A client recently asked me, “Do you ever have doubts?” Ohhh yes. I’ve quit acting—more than once—sometimes in my head, sometimes out loud to my agents. In this episode, we talk honestly about self-doubt, why it shows up (even for Oscar winners), and how to work through it with a powerful mindset exercise. Plus, a story about Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Julianne Moore that’ll make you feel a whole lot less alone.
Grab a piece of paper—you’ll want to do this exercise with me. Let’s turn that inner critic into your biggest cheerleader.
Twenty years ago, I started writing down 10 goals a day for 3 months.
📜 My brain was like, “Cool, let’s do this,” and then:
🎤 I booked a global voiceover
🎬 Then another VO
📺 Then an on-camera commercial that flew me first class to LA
💍 My boyfriend at the time came with me, booked it too, and PROPOSED
⚖️ Oh, and I lost 7 lbs—all written in my goals
This isn’t magic—it’s science.
Writing down your goals activates your reticular activating system, the part of your brain that helps you notice what matters.
👀 Want your brain to start working for you, not against you?
Start writing.
Need help figuring out what to write? Book a Clarity Session.
🔗 courtneyrioux.com/coaching
#goals #brainhacks #actorlife #mindsetcoach #bookingmindset #gratitudepractice #actorslife🎬 #creativemindset #wholeartist #claritysession #actingcoach #actorswhohustle #manifestationcoach #goalsetting #goalgetters #neurosciencefacts #reticularactivatingsystem #auditionready
After having my son almost three years ago, I slowly let go of the habits that kept me feeling my best—working out, meditating, writing down my goals, and prioritizing self-care. Then, life threw another curveball: I lost a long-term voiceover job that had been a major part of my income for seven years.
In this mini-episode, I share how one teeny tiny change—a short morning routine—helped me reset. For the past 32 days, I’ve been following Miracle Morning, a simple daily practice that includes meditation, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and journaling. It’s changed everything. I have more energy, I’m more productive, and I’m even worrying less about money.
If you’ve fallen off your self-care habits, you’re not alone. Tune in to hear how one small, intentional change can make a big impact. And if you want to try Miracle Morning for free, DM me your email at courtneyrioux.com or on Instagram, and I’ll send you a free trial while I can!
🎧 Listen now and let’s put our own oxygen masks on first.
Not getting a callback and not booking that acting gig is NOT necessarily rejection. It could mean, "Not now!" It could mean, "Let's call her in for something better for her!" It could mean, "They're not right for this role, but wow that was great! Let's call them in again."
You never know how, when, or why you'll achieve your acting goals. Stop trying to read other people's minds. And more importantly, stop assuming the worst! You never know when that audition could land you your next role.
Head to CourtneyRioux.com to let me know how this episode resonated with you!
Courtney sits down with actor, James Vincent Meredith to discuss all things acting...including imposter syndrome!
Born in Chicago, raised in Evanston, now residing in Oak Park, James Vincent Meredith is proud to call Illinois and the Midwest his home. Meredithʼs body of work spans film, television, and theater. His feature credits include Widows, the 2018 crime thriller starring Viola Davis, Princess Cyd, and Knives and Skin.
In television, he was a series regular on the fourth season of Fargo as Opal Rackley. He recurred as Barry Vaughn on NBCʼs Chicago Med and Alderman Ross on Boss for Starz, as well as guest star appearances on Proven Innocent and Exorcist (FOX), Shameless (HBO), and Betrayal (ABC). Meredith has been a member of Chicagoʼs Steppenwolf Theatre Company for over a decade, sharing the stage with Tracy Letts, Rainn Wilson, LoisSmith, William Petersen, and Michael McKean, among others. Broadway credits include Superior Donuts and “Mafala Hatimbi” in the long-running musical Book of Mormon.
To learn more about James Vincent Meredith, visit:
https://www.instagram.com/javimere1971/
Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at:
www.courtneyrioux.com
instagram.com/courtneyrioux
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Special thanks to:
Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing the first version of this episode.
Mandy Work for all of your hard work.
Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux.
Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux
Our guest today is Eddie Mujica. He's a Cuban-American actor, writer, director, and Emmy-winning producer.
In this episode, we talk about his viral videos on TikTok and Instagram, his creative process, and auditioning for SNL. We talk about therapy, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. No, it's real. You guys, I swear, it's a really fun episode. We talk about his experience in the writer's room on Zoom and in person, self-care, values, and so much more.
