Slate It Till You Make It

What does it take to build a thriving career in commercials — and keep your sanity while doing it? In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It, host, Catherine Donnelly sits down with Stuart K. Robinson, CEO of Brady, Brannon & Rich Talent (BBR) — one of the top commercial agencies in Los Angeles. Stuart’s career spans decades as an actor, Broadway performer, motivational speaker, voice artist, and Fruit of the Loom icon, and now he’s a powerhouse leader helping actors navigate the ever-changing entertainment industry.They cover it all — from what agents really look for when signing talent, to why detaching from audition outcomes might be the most powerful shift you can make. Stuart opens up about the spark that led him from stage to CEO, shares insider perspective on today’s commercial landscape, and gives practical strategies for standing out authentically in a competitive market.Whether you’re brand new to commercials or deep into your acting career, this episode is packed with wisdom you can use immediately — and mindset tools that will serve you far beyond the audition room.What you’ll learn in this episode:The biggest shifts shaping the commercial industry in 2025The difference between agents and managers — and when you need whichWhat makes an actor stand out when seeking representationHow to gather “evidence of your greatness” and show up authenticallyProactive career strategies you can implement todayWhy Stuart swears by “Kairos vs. Chronos” time — and how it changes your relationship to auditionsThe importance of detaching from outcomes and focusing on what you can controlStuart is also the author of It All Begins With I, a powerful guide to mindset, empowerment, and taking ownership of your career.

On this episode of Slate it Till You Make It, host Catherine Donnelly takes a deep dive with Lindsay Bronson of AHC Casting, one of the most successful commercial casting offices in the country. With decades of experience and a client list that spans major global brands, Lindsay brings unmatched insight into what it really takes to book work in today’s evolving commercial industry.We dive into:Families & kids in commercials — what casting directors look for in child actors and “real families,” plus advice for parents just starting out.Self-tape secrets — Lindsay’s biggest pet peeves, the mistakes that get you skipped, and what makes a tape stand out.Getting seen — the best way to get on AHC Casting’s radar and what keeps an actor getting called in again and again.Follow AHC on IGFollow Slate It Pod on IGSupport --> Slate It Pod

In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It, host Catherine Donnelly is joined by the powerhouse that is Havilah Malone—4x bestselling author, award-winning actress, spoken word artist, and executive producer—whose mission is to inspire over 2 billion people to unlock their intuitive genius and confidently communicate their value. From starring in hit shows like Barry, Insecure, and NCIS: New Orleans, to appearing in four Super Bowl commercials, Havilah knows firsthand the ups and downs of a creative career. She shares how tools like NLP, affirmations, and spirituality have not only transformed her own journey, but can also help actors and artists reprogram limiting beliefs, embrace rejection as redirection, and step fully into their potential. We also dive into her brand-new spoken word album Proof of What’s Possible, and explore how mindset, mantras, and manifestation can help creatives book more work and build resilience in an unpredictable industry.Follow Havilah on IGFollow Slate It Podcast on IGSupport the Pod!!

Arlene Schuster-Goss has been a leading force in commercial casting for more than 25 years. As the founder of ASG Casting, she has shaped campaigns for major national brands including McDonald’s, Honda, and Google, and her credits extend to Super Bowl spots and global projects. Known for her discerning eye for talent and straightforward approach, Arlene has built a reputation as both a respected casting director and a passionate advocate for actors. In this conversation, she shares insights into the business of commercial casting, the qualities that make performers stand out, and how the industry continues to evolve.Follow ASG on Instagramhttps://www.cameraleft.com/Support Slate it Pod!

