
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

5 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 56min
197. How We Got Here: The Tentative Contract Step-by-Step with SAG Negotiating Committee Members (and fellow actors) Charlie Bodin & Kevin E. West
SAG Negotiating Committee members Charlie Bodin and Kevin E. West discuss their journey through the tentative contract, covering diverse topics like negotiating with AMPTP, using AI in the contract, and the need for rules and containment regarding digital replicas. They also delve into the dynamics and setting of negotiation meetings, emphasizing the importance of representation and educating members about the contract.

Nov 16, 2023 • 33min
196. Working Actor Life: Allergies, Working from Home, and Side Hustles
Gabrielle Byndloss is back for more candid conversations about our Working Actor Life. We dive deep into one of our most asked questions: how the heck did we get started on our side jobs? We get honest about the pros and cons about working from home (including having to work when you are deathly ill from severe allergies), reflecting on what brings you the most joy, and why you need to let go of the pressure to monetize everything you love to do. From discussing the importance of understanding your own worth to navigating the complexities of actually building a side hustle while pursuing acting, we cover it all. This episode will leave you wanting to start on your own side gig so you can support yourself in the long term pursuit of this career.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
00:07 — Allergies
01:23 — Working from Home & Side Hustles
07:34 — How Gabrielle Starting Working from Home
10:45 — Dealing with Money
14:10 — Sam’s Advice to Approaching Social Media as a Business
21:34 — Being a Recognizable Actor Working a Side Hustle
24:53 — Advice for People Wanting to Focus on Side Hustles
32:00 — Time for Reflection
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow Gabrielle on Instagram @gabriellebyndloss
★ YoGabrielle
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Nov 9, 2023 • 31min
195. Systems and Software I use in My Daily Life & Business
I’m peeling back the curtain on exactly how I manage to run my acting career, One Broke Actress, being the CEO of Fast Forward Productions, and Co-CEO of The Membership. Be aware, you guys, I throw a LOT of stuff at you and I want to simply introduce what has helped me in my own life so if something interests you, you can start to implement it in yours. I dive into the tools and strategies that keep me organized and efficient. From scheduling platforms like Google Calendar and Reclaim to the game-changing communication app Slack, the amazing capabilities of Zapier, the power of note-taking with Apple Notes, the incredible versatility of Notion, and the Queen social media management app Metricool — it's all about maximizing efficiency and saving time, friends! Join me on this techy adventure as I break down these tools and share my personal experiences with them. Whether you're an actor, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to optimize their daily routine, there's something here for everyone.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
00:41 — I Love Optimization & Hate Being Behind
02:35 — Google Calendar
06:09 — Reclaim.ai
10:53 — Slack
13:52 — Zapier
17:01 — The Notes App
18:42 — Splitwise
20:40 — Notion
23:14 — Automating…EVERYTHING
23:54 — Metricool
27:44 — This is a Lot 28:45 — Looking Ahead
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Listen to OBA “Mini Ep: I Can’t Do All The Things.”
★ Check Out My What to Do When You’re Not Working Course!
★ Google Calendar
★ Reclaim.ai
★ Slack
★ Zapier
★ Splitwise
★ Notion
★ Metricool
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Nov 2, 2023 • 5min
MINI EP: I can’t do all the things
Okay, I just got off the picket lines and had a crazy day filled with meetings and an audition and… I have a confession to make - I’m doing too much. But this is part of the gig, you guys, and the reality of being a multi-hyphenate is that there’s a lot of give and take. This week, I’ve gotta give on the pod. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's just get through the day together.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Listen to One Broke Actress “Lost in The Next Steps of Your Actor Life? Here is What to Do First.”
★ Join The Membership Waitlist!
★ See you on the Lines!
