Audrey's Acting Career and Business Insights

Audrey discusses her journey in the acting industry, emphasizing that she's always learning and that the business is constantly changing. Audrey shares that while she's had many challenges, she's never considered quitting acting.

Supporting Actor Parents and Child Choices

Audrey discusses her passion for supporting actor parents, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in storytelling. She shares her personal decision not to have children, explaining that she always knew motherhood wasn't for her. Audrey describes her supportive role as a friend to parents, making herself available to help and be part of their chosen family in Los Angeles.

Actors' Parenthood Challenges and Media Representation

Audrey discusses the challenges actors face when considering parenthood, highlighting the lack of transparency about time, energy, and financial commitments. She emphasizes the fear and uncertainty actors experience, especially in the first decade of their careers, as they balance their acting pursuits with the desire to start a family. She expresses frustration with the lack of detailed discussions about the logistics of balancing parenthood and an acting career, particularly in media interviews and podcasts.

Parenting and Friendship DynamicsEmily discusses her experiences with friendships after becoming a parent. Emily emphasizes the importance of putting oneself out there to form new connections, particularly with other parents.

Supporting New Mothers and Caregivers

Emily and Audrey discuss ways to support new mothers and caregivers. They emphasize the importance of taking initiative rather than asking open-ended questions about needs. Suggestions include bringing food, doing household chores, and offering specific help like grocery shopping or hiring a cleaner. They also stress the importance of setting boundaries and communicating them clearly.

Balancing Acting Careers With Parenthood

Emily and Audrey discuss the challenges of balancing acting careers with parenthood, particularly regarding self-tape auditions. They highlight the difficulties of finding time and space to record auditions while caring for children, as well as the financial burden of childcare or schooling. Emily shares her experience of having an actor husband as a reader and paying for her daughter's schooling to create time for auditions. They also touch on the isolation some parent actors face when unable to reciprocate as readers for their non-parent actor friends.

Parenting Challenges and Socioeconomic Disparities

Audrey and Emily discuss the challenges of parenting as children grow older. Audrey shares that her friends with older children find themselves busier with activities and social commitments, contrary to expectations of having more free time. Emily expresses concern about managing multiple children's schedules and the financial burden of extracurricular activities, especially in Los Angeles. They also touch on the socioeconomic disparities in LA and the difficulties of maintaining a middle-class lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in these situations.

Audrey's Selftape May Initiative

Audrey discusses her self-tape practice initiative called "Selftape May," which she started to help actors improve their audition skills without spending money. She encourages actors to practice self-tapes regularly, aiming for about four per week, to build capacity and solve logistical issues. Audrey and Emily also discuss the challenges of balancing acting careers with parenting responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of finding ways to practice and improve despite time constraints. Audrey mentions therapy and her supportive husband as her current lifesavers.

Contact Emily Feldt Shabel

Exploring Career Transitions and Growth

Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discussed their career transitions. Emily Feldt shared her journey from acting to therapy, highlighting how it helped her untangle thoughts and feelings.

Balancing Acting and Family Life

Emily and Emily discussed the challenges of balancing acting and other careers, particularly as people start families. Emily shared her plans to start a family, noting that her work as a therapist has provided her with tools to navigate this process.

Therapy's Impact on Parenting Skills

Emily and Emily discussed the benefits of therapy and its impact on their personal lives. Emily shared that therapy has provided her with valuable communication skills, which she believes will be beneficial in her future as a parent.

Navigating Fears of Starting a Family

In the meeting, Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discussed the challenges and fears associated with starting a family, particularly for women in the workforce. Emily Feldt emphasized the importance of staying present and communicating with partners, friends, and therapists.

Balancing Creativity and Family Life

Emily and Emily discussed the challenges creatives face when considering starting a family. They emphasized the importance of open communication with partners about finances, parenting styles, and maintaining creativity. Emily suggested that creatives should not feel pressured to have everything figured out from the start and should prioritize flexibility and self-care.

Setting Boundaries for Creatives

Emily and Emily discussed the challenges of setting boundaries between work and personal life, particularly for creatives. They agreed that it's difficult to establish specific boundaries that work for everyone, but suggested being more intentional about where to put energy and getting in tune with one's needs.

Art, Storytelling, and Mental Health

Emily and Emily discussed the importance of art and storytelling in people's lives. They talked about how the perception of art as a valid career can be challenged, and how mental health plays a significant role in sustaining careers and relationships. Emily emphasized that healing doesn't erase life experiences, but rather allows for better functioning.

