The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux

A client recently asked me, “Do you ever have doubts?” Ohhh yes. I’ve quit acting—more than once—sometimes in my head, sometimes out loud to my agents. In this episode, we talk honestly about self-doubt, why it shows up (even for Oscar winners), and how to work through it with a powerful mindset exercise. Plus, a story about Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Julianne Moore that’ll make you feel a whole lot less alone.

Grab a piece of paper—you’ll want to do this exercise with me. Let’s turn that inner critic into your biggest cheerleader.

Twenty years ago, I started writing down 10 goals a day for 3 months.

📜 My brain was like, “Cool, let’s do this,” and then:
🎤 I booked a global voiceover
🎬 Then another VO
📺 Then an on-camera commercial that flew me first class to LA
💍 My boyfriend at the time came with me, booked it too, and PROPOSED
⚖️ Oh, and I lost 7 lbs—all written in my goals

This isn’t magic—it’s science.
Writing down your goals activates your reticular activating system, the part of your brain that helps you notice what matters.

👀 Want your brain to start working for you, not against you?
Start writing.
Need help figuring out what to write? Book a Clarity Session.
🔗 courtneyrioux.com/coaching

#goals #brainhacks #actorlife #mindsetcoach #bookingmindset #gratitudepractice #actorslife🎬 #creativemindset #wholeartist #claritysession #actingcoach #actorswhohustle #manifestationcoach #goalsetting #goalgetters #neurosciencefacts #reticularactivatingsystem #auditionready

After having my son almost three years ago, I slowly let go of the habits that kept me feeling my best—working out, meditating, writing down my goals, and prioritizing self-care. Then, life threw another curveball: I lost a long-term voiceover job that had been a major part of my income for seven years.

In this mini-episode, I share how one teeny tiny change—a short morning routine—helped me reset. For the past 32 days, I’ve been following Miracle Morning, a simple daily practice that includes meditation, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and journaling. It’s changed everything. I have more energy, I’m more productive, and I’m even worrying less about money.

If you’ve fallen off your self-care habits, you’re not alone. Tune in to hear how one small, intentional change can make a big impact. And if you want to try Miracle Morning for free, DM me your email at courtneyrioux.com or on Instagram, and I’ll send you a free trial while I can!

🎧 Listen now and let’s put our own oxygen masks on first.

Not getting a callback and not booking that acting gig is NOT necessarily rejection. It could mean, "Not now!" It could mean, "Let's call her in for something better for her!" It could mean, "They're not right for this role, but wow that was great! Let's call them in again."

You never know how, when, or why you'll achieve your acting goals. Stop trying to read other people's minds. And more importantly, stop assuming the worst! You never know when that audition could land you your next role.

Head to CourtneyRioux.com to let me know how this episode resonated with you!

Courtney sits down with actor, James Vincent Meredith to discuss all things acting...including imposter syndrome!

Born in Chicago, raised in Evanston, now residing in Oak Park, James Vincent Meredith is proud to call Illinois and the Midwest his home. Meredithʼs body of work spans film, television, and theater. His feature credits include Widows, the 2018 crime thriller starring Viola Davis, Princess Cyd, and Knives and Skin.

In television, he was a series regular on the fourth season of Fargo as Opal Rackley. He recurred as Barry Vaughn on NBCʼs Chicago Med and Alderman Ross on Boss for Starz, as well as guest star appearances on Proven Innocent and Exorcist (FOX), Shameless (HBO), and Betrayal (ABC). Meredith has been a member of Chicagoʼs Steppenwolf Theatre Company for over a decade, sharing the stage with Tracy Letts, Rainn Wilson, LoisSmith, William Petersen, and Michael McKean, among others. Broadway credits include Superior Donuts and “Mafala Hatimbi” in the long-running musical Book of Mormon.

To learn more about James Vincent Meredith, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/javimere1971/

Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at:

www.courtneyrioux.com

instagram.com/courtneyrioux

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Special thanks to:

Henrique Lazary for editing and mixing the first version of this episode.

