GEM'S JOURNALS

Across two decades, Angie has built an enviable portfolio: credits on Netflix, Amazon, Sky, Apple TV, national and international commercial campaigns, stage work, and award-winning features — all while raising two children and navigating the challenges of the industry.She’s not only acted, but also shaped the UK creative landscape: co-founding the Actors Tweetup, launching the BIFA-qualifying TweetFest Film Festival, creating the World Acting Summit, and writing for publications like Backstage, Casting Networks, and Spotlight. Today, she mentors actors globally, helping them unlock clarity, consistency, and confidence in the business of acting.Together we discuss:How to stay consistent and productive as a creative.Practical tips for navigating mental health in an unpredictable industry.Why mentoring can change the game for actors at every stage.If you’ve ever wondered how to thrive — not just survive — in this industry, this conversation is packed with inspiration and real strategies. Learn more about Angie at actingbabe.com

In this episode of The 6th Level series, I’m joined by two extraordinary leaders — Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, a top-rated executive coach and one of the world’s most influential business thinkers (recognized by Thinkers50 since 2011), and author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. Alongside him is Jennifer J. Fondrevay, founder of Day1 Ready, a consultancy that helps business leaders navigate the people side of mergers and acquisitions. Jennifer’s insights, shaped by her firsthand experience of three major acquisitions, have been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and on stages at top industry events.Together, we explore how their incredible work reflects The Sixth Level Engagement Model — elevating leadership beyond metrics into purpose, connection, and sustainable results. From navigating change to inspiring people through transitions, this conversation offers invaluable strategies for leaders at every stage. Listen now for a masterclass in leadership, transformation, and human connection.

In this episode of The 6th Level series, I sit down with three powerhouse women — Kathy Overbeke, DM/DBA (High-Performance Psychologist, Entrepreneur, Investor, Author, and Family Business Consultant), Rachel Wallis Andreasson, MBA (Executive, Writer, Collaborator), and Stacy Feiner, MS/PsyD (High-Performance Psychologist, Entrepreneur, Investor, and Author).We dive into what it’s really like to be a woman in leadership — from navigating boardrooms to breaking barriers, balancing personal and professional demands, and the mindset shifts required to thrive at the top. Between them, Kathy, Rachel, and Stacy bring decades of experience across business, psychology, entrepreneurship, and leadership, sharing candid reflections, hard-earned lessons, and strategies for building a career that’s both successful and sustainable. Listen now for an honest, inspiring conversation about women leading with impact, resilience, and purpose.

For the very first episode of The Sixth Level series, I’m joined by Jack Harris, MA/Ph.D. — Professor of Sociology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, NY, and Owner of Harris Consulting Associates, LLC. Jack is also the author of The Sixth Level, a groundbreaking leadership framework that takes leaders and teams beyond performance metrics into purpose, connection, and sustainable results.In this conversation, we dive into leadership transformation, high-performance teams, and the human dynamics that drive thriving workplace culture. Jack shares his insights on how culture, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies can help anyone step into their full potential — not just at work, but in how they relate, lead, and live. Listen now and discover what it really takes to operate at the sixth level.

Hello guys <3I was joined by Gareth Davies — CEO of The Presenter Studio, the UK’s leading presenter coaching company. With years of experience working with top TV talent and corporate clients, Gareth shares insights on building true resilience as a presenter and how confidence is often found in the most unexpected places.Whether you're a budding host or a seasoned speaker, you'll leave with practical takeaways and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling and self-belief.Guest Bio:Gareth Davies is the CEO of The Presenter Studio — the UK’s leading presenter coaching business. They specialise in bespoke presentation skills training, public speaking courses, and media training for individuals and organisations, helping clients communicate with confidence, clarity, and charisma.https://www.presenterstudio.com/Gemma xxx

