In this solo episode, Peter gets deeply personal about a challenging week—and the powerful mindset shift that came from it.

After getting emotionally “twisted,” Peter turned to her most trusted tools: journaling, meditation, and coaching. What started as a spiral led to a breakthrough realization:

Your mind is your world. And your world is your mind.

When you’re in your fear-based thought system, everything feels like a problem. But when you shift into a more loving, conscious mindset, you begin to see challenges as opportunities.

Peter shares how unconscious thinking patterns can create unnecessary suffering, and how awareness, honesty, and a willingness to feel your feelings can shift your entire experience.

Whether you’ve had a tough week yourself or you’re just ready for a new perspective, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate reminder of how much power lives in your mindset.

• The difference between fear thoughts and love-based thoughts

• What Peter does when she feels overwhelmed or triggered

• How to use stream-of-consciousness journaling to uncover what’s really going on

• Why it’s okay to “suffer a little” before you’re ready to shift

• A practical way to reset your emotions when you’re feeling stuck

• Free Time Management Workshop – Click here for details

• Book a free consultation with Peter Pamela Rose

• Stephen Ridley episode – Listen here

Want more support?
If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to take the next step, whether that’s with time management, mindset, or your acting career, I invite you to book a free consultation.

Click here to schedule your session.

And as always… stay safe and treat yourself real well. You don’t have to be perfect.

If you're a creative who rolls their eyes every time someone says, “You should be on TikTok,” I get it.

I did too.

But I’ve also seen firsthand how a free platform with a low barrier to entry can quietly change your entire business.

Not overnight. But steadily. Strategically. Without becoming someone you’re not.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I use TikTok to stay visible, book clients, and build trust—without filters, dances, or pretending to be an influencer.

I never expected to like it. I don’t love being on camera. I don’t enjoy over-polishing or oversharing.

But I do love showing up for my community. I love talking shop. And I really love when a new client says,
“I found you on TikTok… I just felt like you got it.”

They didn’t care about my résumé. They didn’t go through my website.
They watched a few videos, got curious, and reached out.

That’s the power of visibility.

I set a personal goal of 30,000 followers. Not for vanity.
Because I’ve seen how perception changes with scale.

At that number, people stop wondering if you're legit. They start assuming you are.

It’s wild, but true: I’ve had actors tell me they didn’t book the job because they “didn’t have a big enough following.”

So while I don’t love the rule... I’m learning to play the game.

I post just once a day, Monday through Friday. No weekends. That’s it.

My content rotates through three categories:

Not dancing. Not chasing virality.
Just using trending audio or formats to talk about life as a voice actor. Red flags. Weird specs. Behind-the-scenes stress. Stuff people relate to.

This is where I share warmups, workflow tips, gear recs, or things I wish I knew when I started out.
The more specific, the better.

No life-overhauls or tearful confessions.
Just honest stories from inside the booth: bombing auditions, almost quitting, learning the hard way.
Those posts? They connect deeply.

If you want to try it out, here’s a simple structure:

• Monday – A trend or audio reworked for your niche

• Tuesday – Respond to a question or comment

• Wednesday – Share a personal or client story

• Thursday – A POV sketch or observation

• Friday – Tips or encouragement for beginners

Repeat. Tweak. Evolve based on what’s resonating.

TikTok gives you free data.
Look at what people are watching all the way through, saving, or sharing—and lean into that.

Kill what’s not working. Keep what is. Don’t overthink it.

This isn’t about being viral. It’s about being valuable.

You don’t need a perfect feed. But your profile should make sense to someone new:

• Clean, recognizable photo (not necessarily a headshot)

• Bio that says what you do and what kind of content you make

• Link to your site or lead magnet

• Keep your vibe real. Show up as yourself.

Don’t hide your mic. Don’t over-filter. You’re not selling a brand. You’re being a person.

That’s totally fine.

But then ask yourself: Where are your future clients going to find you?

Instagram? YouTube? Discord? Email?
Wherever you plan to show up, you need a strategy.

And if you’re not going to show up at all? Then you need a different kind of strategy.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck about how to grow your VO presence online—let’s talk.

You can always reach me through mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com, or DM me on TikTok at @astoriaredhead.

I’d love to see what you’re creating.

Because we’re not just growing followers.
We’re growing careers.

Let’s talk about something most coaches won’t say out loud:
Just because you love something doesn’t mean you’re great at it.

I know. It stings. But it’s important.

In this episode, I’m digging into the uncomfortable (but necessary) gap between interest and aptitude—especially in voiceover. Because if you're frustrated that you're not booking in your dream genre, you might be ignoring the thing you're actually great at.

• Why passion doesn’t always equal potential

• How to spot the areas where you naturally shine

• Why ignoring your strengths can slow your career

• What to do when your “boring” voice actually books

• How to balance income work with creative fulfillment

• The difference between fantasy reels and real-world needs

Interest is loud. It’s shiny. It gets excited.
But aptitude? Aptitude is quiet. It’s efficient. It gets the job done with less effort.

That’s your edge.

