Acclaimed Australian actress Susie Porter contemplated giving up acting when she reconnected with her spiritual side and decided to trust the universe.

After realising that seeking external validation was a trap that was keeping her stuck, Susie began turning inward, practicing surrender and allowing her life - and career - to unfold. 

With a celebrated career spanning more than 30 years across theatre, film and television, her credits include Two Hands (1999), Better Than Sex (2000), Puberty Blues (2012-2014), Wentworth (2103-2021), The Artful Dodger (2023,2025), Apple Cider Vinegar (2025), The Travellers (2025).

Today, Susie’s motivation for success comes from a much deeper, more authentic place.

In this episode she shares:

* The spiritual practice that starts her day

* How giving up alcohol made her a better actor

* How The Artist’s Way inspired her creativity

* Learning to overcome her desire for external validation

* The career ‘desert’ that became a time for healing and growth

* How she has learnt to surrender and ‘trust the universe’

* Her tips for cultivating presence

Books / resources Susie mentions:

Abraham Hicks daily emails

Gabby Bernstein

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell

Key Quotes

“When you rely on external validation, they shift and move all the time, so you're stuck. It’s a trap. That’s been a very long lesson that I've learned”.

“I remember having these prayers to the universe saying, if I'm not meant to be an actor, show me. Maybe there's something better for me. Maybe there’s something better for my higher self that I’ll actually be happy [with] and I'm pushing against it”.

“I just always say universe, show me the truth of who I am”.

“If things aren’t working and you’re pushing, pushing, sometimes it’s best to have a little surrender prayer to the universe, like ‘Help me’.”

More Information

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