
One Broke Actress
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

Aug 29, 2024 • 8min
what you can do right now for your acting career + why i hate ‘survive till 2025’
I hate “survive ‘till 2025” with a burning passion and no, you can’t change my mind. Listen, we’ve still got 4 months left in this year and there is a LOT that we can do. So I’m talking about why the phrase 'survive till 2025' is detrimental to actors and offering actionable advice we can all do instead. Don’t wait for this unpredictable, unreliable industry and do what you can within your own power. Join my free five-day 'Back to School' challenge, designed to help actors focus on immediate, practical steps to advance their careers and enjoy their lives without waiting for external circumstances to improve. Trust me when I needed this, and I think you do too.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Introduction and Podcast Comeback
00:25 — The Phrase 'Survive Till 2025'
00:43 — Why 'Survive Till 2025' is Problematic
01:23 — Staying Informed and Active in the Industry
02:35 — Embracing Change in the Acting World
03:27 — Back to School Vibes
04:31 — Introducing the Back to School Challenge
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Sign up for the FREE 5 Day Back to School Actor Challenge
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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, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Aug 22, 2024 • 30min
Why film, tv, and commercial actors need to care about the video game strike with Zeke Alton & Sarah Elmaleh
Another strike? Whattt?? That’s right. Video game actors are standing up to big corporations and taking a stand for all of us. In an industry that makes more than sports and TV profits COMBINED, video game artists are continuously being neglected by one of the most lucrative industries in the country. As key figures in SAG-AFTRA negotiations, actors Zeke Alton and Sarah Elmaleh provide insights into the urgent need for AI protections including the unions main three concerns: consent, compensation, and transparency. They emphasize the risks of working on non-union projects during the strike and outline steps actors can take to protect their careers and their colleagues. I was blown away by the financial magnitude of the video game industry, and we get into why every actor needs to care about what is being fought for here. As a union, one genre’s win is a win for us all. The fight that we are having here will effect commercials, will effect theatrical, will effect film, and will effect us all. If you’ve been wanting to get involved and know more about why we’re striking, this is the episode for you.
Support the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike here.
00:00 — Understanding the Video Game Strike
01:16 — Why Non-Video Game Actors Should Care
03:22 — Navigating Auditions During the Strike
05:18 — The Importance of Union Solidarity
09:32 — Negotiation Challenges and Pressure Points
13:02 — Artificial Intelligence: The Core Issue
14:12 — Digital Replicas vs Generative AI
16:42 — Union's Approach to AI and Actor Rights
17:19 — Legislation and Actor Protections
18:21 — Importance of Union Communication
22:04 — Video Game Industry Financials
25:07 — The Future of Entertainment and Video Games
28:11 — A Call to Action for Us All
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Zeke Alton’s IMDb
★ Follow Zeke on IG @zekealton
★ Sarah Elmaleh’s IMDb
★ Follow Sarah on IG @selmaleh
★ Sarah’s Website
★ Game Performance Matters Links
★ SAG-AFTRA Video Game Search List
★ Crispin Freeman
★ No Fakes Act
★ No AI FRAUD Act
★ Unroll Me App
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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, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Aug 1, 2024 • 24min
Side Hustles, Actor Mental Health, and Avoiding Burnout | BRITTANY RIZZO’S “MY ONLY FRIENDS” PODCAST
We’re shaking things up today with me being the guest on Brittany Rizzo’s “My Only Friends” podcast! This is a small segment of our full hour long conversation, but it was one that really resonated with me. I openly share my mental health journey, and the way that I’ve grown to approach finances as an actor. Success is what we make it and how we define it, and there is no one way to be an actor. I get into the challenges of actor life, the pressure of constant productivity, and the impact the pursuit of this career can have on our mental health. Brittany and I also talk about the benefits of taking breaks, managing burnout, and my personal experience with anxiety medication. If you want more, be sure to check out the full episode on 'My Only Friends,' where we dive even deeper on the insecurities and pressures actors face.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Being on “My Only Friends” & Upcoming Changes
02:22 — Redefining Success
03:01 — The Struggles and Realities of Being a Full Time Actor
08:59 — Managing Burnout and Mental Health
14:26 — The Impact of Anxiety Medication
21:53 — Ask for Help
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Brittany Rizzo’s “My Only Friends” Podcast
★ Watch the Full Episode “Your Job's A Joke, You're (One) Broke (Actress), with Sam Valentine”
★ Listen to the Full Episode “Your Job's A Joke, You're (One) Broke (Actress), with Sam Valentine”
★ Follow the “My Only Friends” Podcast on IG
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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, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Jul 25, 2024 • 37min
(BONUS) Booking My Recurring Role on Bosch Legacy: A Look into the Patreon Podcast
I’m releasing one of my Patreon podcasts for free here to share the journey of my booking on Bosch Legacy! On the Patreon, I share my real, unfiltered, unedited thoughts on the most pivotal moments in my career and my life. My Bosch booking was everything to me, not only because they called me back for multiple episodes, but because it happened right around the time of my wedding. I’m taking you through the audition process, the challenges, valuable lessons learned, and the importance of self-care while on set. The immense satisfaction of seeing my hard work on screen is captured here, and I’m so excited to share it with you all. Want more? Join the Patreon, we’d love to have you!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Let’s Talk about the Bonus Podcast
00:29 — Behind the Scenes of Bonus Podcasts
01:42 — The Bosch Legacy Booking
02:48 — Audition Process and Preparation
12:06 — First Day on Set
16:34 — Second Shoot Day and Reflections
22:20 — Balancing Work and Personal Life
33:09 — Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Want more raw, unfiltered, behind the scenes thoughts? Become an Apple Podcast subscriber or join the One Broke Actress Patreon!
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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, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Jul 12, 2024 • 36min
Be “Radically Content” w/ Author Jamie Varon PT 2: Jealousy, Rest, & Living a Creative Life
In this engaging discussion, bestselling author Jamie Varon dives into the emotional complexities of creativity and success. She candidly addresses jealousy and the pressure of public perception, emphasizing the disconnect between achievements and personal emotions. Varon explores the importance of authenticity, self-worth, and balance between work and rest. She encourages embracing radical contentment and finding joy in life’s unpredictability, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone navigating the creative landscape.