Balancing Family and Career Flexibility

Emily Feldt discusses her plans for balancing family and career, emphasizing the importance of flexibility. She intends to take a short maternity leave and return to therapy, appreciating the ability to set her own schedule as a therapist.

Artists' Paradox: Control and Confidence

Emily Bolt and Emily Feldt discuss the paradox of control-seeking individuals choosing careers in the arts, where control is limited. They explore the idea that uncertainty and the potential for unexpected success can be enticing. The conversation touches on the need for artists to believe in themselves, with Feldt reassuring that this self-belief is not delusional but a necessary skill. They conclude by drawing parallels between the confidence needed in acting and parenting, emphasizing the importance of believing in one's ability to learn and adapt.

Today, I’m so excited to welcome the incredibly talented Lauren Marcus to the show! Lauren is a powerhouse in the theater world, currently performing in The Jonathan Larson Project at the Orpheum Theater, celebrating the lesser-known works of the legendary Rent composer. You might also recognize her from the film adaptation of Tick, Tick… Boom!, which she filmed during the early days of the pandemic. But beyond her impressive resume, Lauren is also a mom—navigating the ups and downs of parenting while balancing a busy career in entertainment.

In this episode, we get real about what it means to be both an artist and a mother—the joys, the struggles, and those moments when you’re just trying to survive on broken sleep and sheer determination. Lauren opens up about her journey through pregnancy, her challenging birth experience, and how she’s adjusting as her daughter approaches her first birthday. We talk about everything from the pressure to “bounce back” after having a baby to the constant juggle of work, childcare, and personal identity. And, of course, we share some laughs (and maybe a few rants) about things like baby sleep schedules, toddler tantrums, and the challenge of keeping our language in check around little ears!

Lauren also shares what it’s like to take her daughter on the road while performing, the realities of finding childcare when you work unpredictable hours, and the emotional weight of being away from home for long stretches. It’s a conversation full of honesty, humor, and that deep understanding

that only comes from talking to another mom who gets it.

We also dive into the emotional tug-of-war so many of us feel—missing the freedom of our pre-motherhood selves while absolutely loving this new, all-consuming role as parents. Lauren and I talk about how our careers have shifted since having kids, the guilt that creeps in whether we’re working or at home, and the constant challenge of making it all work. Spoiler alert: no one has it figured out, and that’s okay!

Whether you’re a working mom trying to balance it all, a fellow theater parent navigating unpredictable schedules, or just someone who loves a good, honest conversation about the beautiful mess of motherhood, this episode is for you. So grab a cup of coffee (or reheat the one you forgot about three hours ago), get comfy, and join us for a heart-to-heart with the amazing Lauren Marcus.

Let’s get into it! 🎤✨

In this episode of Mommywood, I get personal about a big milestone—my daughter just started full-time preschool! I dive into what this transition has been like for both of us, the mix of emotions that come with it, and how it’s already changing our daily routines. From the search for the right school in LA (spoiler: it’s a lot) to the financial realities of preschool and the impact on my work-life balance, I’m sharing it all.

I also talk about the unexpected challenges—like mom guilt, the weird quiet at home, and figuring out what to do with this newfound time. Plus, I touch on the bigger questions many parents face: Is preschool really worth the cost? How do you navigate LA’s competitive school scene? And what happens when your identity has been so wrapped up in full-time parenting, and suddenly, you have a little more space to breathe?

Whether you’re a fellow parent in the thick of preschool decisions or just curious about how this shift affects life as a working mom in the entertainment industry, this episode is an honest, raw, and (hopefully) relatable look at this next chapter. So grab your coffee, and let’s talk about this big transition together!

Cherie Jimenez - born and raised in NYC. Mother, wife, actor. Gabi on Days of Our Lives

In this engaging conversation, Cherie Jimenez shares her unique experiences, from her unconventional wedding at Burning Man to her journey in the entertainment industry. She discusses the importance of family celebrations, her early life in New York, and the challenges she faced while pursuing her acting career in LA. Cherie's story is one of resilience, love, and personal growth, highlighting the beauty of embracing life's unexpected moments. In this conversation, Cherie Jimenez shares her journey in the acting industry, detailing her struggles and triumphs, particularly as a mother. She discusses the importance of relationships in the industry, her experiences with auditions, and how motherhood has reshaped her priorities and career. Cherie also reflects on her home birth experience and the support she received, emphasizing the balance between her roles as an actress and a mother. In this conversation, Cherie Jimenez shares her journey back to acting after a hiatus for motherhood, detailing her experiences with auditions, the challenges of balancing her career with being a mother, and her role as Gabby Hernandez on 'Days of Our Lives.' She reflects on personal growth, the importance of self-care, and the support she receives from her family and colleagues in the industry.

