please stop saying you're too old, aged out, whatever the words are....enough!
actress Danielle Kennedy met with me in 2021 to talk about building her full life and then becoming a successful working actor after raising 8 kids and doing her own thing. a second act actor as they say.
this is the ep you didn't know you needed to hear...
this is incredibly validating for anyone who’s felt like they’re falling behind or not “getting it right” in their creative career. lynn’s career path and healing process reminds us that success doesn’t always look like we imagined....
originally aired july 8th 2021, this in-depth conversation with actor Lynn Chen is an episode that closed out season 4 of the podcast and hit hard for a reason.
Lynn walks us through the emotional highs and lows of “making it” as an actor: from child opera performances and Law & Order bookings to struggling with food, being dropped by reps, and ultimately finding her voice through blogging, vulnerability, and directing her own feature film.
We cover:
Growing up performing at The Met (like, age four-level early)
The moment acting felt more like obligation than love
Booking Law & Order and getting her SAG card
The weight of the industry’s standards...literally
Binge eating, emotional triggers, and recovery
When a Sundance debut doesn’t equal steady work
Why she started “The Actor’s Diet” and what it gave her back
Her “holding deal” era + writing her first pilot
Getting dropped by reps… and getting back up
Resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming acting on her own terms
Referenced in the episode:
The Actor’s Diet Blog (redirects to her main site)
originally aired april 13 2021, brian unger has been on your screen more times than you probably realize but this episode isn’t a flex. it’s a real convo about the weird limbo between being talented and being bookable. what it actually feels like to get hired. and the emotional whiplash of the audition hustle
we talk about
• how pilot season used to work and what’s changed
• why bookings don’t mean you’ve made it
• the quiet grind behind working actor life
• the surprising advice brian got that changed his entire career
this episode is a reminder that success in acting rarely looks the way you imagined it. and that one good job isn’t the whole story. a must relisten if you’re questioning your momentum or measuring your worth by your credit...
ever feel like your to-do list has morphed into a crisis of identity? same. this replay (from oct 30th 2023) is here to pull you out of that “should I cut my hair or get a manager?” spiral and help you simplify the actual next steps in your acting career.
we talk about why your brain is overloaded (it’s not just you), how to dump your mental tabs into one place, and why taking out the trash (metaphorically) might be your best productivity tool. oh, and we break down how to decide what the hell to work on without drowning in FOMO.
i do not care how you identify, this episode is for you. Rain + Jase are here to educate me on how actors can advocate for their trans (and all LGBTQIA) community, what they wish writers were focusing on, and how a safe place is created.
so get your pronouns on and listen up:
mentioned in this ep:
In this throwback convo from Sept 2018, I sat down with the unstoppable Christina Ochoa (Animal Kingdom, A Million Little Things) for a seriously honest, occasionally hilarious, and refreshingly unfiltered look at what it actually takes to survive and thrive in this industry.
Moving to LA with zero connections (and zero chill about the rent)
Not working for 2.5 years after a major show… and how she survived it (Uber, eBay, and a underprepared tutoring gig)
Auditioning while broke AF… and still booking the role
The shift from “pretty but doesn’t know it” casting to owning your own vibe
Saying no to mediocre TV (even when you really need the check)
Mentioned in This Episode
Book: The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
Book/Workbook: The Artist’s Way Workbook by Julia Cameron
Christina’s orgs: Oceana and Earth’s Oceans
Show Mentioned: Animal Kingdom
Series Mentioned: A Million Little Things
our favorite multi-hyphenate chaos king Brendan Bradley is back (you might remember him from episode 208, aka “the stake captain saga”), and he’s bringing a lot in a short amount of time:
also… the audio cuts off at the end (rude), so we will be having him back. don’t worry.
