Ready to stop waiting for your acting career to magically take off—and finally take the wheel?
Hollywood rewards the bold, and if you're reading this, that means you're ready to step into that version of yourself.

I’m Lydia Nicole, your no-nonsense guide to building the confidence, clarity, and career momentum most actors wish they had. Thousands of actors already use my free on-demand acting library on YouTube—over 900 videos and 50+ curated playlists—to level up their craft, mindset, business, and booking strategy. If you're not one of them yet…you’re already behind.

This is your chance to tap into the exact tools that help actors:
• sharpen their craft and make unforgettable choices
• master auditions and self-tapes
• build a powerful, authentic actor brand
• create their own opportunities (instead of waiting to be chosen)
• strengthen their mindset so they can survive—and thrive—in Hollywood
• get real-world business strategies most acting classes never teach

Whether you're starting fresh, reinventing yourself, or climbing to your next level, you’ll find playlists on everything from goal setting, dynamic demo reels, financial literacy, and Hollywood hyphen life, to interviews with industry pros and the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned along my journey.

And here's what most actors don’t know: the ones who rise?
They don’t wait for permission.
They build their own table, their own lane, their own magic.

If you're serious about transforming your career, hit that Subscribe button on Lydia Nicole Live—because each day you don’t is a day someone else outworks you.

And if you’re craving accountability, community, and top-tier coaching, join me inside the Acting Smarter Circle, running September 8th–December 15th. Actors who join don’t just improve—they elevate.

You're a diamond.
It's time the world sees you shine. ✨

#actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingtips #Hollywoodinsights #actingclasses #careeradvice #LosAngeles #actingresources #actingmindset #auditiontips #financialliteracyforactors #businessadviceforactors

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome
00:38 - Lydia Nicole Live
02:11 - New Acting Starter Kit
02:33 - Audition Tips for Actors
02:59 - Business Advice for Actors
03:56 - Actor Mindset
04:39 - Money Advice for Actors
05:25 - Hollywood Hyphens
06:03 - One Person Show Tips
07:01 - Filmmaking in Hollywood
07:32 - Tools for Actors and Success Tips
08:27 - Self-Care for Actors
10:06 - Goal Setting for Actors
13:01 - Set Etiquette in Film
13:15 - Representation Matters in Acting
13:49 - Acting Smarter Digital Planner
16:40 - Acting Smarter Circle Community
22:00 - Where to Find Resources for Actors
24:10 - Closing Remarks
25:09 - The Importance of Being Coached in Acting

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Ever feel like you’re hustling in circles? In this eye-opening and unapologetically honest episode of Acting Smarter, we reveal why side hustles aren’t just a necessity—they’re a power move for actors determined to thrive in Hollywood and beyond.

Join me for a dynamic, truth-packed conversation with filmmaker and actor Bobby Mardis, as he breaks down how building your creative empire while auditioning can completely reshape your career. Bobby shares real stories from the trenches, what he learned working with legends like Robert Townsend, and the survival skills that helped him stay sharp, stay paid, and stay creative in Los Angeles.

If you’re part of the 97% of actors balancing a job while chasing the dream, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you’re not behind. You’ll discover:
How side hustles can fuel your artistry
Smart strategies for saving and staying steady
How to build relationships that actually matter
Mindset shifts every actor needs in today’s industry

This is your invitation to step into the driver’s seat of your acting life. Whether you're brand-new or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with tools, motivation, and a renewed fire to build a sustainable, empowered career.

Ready to hustle smarter—not harder?
Hit LIKE, SHARE this with your fellow creatives, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-world Hollywood wisdom, acting class gems, and no-nonsense career guidance from Lydia Nicole… your Common Sense Mamita!

