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We're bringing back working actor and certified life coach DaJuan Johnson DaJuan Johnson is a working actor, certified life coach, and founder of Think Bigger Coaching, where he helps actors book their first or next big TV and film role. Known for his seven-season run as Detective Rondell Pierce on Amazon's Bosch and Bosch: Legacy, DaJuan currently recurs on NCIS: Origins as Detective Noah Oakley and Disney's How We Became the Biggest Band in the World. With credits including Grey's Anatomy, 9-1-1, Narcos, Suits, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, NCIS (Hawaii and Origins), and Agent Carter, DaJuan brings real-world experience to his coaching. DaJuan's mission is to help actors #SKIPTHELINE and #SeeYouOnSet by mastering self-tapes and building audition confidence. Having helped hundreds of actors break through and book jobs, he's ready to help you do the same. #TrainWithCoachesThatWork   Stay in touch with DaJuan!    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinkbiggercoaching/ Website: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com  Check out his THINK BIGGER ACTOR'S SUMMIT (March 10-12, 2025)    In this episode, we discuss…   Trusting in what's to come, while still feeling your feelings and being upset  Me (Tony) getting CALLED OUT by DaJuan at the top of the episode about how my headshot doesn't look like me! (which I JUST got a new one for!!)  DaJuan's story of nearly booking a series regular, thinking he had the role for six weeks…then learning it didn't go to him.  What he does for his physical health (and to stick with things when he's feeling bored of his routine)  How our physical health is directly related to our mental health  The surprising moment where DaJuan and I both learned we've given up alcohol  The link between alcohol and anxiety that we both noticed  What to do when we see others getting results that we want ourselves  How to avoid deep, negative feelings when we hit the same obstacles over and over  What went through DaJuan's mind after auditioning for NCIS for 30 times - without booking   Quotes    "We have to be really careful what we put momentum behind…"    "Tell me your actions and I'll tell you what you subscribe to…"    "Social media makes us think everyone thinks a particular way…but sometimes, social media shows the loudest voices…"    "I believe everything we want is on a different frequency…"    "Does (the pain of failing again" have to cut deeper? Or is there another option available to me? I know this road feels familiar…but maybe I'm a degree off from where I was last time."    "There's a lot of 'firsts' that we go after, that we don't even remember once we hit.."    Links!    The Mental Game Podcast - with Sam Brief  Sober Curious - by Ruby Warrington  Alcohol Masterclass - with Andrew Huberman  You can listen to previous episodes with DaJuan Johnson below!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actor-problems/id1377334242?i=1000473138692 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actor-problems/id1377334242?i=1000487292804    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