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Oct 26, 2023 • 31min
194. Lost in The Next Steps of Your Actor Life? Here is What to Do First.
In this episode, I dive into the overwhelm of planning your next steps in your acting career. We all know how easy it is to get lost in the sea of overwhelm — floating in the oasis of “should I do this?” or “should I do that?” without knowing exactly which steps to take. I’m here to guide you through my process so that we can all feel a little less lost in our acting careers. I get into why it’s so important to put all your thoughts and ideas down on paper, and then take the time to "take out the trash" by eliminating the tasks that are not for you, or not for you right now. We explore how to prioritize your remaining tasks based on your time, money, and excitement level. Then, we break down the top one or two tasks into tangible steps that you can take on your own. You’re gonna leave with tangible tips that you’ll want to keep in mind the next time you get lost out at sea. Join me as we navigate the journey of organizing and prioritizing your acting career, and find ways to enjoy the process along the way!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
00:12 — My One Request
02:46 — Your Next Steps in Acting
06:31 — Step 1
11:30 — Step 2
16:38 — Step 3
20:48 — Having Fun Along the Way
22:29 — Picking Your Top Tasks
26:48 — Overview
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Audrey Helps Actors “SCAMS!!!!! - Anastasia Leddick”
★ “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity” by David Allen https://bookshop.org/p/books/getting-things-done-the-art-of-stress-free-productivity-david-allen/15540042?ean=9780143126560
★ Put Me On Self Tape https://www.putmeonselftape.com
★ Before Breakfast with Laura Vanderkam Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-breakfast/id1450018819
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Oct 19, 2023 • 29min
193. Working Actor Life: Commercial Callbacks, Rejection, and the Lack Mentality
Hey there, welcome back to the Working Actor life with Gabrielle Byndloss. We had an amazing conversation where we delved into various topics related to the acting industry. Gabrielle opened up about staying focused and prioritizing what's important in our careers while finding excitement in the process. The ebb and flow of the actor life is REAL. The intense swing between highs and lows is REAL. And you know what else? It's hard as heck to get through alone. So Gabrielle and I walk you through our recent commercial callbacks, why commercials are so important to us, and how we dealt with not booking what we thought were for-sure wins. If you're feeling overwhelmed and looking for camaraderie in the rollercoaster that is will-I-book-this-or-not, this episode is a must-listen. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join me and Gabrielle as we get real about our careers.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
00:10 — Accidental Twinning & Shea Moisture
02:11 — The Actor Workout
06:09 — Callbacks, Script Analysis, and Auditions
11:56 — How Gabrielle Handles Rejection
13:56 — How I Handle Rejection
22:19 — The Happy Medium & Lack Mentality
26:05 — How Commercials Change Your Life
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow The Membership on IG @themembership.co
★ Join The Membership
★ Follow Gabrielle on IG @gabriellebyndloss
★ Maggie Szabo
★ Camera Left, Stage Right Commercial Class
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Oct 12, 2023 • 1h 1min
192. From Groundlings Sunday Company to SMOSH: Improv Pro Amanda Lehan-Canto's Comedy Career
I am beyond thrilled to share with you my incredible interview with the talented and insightful Amanda Lehan-Canto. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of comedy, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of self-care. In this episode, Amanda takes us on a journey through her experiences in the entertainment industry, starting from her time in the prestigious Sunday Company at Groundlings. She shares the intense and rewarding moments of performing, the sacrifices made, and the unwavering support of her loved ones. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that truly showcases the highs and lows of pursuing a career in comedy. Nowadays, Amanda finds herself in a new chapter of her career, working at Smosh, a popular YouTube network. She explains how this opportunity opened up new avenues for creativity and allowed her to rediscover her love for acting. Amanda also dives into her experience with Dungeons and Dragons, an unexpected joy that she stumbled upon during her improv journey.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
03:07 — New UCB Show, Free Time, and Slowing Down
06:05 — What is Improv?
08:55 — Performing for Yourself vs. for Validation
11:09 — Choosing Where to Go for Improv Training
14:45 — The Difference Between Improv and Acting Class
19:29 — How Improv Impacts Your Acting Career
24:40 — Character Work
28:24 — Maintaining Momentum In-Between Classes
31:20 — Amanda’s Acting Career
36:17 — The Groundlings Class Tiers
39:04 — Sunday Company
44:17 — Sacrifices Made Along the Way
48:46 — ”Well, At Least You’re Working”
53:06 — SMOSH
55:51 — Wrap-Up & Class Reflection
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Amanda’s Website
★ Amanda’s IMDb
★ Watch Amanda on Smosh
★ Follow Amanda on IG @filmingamanda
★ See Amanda in the Sunday Company at Groundlings
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Oct 5, 2023 • 1h 11min
191. Adam Shapiro on Building a Business while Becoming a Successful Actor
Adam Shapiro (Never Have I Ever, Steve Jobs, Central Park, The Continental, and so much more) is a force to be reckoned with. Not only has he been building up a solid list of on screen credits, but he has launched his own pretzel company during the pandemic. In fact, he's been on the picket lines since the very beginning handing out those pretzels for free. Today I was able to sit down with him and really get into the nitty gritty of what it's like to build a business while also pursuing an acting career. Adam shared stories about his unique approach to marketing himself, including using a tiny resume and creating a hilarious DVD demo reel with commentary. We discussed the importance of building genuine relationships in the industry and positioning oneself for success. From navigating auditions and casting to utilizing social media effectively, Adam is giving tips for everyone, and trust me, I was taking notes.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
02:03 — Checking in & Shappy Pretzels
04:37 — Adam's Love of Cooking & Philly
10:37 — Adam's Dream Career & Henry Winkler's Advice
15:24 — Find Something Besides Acting
18:22 — Actors & The Need to Show Success
22:45 — "So...Are You Still Doing the Acting Thing?"
25:17 — Lessons Learned from Being an Assistant Manager & Advice for Actors Post-Strike & Post-Pandemic
28:55 — Stay for the Eventually's
31:11 — What Has Worked for Adam
36:09 — Win The Room and Nail The "Be Smaller, Do Less" Note
43:16 — Figuring Out Who You Are
46:10 — Why Your Goal Shouldn't Be to Book Something
51:22 — Social Media & Marketing
1:01:18 — Networking and Auditions
1:08:30 — Wrap Up
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Adam's IMDb
★ Follow Adam on IG @shappyshaps
★ Follow Shappy Pretzel on IG @shappypretzel
★ Shappy Pretzel Website: https://www.shappypretzel.com/
★ Ebon Moss-Bachrach's IG @ebonmossbachrach
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Sep 28, 2023 • 45min
190. RePlay: Rebel Filmmaker Community Podcast "Sam Valentine on Staying True to Yourself in Hollywood"
This is a replay of an episode I did on the Rebel Filmmaking Community Podcast. Sean Crampton and I sit down and have a candid conversation about my journey as an actress and entrepreneur. I share how I found my way to acting, what it took for a small Midwestern girl to finally find a home out on the West Coast, and how filmmaking stole my heart. From my early days in the industry when I was crying on my futon to the present where I've started to find my stride, I open up about staying true to yourself and daring to follow your own path. Join me as I open up about the realities of being a multi-hyphenate and the constant balancing act between different aspects of my life.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
02:44 — Where I'm From
06:04 — Names
08:35 — Finding My Way to Art
11:09 — Moving to LA
15:15 — Shifting Trends
17:42 — Filmmaking
22:17 — Acting Process Then & Now
28:59 — My Side Hustles: One Broke Actress & Fast Forward Productions
37:00 — My Day-to-Day
39:18 — Anchors
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Watch the Original Video on the Rebel Filmmaking Community Podcast Multi-Hyphenate Ep 10. "RFC - MULTI-HYPHENATE: SAM VALENTINE (Actress-Podcast Host)"
★ Listen to Ep. 10 Rebel Filmmaking Community - MULTI-HYPHENATE: SAM VALENTINE (ACTRESS - PODCAST HOST)
★ Rebel Filmmaking Website https://rebelfilmmakingcommunity.thinkific.com/
★ One Broke Actress Season 1 Episode 2 "Sean Crampton: Improv, Making Your Own Work, and Finding Routine"
★ One Broke Actress Season 10 Episode 7 "Creating Your Own Work with Filmmaker Sean Crampton
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
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!