​ ⁨@FoodForThoughtDoc⁩  In this episode of GEMS Journal, we sit down to talk about 'Food for Thought', a documentary that takes a refreshingly honest look at veganism—without a preachy vibe. Filmmakers Giles Alderson and Dan Richardson wanted to create something real, something that speaks to people without making them feel judged.With editor Robbie McCain bringing humor and spontaneity into the mix, the film evolved from something serious into something truly engaging. It’s packed with personal stories, unexpected moments, and a candid approach that makes you think about your food choices in a whole new way.At its heart, Food for Thought is about connection—the 15-year friendship behind the film, the passion driving the message, and the conversations it sparks. Tune in as we dive into the creative process, the challenges, and why this documentary just hits different.

In this episode, I am joined by an incredible guest—an actor, writer, drummer, and a passionate advocate for disability representation in the arts. We explore Mat's journey as a disabled performer, from navigating the entertainment industry to landing iconic roles in American Horror Story and Loudermilk. Along the way, we talk about the power of authentic representation, the struggles of breaking in, and the humor that keeps him going.

Jemma with a J <3 In this engaging conversation, Jemma Moore shares her journey as an actor and creative, discussing her experiences with neurodiversity, the impact of her diagnosis, and the societal pressures she faces. She emphasizes the importance of individualism and self-acceptance while navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. Jemma also delves into her work in the horror genre, her upcoming projects, and the significance of therapy and self-discovery in her life. Sound Bites 00:00Introduction and Personal Background 03:05Understanding Neurodiversity 05:51The Impact of Diagnosis 09:02Navigating Societal Norms and Pressures 12:13Acting and the Horror Genre 14:45The Journey of Self-Discovery 17:59Upcoming Projects and Future Aspirations Gem xxx

Hey guys <3 Join me in this episode as we dive into the world of dark comedy with actor Corin Silva, who shares insights about his latest project, STAGS, a hilarious and chaotic stag do adventure gone wrong. We discuss his experiences on set, the importance of mental health, and navigating the entertainment industry. Corin also sheds light on his diverse roles, from serious characters in SAS to the challenges of creating his own projects, all while maintaining a positive outlook. Featured Guest: Corin Silva - Actor  Character Insights: Corin reflects on his character Ryan, an Essex lad, and how personal experiences influenced his performance. The challenge of performing accents and the fun of character development throughout filming.  Transition to Serious Roles: Discussion of Corin serious character, Jim Almonds, in SAS and his experience working with the SAS community. The unique training regime for intense action scenes and the camaraderie among the cast.  Maintaining Groundedness in the Industry: Tips on staying positive amidst career challenges and the importance of having supportive family and friends. The need for honesty in feedback and how constructive criticism helps growth as an actor. Writing and Creative Outlet: Corin shares details about his writing project, The Swelling – a psychological and body horror film centred on identity and mental health. The significance of breaking down stigmas surrounding mental health, particularly for men.  Career Development and Resilience: Advice for aspiring actors on handling rejection and maintaining a creative outlet despite challenges. Strategies for networking within the industry and understanding the role of perseverance in a creative career.  Humorous Moments on Set: Light-hearted anecdotes about working with a talented cast on Stags and the fun dynamics that ensued during filming. Links Mentioned: Watch Stags on: Paramount+: Paramount+ Website   Instagram: @corinsilva Quotes: Setbacks are just steps towards success. Never change yourself to be the version you think is a successful actor. Mental health is still a stigma, and as creatives, we should be trying to break that. So much love to you xx