things we mention:
brendan’s projects:
You’ve heard about them so much, now they’re finally here by popular demand!Gabrielle is back! And we brought our husbands Caleb and Cory for a candid conversation about what it’s really like being in a relationship with someone in the entertainment industry. If you’ve been wondering how they handle the unpredictable schedules, self-tapes, and financial ups and downs of being with a Creative- this one’s for you. Buckle up for some laughs and a realistic look at what it really takes to make our relationships work!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — Introducing the Husbands
02:26 — Dealing with a Partner Online
10:36 — The Importance of Communication
12:50 — Helping Your Partner Self-Tape
26:11 — What “Normies” Need from Creative Partners
28:28 — Challenges of a Creative Partner
33:47 — Why Sam & Caleb Stopped Drinking
38:03 — Advice for Normies Dating Creatives
43:00 — Finances & Relationships
📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:
★ Sign up for Side Hustle Academy
♡Even More Sam♡
From meeting with Ben Affleck, to reading for Aaron Sorkin, working with intimacy coordinators in hardcore covid times, self-taping in Cabo, and cringing at past headshots— Lauren has done it all, and on her own terms. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more than one way to make it in the industry, Lauren’s story is proof that success doesn’t have to follow a single path:
You may know her from ‘Winter’s Bone’ alongside Jennifer Lawrence, ‘True Detective’ on HBO, or Apple TV’s ‘For All Mankind.’ And today she opens up about her decision to leave Los Angeles for Arkansas, where she balances motherhood with her acting & producing career, and how she landed a role in her new film, ‘Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake),’ which just premiered at Sundance!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — Meet Lauren Sweetser
03:50— Early L.A. Memories with Lauren
06:50 — Leaving Hollywood for Fayetteville, AR
14:07 — The Business of Living Outside Hollywood
23:00 — BTS Scoop of “For All Mankind”
28:05 — Landing “Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)”
34:00 — Finding Your Path as an Actor
40:43 — Past Headshot Reflections
41:56 — Where to find Lauren & Her Work
📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:
★ Listen to Lauren’s first visit to OBA!
★ Follow ‘Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)’ on IG
★ Read about the Baby Scoop Era
♡Even More Sam♡
Change. Is. Inevitable. We’re talking all about that weird in-between actor life- when the gig ends and you’re left waiting for the next one. It can feel like this never-ending spiral of doubt and comparison, but here’s the thing: that in-between time is actually a gift. When we accept this process instead of resisting it, we become better actors *and* people. ..or at least I do.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — The One Broke Actress Evolution
03:37 — Side Hustle Academy Update
04:41 — The Inevitability of Change
07:49 — The Cycle of Acting
13:20 — Acceptance Mindset
15:34 — The Different Paths of Actors
19:40 — Dealing with Comparison
23:33 — The Gift of Free Time
📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:
★ Learn more about Side Hustle Academy
Want more?Check out Patreon + Apple Subscription for bonus episodes!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/onebrokeactress
Website: https://onebrokeactress.com
My IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3921523/
Disclaimer: Some links included in this descriptions may be affiliate links, meaning that I will receive a small commission if you buy from that link.
Side Hustle Academy is officially back and we made you aFREE Side Hustle Class!
Ok back to the episode…
Gone are the days when actors could just rely on one source of income but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. So we are not sugar coating this for you…we made six-figures but we also struggle with our sh*t.
Gabrielle and I are having an honest conversation about how we ‘balance’ (lol) our work + actor + personal lives…with some solid do’s and don’ts. Bonus points if you know your human design!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — Inside View of Side Hustling
02:25 — Managing Multiple Businesses
07:33 — Balancing Side Hustles & Acting Careers
11:15 — Making Your Life Full
14:28 — How to Sit in the Win
20:16 — Building a Business Off Your Personality & Interests
24:20 — Energy Management & Hygiene
31:54 — Current State of the Entertainment Industry
42:25 — Starting Our Business
48:00 — Membership Success Story
51:11 — The Return of Side Hustle Academy!
📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:
★Netflix’s “Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy”
★Sign up for Side Hustle Academy
Want more? Check out Patreon + Apple Subscription for bonus episodes!
♡Even More Sam♡
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine
Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/onebrokeactress
Website:https://onebrokeactress.com
My IMDb:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3921523/
Disclaimer: Some links included in this descriptions may be affiliate links, meaning that I will receive a small commission if you buy from that link.
