Persistence Is How I Got Into Hollywood episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 17, 2026 · 19 MIN

Persistence Is How I Got Into Hollywood

from Small Talk with Sheila · host Sheila Kazan

What if the life you want isn’t built through one big lucky break… but through the small ways you choose yourself every single day?In this episode of Small Talk with Sheila, we continue the Romcom Your Work Life series with my Hollywood assistant era. Yes, the one where I was trying to break into one of the hardest industries out there, getting rejected left and right, working for free, emailing people nonstop, and refusing to give up until someone finally gave me a shot.And while this episode starts with stories from my entertainment days, it becomes something much deeper.Because looking back at younger versions of myself made me realize something: she had tenacity. She believed in herself. She said yes. She was persistent. And somewhere along the way… I may have lost a little of that.So this episode is about getting it back. It’s about remembering that betting on yourself is not a one-time act. It’s a daily practice. It’s reaching out. Trying again. Being brave again. Staying in motion when results are slow. It’s remembering that main character energy often looks less like glamour… and more like consistency.Here’s the truth I want you to walk away with:You do not become the main character once and stay there forever. You have to keep choosing yourself. Again and again.We talk: My Hollywood assistant story and how I broke into the film industry Why persistence matters more than being “qualified” The traits I had when I was younger that I want back now Creating a “Betting on Myself” spreadsheet Watch the romcom live:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkwith_sheilaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@smalltalkwithsheilaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smalltalkwithsheilaNow I want to hear from you…How are you betting on yourself right now?Comment on YouTube, DM me, or email me at [email protected] if you know someone who needs this… send it to them.Watch the romcom live:End Credits “rolling like a romcom”Production and audience development by PodVisionCreated, written, and hosted by Sheila KazanExecutive Producer of Her Own Life: Also Sheila KazanEmotional Support and Occasional Reality Check: Hezi (my husband)Tiny but Mighty Energy: Love (my pup)No overnight success was required in the making of this episode.Just persistence, a spreadsheet, and audacity.This romcom is just getting started. 🤍

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 17, 2026

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