Working Actor Life

Doors to The Membership are opening soon. If you’re tired of spiraling alone after auditions, ⁠this is where we fix that!What actually goes through our heads when the camera is rolling and nobody's watching? This episode, we pull back the curtain on the messy, unfiltered, very human We take turns going deep on the real inner monologue behind the self-tape process, from imposter syndrome to beauty standards to full-blown existential crises.We're talking:the thought that makes Gab question whether she should even be coachingwhy being "beautiful" in this industry isn't always the advantage people think it isthe hidden time tax of hair and makeup — and why it makes Sam genuinely resentfulsecond-guessing whether Atlanta actors are just fillers for bigger-market hireswhat self-sabotage actually sounds like mid-tapespiraling from one hard audition into "what am I doing with my life"whether you have to feel it "in your bones" to be a working actorthe difference between doing this because you love it vs. because you're good at ithow your cycle can affect your confidence (yes, we went there)what to do when the thought doesn't go away — and when to just tape anywaySam's skincare journey update (and a truly unhinged Accutane detour)Timestamps:00:00 what this episode is and why Gab came up with it02:00 the format: fly on the wall, ping pong style03:00 Gab's first thought: "how can I not know how to do this if I coach people?"05:00 walking away vs. pushing through...how Gab decides07:00 when being in your head can actually work for you on camera09:00 a membership win: booking after an audition they hated10:00 Sam's thought: resentment about hair and makeup prep time13:00 "being beautiful in this industry is not helpful" and why Sam stands by it14:00 Gab's second thought: are they just going to give this to someone from LA?16:00 self-sabotage disguised as logic17:00 spiraling into: what are we actually doing?19:00 acting as a drug, signing up again and again for the emotional toll21:00 synced cycles, spiral season, and the audition thoughts that come with it22:00 Sam's deepest fly-on-the-wall thought: is this as good as it gets?25:00 Gab's honest take: "I don't feel it in my bones that I'm supposed to be an actor"27:00 over-identifying as your job and what that costs you29:00 Sam's skincare update + the Accutane rabbit hole we did not plan forFollow:⁠Join The Membership ⁠for coaching, live feedback, masterclasses, and real-time actor community support.⁠Follow Sam⁠⁠Follow Gab

Doors to The Membership are opening soon. If you’re tired of spiraling alone after auditions, this is where we fix that!We break down exactly how we prepped two very different auditions + why there is no one-size-fits-all method for working actors.We’re talking:- how to decide how much time an audition actually deserves - indie film vs network tv prep differences- when to immerse yourself in research and when to keep it simple- memorization tricks that actually work for self tapes- audition burnout and over-prepping- why consistency with casting matters more than perfection- how to stop “showing your work” in auditions- the psychology behind relaxed auditions- why not every tape needs 12 hours of backstory- how to treat audition prep like a strategy, not a ritualTimestamps:00:00 why we’re keeping this intro short02:00 sam’s indie film audition breakdown05:30 reformatting messy sides and making bold choices07:45 memorizing with repetition and passive listening10:00 why taking breaks (and naps) actually helps14:00 filming in stages and not forcing creativity16:30 over-prepping vs strategic prep20:00 gab’s “24th time auditioning for this show” mindset22:00 how to prep when casting already knows you24:00 why both approaches are valid26:00 the biggest mistake actors make with audition prepFollow + resources:Join The Membership for coaching, live feedback, masterclasses, and real-time actor community support.Follow SamFollow Gab

