Actor Problems

We're bringing back working actor and certified life coach DaJuan Johnson DaJuan Johnson is a working actor, certified life coach, and founder of Think Bigger Coaching, where he helps actors book their first or next big TV and film role. Known for his seven-season run as Detective Rondell Pierce on Amazon's Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, DaJuan currently recurs on NCIS: Origins as Detective Noah Oakley and Disney's How We Became the Biggest Band in the World. With credits including Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1, Narcos, Suits, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, NCIS (Hawaii and Origins), and Agent Carter, DaJuan brings real-world experience to his coaching. DaJuan's mission is to help actors #SKIPTHELINE and #SeeYouOnSet by mastering self-tapes and building audition confidence. Having helped hundreds of actors break through and book jobs, he's ready to help you do the same. #TrainWithCoachesThatWork   Stay in touch with DaJuan!    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkbiggercoaching/ Website: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com  Check out his THINK BIGGER ACTOR'S SUMMIT (March 10-12, 2025)    In this episode, we discuss…   Trusting in what's to come, while still feeling your feelings and being upset  Me (Tony) getting CALLED OUT by DaJuan at the top of the episode about how my headshot doesn't look like me! (which I JUST got a new one for!!)  DaJuan's story of nearly booking a series regular, thinking he had the role for six weeks…then learning it didn't go to him.  What he does for his physical health (and to stick with things when he's feeling bored of his routine)  How our physical health is directly related to our mental health  The surprising moment where DaJuan and I both learned we've given up alcohol  The link between alcohol and anxiety that we both noticed  What to do when we see others getting results that we want ourselves  How to avoid deep, negative feelings when we hit the same obstacles over and over  What went through DaJuan's mind after auditioning for NCIS for 30 times - without booking   Quotes    "We have to be really careful what we put momentum behind…"    "Tell me your actions and I'll tell you what you subscribe to…"    "Social media makes us think everyone thinks a particular way…but sometimes, social media shows the loudest voices…"    "I believe everything we want is on a different frequency…"    "Does (the pain of failing again" have to cut deeper? Or is there another option available to me? I know this road feels familiar…but maybe I'm a degree off from where I was last time."    "There's a lot of 'firsts' that we go after, that we don't even remember once we hit.."    Links!    The Mental Game Podcast - with Sam Brief  Sober Curious - by Ruby Warrington  Alcohol Masterclass - with Andrew Huberman  You can listen to previous episodes with DaJuan Johnson below!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actor-problems/id1377334242?i=1000473138692 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actor-problems/id1377334242?i=1000487292804    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