Hey hey, I loved interviewing filmmaker Alexander Seltzer about his recent short film, The Door, which premiered at the Holly Shorts Festival. We discuss the positive feedback from the audience, the chilling and thought-provoking nature of the film, and the motivation behind its creation. Alex shares his journey as a filmmaker and the importance of having a supportive team. We touched on the difficulty of switching off from filmmaking and share recommendations for documentary series to watch. Takeaways The Door, a short film by Alexander Seltzer, received positive feedback from the audience at the Holly Shorts Festival. The film explores themes of grief, love, and the moral dilemmas of parenthood. Seltzer's motivation for creating the film came from his fear of loving something so much that it requires sacrificing one's identity. Building a supportive team is crucial in the filmmaking process, and having people who understand your vision and push you to create is invaluable. Switching off from filmmaking can be challenging for passionate creatives, but finding moments of escape through activities like watching reality TV or documentaries can provide a much-needed break. Exploring Grief and Love in The Door The Fear of Loving Something Too Much "I tend to make genre films about things that scare me and keep me up at night." "The Door follows a grieving couple, a mother who, a year after their child's disappearance, is struggling to move on." "Does parenthood transcend morality?" Sound Bites 00:00Introduction and Holly Shorts Festival 02:23The Door: Exploring Grief and Love 05:22The Fear of Loving Something Too Much 09:23The Importance of a Supportive Filmmaking Team 17:41The Challenge of Switching Off from Filmmaking Gem xx

Hey lovelies <3 Rani DeMuth, writer, director, and visual artist, discusses her film 'And Now I Lay Me Down' and the themes of aging, fame, personal decline, and holding on. She shares her creative process and the inspiration behind the film's dark yet witty tone. Rani also opens up about her personal experience with skin cancer and how it influenced the film. She talks about the challenges of being a female filmmaker in a male-dominated industry and the importance of taking risks as a creative. Takeaways The film 'And Now I Lay Me Down' explores themes of aging, fame, personal decline, and holding on. Rani DeMuth's creative process involves combining dark and comedic elements to create depth and substance in her work. Rani's personal experience with skin cancer influenced the film and allowed her to explore exaggerated versions of aging and personal struggles. Being a female filmmaker in a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but Rani emphasizes the importance of finding support and believing in oneself. Taking risks is essential for creativity and growth as an artist. The Importance of Taking Risks as a Creative Navigating the Challenges of Being a Female Filmmaker "Ultimately who has the most wisdom? Senior citizens." "My film is pretty wacky sometimes." "I think the theme was just dealing with what I was experiencing, but sort of like an exasperated version of like, oh my gosh, I'm getting older. My career isn't where I want it to be." Sound Bites 00:00Introduction and Background 01:36Screening at Holly Shorts and Film Reactions 02:21Exploring Aging, Fame, and Personal Decline 03:06The Creative Process: Combining Dark and Comedic Elements 05:27Personal Struggles and Exaggerated Versions of Aging 08:50Challenges of Being a Female Filmmaker 12:42Importance of Taking Risks as a Creative Gem xx

Hey hey! Talia Shea Levin, writer, director, and producer, discusses her unconventional film Make Me a Pizza, which explores the themes of absurdity and intimacy. The film follows a pizza delivery boy who is asked by a lonely housewife if the pizza can be paid for with methods other than money, leading to a discussion about the value of a pizza and an attempt to turn each other into pizzas. Talia shares her motivations for making the film and the risks she took in its production. She also talks about the importance of taking breaks as an artist and shares her upcoming projects.keywords Talia Shea Levin, Make Me a Pizza, film, unconventional, absurdity, intimacy, pizza delivery, lonely housewife, value, risks, breaks, upcoming projects Takeaways Make Me a Pizza is an unconventional film that explores the themes of absurdity and intimacy. The film follows a pizza delivery boy and a lonely housewife who discuss the value of a pizza and attempt to turn each other into pizzas. Talia Shea Levin took risks in the production of the film, pushing boundaries and challenging herself creatively. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks as an artist to recharge and restore. Talia has upcoming projects, including a feature version of Make Me a Pizza and a film about a former sex worker in a post-apocalyptic landscape. The Importance of Taking Breaks as an Artist Exploring Absurdity and Intimacy in Make Me a Pizza "The only way to pay for a pizza or to be worth a pizza is to become a pizza themselves." "The start has to be something deep and felt and something that's exciting." "It's taking away that perfectionist, you know what I mean? It's like, this is what I want to make, this is what I'm excited about, and if it's not good, it doesn't matter because we're gonna make it anyway." Sound Bites 00:00Introduction and Background 00:54Overview of Make Me a Pizza 03:35Absurdity and Intimacy in the Film 06:21Taking Risks and Challenging Boundaries 10:28The Importance of Taking Breaks as an Artist 18:40Embracing Personal Creative Vision 22:59Upcoming Projects Gem xx

