Working Actor Life Podcast
The actor group chat you didn’t know you needed.
Working Actor Life
Gab gets called to set in the middle of our Nashville membership retreat, and we talk through what it really looks like to hold a business, a booking, and auditions all at once.We're recording from the car on the drive home from Nashville, where we just wrapped our in-person membership retreat. The week before, Gab was taken off the shooting schedule, so we headed out believing she was free. Then Monday night, deep into catered Italian food with our members, she got a call time for 10:18 the next morning. We also get into booking out for in-person only while staying available by tape, and why you can't give 100% to two things that both need all of you.Meanwhile, the retreat kept going, and so did the auditions. Oh and we close with a series regular role we both auditioned for three weeks apart, and why you should double down on who you are when casting doesn't know what they want yet.LinksThe Membership: https://themembership.co/https://the-membership.kit.com/waitlist2026Sam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/Gab's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Chapters00:00 Recording from the road after our Nashville retreat01:30 Running the business, auditioning, and Gab's big booking02:50 Booking out for in-person but staying available by tape04:00 Off the schedule, then back on it06:50 The 9 PM call time and the 6 AM flight09:40 Two big feelings at once and not our best day on set13:00 Letting it go and moving forward14:00 Member auditions and Sam's live Zoom from the Airbnb19:55 Letting our members see us figure it out21:50 Auditioning while on a show and doubling down on you for series regs24:40 Tired takes, simple choices, and the TM waitlist
Working Actor Life
what happens when your career starts moving but your brain hasn't caught up yet?sam walks through a rough stretch that stacked a big series regular audition and the general uncertainty that comes with bigger opportunities landing without the "data" to back them up. we talk through the difference between skipping your feelings and actually moving through them, why finding your baseline matters more than forcing positivity, and how differently we each process hard emotions.then we shift into what it's actually been like for gab to be booked on a show for seven out of eight episodes, including the real costs (financial, emotional, and logistical) of prepping for a character before filming even starts, and why the chaos of production schedules can mess with your head even when things are going well.linksthe membership: https://themembership.co/sam's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/gab's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/chapters00:00 - intro and this episode's theme: new levels, new devils00:02 - sam's breakdown week: the series regular audition and feeling like you skipped a step00:13 - sam's process for actually moving through hard emotions00:16 - gab's different emotional wiring and the idea of finding your baseline00:24 - gab's guest star booking: prep costs and the corey gamestop story00:27 - unpredictable shooting schedules and the social side of being on set00:29 - finding relief and joy in the middle of the chaos00:30 - playing the game you're in, plus tm wait list info
Working Actor Life
Gab is officially booked and busy, and this episode kicks off with it! We reflect on what it felt like to sit in that uncertainty before the news came through. We also discuss why it is so hard for Sam to celebrate her own wins the way she celebrates everyone else's. Gab pushes back on the instinct to shrink big moments and makes the case for taking up space, even when it feels uncomfortable or undeserved.Links:TM — https://themembership.co/Sam IG — https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/Gab IG — https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Chapters:00:00 Intro and celebrating Gab's booking02:00 Podcast moving to an every other week format04:00 Supporting each other through busy seasons09:00 Sam's short film premiere and red carpet13:00 Why celebrating yourself is so hard19:00 The real financial cost of making a short film23:00 Sam's history of self promotion, from camp bracelets to audition business cards31:00 Comparing their two red carpet experiences33:00 Wrap up and what's next
Working Actor Life