Check out Eddie's viral videos at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyOTCTXrXS9/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
And here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJRyTHYpFbxmEm97xB2Psj9nQQzbMAbiy&si=k6LOMq0hZkKM7YDA
I'm rereleasing this episode on President's Day for no reason whatsoever...
This episode was first released in March 2021.
Is someone you know and love in a cult? Do you want to help them?
Have you been told you're in a cult, but your organization denies it?
Do you wish to know the signs of a cult leader or a cult? You're not alone! And Dr. Lalich can help.
Courtney sat down with researcher, author, and educator, Dr. Janja Lalich, Ph.D.
Dr. Lalich specializes in cults and extremist groups and has worked with current members, former members, and families of members of controversial groups. A former Fulbright scholar, and Professor Emerita of Sociology, Dr. Lalich is the founder and director of the Center for Research on Influence and Control. She has a Master’s in Human Development and a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems. She’s written numerous books, including her most recent one, Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships. The audiobook is coming out soon with Sarah Edmunson, narrating.
Dr. Lalich is a former member of a cult herself, and is in, and produced several cult documentaries including: Heavens Gate, Seduced, The UnXplained, The Lost Women of NXIVM, Explained, Cults and Extreme Belief, and more.
To learn more about Dr. Lalich, visit:
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Special thanks to:
Courtney Rioux and Avis Boone are Co-Hosting this round table discussion with fellow negotiating committee members, Jason George, Shari Belafonte, and Danielle Towne. We cover AI concerns, the process of the negotiations, and the major gains of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Tentative Agreement. Voting ends December 5th at 5 pm PT/7 pm CT/8 pm ET and you can get more info, find your PIN, and vote at https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts2023
Check out Avis Boone's podcast That's How We Role
Actor Behzad Dabu talks about taking a leap, acting in LA vs Chicago, the actor mindset, the SAG-AFTRA Strike, and more.
Behzad Dabu is an actor, producer, and writer based out of both Los Angeles and Chicago. He grew up in Syracuse, NY, and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.
He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.
On-screen, you can see him as REDACTED BC OF THE STRIKE, and on The Lion Guard. He also appeared in episodes of REDACTED; as well as various audiobooks, podcasts, and national commercials.
With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of 'Amit' in "Samsara" at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award - Best Actor. He also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group.
Behzad strives to be a strong advocate for social justice and equality, particularly in regard to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader.
Behzad is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
Actor and writer, Barbara Howlin talks about using The Artist’s Way to recover your inner artist, trust your intuition, and heal through play.
Barbara Howlin is a SAG-AFTRA actor & writer who's been guiding creatives for the last decade. She's taught actors at AMAW and various studios around Los Angeles. Barbara is also a Reiki Master guiding people in energy expansion & healing. As founder of The Howling Hive, she leads groups and one-on-one sessions to help us all embrace creative healing for a life of play, ease & exploration.
Get $15 off Barbara's Artist's Way Group with the code WHOLEARTIST!
Courtney and her coach, Jaime, discuss the desire to quit acting or at least take a break. They talk about raising strong, independent children, motherhood, and its challenges, especially in the acting industry. Courtney opens up about where the hell she's been the past two years....trigger warning they talk about pregnancy loss. Jaime reveals being recently diagnosed with ADHD. The title of this episode says it all... Braving the Unknown: Navigating Big Life and Career Transitions with Self-Compassion Feat. The unknown is uncomfortable, let's navigate it together!
After a two-year hiatus (maternity and bereavement leave) Courtney is back at the podcast! Episode 2 will explain where she's been the past two years, but Episode 1 had to be an update on the strike, didn't it?! #SAGAFTRASTRIKE #SAGAFTRASTRONG
Official updates at: Sagaftrastike.org
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Co-produced by Bex Marsh and Courtney Rioux. Edited by Courtney Rioux.
Special thanks to: Mandy Work for all your help on the episode, and to Dana Black and Tania Richard for your fellow podcaster support group that we have unofficially started.
Patreon.com/wholeartistpod
@courtneyrioux and @wholeartistpod @bexleemarsh
https://entertainmentcommunity.org/how-get-help-and-give-help-during-work-stoppage
Transcript link: https://courtneyrioux.squarespace.com/season-3-episode-1-transcript
The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.
