w/Jenni Tooley

Hello listeners!

Welcome to yet another invigorating episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." I'm your Aging Ingénue, Jenni Tooley, and I'm exceptionally thrilled to have you join me today.

I'm so stoked to have you here for episode 10. Can you believe it's already our tenth adventure together?

Before we dive into the unknown, a quick invite to our confessional nights every first Wednesday of the month. Join us at jennitooley.com and who knows, you might snag the coveted confessor seat.

Now, let's get down to business.

So, today's episode is a throwback, a stroll down memory lane to the time I auditioned for a little film called Arlington Road. Picture this: a young, fearless Jenni, in her mid-20s, taking on the world of acting in Dallas.

Arlington Road was a game-changer and auditioning for that role would later lead to unexpected adventures.

What's intriguing is how being true to myself, rocking my unconventional audition attire, caught the eye of the producer. He saw something in me, something authentic, and that's what Arlington Road needed.

Fast forward to the set— the magic of filmmaking and the camaraderie that made it feel like a family.

But here's the plot twist. Months later, the movie hits the theaters, and guess what? The pivotal scene, the one I was eagerly waiting for, got the cut.

Tune in to today’s episode to get the full gist of the time I auditioned for Arlington Road. Crazy, unexpected, and a journey I'll never forget.

Please share your thoughts, comment, review, and subscribe—it keeps our podcast thriving.

Until next time, stay awesome, stay curious. This is Jenni Tooley, signing off. Love you guys!

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to another intriguing episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." I'm your Aging Ingénue, Jenni Tooley, and I'm super-excited to have you join me today.

Before we dive into the heart of our conversation, I want to extend a special invitation to you. Join me in the confessional on Wednesday nights, every first Wednesday of the month. Head over to jennitooley.com, and who knows, you might find yourself in the confessor seat.

I had a big audition this week, so I thought, why not share some audition tales? We'll take a break from STUCK and dive into the world of auditions – this should be a short one.

"Have I Told You About the Time?" I auditioned for and booked a role in Wes Anderson's movie 'Bottle Rocket'? Now, for those who aren't familiar with it, Bottle Rocket was made about 26 or 27 years ago. I was around 20 when I auditioned for this gem and I was pretty green.

So, there I was, a non-trained actor navigating the audition world.

Here's a juicy tidbit – I wasn't the first or second choice to play Stacey Sinclair. I was the third choice. Yes, folks, the third choice. The first two choices had conflicts, and there I was, stepping into the spotlight.

Yes, I got the role but that’s not what this episode is about. That experience was a hit in the ego that turned out to be a blessing in disguise and looking back, it taught me a valuable lesson about the lack of control we have in this industry. Sometimes, the universe guides us where we need to be, regardless of our plans.

Life is full of what-ifs, but as we navigate our paths, it's crucial to appreciate where we are and trust the journey. I hope my Bottle Rocket story gives you a glimpse into the unpredictable world of auditions and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Thank you for being here with me today. I'm Jenni Tooley, your host, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on today's episode.

So, please, comment, review, follow, and subscribe – all those things that keep our podcast thriving.

Until next time, much love to you!

Hey there, wonderful listeners!

This is Jenni Tooley, your Aging Ingénue, and I'm thrilled to have you join me on another episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue."

Before we dive into today's topic, I want to extend a special invitation to you. Join me in the confessional on Wednesday nights, every first Wednesday of the month. Swing by jennitooley.com and who knows, you might find yourself in the confessor seat!

Alright, let's jump into it. Now, for today's episode, we're on episode eight of "Have I Told You About the Time?" And guess what? We're doing something a bit different. A big shoutout to Steven, one of my amazing Patreons, who sent in a question. He asked, "How much of yourself is in Frannie?" referring to the character I played in STUCK. Great question, Steven!

So I’ll rewind to 2000 when I started writing the screenplay for STUCK and then Fast forward - here I am playing a character I wrote. And hope that at the end of this episode, I would have answered this question well enough.

Speaking of acting, I’ll share a bit about my evolution as an actor in today’s episode. I learned this fantastic technique from a workshop that I now employ immerse myself in characters that might be a stretch from my usual roles.

Tune in to hear all about it.

Thank you for being here. And as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode, so comment, review, follow, and subscribe – you know, all the things that keep our podcast thriving.

Until next time, this is Jenni Tooley signing off. Have a beautiful day and much love to each one of you!