stevon lewis, a licensed therapist who specializes in imposter syndrome is HERE! he works with a lot of high achieving people, including actors, who feel like frauds no matter how much success they rack up.we get into:why hitting a new level in your career resets the clock instead of curing the imposter feelingshow to build confidence off data instead of feelingsgab's flip side of imposter syndrome, being told to shrink herself so she doesn't come off as cocky. how actors can tell the difference between nerves and a real lack of confidence in a room.Links:Southern California Counseling Center www.sccc-la.orgTherapy for Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com/Timecodes:01:00 — how stevon found his way into imposter syndrome work04:00 — why success doesn't cure imposter syndrome, it resets the clock07:00 — imposter syndrome disguised as motivation and hustle09:00 — where to start when you've had success but still feel stuck12:00 — SCCC and finding a therapist wherever you live17:00 — gab's flip side, being told to shrink so she's not seen as cocky23:00 — building confidence with zero credits yet, plus the shaq free throw analogy28:00 — stevon's own story, wonderland ave and choosing to be himself37:00 — taking up space while still reading the room, plus wrap up
Working Actor Life
gab is on network test for a series (yes there's a nudity rider, yes there's a lawyer, yes we break down a lot of it, and YES spoiler alert she booked RIGHT after we finished this pod)sam just spent four days on avail hold for two commercials shooting in two different states at the same time.so let's talk about the in between. what do you actually do with your body and your brain when you don't know if you booked.Links: TM https://themembership.co/ Sam IG https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/ Gab IG https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Timecodes: 00:00 — cold open, gab doesn't subscribe to her own podcast 04:00 — why sam can't live share the way gab does 05:00 — gab's elevator pitch, callback to network test to lawyer to nudity rider 12:00 — sam's story, two commercials on hold in two different states 17:00 — "booking the room" 22:00 — protecting your peace vs letting yourself feel it 26:00 — how to strengthen the waiting muscle, sam's booking song and gab's workouts 29:00 — why a co-star hold deserves the same respect as a series hold 32:00 — nudity riders, intimacy riders, and wikifeet 35:00 — wrap up
Working Actor Life
back from our little podcast break (which, tbh we recorded right before we left, so nothing actually changed). this week we're catching up: from rewatching old audition tapes to see who booked the roles we didn't, noticing how often "open ethnicity" breakdowns still end up going to white actresses, the pitt's wild filming schedule, the ick we sometimes feel around actors overselling their credits in their bios, and whether that reaction says more about us than about them. links:themembership.co@samvalentine@gabriellebyndlosschapters:01:00 – what's actually filming right now (rj decker, will trent, the pit, criminal minds)04:00 – rewatching old audition tapes and who booked instead06:00 – open ethnicity breakdowns and the industry backslide since 202014:00 – the pitt's unusual filming schedule and self-submitting for emmys16:00 – the dunkin' commercial that got away19:00 – how the podcast became a trust-building tool for their brand22:00 – why talking about acting off the clock feels different in LA vs elsewhere29:00 – bosch, legacy roles, and feeling defined by your biggest credit32:00 – picking up cues, feedback for future episodes36:00 – the instagram bio debate: overselling credits vs owning your wins44:00 – the dm pet peeve: asking for a full career plan for a five day trip
Working Actor Life
Why we're stepping away from the podcast for the month of July, and why we think you should be looking at your own schedule for what can come off your plate right now. Gab just took a full week off and we break down what that actually looked like (from nighttime resets to finally catching up on sleep debt) and what happens when you let yourself really disengage instead of half-assing a break...if you feel called out, hello!We also get into the industry side of stepping away: why booking out doesn't mean you're not dedicated to your career, + why agents actually respect it. Links:TM joinThe Headshot ClassSam IGGab IGChapters:00:00 Welcome back, and why we're taking July off from the podcast01:00 The industry slowdown and why this time of year hits different02:00 What you can let go of in these last few weeks before August04:00 What Gab's week off actually looked like06:00 Building a nighttime wind down routine09:00 Why disengaging has to be structured (and why that's okay)10:00 The steamboat mentality and why one person can't carry everything11:00 Booking out without the guilt13:00 Old school rep mentality vs how the industry actually works now14:00 Headshot Class wrap up and what's next with summer school inside the membership15:00 Sneak peek at what's coming: acting on camera skills, callbacks, and more
