Having just returned from teaching two sold out Master Classes in Frankfurt Germany, Matthew is looking forward to his 25th season teaching in NYC, Miami and internationally. Pick up Matthew's book IF YOU SURVIVED 7TH GRADE, YOU CAN BE AN ACTOR (Applying the Meisner Technique to Get out of Your Head in Acting and in Life), in paperback, ebook or audio narrated by Matthew.

Book a Free Consultation with Peter Today I'm going to talk to you about the hazard of making excuses as an actor. And I'm going to start with perhaps something that if you were like me, or you are like how I used to be the idea of it's only me. So it's only me and therefore it doesn't count or, I'm tough, I can handle it. One of the things that making excuses as an actor does is it stalls personal growth. And anything that would affect me in a negative way, I used to be like, "Hey, I'm young. I can take it. Hey, no worries. I can overcome it." Until I couldn't. And so the first thing I'm going to talk about in terms of the hazards of making excuses as an actor is just that. Stalling personal growth. See, now, as a middle aged woman, I don't want to do anything that stalls me. I don't want to have any energy that is moving against me. I want everything moving for me. Because you know what? I deserve it. And so do you and this making excuses and stalling my personal growth, what it does is it prevents me from taking responsibility and it also limits opportunities for self improvement and for learning from my mistakes. I've talked about how when we make mistakes, those can be our great learning opportunities. The thing is that when I prevent myself from taking responsibility, what happens is that I'm saying I am not part of the problem. And if I am not part of the problem, there is no solution. I also have to say that when I stall my personal growth, I limit opportunities, because what I do is I'm so closed off in my thinking, and when I'm so closed off in my thinking, I don't know what to do. I'm only seeing that little bit. It's like I'm putting blinders on the side of my face. I can't see anything except what is in front of me. And I want to be seeing everything. I want to be looking at my life and moving things to work for me and the creating the potential for a better result. I want all of it. Not just some of it. It's like when I talk about the two power systems, I have the ego power system, and I have the universal power system. When I am in my ego power system, I have only finite energy. Energy that begins and ends with me. When I am in the universe power system, oh my gosh, it's infinite and what I want to do as a finite human is I want to hook up a a pipeline to the universe to that infinite energy. The other thing is that making excuses does is it damages credibility. It doesn't only damage credibility with other people, my credibility with others, but it also damages credibility with me. One of the biggest things that I have learned in the pandemic and post pandemic is learning trust. And that trust within myself is when I say I'm going to do something, actually doing it. Like today I said, I'm going to record two podcasts today. So today I'm going to record two podcasts. Now would it be a big deal if I only recorded one? No. But the person who I most need to be building that trust with, she would know. And that is myself. That getting trust from yourself is in some ways the hardest person to get it from because it's also the easiest per person to skimp it from. So really, wanting to build credibility with me and not making excuses, even to myself, is so important. Because if I don't do it, I erode trust. I erode my own reliability with myself. And I make others and myself doubt my commitment and my own integrity, building my own integrity with me. It is of paramount importance. The other thing that making excuses does, when I talk about, working for you and getting everything to work for you instead of against you, is that making excuses creates a negative mindset. It creates a negative mindset. Again, I want to have an anabolic mindset, which is filled with anabolic energy that works for me, that that is growing, is healing energy. When I am in a negative mindset, I want to I am in catabolic energy, and that is, I just described it to my weekly class I describe that as being like having a really bad virus. It feels like your body or something in you is working so hard against you and just making you feel so weak. Also, when I make excuses and I create a negative mindset, I rely on those excuses to create something that I don't want to create, which is a defeatist attitude. And that making excuses that create, that creates a negative mindset also it reinforces my own limitations and my own limiting beliefs in myself when instead I could be using it as an opportunity to do the thing that I want to make an excuse about to build trust in myself, build the ability to seek solution, and also build the self esteem that comes with it. And I always talk about how building self esteem, building confidence, what does it do? It improves belief in the self and self esteem. The other thing that making excuses does is it enables you to miss opportunities, and those excuses, what they do is that they feed into that dirty P word of procrastination. They also feed into that other dirty word of perfectionism. Perf

Book a Free Consultation with Peter About Tim: With more than 60,000 coaching sessions and 40+ years in the business, audition coach and premiere acting teacher Tim Phillips knows what works. Audition For Your Career, Not The Job was written after 30 years of teaching and designed as a practical manual for the working actor. What Phillips is after are moment-by-moment, clear, specific, human truths that make you unavoidable on stage and screen, from character. Tim Phillips ignited the careers of Emmy award-winning Richard Schiff, Golden Globe nominee Wendy Malick, Nancy Travis, the excellent Robert Wisdom, James DuMont, Bruce Nozick (...) and many others. He's also helped catapult countless actors into more satisfying, long-term, confident careers. Today, based out of Atlanta, he brings decades of NYC and LA-based experience to artists of every caliber across the country and now, thanks to Zoom, the globe. He coaches privately over the phone, via Zoom, and through Facetime. Phillips' ethic and his teaching is human, individual, specific, and immediately applicable.