Last week we were on actor HIGHS: SEVEN auditions between the two of us. Voiceover sessions. Commercial callbacks. Zoom auditions with five-minute slots. Manager calls about new agents.This week? Nada.So let's break down the MENTAL hustle of staying in the game when the momentum spikes and then fades. Cause this is what we signed up for as working actors.⸻We’re talking: • What a 5-audition week actually looks like behind the scenes • 12-hour turnaround auditions and how to handle them • Auditioning at 6am for a major Netflix show • How to approach dummy sides when you have zero context • Using coaching to shape strong first takes • Why Zoom auditions are worth saying yes to • How to ask for time in the room without panicking • Commercial agent expansion and pitching yourself strategically • Direct-to-callback commercial auditions • The emotional crash after a big audition week • Your nervous system in context to actor life⸻Timestamps00:00 – Why we hit record immediately02:00 – Manager calls and commercial agent expansion06:00 – Five auditions in one week08:00 – 6am Tyler Perry audition for Netflix11:00 – Coaching choices and finding the comedy13:00 – The crash day after momentum15:00 – Audition flow vs emotional regulation21:00 – Taking the Zoom audition that scares you24:00 – 5-minute live audition breakdown27:00 – Asking for time in the room30:00 – Direct-to-callback KFC commercial33:00 – How many times is too many auditions for one brand35:00 – Meeting reps in person and relationship building39:00 – Why this industry is emotional whiplash⸻Links & Resources:Join The MembershipSam’s InstagramGab’s Instagram

If you’re only measuring your career by bookings, you’re going to feel like you’re failing.Booking signifiers are getting rarer. Callbacks, avails, pins, chemistry tests. They don’t show up the way they used to. This episode is about the new scoreboard.We break down what actually counts as success for working actors right now and how to recognize momentum and success metrics for yourself.⸻We’re talking: • Why traditional booking signifiers like callbacks, avails, chem tests, and producer sessions are happening less frequently • How industry contraction is changing what “success” looks like for working actors • What positive signifiers are and how casting feedback and agent feedback matter more than you think • Why getting more focused auditions from your agent or manager is a huge career marker • How to interpret audition rejection without spiraling • The difference between booking signifiers, positive signifiers, and momentum markers • Why feeling strong about your self-tape is a legitimate career win • How to build confidence when you’re not booking • Why comparing bookings on Instagram is distorting your perception of success • How intuition develops over time and why experienced actors trust their work more⸻Links:Check out all things Vas + Online actor here.Take the free Actor Type Quiz⁠⁠Join the waitlist for The Membership⁠Sam’s IGGab’s IGTimestamps:00:00 Why booking signifiers are disappearing03:00 Why agents may not tell you about avails or producer passes06:30 Positive signifiers: feedback from agents and casting09:00 Getting more aligned auditions from your reps12:00 Why agents can’t submit you for everything15:00 Momentum markers and feeling strong about your work18:00 Letting go after auditions instead of obsessing21:00 The four stages of competence and acting growth24:30 Confidence, intuition, and why actors get better with age27:00 Social media, comparison, and the “tape vs who booked it” trap30:00 Building long-term confidence without bookings32:00 The White Lotus near-booking and “onto the next” mindset

Managing losses without letting them define you will be the thing that makes this all do-able. So let's talk about the difference between a setback and a defeat and why your response to not booking matters more than the booking itself.We're covering:handling avail checks and callbacks that fall throughmanaging audition rejection and disappointmentwhy comparing your acting career to others keeps you stuckturning rejection into creative fuelprocessing casting director feedback (too young, too old, not right)self-care on a budget for actors between bookingscreating your own content when the industry says nobuilding resilience as a working actorwhy quitting acting might take more courage than stayingTake the free Actor Type Quiz⁠⁠Join the waitlist for The Membership⁠Sam’s IGGab’s IGTimestamps:00:00:00 intro and why we're talking about losses00:01:05 hot take: if you can't handle small losses, bigger ones will break you00:03:04 the personalization trap and why bookings aren't about hustle00:03:32 why quitting might take more courage than staying00:05:00 Gab's January losses: avails, holds, and canceled plans00:08:03 how to tangibly process rejection and disappointment00:10:38 what to do when you're tight on funds00:14:21 Sam's losses: being too young and too old in the same week00:19:05 getting excited about a role you'll never audition for00:24:09 discovering what you're actually upset about00:27:11 two different approaches to handling losses00:30:21 being a creative who uses creativity instead of sitting on it00:31:34 Bad Bunny's Grammy win and taking your moment00:33:05 Super Bowl halftime shows and representation00:36:04 closing thoughts and what's next