Hey guys <3 Summary The conversation is about Janek Ambrose's documentary 'Ukrainians in Exile' and the filmmaker's experience helping refugees in Ukraine. The filmmaker, Janek, shares his motivation for making the documentary and his connection with one of the subjects, Anya. He discusses his goal of raising awareness and support for Ukrainian refugees and the importance of partnering with a charity. Janek also gives advice to aspiring documentary filmmakers and talks about the surprising responses he has received. The conversation ends with a discussion about Blue Check, the charity he partnered with, and his upcoming projects. Takeaways Janek was compelled to make the documentary after the war broke out in Ukraine and he felt a personal connection due to his Eastern European background. He decided to help refugees and brought his camera to document their experiences. The filmmaker partnered with Blue Check, a charity that ensures donations go directly to helping Ukrainian refugees. He advises aspiring documentary filmmakers to partner with a nonprofit organization or charity and to consider making shorter films that can reach a wider audience. The filmmaker's goal with the documentary was to raise awareness and support for Ukrainian refugees and to keep the message simple and impactful. He has received both positive and negative responses to the documentary, but believes that raising awareness and encouraging donations is the most important outcome. The filmmaker is working on upcoming projects, including a film that recently won at Sundance and a political satire about Richard Nixon. Chapters 00:00Introduction to 'Ukrainians in Exile' documentary 03:02Motivation to Help Refugees in Ukraine 05:14Raising Awareness and Support for Ukrainian Refugees 08:05Advice for Aspiring Documentary Filmmakers 10:45The Power of Simple and Impactful Storytelling 11:27Navigating Responses and Encouraging Donations 13:00Partnering with Blue Check: Making a Difference 15:13Supporting Ukrainians: Donations and Awareness 16:47Filmmaking Style: Documentary vs Narrative 18:46Upcoming Projects and Success at Sundance So much love to you xx

HEY GUYS <3 Here is another HOLLYSHORT Episode. Summary Jaren shares his journey from the music industry to documentary filmmaking and then transitioning to scripted films. He talks about his experiences shooting his first film in London and the challenges he faced in the industry. Jaren discusses his goals and interests in filmmaking, including political dramas and comedies. He also reflects on the importance of timing and the challenges of handling sensitive subjects in documentaries. Jaren emphasizes the value of having mentors and being open to feedback in the creative process. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Filming in London 03:03Challenges and Dodgy Situations 06:27Jaren's Journey in the Film Industry 08:47Exploring Political Dramas and Comedies 10:59The Importance of Timing in Filmmaking 13:43Mentors and Feedback in the Creative Process Big love to you, Gem xx

Summary Zion Clark, a two-time Emmy Award-winning Netflix documentary star, shares his journey as a professional wrestler and MMA fighter. He emphasizes the importance of having fun and enjoying what you do, as well as creating your own luck through hard work. Zion also discusses the mental strength and pressure that come with competing at a high level and the role of a supportive team. He encourages flexibility and adaptability in pursuing goals and offers advice for those striving for success. Zion shares his interests outside of sports and his positive impressions of British culture. Takeaways Having fun and enjoying what you do is crucial for success. Creating your own luck through hard work is more important than relying on chance. Mental strength and the ability to handle pressure are essential in competitive sports. A supportive team can help keep you on track and motivated. Flexibility and adaptability are key in pursuing goals and overcoming challenges. British culture is similar to American culture, but with a different accent. The Role of a Supportive Team in Success Exploring British Culture with Zion Clark "I just wanted to have fun." "Pressure is necessary for progress." "There's no such thing as luck. We create our own luck." Sound Bites Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:08Developing Mental Strength 04:10Handling Pressure and Creating Luck 07:05Zion's Personal Interests 09:18Advice for Achieving Success 11:15Impressions of British Culture 13:20Conclusion