The world feels heavy right now, and as an actor, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed: this is the struggle of balancing your art and why it still matters. This episode isn’t for the faint of heart, though! I’m talking priorities, excuses, wellbeing, and your life’s purpose- all the things required to move the needle forward. Times might be crazy, but your art is always worth pursuing… and dare I say… necessary. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 — New Year Updates 02:36 — Creating in a Heavy World 05:32 — Urgent vs. Important Tasks 07:46 — Your Actor Craft 08:29 — Career Growth 11:45 — Your Life’s Purpose 13:13 — Excuses vs. Distractions 18:53 — Industry Struggles 20:30 — Reclaiming Your Purpose 23:38 — Why Your Art Still Matters Podcast Produced by - Fast Forward Productions 📚 EPISODE RESOURCES: ★ Actor Busy Work vs. Deep Work ★ Ikigai ★ Big Magic
►► JOIN THE EMAIL LIST ♡Even More Sam♡ Instagram Patreon My IMDb
What. A. Year. We have been through it, and I am so honored to have you all tuning along every step of the way. This is the season finale for the One Broke Actress Podcast in 2024, and I am walking you through the three main things that I think everyone needs to keep in mind as they start to build ‘an acting career for themselves. I tell you why I think we all need to maintain our passion for the work, to have perseverance, and to accept the long journey ahead. As artists, we need to constantly be seeking inspiration, and keeping a beginner's mindset, and planning for financial stability, and adjusting our expectations. It’s a lot, but it will be so worth it because it will help you stay in the game for a lifetime. If you’ve been waiting for a sign not to give up, this is it. During the weeks where I am processing what to do in 2025 for all of you, I’m also leaving you with my 'teaspoon of hope' theory that I hope helps you as much as it has me. Let me know in the comments down below or on the @samvalentine Instagram what you want to see more of. Until then, happy holidays, and this is Sam, signing off (not for patreon or apple podcast subscribers though - you’ll be hearing from me very soon)
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Season Finale
00:17 — Reflecting on the Past Year
00:52 — Plans for the Future
01:37 — Supporting the Podcast
03:02 — The Importance of Positivity
04:20 — The Long Game of an Acting Career
07:23 — Maintaining the Love for Acting
15:14 — Pursuing Acting Continuously
21:18 — Acceptance and Releasing Expectations
26:05 — Teaspoon of Hope Theory
28:36 — The Biggest Takeaways
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Join the Patreon to keep this pod in your feed!
★ Watch One Broke Actress “REALITY CHECK: HOW MUCH ACTORS MAKE VS. SPEND”
★ Join the Side Hustle Academy Waitlist
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at One Broke Actress
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
We’ve talked about the cost of living in Los Angeles before, but how does it compare to the different acting markets in the United States? I did some research on the cost of living for actors in Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City and compared them to Los Angeles. Bringing my bestie and Atlanta native Gabrielle Byndloss on board, I share my findings as Gabrielle reacts to numbers. We’re getting honest about the financial realities of living as an actor in all the major US markets — including rent, transportation, groceries, and acting-related costs. We talk about what some of your deciding factors may be such as quality of life, production numbers, and where to plant your roots. So if you’ve been struggling to figure out where to go due to finances, we got you. Remember, there’s no universal “right” market, but there is a market that is right for YOU!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Let’s Talk Markets
00:20 — Nobody Wants This
03:06 — Actor Life in Different Markets
03:41 — Comparing Living Costs: LA vs. Atlanta
08:21 — Atlanta's Acting Market and Opportunities
12:10 — Detailed Cost Breakdown for Actors in LA and Atlanta
18:14 — Comparing Food and Lifestyle Costs
22:07— Exploring Chicago's Market
22:13 — Comparing Chicago and New York Living Costs
23:19 — The Reality of Living in Chicago
24:31 — Challenges of Moving to Chicago
26:07 — Exploring New York's Living Expenses
27:36 — The True Cost of Living in New York
32:30 — Production Listings in Major Cities
38:31 — The Importance of Choosing Where to Live
40:00 — Why the Numbers are Lying
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Listen to Ladygang “Nobody Wants This Creator ERIN FOSTER”
★ Join the One Broke Actress Patreon for the Bonus Pod
★ Watch REALITY CHECK: HOW MUCH ACTORS MAKE VS. SPEND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzosA2ZhyTA
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and get all the sam valentine links here!