In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly shares her Top 10 Self-Tape Tips to help actors stand out, impress casting, and book more work. From mastering your frame and lighting to delivering authentic, high-energy reads, Catherine breaks down exactly what commercial casting directors are looking for—and the biggest self-tape mistakes to avoid. She also reveals **why the first three seconds of your tape matter most,** how to make sure your eyelines feel natural, and the subtle tweaks that can make your performance pop on screen. Plus, Catherine shares an exciting opportunity for actors ready to take their self-tapes to the next level: her upcoming Self Tape Intensive, a four-week coaching experience designed to give actors personalized feedback and the confidence to book more jobs. If you’re tired of feeling like your tapes disappear into the void, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with Daniel Rojas and Jamila Hache, the visionary co-founders of Rafy, an innovative self-tape app designed to give actors more freedom, flexibility, and control over their auditions. As self-tapes continue to dominate the industry, actors face ongoing challenges—limited space, scheduling conflicts, and the struggle to find a reliable reader. Rafy tackles these pain points head-on, providing autonomous practice, AI-powered recording, and an all-in-one solution that simplifies the audition process without sacrificing artistic integrity. Daniel, a sound engineer and composer, and Jamila, an actor who knows the self-tape grind firsthand, bring their unique backgrounds in entertainment and tech to this groundbreaking platform. Together, they’ve built a tool that not only streamlines auditions but ensures actors maintain full ownership of their work in an evolving industry. In this conversation, we dive into Rafy’s origins, what sets it apart, and how ethical AI is shaping the future of auditioning. Plus, Daniel and Jamila share essential insights for actors looking to elevate their self-tape game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with game-changing advice you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly interviews returning guest Sean Spann: an actor, teacher, private coach and VO dubbing artist born and raised outside St. Louis, MO. An LA resident for almost 17 years, he's worked as an actor in television, film, commercials, and stage. TV/Film credits include The Little Things, Little America, Shameless, General Hospital, and Jane the Virgin. He's recently been seen in commercials or ad campaigns for Volkswagen, Disney, and Delta Airlines. He's dubbed central characters in Max's 'On The Spectrum' and Amazon's 'The Corruption Game', and in 2023, played Brutus in 'Julius Caesar' in his 7th season at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival. He's instructed Voice, Speech, Movement, Shakespeare on both the college and conservatory level, and privately coaches actors for auditions, voice, and accent modification. Sean earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Evansville, and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine.

Dear Fellow Angeleno Creatives - I love you. Stay Strong. - Catherine

In this episode of 'Slate it Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down multi-hyphenate Spencer Kramber - actor, acting coach, and commercial session director. With a strong foundation in Theatre Arts from Minnesota State University and an MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, Spencer’s rigorous training has prepared him to excel both in front of and behind the camera. He’s shared the screen with heavyweights like J.K. Simmons in You Can’t Run Forever and earned accolades for his performances in award-winning projects like Sarajin and Pop Music. You might also recognize him from hit shows like Criminal Minds, Them, and The Young and the Restless. When he’s not captivating audiences, Spencer is passionately coaching actors, sharing his expertise, and helping others thrive in the business. Oh, and he’s also a devoted father, finding inspiration in balancing family life with his creative pursuits. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with insight and advice—please welcome Spencer Kramber!”

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," Catherine Donnelly curates valuable insights gleaned from Season 3, meticulously tailored to cater to emerging actors.

Jesse Hsu began his career in entertainment in New York where he studied with UCB and after moving to Los Angeles a few years ago, he has booked a variety of commercials with multiple casting agencies and worked with some amazing brands and directors. He has had commercial training with AHC and Killian's and voiceover classes at Real Voice LA and Kalmenson. In 2022, he was a guest star in a web series, Millie & Maddie and also starred in his first feature film, "Starring Jerry As Himself" which premiered at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival and now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with Marisa Munoz of M Casting. Marisa's journey in the entertainment industry started in Los Angeles as a dancer, where her passion for creativity and storytelling began. Transitioning to behind the camera into production, with an eye for beauty and unique talent, she discovered her calling in the world of casting. She fell in love with discovering new talent and bringing creative visions to life. Marisa has successfully cast a wide array of major brand commercials, print campaigns, music videos for renowned artists, and award- winning films. Her company, M Casting Worldwide, currently has offices in both Los Angeles and Nashville. Combining her extensive experience with a passion for talent & development, she now leaves her mark on projects around the globe casting projects worldwide. With three decades of experience, Marisa has built an impressive resume, casting commercials and print work for major brands including AT&T, Sephora, Old Navy, Nissan,Armani and Hilton to name a few. She has also cast music videos for renowned artists including Laniey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton and Kenny Chesney, and award-winning films with the most recent being Ride (Starring C. Thomas Howell, Annabeth Gish, Jake Allyn, Forrie J. Smith). Her expertise spans industries and genres, leaving a dynamic mark on every project she touches. In her downtime, Marisa’s zest for life continues—You can find her checking out the latest restaurants, volunteering at the Humane Society, spending time with friends, or taking long walks with her beloved dog and partner in crime, Marlowe! From casting calls to creative collaborations, Marisa’s journey is driven by her unwavering commitment to storytelling and the celebration of exceptional talent.

