From being told he wouldn’t graduate high school to starring in Tulsa King, producing 21 films, and directing 10, James Quattrochi is living proof that relentless discipline, faith, and self-belief can turn any obstacle into an opportunity.

In this powerful conversation, James shares his incredible journey, which includes overcoming severe dyslexia, breaking into acting with Goodfellas, discovering spirituality through loneliness, and carving out a career as an actor, producer, and director. Along the way, he opens up about personal struggles, near-death experiences, betrayal in Hollywood, and the love that has fueled his staying power for 33 years in the industry.

Whether you’re chasing dreams in Hollywood or simply trying to rise above life’s setbacks, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, wild stories, and spiritual insight you won’t forget.

What You’ll Learn:

💡 How James overcame dyslexia to thrive in Hollywood.

💡 The career-changing advice and support he received from Martin Scorsese.

💡 Spiritual practices (meditation, affirmations, faith) that shaped his success.

💡 The hardest directing challenge of his career and how he overcame it.

💡 Hilarious behind-the-scenes bloopers with Michael Madsen.

Main Points:

00:00 Intro

02:26 Early Struggles with Dyslexia

07:07 From Acting to Producing & Directing

10:20 Discovering Spirituality And Meditation

14:37 Martin Scorsese & Career Breakthroughs

17:55 Confidence-Building Moments in Hollywood

19:22 Directing battle On True Friends

22:25 Michael Madsen Bloopers

23:09 Tulsa King, Emmy buzz, & Career Freedom

24:32 Family & Resilience During Tough Times

27:55 Hollywood Betrayal & Accountability

31:50 Love In Many Forms

35:04 Conquering Inner Demons

42:28 Divine Intervention

44:34 AI’s Impact on Hollywood & Film

46:52 Upcoming Projects & Final Thoughts

💬 Which part of James’ journey inspired you most—overcoming dyslexia, his faith practice, or his Hollywood resilience? Drop a comment below 👇

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with world-class guests who help you live and lead at the highest level.

Connect With Me:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly.siegel.71/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-siegel-0146a3/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kellysiegel71

Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie.quattrochi

Website: https://www.jamesquattrochi.com/

Subscribe To The Podcast Here:

Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harder-than-life/id1725989697

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/29NOnhItmCLkZ9sLswABKS?si=d81915ddabc0420a

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncVFeA5P2LrAovuofQQcDg

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