Let's talk about building wealth. What do I mean by that?

I mean no longer living paycheck to paycheck.

I mean choosing what jobs you say yes/no to.

I mean building your dream lifestyle—where you eat, how you dress, where you go on vacation.

And if you're sitting there thinking like, “Oh, yeah right. Not in the theater industry.”

Think again!

Because what I'm going to show you today works regardless of what industry you're in and regardless of how much money you make or don't make.

I'm sharing three strategies that don't rely on your income at all.

And no, it’s not too good to be true—I use these same tactics myself!

Episode Highlights:

[01:23] Our Final Episode This Season

[06:01] Thoughts on Next Season

[09:45] Staying Connected

[14:13] Getting My One-on-One Help

[19:49] "More Money" Doesn't Build Wealth

[25:06] Leverage Existing Money

[32:32] Free Money From What You're Already Doing

[38:26] Keep More of Your Money

[47:41] Season Conclusion

Mentioned in This Episode:

Join My Free Email List

Read My Blog

Join Amplified Artists

Stop Saying You’re a Starving Artists (Podcast Episode)

Recommended High-Yield Savings Account

Recommended Credit Card

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/build-wealth

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

I’m joined by Broadway performer Jeff Gorti in this episode. You might’ve seen him featured in a recent Playbill article about how he’s using an issue with his health that occurred when he was a child to assist a young boy who’s now dealing with the same disease.

He’s giving hope and inspiration to this boy of what will still be possible in his life, and he’s using his success on Broadway as an example.

Jeff is currently in Chicago, and understudying the role of Billy Flynn and Fred Casely. Before that, he won the 2020 Helen Hayes Award for his performance in A Chorus Line at the Signature Theater.

He's also performed in The Life at City Center, directed by Billy Porter, and at some of the top regional theaters in the country such as The Muny and Sacramento Playhouse.

This is an incredibly inspirational story, and it’ll make you think differently about your own life, too.

Episode Highlights:

[06:09] Jeff's Path From University to Broadway

[10:29] Jeff's View on Networking

[17:53] Surrounding Yourself with Seasoned Pros

[22:03] Jeff's Story of Art Changing Lives

[30:07] Jeff's Reservation of Being Too Public About His Story

[33:41] Wearing Differences as a Badge of Honor

[38:43] Be Nice to Everyone

[43:38] We're All the Same

Mentioned in This Episode:

Unapologetically Being Yourself with Rachelle Rak

Imperfect Actions Are Shortcuts to Success

Read the Playbill Article about Jeff’s Story

Donate to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund for Childhood Cancer

Connect with Guest:

Web - JeffGorti.com

Instagram - @JeffGorti

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/art-to-change-lives

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

Congratulations! You've landed your dream job!

But what's the offer? It's now time to negotiate the contract.

Most people make the mistake of only focusing on the money, so they're missing out on a ton of other things they could be negotiating.

Likewise, if the pay is non-negotiable, you may think you just have to accept the contract as is.

But that is so not the case!

In this episode, I’m sharing 30 other things you can negotiate besides the money.

Even if you have an agent negotiating for you, it's still helpful for you to know everything you have at your disposal that you can leverage.

That way you can better inform your agent where to push and pull as you're doing the negotiations.

So let's get you the best contract possible!

Episode Highlights:

[01:21] No One Teaches Us How To Negotiate a Contract

[03:05] Contract Negotiation Basics

[06:13] Determining if You Even Want the Job

[09:58] Don't Sign Until You're 100% Happy

[14:40] Perks That Add Income (Above Your Salary)

[25:36] Perks That Save You Money

[28:05] Perks To Increase the Pay per Day

[32:26] Perks That Are Career Benefits

[35:29] Perks That Improve Your Quality of Life

Mentioned in This Episode:

Negotiable Items in Your Contracts Cheatsheet

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/contract-perks

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

Friends, today we are so lucky to have none other than the Rachelle Rak on the show.

For those who might not know, Rachelle launched her Broadway journey at age 17 in the musical Cats. She then continued on with Fosse, Thou Shalt Not, Catch Me If You Can, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Oklahoma, and more!

She was also featured in Every Little Step, a documentary giving insights into the casting process of the A Chorus Line 2006 Broadway revival.

Rachelle's TV presence includes being a celebrity judge on Abby's Ultimate Dance Challenge and a choreographer for Dance Moms.

Currently, she's an associate choreographer on Boop, a Broadway-bound musical under Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell, following a successful out-of-town tryout in Chicago.

But we didn't ask Rachelle on the show just because of her amazing resume…

She embodies resilience, confidence, motivation, and inspiration, and she’s full of joy and optimism.

I know you'll leave today's show feeling empowered to be unapologetically yourself, embracing exactly who you are, and proudly showcasing your uniqueness.

