The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux

Our guest today is Eddie Mujica. He's a Cuban-American actor, writer, director, and Emmy-winning producer. In this episode, we talk about his viral videos on TikTok and  Instagram, his creative process, auditioning for SNL. We talk about therapy, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. No, it's real. You guys, I swear, it's a really fun episode. We talk about his experience in the writer's room on Zoom and in person, self-care, values, and so much more. My intro includes information about the SAG-AFTRA 2023 Tentative agreement including info sessions, how to ask questions, and my opinion on how I'm voting as a negotiating committee member! Check out Eddie's viral videos at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyOTCTXrXS9/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D And here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJRyTHYpFbxmEm97xB2Psj9nQQzbMAbiy&si=k6LOMq0hZkKM7YDA --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

Actor Behzad Dabu talks about taking a leap, acting in LA vs Chicago, the actor mindset, the SAG-AFTRA Strike, and more. Behzad Dabu is an actor, producer, and writer based out of both Los Angeles and Chicago.  He grew up in Syracuse, NY, and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.   He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues. On-screen, you can see him as REDACTED BC OF THE STRIKE, and on The Lion Guard.  He also appeared in episodes of REDACTED; as well as various audiobooks, podcasts, and national commercials. With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of 'Amit' in "Samsara" at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award - Best Actor. He also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group. Behzad strives to be a strong advocate for social justice and equality, particularly in regard to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.  He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader.   Behzad is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

Actor and writer, Barbara Howlin talks about using The Artist’s Way to recover your inner artist, trust your intuition, and heal through play.  Barbara Howlin is a SAG-AFTRA actor & writer who's been guiding creatives for the last decade. She's taught actors at AMAW and various studios around Los Angeles. Barbara is also a Reiki Master guiding people in energy expansion & healing. As founder of The Howling Hive, she leads groups and one-on-one sessions to help us all embrace creative healing for a life of play, ease & exploration. Get $15 off Barbara's Artist's Way Group with the code WHOLEARTIST! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

Financial fears, abundance, doing what you can where you are right now (even in an actor's strike)...Courtney coaches Bex Marsh through all this and more in a Clarity Session. Bex Marsh is an Asian-American actor, producer, writer, and former college baller and a producer on The Whole Artist Pod! ******* An update post Clarity Session from Bex: "I’ve really been focusing on taking as many mini-day trips as I can since our clarity session. I surprised my partner with a quick trip to the Ojai farmers market in a small mountain town about an hour and a half outside of LA. It was fun, spontaneous, and magical for both of us. It definitely added a “pep in my step” for the following week. I was even inspired to make a quick reel on ig about it! https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxDq_IyLh6I/?igshid=MWZjMTM2ODFkZg==⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

Courtney Rioux and guest host, Bex Marsh, talk with Shantira Jackson about spirituality as part of the creative process, career and personal successes, setting boundaries, quitting a writing job for a toxic host, rest, and more. Shantira Jackson is an Emmy-nominated writer/performer based in Los Angeles. She has written for REDACTED FOR THE STRIKE, its spinoff REDACTED, REDACTED Show, and the REDACTED reboot. She's a member of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. In her free time, she likes gardening and going to bed early. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

Courtney and her coach, Jaime, discuss the desire to quit acting or at least take a break. They talk about raising strong, independent children, motherhood, and its challenges, especially in the acting industry. Courtney opens up about where the hell she's been the past two years....trigger warning they talk about pregnancy loss. Jaime reveals being recently diagnosed with ADHD. The title of this episode says it all... Braving the Unknown: Navigating Big Life and Career Transitions with Self-Compassion Feat. The unknown is uncomfortable, let's navigate it together!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

