245 episodes

Financially, mentally, physically or otherwise...most actors are at least a little broke. Host/actress Sam Valentine brings you advice, tips, and real stories (of success AND failure) from people in and around the acting industry right now. So you feel a little more “whole” and a little less alone in Hollywood. From auditions and the day-to-day life of working actors to getting agents/managers, we cover it all.

One Broke Actress Podcast OBA Bonus Podcast

    • Arts
    • 5.0 • 404 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

Financially, mentally, physically or otherwise...most actors are at least a little broke. Host/actress Sam Valentine brings you advice, tips, and real stories (of success AND failure) from people in and around the acting industry right now. So you feel a little more “whole” and a little less alone in Hollywood. From auditions and the day-to-day life of working actors to getting agents/managers, we cover it all.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    ASK ME ANYTHING | Patience, Day Jobs, Pet Peeves, My Inspiration, How I Feel About My Acting Career & More

    ASK ME ANYTHING | Patience, Day Jobs, Pet Peeves, My Inspiration, How I Feel About My Acting Career & More

    We are doing an Ask Me Anything!! From where my career is at to what my biggest pet peeve is, I answer all of your questions. We start off with me telling you about my upcoming commercial headshot session, my honest feelings about the slow pace of the industry currently, and why community is so important to staying hopeful during quieter periods. Thanks for all of the wonderful questions, and let me know if you want to do more of these by leaving me more questions in the comments!
    Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

    00:00 — Intro & State of Sam
    05:17 — “If you weren't an actor, what job do you think you'd be doing?”
    06:42 — “What do you do when you start to feel impatient about the pace of things?
    09:05 — “Do you have suggestions on day jobs that are flexible, don't cause burnout, and pay well?”
    10:54 — ”How do I get started in acting?”
    11:33 — “Did you mention you did stunt work? Is it terrifying or like a workout class?”
    12:21 — “How is your acting career going?”
    13:55 — ”Favorite childhood activity?”
    15:18 — “Strange pet peeve.”
    16:23 — “Navigating networking versus building friendships, especially in LA.”
    17:33 — “Feeling strong versus trying to be skinny.”
    18:35 — “Favorite band.”
    18:38 — “Favorite book.”
    18:55 — “Favorite painter.“
    19:18 — “Who inspires you?”
    20:40 — ”What is the most underrated thing about LA?”
    22:23 — “Where does one find adult gymnastics in LA?”
    23:11 — Wrap-Up (Pssttt: leave a review)

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    ★ Listen to One Broke Actress “What I am Learning about the Long Game of the Acting Business + My “Teaspoon of Hope” Theory”
    ★ Wanna Get Started in Acting? Watch My “Back to One” YouTube Playlist
    ★ Follow Gabrielle Byndloss
    ★ Follow Beth Stein Agency
    ★ Follow Erica S. Bream
    ★ Joining All Movement Workshops (I Did “Fighting for Film”)
    ★ Listen to the Bonus Podcast “I had a CD give me audition feedback, I re-taped, and she and I reviewed it live with me. Here is what happened…”
    ★ Listen to the Bonus Podcast “My Bosch Booking- inside and out!”
    ★ Watch “My Relationship to My Own Body as an Actress | my eating disorder + body dysmorphia recovery journey” on the One Broke Actress YouTube Channel
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    Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
    And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
    And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
    Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

    • 24 min
    It’s Never Too Late to Start: Sean Alexander James on Acting, Mental Health & The Will to Succeed

    It’s Never Too Late to Start: Sean Alexander James on Acting, Mental Health & The Will to Succeed

    Have you ever thought that you’re too old for this business, or that you’re aging out, or that there’s somehow a timeline on your dreams? Well, hate to break it to you, but none of those things are true. Acting is a lifelong art, and I’m bringing on Sean Alexander James (CSI: Vegas, The Morning Show, 9-1-1) who started pursuing this at 29 and never stopped. He takes us back to when he was contemplating his life choices while working at local Applebee's to deciding to explore acting. Sean's story is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Sean delves into topics including how he navigated his career's initial stages, his battle with mental health, and the importance of self-discovery. He shares insights on his approach to auditions and building a strong relationship with agents, and his secret to getting invited back onto the same sets time and time again. So if you’re worried about

    Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

    00:00 — Introduction and Guest Introduction: Sean Alexander James
    02:00 — Sean's Start in Acting
    06:06 — Sean's Journey from Restaurant Job to Acting
    12:15 — Sean's Approach to Auditioning and Networking
    17:26 — Sean's Mental Health Journey and Its Impact on His Career
    24:46 — Finding Self-Validation and Enjoying the Process
    25:45 — The Importance of the Journey and Detachment from Results
    26:33 — Remembering Your 'Why' and the Reality of Success in the Industry
    27:16 — The Power of Persistence and Self-Work
    28:14 — Turning a Costar into a Recurring Role
    29:33 — The Power of Kindness and Respect on Set
    30:48 — Being Prepared & Having Fun
    36:00 — Non-Verbal Acting and Nuance
    38:42 — The Story of Getting an Agent and Maintaining Good Communication
    44:33 — Current Projects and Final Thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    ★ Sean James IMDb
    ★ Sean James IG @theseanburger
    ★ Brittany Stone: The Stone Talent Agency

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    Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
    And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
    And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
    Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

    • 46 min
    Working Actor Life: VO Dub, Auditions Post-Strike, the 2024 Pilot Season, and the Actor Rat Race

    Working Actor Life: VO Dub, Auditions Post-Strike, the 2024 Pilot Season, and the Actor Rat Race

    Gabrielle Byndloss is back to discuss the changing face of the acting industry with me as we look at life post-strike in 2024. We talk about the new auditions we’ve been seeing in the commercial realm that are focused on social media ads, the deal with commercials and streaming, and how the industry is reshaping itself. Pilot season is changing before our very eyes and no one knows exactly what is going to come to replace it. We even go into how we define success an acting, arguing that it can look quite different than what many might think. After all, as working actors, we are constantly trying to get to the next thing, to reach that number one spot on the call sheet…but what would happen if we reconnected with our why and looked around at the life we’ve built and all of the chances that we do get to act? It might be worth a try.

    Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Challenges
    00:53 The Reality of Working Actor Life
    01:23 The Excitement and Anxiety of Auditions
    02:03 The Struggle of Maintaining Enthusiasm
    02:32 The Impact of COVID on Actor Life & The Difficulty of Breaking Cycles
    04:00 The Changing Landscape of TV Pilots
    12:58 The Shift to Streaming and Social Media Ads
    17:51 Reevaluating Success in Acting
    22:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    ★ Gabrielle’s IG
    ★ Variety Article “**Network TV Pilot Season Is Mostly Dead — but Stubbornly Hasn’t Gone Away Completely”**
    ★ Listen to TV’s Top Five Podcast
    ★ Listen to TV’s Top Five “Streaming and Ads” Episode
    ★ Kevin Rudolf’s “I Made It”
    ★ The Membership
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    Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
    And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
    And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
    Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

    • 23 min
    Tough Love: Three things we are told will save our acting career + how to title a rep breakup email.

    Tough Love: Three things we are told will save our acting career + how to title a rep breakup email.

    This is going to be your tough love episode. You guys: i thought these three things would save me. I thought they would pull me out of any issues I was having. And even though I knew better, if I had them i just KNEW things would change.
    Well i got them all. And here is what I learned...

    For our Q&A section, we are answering short and sweet, what to make the subject line of an agent or manager breakup email.

    Send me your Q&A here for the next pod: https://forms.gle/yrt7mt4ificgKppQ8

    Brass Taxes CEO Rus Garofalo on Everything Actors Should Know About Taxes

    Brass Taxes CEO Rus Garofalo on Everything Actors Should Know About Taxes

    We are bringing back Rus Garofalo of Brass Taxes (where I personally do my taxes). He was a hit last year, and he’s back with even more tips to help us all make this terrifying time just a little bit less scary. When it comes to taxes for creative professionals, there are so many nuisances that others don’t have to deal with because it is such a volatile industry. We go into what the difficulties that come from the tax system not being designed for those in the gig economy, and answer commonly asked tax-related questions such as quarterly taxes, business write-offs, and when it's beneficial to establish an LLC or S Corp. We also talk about how we each need to find what works for us when it comes to our money, and that includes making informed decisions. So if you’re stressed right now, sit back, listen in, and get your notebook ready to approach taxes from a place of empowerment. (PSST: Be sure to listen to the end for a special OBA discount!!)

    Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

    00:00 — Introducing Rus
    02:40 — Understanding Taxes for Creatives
    03:15— Changes in Tax Season from 2023 to 2024
    04:50 — Preparing for Income Fluctuations
    07:48 — Understanding W2 and 1099 Work
    10:46 — The Importance of Business Expenses
    17:20 — Understanding Estimated Tax Payments
    28:09 — Write-offs for Actors
    30:26 — Understanding Your Role as a Creative Professional
    32:43 — Navigating the Gray Areas of Business Expenses
    33:17 — Regular Record Keeping
    41:09 — International Taxes
    43:33 — Deciding When to Start an LLC or S Corp
    45:46 — The Reality of Setting Up a Business Entity
    48:28 — Making Informed Decisions that Work for YOU
    52:21 — Final Thoughts on Taxes for Creative Professionals

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    ★  Listen to Rus’s first episode: Taxes for Actors 101
    ★ NYFA: Taking Care of the Future You: Retirement for Creatives with Brass Taxes
    ★ Email assistant@onebrokeactress.com to get the free expense tracker and Freelancer PDF!
    ★ Brass Taxes FAQ “I was thinking about forming an LLC or Corporation. Is that a good idea?”
    ★ Brass Taxes FAQ “How do I get started”
    ★ Brass Taxes FAQ “Your Brass Taxes Account”
    ★ Brass Taxes FAQ

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    Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
    And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
    And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
    Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

    • 54 min
    What are strike captains up to… Brendan A. Bradley, Brittney Baxter, and Iris Liu on life post-strike

    What are strike captains up to… Brendan A. Bradley, Brittney Baxter, and Iris Liu on life post-strike

    In this riveting reflecting on the SAG-AFTRA Strike, Paramount Strike Captains Brittney Baxter, Iris Liu, and Brendan A. Bradley share their firsthand experiences from the picket lines. They discuss their motivations for joining the strike, their unique perspectives on union participation, the challenges they faced, and the transformation they underwent through the experience. Iris spills about how the strike was not just a professional task but a personal journey towards gaining control over her career, while Brendan elaborates about the importance of speaking up for change in the union. Brittany stresses how we all need to question and challenge our union while aiming for future contracts. The captains also share their perspective on how pre-union members should see their fight in the strike too. Finally, they each show gratitude to everyone who supported them and ensured they could still pursue their passion - acting. This candid conversation really warmed my heart, and I think it is going to provide a unique insight into the world of actors, strikes, and the power of standing together for change.

    Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

    00:00 — Introduction and Guest Introductions
    02:31 — Reflections on the Paramount Strike
    03:21 — Iris's Journey into the Union and the Strike
    06:01 — Brendan's Experience and Involvement in the Strike
    09:35 — Brittney's Entry into the Strike
    11:10 — Reflections on the Strike, Union Participation, and the Impact on Personal Lives
    13:49 — Challenges and Triumphs during the Strike
    14:53 — The Aftermath of the Strike
    17:20 — Lessons Learned and Future Directions
    30:38 — Commitment to the New Technology Committee
    31:28 — The Struggles of Volunteering and Balancing Work
    33:09 — AD: The Membership’s Headshot Class: https://themembership.co/the-headshot-class 
    35:34 — Respecting Union Volunteers & Participating in the Union
    36:38 — The Challenges of Balancing Union Work and Acting
    37:51 — We Are Our Union
    39:01 — The Power of Sharing Experiences & Filing Claims
    40:42 — Support Systems
    44:55 — Advice for Non-Union Members
    49:50 — What to Look Forward to from Iris, Brendan, and Brittney
    56:00 — Wrapping Up

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    ★ Brendan’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1731701/
    ★ Brendan’s Website: https://www.brendanabradley.com
    ★ Brendan’s IG @brendanabradley https://www.instagram.com/brendanabradley/
    ★ Brittney’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13093522/
    ★ Brittney’s Website: https://brittneybaxter.com
    ★ Brittney’s IG @brittney_baxter https://www.instagram.com/_brittney_baxter_/
    ★ Iris’ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10962783/
    ★ Iris’ Website: https://www.irisliu.com
    ★ Iris’ IG @irisliuofficial https://www.instagram.com/irisliuofficial/
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    Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
    And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com
    And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
    Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
404 Ratings

404 Ratings

Midlifestar1 ,

Relatable podcast

I enjoy listening to Sam Valentine as a working actor myself , I can relate to her actors work life and natural storytelling on her podcast .

Jason j Daniel ,

Love this podcast!

This is my favorite podcast! I am new to the industry and Sam and her guest have taught me much. This podcast is valuable to anyone who desire to understand how to live a productive, acting industry life style.

WonderWmn7 ,

Refreshing Authenticity

Sam, thank you so much for your down to earth conversation. Your experiences and genuine suggestions are truly invaluable to a beginner in this industry. In addition, I have found the episodes so helpful that for the first time ever I have purchased a paid subscription to a podcast. Much gratitude. 🦋

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