#actingcareer #sidehustles #HollywoodInsights #CommonSenseMamita #actingclasses #LosAngeles
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:27 - The Power of Relationships
05:54 - Knowing Your Craft
09:21 - You Are the Solution to Their Problem
13:11 - Taking Direction in the Audition Room
14:39 - Side Hustles for Creatives
25:21 - Surviving vs Thriving
27:27 - Using Your Skills as a Side Hustle
34:03 - Robert Townsend's Journey from Indiana to LA
36:54 - Robert Townsend's UCLA Experience
39:52 - Robert Townsend at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
40:04 - Robert Townsend's Time at USC
42:50 - Your Record Deal & The Me Too Movement
48:00 - How Did You Get Into Stand Up
51:20 - Hollywood Shuffle: The Film That Changed Everything
54:31 - Hollywood Shuffle's Influence
59:51 - Starting Your Directing Journey
1:04:51 - Beginning Documentaries
1:06:38 - Scandals in the Bay Area
1:10:05 - Keeping the Faith: Stories After Hurricane Katrina
1:15:44 - Being Robbed in West LA During Obama Inauguration
1:19:44 - Relationship vs Networking
1:23:45 - Importance of a Physical Business Card
1:28:58 - Rich vs Poor: Who Takes Who Out
1:38:35 - Influential People in Your Life
1:44:36 - Spirituality's Influence on Your Art
1:49:20 - Faith in Your Creative Journey
1:55:02 - The Role of Mentorship
2:01:19 - Benefits of the Directors Guild
2:04:24 - Tributes at the Directors Guild
2:09:43 - Legacy Aspirations
2:10:45 - Mentorship: Who Are You Guiding?
2:14:25 - Funding Your Film Projects
2:17:56 - Importance of Script Rewrites
2:21:35 - Understanding Script Coverage
2:25:24 - Sending Scripts to Tom Hanks
2:32:43 - Protecting Your Creative Work
2:36:10 - Collaborating with Other Writers
2:39:33 - Crowdfunding for Your Projects
2:42:55 - Seeking Grants
2:43:43 - Creating a Business Plan
2:47:50 - Pitch Deck Essentials
2:53:20 - Start Small and Grow Your Vision
2:55:00 - Importance of Insurance
2:56:40 - Leaving Things as You Found Them
2:58:20 - Understanding Deliverables
3:00:00 - What Are Deliverables in Film?
3:01:40 - Technology's Evolution Over Time

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Ready to future-proof your kid’s acting career?

In this episode of Acting Smarter Now, I’m sitting down with Annie Semenova, powerhouse creator of Unity, an online acting school that’s shaking up how kids and teens train for Hollywood and the age of AI.
Unity isn’t just “another acting class.”
It’s a global training ground for young performers who want to become:
Confident storytellers
Compassionate leaders
Smart, tech-savvy creators
With working-actor teachers from shows like Shameless, Abbott Elementary, and Jane the Virgin, Unity gives kids insider-level training and real-world skills—empathy, creativity, leadership, and the ability to think for themselves in a fast-changing, AI-driven world.
They’re not just running scenes…
They’re writing, acting in, and creating their own short films.
Annie opens up about:
Her journey as a mom helping her daughter navigate the industry
The emotional and practical challenges parents face
How Unity helps young actors stand in their power, own their uniqueness, and use technology as a tool—not a threat
If you’re a parent who wants your child to:
Express themselves boldly
Build real confidence (on and off camera)
Be ready for an entertainment industry transformed by AI
…then this conversation is absolutely for you.

Like this video
Drop a comment with your child’s biggest acting dream
Subscribe for more acting tips, career strategy, and inspiring stories to help you and your young actor act smarter now.
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Empowering Young Actors: Creativity, Confidence, Individuality
03:42 - Impact of AI on the Acting Industry
12:39 - Inspiration Behind Starting the Acting School
16:05 - Overview of the Acting Curriculum
24:13 - Age Groups for Acting Classes
26:42 - Incorporating Leadership in Acting Training
29:28 - OUTRO

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Actors are quietly using AI to level up their careers… Are you one of them?
In this video, I, Lydia Nicole—actress, producer, and no-nonsense acting career coach—am pulling back the curtain on the exact AI tools and strategies every modern actor should be using right now.
You’ll learn how to use AI to:
Elevate your craft without losing your soul or authenticity
Streamline your audition and career workflow so you stop spinning your wheels
Polish your professional presence online and in the room
Turn rejection into fuel and rebuild your confidence with smart support
We’ll talk about how I use tools like ChatGPT to:
Break down scripts and characters faster and deeper
Sharpen your audition prep so you walk into the room grounded and ready
Upgrade your branding—bios, emails, actor website copy, and more
Find the right people (like the perfect headshot photographer in Los Angeles)
Create a real career strategy instead of just waiting for the phone to ring.
AI is changing Hollywood—but it will never replace your creativity. Used wisely, it becomes your silent partner, helping you move faster, think clearly, and show up as the most potent version of yourself.
If you’re tired of feeling behind, overwhelmed, or invisible in this industry, this is your sign:
It’s time to act smarter, not just harder.
Watch now to start shifting from undiscovered to undeniable.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - What is AI
05:48 - AI Benefits for Actors
16:19 - Finding a Headshot Photographer
19:17 - Preparing for Your Photoshoot
20:40 - Auditing Your Marketing Materials
21:30 - Researching Representation
22:05 - Tracking Your Auditions
22:40 - Planning Your Social Media
23:12 - Networking with Confidence
23:40 - Boosting Your Confidence
24:30 - Planning Your Skill Growth
25:38 - AI and Job Security
26:10 - Embracing AI
27:15 - The Longevity of AI
28:25 - Join the Acting Smarter Circle