Today's episode is with talent manager and career coach Anastasia Edwards.  Born in Georgia (the country) and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ana moved to the United States at 18 after studying at the Theater Academy of Dramatic Arts. She built a solid on-camera resume, featuring roles in NCIS Hawaii (CBS), Chicago Fire (NBC), and Little America (Apple TV+), in addition to award-winning film credits. Ana has always been passionate about the business side of acting, which she fully explored during the pandemic by launching career coaching for actors. Her coaching quickly gained popularity, helping actors define their brand, build strong teams, and establish industry connections. Her clients have been signed and booked in major markets across the US, Canada, London, and Australia, confirming her belief that this was her true calling. Now, Ana is excited to join Malissa Young Management as a manager, bringing a unique perspective from her experience as a former actor and career coach. She speaks the actors' language, understands the journey and craft, and combines this with her years of coaching experience in marketing, positioning, and networking.   In this episode, we discuss…   How to pick which market actors should pursue their careers How she booked TV roles after relocating  What to remember when listening to other actor podcasts and interviews  Spotting scams & avoiding pay-to-play agencies  How being laid off from her day job led her to coaching actors  Her transition to becoming a talent manager  The importance of networking and creating your own career momentum Why branding and networking make actors "squeemish" (and what we can do about it)  Why branding is an empowering thing - not a limiting thing  Anastia's own mental health journey with anxiety and panic attacks  What Anastasia believes takes agency away from the actor  Quotes from the episode...   "Happy actor = happy career"   "Prioritize yourself and your own well being first"   "Just because something works for one person doesn't mean it will work for another."    "Just take a break and see if you miss it…"    "So often, actors put all their eggs in one basket in an agent and a manager."    "Branding has become a dirty word. Sometimes we get hung up on what the label is, rather than what it actually means."    "Branding is the foundation for your marketing. But how can you market something you don't understand?"   "At 21, I had my first anxiety attack. I was sure it was a heart attack."   "Sometimes, we're just on autopilot without asking 'Do I still want this?'"    "If you educate yourself enough on the business and take agency, you'll be less likely to be swayed in the wrong direction."   "Don't try to get it perfect. Try to get it going."   Links mentioned!  Actors VIP Membership FREE 1 Hour Branding Masterclass  Website: www.actingcareercoaching.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/actoranastasiaedwards  Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today's episode features Brian Patacca.  NOTE: If you're catching this in winter of 2025, Brian is once again hosting his popular masterclass Make Agents Want You LIVE!  Click here to snag a spot    Brian helps actors get what they want without all the struggle. He's helped 724 actors find representation and is even known as "The Representation Whisperer". Through his wildly popular online courses (Audition Magnet® and #agentgoals®) and entertaining podcast, Brian teaches actors how to market themselves authentically, use gratitude to open doors, and book the roles they were born to play. His coaching clients include Tony Award-winners, Broadway stars, Series Regulars, filmmakers, writers, and stand-up comedians. He proves that when they follow their purpose instead of playing by a tired set of industry rules (read: limiting beliefs), they can skip the drama, generate momentum, and build excitement around who they are and what they love to do the mostest. Brian is a graduate of Northwestern University, CTI's Co-Active Coach Training Program, Marianne Willamson's Teaching the Teachers – and on top of the training you'd expect a coach to have – Brian brings a spiritual and grounding approach to the bizniz rooted in his training as a non-denominational Reverend. Not only does he promise the how-to's, he has zero doubt that acting is your divine birthright.    In this episode, we discuss.... The 5 types of responses that agents can give to you when you submit  When tracking becomes less helpful in our careers  The confession I make publicly about Brian's program "Agent Goals"  When being "loyal" to an agent might be the wrong move  The mindset to attract an agent or manager in any city in the world  Why it's okay that you apply to reps…but don't necessarily believe that the process is going to work  The importance of knowing who you are when you're going about your submission process to reps  When you may not want to take advice of agents, managers, or casting directors How to deal with dips and challenges in the industry when they come up  A BIG thing that gets skipped when it comes to negative stories and headlines    Quotes from this episode…   "Submitting to reps should be a beginning and end…not this constantly cycle of reaching out."   "Acting is an artform that requires another human being."   "I think you also have known many an actor who has been with the wrong agent for way too long…and how easy and seductive it is and comforting to stay with the wrong agent for too long."   "I want an agency or manager that's excited about the fantasy of your career."   "The reason that a lot of actors aren't attracting the right agent is because they are not putting themselves out there in the right way."   "Let the industry do what the industry is going to do. You are gonna keep walking your path in the face of that…"    Stay connected with Brian!  www.BrianBreaksCharacter.com  www.ActorsMakeLemonade.com  Take advantage of his "Make Agents Want You" LIVE masterclass - https://rebrand.ly/TR25    INSTAGRAM @BrianSaysThat  https://www.instagram.com/briansaysthat/   TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@briansaysthat     Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

In this episode, we discuss…   Why so much of the casting world "has nothing to do with the actors"  How she became a "jack of all trades" working on both sides of the camera (including production.)  What it's like owning her own production company  Why she says yes when it comes to producing & funding other films The lack of representation on screen for Asian actors How the lack of representation of her demographics led her to start writing  The challenges she had as both a woman and as an Asian woman in the industry  Challenging experiences she had where her credits were taken away from her How she went from being mistreated so poorly to developing an attitude of empowerment  The importance of raising your standards when you're being mistreated  The importance of the content we consume, and how it impacts our behaviors  How she learned to take responsibility - and learned it the hard way  Quotes from this episode…   "I think it's partially unbelievable the things I'm doing at the same time."   "I would say I failed…I failed as a producer."   "You ask me how I am today? I laugh a lot."    "Actors are the first people on my payroll!"    "I think be need to see the humor in everything around them and not take everything so seriously."    "When it's not perfect? Enjoy it. Laugh about it!"  Links mentioned!    My recommended podcasts and reading lists  Check out the You're Out movie!  Website: www.LadieK.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiekproductions YouTube: www.youtube.com/ladiekproductions   Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

I don't actually care if you hit your goals or not last year for the following to be true... Check out this mini-sode of the Actor Problems for the what and why, plus how our habits can help or hurt our mental health.  PS - All my minisodes this season are also done on IG live :)  Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