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
We’re back with No Stupid Questions! This time we’re getting into a 10-2 on set, nudity as an actor, out-of-state callbacks, local hires, succeeding without connections or money, and if actors can have tattoos. We’re also getting into the challenges of dealing with your agency closing, how your past work effects you, and how our online presence gets back to casting. If you’ve got more questions, comment them down below and check out Side Hustle Academy if you’ve been wanting to achieve financial stability while in pursuit of an acting career.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — answering your questions 01:35 — mic'd up when nature calls 05:17 — navigating the KMR agency collapse 10:25 – does nudity affect casting? 11:12 — impact of onlyfans on casting 12:40 — travel expenses for out-of-state callbacks 15:33 — can you succeed as an actor without money or connections? 18:05 — tattoos & casting 20:22 — investing in you
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Watch HBO Documentary “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”
★ Read Deadline “KMR Agency Suspends Franchise With SAG-AFTRA Amid Major Client Payment Delays”
★ Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
★ Listen to One Broke Actress “Ciera Payton: Biracial Casting, Hollywood Diversity, Envisioning Your Future”
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at One Broke Actress
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
Last week we heard from Jazelle Foster, a CEO of her own business with multiple employees and clients. But, I know some of you don’t want to deal with the hassle of marketing, selling, and creating. Some of you just want to have a side hustle that gives you enjoy to be happy while pursuing acting. Is it possible? Adrianna Licitra’s story will have you knowing that it is. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Adrianna shares her journey of managing a professional organizing business alongside her new acting career. She gets into freelancing versus working for a company, and how she keeps acting a priority while juggling her side hustles, family, and life obligations. This discussion is perfection for those who are looking to diversity their income streams without sacrificing their craft. Want more? Sign up for Side Hustle Academy from October 21st to 25th! https://themembership.co/sha
★ Sign Up for Side Hustle Academy now: https://themembership.co/sha
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — understanding the overwhelm
00:27 — meet adrianna licitra
01:59 — balancing business and acting
04:37 — keeping it simple
11:56 — freelancing vs. running your own business
15:34 — AD: side hustle academy: https://themembership.co/sha
23:39 — overcoming the fear of diversifying focus
24:23 — balancing multiple careers for stability
26:33 — the benefits of life experiences in acting
27:13 — the value of online courses for side hustles
30:05 — organizing tips for actors
35:09 — creating a homey space in small apartments
38:30 — connecting with adrianna for organizing help
41:04 — wrap-up
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow Adriana on IG @adrianna_licitra
★ Follow Adriana’s Organizing and Styling on Facebook
★ Sign Up for Side Hustle Academy now
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and get all the sam valentine links here!
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
So how do you actually make money as an actor? Is it possible to start a side hustle while being a full time actor? You know that I’ve built up One Broke Actress to be my main source of income while being an actor. But have others done it? YES. And today I’m bringing you Jazelle Foster to talk about her journey in her acting career. Jazelle shares her journey from acting to founding a creative marketing company, Creatives Meet Marketing, offering social media strategies and insights for actors. We get into social media, online platforms, LLCs, financial management, the significance of embracing imperfection, and tips for cultivating a social media presence that works for you. If you’ve got an idea or a desire to get finanical freedom, Gabrielle and I are launching our Side Hustle Academy October 21st-25th - sign up below!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — no one knows what they’re doing
01:28 — meet jazelle foster: from acting to marketing
02:49 — jazelle’s journey into social media
04:41 — balancing acting and business
10:42 — financial freedom & business structure
12:25 — side hustle academy: sign up https://themembership.co/sha
24:20 — social media tips for actors
28:40 — why actors need to get online
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow Jazelle Foster on IG
★ Follow Creatives Meet Marketing IG
★ Follow Jazelle Artistry on YouTube
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and get all the sam valentine links here!