Working Actor Life
We are literally in the car on the way to set. Sam booked her first commercial in three years, and Gab is along for the ride.Sharing exactly how this booking came together, why being a local hire in Atlanta actually makes financial and logistical sense for Sam specifically, what it takes to pull that off without it being a disaster, how wardobe fittings work, what to pack when you're doing an overnight booking, commercial conflicts, and the single best reminder about self tapes.LinksThe MembershipSam on InstagramGab on InstagramChapter Markers[00:00:00] We're in the car on the way to set[00:01:00] How the booking happened and why Atlanta works for Gab[00:04:00] Canceling the trip, booking the flight, making it work[00:06:00] The logistics of staying with a friend for a booking[00:10:00] What happens at a fitting and how the client looks at you[00:11:30] TV vs. commercial fittings, what is different and why[00:15:00] The client watching self tapes on mute at the fitting[00:16:00] Commercial conflicts, Hyundai, Ford, and why you have to track this yourself[00:20:00] What to pack for an overnight booking[00:23:00] Casa Amor, the plan for tonight, and what comes next
Working Actor Life
one of our members just hit a massive milestone:first co-star, first rep, SAG-E status, woo hoo! but instead of feeling on top of the world, she's feeling the weight of how much further there is to go. we've all been there. you work so hard for the thing, and when you finally get it, you look up and realize it's just the beginning. we wanna chat about this specific flavor of overwhelm and why it doesn't mean something is wrong with you/your career.we also get into sam's BI news: she got randomly selected for the SAG Motion Picture Nominating Committee (yes this is clearly v important to her) which means she'll be screening movies before they're widely released and helping narrow down award nominations. which brings us to how FYC events actually work, who pays for them, and whythe awards are kind of purchased LinksJoin The MembershipSam on InstagramGab on InstagramChapters00:00 Sam got selected for the SAG Motion Picture Nominating Committee06:00 How FYC events work and who actually pays for them08:00 "Everything is eyes. Everything is dollars."13:00 One of our members booked her first co-star and she's overwhelmed17:00 Sam didn't picture herself working through adulthood — and why that matters22:00 Is this the mountain I want to climb?24:00 Where you bring your career questions matters as much as the questions themselves28:00 What shifted between then and now?31:00 The two different kinds of self-awareness (and how they both trip you up)40:00 Coffee meetings, bartering, and knowing your worth45:00 Why Sam secretly wants to be someone's assistant46:00 Headshot class is coming and Sam wants it as a birthday gift
Working Actor Life
Get in on the LIVE class! EDIT: it is now JULY 7th!*Everything you need to know before your next headshot session, and how to build your headshot plan from the data you already have!*We are recording this one from Sam's living room with Gab fresh off a week of working in person together and yes we are talking headshots AGAIN. This is not about telling you to just "get good headshots." This is about the prep work that makes the session itself easy, so you can show up, sleep the night before, and let the other creatives do their thing. And if you want to go deeper on all of this, the Headshot Class is July 7th at 5pm PT / 8pm ET. You'll get a printable guide you can bring to your photographer, your hair and makeup team, and your reps. If you can't make it live, you still get the recording and the guide. **Links**Join the Headshot ClassJoin The MembershipSam on InstagramGab on InstagramChapters00:00 - recording from sam's living room + what this episode is about01:49 - what the headshot class covers and what it'll help you walk away with02:00 - the pre-homework: why most of us skipped this for years03:44 - starting with your past auditions to find the through lines05:57 - identifying which headshots are currently working06:33 - how to ask your reps in a way they can actually answer08:13 - building your headshot budget (the full cost breakdown)11:49 - deciding how many looks you actually need13:32 - how to choose the right photographer for the vibe you're going for14:16 - if you're brand new and have no data yet: where to start16:00 - using tv shows filming in your market + looking at co-stars18:02 - finding actual headshots on actors access vs. imdb19:10 - if you have no idea what your essence is: how to figure it out21:05 - what the headshot class goes deeper on + how to get the guide22:30 - wrap it up!