Tyler Core contains multitudes. He, fortunately, stumbled into a job he loves: taking actor headshots for the acting community of Chicago. A hearty community of weirdoes lifts him up every day, including his wife, Stephanie, family and loved ones in Indiana, and his makeup artist and Chicago talent-captain, Khaki, of course. If he were composed of emojis: they would be a donut, a salsa dancer, an open mouth, and a red heart. And the fireworks one!
https://www.tylercoreshoots.com/
The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.
Born and raised on Chicago's south side, SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local President, Charles Andrew Gardner, is an actor, educator, and filmmaker. On-camera credits include The Chi, Chicago PD; films Long Ride Home, Olympia, Noise and Color, Every 21 Seconds, and Holding On; as well as multiple national commercials for brands including Hyundai, Liberty Mutual, Ford, and AT&T. Voice-over credits include Pepsi Co. McDonald’s, Comcast, Walmart, and Dunkin' Donuts. Charles is a company member with TimeLine Theatre Company. In addition to his work on stage and in front of the camera, Charles is an on-camera acting professor at DePaul University, a faculty member at The Acting Studio Chicago, as well as a teaching artist at TimeLine Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Charles sits on the Associate Producer board at the Gene Siskel Film Center and is an advisory board member of Creative Cypher.
Ilyssa Fradin is a working SAG-AFTRA actor in and from Chicago. She can be heard on a variety of voiceovers including commercials, corporate narration, interactive games, and promos. She’s also been in a variety of indie and feature films as well as Chicago-filmed TV shows. Joining both AFTRA and SAG on the same day in 1995, she became involved in union service during the commercials strike of 2000. She soon joined the SAG Council as a Local council member. She continued to serve her Branch as VP, then President, and after Merger became VP of the Mid-Sized Locals and co-chair of the CoL (Committee of Locals) for three terms. She currently serves as one of the two National Board reps for the Chicago Local. She has and continues to serve on a variety of Local and National committees. An industry labor advocate, she has been a delegate to the CFL- Chicago Federation of Labor and a member of the IPA (Illinois Production Alliance), WIFChgo, and MFF(Midwest Film Fest).
https://www.facebook.com/groups/chilocalleaders
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Chgosagaftra
https://www.youtube.com/user/SAGAFTRA
https://www.sagaftra.org/chicago
https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/member-app
Mixing: Henrique Lazary
Music: Blythe Martin Productions
Editing: Courtney Rioux
Assistance: Mandy Work Wetzel
The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked.
This week Courtney sits down with Torrey Devitto. Torrey is an actor who is known for the NBC drama Chicago Med (2015-2021), Amy Makes Three (2016) , and the CW television series The Vampire Diaries (2009), among many others.
Born and raised in Huntington, New York, to Mary Devitto & Liberty DeVitto, from the time Torrey was born, she was surrounded by the entertainment industry. For 28 years, her father played the drums for Billy Joel. She spent most of her early years traveling on the road with her parents. She began violin lessons at age six and was in the 4th grade when she had already earned her place as the 4th chair violinist in a New York high school orchestra. She played in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Florida Youth Artist Orchestra. In 1997, Torrey played on stage with her father at a Terri Binion show in Orlando, earning her first standing ovation.
At 15, she started working in commercials, modeling, and print ads. Her break came when she earned the lead in playwright Lee Blessing's three-woman play Eleemosynary, which was performed at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Torrey moved to Los Angeles, where her career as an actress took off.
Outside work, Torrey has worked with SafeBAE and been a longtime Hospice Ambassador, and also supports PETA and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). She shares, "To most, death is an incredibly scary and taboo idea. Hospice provides a shoulder to lean on... and the important duty of easing the fears and doubts that naturally reside in our minds as we approach the end of our lifetime. There is nothing I am more proud or passionate about than being a part of this work. It is a life-long commitment for me. A passion that I find to be more gratifying than anything I have ever known…”.
Find Torrey online at: ig: @torreydevitto
Torrey’s former acting teacher: Michael Woolson | https://MichaelWoolson.com
Hospice https://www.nhpco.org/
SafeBAE https://safebae.org
Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: https://www.courtneyrioux.com
Find Courtney on Social Media: https://instagram.com/courtneyrioux
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Special thanks to:
Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing this episode.
Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work.
Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to https://bravelux.com/
Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com
Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux
The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.
You are so much more than the last job you booked.
This week Courtney sits down with Bex Marsh. Bex is an Asian American actor, producer, writer, and former college baller. She's trained and performed at the world-renowned comedy theaters in Chicago: iO Chicago, The Annoyance, and The Second City. While in the Midwest, she took part in off-broadway theater, commercials, television, improv, and sketch comedy.
Now in Los Angeles, Bex recently shot a recurring role in the new pilot Strong Tower, co-star roles for CBS's Man With A Plan and Fox's Outmatched, and a supporting role for the film Clemency (starring Alfre Woodard) that just won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance (2019). Also, her comedy short Waterboy, which she co-wrote and starred in, was a finalist in the TBS Just For Laughs Shorts Competition headed by Kevin Hart. Catch her performing improv on the show Asian AF at UCB LA, or on any of America's Best or Ross Dress For Less commercials, or as one half of DUVAL Sketch Comedy for FUNNY OR DIE.
Find Bex on IG, Twitter, and Clubhouse at:
Duval:
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Chicago Local Election Facebook Group:
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Special thanks to:
Erick Backus for editing and mixing this episode.
Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work.
Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/
Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com
Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux
The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with Tiffany Yvonne Cox. Tiffany is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, producer, writer, and director. She began her professional career interning at The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. This launched her into the Chicago Theatre scene where she worked with companies such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The House Theatre, and The Goodman. After her first TV role on Chicago Fire, she decided to move to LA where she has worked on shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Dead To Me, and several films and national commercials. When not on screen or stage, Tiffany volunteers with non-profit organizations such as CSH Speak Up! where she supports those who have experienced homelessness to share their stories with legislation. She realized bringing minority stories to the forefront was something she could easily create through her art. She began producing her own creative work beginning with the Digital Series COMMUNE. Followed by her directorial debut of a short film called ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. To learn more about Tiffany’s work and projects, check out these links: www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com INSTAGRAM: @tiffany_y_cox Commune The Series: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfEGj5TF0w3uNMePKhP6jA Black HMU United: http://www.facebook.com/blackhmuunited The Roadside Assistance Workshop http://www.roadsideassistancewkshp.com A safe online retreat to grow and nurture empathy and allyship through reflective conversations and time with your inner voice. -- Tiffany directed and acted in LaDonna's Epiphany Ep. 1 of the Vaccine Vignets featuring Anna Maria Horsford https://vaccinevignettes.com/podcast-item/how-to-avoid-making-bad-choices/ — Catch Tiffany in Artemisia Theatre’s next Podcast play titled RACHEL by Angelina W. Grimke — Release Date of May 26th--- artemisiatheatre.org PGA To Host Panel On “Hair & Makeup Equity” With SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Gersh & Management 360 – Deadline https://deadline.com/2021/04/hair-makeup-equity-panel-may-11-sag-aftra-foundation-gersh-management-360-1234745204/ Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Eric Backus for mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Edited by Courtney Rioux
The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.
You are so much more than the last job you booked.
This week Courtney sits down with Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo. They are critically acclaimed sketch comedy writers and actors. As Dominizuelan they’ve been featured in Latina Magazine, Chicago Tribune, and TimeOut NY for their infectious chemistry and comedy. The duo co-created a web series with Fred Armisen (SNL) called The Dominizuelan Consulate. Lolo and Wendy wrote and directed their first short film “Good Mothers” in 2018, since then they have been focused on developing film and narrative content. Lolo and Wendy and directed 2 short films in quarantine, “Sunset 1919” and “Identified”. Diaz and Mateo have teamed up with 6 other partners to build a content creation company, Chicago4Real focused on creating live interactive entertainment on Amazon’s Twitch platform. On your TV, you can catch Lorena in her recurring role as Nurse Doris on NBC’s Chicago MED|FIRE|PD franchise. Wendy is an Artistic Associate of the Lookingglass Theatre and can also be seen on this season of Chicago Med.
Facebook: Lolo and Wendy | Chicago4Real
Instagram: @LoloandWendy | @itslorenadiaz | @itswendymateo | @Chicago4Real_on_Twitch
https://www.twitch.tv/chicago4real
Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at:
Find Courtney on Social Media:
###
Special thanks to:
Erick Backus for editing and mixing this episode.
Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work.
Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/
Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com
Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux
