
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

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
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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!

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
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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!

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
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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!

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
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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!

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!

Sep 14, 2023 • 29min
188. Working Actor Life: Prioritizing Your Needs as an Actor, Practical Tips for Mental Health, and Self-Care
Gabrielle Byndloss and I are back to talk about the importance of self-care and the struggles of being a working actor. We touch on how to prioritize your own needs, how to create a list of comforts items to bring with you on set, and practical tips for maintaining your mental health while traveling. Gabrielle shares her own experiences with depression and anxiety and offers advice on how to develop a daily self-care routine, even when resources are limited. We also go into the importance of goal setting and the benefits of setting your own goals, rather than relying on external validation. Tune in for some honest and hilarious conversation about the realities of being a working actor, and why we all need to take care of ourselves along the way.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
01:35 — Side Hustles
02:58 — Let's Talk Schedules
11:45 — Productivity, Worthiness, and Acting
13:55 — Gabrielle's Puerto Rico Shoot
17:53 — Finding Your Comfort Items
21:25 — Self Care with Limited Options
23:39 — Feeling Enough as an Actor
25:29 — Our Working Relationship
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow The Membership on IG @themembership.co
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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!

Sep 7, 2023 • 54min
187. "Truly Darkly Creeply" Podcasters Kerry Ipema & Quinlan Pozner on Crafting Content & Conquering Challenges
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the hosts of the Truly Darkly Creeply podcast, Kerry and Quinlan. They are podcasters, actors, writers, producers, and wear so many hats that they're essentially quadruple threats. From getting paid to host a podcast on A&E to starting from scratch, we talked about their transition back to their own work after being laid off from their previous job, and how they were able to pivot and continue creating content even as their lives were up in the air. We also discussed the importance of having a supportive community, the value of having an attorney review contracts, and the joys of editing and crafting content you're passionate about. Kerry and Quinlan also shared some hilarious stories, and why we all need to move to Edinburgh and live in some castles. Tune in to hear all about it!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
02:38 — Riverside & The Deal with Self-Checkout
07:12 — Edinburgh Fringe Festival
08:41 — Running a True Crime Podcast
14:33 — What it Takes to Make Your Own Work
22:56 — Finding an Audience
28:23 — Remember, You Can't Please Everyone
30:52 — Luck & The A&E Podcast
39:15 — The Season 2 Shutdown
41:58 — Returning To Their Own Content
45:29 — Editing Their Podcast Solo
49:57 — Where to Find Kerry & Quinlan
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Listen to Truly, Darkly, Creeply, "I Hate Him: A Special Surprise Episode"
★ Listen to Truly, Darkly, Creeply Episode #100
★ Truly, Darkly, Creeply Podcast
★ Follow Kerry on IG @kerryipema
★ Follow Quinlan on IG @quinpoz
★ Follow Truly, Darkly, Creeply on IG @trulydarklycreeply
★ Kerry's IMDb
★ Quinlan's IMDb
★ Truly Darkly Creeply Merch
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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 24, 2023 • 24min
186. Day in the Life of an Actor: A.I Perfection vs. An Actual Human Perspective
I had an entirely different plan for this video but, after one scroll session on TikTok, I am fired up. I saw video after video of day-in-the-life-of-an-actor content, which I love and think we need more of, but each one only showed the highlight reels. The days on set. Working for Netflix. Booking a dream role. I want that stuff to happen for all of us, but the average day to day of an actor usually involves none of that. For us folks who are working actors and not in the top 1% of A-Listers, it means we have to walk our dogs or pay our bills or try to motivate ourselves to go to the post office. So I went to ChatGPT to see what a robot - taking all of the information it can find online - would think an actor's day would look like. Guys. It was vile. Listen in and hear what an A.I. thinks we do versus what we actually do.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
00:12 — Los Angeles Heat
01:25 — TikTok Algorithm
06:27 — ChatGPT & A Robot Actor's Day in the Life
12:00 — Unrealistic Nonsense
16:23 — My Very Real, Very Human Day
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Join The Membership Waitlist
★ The Actor Dictionary
★ 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!

Aug 17, 2023 • 58min
185. Actor & TikTok Star Drew Talbert on Advice for Actors on the Internet, Finding Success, and the SAG Influencer Contract
In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Drew Talbert, the creator behind the popular TikTok account @drew_talbert. I met him during a panel at the Groundlings and he has so much to share with you all. We talked about his journey as an actor and how he stumbled upon success with his hilarious characters that live within his restaurant, Bistro Huddy. Inspired by his years working as a waiter, Drew's skits continuously go viral for his hilarious and real portrayal of the hospitality business. He also gets into the importance of community and connection in content creation, as well as the ins and outs of revenue on TikTok. Drew shared some valuable insights and advice for actors looking to put themselves out there on the internet to start creating their own content. If you're an actor, or anyone who wants to break into the online space, Drew's advice this episode will set you up for success!
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
03:03 — All about Drew
04:05 — Let's Talk TikTok
09:25 — Lessons Learned from YouTube
13:55 — Groundlings Background
16:05 — Internet Success & Acting Career
20:30 — Making Money Online
25:24 — Drew's Day-to-Day as an Entrepreneur
28:52— SAG Influencer Contract, Healthcare, and Pension
35:14 — Actors who Leave in Their 30s and 40s
39:20 — Community
42:00 — Acting Classes & Improv
43:08 — Patreon Q: TikTok Revenue
47:47 — Advice for Anxiety Around Posting
53:04 — Patreon Q: Joining SAG & SAG Eligibility
54:01 — Drew's SAG Story
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★ Follow Drew on TikTok @drew_talbert
★ Follow Drew on Instagram @drewtalbert
★ Support Drew Here!
★ Drew's Official Website
★ Drew's YouTube @drewtalbert
★ The Groundlings
★ Caitlin Reilly's TikTok @itscaitlinhello
★ Leo González's TikTok @leogonzall
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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 10, 2023 • 56min
184. Actor, Writer, and Producer Eddie Alfano on Typecasting, Setting Your Own Bar, and The Art of the Self Tape
A Long Island native, actor, writer, and (reluctant) producer Eddie Alfano (Barry, Shameless, Good Trouble, Birds of Prey) has a huge body of acting work and has written and produced multiple award-winning short films and web series. We covered a lot of ground in this interview, from the challenges of film acting to how to utilize your perfectionist traits to nail your self tape every. single. time. Eddie looks back on his career when he started acting back in 2008 during the last Writer's Strike and what he would have done differently, and how he has chosen to embrace his typecast as the cop and bad guy. He also shared what it was like for him to cast his own short films, and what he looks for when casting actors. If you're like me and have always wondered about using your typecast to your advantage, casting actors in your own work, and what we can do to make ourselves shine, this episode is for you.
Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!
00:00 — Intro
03:35 — 2008 Writer's Strike
11:04 — Sidegigs & Working Actors
19:44 — Eddie's Typecast
25:20 — Make Your Art
28:20 — Actor Journey vs. Hollywood Journey
30:00 — Becoming a Better Actor without Booking
35:46 — Translating Work in Acting Class to Set
45:36 — Self Tapes
51:37 — The Qualities of a Killer Tape
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
★Eddie's IMDb https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1778103/
★ Follow Eddie on IG @eddiealfano https://www.instagram.com/eddiealfano/?hl=en
★ Eddie's FIlm Freeway https://filmfreeway.com/eddiealfano
★ The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute https://strasberg.edu/los-angeles-theatre-film-school/programs/
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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!
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