Takeaways

Cherie had her son the day before her husband's 40th birthday.

She never believed in marriage until she met her husband.

Their wedding at Burning Man was a unique experience.

Cherie found a spiritual awakening at Burning Man.

She grew up in a tough environment in New York City.

Cherie's journey into acting began at a young age.

She faced challenges in her acting career in LA.

Cherie was the youngest participant at the Sundance Filmmakers Lab.

She left everything behind to pursue her dreams in LA.

Cherie believes in the importance of staying true to oneself. Cherie's journey in acting began with supportive agents.

She learned to appreciate small wins in her career.

Motherhood changed her perspective on competition in acting.

Cherie believes in the importance of relationships in the industry.

She experienced a significant shift in her career after becoming a mother.

Cherie's home birth was a transformative experience for her.

She found support from other mothers in the industry.

Cherie realized that being a mother is her greatest role.

She learned to prioritize her child over auditions.

Cherie's experiences highlight the balance between career and motherhood. Cherie moved off the grid to focus on motherhood and acting.

She received an unexpected audition for 'Days of Our Lives.'

Cherie was initially unsure about returning to acting after a long break.

She emphasized the importance of being proud of her efforts, regardless of the outcome.

Cherie experienced postpartum challenges but sought to regain her confidence.

Her role as Gabby Hernandez has been a dream come true for her.

Cherie appreciates the consistent schedule that comes with working on a soap opera.

She has learned to balance her career and motherhood effectively.

Cherie has focused on self-care and personal growth during her journey.

She feels grateful for the support from her family and colleagues.

00:00 Introduction and Family Celebrations

05:38 The Unique Wedding Experience

10:46 Burning Man: A Spiritual Awakening

18:51 Cherie's Journey in Music and Acting

21:09 Cherie's Early Life and Acting Career

30:19 Challenges in LA and Breakthrough Role

31:18 Cherie's Journey in Acting

39:34 The Impact of Motherhood on Career

50:51 Home Birth Experience and Its Significance

01:01:43 Balancing Motherhood and Acting

01:04:55 Cherie's Journey Back to Acting

01:11:16 Balancing Motherhood and Career

01:18:01 Embracing the Role of Gabby Hernandez

01:25:21 Reflections on Growth and Gratitude

SUSIE MENDOZA

Susie is a screenwriter, producer, founder, and mom with a puppet brain. She is a graduate of The Second City and was a finalist for the CBS Writing Fellowship in 2020. Her digital series, DICK BUNNY, produced alongside EP/director Katie Locke O' Brienn and EP/Star Kim Griffin, premiered at The Austin Film Festival, going on to win at SeriesFest and HollyShorts in 2024. (Best Digital Series)

Susie’s essays are published on McSweeneys, Scary Mommy, Mom.com, and The Pregnant Chicken. An adaptation of her McSweeney's essay, "The Biggest Challenge of Parenting is becoming a Human Meat Suit", is being developed for adult animation. Her recent article, "Simple, Not Contradictory Rules to Motherhood," echoes the impossible societal expectations seen in DICK BUNNY.

Susie’s picture book NATTY AND MO, an odd-couple tale with a mental health twist, marks her debut as a children's book author/illustrator. She also created all of the illustrations seen in the series, DICK BUNNY.

Susie is the founder of PRETTY PINK PICTURES is a female-focused independent film/tv production company. The company intends to take female writers and produce their work from script-to-screen. In today's uncertain landscape, they intend to cultivate hope, community, and opportunity by producing an entire season of indie TV. The indie film model, but for television.

For more info about PRETTY PINK PICTURES: www.prettypinkpictures.com, @susiermendoza

To watch DICK BUNNY: www.dickbunny.com

To see a read-aloud video of "Natty and Mo", voiced by actress Rachel Bloom where she gets pee'd on by a live hedgehog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpqN-8ZDM3U&t=16s

Aimee is an actress/writer living in Los Angeles. As a kid, she would tell stories to anyone that would listen- most of them not true. Instead of accepting that she was a pesky, lying little child, she did some soul searching at the ripe age of 10 and realized it was her future to be a storyteller!

