In this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, host Dr. Janet McMordie speaks with Nicole Yost about her transition from teaching to acting. They discuss the similarities between her two careers, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of seeking feedback in the acting industry. Nicole shares her coping strategies, including starting a YouTube channel and promoting her voiceover work. The episode also touches on the importance of trying new things and the value of persistence in the face of failure.

Main Lessons & Ideas:

• From Tragedy to Triumph: Nicole's journey from a dedicated teacher to a passionate actor, following the heartbreaking loss of her child, is a poignant reminder that our deepest sorrows can lead to new beginnings.
• The Art of Adaptation: We explore how the skills honed in one career can beautifully complement another. Nicole's teaching experience enriched her acting with a unique depth and authenticity.
• Mentorship & Lifelong Learning: The conversation underscores the importance of guidance and the willingness to learn, no matter where you are in your career. Nicole's story is a call to embrace every opportunity to grow.

I'm beyond grateful for Nicole's vulnerability and the energy she brought to our conversation. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration, and I can't wait to see her star continue to rise.

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My guest this week is accountant turned actor, Henry Tran! Our conversation explores the themes of self-expression, disagreement, and personal growth. It delves into the importance of expressing oneself authentically and the therapeutic benefits of doing so. It also discusses the challenges of disagreeing with others and the value of embracing different perspectives. Henry discusses his experiences with depression, anxiety, and the importance of taking care of one's mental health. He also talks about his passion for tennis coaching and acting, and how he incorporates principles from both into his life. Henry emphasizes the value of slowing down, embracing improv, and being true to oneself.

Takeaways

• Personal experiences shape our perspectives and provide valuable life lessons.
• Self-reflection and learning from difficult situations are essential for personal development.
• Overcoming adversity can lead to self-discovery and improved mental health. Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, even those who appear to be successful and happy.
• Slowing down and taking a methodical approach can lead to a more enjoyable and effective experience in activities like tennis and acting.
• Trusting one's instincts and collaborating with others can lead to better outcomes in creative endeavors.

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In this conversation, Christina Pitts Jazzar, an intimacy coordinator, shares her journey into the industry and the role of intimacy coordination. She discusses the importance of communication, consent, choreography, and closure in creating safe and effective intimate scenes. Christina emphasizes the need for trust and understanding between actors and their partners, as well as the misconceptions and reactions surrounding intimacy coordination. She also highlights the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring the comfort and consent of both actors and audiences.

Christina also shares insights into a typical day on set as an intimacy coordinator, highlighting the importance of checking in with actors and the crew. She discusses the collaborative nature of the industry and the need for education and awareness around the role of intimacy coordinators. Christina concludes by encouraging individuals to find the right training and resources to support their journey as intimacy coordinators.

Takeaways

• Intimacy coordination involves communication, consent, choreography, and closure.
• Trust and understanding between actors and their partners are crucial in creating safe and effective intimate scenes.
• Intimacy coordinators play a role in ensuring the comfort and consent of both actors and audiences.
• The work of intimacy coordinators is often misunderstood, and it is important to challenge misconceptions and educate others about their role.

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Daniel Thomas, an Australian actor based in Germany, shares his journey of pursuing acting as a second act career. He discusses how he initially had a curiosity for acting as a child but ended up pursuing architecture instead. After experiencing burnout and anxiety, he took a dramatic turn and formed a band, which eventually led him to Germany. Daniel talks about the challenges of starting an acting career in a foreign country and the importance of embracing his uniqueness. He also shares his experiences in the film industry and the surprises he encountered along the way. Daniel emphasizes the importance of following your intuition and taking small steps towards your goals.

Takeaways

• Follow your dreams and take risks, even if it means deviating from the expected path.
• Embrace your uniqueness and use your life experiences to inform your art.
• Constraints can lead to creative solutions and growth.
• Creating your own opportunities and collaborating with like-minded individuals can be more fulfilling than waiting for traditional opportunities.
• Success in the film industry is not solely determined by budget or traditional measures.