Hello, lovely listeners!

Welcome back to another episode of Confessions of an Aging Ingénue. I'm your host, Jenni Tooley, and I'm so thrilled to have you here with me today.

But before we dive into today's topic, I've got a special invitation just for you. Picture this – Wednesday nights, the first Wednesday of the month. I want to personally invite you to join me in the confessional at jennitooley.com. It's a rendezvous where you might just find yourself in the confessor seat. Trust me, it's a blast!

Now, let's jump into the nitty-gritty. I've just returned from the Women Texas Film Festival, where we premiered STUCK, and oh boy, what an experience it was. Huge shoutout to the amazing volunteers and everyone who made it special. If you're a filmmaker, you should definitely check out this fantastic festival.

Curious about the behind-the-scenes action? Head over to our Facebook page, 'STUCK Film Texas,' or catch some exclusive content on my Patreon page at patreon.com/jennitooley. I've shared daily wrap-ups from the festival – the good, the funny, and everything in between.

Now, onto today's topic – "Have I Told You About the Time?" I was on a filmmaker's roundtable at Women Texas Film Festival, and John Wildman asked me what it was like to transition into a salesperson for my movie?

Brace yourselves because we're delving into my unexpected journey into the role of a salesperson for my movie. Yes, you heard it right – salesperson.

I've realized that I've been in the sales game for quite some time, from pitching concepts to selling myself. But now, it's a different ball game – selling a finished product. And let me tell you, it's been a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Growing up, I had this stigma around sales, thanks to the stereotypical pushy car salesman. It took years for me to acknowledge and embrace my skills in this area. STUCK became a catalyst for breaking down those limiting beliefs around money and self-worth. I've discovered the art of selling when it aligns with a meaningful cause.

Now, here's where the rubber meets the road – film distribution and selling. It's a complex dance involving knowing your audience, understanding their pain points, and finding the perfect niche. STUCK isn't your mainstream Oscar-winning film, and that's okay. It has a unique audience, a blend of art film enthusiasts, and those seeking a different cinematic experience.

I’m not particularly in love with sales but it’s such an integral part of film-making - It's about placing the film where it resonates.

So, add salesperson to all the caps I already wore on STUCK and you’ll get the gist.

Listen in to gain insights from my experience in this necessary step in completing this chapter of my journey called STUCK.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Comment, review, follow, and subscribe to keep our podcast thriving.

Until next time, this is Jenni Tooley, signing off. Love you all, and thanks for being here on this wild ride with me.

Hello, amazing listeners!

Welcome to another episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." I'm your host, Jenni Tooley, your Aging Ingénue, and I'm genuinely thrilled to have you join me today.

Before we dive into the exciting content, I want to extend a special invitation to all of you. Join me in the confessional on Wednesday nights, the first Wednesday of the month, at jennitooley.com. Who knows, you might even find yourself in the confessor seat!

Now, let's jump into today's episode. As we navigate the uncharted waters of this first season, I've been sharing unedited and uncensored podcasts, delving into the making of "STUCK," which is premiering soon. But today, I have a different story to share, not exactly a "STUCK" tale, but a narrative that's intrinsically connected.

So, how do I begin? Well, Have I Told You About The Time? I was born a woman? Yes, I entered this world as a female human in 1972, experiencing the formative years of the mid-seventies, navigating the labyrinth of the eighties in middle and high school, finally graduating in 1990.

Back then, I perceived my Generation X as a time when women had shattered all barriers. But seeing a movie called "Maiden" gave me a fresh perspective on the era. The challenges these women faced mirrored the deep-seated beliefs of that time, beliefs I didn't even realize I was still battling.

As you follow the podcasts on the making of "STUCK," you'll notice a recurring theme. My recent realization about the persistent stereotypes during my youth adds another layer to my journey.

The juxtaposition of believing women could do anything while still encountering gender-based challenges hit me hard.

So, in today’s episode, I share my thoughts on this. Not to create divisions but to acknowledge the environment of my upbringing. The industry I work in, like Tracy's sailing world, has been historically male-dominated. It wasn't until "STUCK" that I experienced a balanced set, with remarkable women leading various roles.

So, join me as I reflect on these experiences, from facing criticism for making a film from a male perspective to realizing the imbalance in the roles women traditionally held on film sets. It's not about us versus them; it's about recognizing the journey and embracing the change.