After a two-year hiatus (maternity and bereavement leave) Courtney is back at the podcast! Episode 2 will explain where she's been the past two years, but Episode 1 had to be an update on the strike, didn't it?! #SAGAFTRASTRIKE #SAGAFTRASTRONG Official updates at: Sagaftrastike.org ### Co-produced by Bex Marsh and Courtney Rioux. Edited by Courtney Rioux. Special thanks to: Mandy Work for all your help on the episode, and to Dana Black and Tania Richard for your fellow podcaster support group that we have unofficially started. Patreon.com/wholeartistpod @courtneyrioux and @wholeartistpod @bexleemarsh https://entertainmentcommunity.org/how-get-help-and-give-help-during-work-stoppage Transcript link: https://courtneyrioux.squarespace.com/season-3-episode-1-transcript --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. Tyler Core contains multitudes. He, fortunately, stumbled into a job he loves: taking actor headshots for the acting community of Chicago. A hearty community of weirdoes lifts him up every day, including his wife, Stephanie, family and loved ones in Indiana, and his makeup artist and Chicago talent-captain, Khaki, of course. If he were composed of emojis: they would be a donut, a salsa dancer, an open mouth, and a red heart. And the fireworks one! https://www.tylercoreshoots.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.  Born and raised on Chicago's south side, SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local President, Charles Andrew Gardner, is an actor, educator, and filmmaker. On-camera credits include The Chi, Chicago PD; films Long Ride Home, Olympia, Noise and Color, Every 21 Seconds, and Holding On; as well as multiple national commercials for brands including Hyundai, Liberty Mutual, Ford, and AT&T. Voice-over credits include Pepsi Co. McDonald’s, Comcast, Walmart, and Dunkin' Donuts. Charles is a company member with TimeLine Theatre Company. In addition to his work on stage and in front of the camera, Charles is an on-camera acting professor at DePaul University, a faculty member at The Acting Studio Chicago, as well as a teaching artist at TimeLine Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Charles sits on the Associate Producer board at the Gene Siskel Film Center and is an advisory board member of Creative Cypher. Ilyssa Fradin is a working SAG-AFTRA actor in and from Chicago. She can be heard on a variety of voiceovers including commercials, corporate narration, interactive games, and promos. She’s also been in a variety of indie and feature films as well as Chicago-filmed TV shows. Joining both AFTRA and SAG on the same day in 1995, she became involved in union service during the commercials strike of 2000. She soon joined the SAG Council as a Local council member.  She continued to serve her Branch as VP, then President, and after Merger became VP of the Mid-Sized Locals and co-chair of the CoL (Committee of Locals) for three terms. She currently serves as one of the two National Board reps for the Chicago Local. She has and continues to serve on a variety of Local and National committees. An industry labor advocate, she has been a delegate to the CFL- Chicago Federation of Labor and a member of the IPA (Illinois Production Alliance), WIFChgo, and MFF(Midwest Film Fest). http://ChiLocalLeaders.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/chilocalleaders https://www.facebook.com/groups/Chgosagaftra https://www.unionplus.org/ https://sagaftra.foundation/ https://www.youtube.com/user/SAGAFTRA https://www.sagaftra.org/chicago https://www.sagaftra.org/membership-benefits/member-app Mixing: Henrique Lazary Music: Blythe Martin Productions Editing: Courtney Rioux Assistance: Mandy Work Wetzel --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. This week Courtney sits down with Torrey Devitto. Torrey is an actor who is known for the NBC drama Chicago Med (2015-2021),  Amy Makes Three (2016) , and the CW television series The Vampire Diaries (2009), among many others. Born and raised in Huntington, New York, to Mary Devitto & Liberty DeVitto, from the time Torrey was born, she was surrounded by the entertainment industry. For 28 years, her father played the drums for Billy Joel. She spent most of her early years traveling on the road with her parents. She began violin lessons at age six and was in the 4th grade when she had already earned her place as the 4th chair violinist in a New York high school orchestra. She played in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Florida Youth Artist Orchestra. In 1997, Torrey played on stage with her father at a Terri Binion show in Orlando, earning her first standing ovation. At 15, she started working in commercials, modeling, and print ads. Her break came when she earned the lead in playwright Lee Blessing's three-woman play Eleemosynary, which was performed at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Torrey moved to Los Angeles, where her career as an actress took off. Outside work, Torrey has worked with SafeBAE and been a longtime Hospice Ambassador, and also supports PETA and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). She shares, "To most, death is an incredibly scary and taboo idea. Hospice provides a shoulder to lean on... and the important duty of easing the fears and doubts that naturally reside in our minds as we approach the end of our lifetime. There is nothing I am more proud or passionate about than being a part of this work. It is a life-long commitment for me. A passion that I find to be more gratifying than anything I have ever known…”. Find Torrey online at: ig: @torreydevitto Torrey’s former acting teacher: Michael Woolson | https://MichaelWoolson.com Hospice https://www.nhpco.org/ SafeBAE https://safebae.org Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: https://www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: https://instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to https://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.  