Did you just make a mistake??  In this short solo episode, I'll talk more about... why making mistakes can actually be a good thing  how indecision might be hurting you and your career  what to remember to help with your mental health if/when your next mistake happens  Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today's guest is Katy Chen Mazzara.  Katy Chen Mazzara is a certified trauma-informed financial wellness coach and graduate of UC Berkeley's Personal Financial Planning program. As a former TV producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Katy understands the balance between dreaming and doing. Through her six step Financial Freedom Formula, Katy helps creative freelancers and entrepreneurs make more, worry less, and achieve true financial freedom, so they can create the life of their dreams. Sign up for Katy's webinar!  Happening on December 8th, 11th, and 13th, 2024.  Sign up here!  Follow Katy!  Website: https://www.katychenmazzara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katychenmazzara/   In this episode, we discuss… How being successful (in finances and career) involves ups and downs… Acknowledging those times when we do fall into scarcity thinking  How to shift from scarcity mindset into abundance  A tip on how to decrease anxiety  Why gratitude is harder for some people than others  Why positivity alone doesn't work for scarcity thinking  The importance of having a financial plan - even when we're not earning a lot of money Why you DON'T necessarily need a budget The importance of tracking how much we spend and earn Why we procrastinate on the things we love to do "Your dreams may not feel safe yet in your body…" - what this means and why it happens    Quotes from the episode..   It feels like you're going three steps ahead and two steps back…but incrementally you are going to see that growth.  Our minds are telling us stories. The way to counteract it is to tell it a different story - but a true story… Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is that you're feeling….it's much more harmful to suppress those feelings The more unknown something is, the more we're going to worry about it.  Retirement and investing feels far away. But if you start to create a plan towards that north star? Eventually you'll get there.  If you track for at least three to six months, you start to see where your patterns are.  If you have had traumas in your life, you're going to create certain places in your body where it does not feel safe enough to pursue the things you want to pursue You can help people and make money doing it.."    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

Welcome to season six!  Is your career where you want it to be?  Do you ever struggle figuring out where to place your time and energy? And how do we differentiate between when to slow down and breathe, versus kicking things up a notch?  Today we'll discuss two easy questions to ask yourself whenver you're in that phase of trying to move your career forward.    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