Working Actor Life
Join the LIVE Headshot Class! We're sharing exactly how we're approaching our upcoming headshot sessions, including why we booked two different photographers, how we used our audition histories to figure out what we actually need, and why we're finally remaking The Headshot Class. We break down the process of pulling your character types from real audition data, why you shouldn't be getting headshots for roles you've never been called in for, and what to do when you're earlier in your career and don't have much data yet. We also get into some real talk about Gab's Cape Fear premiere, the nerves that come with seeing yourself on screen, and what it means to finally not be celebrating a career milestone alone.Links:Follow us on Instagram:@samvalentine: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/@gabriellebyndloss: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Join The Membership: https://themembership.co/Chapters:00:00 Gab's coming to LA (and it's already a lot)02:00 Why we booked two photographers instead of one05:00 Sam's new commercial rep and what they're actually asking for10:00 We're remaking The Headshot Class, and here's why11:30 How to use your audition log to plan your headshots13:00 Gab doesn't keep an audition log, and here's how she approached it anyway15:00 Stop getting headshots for roles you've never auditioned for17:30 What to do when you're starting out and have no data yet19:30 It's okay to get the wrong headshots first22:00 Gab's five character types from her audition history24:00 Sam's character types (including the one she really wants to play)27:00 Commercial vs. theatrical: why they need completely different shots32:00 Gab's premiere nerves and what she's actually nervous about34:30 Why it matters to not do this career alone
Working Actor Life
Gab shared a post this week about the "thanks but no thanks" emails that come with the job, and the internet had...feelings. Which brings us into difference between processing your feelings and wallowing in them, why having a big resume doesn't make rejection sting less, and how the pressure to perform positivity (online and as actors in general) quietly makes us smaller...and how much it comes down to being seen and accepted.LinksThe Membership: https://themembership.co/Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/Gab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Chapters00:00 - Behind the scenes chaos and missing episode 2802:30 - Gab's rejection post and the "just be grateful" comments07:00 - Sam on learning to have opinions online without people-pleasing09:00 - How rejection notes make us question our choices (and our looks)11:00 - Street cred, submission reports, and the legitimacy question13:30 - Who's actually lurking and what they're deciding about you15:30 - Having credits doesn't mean rejection hurts less18:00 - Forced positivity, auditions, and what we're told women shouldn't feel20:00 - Sam's rule: it's your house, don't let anyone leave trash on your lawn23:00 - How Sam and Gab are wired completely differently, and why it works26:00 - The CVS story you didn't know you needed to hear27:00 - Does any of this make us smaller as actors? Actually... no29:30 - Timothee Chalamet, Marty Supreme, and singularly focused characters31:00 - We don't live in singularities33:00 - 20,000 listeners and Gab still doesn't believe anyone's watching
Working Actor Life
Trigger Warning: we discuss eating disorders and sexual assault in this episode. Please only listen if this is a safe space for you.Two real booking stories, one booking and one not (yet), and what they reveal about the auditions we almost talked ourselves out of: this week, Gab is dialing in live from Nashville where she's on set for a commercial that put her through one of the most challenging callbacks of her career. Sam shares the not-booking story where being too young was somehow the problem.And we wide up chatting about how the audition process has a way of surfacing things that have nothing to do with acting and everything to do with who you've had to become to survive. We didn't plan to go this deep...but Sam didn't edit it out.LinksJoin The Membership: https://themembership.co/Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/Gab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Chapter Markers[00:00:00] Gab is live from Nashville (on a commercial booking)[00:01:00] The audition that almost broke Gab before the booking[00:02:00] The nationwide callback, the timeline pressure, and the live TM watch party[00:04:00] 30 redirects on one line and what that actually means[00:05:00] When the feedback hits different because of your identity[00:07:00] Why Gab records every callback (and what she found when she watched it back)[00:08:00] The avail, the booking, and the full Nashville logistics saga[00:10:00] The reframe: auditions are not supposed to be fun[00:13:00] Sam's not-booking story: the casting director who said she was too young[00:15:00] The age range spiral and what it means to be stuck between brackets[00:18:00] The healthy stalk that actually helped[00:21:00] Sun exposure, Botox, and whether taking care of yourself changes your casting[00:24:00] The unbothered quality you can't fake and what it actually comes from[00:26:00] How essence can work for you and against you in the same room[00:27:00] Eating disorders, trauma, and this career's way of magnifying what we carry[00:33:00] Why actors might be doing the most important work without realizing it[00:35:00] Wrap-up and a reminder that this podcast is doing very well (Gab still doesn't believe it)