Episode Highlights:

[01:23] Meet Rachelle Rak

[06:01] Rachelle's Journey

[08:40] Building Confidence and Resilience

[11:59] Rachelle's Advice for Artists

[16:27] Being Exactly Who You Are

[21:53] The Evolution of Sas

[26:26] Don't Make Up Your Brand, Just Be You

[29:11] Rachelle's Transition From Stage to Screen

[32:18] Listening to Your Gut and Taking Risks

[33:55] The Importance of Performance Over Technique

[38:48] Improving Your Weakest Link

[45:29] Don't Be What You're Not

[47:00] The Journey to Broadway with Boop

[52:36] Does Rachelle Miss Performing?

[56:03] Balancing Show Biz and Personal Life

Mentioned in This Episode:

Join Amplified Artists!

Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint

Connect with Guest:

Web - www.RachelleRak.com

Instagram - @RachelleRak

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/being-yourself

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

In today's episode, we brace ourselves with a powerful quote: "Imperfect action is better than taking perfect inaction." This episode is centered on taking action—acting before we feel completely prepared or when fear threatens to paralyze our progress.

Growth demands that we step outside our comfort zone, requiring action even when fear tries to resist it. This action is usually a path we've not tread before, and therefore, the initial outcome is definitely not going to be perfect.

That imperfection is precisely why we hesitate or avoid taking action, which unfortunately leaves us stuck.

So let’s get you unstuck! By the end of this episode, you’ll LOVE taking imperfect action so you can grow faster than you ever have before.

Episode Highlights:

[02:16] Why We're Talking About This Now

[06:13] The Idea Behind "Imperfect Action”

[09:55] Why We Don't Take Action

[16:39] Strategies for Taking Action

[20:36] How Roadblocks (or "Failure") Propels Us

[22:11] Making Imperfect Action Even More Practical

[27:38] Recap and Putting It All Together

Mentioned in This Episode:

Slaying Your Goals Course in Amplified Artists

Irresistible Websites Made Easy Course in Amplified Artists

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/imperfect-action

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

In this episode, I’m talking with my dear friend and colleague, Tony-winning producer Rashad V. Chambers.

His long list of credits include the Tony-winning revival of Topdog/Underdog, lead producing Fat Ham, and being on the producing teams of many other shows like The Music Man, Ain’t Too Proud, American Son…the list goes on!

He’s also the Founder and President of Esquire Entertainment, which is a talent management and production company, and he’s a Founding Member of The Industry Standard Group which promotes diversity by increasing the presence of BIPOC investors and producers. 

Now here’s the thing about producers…

They're often misunderstood, sometimes even negatively viewed as being all about the money instead of the art. And sure, there are a handful that are like that.

But many producers, like Rashad, care deeply about the art they help create and the artists they collaborate with.

And the fact is, art doesn't get made without producers. So we need them!

That’s why I wanted to give you this inside look that’ll expand your understanding of their invaluable contributions to the world of theater and beyond.

Also, if you ever need to raise money for your own projects, or you’re interested in being part of an arts organization or board, this episode will help ya out! We’re covering all of that as well.

Episode Highlights:

[05:55] From Lawyer to Talent Manager to Broadway Producer

[10:17] Don't Make Things Harder Than They Are

[12:52] Everyone Gets Rejected (We Just Don't See It)

[14:47] Tips for Reaching Out to People

[17:30] The 5 Different Types of Theater Producers

[24:20] How To Raise Money? By People Investing in YOU

[26:40] Why You Need To Treat People Well

[28:42] How To Hire a Producer

[30:31] Recurring Advice: Just Ask and Be Specific

[31:39] Resources for Becoming a Producer

[36:21] Increasing the Amount of BIPOC Investors and Producers

[42:13] How Boards Help Theaters and Arts Organizations

[51:20] Enjoy the Journey & Find the Joy

Connect with Rashad V. Chambers:

Instagram - @RashadVChambers

Esquire Entertainment Website – www.EsquireEntertainment.com

The Industry Standard Group Website – www.TheIndustryStandardGroup.com

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/what-producers-do

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

We've all been brainwashed into thinking that all we need to do to book our dream jobs is to keep improving our talent and skills.

So we spend hour after hour, training and training, going to class after class.

That’s what we’ve been told to focus on.

Even though there is all this evidence around us that contradicts that, we don't even question it.

If all you needed to book your dream jobs was to be as talented as possible…

And you've spent all this time and energy and money getting your skills up to that point…

Don't you think your career would be further along by now?

So, I have to ask you, how is that working for you?

How much more guaranteed are you to book the jobs you want to book?

Instead, let’s spend time, energy, and money on the things that DIRECTLY book you work, and book it for you FASTER and EASIER!

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] The Misconception About Talent and Skills

[05:14] The Iceberg Metaphor

[08:02] Focusing on Your Entire Iceberg

[09:02] Shifting Into Job Booking Mode

[09:57] Examples of Success

Mentioned in This Episode:

How to Thrive in the New Era Podcast Episode 

Owning Your Dope with Aurelia Michael

Effortless Ways to Book More Jobs with Michelle Lemon

Broadway Beyond Borders with Javier Manente

Looking After Your Mental Health with Alphonse Gonzales

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney/iceberg

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

Today, my guest is the talented Javier Manente, known as both a performer and a voice teacher.