Try out the weekly class Today I'm going to talk about what I find a sad subject, and it is about unsupportive friends and unsupportive family members. And I'm gonna give you a few points and things to think about. So that you can have the support, at least from me, and I'll talk about getting more support in a moment, that helps you when you're dealing with this. Now, the first thing, and I know because, man, I hated this word when I first learned it, was boundaries. Learning to set boundaries, clearly communicate your goals and values to others, and establish boundaries when necessary. This helps you to protect your energy and stay focused on what matters most to you without having that negativity affect you. Now, I think that's really important, and I'm going to say something about boundaries in a moment, but I also need to teach you this little phrase. Don't go to the hardware store for lemons. If you know that a family member or a particular friend is not supportive of your acting career, here's an idea stop talking to them about it. Stop talking to them about it. You have a choice. Here's another idea. They call, you find them difficult to deal with this particular person. Don't pick up the phone. Let it go to voicemail. And call them back when you feel strong. When you feel strong. There's another great phrase. I just thought of it. I learned this in a 12 step program, which is Don't dial pain. Or don't text pain. If that person, if you know that person, is not going to give you the empathy, the love, the support that you need, go to someone else, and if you don't know who to go to, oh, for goodness sakes, please shoot me an email. Email me The other thing here and it goes right into it, is you want to limit negative interactions. When I go to places where I don't feel that I'm really going to be supportive, I remind myself that all I need to do is be civil and polite. And sometimes if it's like a party, I can ask questions. And just listen to other people. I don't have to be giving everything of myself. It's not required. It's not my duty to entertain people. I can ask them how their lives are doing. And I am going to walk away feeling, one, good that I was there for another person, but two, also that I have protected myself. Limit negative interactions. If there are certain people consistently undermining your efforts, consider reducing the time you spend with them. I always say there's another phrase that is arrive late and leave early, arrive late and leave early. And also, the restroom can be a wonderful place to just reconnect yourself, to gather your thoughts, to gather your resolve. If you're in situations that you can't get out of your family. For example, I, by the way my parents are the most supportive people in the whole world, so I can't imagine not having supportive family members. But I have had unsupportive friends, so I can relate. You want to support yourself with positivity whenever possible to keep your motivation strong. That's one of the things that is so freaking wonderful about that weekly adjustment class. We are All supporting each other. It's such a wonderful class on that line. Seek external support. We cannot do this on our own. It takes a village. We want to find like minded individuals who can uplift and encourage you and whether that is through an online community or getting a mentor or having supportive friends. Those are the people you want to be support surrounding you yourself with as much as possible because their reinforcement can balance out any negativity from other people. I think it does so much more than balance it out. I think it tips the scale. Also, Remember to stay focused on your vision. Remind yourself of why you are pursuing your goals. And remind yourself that you are worth it. And that you were put on this planet for a reason. And it is worth you standing up for. Focus on your vision. on your long term vision. When you do that, it helps you to remain steadfast, even when those around you may not. Support your choices. Don't abandon yourself, and don't abandon your dreams. You are worth it. You are worth it. Finally, respond with compassion. Oof, this is a toughie. Sometimes, unsupportive friends or families, family, may be acting out because of their own fears or their own misunderstandings. Try to respond with empathy, but don't let their worries derail your progress. Focus on your path, knowing that their opinions do not define your self worth. If someone is saying that I'm worried that you're in a risky job, with your goal of being an actor. Tell them that you can handle it. Tell them how much you love and appreciate that they're concern, but that you've got this and that all you ask is that they love you. They don't even have to support you, but just that they love you. Just that they're your friend. And then you can make the mental note of whether they heard that or not, and of whether you go to them again. Whatever you don't quit five minutes