You are so much more than the last job you booked. This week Courtney sits down with Bex Marsh. Bex is an Asian American actor, producer, writer, and former college baller. She's trained and performed at the world-renowned comedy theaters in Chicago: iO Chicago, The Annoyance, and The Second City. While in the Midwest, she took part in off-broadway theater, commercials, television, improv, and sketch comedy. Now in Los Angeles, Bex recently shot a recurring role in the new pilot Strong Tower, co-star roles for CBS's Man With A Plan and Fox's Outmatched, and a supporting role for the film Clemency (starring Alfre Woodard) that just won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance (2019). Also, her comedy short Waterboy, which she co-wrote and starred in, was a finalist in the TBS Just For Laughs Shorts Competition headed by Kevin Hart. Catch her performing improv on the show Asian AF at UCB LA, or on any of America's Best or Ross Dress For Less commercials, or as one half of DUVAL Sketch Comedy for FUNNY OR DIE. Find Bex on IG, Twitter, and Clubhouse at: @mizz_bexmarsh Duval:  https://bit.ly/2TTI67R Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: instagram.com/courtneyrioux Chicago Local Election Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/2TTHcbt ### Special thanks to: Erick Backus for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.  You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with Tiffany Yvonne Cox. Tiffany is a 1st generation Trinidadian actress, producer, writer, and director. She began her professional career interning at The Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. This launched her into the Chicago Theatre scene where she worked with companies such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The House Theatre, and The Goodman. After her first TV role on Chicago Fire, she decided to move to LA where she has worked on shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Dead To Me, and several films and national commercials. When not on screen or stage, Tiffany volunteers with non-profit organizations such as CSH Speak Up! where she supports those who have experienced homelessness to share their stories with legislation. She realized bringing minority stories to the forefront was something she could easily create through her art. She began producing her own creative work beginning with the Digital Series COMMUNE. Followed by her directorial debut of a short film called ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. To learn more about Tiffany’s work and projects, check out these links: www.tiffanyyvonnecox.com INSTAGRAM: @tiffany_y_cox Commune The Series: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvfEGj5TF0w3uNMePKhP6jA Black HMU United: http://www.facebook.com/blackhmuunited The Roadside Assistance Workshop http://www.roadsideassistancewkshp.com A safe online retreat to grow and nurture empathy and allyship through reflective conversations and time with your inner voice. -- Tiffany directed and acted in LaDonna's Epiphany Ep. 1 of the Vaccine Vignets featuring Anna Maria Horsford https://vaccinevignettes.com/podcast-item/how-to-avoid-making-bad-choices/ — Catch Tiffany in Artemisia Theatre’s next Podcast play titled RACHEL by Angelina W. Grimke — Release Date of May 26th--- artemisiatheatre.org PGA To Host Panel On “Hair & Makeup Equity” With SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Gersh & Management 360 – Deadline https://deadline.com/2021/04/hair-makeup-equity-panel-may-11-sag-aftra-foundation-gersh-management-360-1234745204/ Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Eric Backus for mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.  You are so much more than the last job you booked. This week Courtney sits down with Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo. They are critically acclaimed sketch comedy writers and actors. As Dominizuelan they’ve been featured in Latina Magazine, Chicago Tribune, and TimeOut NY for their infectious chemistry and comedy. The duo co-created a web series with Fred Armisen (SNL) called The Dominizuelan Consulate. Lolo and Wendy wrote and directed their first short film “Good Mothers” in 2018, since then they have been focused on developing film and narrative content. Lolo and Wendy and directed 2 short films in quarantine, “Sunset 1919” and “Identified”. Diaz and Mateo have teamed up with 6 other partners to build a content creation company, Chicago4Real focused on creating live interactive entertainment on Amazon’s Twitch platform.  