Breaking up with your commercial agent can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step in taking control of your career. In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It", host Catherine Donnelly reframes the process as a strategic business decision, not a personal one. She walks listeners through key steps, including identifying why you want to make a change, understanding what you’re looking for in a new agent, weighing your options, and how to handle “the breakup” with professionalism. Catherine also shares tips for navigating the aftermath and ensuring the transition sets you up for success. If you’ve been contemplating making a change, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to handle it with clarity and grace.

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make it," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with TJ Alvarado is a prolific performer, working in film, television, theater and commercials. TJ established himself in television in the Recurring Guest Star role of "Dillon" on AMC/Netflix's LONGMIRE (4 Seasons). Recent television credits include a recurring role as "Toad" in MARVEL's AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D., CBS' CRIMINAL MINDS, APPLE TV+'s THE MORNING SHOW, ABC's SPLITTING UP TOGETHER (directed by Helen Hunt), FX's AMERICAN HORROR STORY, NETFLIX's WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: TEN YEAR LATER, NBC's HEARTBEAT, and ABC's THE MAYOR. In feature film, TJ played the lead in ALVIN, an indie psychological thriller directed by Christy Anna Wu. TJ also has turns in the independent features FLIRTING WITH MADNESS and EXCESS FLESH, both of which aired on the Lifetime Movie Network. In his most recent feature film, REUNION, he worked in an ensemble alongside Lil Rel Howery, Billy Magnussen and Nina Dobrev TJ has performed prolifically on stages of So Cal from Santa Barbara to San Diego. He was the lead of "Edna" in HAIRSPRAY, an ensemble player in Shakespeare's RICHARD III, the lead of "Young Lalo" in TRIO LOS MACHOS (a 1940's period musical that centers around migrant farm workers), and most recently, the lead in GAMES ON A BOMBED OUT BEACH. He stars in several national campaigns on air, including CARMAX, VOLKSWAGEN, AT&T, PLAYSTATION, FORD, X BOX, LOWE'S HOME IMPROVEMENT, GOOGLE, DAVE AND BUSTER'S and THE CALIFORNIA LOTTERY. TJ also sings, plays the guitar and ukulele.

In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It, host Catherine Donnelly sits down with CPA and financial expert Jaclynn Cherry to explore how actors can benefit from forming an LLC or S-Corp. They cover the basics of each business structure, discuss when it makes sense to incorporate, and dive into key tax-saving strategies. Jaclynn explains how to manage self-employment taxes, pay yourself from your business account, and make sense of deductions specific to actors. If you’re ready to keep more of your earnings and simplify your finances as a working actor, this episode is packed with valuable insights just for you.

In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It, host Catherine Donnelly sits down with CPA and actor Jaclynn Cherry for an essential guide to navigating W4 paperwork and tax strategies tailored for actors and freelancers. Jaclynn, a tax expert with over 15 years of experience in public and private accounting and a creative herself, sheds light on key topics like the benefits of voluntary withholding, debunking common W4 myths, maximizing returns, and managing both W2 and 1099 income. Together, they tackle everything from leveraging deductions to handling multiple job forms and preparing for tax season, offering practical tips to help freelancers better manage their finances and avoid tax pitfalls. This episode is packed with insights to help actors thrive financially in the gig economy.