Mandy Work for all of your hard work.

Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux.

Co-Edited by Courtney Rioux

Our guest today is Eddie Mujica. He's a Cuban-American actor, writer, director, and Emmy-winning producer.

In this episode, we talk about his viral videos on TikTok and  Instagram, his creative process, and auditioning for SNL. We talk about therapy, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression. No, it's real. You guys, I swear, it's a really fun episode. We talk about his experience in the writer's room on Zoom and in person, self-care, values, and so much more.

Check out Eddie's viral videos at: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyOTCTXrXS9/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

And here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJRyTHYpFbxmEm97xB2Psj9nQQzbMAbiy&si=k6LOMq0hZkKM7YDA

I'm rereleasing this episode on President's Day for no reason whatsoever...

This episode was first released in March 2021.

Is someone you know and love in a cult? Do you want to help them?

Have you been told you're in a cult, but your organization denies it?

Do you wish to know the signs of a cult leader or a cult? You're not alone! And Dr. Lalich can help.

Courtney sat down with researcher, author, and educator, Dr. Janja Lalich, Ph.D.

Dr. Lalich specializes in cults and extremist groups and has worked with current members, former members, and families of members of controversial groups. A former Fulbright scholar, and Professor Emerita of Sociology, Dr. Lalich is the founder and director of the Center for Research on Influence and Control. She has a Master’s in Human Development and a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems. She’s written numerous books, including her most recent one, Take Back Your Life: Recovering from Cults and Abusive Relationships. The audiobook is coming out soon with Sarah Edmunson, narrating.

Dr. Lalich is a former member of a cult herself, and is in, and produced several cult documentaries including: Heavens Gate, Seduced, The UnXplained, The Lost Women of NXIVM, Explained, Cults and Extreme Belief, and more.

To learn more about Dr. Lalich, visit:

http://cultresearch.org/

Sign up for V.I.P. updates and free gifts at:

www.courtneyrioux.com

Find Courtney on Social Media:

instagram.com/courtneyrioux

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Special thanks to:

• Eric Backus for editing and mixing this episode.
• Mandy Work for all of your hard work.
• Photography by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux. For more information, go to http://bravelux.com/

Courtney Rioux and Avis Boone are Co-Hosting this round table discussion with fellow negotiating committee members, Jason George, Shari Belafonte, and Danielle Towne. We cover AI concerns, the process of the negotiations, and the major gains of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Tentative Agreement. Voting ends December 5th at 5 pm PT/7 pm CT/8 pm ET and you can get more info, find your PIN, and vote at https://www.sagaftra.org/contracts2023

Check out Avis Boone's podcast That's How We Role

Actor Behzad Dabu talks about taking a leap, acting in LA vs Chicago, the actor mindset, the SAG-AFTRA Strike, and more.

Behzad Dabu is an actor, producer, and writer based out of both Los Angeles and Chicago.  He grew up in Syracuse, NY, and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.  

He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.

On-screen, you can see him as REDACTED BC OF THE STRIKE, and on The Lion Guard.  He also appeared in episodes of REDACTED; as well as various audiobooks, podcasts, and national commercials.

With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of 'Amit' in "Samsara" at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award - Best Actor. He also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group.

Behzad strives to be a strong advocate for social justice and equality, particularly in regard to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.  He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader.  

Behzad is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.

Actor and writer, Barbara Howlin talks about using The Artist’s Way to recover your inner artist, trust your intuition, and heal through play. 

Barbara Howlin is a SAG-AFTRA actor & writer who's been guiding creatives for the last decade. She's taught actors at AMAW and various studios around Los Angeles. Barbara is also a Reiki Master guiding people in energy expansion & healing. As founder of The Howling Hive, she leads groups and one-on-one sessions to help us all embrace creative healing for a life of play, ease & exploration.

Get $15 off Barbara's Artist's Way Group with the code WHOLEARTIST!