Working Actor Life
So you booked and want to know how to turn that momentum into something more.PR? Get a Deadline article? Rebrand? We're getting honest about what actually moves the needle versus what just burns money.We break down our own PR experiences and why media coverage hits differently depending on your credit level. And what else you can do with your wins. Links:The Membership: https://themembership.co/Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentine/Gab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellebyndloss/Chapters:[00:00:00] Welcome back + setting up the episode[00:01:00] The member question: how do I use momentum after a booking?[00:02:00] Sam's PR experience after her 2020 film[00:03:00] Gab's PR experience with Marvel and the discount she negotiated[00:04:00] Why Deadline articles matter for SEO, and when they're actually worth it[00:05:00] The real deal on Voyage LA and "pay to play" local press[00:06:00] When PR might actually make sense (and when it absolutely doesn't)[00:07:00] What your reps are already doing with your momentum that you can't see[00:08:00] Gab pushes back: co-stars that weren't really co-stars[00:09:00] Atlanta vs LA: what a co-star booking actually looks like in different markets[00:11:00] Gab paid for a Voyage article and never received it. A cautionary tale.[00:12:00] The internal momentum no one talks about[00:13:00] How Sam makes a big deal out of small wins, and why that matters[00:14:00] On auditions you didn't book and the stories we tell ourselves to stay in the game[00:15:00] Using near-misses as data points and pitching yourself for the right role[00:16:00] The audition Sam turned into a second opportunity (and booked)[00:17:00] Gab's been reading! "Don't Believe Everything You Think" and goal-setting from inspiration vs. scarcity[00:20:00] What it looks like when a member's mindset shifts in real time[00:23:00] Urgency, fear, and why pushing harder doesn't make this industry reward you faster[00:23:30] Outro + a teaser about Gab's week
Working Actor Life
Our in-house Coach Vas is back on the pod, and we brought him on at exactly the right moment: his Deadline article just dropped for his brand new booking on the Netflix limited series I Will Find You, and we could not wait to dig into every part of how it happened. From the audition process + live Zoom session and the day to day of being on the set, this episode is a real behind-the-scenes look at what booking actually looks like from someone who coaches and acts.Vas also walks us through his SELECT framework he developed to make sense of how any actor gets cast. SELECT stands for Skill, Experience, Luck, Essence, Connections, and Timing, and hearing him break it down against his own recent booking is one of the most practical things we have heard on this show.}LinksJoin The Membership (TM)Sam on InstagramGab on InstagramTimestamps00:00 Welcome back, Coach Vas! The Deadline article drop and the Netflix booking news03:00 The full audition timeline: reading for one role, getting called back for another05:00 Live Zoom vs. self-tape: why Vas prefers self-taping and what changed in this session07:00 The director who hated him: breaking down creative differences vs. personal conflict10:00 What it means to be "hated" on a job and why it can actually signal your value13:00 Being loved vs. liked: why authenticity creates polarizing reactions15:00 The Vas-style audition: safety takes, elevated takes, and the four Es (Energy, Emotion, Engagement, Environment)19:00 How Vas decides which takes to submit and in what order22:00 The live Zoom: reading for a different character and referencing The Fugitive25:00 Intra-script improvisation: what it is and why it worked in the room27:00 Gab's callback story: taking ownership of the room through a calculated risk29:00 Introducing SELECT: Skill, Experience, Luck, Essence, Connections, Timing34:00 How SELECT applied to Vas's actual booking36:00 Luck and essence for early-career actors: why you can book before you have everything38:00 Network position: first, second, and third position explained41:00 Wrapping up: how to keep working on your SELECT letters even when auditions are slow45:00 Did Vas pay a publicist to get in Deadline? The answer might surprise you
Working Actor Life