He’s currently playing the lead role of Dimitri in the Broadway production of Anastasia that's sitting down in Mexico City

Prior to that, he was in Les Miz and Aladdin, both of which were also the Broadway productions sitting down in Mexico City, so I think you can guess the theme here…

We're talking about doing Broadway shows outside of Broadway, where you have the same exact production, same creative team, sets, costumes, all of it!

The only difference is it's happening in a different city outside of Broadway. And this same thing happens all over the world.

Plus, we're going to unpack a lot of things such as:

• Javier’s journey on how he transitioned from being in the ensemble to playing lead roles (along with the needed shift in his mindset)
• How he saves time and money gathering content for his social media
• His philosophy on maintaining a healthy voice by knowing how to use and control each part of your voice
• How he trains his students to transform and adapt their voice so they can sing any kind of vocal style

So it’s a jam-packed episode for ya!

Episode Highlights:

[04:30] From Argentina to Broadway Shows

[08:02] Broadway Beyond NYC

[13:37] Balancing Acting and Teaching

[16:56] The Importance (and Perks) of a Healthy Voice

[20:42] Javier’s Experience on The Voice

[22:17] Growing Your Social Media Following

[25:20] Engaging with Fans and Followers

[27:43] This is a Business of Relationships

[30:47] Clarity Leads to Booking Dream Roles

[39:51] Doing the Work Pays Off

[42:33] Moving from Ensemble to Lead Role

[45:39] Claiming Your Goals with Confidence

[49:45] If What You’re Doing Isn’t Working, Change It

Mentioned in This Episode:

Strategic Social Media Course

Aligning Your Artistry Course

^ Both of these are instantly available with your Amplified Artists membership.

Connect with Guest:

Instagram/TikTok - @JavierManente

Javier's Vocal Studio (Instagram/TikTok) - @Belt.Inc

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/broadway-beyond-borders

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

Networking. Just the sound of that word probably makes you feel gross inside.

Does anyone really want to go to a cocktail party where the drinks are overpriced and you're in a room full of people all talking about how wonderful they are?

Or where everyone is trying to talk to “the cool kids” at the top of the social ladder and trying to get a job from them?

Or where people are tossing their resume credits around and dropping so many names you need a broom to sweep all those names up?

Nope!

So that is not how WE are going to do it—and newsflash, that way doesn't work that well anyway.

Instead, we’re going to network in a way that feels organic to you and where you actually enjoy doing it, not detest it.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] A Different Perspective on Networking

[01:14] Surprise—You’re Always Networking

[02:43] Stop Trying to Network with EVERYONE

[03:44] Your Current Actions Affect Future Networking

[05:16] How To Meet the People You Want To Work With

[08:32] How To Build a Relationship

[11:10] Nervous About Networking?

[12:36] A Trick To Making a Pitch

[15:03] If You Don’t Ask, the Answer Is No

[16:20] Networking Can Be Fun

Mentioned in This Episode:

Persuasive & Professional Communication Course in Amplified Artists

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/networking-twist

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)

You're going to absolutely love today's episode where we're talking all about booking jobs.

I’m chatting with Michelle Lemon, a performer and instrumentalist in New York City. She's performed internationally and all over the country at regional theaters, and she's currently in the national tour of Lincoln Center Theater's production of My Fair Lady.

Michelle is the perfect example of someone who sets a goal, achieves it, then sets the next one, accomplishes it, and keeps repeating that cycle.

But even better, she books a lot of her work without auditioning! So we're shedding light on all the free tools you have at your disposal that can help you book jobs on autopilot.

You can learn from what she does and get inspired to do the same things for yourself!

Episode Highlights:

[03:54] Tricks to Quickly Check Off Your Goals

[09:20] How Personal Confidence Affects Career Confidence

[12:14] Booking Work Off Social Media (Even If You Hate It)

[20:53] Other Ways To Book Work Without Auditioning

[23:13] How Your Website Gets You Jobs Without You Knowing It

[31:51] Michelle's Mindset for Multiple Callbacks That Gets Her the Gig

[40:16] Why You Need To Stay Connected to Who You Are as an Artist

Mentioned in This Episode:

Strategic Social Media Course

Irresistible Websites Made Easy Course

^ Both of these are instantly available with your Amplified Artists membership.

Connect with Guest:

Web - www.MichelleLemon.com

Instagram - @MichellegLemon

For detailed show notes, please visit: JimCooney.me/effortless-booking

To help support the show, leave a tip at: JimCooney.me/podcast-tip

Ready for a career and life you love? Check out Amplified Artists!

Download Your FREE Dream Career Blueprint: JimCooney.me/blueprint

Want free tips and strategies each week? Join my mailing list!

Connect with Me:

Web - JimCooney.me

Instagram - @JimCooneyNYC

Like this podcast? Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review! It helps other people find out about the show. (Apple Podcast Users: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.”)