
One Broke Actress Podcast
Financially, mentally, physically or otherwise...most actors are at least a little broke. Host/actress Sam Valentine brings you advice, tips, and real stories (of success & failure) from people in and around the acting industry. So you feel a little more “whole” and a little less alone in Hollywood. From auditions and the day-to-day life of working actors to getting agents/managers, we cover it all.
Latest episodes

Apr 10, 2025 • 35min
making your own work + using new tech to your advantage, and surviving the pivot with Brendan Bradley
our favorite multi-hyphenate chaos king Brendan Bradley is back (you might remember him from episode 208, aka “the stake captain saga”), and he’s bringing a lot in a short amount of time:actor thoughts on vertical shortsbuilding a creative career from scratchsurviving pivot after pivotembracing new tech without losing your soulalso… the audio cuts off at the end (rude), so we will be having him back. don’t worry.things we mention:brendan’s IGbrendan’s projects:the devil and the daylong brotherssuccubusVR work (ferryman collective)

Mar 21, 2025 • 54min
REAL TALK: relationships with creatives- our husbands share what it’s really like
You’ve heard about them so much, now they’re finally here by popular demand!Gabrielle is back! And we brought our husbands Caleb and Cory for a candid conversation about what it’s really like being in a relationship with someone in the entertainment industry. If you’ve been wondering how they handle the unpredictable schedules, self-tapes, and financial ups and downs of being with a Creative- this one’s for you. Buckle up for some laughs and a realistic look at what it really takes to make our relationships work!TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Introducing the Husbands02:26 — Dealing with a Partner Online10:36 — The Importance of Communication 12:50 — Helping Your Partner Self-Tape26:11 — What “Normies” Need from Creative Partners28:28 — Challenges of a Creative Partner33:47 — Why Sam & Caleb Stopped Drinking38:03 — Advice for Normies Dating Creatives43:00 — Finances & Relationships📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:★ Follow Gabrielle on IG! ★ Sign up for Side Hustle Academy♡Even More Sam♡InstagramPatreonWebsiteMy IMDb

Mar 10, 2025 • 56min
moving OUT of los angeles but staying in the hollywood game - how actress lauren sweetser premiered at sundance while living in arkansas
From meeting with Ben Affleck, to reading for Aaron Sorkin, working with intimacy coordinators in hardcore covid times, self-taping in Cabo, and cringing at past headshots— Lauren has done it all, and on her own terms. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more than one way to make it in the industry, Lauren’s story is proof that success doesn’t have to follow a single path:You may know her from ‘Winter’s Bone’ alongside Jennifer Lawrence, ‘True Detective’ on HBO, or Apple TV’s ‘For All Mankind.’ And today she opens up about her decision to leave Los Angeles for Arkansas, where she balances motherhood with her acting & producing career, and how she landed a role in her new film, ‘Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake),’ which just premiered at Sundance! TIMESTAMPS:00:00 — Meet Lauren Sweetser03:50— Early L.A. Memories with Lauren06:50 — Leaving Hollywood for Fayetteville, AR14:07 — The Business of Living Outside Hollywood23:00 — BTS Scoop of “For All Mankind”28:05 — Landing “Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)”34:00 — Finding Your Path as an Actor40:43 — Past Headshot Reflections41:56 — Where to find Lauren & Her Work📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:★ Listen to Lauren’s first visit to OBA! ★ Follow Lauren on Instagram! ★ Check out Lauren’s IMDb ★ Follow ‘Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)’ on IG ★ Read about the Baby Scoop Era ♡Even More Sam♡InstagramPatreonWebsiteMy IMDb

Feb 21, 2025 • 27min
the actor spiral: change + comparison + denial
Change. Is. Inevitable. We’re talking all about that weird in-between actor life- when the gig ends and you’re left waiting for the next one. It can feel like this never-ending spiral of doubt and comparison, but here’s the thing: that in-between time is actually a gift. When we accept this process instead of resisting it, we become better actors *and* people. ..or at least I do.★ Watch our Free WebinarTIMESTAMPS:00:00 — The One Broke Actress Evolution03:37 — Side Hustle Academy Update04:41 — The Inevitability of Change07:49 — The Cycle of Acting13:20 — Acceptance Mindset15:34 — The Different Paths of Actors19:40 — Dealing with Comparison23:33 — The Gift of Free Time📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:★ The Hedonic Treadmill★ Learn more about Side Hustle AcademyWant more?Check out Patreon + Apple Subscription for bonus episodes!►► JOIN THE EMAIL LIST Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvalentinePatreon: https://www.patreon.com/onebrokeactressWebsite: https://onebrokeactress.comMy IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3921523/Disclaimer: Some links included in this descriptions may be affiliate links, meaning that I will receive a small commission if you buy from that link.

7 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 55min
Working Actor Life: the reality of six-figure side jobs
Gabrielle Ben-Loss, a business partner of Sam Valentine, shares her journey balancing acting with entrepreneurship. They candidly discuss the reality of juggling multiple income streams, the challenges of side hustles, and the realities of maintaining mental health while managing careers. Gabrielle highlights their strategies for energy management and self-care, while also emphasizing the importance of merging passions with finances. They also explore the re-launch of Side Hustle Academy, offering valuable resources for actors seeking independence.