If you're constantly trying to “break into” animation but clients keep calling you back for corporate narration... maybe it's time to listen.

You don’t have to love every dish at the buffet. But you do need to eat.
Some genres feed your wallet. Others feed your soul. Both matter.
But the key is building a career that includes both—without starving either.

Ask yourself:

1. What do I love to do in VO?

2. What do I actually book?

3. Where do I get the most consistent positive feedback?

If those answers aren’t lining up, that’s your cue to rework your business plan.
Not to quit. To recalibrate.

You can still create that weird fantasy assassin rabbit character (I mean, please do).
Just don’t expect it to pay your rent. Yet.

Instead, learn how to work your income genres well. Use them to build your skills, connections, and freedom. Let them support your creativity instead of crush it.

If you’re feeling stuck between what you want and what’s working, let’s talk. Seriously.

• On-camera actor? Peter’s your person: peter@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

• Voiceover artist? That’s me: mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

We love helping actors figure this stuff out. It’s what we do.

Thanks for being here, and if this episode hit home, share it with a fellow actor who needs to hear it too.

In this episode, I dive deep into one of the most important and misunderstood parts of an actor's journey: confidence.

Without confidence, you're benched. Without humility, you're a liability. Confidence is essential in the entertainment industry, but it has to be real—not performative, not overblown, and definitely not hubris.

I break down how to build real, grounded confidence that will keep you moving forward in your voiceover or acting career, using neuroscience-backed tools and personal experience from over two decades in the industry.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why confidence is essential, and why too much of it (aka hubris) can end your career

• The underrated power of self-awareness and how to cultivate it

• "Talent blindness" and why some actors can’t see where they’re falling short

• Real talk on imposter syndrome and how it rewires your brain

• The difference between self-trust and self-delusion

Three Neuroscience-Backed Tips to Build Confidence:

1. Focus on Small Wins

   • Create a "brag file" with positive feedback, wins, compliments, and proud moments

   • Celebrate progress, not perfection, and let your brain build new confidence loops

2. Use Visualization

   • Imagine your future success in vivid detail to activate the same brain networks as real achievement

   • Rehearse emotionally grounded wins before you step up to the mic or camera

3. Interrupt the Cortisol Cycle

   • Practice intentional breathing to calm your nervous system and stay present

   • Use 4-4-6 breath work to reset stress levels before auditions or sessions

7-Day Confidence Challenge (Free Prompt Series):

• Day 1: Write down 5 wins or moments you felt proud as an actor

• Day 2: Visualize a successful performance, using all five senses

• Day 3: Record and review a short piece of work

• Day 4: Practice calming breath work for 2 minutes

• Day 5: Take a risk with your craft (bold choice, new tone, character)

• Day 6: Write and say 3 affirmations aloud

• Day 7: Journal your growth and what you noticed about trusting yourself

Final Takeaway: Confidence is not just mindset. It's a habit. A neurological pattern. A cycle of self-trust, built one decision at a time.

If you're struggling with imposter syndrome or feel like your confidence disappears when it matters most, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Try the challenge. Start small. And keep going.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• My TikTok: @astoryredhead

• Actors Index Substack

• Email: mandy@actingbusinessbootcamp.com

Want More? Check out our Monthly Gyms and Weekly Classes at Acting Business Boot Camp for ongoing training, coaching, and confidence tools.

Today I want to talk about something that comes up in almost every coaching session I have with actors.

Fear.

Not just nerves before a big audition. Not just that pit in your stomach when you hit “submit” on a self-tape.

I mean the kind of fear that quietly shapes your entire career. The fear that keeps you playing small, second-guessing yourself, or holding back in moments when you need to be bold. The fear that convinces you maybe this dream isn’t really for you.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “What if I can’t handle it?”—you’re not alone. And that’s exactly what this episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast is all about.

Fear is instinctual. It’s wired into us. Back when humans were being chased by saber-toothed tigers, fear served a purpose—it kept us alive. But today? That same adrenaline spike shows up when you’re waiting outside a casting office or uploading a tape for your reps.

And here’s the thing: fear doesn’t know the difference between real danger and perceived danger. That’s why something as simple as a callback can feel like life or death.

But what I’ve learned—both as a working actress and a coach—is that fear isn’t the enemy. The real challenge is how we respond to it.

There’s one core truth I want you to consider:

At the bottom of every fear is the belief that you can’t handle what life throws at you.

That’s it. That’s the root.

Not the audition. Not the agent meeting. Not even the rejection. It’s the belief that if those things happen—or don’t—you won’t be able to cope.

So what do we do? We avoid. We procrastinate. We shrink ourselves.

But I’m here to tell you, you can handle it.

You just haven’t built that muscle yet.

In my weekly mindset class for actors, The Weekly Adjustment, we work on exactly this. We shift from what I call catabolic energy (draining, fear-based, victim-thinking) to anabolic energy (creative, empowered, growth-oriented).

It’s not magic. It’s mindset work. It’s learning how to interrupt those thought loops and say, “Hey, I see you, fear. But you’re not driving the car today.”