On your TV, you can catch Lorena in her recurring role as Nurse Doris on NBC’s Chicago MED|FIRE|PD franchise. Wendy is an Artistic Associate of the Lookingglass Theatre and can also be seen on this season of Chicago Med. Facebook: Lolo and Wendy | Chicago4Real Instagram: @LoloandWendy | @itslorenadiaz | @itswendymateo | @Chicago4Real_on_Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/chicago4real Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Erick Backus for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with researcher, author, and educator, Dr. Janja Lalich, Ph.D. Dr. Lalich specializes in cults and extremist groups and has worked with current members, former members, and families of members of controversial groups. A former Fulbright scholar, and Professor Emerita of Sociology, Dr. Lalich is the founder and director of the Center for Research on Influence and Control. She has a Master’s in Human Development and a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems. She’s written numerous books, including her most recent one, Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships. The audiobook is coming out soon with Sarah Edmunson, narrating. Dr. Lalich is a former member of a cult herself, and is in, and produced several cult documentaries including: Heavens Gate, Seduced, The UnXplained, The Lost Women of NXIVM, Explained, Cults and Extreme Belief, and more. To learn more about Dr. Lalich, visit: http://cultresearch.org/ Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com Find Courtney on Social Media: instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Eric Backus for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.  You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with actor, James Vincent Meredith. Born in Chicago, raised in Evanston, now residing in Oak Park, James Vincent Meredith is proud to call Illinois and the Midwest his home. Meredithʼs body of work spans film, television, and theater. His feature credits include Widows, the 2018 crime thriller starring Viola Davis, Princess Cyd, and Knives and Skin. In television, he was a series regular on the fourth season of Fargo as Opal Rackley. He recurred as Barry Vaughn on NBCʼs Chicago Med and Alderman Ross on Boss for Starz, as well as guest star appearances on Proven Innocent and Exorcist (FOX), Shameless (HBO), and Betrayal (ABC). Meredith has been a member of Chicagoʼs Steppenwolf Theatre Company for over a decade, sharing the stage with Tracy Letts, Rainn Wilson, LoisSmith, William Petersen, and Michael McKean, among others. Broadway credits include Superior Donuts and “Mafala Hatimbi” in the long-running musical Book of Mormon. To learn more about James Vincent Meredith, visit: https://www.instagram.com/javimere1971/ Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at: www.courtneyrioux.com instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. Music by Blythe Martin Productions- erik@SoundAnswer.com Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with DaJuan Johnson.  DaJuan is a consistently working actor, certified life coach, and the founder of Think Bigger Coaching. Currently, you can catch him recurring as Detective Rondell Pierce on Amazon’s hit show BOSCH, which was recently renewed for its seventh season. DaJuan’s credits include his ABC-backed Emmy-campaigned performance on Grey’s Anatomy and his lead role in the Emmy-nominated YouTube Series, The New 30. Credits also include Suits, Agent Carter, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, Private Practice, 24, and Bones, and now he is also on a mission to help actors #uplevel their careers with confidence. His mindset strategies are grounded in real-life experience as a veteran working actor. He has helped hundreds of others break through personal blocks and integrate best audition practices so they can book more work and quickly move to the next level. To learn more about DaJuan head on over to: https://thinkbiggercoaching.com www.selftapesthatbook.com https://www.instagram.com/thinkbiggercoaching/ ### Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at www.courtneyrioux.com instagram.com/courtneyrioux ### Special thanks to: Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. Music by Blythe Martin Productions.  Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. This week, Courtney sits down with actor and coach, Michael Kostroff, for a wide-ranging interview. They discuss changing your mindset when it comes to auditioning, Michael's classic TV role on The Wire, the need for civil discourse, and so much more! Michael’s Free Class and Audition Psych 101 Online (https://bit.ly/3naPrsA) MICHAEL KOSTROFF: Formerly the world’s worst auditioner, Michael Kostroff is now an established working actor best known for his five seasons as gang attorney Maury Levy on HBO’s legendary series, The Wire, and for his dozens of other television appearances, including roles on Billions, The Blacklist, Law & Order: SVU,  Luke Cage, The Deuce, Elementary, The Good Wife, Damages, Blue Bloods, Banshee, and opposite Robert De Niro in HBO Films' Wizard of Lies. He understudied the Tony Award-winning role of Max Bialystock on the first national tour of The Producers, originated the role of "Thénardier" for the 25th Anniversary U.S. Tour of Les Misérables, and stood by on Broadway in The Nance. Regional engagements have taken him to Goodspeed, Paper Mill, Flat Rock, Theatre Aspen, Musical Theatre West, Olney Theatre, and more. A former advice columnist for Backstage (2006-2012), Kostroff is also a director, audition coach, and frequent guest instructor at colleges, universities, and drama schools. He’s the author of Letters from Backstage, Answers from "The Working Actor,"  and Audition Psych 101. Meanwhile . . . he continues to audition. Michael's Books on Amazon: Audition Psych 101 (https://amzn.to/2Lj21ck) Letters from Backstage: The Adventures of a Touring Stage Actor (https://amzn.to/3oxHEGK) Answers from "The Working Actor" (https://amzn.to/3bnr1Kd) Find Michael On The Internet: Audition Psych 101 on Twitter (https://twitter.com/auditionpsych) Michael Kostroff on Twitter (https://twitter.com/TheRealKostroff) ### Thanks to Tommy Martin of Multiple Hats Productions for helping with the rerelease of this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. The Success Breakthrough Experience: Wendy’s Free 5-Day Virtual Event: Register http://www.Actorinspiration.com/success Free Gifts From Wendy: Free Guided Meditation: Easing Anxiety + Improving Well-being De-stress in under 15 minutes. Download it here: Actorinspiration.com/ease ### Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at www.courtneyrioux.com  instagram.com/courtneyrioux  Special thanks to: Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Co-edited with Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness.   