Book a Free Consultation with Peter About Risa: For the past 4 decades Risa has worked consistently as a director, producer, casting director, writer, and teacher, and is a founder of The BGB Studio, a training space and artistic home for actors. She's had the great fortune to have collaborated with some of the most talented, passionate, and groundbreaking artists in the world. She's continued to move successfully from one arena to another – from theatre to film to television and back. With two feature films in her directorial body of work – the cult classic, 200 CIGARETTES, and more recently, THE CON ARTIST, made in Canada, Risa's also directed in television, including multiple episodes of THE TWILIGHT ZONE for the WB, and several shows for HBO, Lifetime, and Comedy Central. Risa has cast some of the most memorable movies of the past 40 years. Risa's résumé includes decades of classics such as DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN, SOMETHING WILD, THE JOY LUCK CLUB, TRUE ROMANCE, ANGEL HEART, FATAL ATTRACTION, BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY, JFK, WALL STREET, TALK RADIO, THE DOORS, SPEED, JACOB'S LADDER, AT CLOSE RANGE, SNEAKERS, HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT, DEAD PRESIDENTS, TWISTER, BENNY AND JOON, and FLIRTING WITH DISASTER. She's cast numerous television shows and pilots, including ROSEANNE, CSI: NY, all four seasons of the Showtime series MASTERS OF SEX, THE AFFAIR, and SEAL TEAM. Risa served as a Producer on Oliver Stone's films HEAVEN AND EARTH and NATURAL BORN KILLERS, movies she also cast. Risa's directed dozens of plays in New York (The Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Second Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club) and in Los Angeles. She calls The Ensemble Studio Theatre her original artistic home, where she's been a member in NY for decades, producing and directing several years of the flagship festival MARATHON OF ONE-ACT PLAYS. And she founded EST-LA, a thriving Los Angeles theatre company. Read her full bio HERE.

Get a Free Month of The Weekly Adjustment A subject that has come up with private clients of mine and in my weekly group class has been the subject of discussion of quitting. And the phrase that I have been coaching on, is don't quit five minutes before the miracle. Don't quit five minutes before the miracle. And I get it. Especially for those of us in the U. S. who have been struggling with the industry this year. Let's just be blunt. It's a bitch, okay? It's just been awful. I have a friend of mine who's a producer and he says the word he keeps using is brutal. It's been a brutal year. But here's the thing. We're not gonna quit. There is no plan B. So let's talk about the things that we need to do to motivate ourselves to not quit five minutes before the miracle. So I'm going to have five points that I want to make and I'll coach a little bit around each one. So the first one is, and this is really true for someone who has been in this business for 36 years. Progress happens over time. And often it's that level of you work, you grind, and then you get to the next level. And then you work, you grind and you get to the next level. Now, something I've noticed with me is right when I'm about to get to that next level, whatever level that may be, that is when all my limiting beliefs come up. My self-doubt comes up, all like my demons as it work come up. But here's the thing, through coaching the principles and through this core work, I can go, oh, it's you again. Look at that. Oh, there you go. You may feel like you want to give up. But if you could just persevere for just a little bit longer. What you may discover is that you may discover you're having a breakthrough moment. And then you get to that next level. But understand that, it's darkest before the dawn. It's the same thing with not quitting five minutes before the miracle. It's when, it's those moments when you are just about I cannot do it another second. Those are the moments. When you need to keep going, those are the moments when you need to keep going. I know something is about to happen when I start getting really squirrely, or my thinking starts to get really stinky, that means I'm on the verge of something. It's so funny that we actually think it's negative. But what if it was positive. Again, I go back to one of my favorite quotes, "change the way you look at things and the things you look at change." So remember that progress happens over time. And again, you work, you grind, you get to the next level. And right as you're about to get to that next level, don't forget to keep on going. Don't forget to keep on going. Even though every cell in your body may be going, What the fuck? I wanna quit. Keep going. Keep going. No matter what. Okay, next one. Patience. Patience pays off. I just have to say, Peter Pamela says, patience pays off. Success requires consistent effort. One of the things I talk about with my clients is consistence and persistence and tenacity. Quitting too soon could mean abandoning all the work that you've already invested. And I'm sorry, no, no effing way, okay? No fucking way am I quitting after I've put in this much work. And that next step might be the one that creates the shift you need. Again, don't quit five minutes before the miracle. Continue to wake up, suit up, show up, and report for duty. And report for duty to what you are meant to do on this earth, whatever your dream may be. The next one is that keep in mind that challenges build resist resilience. Challenges