So I'm 36.  Here's what I haven't done so far... Booked a co-star  Gotten my EMC card Been in a long term relationship  Moved out of my studio apartment that I've lived in for 9 years ...and I currently don't have theatrical reps.  AND - all of this lacks context... Today in our season finale, we're gonna discuss how to calm that negative chatter telling us we should be "further" by now, plus how to add context if/when that chatter comes up.    Links referenced.. My money coach - www.katychenmazzara.com    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Has you confidence taken a hit?  When we don't feel confident, we're going to do less.  When we do less, we get less.  (So like, less acting opportunities....less money....you get it)  This week we're talking all about confidence.... Why it matters  The number one thing we can do to start to feel more confident  An example of how to be confident in front of casting directors  The opportunities we miss out on when we lack confidence How to be intentional and consume specific content based on our area of improvement  ....and more.    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Hear some actor industry info from former talent agent, actor, and found of Vagabond School of the Arts - Michael McCracken,  Michael has been in the professional entertainment industry for over 20 years. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Vagabond School of the Arts. Before founding Vagabond School he was a tv/film, commercial and theatrical talent agent (Grossman & Jack Talent, Shirley Hamilton Talent) here in Chicago. As a teacher and coach, he brings his experience as a freelance casting session director (Simon Casting, The Cast Station), SAG-AFTRA Actor (Chicago MED, Hyundai, Lunchables), improviser and musician. He has worked with thousands of actors at Vagabond School, using technique and business knowledge to push their careers forward. In this episode, you'll hear.... Michael's story of leaving his job as an agent and starting an acting school  What makes Chicago such a special market for actors  The challenge most actors face coming out of college and entering the industry  What Michael wasn't passionate about when working as an agent (and what he was)  Factors that go into casting outside of talent  The big component Michael includes in his actor's curriculum that often gets overlooked in class  Being weary of all the differing opinions on the industry  Why the loudest voices are not necessarily the majority  How actors don't always know what's going on with the business side of acting  Two factors that make a headshot stand out   Stay connected with Michael and Vagbond School!  Instagram: @michaelmmccracken @vagabondschool @vagabondschoolwest Facebook: @vagabondschool @vagabondschoolwest Vagabond School: www.vagabondschool.com  Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today we're joined by Antoine McKay.  Antoine McKay is an actor, educator, and father from Detroit, MI. After performing on both the Detroit and Second City Mainstages, he's gone on to have a career working on shows including Empire, Southside, Sense8, Patriot, Sports Action Team, and Prison Break. He is best known for his roles as 'Bunkie' in the hit TV primetime drama Empire and 'Uncle Spike' in South Side, and has performed alongside stars including Keegan-Michael Key (which we talk about!)    In this episode, we discuss..... What initally helped his career get started to eventually which led to recurring on TV shows Stories of auditioning with Andy Sandberg and Kristen Wig  His thoughts on comparison after watching so many of his peers become famouns The benefits of being happier for others Why he's content not winning an Oscar  His experience working on Southside with Dialo Riddle and Bashir Salahuddin His mourning process after he's learned when his TV shows have gotten canceled.  The importance of replenishing ourselves (& how his teaching sometimes gets in the way!)    Follow Antoine!  Instagram: @mrantoinemckay IMDB     Let's stay connected!    MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today we have a very special guest who has become wildly popular in the acting community.  Sam Valentine is the host of the One Broke Actress podcast: An honest account of actor life, plus a few lessons she's learned in the process.  In this episode, you'll hear... The story of her former (shitty) agent that led her to start One Broke Actress Why some of the best things come from moments of desperation How she nearly quit the business just a couple of years ago How her acting career has improved since starting side businesses What she's learned about being vulnerable in an online space (that she wasn't expecting…) What she currently is doing for her mental health  The important thing to remember during slow seasons   From Sam... I am Sam Valentine, a 12 year veteran of the Actor-Life in LA (with credits from Amazon's Bosch: Legacy to some pilots you never saw). I moved to LA with a Theatre degree and more conviction than I had dollars and proceeded to spend the better part of a decade trying to be literally anything a breakdown wanted me to be. I created One Broke Actress because I saw a need for stories and advice of real working actors. Am I the all-knowing being in Hollywood who has booked a billion jobs and made big bucks with acting so therefore I know how to advise people and lead like the Gandhi of Southern California? Negative. But I feel there is a lack of honest sharing from actors who are in the thick of it. This career path is crazy AF but that doesn't mean you have to be. So let's get real and maybe learn a life lesson or two in the process.   Follow Sam and her work! Instagram: @onebrokeactress One Broke Actress website  One Broke Actress podcast One Broke Actress YouTube channel  The Working Actor Workshop  The Membership community (hosted by Sam Valentine and Gabrielle Byndoss) Fast Forward Productions  Sam's IMDB   Let's stay connected!    MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Feeling scared about stuff going on in your life??  Not sure which move to make next in your career?  ...and is all of this (and like, life) making you stressed AF?    Let's break down these three areas (with some examples from yours truly), plus my tips on what to do when we're feeling these emotions for a prolonged period of time.    Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    PS - Wanna work together? Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony 

Quick episode on how to avoid burnout with a super easy tip to follow!  (but like - just because it's easy to understand doesn't always make it easy to digest...)  And if you want a practice example of today's episode? Stay tuned for the story of the fitness class I took in the Boston area. (After not taking a fitness class in over a decade....)  notperfect   Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    PS - Wanna work together? Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony for options!  Read More Quick LinksGet Embed PlayerShare on SocialDownload Audio File  

It's the HOLIDAYS....   ...has shit hit the fan yet??    If it hasn't? Cool. But if things are messy right now? It's time to acknowledge your feelings and normalize the messiness that comes with "the most wonderful time of the year."    Whether you're stressed AF about the holidays, your acting career or your personal life, here's a short episode on what the F to do the next time something you were reeeeally looking forward to starts to go south....   Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    PS - Wanna work together? Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony for options! 

