Think Bigger Actors Podcast

In this episode, I sat down with the multifaceted Jon Lindstrom, known for his iconic roles in "General Hospital," "As The World Turns," and his new title of best-selling author, with the "Hollywood Hustle." This conversation delves deep into the valleys and peaks of an acting career, the mindset required for longevity in Hollywood, and the importance of diversifying your creative endeavors.   CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  SELF TAPE PLAYBOOK: http://www.selftapeplaybook.com/ WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com     CONNECT WITH JON:  Instagram: @jonlindstrom Twitter: @thejonlindstrom Facebook: facebook.com/jonlindstrom Threads: @jonlindstrom

In this episode I interview my parents and get to the bottom of the dreaded actor question, “How’s the Acting Thing going?”   I, also, chat with my parent about watching all of my shows, me being an actor and their expectations vs my expectations of my career.  What came out of this conversation was definitely not what I was expecting.  Watch the video podcast on Youtube + Subscribe: DaJuan Johnson - Think Bigger Coaching for Actors  www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the ‘gram! @thinkbiggercoaching and @dajuanjohnson Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group – where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level. #Skiptheline #seeyouonset

Today’s podcast guest is one of the executive producers from BOSCH, she was a co-showrunner on Netfli’s Self-Made, a bad ass writer and now just added Author to her resume. Elle Johnson. This is one of those talks that you want to go slow and really listen to because she dives into what producers, writer, showrunners are looking for in actors. We talk about my role on BOSCH and how it expanded...what made the producers sit around and think -- we want to see more of DaJuan. This was a packed talk that you don't want to miss out on!  Watch the video podcast on Youtube + Subscribe: DaJuan Johnson - Think Bigger Coaching for Actors  www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the ‘gram! @thinkbiggercoaching and @dajuanjohnson Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group – where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level. #Skiptheline #seeyouonset

Today’s podcast guest is Casting Director Caroline Liem who is ALL ABOUT MINDSET and what a better place to talk about it than on the Think Bigger Actors Podcast. We talk about her work with a Shaman, How a casting director threw a shoe at the door and in those next couple of moments how she knew she wanted...rather needed to be a different kind of casting director. Of course we talk about Self-Tapes because I have a casting director here and I want to make sure you’re getting the up to date information on your tapes. And more. And we really stop and breakdown CLUBHOUSE...and why I think actors -- yes, my people -- are using it the absolute wrong way. Yup, shots were fired...gauntlets thrown on this episode.  As always, stick around after the podcast for the D-12 shot. Where I get to bring it all together.    Watch the video podcast on Youtube + Subscribe: DaJuan Johnson - Think Bigger Coaching for Actors www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the ‘gram! @thinkbiggercoaching and @dajuanjohnson Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group – where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level. #Skiptheline #seeyouonset  

Today’s podcast guest is Raymond Lee. Maaaaaan, this guy right here. This is an actors ACTOR talk. This guy works all the freaking time. All the time. The new Top Gun, Here and Now, Kevin can go F himself and so much more….   Get ready for this deep dive conversation.  We talk about how he feels he did NOT skip a step getting to where he is now in his career,  What happens when you eliminate the “shoulds.”  What he does consistently that he didn’t before,   What is it really like being at CAA? Does he feel lost there or not… How he’s been with about 8 agencies...he’s changed agents every year or every other year Why we share the same thought on almost getting made when we get a callback.    ** I’m going to say this because I love you...if you miss his How do you prepare for a role? From the Audition to booking it and how it’s different when he books the role. That's on you. Oof! ** As always, stick around after the podcast for the D-12 shot. Where I get to bring it all together.  Watch the video podcast on Youtube + Subscribe: DaJuan Johnson - Think Bigger Coaching for Actors www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the 'gram! @thinkbiggercoaching.com and @dajuanjohnson Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group -- where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level. #Skiptheline #seeyouonset

This episodes guest is Casting Director - Alexis Allen Winter. I sat down with her and it was only fitting that we talked ALL THINGS SELF TAPES. Because I am committed to helping you uplevel your self-tapes and get you BOOKED & BUSY! It’s refreshing to speak with a CD that is really dropping golden nuggets about the self tape process, what she wants actors to know about it, why SELF TAPES are truly here to stay… And why she supports my thoughts that actors need to STOP ROMANTICIZING the room! In fact we dive all the way into why the casting room is outdated and feels like Something that started in the 50’s, but  we’ve never changed it. So. True.    Also, in this episode we also chat about:  Casting in different markets besides L.A.  Diversity In Casting -- what’s been done now State of the Union regarding casting -- when are we getting back into the rooms Memorized  The most important thing for an actor   Watch the video podcast on Youtube + Subscribe: DaJuan Johnson - Think Bigger Coaching for Actors  www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the ‘gram! @thinkbiggercoaching and @dajuanjohnson Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group – where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level. #Skiptheline #seeyouonset

