The Resilient Artist Podcast

There is a particular exhaustion that arrives not from failing to book work, but from trying to survive by booking it.Most actors do not articulate this difference, because the industry teaches us to collapse survival and success into the same idea. Work equals safety. Visibility equals value. Momentum equals security.Self-tapes intensify this confusion.They arrive frequently, privately, and without witnesses. They create the illusion of control. If I just adjust the variables. If I remove the reasons to say no. If I improve the odds. If I master the system.This is where much of the current teaching around self-tapes lives. Not maliciously. Often generously. But fundamentally misplaced.Because the system you are trying to master is not coherent.You are sending work into an opaque mechanism governed by taste, timing, chemistry, budget, fear, politics, exhaustion, and preference. The rejection is rarely about the thing you are told to optimise. And the acceptance is rarely proof that you got it right.What this creates is a subtle identity error.You begin to treat the self-tape as evidence of who you are. You build your sense of solidity on whether it lands. You score yourself. You keep mental tallies. You brace. You shrink. You over-prepare. You collapse inward.This works for a while. Until it doesn’t.Because success, when it comes, does not do the job survival is asking it to do.I know this not theoretically, but from actual, long-term experience.Twenty-five years of working, earning, being written about, being praised, being visible, being quiet, being rejected, being in demand, being forgotten, being useful, being surplus. All of it. Repeated cycles.What remains is not the success.What remains is what you built underneath it.Survival is not tenacity. It is not grit. It is not grinding through rejection with a clenched jaw and a motivational quote. It is not pretending you don’t care.Survival is identity that is internally generated.It is the capacity to experience rejection without existential collapse. It is the ability to make work without needing it to certify you. It is the discipline of relating to yourself with integrity when nobody is watching. It is the choice to keep your nervous system on your side.This is not visible on Instagram.It does not trend.But it is legible in an actor’s presence.You can feel it in people who have been here a long time and are still open. Still generous. Still dangerous. Still capable of intimacy and risk. Not hardened. Not brittle. Not performing resilience, but inhabiting it.This is why I am not interested in teaching you how to remove reasons for rejection.There will always be reasons.I am interested in teaching you how to survive being an actor without outsourcing your sense of self to outcomes you do not control.A self-tape, approached this way, stops being a test.It becomes a practice.Not a practice of perfection, but a practice of authorship. Of showing up aligned. Of making a clear offer. Of leaving yourself intact afterwards.You bring the same thing to the room whether you get the job or not. You bring it to the rehearsal room. You bring it to the waiting room. You bring it to the relationship. You bring it to the moment where someone else gets the part you wanted.And crucially, you can only extend that generosity outward once you have practiced it inward.This is slow work.It is private work.It does not rescue you from disappointment. It does not promise success. It does not bypass grief.What it does is build an aquifer beneath the career. Something that feeds everything above it without being dependent on it.That is resilience.Not as branding. Not as grit. Not as endurance.But as a way of staying human in a system that quietly encourages you to disappear.If the self-tape is breaking you, it is not because you are weak.It is because you have been taught to use success as a survival strategy.That strategy fails eventually.There is another one.And it begins here.In this episode:* The difference between survival and success in acting* Why external achievements do not equate to personal resilience* The importance of building an internal foundation that sustains your career and well-being* How to maintain authenticity amidst industry pressures* The role of self-awareness and mindset in long-term longevity* The danger of conflating validation with survival* Practical ways to reinforce your inner stability* The impact of generosity, forgiveness, and integrity on your artistic journey* The importance of perspective, especially during rejection or silence* How to bring your true self into every self-tape, audition, and interactionTimestamps:00:00 - Why many actors focus on self-tapes and external validation02:19 - The distinction between being a working actor and coaching others03:46 - Why obsessing over technical details can be arbitrary04:38 - Success as a superficial marker and true survival05:36 - The illusion that fame, followers, and awards guarantee resilience06:31 - Survival is deeply personal, rooted in your identity07:13 - Building resilience through self-awareness and internal stability08:42 - The importance of understanding your inner depths09:12 - How authenticity and generosity sustain your career in the long run10:29 - Bringing your true self to every situation, regardless of outcomes11:26 - Giving yourself unconditional kindness and forgiveness12:26 - Reframing rejection and silence as part of a deeper process13:08 - The importance of flow, trust, and understanding in resilience13:38 - Embracing your identity as a resilient artistResources & Links:* The Resilient Artist — Explore mental models and practices for resilience* Self-Tape Masterclass — Practical strategies for audition prep* TRA’s Instagram* TRA’s YouTube Channel Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the authentic journey of Richard Laxton, a director whose work spans over three decades of British television and film. Richard shares candidly about