build resilience. When things get tough, it's easy to want to quit. It's what I was talking about in that first point. All that stuff comes up right as something is about to break. However, pushing through strengthens your ability to handle future obstacles, making you more resilient and prepared for greater opportunities. See, one of the things I talk about is that fear of success. And when the thing about the fear of success is that at some point, what happens is that we have that fear of success because we realize that fear of success will mean that we will have more responsibility and more And that freaks us out just a little bit. And what happens, our negative thoughts come up, because it tries to protect us. It tries to keep us the same. It tries to keep us stagnant. Not because it doesn't like us, but because it wants us to stay the same. Remember, handling obstacles makes you more resilient and prepares you for greater opportunities. Number four, success is not linear. OMG, can I tell you about that one? I find that this business is cyclical. You'll go through the biggest drought and then you'll be so damn busy you won't know what to do with yourself. This business is cyclical. So is life. Progress can feel slow. And sometimes freaking invisible, or as I like to say, go is at a glacial pace and staying the course, even when you can't see the immediate results ensures that you are still moving forward toward your goal. Something that was brought up

Book a Free Consultation with Peter So today's podcast is going to be about making a pivot in your acting career. The first thing you want to do when you are making a pivot is you want to clarify your new career goal. I understand that the goal may be to be a working actor, but what exactly does that mean to you? And when you've made a goal, asking yourself that follow up question, that empowering question, what does that mean to you? What does that look like? How will it feel when you achieve it? You want to take time to identify exactly where you want to pivot, and I think those questions can really, truly help you. Now, whether that is in a new area of the industry, or maybe with a new renewed energy towards a different area or a renewed energy towards an old goal? That is fine. The big thing I want you to think about is being specific. Really setting a clear goal for yourself of what you are looking to do. Now one of the things that I always talk about with my clients is, and if you can put this on a piece of paper, make three columns. In column one, I want you to put goal. In column two, I want you to put thought and in column three, I want you to put action. So whatever in life your goal is, you need to keep in mind that your thoughts must be aligned with that goal, your thoughts, and that means what you think and what you say, your vocabulary. I've been talking a lot in my weekly coaching group about vocabulary lately. So what your vocabulary is around that goal and also what your actions are around that goal, making sure that those actions are alignable actions. The other thing you want to do is really look at, and I'm all about the training. You really want to make sure that your training as an actor is where it needs to be. Now, that again, click on the link in the show notes, that again, I am willing to help you with. Send me your picture, send me your resume, tell me what kind of class or what kind of skill you are really looking for. Looking to work on with your new pivot with that. Let me help you. I'm offering this to you for free. So let me help you because this business is so tough. It is so important that you stay on top of your skills that you stay on top of them. Don't ever underestimate how good you need to be as a casting director, I need you to be good at your job. Now that may involve you taking new classes or gaining experience in some other way. But this is the thing we want you to be competitive. And therefore we need your skills to be at the level that other working actors are at. The next thing I want you to think about is leveraging your existing network. In my signature course, The Working Actor Road Map, and in my weekly class, which is the Weekly Accountability Group, I talk all the time about a follow up list and staying on top of your follow up list. Because you really want to be reaching out to those connections. Now the thing is, you may not even realize that you have valuable connections. Again, I can guide you with this, networking and making relationships with casting directors, with writers, directors, film festivals at film festivals, these are all things that you can do. Again, this business is a lot about letting go of the things you cannot change or control. And really embracing and handling and managing and changing the things you can. So I want to help you to get really clear. And in this step, I want you to look at what are the things in this business that are out of my control and what are the things that I want to change that are in my control. And I want you to put that here when you're talking about your networking. How can I network more? How can I get myself out there more? Again, if you need help, click on the link in the show notes and we will talk about it. The other thing is as I