How have our definitions of success have shifted over time? Trust in our reps. Financial breathing room. Free time. Staying in the work when things are quiet. And learning how to measure wins that no one else can see.Let's get into:why success isn’t a single moment or milestonethe different “buckets” that can make us feel successful at different timeswhy auditions, trust, and consistency matter more than bookingshow financial flexibility impacts creative freedomredefining success in an industry that no longer creates overnight starsthe danger of waiting for one role to change everythingthe difference between being content, settling, and staying curiouswhy free time used to feel lazy and now feels richhow to create our own victories when the industry won’t hand us anystaying in the work without external validationJoin The MembershipSam on InstagramGab on InstagramTimestamps:00:00:00 intro + why we’re talking about defining success00:02:10 why we don’t have one single definition of success00:03:45 the idea of “success buckets” and needing more than one thing to feel okay00:05:00 why auditions alone can make us feel successful00:06:30 trusting your reps as a form of success00:07:45 financial breathing room and mental freedom00:08:50 why free time used to feel lazy and now feels rich00:10:00 redefining success around what we can control00:11:30 why one big booking doesn’t change everything00:12:45 the Stranger Things example and the myth of blowing up00:15:00 why waiting for “the thing” keeps actors stuck00:16:30 content vs settling vs staying curious00:18:45 happily discontent and wanting more without burning out00:21:00 different definitions of success at different stages of an acting career00:22:15 feeling successful without recent bookings00:24:00 why not needing to be chosen is real power00:27:45 making your own victories when the industry won’t00:29:30 connecting success to your younger self00:32:45 practical examples of choosing process over panic00:39:10 booking conflicts, weddings, and real-life priorities00:47:40 closing thoughts on success, growth, and staying in the game

We’re talking about the acting advice we used to give, fully believed, and would absolutely change or nuance now.We break down why blanket advice ignores actor markets, how self-tapes and demo reels have shifted, what actually works when reaching out to agents and managers, and why productivity systems can become performative instead of helpful.Plus our real-real: audition timing strategy, lighting choices, callbacks and avails that don’t book, booking the room, and redefining success when momentum looks different than expected.Links:Join The Membership⁠⁠Sam on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Gab on Instagram⁠⁠Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro and why this episode is about being wrong00:01:10 Why the internet struggles with nuance and growth00:04:30 Blanket acting advice and why actor markets matter00:08:20 The problem with one-size-fits-all career paths00:10:00 Self-tapes vs real footage for demo reels00:12:00 Reaching out to agents and managers in 202600:15:45 Productivity, scheduling, and acting career burnout00:17:30 Performative productivity vs real progress00:20:00 What an “ideal” actor schedule actually looks like00:22:50 Why auditions shouldn’t define your identity as an actor00:24:30 Letting go of systems that no longer serve you00:28:10 Finding community and not doing this alone00:33:00 Audition timing, lighting, and working with your real life00:37:40 Callbacks, avails, and what booking the room means00:41:10 Final thoughts and what’s coming next

We're back to break down the current state of the acting industry after sitting in on a closed-door TM only “state of the union” style call with casting.We share what we expected to hear going into the call, + what actually surprised us.Then our real-life working actor moments, including callbacks, Zoom auditions, eating on camera, voiceover marathons, and the absolute chaos of trying to plan anything in this business and/or life.⁠Join The Membership⁠⁠⁠⁠Sam on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Gab on Instagram⁠Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro and why we’re calling this a “state of the union”00:02:10 What we expected to hear vs what casting actually said00:04:45 The 400 scripted shows number and why that messed with our heads00:08:30 Why optimism doesn’t automatically mean fast momentum00:11:50 Feeling closer to the work even when you’re not booking00:14:30 Callback stories and what “on first refusal” actually feels like00:18:20 Eating on camera, SAG rules, and why some auditions have to be in person00:22:10 Zoom auditions, casting notes, and how to keep it conversational00:27:40 Why none of our calendars make sense and never will00:33:15 Voiceover runs, commercial callbacks, and overlapping timelines00:40:10 What this year requires emotionally from working actors00:47:30 Final thoughts and what we’ll report back on next episode