Feb 7, 2025 • 28min
Overwhelm + Prioritizing for Actors in 2025
The world feels heavy right now, and as an actor, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed: this is the struggle of balancing your art and why it still matters. This episode isn’t for the faint of heart, though! I’m talking priorities, excuses, wellbeing, and your life’s purpose- all the things required to move the needle forward. Times might be crazy, but your art is always worth pursuing… and dare I say… necessary.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — New Year Updates
02:36 — Creating in a Heavy World
05:32 — Urgent vs. Important Tasks
07:46 — Your Actor Craft
08:29 — Career Growth
11:45 — Your Life’s Purpose
13:13 — Excuses vs. Distractions
18:53 — Industry Struggles
20:30 — Reclaiming Your Purpose
23:38 — Why Your Art Still Matters
Podcast Produced by - Fast Forward Productions
📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:
★ Actor Busy Work vs. Deep Work
★ Ikigai
★ Big Magic
►► JOIN THE EMAIL LIST
♡Even More Sam♡
Instagram
Patreon
My IMDb

Nov 14, 2024 • 30min
how to build an acting career | ACTOR TIPS ON NOT GIVING UP, BUILDING A CAREER, AND THE ARTIST LIFE
Reflecting on a challenging year, the host emphasizes the importance of passion, perseverance, and a long-term perspective in building an acting career. Listeners are encouraged to maintain their enthusiasm despite industry hurdles and to seek inspiration continually. The discussion includes practical advice on handling financial instability and the pressing need to adapt expectations. A unique 'teaspoon of hope' theory is shared, aimed at motivating those facing adversity. It’s an inspiring reminder to never give up on dreams.

Oct 31, 2024 • 42min
LA vs. NYC vs. ATL vs. Chicago - A Deep Dive into the Price of Life + Acting in Different Markets
Gabrielle Byndloss, an Atlanta-based actress and business owner, offers a fresh perspective on acting markets and living costs in different cities. The conversation takes a deep dive into how Atlanta stacks up against LA, NYC, and Chicago for actors. They break down essential expenses like rent and groceries, revealing the financial realities of pursuing acting in each city. Gabrielle champions Atlanta's thriving creative scene and emphasizes the importance of personal happiness when choosing where to live and work.

Oct 24, 2024 • 22min
No Stupid Questions (Pt 2): bathrooms on set, kmr, only fans, money and connections, local hires, and tattoos
We’re back with No Stupid Questions! This time we’re getting into a 10-2 on set, nudity as an actor, out-of-state callbacks, local hires, succeeding without connections or money, and if actors can have tattoos. We’re also getting into the challenges of dealing with your agency closing, how your past work effects you, and how our online presence gets back to casting. If you’ve got more questions, comment them down below and check out Side Hustle Academy if you’ve been wanting to achieve financial stability while in pursuit of an acting career.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — answering your questions
01:35 — mic'd up when nature calls
05:17 — navigating the KMR agency collapse
10:25 – does nudity affect casting?
11:12 — impact of onlyfans on casting
12:40 — travel expenses for out-of-state callbacks
15:33 — can you succeed as an actor without money or connections?
18:05 — tattoos & casting
20:22 — investing in you
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Watch One Broke Actress “actor tell all: agents, referrals, the hollywood cult, botox and so much more | NO STUPID QUESTIONS 1”
★ Watch HBO Documentary “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”
★ Read Deadline “KMR Agency Suspends Franchise With SAG-AFTRA Amid Major Client Payment Delays”
★ Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
★ Watch One Broke Actress “so i went to atlanta for a callback... | ACTOR VLOG: Flying from LA to ATL to Audition”
★ Listen to One Broke Actress “Ciera Payton: Biracial Casting, Hollywood Diversity, Envisioning Your Future”
★ Side Hustle Academy
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and as always at One Broke Actress
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Oct 17, 2024 • 42min
Actors with Side Hustles: professional organizer adrianna licitra on freelancing, simplicity, and decluttering your life
Last week we heard from Jazelle Foster, a CEO of her own business with multiple employees and clients. But, I know some of you don’t want to deal with the hassle of marketing, selling, and creating. Some of you just want to have a side hustle that gives you enjoy to be happy while pursuing acting. Is it possible? Adrianna Licitra’s story will have you knowing that it is. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Adrianna shares her journey of managing a professional organizing business alongside her new acting career. She gets into freelancing versus working for a company, and how she keeps acting a priority while juggling her side hustles, family, and life obligations. This discussion is perfection for those who are looking to diversity their income streams without sacrificing their craft. Want more? Sign up for Side Hustle Academy from October 21st to 25th! https://themembership.co/sha
★ Sign Up for Side Hustle Academy now: https://themembership.co/sha
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — understanding the overwhelm
00:27 — meet adrianna licitra
01:59 — balancing business and acting
04:37 — keeping it simple
11:56 — freelancing vs. running your own business
15:34 — AD: side hustle academy: https://themembership.co/sha
23:39 — overcoming the fear of diversifying focus
24:23 — balancing multiple careers for stability
26:33 — the benefits of life experiences in acting
27:13 — the value of online courses for side hustles
30:05 — organizing tips for actors
35:09 — creating a homey space in small apartments
38:30 — connecting with adrianna for organizing help
41:04 — wrap-up
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow Adriana on IG @adrianna_licitra
★ Follow Adriana’s Organizing and Styling on Facebook
★ Sign Up for Side Hustle Academy now
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Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes!
And don’t miss all the content on IG and get all the sam valentine links here!
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!
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