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Step inside the pulse of LA’s 1980s Black radio revolution!

In this powerful episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole takes you back to the golden era of KGFJ/KUTE102 FM, where voices became legends and young dreamers laid the foundation for today’s entertainment industry. Lydia reunites with her former KGFJ teammates, Denise Smith, Jacqueline Walker, and Andre Allen—sharing behind-the-scenes stories of hustle, history, and heart from their days as the Promotions Director, Receptionist, and Assistant Promotions Director during the station’s heyday.

From hosting icons like Muhammad Ali to nurturing new talent and creating space for Black excellence in media, this conversation is overflowing with wisdom, laughter, and legacy. Discover what it took to thrive inside Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, one of the first Black-owned media powerhouses that changed the game forever. ✨

Whether you’re chasing your acting dreams, building your brand, or love a good story about perseverance and purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to own your greatness and create your own lane in today’s entertainment world. 💪🏾

🔥 Celebrate community. Honor creativity. Amplify determination.
Drop a comment with your favorite old-school radio memory—who were your go-to DJs or stations growing up? Let’s keep the spirit of Black radio alive!

#ActingSmarterNow #CommonSenseMamita #KGFJ #BlackRadio #LosAngeles #CareerEmpowerment #RadioLegends #BehindTheMic #HollywoodStories #ActingCareer
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:11 - KGFJ AM 1230 and KUTE 102 FM
02:56 - Hiring Process at KGFJ
10:27 - Denise Smith - Promotions Director Insights
11:27 - Working Experience at KGFJ
19:59 - Remote Broadcast Experiences
22:54 - Challenges for Young Black Women in Radio
29:55 - Working for a Black-Owned Company
31:39 - Jacqueline’s Career Transition to Radio
36:04 - Importance of Diversity in Media
39:58 - Community Involvement in Broadcasting
43:48 - Being Selective in Career Choices
46:23 - AI's Impact on Job Creation
52:55 - Hal Jackson's Legacy
55:50 - Behind the Scenes at a Radio Station
01:01:40 - Carol Carper's Contributions
01:06:42 - Denise Smith's Role at KGFJ
01:10:10 - Denise Smith's Motivation
01:11:13 - Lessons from Denise Smith
01:11:51 - Lydia's Takeaways from Denise
01:14:20 - Jacqueline’s Learning Experience with Denise
01:19:39 - Final Thoughts on the Industry
01:25:50 - Outro

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Season 3 of the Acting Smarter Now Podcast kicks off with a powerful transformation story!

Actress Ginney Bilbray, one of our very own Acting Smarter Now participants, discovered this podcast, took the lessons to heart, and turned them into real results. From listener to leading lady, Ginney shares how applying actionable insights from the show inspired her to create and mount her deeply personal one-woman show, “A Pretty Normal Life.”

Join Lydia Nicole as she dives into Ginney’s remarkable journey—how she embraced the power of storytelling, found her creative center, and built a project that reflects her truth. This episode is filled with aha moments and hard-earned wisdom from Ginney and some of Hollywood’s finest mentors, including Adilah Barnes, Don Reed, and Ivana Chubbuck.

Whether you’re an emerging actor or a seasoned artist ready for your next breakthrough, this episode will light a fire under your creativity. Expect practical tools, mindset shifts, and the motivation you need to move from dreaming to doing.

🎧 Subscribe, like, and share to keep growing with the Acting Smarter community.
Let’s turn your acting dreams into unstoppable success—together.