Today's episode is with talent manager and career coach Anastasia Edwards.  Born in Georgia (the country) and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ana moved to the United States at 18 after studying at the Theater Academy of Dramatic Arts. She built a solid on-camera resume, featuring roles in NCIS Hawaii (CBS), Chicago Fire (NBC), and Little America (Apple TV+), in addition to award-winning film credits. Ana has always been passionate about the business side of acting, which she fully explored during the pandemic by launching career coaching for actors. Her coaching quickly gained popularity, helping actors define their brand, build strong teams, and establish industry connections. Her clients have been signed and booked in major markets across the US, Canada, London, and Australia, confirming her belief that this was her true calling. Now, Ana is excited to join Malissa Young Management as a manager, bringing a unique perspective from her experience as a former actor and career coach. She speaks the actors' language, understands the journey and craft, and combines this with her years of coaching experience in marketing, positioning, and networking.   In this episode, we discuss…   How to pick which market actors should pursue their careers How she booked TV roles after relocating  What to remember when listening to other actor podcasts and interviews  Spotting scams & avoiding pay-to-play agencies  How being laid off from her day job led her to coaching actors  Her transition to becoming a talent manager  The importance of networking and creating your own career momentum Why branding and networking make actors "squeemish" (and what we can do about it)  Why branding is an empowering thing - not a limiting thing  Anastia's own mental health journey with anxiety and panic attacks  What Anastasia believes takes agency away from the actor  Quotes from the episode...   "Happy actor = happy career"   "Prioritize yourself and your own well being first"   "Just because something works for one person doesn't mean it will work for another."    "Just take a break and see if you miss it…"    "So often, actors put all their eggs in one basket in an agent and a manager."    "Branding has become a dirty word. Sometimes we get hung up on what the label is, rather than what it actually means."    "Branding is the foundation for your marketing. But how can you market something you don't understand?"   "At 21, I had my first anxiety attack. I was sure it was a heart attack."   "Sometimes, we're just on autopilot without asking 'Do I still want this?'"    "If you educate yourself enough on the business and take agency, you'll be less likely to be swayed in the wrong direction."   "Don't try to get it perfect. Try to get it going."   Links mentioned!  Actors VIP Membership FREE 1 Hour Branding Masterclass  Website: www.actingcareercoaching.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/actoranastasiaedwards  Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today's episode features Brian Patacca.  NOTE: If you're catching this in winter of 2025, Brian is once again hosting his popular masterclass Make Agents Want You LIVE!  Click here to snag a spot    Brian helps actors get what they want without all the struggle. He's helped 724 actors find representation and is even known as "The Representation Whisperer". Through his wildly popular online courses (Audition Magnet® and #agentgoals®) and entertaining podcast, Brian teaches actors how to market themselves authentically, use gratitude to open doors, and book the roles they were born to play. His coaching clients include Tony Award-winners, Broadway stars, Series Regulars, filmmakers, writers, and stand-up comedians. He proves that when they follow their purpose instead of playing by a tired set of industry rules (read: limiting beliefs), they can skip the drama, generate momentum, and build excitement around who they are and what they love to do the mostest. Brian is a graduate of Northwestern University, CTI's Co-Active Coach Training Program, Marianne Willamson's Teaching the Teachers – and on top of the training you'd expect a coach to have – Brian brings a spiritual and grounding approach to the bizniz rooted in his training as a non-denominational Reverend. Not only does he promise the how-to's, he has zero doubt that acting is your divine birthright.    In this episode, we discuss.... The 5 types of responses that agents can give to you when you submit  When tracking becomes less helpful in our careers  The confession I make publicly about Brian's program "Agent Goals"  When being "loyal" to an agent might be the wrong move  The mindset to attract an agent or manager in any city in the world  Why it's okay that you apply to reps…but don't necessarily believe that the process is going to work  The importance of knowing who you are when you're going about your submission process to reps  When you may not want to take advice of agents, managers, or casting directors How to deal with dips and challenges in the industry when they come up  A BIG thing that gets skipped when it comes to negative stories and headlines    Quotes from this episode…   "Submitting to reps should be a beginning and end…not this constantly cycle of reaching out."   "Acting is an artform that requires another human being."   "I think you also have known many an actor who has been with the wrong agent for way too long…and how easy and seductive it is and comforting to stay with the wrong agent for too long."   "I want an agency or manager that's excited about the fantasy of your career."   "The reason that a lot of actors aren't attracting the right agent is because they are not putting themselves out there in the right way."   "Let the industry do what the industry is going to do. You are gonna keep walking your path in the face of that…"    Stay connected with Brian!  www.BrianBreaksCharacter.com  www.ActorsMakeLemonade.com  Take advantage of his "Make Agents Want You" LIVE masterclass - https://rebrand.ly/TR25    INSTAGRAM @BrianSaysThat  https://www.instagram.com/briansaysthat/   TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@briansaysthat     Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

You know the feeling... "The world is falling apart."  Maybe it's because of the political climate. Or maybe there's a major headline dominating the news, making you stressed AF, burnt out, and feeling lost of all hope... The following is from a FB live I recorded discussing the following... how to protect your mental health when it feels like the world is falling apart  the difference between setting boundaries and tuning out completely how to stay informed without burnout  how to actually help in a logical, stratgical way, without being overwhelmed when you don't know where to start... Want to watch this as a video?  Click here! - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B7Qd5UPvU/  Resources mentioned  Google Doc created by Jodie Bentley with resources on how to help and/or receive help for those affected by the LA Wildfires - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a982d3024p6__UzvNppWTfNSBnZrwlkgpRc7wa61uYg/edit?tab=t.0    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call    