We're pulling back the curtain on two very different audition-challenges we're each navigating right now:Sam took a leap on an audition that requires her to sing an original Christmas song..despite having been removed from choir as a kid. Gab is managing the physical, emotional, and logistical reality of straightening her 4C hair for a series of auditions while unpacking the complicated feelings that come with it....and essentially why both of us are choosing to lean into the discomfort rather than pass on what scares us. We wrap with a little detour into the Alex Cooper vs. Alix Earle situation because honestly, sometimes you just need some low-stakes drama to decompress.LinksJoin The Membership (TM)Sam on InstagramGab on Instagram[00:00:00] Welcome back[00:01:38] Sam's singing audition[00:05:36] Favors, voice coaches & asking for an extension[00:08:31] When an audition pushes you out of your comfort zone[00:13:22] Gab's straight hair journey[00:15:00] The beauty politics of hair[00:25:26] Finding the fun in the hard stuff[00:28:32] Using personal challenges to deepen your acting[00:31:05] Detour- Alex Cooper vs. Alex Earl[00:36:22] Gab's upcoming live with Jen Rudolph[00:41:27] Ratings, reviews & where to find us
Working Actor Life
Sometimes the universe clears your calendar for a reason. So what happens when auditions go quiet? We think that silence might be exactly what you needed. We share three real examples from our own lives and inside The Membership of actors who shifted their focus, trusted the timing, and watched things open up in ways they never expected.We also get into why "just be grateful" is not the same as choosing to focus on what's actually working, how Sam's networking move turned a near-miss into a genuine relationship, and what Gab learned from Coleman Domingo about refusing to call this career hard.LinksJoin The Membership (TM)Sam on InstagramGab on InstagramTimestamps[00:00:00] Welcome back (yes, there's a helicopter)[00:01:45] Trusting a quiet audition period[00:04:07] Our platform launch week and the auditions that waited[00:06:39] TM member story: boundaries, a great day job, and a flood of auditions[00:12:20] Doubling down on what's working instead of what isn't[00:15:00] The difference between gratitude and actually choosing your focus[00:17:42] Coleman Domingo never called acting hard[00:18:46] What's filming right now in Atlanta and LA[00:21:31] Why passing compliments is the best networking[00:24:28] What Sam would tell her younger self about the long dry spells[00:28:03] Why a quiet season might be protecting you from yourself[00:38:42] Alter egos, fake tattoos, and Gab's potential blonde era
Working Actor Life
We are about to get so for real. MANAGERS and AGENTS.When and why actors should consider adding a manager to their team, the differences between managers and agents, the importance of having leverage before hiring, financial and legal considerations, team dynamics, and a hell of a lot of personal experience.Take the free Actor Type QuizJoin the waitlist for The MembershipSam’s IGGab’s IG
Working Actor Life
We pulled real comments from our Working Actor Express Bootcamp participants and broke down what we would say to each of them if we were coaching them live. Chances are, if they're wrestling with it, you are too.We dig into the "waiting until ready" trap that so many actors fall into, including the outdated idea that you need a perfect package before reaching out to reps. We also get into the truth about how representation actually happens in today's industry (hint: it's peer to peer, not cold submission), why going somewhere with a networking agenda usually backfires, and how to release the pressure of doing everything all the time.We also talk about one bootcamper sitting on a celebrity connection and why we'd actually coach them NOT to use it, what to do when you're creatively depleted but still showing up, why we think "just be grateful" is a fear-based manipulation tactic, and how to think in seasons instead of days so your workload doesn't flatten you.Links:Join The BootcampSam on InstagramGab on InstagramTimestamps:00:00 Podcasting from the car (Sniff Spot run with the dogs)01:00 Why we're breaking down real bootcamp comments today02:40 Bootcamp comment #1: "I procrastinate on things that will move me forward"03:45 The Dreamer archetype and learning to leap without a net05:20 Why the traditional rep submission process isn't working the way it used to07:00 How representation actually happens now: peer referrals over cold outreach09:00 Kick The Ladder and finding your community (especially in non-LA markets)11:30 What the WAL Membership actually looks like for relationship building12:25 Should you use Rapunzel or Talent Link? Our honest take13:03 Staying active without expectations: the hardest skill in this career14:28 Bootcamp comment #2: "I've been doing a lot of waiting"15:45 The "working actor version of me" exercise and what it reveals17:35 The celebrity contact: why we'd coach them NOT to reach out yet19:50 When you're creatively depleted, what actually needs to change21:13 Thinking in seasons, not days, and lightening up on your expectations23:30 Auditions as inconveniences and giving yourself permission to need a slow week25:00 "Just be grateful": why we think it's a manipulative tactic and what to say instead26:35 The bootcamp is still open + how to join