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In this conversation, Marcella Young and Janet McMordie discuss Marcella's journey as an actor and being the literal definition of "Jill of All trades"...SHE DOES IT ALL

Marcella shares her early passion for acting and how it has always been a part of her life. She talks about the challenges of balancing safety and pursuing artistic dreams, as well as overcoming performance anxiety and embracing fun. Marcella emphasizes the importance of building confidence and trusting oneself as an artist. She also highlights the transferable skills and life experiences that contributed to her acting career. Ultimately, Marcella encourages everyone to embrace their artistic desires and find joy in self-expression.

Takeaways:

-Self-expression through art is a powerful tool for understanding and coping with the world.

-Overcoming performance anxiety requires embracing fun and taking risks.

-Building confidence and trusting oneself are essential for success as an artist.

-Transferable skills and life experience can contribute to a fulfilling artistic career.

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Dr. Indy Saluja, an emergency room doctor and actor, discusses his journey from medicine to acting. He shares his experiences and challenges in balancing both careers and the similarities he has found between the two. Indy also talks about the power of acting to create empathy and the importance of representation in the industry. He reflects on the missing element he felt in medicine and how acting has fulfilled that for him. Overall, Indy's story highlights the dedication and passion required to pursue multiple passions.

Takeaways

• Balancing multiple careers requires dedication and time management skills.
• Acting can provide a creative outlet and fulfill a missing element in one's life.
• Representation in the acting industry is important for diverse storytelling.
• Acting has the power to create empathy and change hearts and minds.

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In this episode of Second Act Actors, media coach Barbara Barna Abel discusses the importance of preparation and practice in effective communication. She emphasizes that communication requires thought, intention, and consistency. Barbara explains the role of a media coach and highlights the value of coaching in helping individuals reach their highest potential. She differentiates media coaching from public speaking skills, highlighting the need for adaptability in different communication platforms. Barbara also addresses the myth of natural talent and encourages individuals to nurture and develop their skills. She provides advice for those transitioning to a new career path and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and goal setting. Barbara discusses her customized approach to media coaching and the importance of translating written words into spoken words. She also explores the evolution of communication styles and the need to keep up with communication trends. Finally, she encourages individuals to explore different communication styles and gives permission to push boundaries while staying true to oneself.

Takeaways

-Effective communication requires thought, intention, and consistency.

-Media coaching helps individuals reach their highest potential and should not be seen as a sign of failure.

-Adaptability is key in different communication platforms.

-Self-awareness and goal setting are important in career transitions.

-Keeping up with communication trends is essential.

-Exploring different communication styles can lead to impactful storytelling.

-The acceleration of culture requires constant learning and adaptation.

Work with Barbara: https://abelintermedia.com/

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In this episode of Second Act Actors. Salma Dharsee shares her journey of transitioning from a career in engineering to pursuing her passion for acting. She emphasizes the importance of identifying personal values and priorities to find fulfillment in work. Salma also discusses the challenges of letting go of societal expectations and the support she received from her family during her career change. She highlights the need to embrace the mundane aspects of creative careers and approach them as part of a bigger picture. Overall, the conversation explores the process of self-discovery and finding joy in pursuing one's passions.

Takeaways

-Identify your personal values and priorities to find fulfillment in your work.

-Let go of societal expectations and embrace the path that brings you joy.

-Recognize the importance of support from loved ones during career transitions.

-Embrace the mundane aspects of creative careers as part of the bigger picture. Balancing analytical and creative thinking is essential in acting.

-Transferable skills from previous careers can be valuable in acting.

-Vulnerability is a crucial aspect of the acting process.

-Acting is a lifelong learning journey.

-Building a supportive community is important for actors.

-Favourite moments in acting can come from unexpected opportunities.

-Be true to yourself and embrace your uniqueness in acting.

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