Once you do that—once you raise your energy—you start to attract the opportunities, collaborators, and outcomes that match your new level. Not because the world changes. But because you’ve changed.

That’s the question I leave you with. What would you do differently in your acting career if you had full trust in your ability to handle whatever came your way?

Would you submit more? Would you stop apologizing in the room? Would you finally reach out to that rep?

You don’t need to “get rid” of fear. You need to learn how to work with it. To build your handling muscle. That’s how we grow as actors and as humans.

If this resonates, I’d love to invite you to try two free classes of The Weekly Adjustment. No catch, no obligation—just real tools to help you feel more confident, more connected, and more in control of your career.

This work has changed lives, including my own. It might just change yours too.

👉 Click here to claim your two free classes

And remember—you’ll never be given more than you can handle. But you will be given more than you can control. Let’s build that muscle together.

With love and belief in you,
Peter Pamela Rose
Certified Life & Career Coach for Actors
Host of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I think we all struggle with at some point—especially if you’re a voice actor, on-camera actor, or creative trying to “make it”: shiny object syndrome. You know the feeling. You see someone post about a fancy new mic, a game-changing workshop, a big booking, and suddenly you're wondering… should I be doing that too?

I’ve been there. I’ve spent the money. I’ve chased the dopamine hits. And I want to talk honestly about how jealousy, comparison, and impulse spending can quietly erode your confidence, your clarity, and your career.

This one’s for the overthinkers, the late-night scrollers, the folks who are constantly trying to prove they belong. You don’t need to spend your way into success. You need a strategy. And maybe a little tough love. That’s what this episode is all about.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why shiny object syndrome shows up so often in creative careers

• How to tell the difference between real growth and reactive spending

• The not-so-cute side of jealousy (and what it’s actually trying to tell you)

• Why a new mic or class might not be the thing that moves the needle

• What to track so you can make strategic, data-backed decisions

• A practical, free action you can take this week to reconnect with your voice and value

What I Hope You Take Away:

Just because someone else is booking doesn’t mean they’re better.
Just because you feel stuck doesn’t mean you need to spend.
You already have more than you think. The key is learning how to use it intentionally.

Mentioned in this episode:

🎤 Join my Voiceover Gym – Monthly improv-based VO workout sessions with direct feedback
📬 Subscribe to my Substack – Real talk on creative mindset, VO coaching, and the business of being an artist
📱 Follow me on TikTok – For behind-the-scenes, soapbox rants, and the occasional mic drop

Want to support the show?

Share this episode with a fellow actor who needs to hear it.
Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It makes a huge difference.

How to Land Acting Work in Smaller Markets (And Why It’s More Accessible Than You Might Think)

Have you ever thought that real acting work is only found in big cities? Like you have to be in New York or LA to make it? I used to think that too. But my conversation with actor Aaron Marcus on the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast really shifted that perspective.

About Aaron Marcus
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor for over 40 years, with nearly 1,300 bookings across film, TV, commercials, and more. You might have seen his scene with Tom Hanks in the film A Man Called Otto. Aaron started his acting journey in a small market, with no connections and no clue how to break in. After figuring it out through trial and error, he dedicated himself to helping others avoid those same pitfalls. He’s led over 800 workshops on three continents and offers private virtual coaching sessions to share his hard-earned wisdom.

You can learn more about Aaron’s work, watch his free quick-tip videos, or sign up for his mailing list at howtoactandmodel.com.

The Reality of Smaller Markets
It’s easy to forget that acting isn’t only about movies and television. There’s a whole world of paid acting work in smaller markets that most people overlook: training videos, corporate films, industrials, standardized patient work at hospitals, even local commercials and role-playing jobs for law schools and agencies.

Aaron shared how he built up a steady income and impressive résumé by seizing these opportunities. And he’s proof that you don’t have to be in a major city to find consistent, paid work as an actor.

Finding These Hidden Opportunities
Aaron offered some practical insights that really stuck with me:

• Reach out to local businesses and small chains. These places need content to promote themselves—commercials, training videos, even social media content.

• Connect with teaching hospitals and medical schools in your area. Standardized patient work is fascinating and pays you to improvise as a patient to help train medical professionals.

• Contact advertising agencies nearby, not just the national ones. Local agencies need real people with authentic voices for regional commercials and corporate videos.

And maybe my favorite point: Aaron still believes in mailing hard copies of your materials. Yes, it’s old-fashioned. But it’s memorable. Most emails get deleted. A real letter can make an impression.

The Importance of Staying Connected
Aaron also talked about the value of looping in your agent, even when you book work yourself. It’s not about giving away part of your earnings. It’s about showing your agent that you’re proactive and working. It’s about nurturing relationships and building a sense of partnership.

A Reminder: There’s Work for Everyone
What struck me most in talking with Aaron was this simple truth: there’s work out there for everyone. You just have to know where to look and be willing to take action.

If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged by the idea that you have to be in a big city to book work, I hope this encourages you. You don’t. The opportunities are out there. They’re in your community. And often, the first step is just reaching out and asking who’s doing the hiring.

Until next time, remember: there’s work out there for everyone. Stay safe and treat yourself real well.