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Actor Problems

by Tony Rossi

You're an actor because you love it. Because it's fun! Because you can't *not* do it. But have you ever wondered why we're so damn stressed? My name is Tony Rossi. I'm a mindset coach and guest expert for Backstage, helping actors see things differently with the things that make them stressed and overwhelmed so that you can focus on what matters.Actor Problems is a self care podcast for actors that does just that.And remember - we can be messy, actors, and still get the things we want. #notperfectLet's go get 'em, actors.

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Episodes

  1. actor stratgies on how "not to stay in the suck"

    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…

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  2. Talent Manager Talks Mental Health + What She Looks For In Actors

    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...

  3. This might be why you can't get an agent...with Brian Patacca

    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...

  4. the world is falling apart....(here's what to do)

    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…

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  5. From set mistreating to finding your power - with Katharin "K" Mraz

    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 &…

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  6. i don't care if you hit your goals last year (mental health & habits)

    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...

  7. ...did I make a mistake??

    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:...

  8. you DON'T need to budget (and why you're procrastinating)

    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…

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  9. two questions to ask when trying to move your acting career forward

    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...

  10. it's my birthday & i'm NOT where i thought i'd be by now...(SEASON FINALE)

    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...

  11. You're doing branding wrong & auditioning for the "I'm not right for this" role - with Jodie Bentley

    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...

  12. Getting Uncomfortable + Why You Won't Actually Get Blacklisted - with Dana N Anderson

    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...

  13. i lied & how actors can get better results

    ....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:...

  14. what to do when your confidence sucks

    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...

  15. 3 quick tips for the next time you're stressed AF

    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...

  16. Former talent agent shares why talent isn't everything - with Michael McCracken

    Hear some actor industry info from former talent agent, actor, and found of Vagabond School of the Arts - Michael McCracken, Michael has been in the professional entertainment industry for over 20 years. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Vagabond School of the Arts. Before founding...

  17. Laughter, Cancelled Shows, & Watching Friends Get Famous - with Antoine McKay

    Today we're joined by Antoine McKay. Antoine McKay is an actor, educator, and father from Detroit, MI. After performing on both the Detroit and Second City Mainstages, he's gone on to have a career working on shows including Empire, Southside, Sense8, Patriot, Sports Action Team, and Prison…

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  18. Vulnerability & Self Care with the One Broke Actress (aka Sam Valentine)

    Today we have a very special guest who has become wildly popular in the acting community. Sam Valentine is the host of the One Broke Actress podcast: An honest account of actor life, plus a few lessons she's learned in the process. In this episode, you'll hear... The story of her former (shitty)...

  19. scared. stuck. stressed.

    Feeling scared about stuff going on in your life?? Not sure which move to make next in your career? ...and is all of this (and like, life) making you stressed AF? Let's break down these three areas (with some examples from yours truly), plus my tips on what to do when we're feeling these emotions...

  20. do this (& don't feel bad about it) in 2024

    Quick episode on how to avoid burnout with a super easy tip to follow! (but like - just because it's easy to understand doesn't always make it easy to digest...) And if you want a practice example of today's episode? Stay tuned for the story of the fitness class I took in the Boston area. (After...

  21. this is messy.

    It's the HOLIDAYS.... ...has shit hit the fan yet?? If it hasn't? Cool. But if things are messy right now? It's time to acknowledge your feelings and normalize the messiness that comes with "the most wonderful time of the year." Whether you're stressed AF about the holidays, your acting career or...

  22. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Owning Your Worth - with Celeste M. Cooper

    Today we bring on Chicago actress, Steppenwolf ensemble member, and someone who strives to #BeThatLight for others - Celeste Cooper. Celeste M. Cooper is an actor, producer, community builder, educator, and casting associate. Celeste has performed at Goodman Theatre, Eclipse Theatre, Court…

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  23. why this year didn't suck (even tho it feels like it did)

    Ever end a year feeling like "I didn't do enough"?? As creatives, we're really good at beating ourselves up & telling ourselves stories about why "I suck". As the year wraps up, let's discuss why this year might NOT have sucked....even if you feel like you "didn't do enough." I'll share a...

  24. Why good & bad stuff is happening with your finances - with Katy Chen Mazzara

    We're back for season 5! And we're bringing back special guest 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...