want you to look at, and this is again where I get very woogie about putting this in a podcast just for general consumption, because I have a theory about your materials. You want to be going over your materials. That's the next step here. But this is the thing. The biggest mistake that I feel actors make is that their materials don't speak the language of the agents and the casting directors. And I want to put it to you this way. If let's say you have a day job. Okay, I want you to think of certain jargon that is spoken in your day job, or maybe your hometown, or maybe at your college, or your acting school. A jargon. And I want you to think of three words, like three big words, that if somebody brand new came into your university or your day job and they didn't speak those three words, what would you know about them? One, that they're new. Two, that they're not really in the know. And three, if you're gonna be in charge of them, you're gonna have to explain it all to them. That's how it is for casting directors and agents and managers. We want to be working with people who are, who already know the jargon, who are already speaking our language, because we don't have time t

Book a Free Consultation with Peter Today I'm going to talk about reframing disappointment. One of my favorite quotes. It's from Dr. Wayne Dyer, he says "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." And in reframing disappointment, we need to look at it in a different way. So I'm going to give you a few tips. I'm going to give you some Action steps to do when you face disappointment and hopefully that will help you to move through it because again, another one of my favorite quotes, again, a top five is Robert Frost, which is the "best way out is always through." So this podcast is about moving you through disappointment. Number one, acknowledge the disappointment. And this is so important. One of my phrases that I teach is awareness, acceptance, and action. Obviously, you are aware of the disappointment, but you really need to accept it. And acknowledge it so that you can then move on through the rest of this podcast to take action to reframe it and also learn from it and move on from it. So it's important to first allow yourself to feel disappointment, rather than suppressing it. Another one of my little phrases is, feelings aren't facts. And also, feelings aren't going to kill you. And also, this is survivable. Whatever happened that's disappointing you, it is survivable. But it is important to feel your feelings. One of my favorite ways to feel my feelings, especially when they're a bit confused or jumbled, is to make a cup of tea and to start writing it out. And I just literally do stream of consciousness. And it can be even, I don't know what the hell to write, I don't know what to do this is what happened and then I describe the whole thing and as I'm describing it, the feelings come out and hopefully some tears come out or some anger or I do a run or something like that. But it helps me to feel those feelings because suppressing it is not going to help. Recognizing your emotions helps you to process them in a healthy way. Everything I just talked about is processing your emotions in a healthy way, which is the first step towards reframing the situation and moving forward. So our first step is to acknowledge the disappointment. Again, awareness, acceptance, action, journal, those feelings out. Exercise those feelings out, but feel those feelings so they don't get suppressed. The second one, a personal favorite of mine, although it's not very pleasant while you're going through it, is to identify the lessons learned. I have said so many times that my biggest mistakes have been my greatest teachers. Every setback is a learning opportunity and has a learning opportunity, take the time to analyze what went wrong and what you can gain from the experience. You could've done that audition, did it to the absolute best of your ability, and still not have gotten the part. And you're like, you know what? I left it all on the floor. I did everything I could, and yet I still didn't get the role. Maybe what you learned is, that's the level you need to be performing at because you know you can perform at that rate. One of the things I think is so painful is living with the knowledge that you could be doing so much better, that you could be doing so much better. Trust me, that feeling is so much worse than walking through your fears to reach your full potential. That's so much more painful than being brave and best way out is always through walking through your biggest fears, because once you've conquered those biggest fears, then there is absolutely no limit to what you can achieve. So that is why it is so important to take the time to analyze what happened and what you can gain from the experience, understand how you can grow from this disappointment or this setback really helps you to shift your focus from this being a failure, to actually an incredible growth experience. And I know that's distasteful and makes you have just a little bit of bile in your mouth. But it's the truth. It's the truth. Your biggest mistakes are your best teachers. But take the time to learn the lesson. So you don't have to go through it again. Focus on what you can control. Now big thing I talk about is the serenity prayer. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. I cannot change other people, places, things, or situations. Courage to change the things I can. I can only change myself, my attitudes, my thoughts, and my actions, and wisdom to know the difference between what I cannot change and control, which is other people, places, things, and situations, and what I can manage and handle, which is myself, my attitudes, my thoughts, and my actions. Disappointment often stems from outcomes outside of your control. That first part that grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Other people, places, things, or situations I can't change or control them. What I want to do is to refocus my energy on what is within my power, which is courage to change things. The things I can, which

The Working Actor Road Map Connect with Jocelyn on Instagram Today I am talking with Jocelyn Sandstrom about quantum manifestation. About Jocelyn: Growing up in Hawaii, Jocelyn has lived and worked in 12 different countries. This experience has allowed her to realize that even though we may speak different languages or have different traditions, at our core, we are all the same. She has used this knowledge to help and support clients around the world in creating next-level success not just in their careers but in their personal lives as well. Since 2010, she has been providing Quantum Energy Sessions and teaching Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Neurological Re-patterning, and the Millennium Method to clients globally. In 2022, she founded Wellness and Metaphysical, a community-driven platform that promotes a higher level of consciousness through expos and retreats. Jocelyn's mindset and energy work have propelled her career, allowing her to work with leading global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Christian Louboutin, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others. She has been featured on the covers of Elle, Marie Claire, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, and more. Alongside her husband, she has hosted two travel shows and appeared in various feature and short films. Now, she is focused on sharing her knowledge and experience through coaching and mentoring to help others to quantum leap their reality. Jocelyn specializes in helping clients release deep-rooted issues from their past that are holding them back. She supports clients in building not just success but also fulfillment at the same time because success without fulfillment is empty, leading to burnout and anxiety. She supports her clients to discover their authentic truth and share that with the world, magnetizing their energy to start attracting people and opportunities out of the blue, enabling them to fall in love with themselves and their life while creating more success than ever before! How did you get into quantum manifestation? So basically I got into doing this one because my mom got sick in 2002 and so it was my inspiration to really dive into this world and I helped her to get better naturally and then through that at the same time I was working on my career when I was modeling and I was able to take that career to a place beyond my wildest dreams through quantum manifestation. And I just kept blowing my mind over every time I would work on something and a job would show up or an opportunity would show up. And so much so that my husband was like, what in the world is it that you're doing? And he ended up taking all the classes because he couldn't believe it as well because we lived in such a fixed reality of you do this, then this happens, you do this, then this happens. But when you play with quantum manifestation, you're co creating with the universe, things in your life that don't make sense, that drop in out of the blue, those magic emails, opportunities, chance encounters, being in the right place at the right time. And every time that happens, it quantum leaps you to a whole other energy. And so my passion is to share that with the world, because really, we don't need to be doing it the hard way anymore. There's this way that we haven't tapped into yet that just helps you to collapse time. And my passion is to help everybody to do that. My big thing is about waking up every day, suiting up, showing up, and reporting for duty. I so strongly believe that the universe has a much better plan for me than I do. Because I have all of my limiting beliefs that I've brought with me throughout my, throughout my life. And I have found that, that suiting up, showing up and reporting for duty, really, it's amazing how fast things work. Can you talk about the very beginning process of quantum manifestation? So there's a couple of different things. The first one is being able, I call it tapping into your inner knowing or your inner soul knowing, whatever word you want to use for that. We all know, I truly know that any of my dreams and visions are my soul or my inner knowing showing me what it came here to experience. And so to me in quantum physics, past, present, future, it's now like it's happened. It's a future memory, a future echo showing me what's coming. If I show up every single day and take aligned action. It's the knowing that's inside. If you listen to any actor that's doing their acceptance speech, it's this is for everybody that told me I couldn't I knew that I could, and when I first took my career to the next level, I was told by everybody that you're too old. You don't have the right look. You're not this, you're not that. Can't do it. And I'm like, no, watch me. And I just, that was so deep that I didn't let people suppress it. And so every single day I took aligned action. I know that we are an energetic match for our goals. The only thing in the way is our beliefs, our doubts, our worries, all of these storie