10 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 37min
Be “Radically Content” w/ Author Jamie Varon PT 1: Success, Self-Worth, and the Waiting Game
Best-selling author Jamie Varon, known for her works on self-worth and creativity, shares her journey towards being 'Radically Content.' She discusses the common struggle creatives face in seeking validation and whether achieving dreams does enhance self-esteem. The conversation touches on the ugly side of success, the delicate balance between ambition and happiness, and the emotional toll of comparison and jealousy in the industry. Jamie emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment and standing up for oneself in the pursuit of true self-worth.

Jun 27, 2024 • 31min
WORKING ACTOR LIFE | Actors on Social Media, IATSE Strike Talks, and Industry Uncertainty
Actors discuss industry uncertainty, IATSE strike talks, importance of community, leveraging social media, influencer contracts, and personal growth. They explore creativity in comedy on social media, communication challenges for Black women, and building influence during Black History Month.

Jun 13, 2024 • 36min
Mom and Dad: supporting an actor in the family
I’ve done the impossible. I convinced my mom and dad to be on the podcast. I know, we thought it would never happen and yet here we are! I am so proud to bring on Rich and Debbie Valentine, and interview them on what it was like to raise an actor and support me in my dreams. You may not know this, but I didn’t come from a creative family. It’s really all on me, and my parents took a big leap of faith that I am forever grateful for. I share my experiences and challenges as an actor with my parents, and hear their side on how they feel about me moving from the Midwest to Los Angeles, constantly facing rejection, and coming out on top. Recorded at the family home, this is a must-listen for anyone needing a boost of familial support and insight into the actor’s life.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — The Importance of Family Support in an Acting Career
02:29 — A Heartfelt Conversation with Mom: Understanding and Support
06:05 — To Those Without Support
13:17 — Insights from Dad: The Journey of Supporting an Actor
15:49 — The Audition Realization: A Turning Point
17:53 — From Hot Air Balloons to Seeking Stability
19:00 — The Real Job Debate: Acting as a Career
22:03 — Family Support and Understanding the Actor's Journey
26:55 — Navigating the Challenges and Triumphs of Acting
31:02 — Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Actors
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Listen to One Broke Actress “Being the Actor in the Family (with my Sister)”
★ Listen to One Broke Actress “The (Sam) Valentine's Day Podcast Special with OBA Husband Caleb Ellis | BEING MARRIED TO AN ACTOR”
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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, OneBrokeActress.com
And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here.
Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

May 30, 2024 • 42min
219. how to become a SAG influencer or podcaster with SAG staff Sue-Anne Morrow & Shaine Griffin
Sue-Anne Morrow and Shaine Griffin from SAG discuss podcast and influencer contracts, benefits of SAG AFTRA agreements, transitioning to influencer agreements, navigating brand deals, and the importance of union coverage in the evolving industries.

May 16, 2024 • 48min
218. Theatre in NYC & Making it on Broadway with Maggie Bera
Theatre actor Maggie Bera shares insights on the current state of theatre in NYC, discussing moving to the city, audition strategies, benefits of Equity membership, and balancing acting with other jobs. She touches on financial stability, theatrical agents, and the impact of social media on actors' careers, inspiring stage actors and on-camera actors alike.