maintaining resilience, navigating self-doubt, and the inner work essential for sustaining a lifetime in a demanding industry. Whether you're an actor, director, or creative, his reflections on trust, vulnerability, and craft offer valuable lessons on enduring with integrity and curiosity.Key Topics:Richard’s approach to emotional complexity and character developmentHow childhood experiences influence his storytelling choicesThe importance of vulnerability and self-care as a creatorInsights into the director-actor relationship, audition dynamics, and casting processesResilience strategies for handling rejection, self-doubt, and career longevityPractical tips for self-tape preparation, mental health, and staying groundedThe balance between control and openness in creative workHow personal growth informs professional adaptability and confidenceThe subtle art of balancing technical craft with emotional truthTimestamps::00 - Introduction to Richard Laxton’s illustrious career and what makes his work emotionally sharp00:20 - Richard’s journey from childhood experiences to storytelling focus00:48 - The emotional complexity Richard seeks in characters and its roots in his own life01:19 - How childhood trauma and experiences shape his empathy and directorial choices02:05 – The role of vulnerability and self-care in creative resilience02:38 – Behind the scenes of casting and audition processes from a director’s perspective03:10 – Balancing plot mechanics with character authenticity during filming03:44 – Handling rejection and managing self-doubt in a competitive industry04:11 – The significance of trust and clear communication when working with actors04:37 – Practical advice on self-tape preparation and maintaining confidence05:06 – Building mental resilience through daily routines and reflection05:32 – The importance of authenticity over perfection in auditions06:00 – Personal stories of growth, vulnerability, and industry longevity06:28 – Balancing vulnerability with professional authority06:56 – How directors handle the emotional toll of industry pressures07:08 – Reflection on past social dynamics and evolving industry culture07:37 – The value of genuine human connection within professional relationships08:06 – Patience and trust in casting decisions08:33 – The shared human experience of rejection and success09:03 – Emotional sobriety and sustaining confidence09:32 – Daily practices that support emotional resilience10:01 – Gratitude and mindfulness as grounding tools10:40 – Vulnerability as strength and creative leverage11:00 – How industry culture can foster or hinder honesty11:40 – Final thoughts on craft, resilience, and personal wellbeingRichard LaxtonInstagram Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe

Keywordstheatre, star casting, agency, actor archetype, resilience, mindset, personal development, creative growth, acting career, industry challengesSummaryIn this conversation, Elliot Cowan discusses the challenges and realities of the acting industry, particularly focusing on the impact of star casting on opportunities for actors. He emphasises the importance of reframing one's mindset from feeling powerless to taking agency over one's career. Cowan encourages actors to understand their unique archetypes and to actively build their paths in the industry through continuous growth and resilience.TakeawaysStar casting is prevalent but not a new phenomenon.Believing the system is the reason for stagnation is dangerous.Actors must take responsibility for their own development.Understanding your archetype can guide your career choices.The work is to become a reliable and specific actor.No one is given meaningful work until they prove themselves.Daily practice and readiness are essential for opportunities.Building authority and audience is within your control.The mindset of apprenticeship is crucial for growth.Resilience and continuous improvement are key to success.TitlesNavigating the Challenges of Star CastingEmpowering Actors: From Powerlessness to AgencySound bites"What am I becoming?""You must know your aura.""Stop waiting to be chosen."Chapters00:00 The Impact of Star Casting on Theatre04:31 Reframing Mindset: From Powerlessness to Agency08:43 Understanding Your Archetype as an Actor11:03 NEWCHAPTER_211:49 NEWCHAPTER_313:54 Building Your Own Path in the Industry18:34 Embracing Resilience and Continuous Growth20:19 NEWCHAPTER Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryElliot Cowan (TRA) discusses resilience in the creative industry, the changing landscape of Hollywood, and the importance of finding one's niche. He shares insights from his 25-year career, emphasising the need for adaptability and self-reinvention.Keywordsresilience, creative industry, Hollywood, niche, adaptabilityTakeawaysResilience is essential in the creative industry.Hollywood is changing, not dying.Finding your niche is crucial for success.Adaptability is key to surviving industry shifts.Self-reinvention is a continuous process.Vertical series and micro series are gaining popularity.The industry demands constant reinvention.Creative control can be more fulfilling than financial gain.The democratisation of content consumption is reshaping the industry.Embracing new platforms can lead to unexpected opportunities.Title OptionsResilience in the Creative IndustryAdapting to Hollywood's New LandscapeFinding Your Niche in a Changing WorldThe Power of Self-ReinventionVertical Series: The Future of ContentHollywood's Evolution: Change or DieCreative Control vs. Financial GainThe Democratization of ContentEmbracing New Platforms for SuccessElliot Cowan on Resilience and ReinventionSound bitesResilience isn't an option.Hollywood is changing, not dying.Find your place in the new market.Great joy, great hope, great resilience.The resilient artist exists for a reason.Chapters00:00:08 Introduction to Resilience00:02:50 The Changing Landscape of Hollywood00:04:53 Finding Your Niche00:06:52 Adapting to New Markets00:11:13 Embracing