In this episode, I get to talk with Kirby Howell-Babtiste. If consistently working actor were a meme -- she’d be on it. It’s been inspiring watching her career sky rocket from the moment I met her at a studio I was teaching at, to working together in the ABC SHOWCASE together -- then working on set together on a pilot -- to watching breakdown come across my desk with “Kirby Howell-Baptise” attached to this project. Mind blowing to see her go from submitting on actors access to being repped by CAA, the biggest agency in our industry.  Phew! In this episode we break it all down:  From Submitting on LA Casting to CAA.  “Business Mondays” - How setting aside time every Monday for the business side of Acting set a solid foundation How she genuinely doesn't believe she's ever lost out on one role How writing has brought her great empowerment. How the things that you’ve actually lived through are so interesting and so unique, so varied in what we want to see.The stories you have to tell are way more interesting than half the things than some writers are imagining. Why not being teachers pets is a WIN! Why she’s never thought about quitting acting before.   Watch the video podcast on Youtube + Subscribe: DaJuan Johnson - Think Bigger Coaching for Actors www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the ‘gram! @thinkbiggercoaching and @dajuanjohnson Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group – where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level.   #Skiptheline #seeyouonset 

Back for Season 2 of the Think Bigger Actors Podcast and couldn't be more excited!  So much has changed since we left each other at the end of last season. A Think Bigger Summit, Masterclasses of Self Tapes That Book -- but none more life changing than ending 7 seasons on BOSCH. Yup, the show I was a regular on for seven seasons has come to an end. This episode is all about the top ten things I learned on the show.  From how to negotiate money, asking for what you want, being addicted to notes on set and so much more.  www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Follow me on the ‘gram! @thinkbiggercoaching and @dajuanjohnson  Join the Think Bigger Tribe Facebook group – where a Tribe of like minded actors come to take their career to the next level.  #Skiptheline #seeyouonset

In this episode, I sit down with Jodie Bentley, Career Coach for Actors. who emphasizes the importance of business skills and mindset in the industry. But, I know her as the BRANDING QUEEN. Jodie's expertise in branding has made her a leading figure in our industry, helping actors define their unique identity and stand out in a competitive market.  CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  Think Bigger Actors Retreat: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/actors-retreat/ WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggeractorsretreat.com    CONNECT WITH JODIE: Instagram: @jodiebentley Website: https://jodiebentley.com/ 3 Months Free of Actor's Office: https://jodiebentleycareercoach.thrivecart.com/the-actors-office-3-months-free/ The Actor's Office: https://www.theactorsoffice.com/    

Today’s guest we have Rose Rosen, Casting Director and Host of the podcast Casting Confidential!  We break down so much in this freaking episode. We deep dive into the business of acting in this podcast. I always love hearing this broken down from a CD’s perspective: Slates, Self-Tapes. How to really build relationships with Casting Directors, and so much more. I say, grab a snack or throw me in your ear and go for a walk. It’s about to get gooooood.    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  Think Bigger Actors Retreat: https://thinkbiggercourses.com/tbc-retreat-waitlist/ WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com     CONNECT WITH ROSE: Instagram: @roserosencsa Website: https://castingbyroserosen.com/ 30 Days free of Casting Confidential: https://buy.stripe.com/fZebM4fNEeop1H2aEF  

In this episode, I sit down with Kahyun Kim and do some cocaine. Okay, that part is a lie, but we do talk about booking her amazing role in the film, Cocaine Bear. Having to act with a silver ball, working with Elizabeth Banks, and why it’s so freaking important to bring “F*ck it” to your career.    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  SELF TAPE PLAYBOOK: http://www.selftapeplaybook.com/ WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com     CONNECT WITH KAHYUN: Instagram: @Kahyunkim257 TikTok: @Kahyunkim257  

We’re kicking off Season 5 with Emmy nominated actor, Cameron Britton. I first fell in love with this guy after his incredible performance as a famous serial killer in 'Mindhunter'. But, maybe you know him from 'A Man Called Otto' opposite Tom Hanks, 'Umbrella Academy' opposite Mary J Blige or 'Manhunt'. Cameron is a working freaking actor…   And he popped in and chatted with me and some think bigger fans - LIVE! And what a great talk we freaking had. Enjoy.    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  SELF TAPE PLAYBOOK: HERE! TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com 

In this Season 5 kickoff of the Think Bigger Actors Podcast, I dive into the current state of our industry, reflecting on the impacts of the recent strike, my agency imploding, and the ever-evolving dynamics of what it means to be a "working actor" today.  I’m using this S5 opener as a call to action for actors at every stage of their career to reassess their goals, strategies, and perspective as we really reset how we view “making it and working in today’s industry.  I’ll tell you how I do it- by HOLDING THE VISION. NOT THE CIRCUMSTANCES.    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  SELF TAPE PLAYBOOK: HERE! TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com          