Today we bring on Chicago actress, Steppenwolf ensemble member, and someone who strives to  #BeThatLight for others - Celeste Cooper.    Celeste M. Cooper is an actor, producer, community builder, educator, and casting associate. Celeste has performed at Goodman Theatre, Eclipse Theatre, Court Theatre, Windy City Playhouse, Kansas City Repertory, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Indiana Repertory, South Coast Repertory, and more. She was invited into Steppenwolf Theatre's ensemble in 2018. Her TV/film credits include: a recurring role on Chicago PD, a guest star role on 4400, Sense8, Spike Lee's Chiraq, and leads indie feature Range Runners. She was awarded Most Promising Actress by the Black Theater Alliance in 2014, Best Actress for Range Runners from Twister Alley Film Festival in 2019, and NewCity Stage magazine listed her as "people who really perform for Chicago" in 2020 and in 2023.    As a producer/ community builder, she has produced readings, solo shows, and community events including her weekly Bible Study group since 2016, a workout accountability group since 2019, a Mastermind group from 2017-2021, a 7- part virtual panel series called Be That Light, 11 Community Love Event since 2021, and 5 Water Light Fellowship since 2021.    She has taught at The Theatre School at DePaul University, The University of Chicago, Actor's Training Center, and other companies. She started working as a casting associate at Eclipse Theatre in 2015 and recently started casting for McCracken Casting in 2022. She received her BA in Speech Communications and Theatre from Tennessee State University and her MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. She represented by Paonessa Talent Agency. Follow Celeste!  @be_that_light   Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    PS - Wanna work together? Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony for options! 

Ever end a year feeling like "I didn't do enough"??  As creatives, we're really good at beating ourselves up & telling ourselves stories about why "I suck".  As the year wraps up, let's discuss why this year might NOT have sucked....even if you feel like you "didn't do enough."  I'll share a super-quick exercise that doesn't involve going through your entire calendar, be realistic about how this year went, and hopefully leave you feeling good about what you DID do well.    Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    PS - Wanna work together? Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony for options!     

We're back for season 5! And we're bringing back special guest Katy Chen Mazzara.  Katy Chen Mazzara is a certified trauma-informed financial wellness coach and graduate of UC Berkeley's Personal Financial Planning program. As a former TV producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Katy understands the balance between dreaming and doing. Through her six step Financial Freedom Formula, Katy helps creative freelancers and entrepreneurs make more, worry less, and achieve true financial freedom, so they can create the life of their dreams.   WEBSITE: https://www.katychenmazzara.com/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/katychenmazzara/   FREE WEBINAR:  Katy is hosting a FREE workshop called the Financial Freedom Formula - 6 Steps to make more, worry less and achieve true financial freedom, while still pursuing your passions! During the workshop, you'll learn practical (and spiritual!) practices you can implement right away. She's offering 3 dates for this free class:  December 5th, 7th and 9th.  You can sign up HERE -  https://bit.ly/fff_tonyr     In this episode, we discuss…. Why Katy doesn't believe in budgets  The importance of tracking your numbers  The mindset traps we fall into when we don't track  How patterns tend to show up in our numbers and what that can tell us  Why "shit hits the fan" once we start to take action  How I lost almost all my clients at once  How GOOD things tend to happen when sign up with a coach  An update on my financial plan that I've been working on to get out of debt  My plan to move to Atlanta and the financial questions I have Why manifesting is for everyone - even if you're not into the "woo"   Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems       

(sorry)  Yes. It's going to be hard. When we approach this acting thing with embracing of the hard, rather than the resistance to it - it gives us a new way of approaching the business where we might find ourselves less stressed AF... But also - this isn't about by passing your feelings when it gets hard either...(duh)  So let's talk about it :)  This week, where I'm just 4 days out from running the Boston Marathon, I'll share with you... 2 things that have gone really well during my training  2 big challenges that have come up  3 key takeaways for actors to deal with the hard and a better way to approach the biz.    WE COULD USE YOUR HELP :)  Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the Julie Fund and Women's Cancer by May 1st, 2023. Click HERE to donate!  https://www.givengain.com/ap/tony-rossi-raising-funds-for-the-julie-fund-inc-58206/#timeline To learn more about the Julie Fund - visit www.juliefund.org    Are you an actor stressed AF?? (me too...)  Are you on the actor self-care newsletter?? www.tonyrossicoaching.com  Wanna coach with me?  Apply for 1 on 1 coaching here - https://forms.gle/khDUf1WrvvMzDPRd7 Join our Stressed AF actor mindset calls and group! - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony Grab a free 1 on 1 intro call! https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call    Are we social media friends??  Instagram: www.instagram/tony.rossi Facebook: www.facebook.com/tonyrossicoaching Twitter: www.twitter.com/_tonyrossi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyrossi00/