#ActingSmarterNow #ActingCareer #ActingTips #ActorMotivation #HollywoodSuccess #ActingPodcast

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Ginney Bilbray's Journey
01:55 - Lydia's Interviews Impact on Jenny
05:45 - GInney's One-Woman Show Insights
09:55 - Tips for One-Woman Show Success
17:50 - The Power of Storytelling
21:25 - Partnering with Nonprofits
23:20 - Promoting Your Show Effectively
25:55 - Documenting Your Artistic Journey
28:20 - Creating an Effective Press Kit
29:15 - Submitting Your Show to Theaters
32:20 - Demands of a One-Person Show
35:00 - Recommended Interviews to Watch
39:50 - Standing in Your Center
44:20 - Resources for Aspiring Actors
47:56 - Helpful Technology for Performers
50:10 - Embracing Your Self-Worth
56:05 - New Experiences Every Night
59:11 - You Owe Nothing to Others
1:04:20 - Final Thoughts
1:05:20 - Gratitude and Acknowledgments
1:06:20 - OUTRO
Welcome to Lydia Nicole’s World!

Get ready to dive into the bold, hilarious, and downright inspiring universe of Lydia Nicole—a creative dynamo who’s worn all the hats: actor, stand-up comedian, writer, producer, music marketer, and even radio programmer. Basically, if Hollywood had a Swiss Army knife, it would be Lydia!

Get the Acting Smarter Digital Planner and Course bundle for free until Oct 15, 2025

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Step into your power, actor! In this game-changing video, Lydia Nicole—actress, producer, and no-nonsense career coach—exposes the 25 acting mistakes that silently sabotage your success. From waiting to be “discovered” to skipping your training and ignoring your health, she breaks down how these habits can derail your dreams before you even hit the audition room.

Through raw honesty and real Hollywood experience, Lydia shares how mastering her mindset, building the right relationships, and running her acting career like a business completely transformed her life. She even spills stories from her time working alongside legends like Robert Redford and Loretta Devine, revealing what it really takes to stand out in this industry.

If you’re ready to level up your focus, build unshakable confidence, and turn your passion into a powerhouse career—this is your wake-up call. Stop waiting for permission. Stop waiting to be discovered. It’s time to become the choice.

Hit that like button, subscribe, and join the #ActingSmarterNow community for the tools, truth, and mindset every actor needs to rise.

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Are you sabotaging your acting career without even realizing it? In this video, I’m sharing the *10 career-killing mistakes actors make without accountability*—and trust me, I’ve been there too! Accountability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer for your acting journey. Whether it’s missing auditions, procrastinating on self-tapes, or letting fear hold you back from networking with industry pros, these pitfalls can derail your path to success. Let’s fix that together!

I dive into personal stories from my 30+ years in the business, including how having four accountability partners—including my pastors and actor best friends—helped me stay focused, intentional, and on track. I’ll show you how consistency, discipline, and support can push you past fear, keep you submitting and auditioning, and help you avoid the trap of perfectionism. Plus, I reveal how I grew my YouTube channel from 2,500 to 120,000 subscribers and built my acting career using these strategies!

If you’re ready to take control, I’ve got actionable tips for setting career goals, finding the right accountability partners, and celebrating your wins. Accountability is your secret weapon to build momentum, boost confidence, and create real results in your acting career. Remember, when you show up, you grow up!

✨ Join my *Acting Smarter Circle* starting this September for structure, strategy, and support to fast-track your career! Visit actingsmarternow.com to sign up for the waitlist. Let’s work together to make your acting dreams a reality.

💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more acting tips, Hollywood insights, and career success strategies. Share this video with a friend who needs a little extra motivation! #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingclasses #actingcareeradvice #Hollywoodinsights

Your dreams don’t wait—neither should you. Let’s go! 🚀

#careergrowth #overcomingfear #selftapetips #accountabilitypartners #accountabilitystrategies

#careermistakes #buildingconfidenceinacting #careercoachingforactors #careermistakesactors #selftapesubmissions

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Lack of Accountability
03:20 - Why Accountability Matters
10:10 - 10 Reasons Accountability Accelerates Acting Career
17:09 - Accelerate Your Career with Accountability
25:11 - Action Steps for Success with Accountability
29:18 - Document Your Wins and Struggles
31:33 - Action Steps and Deadlines for Accountability
33:30 - Track Progress with a Planner
34:03 - Importance of Honesty in Accountability
34:37 - Rotate Leadership in Meetings
37:20 - Monthly Goal Revisit and Reset
40:42 - Setting Up Accountability Meetings
43:30 - Motivational Mantra
44:20 - Join the Acting Smarter Circle

Get the Acting Smarter Digital Planner and Course bundle for free until Oct 15, 2025

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