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...
Feb 27, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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 duri...
Feb 06, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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 themsel...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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...
Jan 16, 2025•8 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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 ...
Jan 09, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 ...
Jan 02, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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 tog...
Dec 23, 2024•11 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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....
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 2
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.tonyrossicoach...
Dec 05, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 1
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.co...
Mar 07, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 15
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 progr...
Feb 29, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 - ...
Feb 22, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 13
....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?...
Feb 15, 2024•12 min•Season 1Ep. 12
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...
Feb 08, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 11
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.ton...
Feb 01, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 10
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 Vagabond School he was a tv/film, commercial and theatrical talent agent (Grossman & Jack Talent, Shirley Hamilton Talent) here in Chicago. As a teacher and coach, he brings his experience as a freelance ...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 9
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 Break. He is best known for his roles as 'Bunkie' in the hit TV primetime drama Empire and 'Uncle Spike' in South Side, and has performed alongside stars including Keegan-Michael Key (which we talk about!) In...
Jan 18, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 8
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) agent that led her to start One Broke Actress Why some of the best things come from moments of desperation How she nearly quit the business just a couple of years ago How her acting career has improved s...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 7
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 for a prolonged period of time. 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-...
Jan 04, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 6
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 not taking a fitness class in over a decade....) notperfect Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoaching.com INSTAGRAM: www.instagram/com/tony.rossi FREE SELF-CARE NEWSLETTER: www.tonyrossicoa...
Dec 28, 2023•16 min•Season 5Ep. 5
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 your personal life, here's a short episode on what the F to do the next time something you were reeeeally looking forward to starts to go south.... Let's stay connected! MY WEBSITE: www.tonyrossicoachin...
Dec 21, 2023•14 min•Season 5Ep. 4
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 Theatre, Windy City Playhouse, Kansas City Repertory, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Indiana Repertory, South Coast Repertory, and more. She was invited into Steppenwolf Theatre’s ensemble in 2018. Her TV...
Dec 14, 2023•58 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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 super-quick exercise that doesn't involve going through your entire calendar, be realistic about how this year went, and hopefully leave you feeling good about what you DID do well. Let's stay connected! MY...
Dec 07, 2023•16 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 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...
Nov 30, 2023•43 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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 went, what what well....and what was challenging ;) Finally, we'll share some takeaways for actors throughout about how to stay hopeful when you're going after those seemingly faraway goals. PS - We'll be t...
Apr 27, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 16
(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 gets hard either...(duh) So let's talk about it :) This week, where I'm just 4 days out from running the Boston Marathon, I'll share with you... 2 things that have gone really well during my training 2 big...
Apr 13, 2023•23 min•Season 4Ep. 15
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 spaces: Education/Advocacy Research Patient Support The Julie Fund was founded in 2004 and has grown to become the single largest contributor to ovarian cancer research at Mass General Hospital. In the past 1...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 14
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®) and entertaining podcast, Brian teaches actors how to market themselves authentically, use gratitude to open doors, and make more money. His coaching clients include Tony Award-winners, Broadway stars, Ser...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 13
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 you an actor stressed AF?? (me too...) Are you on the actor self-care newsletter?? www.tonyrossicoaching.com Wanna coach with me? Apply for 1 on 1 coaching here - https://forms.gle/khDUf1WrvvMzDPRd7 Join ...
Mar 23, 2023•12 min•Season 4Ep. 12
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 insurmountable when you're going through your own. I'll end with another tip that will help when it's a transtion you're currently not enjoying ;) Are you an actor stressed AF?? (me too...) Are you on the actor self-...
Mar 16, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 11