  25. My Boston Marathon recap & having hope doing hard things

    I was stressed about the weather. I was stressed about the late start time. I was stressed about the hills. So.....how did it go?? After spending much of season 4 talking about how challenging it was for me to get a spot in the Boston Marathon, we're wrapping things up with how the day itself…

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  26. This is supposed to be hard

    (sorry) Yes. It's going to be hard. When we approach this acting thing with embracing of the hard, rather than the resistance to it - it gives us a new way of approaching the business where we might find ourselves less stressed AF... But also - this isn't about by passing your feelings when it…

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  27. Rejection, adversity, and overcoming hardship - with Cheryl LaMee & The Julie Fund

    If you're wondering how to deal with rejection and stay positive in the face of adversity - this episode is for you. I brought on the Executive Director of the Julie Fund for Women's Cancer, Cheryl LaMee. The mission of The Julie Fund for Women's Cancers is to fight women's cancers in three…

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  28. How to make agents want you - with Brian Patacca

    Today's special guest is the one and only, Brian Patacca. Brian helps actors get what they want without all the struggle. He's helped 542 actors find representation and is even known as "The Representation Whisperer. Through his wildly popular online courses (Audition Magnet® and #agentgoals®)…

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  29. The #1 thing we forget when we're stressed AF

    Keeping it short and sweet this week.... If you're in a season where everything seems to be coming at you at once, yet nothing in your career feels like it's working or going to work....here's a piece of advice someone just gave me. (Like, when I really needed it too....) Hope this helps :) Are…

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  30. 2 tips for going through transitions (in acting or personal life)

    When your routine is suddenly thrown out of whack - it can be stressful AF. There's a lot of uncertainty. Getting to the "other side" can feel insurmountable. How to make it easier? Here's an example of something I'm personally going through, plus a simple trick to make it feel less…

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  31. Why hope is a necessity & directorial thoughts - with SB Gamble

    Today's episode features SB Gamble. He's a videographer, director, and screenwriter who loves telling person stories. His films often explore the complex nature of relationships, and he believes that filmmaking can bridge the gaps between people and help to promote healing. He is passionate about...

  32. Ask Me Anything Episode! "Is my agency a good one?" + "How do I stop catastrophizing?"

    Today's episode is an "ask me anything!" We covered the following topics & questions... Any recommendations for online acting classes? How do I know if my agency is a good one? I can't stop catastrophizing...any tips? What podcasts do you recommend for actor confidence?? How to view your career...

  33. "Well that sucks" - Dealing with Setbacks That Seem Insurmountable

    "Well...that sucks." The only thing worse than a setback is wondering "How the hell do I even climb back from this?" Whether it's from our personal life or professional career - either way, it sucks. Today I'll share a strategy that I've been implementing (even though it's making me stressed AF),...

  34. Hearing "no" sucks. Here's how to cope

    TFW you hear "no" and you feel like a failure The only thing worse than getting a "no" is feeling like you suck as a human because of the no… Sound extreme? Maybe. But if you're an actor who feels deeper than the average person - this is a Tuesday… Here's what I've done in lieu of some personal...

  35. How to be an Actor in Chicago - with Chris Agos

    Today we're bringing on an actor with a list of on camera and voice over credits, as well as the author or Acting in Chicago (now in its 4th edition) - Chris Agos. Connect with Chris (and check out his books!) https://www.actinginchicago.com https://www.actinginchicago.com...

  36. Change sucks. Here's how to make it easier.

    Changing reps? Moving to a new market? Or maybe you're parting ways with specific parts about the industry to make a shift into something new?? This week I'll share how to handle said change, what thoughts and feelings might come up, plus what to remember when all the negative chatter starts to...

  37. She quit acting (but won Jeopardy) - with Joyce Hshieh

    Today's guest is actor's memorization coach Joyce Hshieh. Joyce Hshieh is a trained actress and graduate of the BFA acting program of The Theatre School at DePaul University. She is also a 3-day champion on the game show Jeopardy. Combining her knowledge of acting with her knowledge of…

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  38. Rejection - let's talk about it

    Actor rejection. It's something that makes all of us stressed AF to one extent or another. So how do we deal with it when it's really defeating us?? While that answer is always going to be different based on the person, today's episode sheds some light on what might be happening in our favor -...

