Chasing Creative Freedom Without Leaving Others Behind | Katya Martín | Actor & Filmmaker

What does it mean to chase your dreams and lift others as you go? Actor and filmmaker Katya Martín shares how she's navigating her career, from indie projects to starring in ABC’s Promised Land, while making room for collaboration, representation, and self-reflection. She talks about growing up between Spain and the U.S., what “power” really means to her, and why community matters just as much as talent. This episode is about building creative careers that stay human, making space for nuance, and trusting that what’s meant for you won’t miss you. Chapters: 00:00 Intro: Meet Katya Martín 01:42 How Katya got started in acting and filmmaking 04:25 The power of building a creative support system 06:50 Why rejection fuels her drive 09:15 Women mentors who shaped her journey 11:00 What 8-year-old Katya dreamed of 12:30 Acting vs producing: how she balances both 14:10 First big break on ABC's Promised Land 17:00 Behind the scenes: why authentic casting matters 18:56 Cultural nuance and Spanish language accuracy on set 21:15 The case for diverse crews and storytellers 23:30 Growing up between Spain and San Diego 26:45 NYC energy vs LA sprawl 28:10 What she learned from working at Red is Dancing 30:00 Redefining power and womanhood 33:20 Owning the term “Powerful Ladies” 36:00 The weight and pride of being called a woman 39:15 Stories she wants to tell next 41:00 Katya’s take on Everything Everywhere All at Once 43:00 How powerful she feels—today and on average 44:55 What’s still on her to-do list for the year 46:00 Becoming a horse girl at 20-something 48:30 What your inner 8-year-old knows that you forgot 50:15 The creative community she’s looking to build 52:00 Where to follow Katya Martín The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices