One Broke Actress Podcast

The podcast covers topics like day jobs for actors, staying patient in the industry, favorite childhood activities, pet peeves, and the importance of community in uncertain times. Other interesting topics include networking in LA, body image struggles, and sources of inspiration. The host also shares insights on pursuing passions and alternative career paths.

Sean Alexander James shares his inspiring journey into acting, starting at 29 and battling mental health. He discusses audition strategies, building relationships with agents, and the power of persistence for success in the industry. His story proves it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

Gabrielle Byndloss is back to discuss the changing face of the acting industry with me as we look at life post-strike in 2024. We talk about the new auditions we’ve been seeing in the commercial realm that are focused on social media ads, the deal with commercials and streaming, and how the industry is reshaping itself. Pilot season is changing before our very eyes and no one knows exactly what is going to come to replace it. We even go into how we define success an acting, arguing that it can look quite different than what many might think. After all, as working actors, we are constantly trying to get to the next thing, to reach that number one spot on the call sheet…but what would happen if we reconnected with our why and looked around at the life we’ve built and all of the chances that we do get to act? It might be worth a try. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Challenges 00:53 The Reality of Working Actor Life 01:23 The Excitement and Anxiety of Auditions 02:03 The Struggle of Maintaining Enthusiasm 02:32 The Impact of COVID on Actor Life & The Difficulty of Breaking Cycles 04:00 The Changing Landscape of TV Pilots 12:58 The Shift to Streaming and Social Media Ads 17:51 Reevaluating Success in Acting 22:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★ Gabrielle’s IG ★ Variety Article “**Network TV Pilot Season Is Mostly Dead — but Stubbornly Hasn’t Gone Away Completely”** ★ Listen to TV’s Top Five Podcast ★ Listen to TV’s Top Five “Streaming and Ads” Episode ★ Kevin Rudolf’s “I Made It” ★ The Membership ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 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!

We are bringing back Rus Garofalo of Brass Taxes (where I personally do my taxes). He was a hit last year, and he’s back with even more tips to help us all make this terrifying time just a little bit less scary. When it comes to taxes for creative professionals, there are so many nuisances that others don’t have to deal with because it is such a volatile industry. We go into what the difficulties that come from the tax system not being designed for those in the gig economy, and answer commonly asked tax-related questions such as quarterly taxes, business write-offs, and when it's beneficial to establish an LLC or S Corp. We also talk about how we each need to find what works for us when it comes to our money, and that includes making informed decisions. So if you’re stressed right now, sit back, listen in, and get your notebook ready to approach taxes from a place of empowerment. (PSST: Be sure to listen to the end for a special OBA discount!!) Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Introducing Rus 02:40 — Understanding Taxes for Creatives 03:15— Changes in Tax Season from 2023 to 2024 04:50 — Preparing for Income Fluctuations 07:48 — Understanding W2 and 1099 Work 10:46 — The Importance of Business Expenses 17:20 — Understanding Estimated Tax Payments 28:09 — Write-offs for Actors 30:26 — Understanding Your Role as a Creative Professional 32:43 — Navigating the Gray Areas of Business Expenses 33:17 — Regular Record Keeping 41:09 — International Taxes 43:33 — Deciding When to Start an LLC or S Corp 45:46 — The Reality of Setting Up a Business Entity 48:28 — Making Informed Decisions that Work for YOU 52:21 — Final Thoughts on Taxes for Creative Professionals Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★  Listen to Rus’s first episode: Taxes for Actors 101 ★ NYFA: Taking Care of the Future You: Retirement for Creatives with Brass Taxes ★ Email assistant@onebrokeactress.com to get the free expense tracker and Freelancer PDF! ★ Brass Taxes FAQ “I was thinking about forming an LLC or Corporation. Is that a good idea?” ★ Brass Taxes FAQ “How do I get started” ★ Brass Taxes FAQ “Your Brass Taxes Account” ★ Brass Taxes FAQ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 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!

In this riveting reflecting on the SAG-AFTRA Strike, Paramount Strike Captains Brittney Baxter, Iris Liu, and Brendan A. Bradley share their firsthand experiences from the picket lines. They discuss their motivations for joining the strike, their unique perspectives on union participation, the challenges they faced, and the transformation they underwent through the experience. Iris spills about how the strike was not just a professional task but a personal journey towards gaining control over her career, while Brendan elaborates about the importance of speaking up for change in the union. Brittany stresses how we all need to question and challenge our union while aiming for future contracts. The captains also share their perspective on how pre-union members should see their fight in the strike too. Finally, they each show gratitude to everyone who supported them and ensured they could still pursue their passion - acting. This candid conversation really warmed my heart, and I think it is going to provide a unique insight into the world of actors, strikes, and the power of standing together for change. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Introduction and Guest Introductions 02:31 — Reflections on the Paramount Strike 03:21 — Iris's Journey into the Union and the Strike 06:01 — Brendan's Experience and Involvement in the Strike 09:35 — Brittney's Entry into the Strike 11:10 — Reflections on the Strike, Union Participation, and the Impact on Personal Lives 13:49 — Challenges and Triumphs during the Strike 14:53 — The Aftermath of the Strike 17:20 — Lessons Learned and Future Directions 30:38 — Commitment to the New Technology Committee 31:28 — The Struggles of Volunteering and Balancing Work 33:09 — AD: The Membership’s Headshot Class: https://themembership.co/the-headshot-class  35:34 — Respecting Union Volunteers & Participating in the Union 36:38 — The Challenges of Balancing Union Work and Acting 37:51 — We Are Our Union 39:01 — The Power of Sharing Experiences & Filing Claims 40:42 — Support Systems 44:55 — Advice for Non-Union Members 49:50 — What to Look Forward to from Iris, Brendan, and Brittney 56:00 — Wrapping Up Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★ Brendan’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1731701/ ★ Brendan’s Website: https://www.brendanabradley.com ★ Brendan’s IG @brendanabradley https://www.instagram.com/brendanabradley/ ★ Brittney’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13093522/ ★ Brittney’s Website: https://brittneybaxter.com ★ Brittney’s IG @brittney_baxter https://www.instagram.com/_brittney_baxter_/ ★ Iris’ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10962783/ ★ Iris’ Website: https://www.irisliu.com ★ Iris’ IG @irisliuofficial https://www.instagram.com/irisliuofficial/ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 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!

In our final installment of the Headshot miniseries, I’m welcoming back someone who I have shot with several times over the last decade: Leah Huebner. If you’ve looked through IMDb or iSpotTV, you’ve seen a Huener Headshot. Leah, a former actress turned professional portraitist, offers her unique perspective on the art and business of actor headshots. She goes into her process for selecting appropriate headshot clothes, setting the right mood, and choosing backdrops based on the genre or the feel of the show an actor is targeting. She also touches on the importance of authenticity and realistic portrayal of oneself in headshots, and how she wants to get all of her clients to show who they are in their sessions. Expect invaluable tips on time management, preparation, character representation, and maintaining vulnerability during headshot sessions, as well as an interesting conversation on gender representation in headshot photography that will help all of us break the binary. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Introduction and Welcome 01:14 — Introducing Leah Huebner: The Headshot Photographer 02:55 — Leah's Journey and Expertise 04:27 — Understanding Headshot and Branding Sessions 08:05 — How Many Looks Do You Need in a Headshot Session? 10:34 — Navigating Opinions on Headshots 12:58 — Leah Huebner's Personal Journey and Self-Understanding 18:00 — AD: The Membership’s Headshot Class 20:28— The Importance of Authenticity in Headshots 20:37 — Common Mistakes in Headshot Sessions 22:48 — Dealing with Stress During the Shoot 24:30 — Leah’s Pet Peeves 25:46 — Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Clothing 29:07 — The Process of Shooting with the Photographer 32:16 — The Role of Guidance and Direction in a Shoot 34:45 — Final Thoughts and Advice for Actors Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★ Listen to One Broke Actress “Leah Huebner {Headshots and Beyond}” ★ Leah’s Website ★ Leah’s IG @huebnerheadshots ★ Leah’s Personal IG @huebyzu ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 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!

We’re back with another installment in our headshot photographer miniseries with Atlanta based photographer Chase Anderson. Recommended by our resident Atlanta Queen Gabrielle Byndloss, Chase is a renowned photographer who has used his acting experience to enhance his clients session and get shots that work. In this episode we get into Chase's journey from working as a server to being a notable photographer, why being an actor influences his work as a headshot photographer, and his unique approach to his photoshoot sessions. We also talk about 'market-specific' headshots, the trend towards editorial-style photography, and the fact that there is no absolute right or wrong in creating a successful headshot. His philosophy of enthusiasm, spontaneity, collaboration, and being yourself during a headshot session will, without a doubt, transform your next session. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Introduction and Welcome 00:40 — Meet the Guest: Chase Anderson 01:06 — The Actor-Photographer Connection 01:20 — Chase's Journey into Photography 03:14 — The Impact of Photography on Acting 04:01 — The Art of Headshot Photography 05:50 — Breaking the Rules of Photography 11:20 — The Headshot Session Process 13:10 — AD: The Membership’s Headshot Class: https://themembership.co/the-headshot-class 15:48 — The Evolution of Headshots 23:14 — The Atlanta Market and Headshots 22:26 — The Actor's Attitude in Headshot Sessions 27:34 — Conclusion & How to work with Chase Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★ Chase’s Website ★ Chase’s IMDb ★ Chase’s Personal IG @_chaseanderson ★ Chase’s Headshot Photography IG @chaseandersonphoto ★ Chase’s Corporate Photography IG @chaseandersonheadshots ★ Watch Headshots According to LA Photographer Joanna DeGeneres ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 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!

Headshots. Every actor needs them. We are constantly wanting to improve each time we take them. And the stress never ends. So, what do we do to approach headshots to successful as possible? I’m going to some of the best in the game to see what they have to say. First up, Joanna DeGeneres. She gives us a detailed guide to mastering actors' headshots. I unearthed some of the common struggles actors face with headshots in preparation for The Headshot Class from Gabrielle and I with The Membership. This conversation provides vital insights into what creates a good headshot, including understanding industry demands, showing range, dealing with wardrobe, best practices for hair and makeup, and how to avoid common mistakes. Listen in for top-notch advice on how to stand out in a competitive industry. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Intro 02:53 — Welcoming Joanna 03:17 — The Difference Between Headshots, Editorials, and Branding 04:13 — Headshot Session Looks 06:40 — Wardrobe 09:05 — Navigating Headshot Opinions 11:31 — Showing “Range” 12:57 — Maximizing Time During a Photoshoot 17:27 — Getting More Comfortable Being Photographed 19:20 — Cosmetic Surgery & Headshot Mistakes 24:18 — AD: The Membership’s Headshot Class: https://themembership.co/the-headshot-class 26:45— What NOT To Do During a Session 32:03 — Headshot Myths 35:46 — Joanna’s Pet Peeves 40:32 — Booking a Session Step-by-Step with Joanna 43:45 — My Session with Joanna Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★ Joanna’s Website: https://www.joannadegeneres.com/ ★ Joanna’s IG @joannadegeneres: https://www.instagram.com/joannadegeneres/ ★ Kate Hollinshead Hair & Makeup Artist: https://www.katehollinshead.com/ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 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!

Casting director & life coach, Elizabeth Boykewich, discusses the holistic approach to casting, career transitions, and managing professionalism on set. She shares valuable insights into making it in the acting industry and the qualities she looks for in actors. The podcast also explores challenges faced by actors, the impact of physical appearance, and the importance of finding one's purpose in the industry.

Gabrielle, an actor and entrepreneur, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of being both actors and entrepreneurs. They touch on setting goals, navigating the acting industry, manifestation, and the strategic approach to headshots for maximum earning potential.