One Broke Actress Podcast

We’ve talked about the cost of living in Los Angeles before, but how does it compare to the different acting markets in the United States? I did some research on the cost of living for actors in Atlanta, Chicago, and New York City and compared them to Los Angeles. Bringing my bestie and Atlanta native Gabrielle Byndloss on board, I share my findings as Gabrielle reacts to numbers. We’re getting honest about the financial realities of living as an actor in all the major US markets — including rent, transportation, groceries, and acting-related costs. We talk about what some of your deciding factors may be such as quality of life, production numbers, and where to plant your roots. So if you’ve been struggling to figure out where to go due to finances, we got you. Remember, there’s no universal “right” market, but there is a market that is right for YOU!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Let’s Talk Markets

00:20 — Nobody Wants This

03:06 — Actor Life in Different Markets

03:41 — Comparing Living Costs: LA vs. Atlanta

08:21 — Atlanta's Acting Market and Opportunities

12:10 — Detailed Cost Breakdown for Actors in LA and Atlanta

18:14 — Comparing Food and Lifestyle Costs

22:07— Exploring Chicago's Market

22:13 — Comparing Chicago and New York Living Costs

23:19 — The Reality of Living in Chicago

24:31 — Challenges of Moving to Chicago

26:07 — Exploring New York's Living Expenses

27:36 — The True Cost of Living in New York

32:30 — Production Listings in Major Cities

38:31 — The Importance of Choosing Where to Live

40:00 — Why the Numbers are Lying

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Listen to Ladygang “Nobody Wants This Creator ERIN FOSTER”

★ Housing Anywhere

★ SAG-AFTRA Production Center

★ Join the One Broke Actress Patreon for the Bonus Pod

★ Watch REALITY CHECK: HOW MUCH ACTORS MAKE VS. SPEND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzosA2ZhyTA

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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 get all the sam valentine links here!

And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.

Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

We’re back with No Stupid Questions! This time we’re getting into a 10-2 on set, nudity as an actor, out-of-state callbacks, local hires, succeeding without connections or money, and if actors can have tattoos. We’re also getting into the challenges of dealing with your agency closing, how your past work effects you, and how our online presence gets back to casting. If you’ve got more questions, comment them down below and check out Side Hustle Academy if you’ve been wanting to achieve financial stability while in pursuit of an acting career.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — answering your questions

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Watch One Broke Actress “actor tell all: agents, referrals, the hollywood cult, botox and so much more | NO STUPID QUESTIONS 1”

★ Watch HBO Documentary “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”

★ Read Deadline “KMR Agency Suspends Franchise With SAG-AFTRA Amid Major Client Payment Delays”

★ Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”

★ Watch One Broke Actress “so i went to atlanta for a callback... | ACTOR VLOG: Flying from LA to ATL to Audition”

★ Listen to One Broke Actress “Ciera Payton: Biracial Casting, Hollywood Diversity, Envisioning Your Future”

★ Side Hustle Academy

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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 One Broke Actress

And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.

Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Last week we heard from Jazelle Foster, a CEO of her own business with multiple employees and clients. But, I know some of you don’t want to deal with the hassle of marketing, selling, and creating. Some of you just want to have a side hustle that gives you enjoy to be happy while pursuing acting. Is it possible? Adrianna Licitra’s story will have you knowing that it is. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Adrianna shares her journey of managing a professional organizing business alongside her new acting career. She gets into freelancing versus working for a company, and how she keeps acting a priority while juggling her side hustles, family, and life obligations. This discussion is perfection for those who are looking to diversity their income streams without sacrificing their craft. Want more? Sign up for Side Hustle Academy from October 21st to 25th! https://themembership.co/sha

★ Sign Up for Side Hustle Academy now: https://themembership.co/sha

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — understanding the overwhelm

00:27 — meet adrianna licitra

01:59 — balancing business and acting

04:37 — keeping it simple

11:56 — freelancing vs. running your own business

15:34 — AD: side hustle academy: https://themembership.co/sha

23:39 — overcoming the fear of diversifying focus

24:23 — balancing multiple careers for stability

26:33 — the benefits of life experiences in acting

27:13 — the value of online courses for side hustles

30:05 — organizing tips for actors

35:09 — creating a homey space in small apartments

38:30 — connecting with adrianna for organizing help

41:04 — wrap-up

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Follow Adriana on IG @adrianna_licitra

★ Follow Adriana’s Organizing and Styling on Facebook

★ Sign Up for Side Hustle Academy now

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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 get all the sam valentine links here!

And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.

Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

So how do you actually make money as an actor? Is it possible to start a side hustle while being a full time actor? You know that I’ve built up One Broke Actress to be my main source of income while being an actor. But have others done it? YES. And today I’m bringing you Jazelle Foster to talk about her journey in her acting career. Jazelle shares her journey from acting to founding a creative marketing company, Creatives Meet Marketing, offering social media strategies and insights for actors. We get into social media, online platforms, LLCs, financial management, the significance of embracing imperfection, and tips for cultivating a social media presence that works for you. If you’ve got an idea or a desire to get finanical freedom, Gabrielle and I are launching our Side Hustle Academy October 21st-25th - sign up below!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — no one knows what they’re doing

01:28 — meet jazelle foster: from acting to marketing

02:49 — jazelle’s journey into social media

04:41 — balancing acting and business

10:42 — financial freedom & business structure

12:25 — side hustle academy: sign up https://themembership.co/sha

24:20 — social media tips for actors

28:40 — why actors need to get online

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Follow Jazelle Foster on IG

★ Creatives Meet Marketing

★ Follow Creatives Meet Marketing IG

★ Follow Jazelle Artistry on YouTube

★ Jazelle’s IMDb

★ Buy the Actor Dictionary

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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 get all the sam valentine links here!

And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.

Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Being an actor is tough and there’s so many questions about what it takes to be an actor. How do you have a successful acting career? Do you need botox? How do you conquer imposter syndrome as an actor? I answer all these questions and more in our new No Stupid Questions series. Ask me anything and everything and I will answer to the best of my ability. In this episode, I share honest, practical advice on topics such as asking for referrals, using AI or ChatGPT for cover letters, managing credit card debt, and understanding the importance of authenticity in acting. And yeah, we’re getting into Botox and fillers in the industry, whether or not Hollywood is a cult, why we need to manage expectations in an acting career, and the realities of moving to Los Angeles. Got more questions? Leave a comment!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — there are no stupid questions

01:46 — addressing common actor questions

02:29 — referrals and networking in the acting industry

04:10 — using AI for agency rep cover letters

05:09 — managing credit card debt as an actor

06:41 — biggest mistake in acting

07:24 — botox and fillers for actors

11:22 — is hollywood a vult?

12:34 — dealing with self-doubt in cting

15:23 — understanding co-star roles in canada

16:38 — getting an agent with no experience

18:11 — moving to los angeles for acting

20:43 — next steps

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Watch LOS ANGELES ACTOR LIFE | i’ve been an actor for 13 years and here is what you need to know…

★ Watch DAY IN MY LIFE as an actor in los angeles

★ Watch **Picking Your Actor Market + How to Move to a New City as an Actor | ATLANTA, CHICAGO, NEW YORK, LA**

★ Watch How to be an Actor in 2024 | step by step in the process of starting your acting career

★ Watch REALITY CHECK: HOW MUCH ACTORS MAKE VS. SPEND

★ ACTRA Toronto Education

★ Melissa at Honest Dermatology

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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 One Broke Actress

And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, click here.

Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Acting is EXPENSIVE. Some people aren’t aware of just how expensive it can be. I’m here to give you an LA actor reality check: making and spending money as an actor is hard. There are so many things we have to invest a lot into without any certainty of a return like demo reels, headshots, and classes. So how much money do you need to be an actor in LA? The financial cost of an acting career can vary from one person to another, but I’m taking you through the average costs in LA and what an actor would make in a good year. I break down living expenses, bills, and what you can expect to make as an actor in LA. What survival job tips have you found to be helpful while pursuing your actor career?

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Celebrating a Successful Year as an Actor

01:12 — Reality Check: The Cost of Living in LA

02:28 — Breaking Down a Slim LA Budget

05:48 — Analyzing Your Acting Income

09:27 — The Importance of Multiple Income Streams

12:21 — Introducing Side Hustle Academy

13:34 — Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Side Hustle Academy Waitlist

★ Miata Edoga, CEO of Abundance Bound

★ Arnold Schwarzenegger Documentary “Arnold”

★ SOURCE: “Essential Guide to SAG-AFTRA Rates 2024”

★ SOURCE: “Cost of living in Los Angeles: Beginner's guide to expenses”

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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!

Gabrielle and I are on a ROADTRIPPP!!!! We were speakers at the Southwestern Actors Conference, and along the 5 hour trip, we decided to talk about the industry and ask each other questions. We cover topics such as fear in the acting industry, actor mindset, money and financials, handling self-tapes, on-set etiquette, working relationships with agents, and navigating auditions. We both feel like one of the most important aspects of it is having a supportive actor community to share our individual experiences on managing the unpredictable nature of an acting career. Find your community, or join The Membership waitlist to become a part of ours!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Road Trip Conversations Friends

01:53 — Navigating Acting and Side Hustles

04:39 — Dealing with Audition Anxiety

07:33 — Commercial Success and Financial Stability

12:41 — The Importance of Discussing Pay

17:13 — Practical Acting Tips and On-Set Advice

20:41 — The Membership Perks and Side Hustle Academy

21:01 — Essential On-Set Tips for New Actors

21:45 — Navigating Set Dynamics and Call Sheets

23:36 — Camera Awareness and Positioning

28:53 — Communicating with Agents and Declining Auditions

31:52 — Strength in Community

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ How I Do My Full Body Slates

★ The Actor Dictionary

★ Join The Membership Waitlist

★ Join the Side Hustle Academy Waitlist

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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!