Courtney talks with writer, director, and executive producer of Chicago Med, Michael Pressman. Michael Pressman has been a filmmaker for decades. He directed a diverse slate of feature films, including the cult hit Boulevard Nights, which was one of twenty-five films selected in 2019 for preservation by the Library of Congress; Those Lips, Those Eyes starring Frank Langella; Doctor Detroit starring Dan Aykroyd and Some Kind of Hero starring Richard Pryor. He’s the executive producer of Chicago Med, executive producer of Blue Bloods, and directed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 - Secret Of The Ooze. He has also directed episodes of Justified, Law and Order SVU, Sneaky Pete, Damages, Chicago Med, and countless others. And he directed the Hallmark Hall Of Fame “Saint Maybe “ by Ann Tyler as well as the classic “Quicksand - No Escape “ by Peter Baloff and Dave Wollert, starring Donald Sutherland and Tim Matheson. Michael has directed many theater productions, including the highly successful Broadway revival of Comeback Little Sheba starring S. Epatha Merkerson. He graduated from the film school at Cal/Arts and also attended Carnegie-Mellon, majoring in acting and directing for the theater. He has won two Emmy Awards for executive producing and show running the acclaimed series Picket Fences and earned an Emmy nomination and a DGA nomination for his work on the hospital series Chicago Hope.  Follow Courtney Rioux online: www.courtneyrioux.com | instagram.com/courtneyrioux | Facebook.com/CourtneyRiouxOfficial | Twitter.com/CourtneyRioux  Other links:  Boulevard Nights https://g.co/kgs/afbCL7   Those Lips Those Eyes https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081625/  Frankie and Johnny Are Married https://www.amazon.com/Frankie-Johnny-are-Married-Antonio/dp/B001BKH10A  Picket Fences: Season 1 Ep 22  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0674737/?ref_=ttep_ep22  St. Maybe https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0168156/  Sneaky Pete "Mr. Success" episode https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5308384/  TMNT 2: Secret of the Ooze https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103060/  Lasting Looks Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lasting-looks/id1537341991  Pleasantville Accident Article http://bit.ly/3mGaNh1  SJ Article https://onechicagocenter.com/2020/03/24/chicago-fire-chicago-med-directors-interview/ Dear Hollywood Article http://bit.ly/3pfwt5t  Special thanks: Editor: Henrique Lazary   Assistant: Mandy Work Wetzel  Photography: Brave Lux.  Music: Blythe Martin Productions --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support

The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux: Conversations with artists about acting, purpose, and the journey to finding wholeness. You are so much more than the last job you booked. Today Courtney sits down with performer and positive psychology practitioner, Erica Elam, to discuss how principles from improv and positive psychology can change an actor’s (or anyone’s) sense of well-being. Erica Elam is an actor, improviser, director, and positive psychology practitioner based in Chicago. She has performed at The Goodman (in the world premiere of Sarah Ruhl's Stage Kiss), Steppenwolf, Northlight, Court, Remy Bumppo, Peninsula Players, Chicago Shakespeare, and with The Second City at The KennedyCenter in Washington, D.C. She is an ensemble member with the critically acclaimed improv troupes BabyWants Candy and The Improvised Shakespeare Company (with whom she was the first woman ever to perform). Erica earned her Masters in Applied Positive Psychology at The University of Pennsylvania, and graduated from The University of Georgia, The Second City Conservatory, and The School at Steppenwolf. Find Erica on Social Media Instagram: instagram.com/ericaelam Follow Courtney Rioux online: Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at www.courtneyrioux.com instagram.com/courtneyrioux twitter.com/courtneyrioux facebook.com/CourtneyRiouxOfficial/ Other links: Character Strengths: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register Shared History Pod: https://arcadeaudio.net/shared-history/2020/10/7/037-happy-healthy-history-feat-courtney-rioux Zoom Fatigue: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/29/sunday-review/zoom-video-conference.html ### Special thanks to: Tommy Martin for editing and mixing this episode. Mandy Work Wetzel for all of your hard work. Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/ Music by Blythe Martin Productions. For more info, please contact Jamie and Erik at erik@SoundAnswer.com Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wholeartistpod/support