Listen in to hear how this has played out for me and what I’ve come to learn.

Thank you for being here with me today. I'm Jenni Tooley, your host, eager to hear your thoughts on today's episode.

Please, don't forget to comment, review, follow, and subscribe— all those things that keep our podcast thriving.

Until next time, stay tuned and keep the conversation going. Your presence makes this journey even more exciting!

Hello listeners!

Welcome back to another episode of Confessions of an Aging Ingénue. I'm your Aging Ingénue, Jenni Tooley, thrilled to have you with me today.

Before we dive into today's topic, here’s an invitation to our confessional sessions happening every first Wednesday of the month. Join us at jennitooley.com, and who knows, you might just find yourself in the confessor's seat. Exciting, right?

Now, let's jump into the exciting world of STUCK! I'm currently at the Belmont Hotel in Dallas, gearing up for the Women Texas Film Festival in Oak Cliff. Oak Cliff, this funky little place outside Dallas, is where the magic is happening. Our red carpet premiere was a blast, and we've got a whole lineup of events.

And I've been reminiscing about the challenging yet rewarding journey of fundraising for STUCK. Have I Told You About The Time? I applied for the Austin Film Society grant three times in a row? Yep, three consecutive years, and not a penny awarded.

This episode is about all I gained in the period of trying to get funding for STUCK.

The rejections and the work I put in pushed me to discover my own path, and now I see opportunities beyond the mainstream festival circuit and distribution norms. Exciting times ahead!

So tune in to today’s episode to hear all about it. I assure you that this episode is packed with insight.

The journey of "Stuck" is a tale of determination, growth, and the perfect timing of life. Uncensored.  Unedited.  Just Jenni.

Like, comment, review, follow, and subscribe. Your support keeps this podcast thriving.

I'm Jenni Tooley, and I'm so grateful you've joined me on this episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingenue”. Until next time, love and happiness to you all.

Welcome back, lovely listeners, to another exciting and insightful episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue" with your unapologetically, multifaceted host, Jenni Tooley!

So thrilled to have you join me on episode four! Have I Told You About the Time?’ that I was a writer, director, producer, editor, actor, singer, and songwriter on a feature film?

As usual, this is a heart to heart, Uncensored.  Unedited. Just Jenni. Surrounded by the delightful chaos of playful kittens and the buzz of excitement.

At this point, "STUCK - 20 Years in the Making" is hitting the big screen at the Women Texas Film Festival on August 18th, 5:30 PM, Texas Theater in Oak Cliff. Mark your calendars, folks – it's a date! this Sunday, July 28th, 11:00 AM CST.

Also, I'm hosting my first-ever coffee klatch online. A cozy chat with my patriots and patrons – coffee, tea, and me. If you're not part of the club yet, head over to patreon.com/jennitooley and hit subscribe. Let's make it a date too!

In today’s episode, I want to share with you the struggle, the self-doubt, and the magical blend of multitasking I experienced on my journey and the making of my first feature film, STUCK.

We're diving into another behind-the-scenes tale of "STUCK," my passion-fueled feature film, where I wore all the hats – writer, director, producer, actor, editor and singer-songwriter. 

Yes, you heard that right and I’ll tell you all about it in today’s episode.

So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's traverse the rollercoaster that birthed "STUCK."

I'm Jenny Toolie, your guide through the chaos, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. Please comment, review, follow, and subscribe – your support keeps our podcast thriving.

Until next time, lovelies! Stay fabulous, stay real.

Hey there, podcast pals!

Jenni Tooley here, your Aging Ingénue and it’s another episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." Can I just say, it's awesome to have you tuning in today!

Quick shoutout before we dive into the good stuff: Wednesday nights is when the magic happens in the confessional at jennitooley.com. First Wednesday of the month - mark your calendars! Who knows, you might even snag the confessor seat.

As usual, it’s just me, an iPhone, and my lively living room in the heart of Austin, Texas. No fancy mics, no edits – just raw, unfiltered stream of consciousness.

Oh, and did I mention the adorable chaos of kittens in the background?

Big news alert! The premiere of "STUCK," my feature film where I wore all the hats – writer, director, producer, actor, and editor is hitting the big screen in Dallas this August at the Women Texas Film Festival.

Now, let's rewind a bit. Have I Told You About the Time? that I took on God as my co-producer? We're still into the stories behind "STUCK," starting with the time I took on God as my co-producer. Yeah, you heard it right – co-producer.