  39. Reaching next levels & incorporating gratitude - with Ajarae Coleman

    Today's guest is actor and career coach Ajarae Coleman. Ajarae (she/her) is a Harvard-educated actress, producer, and career coach. Ajarae's credits include SCANDAL, NCIS: NEW ORLEANS, I'M SORRY, 2 BROKE GIRLS, REVENGE, DAYS OF OUR LIVES, and more. She also works extensively in commercials…

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  40. staying motivated when your goals feel impossible

    When we share a really big goal we have with friends or family, we usually get one of two reactions: They either super support us….or super *don't*. This week's season premiere of season 4 will discuss how to stay motivated when our goals feel super big (and sometimes impossible), plus tips we…

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  41. TFW you're stressed, scared, or stuck (SEASON FINALE)

    Stressed? Scared? Stuck? You don't need to go through physical trauma to be familiar with these feelings.... This week we're closing out Season 3 with what to do when you're feeling any of those things, plus tips for how to cope and move through things. Without bypassing our feelings. Are you an...

  42. I'm loney...(here's what you should know)

    Human connection and friendship isn't just a "feel good" or "nice to have" thing... We're literally hardwired for connection and rely on it for survival. This week, I'll share stories of loneliness, some statistics and data on what happens when we don't prioritize connection, plus some…

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  43. #HealthcareProblems - Navigate the BS & Get the Help You Deserve - with Morgan Kelley

    So like.... We've spent a lot of season 3 talking about #healthcare problems and all the BS we have to deal with, here in the United States. But what if we could approach this complex and challenging system through a lens of problem solving instead of the easy path of "This is f**king compliated...

  44. "Help! Money makes me stressed AF!" with Katy Chen Mazzara

    Living check to check? In credit card debt? Working soul sucking day jobs just to cover bills?? Money is another topic that make us actors Stressed AF - yet also is one of those things that many of us were never taught about.... Enter Katy Chen Mazzara. Katy Chen Mazzara (she/her) is a certified...

  45. 5 tips for having tough convos with family

    Family making you stressed AF? Or maybe just stressed AF thinking about the holidays and giving updates on the "acting thing?" Today we'll cover 5 tips for navigating those #notperfect convos with the fam :) In this episode, you'll hear... TonyTip: Why it's a good thing when people don't…

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  46. 4 helpful reminders for actors feeling stressed AF

    Sometimes we just need a quick "Oh yeah, I forgot about that..." helpful thought to get us through those times we're caught in a negative spiral. Other times, we need a tangible action step. As we wrap up the serious where I cover my own journey feeling stressed AF (from a facial fracture!) this...

  47. Comparison, Money Problems, and Being Self Conscious

    ...need I say more? Whether you're self conscious about your image (something a lot of actors suffer), comparing yourself to your peers, or just stressed AF because #moneyproblems - this episode is for you. Welcome to Season 3! In this special edition season - you'll hear a story of a life…

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  48. Like...is this ever gonna work out?

    …..seriously tho - is it?? We've all asked the question. Sometimes we ask it after a dry spell of auditions or bookings. Other times, we ask it on a regular basis. What can we do in these moments? In episode five, we'll start out talking about just that. Welcome to Season 3! In this special…

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  49. Don't "skip the suck." You get to feel your feelings

    "Dealing with insecurities (even if others say "You shouldn't feel that way…)" Welcome to Season 3! In this special edition season - you'll hear a story of a life changing traumatic injury yours truly went through....plus some lessons I learned - and what all actors can learn - in the process of...

  50. THIS happened at the ER & I suck at asking this...

    Welcome to Season 3! In this special edition season - you'll hear a story of a life changing traumatic injury yours truly went through....plus some lessons I learned - and what all actors can learn - in the process of setbacks and recovery… This week - we'll cover my overnight visit to the ER...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

You're an actor because you love it. Because it's fun! Because you can't *not* do it. But have you ever wondered why we're so damn stressed? My name is Tony Rossi. I'm a mindset coach and guest expert for Backstage, helping actors see things differently with the things that make them stressed and overwhelmed so that you can focus on what matters.Actor Problems is a self care podcast for actors that does just that.And remember - we can be messy, actors, and still get the things we want. #notperfectLet's go get 'em, actors.

HOSTED BY

Tony Rossi

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Actor Problems have?

Actor Problems currently has 204 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Actor Problems about?

You're an actor because you love it. Because it's fun! Because you can't *not* do it. But have you ever wondered why we're so damn stressed? My name is Tony Rossi. I'm a mindset coach and guest expert for Backstage, helping actors see things differently with the things that make them stressed and...

How often does Actor Problems release new episodes?

Actor Problems publishes regularly with 204 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Actor Problems?

You can listen to Actor Problems on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Actor Problems?

Actor Problems is created and hosted by Tony Rossi.
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