starting the year in person and doing something radical: caring less. we talk about why giving fewer f*cks is not laziness but can help you get further (technically also faster).we are building a working actor system that works with your brain, setting real time boundaries, choosing habits that support it, and letting the rest go. and cause WHY NOT: backyard digging, hobbies that stay hobbies, and a brief but passionate ode to Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.Timestamps:00:04:45 the pressure to monetize everything00:08:20 creative focus vs checking boxes00:13:45 trusting your process and redefining progress00:18:30 time and energy management that actually works00:23:00 setting boundaries around workdays and days off00:27:00 hobbies that are not allowed to make money00:30:45 digging in the yard as a metaphor (and a lifestyle)00:34:45 reality tv, boundaries, and knowing when to log off00:36:00 final thoughts on systems, creativity, and the year ahead⁠Join The Membership⁠⁠Sam on Instagram⁠⁠Gab on Instagram⁠

Rest in an industry that rewards blurred boundaries and convinces actors they can control outcomes they absolutely cannot....is it possible? Let's discuss how to use end-of-year downtime without spiraling or trying to fix your entire career in two weeks.We also break down why acting income alone is no longer reliable and what SAG national commercials actually pay in 2025.Timestamps:00:00:00 why taking time off feels so hard for actors00:02:30 how to actually plan rest instead of accidentally working through it00:07:15 setting boundaries without feeling like you owe everyone access to you00:11:45 why “getting an agent” and “booking” are not real goals00:16:00 redefining success in an industry you can’t control00:18:10 money, stability, and why acting income alone isn’t realistic anymore00:26:30 real SAG national commercial pay breakdown in 202500:34:00 why the old version of actor success is officially dead00:36:45 final reminder before the new yearJoin The MembershipSam on InstagramGab on Instagram

We brought Vas back from The Online Actor, nobody breaks down auditions, industry waves, and self tape strategy like he does. And we hit on the standard of jealousy, comparison...with an email template for you. Most importantly: authenticity is actually booking more than “perfect” ever did.what we cover:● the truth about end of year auditions and why the landscape is shifting● how to hear “there’s auditions” without immediately assuming you’re doing something wrong● jealousy, comparison, and why literally all of us still go through it● how Vas emailed his reps about roles he didn’t read for and what actors can learn from that● the real way to do multiple takes (and why 10 percent different doesn’t cut it)● authentic vs character-y acting in 2025 and what’s actually booking● the Goldilocks method for self tapes● why TM actors are suddenly taping wild, killer choices that stand out● how to balance dynamic choices with your real essencelinks:vas's igthe membershipsam’s iggab’s ig

actors panic over AI and cookies: post-holiday talk through the latest AI freakout and finally answer the question everyone DM’d us about (should you be buying your reps gifts this year or nah?)we cover:● the new AI update everyone spiraled about and why it’s not worth losing sleep● real talk about rep relationships and how to know if you should even be gifting● the gifts reps actually appreciate versus the ones they quietly donate● why sometimes a handwritten note is more powerful than a pricey basket● how to make your gift personal even if you barely know your rep● the rep dinner email we drafted live and why it worked *(cause they already all responded)*time codes:00:00 catching up and the great nano banana AI panic07:15 why actors reach for fear when auditions are slow13:45 the CGI fire rant that accidentally proves our point19:10 do reps really want holiday gifts or is this all a myth23:30 real examples of gifts that actually landed30:00 how to approach your reps with generosity without being weirdlinks:The Membershipsam’s IGgab’s IG

