Today I want to talk about something that comes up in almost every coaching session I have with actors.

Fear.

Not just nerves before a big audition. Not just that pit in your stomach when you hit “submit” on a self-tape.

I mean the kind of fear that quietly shapes your entire career. The fear that keeps you playing small, second-guessing yourself, or holding back in moments when you need to be bold. The fear that convinces you maybe this dream isn’t really for you.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “What if I can’t handle it?”—you’re not alone. And that’s exactly what this episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast is all about.

The Root of Fear in an Actor’s Life

Fear is instinctual. It’s wired into us. Back when humans were being chased by saber-toothed tigers, fear served a purpose—it kept us alive. But today? That same adrenaline spike shows up when you’re waiting outside a casting office or uploading a tape for your reps.

A...

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I think we all struggle with at some point—especially if you’re a voice actor, on-camera actor, or creative trying to “make it”: shiny object syndrome. You know the feeling. You see someone post about a fancy new mic, a game-changing workshop, a big booking, and suddenly you're wondering… should I be doing that too?

I’ve been there. I’ve spent the money. I’ve chased the dopamine hits. And I want to talk honestly about how jealousy, comparison, and impulse spending can quietly erode your confidence, your clarity, and your career.

This one’s for the overthinkers, the late-night scrollers, the folks who are constantly trying to prove they belong. You don’t need to spend your way into success. You need a strategy. And maybe a little tough love. That’s what this episode is all about.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why shiny object syndrome shows up so often in creative careers

• How to tell the differ

  ...

How to Land Acting Work in Smaller Markets (And Why It’s More Accessible Than You Might Think)

Have you ever thought that real acting work is only found in big cities? Like you have to be in New York or LA to make it? I used to think that too. But my conversation with actor Aaron Marcus on the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast really shifted that perspective.

About Aaron Marcus
Aaron Marcus has been a full-time actor for over 40 years, with nearly 1,300 bookings across film, TV, commercials, and more. You might have seen his scene with Tom Hanks in the film A Man Called Otto. Aaron started his acting journey in a small market, with no connections and no clue how to break in. After figuring it out through trial and error, he dedicated himself to helping others avoid those same pitfalls. He’s led over 800 workshops on three continents and offers private virtual coaching sessions to share his hard-earned wisdom.

You can learn more about Aaron’s work, watch his free quick-tip videos,...

It’s Mandy Fisher here, your Voiceover actor and creative coach. Today I want to dive into something that’s been on my mind a lot: how the neuroscience of decision-making can help us as actors and creative professionals. Because we’re not just making choices in auditions or on stage. We’re making decisions every single day that shape our careers, relationships, and—let’s be real—our self-worth.

How the Brain Guides Our Creative Decisions

Let’s talk brain science for a sec. The prefrontal cortex? It’s the part of the brain handling complex thoughts and decisions, like our personal command center. Think of it like that alien in Men in Black—the one sitting up front, pulling the strings. Then there’s the hippocampus, which stores memories and helps us imagine what’s next. They’re constantly in conversation, helping us weigh options and see potential outcomes.

Understanding how these parts of the brain work together is powerful. It reminds us that strategic thinking isn’t just some ...

When we talk about acting tools, we usually mention headshots, reels, technique, or coaching. But punctuation?

Not so much.

And yet, punctuation—something you probably haven’t questioned since middle school—might be interfering with your most natural, honest performances.

The Problem Most Actors Don’t Know They Have

You get a script. Maybe it’s commercial copy, maybe it’s a scene. And without realizing it, your brain starts obeying the punctuation.

Comma. Small pause.

Period. Full stop, drop your pitch.

Exclamation mark. Boost the energy, punch the line.

Your body responds to those tiny marks automatically. But here's the thing: those cues might not match what your character is actually feeling. They might even contradict the emotional truth of the scene.

If you’ve ever given a read that felt stiff, too “correct,” or like something was missing… this might be why.

Why Punctuation Feels Helpful (But Can Hurt)

Punctuation is meant to clarify meaning in writing. It’s useful w...

Episode Summary:

Feeling stuck? You are so not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest roadblocks I see actors (and creatives of all kinds) face: procrastination.

I’m breaking down my signature framework—the **3 P's: Perfectionism, Procrastination, and Paralysis—**and showing you how procrastination is often just fear wearing a clever disguise.

I’ll help you reframe your stuck-ness, understand what’s really going on underneath the delay, and—most importantly—take messy, imperfect, courageous action.

And yes, I’m also sharing how the energy behind procrastination doesn’t just slow you down…it actually blocks your creativity, your confidence, and even your opportunities.

Whether you’re stuck in your acting career, your voiceover hustle, or anywhere in life where you’re overthinking and under-doing—this episode is here to help you shift into action mode.

What I cover in this episode:

• How perfectionism leads to procrastination…and then straight into paral...

Welcome back to the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast! 🎙️

I'm Peter Pamela Rose — casting director and certified life and career coach for actors. My mission? To help you break down the business of acting into clear, actionable steps that move your career forward.

In today’s episode, I dive into a powerful concept from Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider — the idea that we are constantly choosing between two mindsets: the dream and the nightmare.

💭 Are you focused on the dream of your acting career?
Or are you unconsciously living in the fear-based nightmare?

You’ll learn:

• The energetic difference between fear and love thought systems

• How most actors get stuck in low-level energy (victimhood, passivity, conflict)

• Journal prompts to help you shift into a dream-focused mindset

• Why your thoughts directly impact the speed and direction of your success

• A practical visualization exercise that will change how you show up

Plus, I’ll share a few personal...

Episode Summary:

In today’s solo episode, Mandy Fisher gets real and raw about something that far too many actors and creatives are experiencing but not talking about enough: burnout.

This isn’t your typical “self-care” pep talk. This is a grounded, honest conversation about the soul-deep exhaustion that can hit even the most passionate, high-achieving creatives. Mandy shares her personal experience with burnout — how it feels, why it happens, and what it actually means — and offers a compassionate, human-first way to start recovering.

You’ll learn:

• Why burnout isn’t a failure — it’s a warning light

• What it actually feels like (and how to spot it early)

• Why pushing through doesn’t work (and what to do instead)

• Small, sustainable ways to start healing — without quitting your career

• How to rebel gently against a system that demands constant output

If you’ve ever felt like your passion is slipping away, your to-do list is a brick wall, or your self-wort...

🔊 Episode Summary

Hey hey! It's Mandy Fisher here, and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on something I see way too often in the VO world—over-relying on email templates to do your marketing. Especially the kind that demo producers hand out like candy.

If you’ve ever sent one of those plug-and-play emails and heard crickets, this episode is for you. I’m digging into why that approach might be sabotaging your chances—and what to do instead. Because while templates can save you time, they can also strip away the one thing that books the job: your voice.

So let’s get into how you can show up more authentically in your outreach, stand out in a sea of sameness, and most importantly—build trust.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Why those “proven” VO templates often fall flat

• How sounding like everyone else kills your shot at connection

• The real reason you're not getting replies (and it’s not your talent)

• Why your unique voice is your superpower in cold outreach

...