Fast forwarding to today, she has momentum with her acting career, and has developed her voice as a writer. She's ready to tell her tall tales to executives who pay her for them! Aimee writes features that are led by interesting, dynamic and funny female characters, and loves to find levity even in dark moments of life… like cancer! Her current WIP, Breasties, is about her personal experience making friends while undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Favorite things: breakfast burritos, dogs, Taylor Swift, low maintenance plants, and therapy.

You can catch Aimee as an actress in the upcoming A24 film, Opus (in theaters March 14th), and in Season 3 (Episode 4) of AMC’s Dark Winds.

..........

Interview with actress Aimee McGuire about her cancer journey, surrogacy experience, and return to acting.

Key Takeaways

- Aimee was diagnosed with breast cancer at 33 in 2022, underwent treatment, and is now cancer-free

- She and her husband are pursuing surrogacy to have children, facing both emotional and financial challenges

- Aimee's experience has given her a renewed appreciation for acting and a fresh perspective on her career

- She emphasizes the importance of community support and maintaining hope throughout difficult journeys

Topics

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

- Diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2022 at age 33

- No family history or genetic markers for breast cancer

- Treatment included chemotherapy, double mastectomy, lymph node removal, and radiation

- Underwent fertility preservation before treatment, resulting in two viable embryos

- Currently cancer-free but in medically-induced menopause to prevent hormone-related recurrence

Surrogacy Journey

- Pursuing surrogacy due to inability to carry children post-cancer treatment

- Working with a family member as surrogate to reduce costs and maintain a personal connection

- Facing financial challenges, redirecting funds from other areas of life to support the process

- Managing the surrogacy process independently without an agency, which is time-consuming but cost-effective

- Experienced one unsuccessful embryo transfer, preparing for the next attempt

Return to Acting

- Excited to return to auditioning after cancer treatment

- Faced challenges with changing appearance due to hair regrowth, requiring multiple headshot sessions

- Found a renewed appreciation for acting and the audition process

- Believes life experiences, including cancer, have informed and deepened her acting abilities

- More organized in managing the business side of acting

Emotional and Mental Impact

- Uses humor as a coping mechanism throughout her journey

- Emphasizes the importance of community support, both in-person and online

- Struggles with unsolicited opinions and judgments about surrogacy and fertility choices

- Maintains hope as a primary source of strength during difficult times

Financial Considerations

- Cancer treatment was expensive even with good insurance

- Some necessary treatments and therapies not covered by insurance

- Surrogacy process is costly, requiring careful financial planning and sacrifices

- Pursuing independent surrogacy journey to reduce agency fees and overall costs

Hull was born and raised in Ohio just outside of Cincinnati. When he was younger he was interested in politics and was a member of the Junior Statesmen of America. At the age of sixteen, he discovered his love of music when he performed pop and country revues at local theme park Kings Island. He later attended the University of Michigan.

Hull had a number of Broadway credits before being cast in recurring role as White Josh on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend in 2015. In April 2017, it was announced that Hull had been promoted to series regular. He also had a recurring role as Travis Moore in the HBO comedy series Insecure. He played Logan on The Middle.

Hull appeared in the 2017 film The Dark Tapes.[4] He also appeared in the 2018 film Benjamin directed by Bob Saget.

In 2022, Hull was announced as part of the cast of a film adaptation of several Chekhov plays to be directed by Martin McDonagh. The film will take elements of several of Chekhov's famous works, including The Cherry Orchard.

Discussing the wildfires and air quality @ 0:02

Emily and David discuss the wildfires in their area and the poor air quality, with Emily noting that her young daughter has never had to wear a mask before. They commiserate about the challenges of parenting during difficult environmental conditions.

Sharing personal backgrounds @ 8:19

dh shares details about his background, including being a political science major in college who became disillusioned with politics, his experience taking the LSAT, and his shift in political views over time from being a staunch Republican to supporting Obama.

Challenges of parenthood and work-life balance @ 40:30

dh discusses the significant challenges of balancing his acting career with being a parent, including the high costs of childcare, the difficulty of taking on projects that require travel or long hours, and the need to constantly make sacrifices. He expresses frustration with the lack of support and understanding for working parents, especially fathers.