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with John Lehr - comedic performer, writer and producer working in television, film and theater. Lehr co-created, wrote and executive produced and starred in both “10 Items or Less,” on TBS Hulu’s original comedy western “Quickdraw.” Lehr is one of the original Geico Cavemen from the wildly successful commercial campaign. He has appeared in dozens of spots, including the first commercial as a caveman boom operator, the caveman in therapy with Talia Shire, the tennis spot with Billy Jean King, Superbowl spots with Phil Simms and many more. Under their banner Howler Monkey Productions, Lehr and producing partner Nancy Hower have created multiple projects, most involving their unique improvisationally-based “hybrid” style found in “QuickDraw” (Hulu) “10 Items” (TBS) “Jailbait (Crackle) and “Memron” (Slamdance award-winner). With Lehr starring and Howler directing, the team completed comedy pilots “Let It Ride,” (Comedy Central), “Retreat!” (NBC), “Team McPhearson (Fox) and “King of Beers” (EUE/Sokolow). The team’s script/development deals include “The Loop” (HBO), “Troubadour” (MTV), “Life on Mars” (Sony/BBC), and “LARP” (Echo Lake), Tommy Chong’s Pipe Dreams (TBS). John has appeared in numerous television series, including “Friends” and was a series regular on “Jesse,” both for Warner Brothers/NBC. His feature film roles include “The Sweetest Thing,” and three Noah Baumbach films, “Kicking and Screaming,” “Mr. Jealousy,” and “Highball.” John’s hosting credits include “News Weasels” for E!; “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” for ABC; CBS’ special “Clash of the Commercials” with co-host Heidi Klum; and “John Lehr’s Movie Club” for TBS. A recovering alcoholic and drug addict, Lehr is a seasoned monologist and comedian who speaks openly about his twenty plus years of sobriety. Under the banner “Cold. Sober. Comedy.” Lehr performs and MC’s at fundraisers, non-profits and sober communities about his personal/career struggles, his continuing sober journey and the importance of an authentic sense of humor. Lehr recently debuted his newest monologue “Wait, I Have to Give a Crap About Other People?” at the Annual Sober St. Paddy’s Day Comedy Night for the Atlanta Caron Treatment Center.” Lehr’s critically acclaimed “Comedic Lectures” solo performances have had sold out runs in LA and New York. He is also a respected improvisational performer having worked at the Organic Theater and Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago, the Montreal Comedy Festival, Chicago Improvisational Festival and multiple venues in Los Angeles and New York. Lehr regularly performs stand-up comedy and MC/Hosts events around the country. John is married to author Jennifer Lehr with whom he has two children. The Lehrs reside in Los Angeles. For more information on John, including booking: info@johnlehr.com

In this episode of “Slate It Till You Make It,” host Catherine Donnelly interviews session director, actress and founder of the commercial club Ava Himmel. With a background in dramatic theater and improv skills honed at Second City Toronto, Ava has starred in major campaigns for brands like AT&T, McDonald’s, Dunkin' Donuts, and Toyota. For over 15 years, she’s also worked as a Session Director, guiding actors through the audition process and building relationships with top casting directors and industry pros. Now, through teaching at "Keep It Real Acting" and her own *Commercial Club*, Ava is helping actors sharpen their skills and succeed in the commercial world on a daily basis.

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with John Fulton, a multi-talented comedian, musician, and actor, to discuss his unique journey through the entertainment industry. From his early days as a non-basketball team captain in Topsfield, MA, to DJing a jazz show at the University of Rhode Island, and eventually hosting Must Love Cats on Animal Planet, John’s career has seen plenty of twists and turns. Now, he's thriving in the world of commercials and is a member of the comedy band Camp Friends, who just released their new album Real/Mature. Tune in as John shares hilarious anecdotes about being humbled in Hollywood, reveals the secrets to booking commercial gigs, and talks about embracing the unexpected path to success.

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with the talented actress Camille Chen to explore her journey of embracing cultural identity, resilience, and success in the acting world. Camille shares her personal experiences as a Taiwanese-American actress, discussing how her heritage has influenced her career and the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood. From her unexpected beginnings and landing her first paid acting job in *Miss Congeniality* to achieving rapid success in the competitive LA market, Camille opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of working with industry giants, her unique approach to commercial versus theatrical auditions, and the vital role that improvisation plays in her craft. Listeners will gain valuable insights as Camille discusses staying resilient in the face of rejection, maintaining a balanced personal life amidst the highs and lows of the industry, and the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in performance. Aspiring actors will find inspiration and practical advice on navigating setbacks, embracing their unique backgrounds, and staying motivated in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.