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
Being an actor is tough and there’s so many questions about what it takes to be an actor. How do you have a successful acting career? Do you need botox? How do you conquer imposter syndrome as an actor? I answer all these questions and more in our new No Stupid Questions series. Ask me anything and everything and I will answer to the best of my ability. In this episode, I share honest, practical advice on topics such as asking for referrals, using AI or ChatGPT for cover letters, managing credit card debt, and understanding the importance of authenticity in acting. And yeah, we’re getting into Botox and fillers in the industry, whether or not Hollywood is a cult, why we need to manage expectations in an acting career, and the realities of moving to Los Angeles. Got more questions? Leave a comment!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — there are no stupid questions
01:46 — addressing common actor questions
02:29 — referrals and networking in the acting industry
04:10 — using AI for agency rep cover letters
05:09 — managing credit card debt as an actor
06:41 — biggest mistake in acting
07:24 — botox and fillers for actors
11:22 — is hollywood a vult?
12:34 — dealing with self-doubt in cting
15:23 — understanding co-star roles in canada
16:38 — getting an agent with no experience
18:11 — moving to los angeles for acting
20:43 — next steps
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Watch LOS ANGELES ACTOR LIFE | i’ve been an actor for 13 years and here is what you need to know…
★ Watch DAY IN MY LIFE as an actor in los angeles
★ Watch **Picking Your Actor Market + How to Move to a New City as an Actor | ATLANTA, CHICAGO, NEW YORK, LA**
★ Watch How to be an Actor in 2024 | step by step in the process of starting your acting career
★ Watch REALITY CHECK: HOW MUCH ACTORS MAKE VS. SPEND
★ Melissa at Honest Dermatology
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at One Broke Actress
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
Acting is EXPENSIVE. Some people aren’t aware of just how expensive it can be. I’m here to give you an LA actor reality check: making and spending money as an actor is hard. There are so many things we have to invest a lot into without any certainty of a return like demo reels, headshots, and classes. So how much money do you need to be an actor in LA? The financial cost of an acting career can vary from one person to another, but I’m taking you through the average costs in LA and what an actor would make in a good year. I break down living expenses, bills, and what you can expect to make as an actor in LA. What survival job tips have you found to be helpful while pursuing your actor career?
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Celebrating a Successful Year as an Actor
01:12 — Reality Check: The Cost of Living in LA
02:28 — Breaking Down a Slim LA Budget
05:48 — Analyzing Your Acting Income
09:27 — The Importance of Multiple Income Streams
12:21 — Introducing Side Hustle Academy
13:34 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Side Hustle Academy Waitlist
★ Miata Edoga, CEO of Abundance Bound
★ Arnold Schwarzenegger Documentary “Arnold”
★ SOURCE: “Essential Guide to SAG-AFTRA Rates 2024”
★ SOURCE: “Cost of living in Los Angeles: Beginner's guide to expenses”
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
Gabrielle and I are on a ROADTRIPPP!!!! We were speakers at the Southwestern Actors Conference, and along the 5 hour trip, we decided to talk about the industry and ask each other questions. We cover topics such as fear in the acting industry, actor mindset, money and financials, handling self-tapes, on-set etiquette, working relationships with agents, and navigating auditions. We both feel like one of the most important aspects of it is having a supportive actor community to share our individual experiences on managing the unpredictable nature of an acting career. Find your community, or join The Membership waitlist to become a part of ours!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Road Trip Conversations Friends
01:53 — Navigating Acting and Side Hustles
04:39 — Dealing with Audition Anxiety
07:33 — Commercial Success and Financial Stability
12:41 — The Importance of Discussing Pay
17:13 — Practical Acting Tips and On-Set Advice
20:41 — The Membership Perks and Side Hustle Academy
21:01 — Essential On-Set Tips for New Actors
21:45 — Navigating Set Dynamics and Call Sheets
23:36 — Camera Awareness and Positioning
28:53 — Communicating with Agents and Declining Auditions
31:52 — Strength in Community
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ How I Do My Full Body Slates
★ Join The Membership Waitlist
★ Join the Side Hustle Academy Waitlist
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