Working Actor Life
Everything we knew about this industry two years ago is probably already outdated...We are back after a week off because auditions came first, and that is exactly the point. This episode covers a big, busy week. We talk about redirects that feel like callbacks, a five-minute straight monologue callback tape, the reality of sustained audition volume without a booking, why levels in this industry are mostly a myth, the rise of vertical shorts, my manager search, and why everything you knew about this industry two years ago is probably already outdated.We also get into the case against AI demo reels, how to use an emotional map for long-form auditions, and why staying humble and staying a student is the only real survival strategy.Timestamps00:00:00 Intro, tech issues, we skipped last week, and why acting always comes first00:01:30 The redirect that felt like a callback and what re-tapes actually signal00:03:30 Essence over credits and why I did not get the redirect and was totally fine with it00:06:00 My four auditions for two characters on the same new series00:07:00 Sam's five-minute straight callback tape, 9 pages, one scene, full monologue00:10:30 Using an emotional map and pinned sides, not cheating, it's smart prep00:13:00 How many pages does The Pit film per day and what that tells you about your audition00:14:30 Audition volume without a booking and when frustration starts to kick in00:15:30 A series regular had to put a one-liner on tape and nobody is above self-taping in 202600:17:00 White Lotus, two co-stars, going up against a series reg, hope and perspective00:18:30 Ground Up with Natalie, the podcast I sent Sam (linked)00:19:00 Levels in acting and why we do not use them in TM and why they stunt your growth00:22:00 What I learned from Sam and what Sam learned from me, it is not about credits00:23:00 Vertical shorts are SAG now, Disney, YouTube, and why we are the beginners here00:24:30 Your essence is your superpower even if you do not know what it is yet00:25:00 Sam's new commercial agent and going back to in-person audition rooms00:25:45 My manager search, Talent Link, cold submissions, referrals, and what actually worked00:29:00 Thunderbolts was coming out and nobody responded, the industry is humbling00:30:00 What our TM members have taught us about growth and staying open00:32:00 Ego in the room vs ego about the outcome and how to use confidence correctly00:33:30 Actors who make their own stuff and then steamroll everyone, Sam's lesson in humility00:34:00 Do not hold us to what we said two years ago and do not hold yourself to it either00:36:00 AI headshots and AI demo reels and why they look like shit and will not skip the line00:39:00 The moral: nobody knows anything, let's play as a team00:39:30 Our Working Actor Bootcamp is coming in April, join the waitlist belowLinksJoin The Membership (TM)Sam on InstagramGab on InstagramGround Up with NatalieHow We Approach Auditions DifferentlyWhat We Were Wrong About, our most popular episode
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
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!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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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.
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
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.
Working Actor Life
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
Working Actor Life
If you’ve ever stared at a character description and thought, “This is so not me,” or if you’ve spiraled mid-tape wondering if you’re good enough to book the room, this episode is for you.What happens when your own brain hijacks your audition? Gab shares the mental spiral she went down prepping for a prestige TV role with a character described with words that pushed up against everything she’s worked to undo. And Sam helps her unpack what happened, how it showed up in the tape, and what actors can do when old programming creeps into the work.We also cover:Why your “essence” matters and how we’re still working through oursThe myth of playing “the right type” vs. playing what’s realHow breakdown words can bring up deep actor conditioningGab’s self-tape process when she’s in her head (and what she changes)Sam’s love of closing loops and watching every audition Gab doesAlso...skin suits, childhood videos, Altered Carbon, audition rejections, and how different our acting styles and self-concepts actually are....yea. Doors to the Membership are currently open! Get in while you can!
Working Actor Life
Get on the 3-Day Momentum Challenge asap! Actors love to call something a “slow season.”...we think that term might be the problem. We talk about how the industry has changed in both LA and Atlanta, how our auditions have evolved, and why we’re not sitting around waiting to be handed opportunities anymore.We cover:What’s actually filming right now and why it feels so quietWhy your audition log might be more helpful than you thinkThe identity crisis of being an actor without auditionsWhen “series regular” became the holy grail and if it even still makes senseHow we each handle long stretches without bookingsWe also share the behind-the-scenes of Sam being put on hold for a recurring role while at a Canadian lesbian wedding and the chaos that followed. And we break down why being a “local hire” is so much more than a line on a resume.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right and still not seeing results, we made this one for you. We also talk about our $5 three-day actor challenge and why we built it to help you stop spiraling and start taking your next right step.And you can take the Actor Next Move Quiz here!
Working Actor Life
In this insane job with the ups and down of booking and payment, is it smart to BUY A HOUSE as a working actor.You’ll hear:Why Sam almost moved to Atlanta in 2020 and why she doesn’t need to nowGabrielle’s pitch to buy land and tiny-home it with podcast studio vibesThe real fear Sam has around “adult” things like owning propertyWhat actor income really looks like and why it’s not as limiting as you thinkBig thoughts on doing the thing… and having nothing changeA deep dive into The Paper on Peacock, including Chelsea Frei’s glow-up, mockumentary comparisons to The Office, and which white men they keep confusingtake the NEXT MOVE quizfollow us: @samvalentine + @gabriellebynloss check out The Membership
Working Actor Life
Shape-shifting with our own demons… that’s the part of the acting process nobody teaches you.Sam and Gabrielle crack open a deeply honest convo about the invisible pressure actors feel to always be “put together”...on tape, online, in class, and even in friendships. What starts with a rant about method acting backlash turns into a vulnerable deep-dive on self-worth, preparation, and the stories we tell ourselves behind the scenes.in this episode we talk about:why social media clips are never the full story. and why that triggers peoplethe difference between feeling “behind” vs actually being behindGab’s upcoming acting workshop and her fear of being perceived as unpreparedSam’s inner narrative of needing to be more “interesting”the old actor mindsets we default to… and how to gently fight themwhat “doing the work” actually looks like between auditionscreating safety in community instead of pressure to performredefining our standards of readiness and showing up with gracenext week:We’re talking what we’re watching...and why we’re scouting real estate in New Mexico ?
Working Actor Life
we are BACK, this time recording from opposite coasts (sam in oregon, gab in florida) and proving that actor brain never takes a vacation.in this episode we talk about christmas movie auditions on the beach and the awkward reality of watching the person who booked “your” role. plus: road trip meltdowns, sorority house confessions, why method acting feels outdated, and what we’re watching right now (weapons, hostage, untamed, f1 to name a FEW)what you’ll hear in this episode:christmas movie self tapes and the great camera movement debateusing clue cards, photos, and props for auditionsthe question every actor hates: “what’s your method?”why method acting feels out of touch with today’s industrymovie and tv recs we're dabbling infollow sam @samvalentine and gab @gabriellebyndloss, and subscribe cause it tells us we should keep going!!!
Working Actor Life
sam and gabrielle kick off the very first episode of working actor life by pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to be working actors. about viral audition tapes (yes, the bathroom floor one), when to break the so-called rules, and the mental gymnastics of watching someone else book “your” role.plus: why sam felt ready to part ways with the name one broke actress, why gab is obsessed with camera pans, and the shocking reason we’re both kind of in love with an ai voice.what you’ll hear in this episode:starting this podcast on a whim (very on brand)breaking self tape “rules” and the bathroom floor debateaudition heartbreak, comparison, and who else was “almost” castthe great pan vs button showdownwhat we’re watching right now (hunting wives, weapons, companion, ballard)fake “insta friends” and why we all do itfollow sam @samvalentine + gab @gabriellebyndloss for more!