My journey with God wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. Growing up, God didn't get the best PR in my household. Small-town Texas vibes, you know? But over the last decade, I've been on a quest, discovering how to collaborate with something bigger than myself. And let me tell you, it's been a game-changer.

Fast forward to 2015, and I'm resurrecting "STUCK." No fancy co-producer by my side, but I decide, "You know what, God? You're hired." It was a leap of faith, and it paid off in unexpected ways – I’ll share with you a couple of stories on how that worked out in this episode.

Somehow, every roadblock turned into a stepping stone, and I didn't have to lose my cool. It's like having a divine safety net that catches you when you least expect it – my reliable co-producer.

Stay tuned for more "STUCK" stories, including the nursing home saga – trust me, it's a real nail-biter! Until then, keep embracing the journey, stay inspired, and, as always, love you all.

And as always, your comments, reviews, follows, and subscriptions keep our podcast thriving. I'm Jenni Tooley, your host, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on today's escapade. Until next time, stay fabulous!

Hello, lovely listeners!

Welcome back to another episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingenue." I'm your aging Ingenue, Jenni Tooley, thrilled to have you joining me on this journey.

Before we dive into today's story, I want to extend a special invitation to all of you. Join me in the confessional on Wednesday nights, the first Wednesday of the month, at jennitooley.com. Who knows, you might even find yourself in the confessor seat – it's a night you won't want to miss!

Now, let's jump into today's tale titled, "Have I Told You About the Time I decided to go to Las Vegas to shoot a movie?" It's a wild ride back to when I decided to venture to the dazzling city of Las Vegas to shoot my very first movie as a director and producer. Crazy, right?

Picture this: I had never been to Vegas, knew only a handful of people there, and had the audacious idea to shoot 22 pages of the original STUCK script. Now, that's what I call a leap of faith!

But the Vegas adventure wasn't without its challenges. From unexpected changes in the team to discovering a team member's gambling problem (cue the drama), we faced it all. And yes, I even managed to pee in the middle of nowhere – a story for the ages!

Through it all, I learned invaluable lessons about trust, intuition, and the importance of saying "no" when your gut screams it. Join me in reflecting on the journey from a naive filmmaker to the fearless creator I strive to be today.

So, buckle up for a rollercoaster of tales from the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas. Uncensored.  Unedited.  Just Jenni.

As always, your comments, reviews, follows, and subscriptions keep our podcast thriving. I'm Jenni Tooley, your host, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on today's escapade. Until next time, stay fabulous!

Hey there, fabulous listeners! Welcome to the very first episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingenue." I'm your Aging Ingenue, Jenni Tooley, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have you join me today. But hey, before we dive into the good stuff, I've got a special invite for you: join me in the confessional every first Wednesday of the month at jennitooley.com. You might even find yourself in the confessor's seat! Now, let's get down to business.

Today is a milestone – my very first podcast episode! Why did I decide to embark on this journey? Well, I've got a bag full of stories itching to be told, and what better way to share, heal, and inspire than through the magic of storytelling?

Picture this: no fancy studio, just me, an iPhone, and the cozy chaos of my living room. Vegan broccoli and cheese casserole in the oven, two eight-week-old kittens, Toast and Sunny, causing a ruckus – it's podcasting in the real world, folks!

Now, let's kick off our storytelling journey with a series on "Stuck," my first feature film as a visionary tiny-budget indie filmmaker, premiering in six weeks at the Women Texas Film Festival. Today, I'm taking you back 20 years to the birth and rebirth of "Stuck." – back when I was navigating the rollercoaster of life, riding the wave of my acting career, and faced my first nervous breakdown at 26. The story begins in Weehawken, New Jersey, with a screenplay sparked by my grandma's Alzheimer's diagnosis and a serendipitous encounter at the Jersey Garden State Mall. Fast forward through a rollercoaster of attempts, setbacks, and life changes, and here we are, on the cusp of a film premiere.

So, buckle up for a wild ride as we unfold the journey of "Stuck" – a tale of determination, growth, and the perfect timing of life. Uncensored.  Unedited.  Just Jenni.

Like, comment, review, follow, and subscribe. Your support keeps this podcast thriving.

I'm Jenni Tooley, and I'm so grateful you've joined me on this debut episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingenue”. Until next time, love and happiness to you all.