Holidays as a working actor hit different. No one is looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner with a side of getting-grilled-about “what you’ve been in.” This episode is your play book to protect your peace and navigate them regardless of what your holidays look like. Wanna skip the chat? Fast forward the first 8 minutes.Sam and Gab break down what it actually looks like to go home for the holidays (or not), how to handle weird family questions, setting boundaries, teachable (and not teachable) moments, and redefining non-actor moments ftw.what we cover:● what it’s like juggling auditions, puppies, and podcasting in November● the freedom to not go home and why it doesn’t make you a bad person● how actors can answer family questions without spiraling● the difference between teaching someone about the biz vs just surviving the convo● using your actual life wins when people ask “so what are you doing with acting”● making your own traditions when travel is expensive or your mental health says no● Sam’s squirrel rescue era and Gab’s “why don’t people understand child-free life” commentary● boundaries, expectations, and showing up as the adult you actually arelinks:Join The MembershipSam’s IGGab’s IG

if you’ve ever wondered why certain shows hit your actor soul and others feel like emotional sandpaper, this one is for you. what started as a polite conversation about twilight vs harry potter turned into a full deep dive on color grading, moodiness, emotional tolerance, childhood pets, and how all of that somehow ties back to being actors.we cover:● why some actors love moody, gray, rainy tv and others only want sunshine and color● whether you actually need to watch everything to stay “in the know” as an actor● how your first pet dying weirdly explains your adult emotional patterns● sam holding a dying hamster like an oscar-bait monologue● gab leaving a bunny half inside and half outside a sliding glass door● tv vs movies, binging vs one-episode-a-night culture● why grainy older films make sam feel nostalgic and gab feel personally attacked● the way actors pick shows based on what might shoot next and where representation is happening● voice notes, cleaning apps, and the real reason sam deletes her texts every 30 daysLinks:⁠Take the free Actor Type Quiz⁠⁠Join the waitlist for The Membership⁠Sam’s IG: ⁠@samvalentine⁠Gab’s IG: ⁠@gabriellebyndlosswant to tell us how your first pet died and what it says about you? please put it in the spotify comments so sam doesn’t cry in her dms.

⁠Take the free Actor Type Quiz⁠ (like super 100% free)We made our Actor Types: Dreamer, Drifter, Doubter, Developer, and Disruptor and today we're talking about how knowing where you are right now can actually move your career forward and save you time...unlike Sam who thought she was god's gift to LA or Gab who through sheer focus and will would get her a seris regular.And Sam created a Canva Presentation to save Gab 45 min in a commercial self tape, why Gab is bummed at JenLaw, and why she wasn't on Degrassi (thank god).We cover:● The genius audition trick Sam made up using Canva slides● How to figure out your Actor Type (and why it changes weekly)● Why “waiting to be booked” isn’t a career strategy● What each type needs to focus on next ● How Gab almost ended up on Degrassi with Drake● Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Sheen, and why fame before readiness can wreck you● Why not being political is still politicalLinks:Take the free Actor Type QuizJoin the waitlist for The MembershipClue card hack for self tapesSam’s IG: @samvalentineGab’s IG: @gabriellebyndloss

11. Human Design for Actors: why you’re not lazy, you’re just wired differentlyEver wonder why some actors thrive on chaos while others burn out after two self-tapes? Sam (a Manifestor) and Gab (a Generator) break down how Human Design types show up in your acting career, your self-tape workflow, and your everyday energy.From audition strategy to social life burnout, we unpack how understanding your design can change the way you work, rest, and recover.We cover:● The 5 Human Design types and how each one shows up in your acting life● Why Sam needs a “light at the end of the tunnel” and Gab can’t stop working● How to stop calling yourself “lazy” when your energy doesn’t look like everyone else’s● Acting-specific tips and mantras for each design type● How to protect your energy on set and in self-tapes● A fiery debate about audition “buttons” you don’t want to missAlso the most relatable rant about read receipts ever recorded (sincerely, Sam).Links:Join The MembershipSide Hustle AcademyGenerate your Human Design chartSam’s InstagramGab’s Instagram