Kick Your Acting Career in Gear Okay, so today's podcast is motivated by someone writing to me, wanting to me to talk a little bit about nepo babies, nepotism. Of course, I'm going to say that nepotism and keeping the focus on yourself is the key. The focus because there's nothing you can do about somebody else is, birthrights or relatives, but you can do something about keeping the focus on yourself because that is your birthright. So my wonderful listener gave me this topic and she asked what my take on nepo babies and their advantages and disadvantages are in booking roles or projects. Again, what I would say is this is not something that you can control. And I talk about this in terms of the serenity prayer. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And wisdom to know the difference. And what that means for me is to grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Means I cannot change. Make your ears grow bigger. Or control other people, places, things, or situations. So whether I'm going up for a role where there is someone's famous relative going up for the role, As well, that is not something I can change or control. Courage to change the things I can. I can only change, manage, or handle myself, my attitudes, my thoughts, and my actions. My focus on that audition, regardless of who else is up for it. And wisdom to know the difference. Wisdom, my favorite word in the American language. Wisdom to know the difference. And that wisdom is the ability to know what I cannot control, which is other people, places, and things. And I can't change that either. And what I can change, manage, handle, which is myself, my attitudes, my thoughts, and my actions. So the ability to differentiate that. So my take on NEPO babies and their advantages and disadvantages in booking roles and projects, it's none of my damn business. My business is to stay focused on my work and what I can do for my life. This listener goes on to say, "What chance do I have, if I even have the opportunity to compete with one?" Again, none of my damn business. It doesn't matter who else is up for the role. It matters that I am up for the role. And that I take advantage of every opportunity that I have. And I need to do that by being good at my job, by being good at the business. But most of all, by knowing me, by being emotionally self-sufficient, I can get myself over these mental and emotional hurdles, so that I can do my job. I want to see, there was one more thing she said that I really liked. She mentions this, and then kind of goes with this, but I want to add it in because I think it's so good and you may relate to this. "I had just said to a friend, I feel like I'm always coming in second." This is what I would say: Second best is only one step behind the first. Second is one step behind first. And last week I talked about tenacity and I talked about doubling down. If you feel that you're always coming in second or third or you're getting the avail but you're not getting the job or you're getting put on hold and you're not getting the job, my joke is all the different ways we can, we we can term that avail check, pinned, first refusal. If you find that's where you're at, it is time to listen to that Podcast episode, the one before this, right after you finish listening to this one and doubling down on your commitment. I also want to just give you a few tips on keeping the focus on yourself because I always like to be at the cause of my life and not at the effect of it. And if you think about the theme of this particular podcast it's right in there. The first one is this, and I said it before, but avoid comparison and despair. It's a wonderful little phrase. Compare and despair. Focus on your own journey and progress rather than mention than measuring yourself against others. Rather than measuring yourself against others. Another great one is watch measuring someone else's. Stop putting your self worth on and depending on other people's outsides by judging on your insides. It's just not comparable. The other thing is to prioritize self care. Make sure that you're taking good care of you. So that you don't abandon yourself. I did a great podcast a little while ago that got more listens than just about any other podcast I did about abandoning the self. Regularly engage in activities that nourish your physical, mental, and emotional being, and I talked about last podcast allowing me to be your mentor, allowing me to be that positive voice in your life, listen to these podcasts while you're doing the dishes, you're doing the laundry, you're doing the mundane. Because one of the things that I did while I was really starting this work, is on my cassette tapes, I would listen to, that's how long ago it was, I would listen to positive messages. So no matter what I was doing, I had positive messages going in, not the crap that was going on between my ears. And the final one that