New Opportunities00:17:07 Conclusion and Inspiration Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode accompanied by TRA's Worksheet, Elliot Cowan discusses the concept of identity and its impact on personal growth, particularly for artists and creatives. He emphasises the importance of recognising when our identities become outdated and how they can limit our potential. Cowan introduces a workshop designed to help individuals reset their identities by taking a day to reflect, write, and confront uncomfortable truths about their current dissatisfaction and future aspirations. He encourages listeners to dig deep into their feelings and behaviours, using discomfort as a signal for growth and change.Cowan outlines a structured approach to this identity reset, which includes identifying current dissatisfactions, envisioning an anti-vision of what life could look like if no changes are made, and setting achievable goals that align with a new identity. He stresses that change doesn't have to be overwhelming; instead, it can be a series of small, manageable steps that lead to significant transformation over time. By the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps towards their new identity, emphasizing that they are resilient artists capable of change.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Identity Reset01:33 Understanding Identity and Its Impact02:20 The Workshop Structure: Setting the Stage03:44 NEWCHAPTER08:28 Morning Phase: Psychological Excavation15:36 Afternoon Phase: Interrupting Routine21:02 Evening Phase: Synthesis and CommitmentTakeawaysIdentity gives the future enough gravity that the present begins to organize itself towards it.Discomfort is not a flaw in the process; it's a signal that something honest is being touched.Most people don't need more motivation; they need permission to stop being loyal to outdated versions of themselves.Keywordsidentity reset, personal growth, artists, creative process, self-discovery, discomfort, transformation, workshop, future self, resilience Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe

keywords: resilience, horror, theatre, binaural sound, trauma, parenting, fear, performance, storytelling, artsummary: In this conversation, Elliot Cowan discusses the importance of resilience in the arts, particularly in the context of horror theatre. He reflects on his experiences as a performer and a parent, exploring how horror can serve as a tool for confronting fear and trauma. Through the lens of the play 'A Ghost in Your Ear', he examines the mechanics of horror, the use of binaural sound, and the emotional impact of storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the significance of facing fear in a safe environment and the transformative power of theatre.takeawaysResilience is essential for artists in a volatile industry.Horror can be a valuable experience for young audiences.Theatre offers a unique, immersive experience that film cannot replicate.Binaural sound enhances the emotional impact of a performance.Effective horror relies on building suspense rather than relying solely on jump scares.The themes of trauma and inheritance are prevalent in horror narratives.Experiencing fear in a controlled environment can be therapeutic.Art can serve as a reflection of personal and collective fears.The relationship between parent and child can be explored through shared experiences of fear.Theatre has the power to teach audiences how to confront their fears.titlesFacing Fear: The Role of Horror in TheatreResilience in the Arts: A Conversation with Elliot CowanSound Bites"Theatre doesn't cut away.""A rite of passage of sorts.""I'm glad I did."Chapters00:00The Evolution of Horror in Media02:44A Ghost in Your Ear: An Introduction03:50The Immersive Experience of Binaural Sound07:00Crafting Effective Horror: Rhythm and Restraint09:51Horror as a Reflection of Inheritance and Trauma11:38Confronting Fear: The Role of Horror16:41The Impact of Horror on Personal Growth17:21Conclusion: The Future of Horror Theatre Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this conversation, Elliot Cowan, a seasoned actor and coach, discusses the evolving landscape of acting, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by self-tapes. He emphasizes the importance of authorship and personal agency in a world increasingly dominated by technology and abundance. Elliot shares insights on how actors can navigate uncertainty, adapt to changes in the industry, and leverage social media as a platform for creative expression. Ultimately, he encourages performers to embrace their individuality and take ownership of their craft.TakeawaysSelf-tapes are a necessary but challenging aspect of modern acting.The shift to digital auditions has created an abundance of opportunities.Actors must learn to author their own performances without external validation.Navigating uncertainty is crucial for success in auditions.Social media plays a significant role in shaping the acting landscape.Embracing authorship can lead to personal growth and resilience.Agency in acting is about curiosity and adaptability.The acting industry is evolving, and so must the actors within it.Self-tapes can be a training ground for new philosophies in performance.The future of acting lies in individual expression and self-validation.Chapters00:00 The Dreaded Self-Tape02:11 The Shift to Digital Auditions04:38 The Challenge of Abundance07:19 Embracing Authorship in Auditions09:53 The Role of Social Media and AI11:58 The Future of Acting and Individuality12:17 NEWCHAPTER13:37 Agency and Adaptation in the ArtsTitlesEmbracing the Self-Tape RevolutionNavigating the New Landscape of ActingSound Bites"Self-tapes are our warning signal.""Self-tapes stripped us of all props.""The mucky stuff is our advantage."Keywordsacting, self-tapes, authorship, resilience, performance, creativity, adaptation, social media, abundance, agency Get full access to The Resilient Artist at elliotcowan.substack.com/subscribe