Sep 21, 2023 • 55min
189. "Challenge Accepted" YouTube Pro Michelle Khare on Building Your Own World: Content Creation & Actors
Hey there! I'm so excited to share this episode with you where I had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing @MichelleKhare , a YouTube content creator and actress with over 4 million subscribers and a Streamy award under her belt. With Challenge Accepted, we follow Michelle Khare as she attempts our world's most difficult lifestyles and professions. Known as the internet's daredevil, Michelle shared some incredible insights on how to craft effective emails, the importance of understanding your audience, and how one 2-year Meisner class changed her life. We also talked about the crossover between digital and traditional media, and how content creation can give actors a competitive advantage. What I loved most about our conversation was hearing how content creation helped Michelle find a way to channel her creativity. It was really inspiring to hear how she overcame challenges and built her own world, all while succeeding in the traditional acting industry. Tune in to hear more about Michelle's experiences and advice. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!
► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-broke-actress-podcast/id1275621498
► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1R0Vcnx2XdBgbi73EWLtsK
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 — Intro
02:41 — What Michelle Watches on YouTube
04:07 — YouTube & The WGA + SAG-AFTRA Strike
09:56 — Balancing a Busy Production Schedule
11:48 — Nighttime Routine to Unwind
14:03 — Working with Your Spouse
16:15 — Boundaries with Private and Public Life
18:50 — Michelle Tried Acting Class
28:25 — Acting vs. Filming for YouTube
33:01 — Acting Aspirations
36:00 — Michelle's Secret to Emails
40:32 — Getting Representation: Agents & Social Media
43:14 — Starting Out on YouTube
46:19 — The Digital vs. Traditional Content Crossover
52:06 — Advice for Actors Starting Their Content Journey
📚 EPISODE RESOURCES:
★ Michelle's YouTube Channel, Challenge Accepted https://www.youtube.com/c/michellekhare
★ Follow Michelle on IG @michellekhare https://www.instagram.com/michellekhare/
★ @DodfordYT Dodford's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DodfordYT
★ @ryan Ryan Trahan's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ryan
★ @airrack Airrack's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@airrack
★ I Trained Like a NASA Astronaut: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmQeskMASA0
★ I Tried Planning My Wedding in a Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prPrucVR_3Y
★ Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio
https://www.emasla.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpJWoBhA8EiwAHZFzfsZxviPsrvvoQWXsqunmzBqfBpRHNutCq-QfEW1qL182D-boypsM5BoCmw8QAvD_BwE
★ I Tried FBI Academy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfbU-1hpnP8
✴︎ Join The Membership → https://themembership.co/
✴︎ Follow The Membership on IG @themembership.co → https://www.instagram.com/themembership.co/
►► JOIN THE EMAIL LIST → https://onebrokeactress.com/#lead-
capture
►► Listen to the Podcast → One Broke Actress Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-broke-actress-podcast/id1275621498
Check out my Amazon Shop for gear recommendations → https://www.amazon.com/shop/samvalentine
♡ Let’s Connect ♡
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onebrokeactress/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onebrokeactress
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/onebrokeactress
Website: https://onebrokeactress.com
My IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3921523/
►► Book a call with me → https://onebrokeactress.as.me/Coffeecall
★ CONTACT ME ★
Email — onebrokeactress@gmail.com
Looking to Collab? Fill Out This Form — https://airtable.com/shrL062WdwJpf5FBK
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. Everything earned goes back to supporting me and the YouTube Channel. Thanks so much for being a part of the One Broke Actress community!