Kick Your Acting Career in Gear Okay, so let's talk about being tenacious. The number one thing about being tenacious is actually embracing it. And I talk about this in terms of my own experience, which is that my biggest mistakes have been my best teachers. My biggest mistakes have been my best teachers. And really understanding, when you make a mistake or you have a roadblock, you don't get a role that you really thought you were going to, is looking at the situation and asking yourself, what can I learn from this? And if what you can learn from it is what my mom always told me when I was a little kid, which is you pick yourself up, you dust yourself off, and you start all over again. And sometimes the hardest parts of this business, I was going to get emotional about this, has really shown me how incredibly strong I am. How incredibly strong and resilient I am. And what that teaches me is self confidence, and self esteem. Persistence comes from resistance. Diamonds are made under pressure. The other thing I want to talk about in terms of tenacity is maintaining focus. I think that is another huge lesson, one of the things I find when I start to get scattered is I tell myself to double down on my focus, double down on what it is I want to do to achieve. And just like I can look at my setbacks and write down what I've learned from that. What I can ask myself in maintaining focus is what do I need to do to double down? What do I need to bet stronger on me and on this goal that I have, keeping in mind my long term vision and not letting distractions or setbacks derail me from making progress towards my dream. The other slogan I love in this is progress, not perfection. Because remember, perfectionism is something that derails me and it derails me because with perfectionism, I get procrastination. And with procrastination I get paralysis. And that is the absolute opposite of what I need in staying tenacious in my acting career. The third thing I want to talk about is breaking it down. Now if you know anything about me, I am a big one on baby stepping. Because sometimes I'm either too frightened, or too intimidated, or too tired, or too scattered to focus on something big. I need to break it down into bite sized pieces. Now, not that I advocate eating elephants, but anyone can eat an elephant one bite at a time. Setting small, achievable milestones to make the pursuit of my goal less overwhelming and more manageable is key. And also I think what's important is what am I going to do to celebrate? What am I going to do to celebrate my win for today? I'm watching a television show that I'm really enjoying. Because I say to myself at the end of the day, I'm going to make dinner and I'm going to organize myself for the next day. And then I'm just going to, I'm really going to enjoy watching this show because I've put in a good day's work. The other thing about that is something that a friend of mine told me at the very beginning of doing this work, which is I'm only responsible for today. I'm only responsible for putting my head forward. I'm going to be talking about the importance of being on the pillow tonight. That's all I'm responsible for from now until then. And this one, this next one is huge. Cultivating self discipline. Consistently pushing myself to work hard even when motivation is low or progress feels slow. Now, one of the biggest self-disciplines that I have is my physical fitness. It was something that I started at the end of the pandemic. And it was something that I applied using one of the tools that I talked about before, which is I doubled down. I decided I was really going to push myself. Because how I do one thing is how I do all things. So if you can get disciplined in one area of your life, it's going to help you to get disciplined in other areas of your life. Remember how you do one thing, that is how you do all things. The other thing, and this is my last little tip, is surrounding yourself with positivity. Now sometimes that's difficult because either the people you live with or your family or maybe even some of your closest friends may not be able to support you. But you can support you. You can listen to me. This podcast, have it going on in your ears as you walk down the street, as you drive in your car, as you do your dishes, as you do your laundry, as you do the mundane. Have positive messages like these core work sessions or maybe one of the interviews from the past. We have over 200 podcasts here. Let me be your positive mentor. Let me help you. Let me be there for you. Because we want to be seeking out those positive messages, those positive mentors, peers, and environments that encourage your ambition and your growth. And that's why I always say, I also think watching shows or movies that get you, and that can even be a silly action film that gets you going, that get you psyched. Another thing that I use is music to get me going, to make me realize that even though things may not