I’m talking about Los Angeles Actor Life and what I’ve learned as an actor after 13 years in this industry. Life as a Los Angeles actor is tough, and it changes all of the time. Being an actor in 2024 is so much different than it was when I started out 13 years ago, and right now I’m sharing what I wish I knew when I first started out. So I’m diving into the changes and constants in the acting industry over the past 13 years since moving to Los Angeles. We’re going over the importance of being a skilled actor, industry networking, and the evolving nature of auditions, including the rise of self-tapes and the impact of social media. We'll also touch on the unchanged reality of high expenses for actors (seriously - it’s an investment) and the different approach to headshots today. What’s changed in your acting career since you first started your journey? I’d love to know!

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Reflecting on 13 Years in LA

00:56 — The Importance of Skill and Networking

02:52 — Navigating Social Media as an Actor

05:02 — The Costs of Being an Actor

07:49 — Free Back to School Challenge

08:58 — Self Tapes

12:28 — The Evolution of Headshots

14:02 — Personalized Acting Advice

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ The Headshot Class

★ Sign up for the FREE 5 Day Back to School Actor Challenge

★ Watch THE ACTOR WEBSITES | Let’s Talk Actors Access, Casting Networks, Breakdown Services, IMDb Pro

★ Watch Headshots According to Atlanta Photographer Chase Anderson | HOW TO BE YOU IN YOUR ACTOR HEADSHOTS

★ Watch Headshots According to LA Photographer Leah Huebner | HOW TO CAPTURE YOUR ESSENCE IN YOUR HEADSHOTS

★ Watch Headshots According to LA Photographer Joanna DeGeneres | HOW ACTORS CAN TAKE GREAT HEADSHOTS

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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!

I hate “survive ‘till 2025” with a burning passion and no, you can’t change my mind. Listen, we’ve still got 4 months left in this year and there is a LOT that we can do. So I’m talking about why the phrase 'survive till 2025' is detrimental to actors and offering actionable advice we can all do instead. Don’t wait for this unpredictable, unreliable industry and do what you can within your own power. Join my free five-day 'Back to School' challenge, designed to help actors focus on immediate, practical steps to advance their careers and enjoy their lives without waiting for external circumstances to improve. Trust me when I needed this, and I think you do too.

Watch the Full Video Podcast Here!

00:00 — Introduction and Podcast Comeback

00:25 — The Phrase 'Survive Till 2025'

00:43 — Why 'Survive Till 2025' is Problematic

01:23 — Staying Informed and Active in the Industry

02:35 — Embracing Change in the Acting World

03:27 — Back to School Vibes

04:31 — Introducing the Back to School Challenge

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Sign up for the FREE 5 Day Back to School Actor Challenge

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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!

Another strike? Whattt?? That’s right. Video game actors are standing up to big corporations and taking a stand for all of us. In an industry that makes more than sports and TV profits COMBINED, video game artists are continuously being neglected by one of the most lucrative industries in the country. As key figures in SAG-AFTRA negotiations, actors Zeke Alton and Sarah Elmaleh provide insights into the urgent need for AI protections including the unions main three concerns: consent, compensation, and transparency. They emphasize the risks of working on non-union projects during the strike and outline steps actors can take to protect their careers and their colleagues. I was blown away by the financial magnitude of the video game industry, and we get into why every actor needs to care about what is being fought for here. As a union, one genre’s win is a win for us all. The fight that we are having here will effect commercials, will effect theatrical, will effect film, and will effect us all. If you’ve been wanting to get involved and know more about why we’re striking, this is the episode for you.

Support the SAG-AFTRA Video Game Strike here.

00:00 — Understanding the Video Game Strike

01:16 — Why Non-Video Game Actors Should Care

03:22 — Navigating Auditions During the Strike

05:18 — The Importance of Union Solidarity

09:32 — Negotiation Challenges and Pressure Points

13:02 — Artificial Intelligence: The Core Issue

14:12 — Digital Replicas vs Generative AI

16:42 — Union's Approach to AI and Actor Rights

17:19 — Legislation and Actor Protections

18:21 — Importance of Union Communication

22:04 — Video Game Industry Financials

25:07 — The Future of Entertainment and Video Games

28:11 — A Call to Action for Us All

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

★ Zeke Alton’s IMDb

★ Follow Zeke on IG @zekealton

★ Sarah Elmaleh’s IMDb

★ Follow Sarah on IG @selmaleh

★ Sarah’s Website

★ Game Performance Matters Links

★ SAG-AFTRA Video Game Search List

★ Crispin Freeman

★ No Fakes Act

★ No AI FRAUD Act

★ Unroll Me App

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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!