Coping mechanisms and self-care @ 1:11:42

dh shares that his main coping mechanism is "turning his brain off" and avoiding social media and news, as he finds it helps him manage his anxiety and vertigo issues. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his own mental health and being present for his children.

Recap and farewell @ 1:19:30

Emily and dh wrap up the conversation, expressing gratitude for the discussion and exchanging well-wishes.

From a young age, Courtney Claghorn always felt her best with a tan. Ironically, she was the only Italian family member who didn’t tan easily! While she used to find this frustrating, she later realized it was a blessing not to have spent her younger years baking in the sun. For her, a faux glow was the way to go.

Before opening the OG Santa Monica salon, Courtney attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she met now husband and Co-Founder, Sam Offit. Shortly after graduation, they landed in Santa Monica. When Courtney found herself overpaying for spray tans at underwhelming locations, Sam encouraged her to find a better solution — and S+B was born! Word spread quickly. The growing client base encouraged Courtney to spread her wings from her short-lived corporate life and refocus her energy toward growing her business full-time. She soon became a 4th generation female entrepreneur, so perhaps her Italian half gave her good genes after all!

So why sugaring and bronzing? Concocting the perfect recipe for her business, Courtney, a longtime skincare fanatic, decided to add a little sugar to her sunless tanning idea. While sugaring has ancient Egyptian roots, it felt relevant to the modern world as a natural, eco-friendly way to remove hair. While developing her business, Courtney quickly realized that sugaring was not only the new waxing but also the perfect complement to a spray tan. Both services were often relegated to the bottom of long spa menus when in actuality, both techniques deserved finesse and attention for clients to receive consistent and optimal results.

Courtney's vision brought the two popular services side by side. SUGARED + BRONZED quickly became a uniquely synergetic space for those seeking a little extra pep in their step. No matter the occasion, S+B promises that you’ll leave with immaculately smooth skin and a natural faux glow.

Courtney's entrepreneurial journey @ 0:00

Courtney discusses her early days starting the Sugared + Bronzed business with her now-husband. She describes the pivotal moments when it started to feel like a "real" business, such as taking on investors and buying their first house. Courtney shares that the business grew rapidly, with 34 locations now across multiple states.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship @ 7:12

Courtney reflects on the challenges of starting a family while running a growing business. She shares that she struggled with the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy, and found it difficult to take time off work. Courtney discusses how she and her husband divided responsibilities to make it work, including hiring a night nurse and au pair.

Courtney's creative writing project @ 46:30

Courtney reveals that she has written a pilot script for a single-camera comedy inspired by her "mommy and me" class experiences. She shares that the writing process was surprisingly enjoyable for her, and that the script features characters based on people in her life. Courtney is hesitant to share the script widely, but is open to getting feedback from trusted sources.

Recap and well-wishes @ 1:00:46

Emily congratulates Courtney on the success of Sugared + Bronzed and her entrepreneurial journey. Courtney expresses gratitude for the team that has helped grow the business. Emily offers to read Courtney's pilot script and they discuss plans to stay in touch.

Key Takeaways

- Vanessa recently returned to acting after a 2-3 year break to focus on motherhood

- Both emphasize the importance of intentional parenting and maintaining a sense of self

- Vanessa finds strength and identity in motherhood, contrary to the common narrative of "losing oneself"

- Both are balancing motherhood with pursuing acting careers, facing industry challenges

Topics

Current Events and Personal Reflections

- Discussed emotional impacts of recent world events

- Vanessa shared her family's immigrant background and current societal parallels

- Both expressed gratitude for their families' well-being amid global challenges

Parenting Philosophies and Experiences

- Emphasized importance of play and reading in child development

- Vanessa's approach: intentional parenting, fostering grit and strong sense of self in daughter

- Discussed challenges of balancing personal identity with motherhood

- Shared experiences of children's growth and milestones (e.g., Scarlett turning 3 soon)

Acting Careers and Motherhood

- Vanessa's return to acting: signed with new agency (ARPA) 2 months ago

- Current opportunities: on avail for ABC's "Dr." show and two national commercials (Lowe's and Home Depot)

- Discussed challenges of re-entering industry as a mother

- Both aim for roles in "horrible" but popular TV shows for stability

Personal Care and Coping Strategies

- Vanessa's lifesaver: Epsom salt baths (eucalyptus and lavender scent)

- Other strategies: heating pads, good sleep, alkaline water