What happens when you stop waiting for someone to “pick” you and start making your own opportunities.Sam went from not booking anything since 2021 to writing, producing, and starring in her own short film...and it completely shifted her mindset as an actor. And we get real about the difference between playing at being an actor and actually being one, the myth of “I just want to act,” and why the cavalry isn’t coming.We cover:What Sam spent on her short film and what she's do differentlyHow to use your footage for reels and festivalsWhy self-tape reels still work and when they stopThe difference between creating your own work and “pretending” to be on a showHow to find fulfillment when nothing’s bookingWhy the new actor era is all about DIYLinks:Sam's Patreon – bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes breakdowns of the short (plus 100+ more eps)patreon.com/onebrokeactressHeadshot Class – get $50 off here only! Rock Your Reels / Melissa Blue – the team that helped shoot my micro shortrockyourreel.comCara Chute Rosenbaum – CD and coach who’s helping cut my new reelccrcasting.comMuse Box (Atlanta) – DIY studio for headshots and content creationmuseboxstudios.comEddie Liu on One Broke Actress Podcast – the episode we reference about rejection and resilienceonebrokeactress.com-podcast-eddie

Welcome to our very first guest, actor and coach Vas Saranga from The Online Actor! We talk about how coaching fits into an actor’s process, what it means to find your own approach to the work, and why acting class can feel so different once you know how to use it.We cover:• How to know when (and when not) to coach your auditions• Why variables can change everything in your self-tapes• What “process” actually means for intuitive actors• How to take ownership of your auditions without burnout• The new TM genre workshops and how they’re restoring actors’ confidence and creativityIf you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure what to work on between auditions, this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 – Flossing, stretching, and the ultimate accountability showdown02:40 – Introducing Vas Saranga of The Online Actor05:00 – How persistence built our collaboration08:00 – Coaching vs self-directing your own auditions10:30 – What makes Vas’s coaching approach different13:00 – Defining “process” and why it looks different for every actor16:00 – Intuitive acting and why most of us fall in the middle18:00 – Acting across markets: LA, Atlanta, Canada21:00 – The importance of variables and playing within a scene27:00 – How to disrupt your own system and find fresh choices31:00 – Why actors lose hope and how to get it back33:00 – Building confidence and creativity through TM workshops37:00 – What Vas is learning from coaching hundreds of actors41:00 – Vas’s self-tape challenge for your next audition43:20 – Where to find Vas and how to work with him44:00 – Small victories, booking mindset, and next week’s teaserThe Online ActorGet on the TM Waitlist

We get wonderfully off track on purpose so skip the first 18 min if you just want to hear about actor-stuff.There’s a humiliating music game for Sam, how Gab is going to spend some commercial income, and where Sam (and her *frugal*) husband land on money mindset. Follow Gab here and Sam here.Learn about their actor-community here.

Sam brought a real audition dilemma to the pod: do I tape as my true self, or try to guess what the casting director actually wants? We also dive into the actor-AI panic sparked by the rise of Tilly the synthetic “actress,” and why Gab thinks it’s actually a good thing. We talk fear, job security, industry change, and why connection is the one thing AI can’t replicate.Then we close it out with something ridiculous: a new game called “Guess That White Guy.” (lolz)we get into:when an audition role feels uncomfortably familiarwhy vague character descriptions can mess with your headhow AI actors are showing us who’s in this for the long haulthe real reason actors have job securitya hilarious, unhinged game we may or may not regretJoin TM here (if we didn't scare you off).Follow us here:Sam ValentineGabrielle Byndloss