In this episode, we discuss…   Why so much of the casting world "has nothing to do with the actors"  How she became a "jack of all trades" working on both sides of the camera (including production.)  What it's like owning her own production company  Why she says yes when it comes to producing & funding other films The lack of representation on screen for Asian actors How the lack of representation of her demographics led her to start writing  The challenges she had as both a woman and as an Asian woman in the industry  Challenging experiences she had where her credits were taken away from her How she went from being mistreated so poorly to developing an attitude of empowerment  The importance of raising your standards when you're being mistreated  The importance of the content we consume, and how it impacts our behaviors  How she learned to take responsibility - and learned it the hard way  Quotes from this episode…   "I think it's partially unbelievable the things I'm doing at the same time."   "I would say I failed…I failed as a producer."   "You ask me how I am today? I laugh a lot."    "Actors are the first people on my payroll!"    "I think be need to see the humor in everything around them and not take everything so seriously."    "When it's not perfect? Enjoy it. Laugh about it!"  Links mentioned!    My recommended podcasts and reading lists  Check out the You're Out movie!  Website: www.LadieK.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/ladiekproductions YouTube: www.youtube.com/ladiekproductions   Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

I don't actually care if you hit your goals or not last year for the following to be true... Check out this mini-sode of the Actor Problems for the what and why, plus how our habits can help or hurt our mental health.  PS - All my minisodes this season are also done on IG live :)  Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

Did you just make a mistake??  In this short solo episode, I'll talk more about... why making mistakes can actually be a good thing  how indecision might be hurting you and your career  what to remember to help with your mental health if/when your next mistake happens  Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today's guest is Katy Chen Mazzara.  Katy Chen Mazzara is a certified trauma-informed financial wellness coach and graduate of UC Berkeley's Personal Financial Planning program. As a former TV producer and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Katy understands the balance between dreaming and doing. Through her six step Financial Freedom Formula, Katy helps creative freelancers and entrepreneurs make more, worry less, and achieve true financial freedom, so they can create the life of their dreams. Sign up for Katy's webinar!  Happening on December 8th, 11th, and 13th, 2024.  Sign up here!  Follow Katy!  Website: https://www.katychenmazzara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katychenmazzara/   In this episode, we discuss… How being successful (in finances and career) involves ups and downs… Acknowledging those times when we do fall into scarcity thinking  How to shift from scarcity mindset into abundance  A tip on how to decrease anxiety  Why gratitude is harder for some people than others  Why positivity alone doesn't work for scarcity thinking  The importance of having a financial plan - even when we're not earning a lot of money Why you DON'T necessarily need a budget The importance of tracking how much we spend and earn Why we procrastinate on the things we love to do "Your dreams may not feel safe yet in your body…" - what this means and why it happens    Quotes from the episode..   It feels like you're going three steps ahead and two steps back…but incrementally you are going to see that growth.  Our minds are telling us stories. The way to counteract it is to tell it a different story - but a true story… Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is that you're feeling….it's much more harmful to suppress those feelings The more unknown something is, the more we're going to worry about it.  Retirement and investing feels far away. But if you start to create a plan towards that north star? Eventually you'll get there.  If you track for at least three to six months, you start to see where your patterns are.  If you have had traumas in your life, you're going to create certain places in your body where it does not feel safe enough to pursue the things you want to pursue You can help people and make money doing it.."    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call  

Welcome to season six!  Is your career where you want it to be?  Do you ever struggle figuring out where to place your time and energy? And how do we differentiate between when to slow down and breathe, versus kicking things up a notch?  Today we'll discuss two easy questions to ask yourself whenver you're in that phase of trying to move your career forward.    Let's stay connected!  WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