Today’s guest is Casting Director John Levey. He might not like being called a legendary casting director, but when you worked on some of the greatest shows – ER, West Wing, and Shameless – I think we can call ya a legend. Or at least legend adjacent. We chatted about his new book RIGHT FOR THE ROLE (link below) and so much more…but his take on bringing these few things as some of the secret sauce to your work was mind-blowing: Authenticity, Intelligence, Sensitivity, Imagination, Talent!   CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  SELF TAPE PLAYBOOK: HERE! TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com     CONNECT WITH John Levey: Link for John Levey’s Book: Here! Instagram: @john_frank_levey_ Website: www.johnfranklevey.com

Today’s guest is Casting Director Seth Caskey. Mayor of Kingstown, What/IF, Glow.    A few things we talked about…  How he used to be an actor and the turning point that led him to Casting. How being a professional actor, he has time for…not needy actor energy.  Being in the room is the part of the job he loves the most, but that same part of the job also wears him out.  How to keep in touch with Casting. Networking in Business.    But, I really loved his answer on Self-Tape and the perceptions we hold as actors about our opportunities, of our chances of booking more IN THE ROOM.  Self Tapes: What are you basing your perception off of – going into the room. You had no idea what your odds ever were? It’s an assumption you are choosing to make. CONNECT WITH ME:   Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com   CONNECT WITH SETH: Instagram: @sethcaskey  Website: sethcaskey.com Sub-page for actors to send me their materials: https://www.sethcaskey.com/actorsubmissions

The AGENT EPISODE: Anthony Boyer Breaks It All The Way Down This might be one of the most important podcasts I’ve ever done. Whether you are a new actor, development, or veteran. This talk with Anthony Boyer was amazing.  Topics covered:  Why ACTORS ARE BAD BOSSES of their Acting Business How not being prepared for your self-tapes can get the kiss of death  How Actors Are asking the WRONG QUESTIONS to their team The Real Trajectory of a “working actor”  What is a development Actor Stop Treating Your relationship with your Team as only Transactional Actors In other Markets going to bigger cities Why submission reports can be seen as negative How actors must EMPOWER themselves When is it really time to leave your agent? From an Agent's perspective. And so much more. **Don’t forget to stick around til the end for D-12 Coaching Shot where I bring it all together.    Anthony’s Companion PDF: 411 Agent Episode    CONNECT WITH ANTHONY: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyBoyerDDO Instagram: @AnthonyBoyerDDO    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com   

STRIKE STRIKE STRIKE! And we’re back…Strike be damned! Today, we are catching up on all things STRIKE related…and then we are going to calm our anxieties and fears with some TAPPING. Sarah Louise Lilley is here to chat with us.   **Don’t forget to stick around til the end for D-12 Coaching Shot, where I bring it all together.    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com   

Dennis Gonzalez talks about change, transition, and evolution in today’s industry. We also dive into actors seeking outside validation and a new mindset around it. But, my favorite is the question that you should ask yourself about this moment in our industry: Is this something you’re willing to go through…to continue to persevere through? This is another fire episode, and I hope you stick around for the D12 shot in the end, where I bring it all together.    CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com  Self Tape Travel Studio:  www.selftapetravelstudio.com  

Throwback to last year's interview with Brian Michael Smith. It was so good that I had to feature it again. This time, with a new Intro and D12 shot!  Today’s episode we have Brian Micheal Smith, the first Black Trans Man cast in a series regular role on network TV! Lone Star 911.  This is such an inspiring episode - not because it’s the Pride Month, Trans Episode – that part IS pretty amazing. But, honestly, because Brian is our people – he speaks our language – Mindset and Living your purpose.  But the way he broke down his Mindset and Purpose ON acting gave me chills.  How he got super specific and wrote down - so he can call in all of his next-level roles – including the current Series Regular role he’s playing right now.  Get your pen and paper out because issa about to be a BLUES CLUES episode.   CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com  JOIN THE CLUB: www.thebookersclub.com Self Tape Travel Studio:  www.selftapetravelstudio.com

Today’s guest we have Giovanni Porta  – Writer, Producer, Actor.  This episode was so freaking special. Giovanni was so real, so transparent about why he stopped acting. How it wasn’t fun anymore and he literally had to stop for his mental health. I got chills listening to him. And of course, he goes on and lays out his path for now how he has found so much success pitching and selling his scripts - AND GETTING them made.  I’m in awe of him. This podcast is seriously why I wanted to do the Think Bigger Actors Podcast.   ** Stick around until the end for my D12 shot, where I bring it all together!   CONNECT WITH ME: Instagram: @thinkbiggercoaching  TAKE THE QUIZ: www.theselftapequiz.com WHO IS THIS GUY? www.thinkbiggercoaching.com  JOIN THE CLUB:www.thebookersclub.com Self Tape Travel Studio:  www.selftapetravelstudio.com