Summary In this episode of Gem's Journals, I chat to Rebecca King, a director, and Nina Yndis, an actor and producer, about their short film Elsa. The film is set in Nazi-occupied Norway and is based on true events. The conversation focuses on their journeys in the entertainment industry and the challenges they faced. The key themes include the importance of perseverance, the balance between personal and professional relationships, the challenges of being an actor and producer, the process of making a historical film, and the importance of celebrating achievements. Takeaways Perseverance is key in achieving success in any industry. Balancing personal and professional relationships is important. Being an actor and producer requires careful time management and prioritization. Making a historical film involves intense research and finding a balance between accuracy and artistic interpretation. It is important to celebrate achievements, no matter how big or small. The Journey to Creating Elsa The Importance of Celebrating Achievements "If you want to create something, if you have a desire to do something, if something is in your heart that you want to achieve, because you think it's worthwhile, especially if you think it will be a positive impact on other people's life, then it's totally worth doing." "We've always kind of admired each other from afar. We even lived together at one point." "It's so good to kind of keep almost the opposite, you know, on set." Sound Bites: Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of ELSA 03:00 The Journey to Creating Elsa 05:26 Balancing Personal and Professional Relationships 07:24 The Challenges of Being an Actor and Producer 11:37 Making a Historical Film: Research and Artistic Interpretation 14:21 The Importance of Celebrating Achievements Gem x

Happy Monday! Today’s POD is slightly different, and I’m so excited about it. "Gladiator Skool" captures Landon’s remarkable journey from the gritty streets to a prison cell and ultimately, to personal transformation and redemption. We discuss what it's really like in Prison: The Reality, The Days, and The Slowest Time Ever. More importantly, how Landon found a catalyst for change. Landon Brock, an ex-convict and former heroin addict. Brock narrates his life from making poor choices that led to early incarceration, to enduring the difficulties of prison life, homelessness, and drug addiction. His story highlights the pivotal moment that inspired him to change and seek redemption. Gem x

Hey Everyone! This week, I chat with casting director and podcast host, Jenn Presser. Jenn Presser, a celebrated casting director and founder of BREAKAWAY CASTING, began her career unexpectedly as a casting assistant on the Hannah Montana Movie. Mentored by Marsha Ross, she emphasizes the importance of kindness and the critical role of casting in a production's success. Jenn, who has received multiple ARTIOS Award nominations, co-hosts the TIPSY CASTING podcast to provide an honest look at the casting industry. She prefers in-person auditions for deeper insights but acknowledges the practicality of self-tapes, especially comparing the collaborative spirit in London's industry to Los Angeles. I hope you feel inspired after this!

Breaking Barriers: How Nina Samuels, Professional Wrestling Superstar, is Changing the Game for Female Wrestlers Dive into the world of professional wrestling with Nina Samuels, a trailblazing superstar who's redefining the landscape for female wrestlers. Join us as we explore her intense training regime, delve into the mindset that fuels her success, and discover her love for Reese's Pieces. This is one journey you won't want to miss!

Eddy Armani, who has contributed astronomically to the music industry, is most known for being Tina Turner’s former PA and best friend. My chat with her covers Tina’s own mental health struggles on her rise to fame and how this affected Eddy. We also discuss how persistence and hard work can really propel you into the life you envision for yourself. Article in FABUK Magazine: https://fabukmagazine.com/eddy-armani-who-has-contributed-astronomically-to-the-music-industry/