So I'm 36.  Here's what I haven't done so far... Booked a co-star  Gotten my EMC card Been in a long term relationship  Moved out of my studio apartment that I've lived in for 9 years ...and I currently don't have theatrical reps.  AND - all of this lacks context... Today in our season finale, we're gonna discuss how to calm that negative chatter telling us we should be "further" by now, plus how to add context if/when that chatter comes up.    Links referenced.. My money coach - www.katychenmazzara.com    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Today's special guest is actor and coach Jodie Bentley    Jodie Bentley is an LA-based actor, audiobook narrator, and career coach for actors. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Acting, she's worked for Netflix, Hulu, ABC, CBS, Apple TV and many more. Since 2008, she's been educating and helping actors to get the careers they want without wasting any more time and money! She's taught workshops at SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity, Comicon, and over 50+ universities and training programs. With her signature programs, The Actor's Think Tank and Dare to be Unstoppable, Jodie's students have gone on to perform on Broadway, star in films, recur in TV, book commercials & VO spots, land agents & managers, and live abundant, joyful and creative lives. Jodie is also the founder of  The Actor's Office, an all-in-one management tool for actors to track auditions and build relationships.   Jodie was named one of the Top 20 Coaches in Los Angeles in Influence Digest for 2022.    In this episode, we discuss….   How to know when it's time to switch markets and make a move  Recognizing when our work feels like a "should" or a "have to"  Identifying what kind of lifestyle you want outside of your acting career  How she started career coaching because of her own career struggles  Dealing with identity conflicts when you start to make money outside of acting… Why Jodie thinks most people talk about branding wrong  How branding goes beyond just roles and ties into our identity  What to do when you get an audition for a role that doesn't fit with with your brand  The good news about casting you calling you in for roles that don't seem like a good fit… How the strike took a toll on her and what it did to her mental health  Stay connected with Jodie!    Social Media: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/actorinsider/  FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theactorsworkspace YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JodieBentleyOfficial     Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call Websites: https://www.actor-insider.com/  https://jodiebentley.com/ Products: The Actor's Think Tank The Actor's Office The Actor's Branding System Dare to be Unstoppable  

Today's guest is actor, TedX speaker, and multi-hyphenate Dana N. Anderson.  Dana is a sometimes Chicago-sometimes Phoenix-based, globally minded multi-hyphenate with boundless talent. A performer and creator whose work spans on-camera, stage, voiceover and music, she's appeared in major network shows and commercials. Add Emmy® Award winner to her titles: she co-directed "The Lost Story of Emmett Till: Trial in the Delta," earning a 2022 statuette for Outstanding Achievement for Human Interest - Long Form Content. Also in 2022, she made her TEDx speaker debut, delivering an inspiring message of diversity, equity and inclusion: "A More Equitable and Inclusive Society Begins with YOU." Dana is passionate about her advocacy platform as it sparks dialogue and raises the voices of her community.   There isn't a single area of creativity which Dana hasn't explored–she even wrote a book of poetry and recorded its spoken word companion album in the peak of the pandemic. All while single parenting and driving media strategy for Fortune 500 brands at her multicultural media relations agency, Concrete Runway. She's as real and colorful as the stories she tells. It's in her DNA. Connect with her at DanaNAnderson.com.   Stay connected with Dana!  https://www.danananderson.com/   Links referenced:  Dana's TedX Talk  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JjmLEk0AXs  Voice Over Vibes podcst - https://www.instagram.com/p/C2tHYeiOqFw/    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

....I lied about something last week. (Kind of.) I'll share why, plus one super important way we can all learn from those who are getting better results in their careers.  I'll tie in a strategy that I find super helpful towards getting those results too ;)    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Has you confidence taken a hit?  When we don't feel confident, we're going to do less.  When we do less, we get less.  (So like, less acting opportunities....less money....you get it)  This week we're talking all about confidence.... Why it matters  The number one thing we can do to start to feel more confident  An example of how to be confident in front of casting directors  The opportunities we miss out on when we lack confidence How to be intentional and consume specific content based on our area of improvement  ....and more.    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call

Keeping it short and sweet today!  Here are 3 quick tips you can easily implement the next time you're feeling stressed AF.    Let's stay connected!  MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com  INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi  FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoaching.com/stress  FREE SELF-CARE FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/actorproblems    Wanna work together?  Check out www.tonyrossicoaching.com/workwithtony  OR click here to book a free call with me (as spots are available) - https://www.tonyrossicoaching.com/free-call