The Tony Rossi Show

Today's episode features Allison Grischow. Allison Grischow is a Chicago-based actor, improviser, musician, voiceover artist, and aerialist. They hold degrees in Theatre and Music from Valparaiso University as well as Second City’s Music Improv Conservatory. She has studied Contemporary British Theatre in the heart of London and the Stanislavsky tradition at the Moscow Art Theatre School. Recently you may have heard their voice on The Onion's podcast, "The Topical" or singing and running through fake snow in The Lilly Theater's production of The Magic Snowman. She is the founder of the small business The Joyful Actor and believes that actors and creatives deserve to be joyful in their work and create practices that are sustainable and fun.  Connect with Allison & the Joyful Actor Instagram:  @algrisch @thejoyfulactor    The Joyful Actor Website:  www.thejoyfulactor.com   Actors Access Resume:  https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/allisongrischow   Consensual Pod's "Ten Week Turnabout" on Spotify (You can

Today’s episode features mental health educator & professional, Abraham Sculley. Abraham Sculley is an educator who shares his personal experience with depression to inform and inspire others. Abraham uses his personal story and professional expertise in the field of mental health to conduct suicide prevention training programs, host mental health awareness workshops, and educate others about the unique challenges the black community faces regarding mental illness.  He has impacted numerous audiences around the country, including professionals in health care organizations, leaders in for-profit organizations, nationally acclaimed non-profit agencies, and college students and professors at major universities. Connect with Abraham!  Instagram: @abrahamsculley Website : www.abrahamsculley.com HEADS UP -  This episode will include:  Strong language Mentions of Suicide Mentions of Depression Mental health-related challenges  Episode topics:  Abraham’s experience getting married during a pandemic His j

Today’s episode focuses on actor safety - with an emphasis on the pandemic. We’re talking with talent agent and actor Duane Sharp. More about Duane  Duane Sharp founded Chicago Talent Network, a full service non-union talent agency, in the spring of 2018 with his business partner Renee Ertl. One year later they started Milwaukee Talent Network and formed the Talent Networks Co. Duane has been a non-union talent agent in the Chicago/Milwaukee market for over 25 years. Duane is lucky enough to be the husband of photographer and sound engineer Jenn Udoni-Sharp and father of 6 year old Joe’Ann. As an actor Duane moved to Chicago in the late 1980’s after graduating from the University of Kansas and studied improvisation at The Second City and with the late Del Close. He has worked with Steppenwolf, Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare and Court as well as many off loop theaters. He is a founding member of Shaw Chicago. Film & TV credits include Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq, Chicago Fire, Public Enemies, Road to Perdition and S

Today’s episode features Nicole Baker - a former actress turned life coach.  More About Nicole: Nicole Baker is a Life and Mindset Coach trained in Neuro Linguistic Programming based out of Chicago, IL. As a Coach, she works with aspiring achievers who are ready to get out of comfort zone and helps them fully step into the life of their dreams! She is also the host of the Life Coach Baker Podcast, an entrepreneur, blogger and goal smasher extraordinaire!    Stay connected with Nicole!    The Life Coach Baker Podcast Spotify  iTunes Check out the episode where she interviews Tony here Instagram  Blog Website    HEADS UP -  This episode will include:    Mention of an abusive relationship An experience with a condescending teacher Strong language    What we talk about this episode:    A simple trick we can all do to boost our mood Why it’s okay to let ourselves have moments of pain Why shoving down our feelings doesn’t work How to move through feelings - with an exercise!  What we’re all guilty of th

Today's episode features Chicago filmmaker, Addison wright. Addison is a Chicago native filmmaker and director. From visualization to execution, his goal is to push the culture and change perspectives. Directors like Spike Lee, Hype Williams and Spike Jonze inspired his passion for film. Addison has 7+ years of filmmaking experience and aims to inspire people with his creativity. Follow Addison Website: www.addisonjwright.com Instagram: @addisonwright     Episode highlights His first dream that was shattered in college How he managed to keep his scholarship, despite his setback The story of the Hiplet Ballerinas here in Chicago The lack of representation in dance A story of artists who are frequently criticized by people who also mimic their work! A career milestone of Addison’s that quickly met adversity The questions Addison asks when facing adversity How to stay creative when there’s so much fear A humbling reminder all artists need to hear about feeling uncreative    Links  Hiplet: Because We Can (fi

Today’s episode features actress and certified life coach, Courtney Rioux.  As an actor, you may have seen Courtney Rioux most recently on Chicago Med or heard her voice on a Jimmy Dean commercial, but Courtney is much more than an actor. And she wants you to know that you are much more than your job, your bank account, and your social media followers, too. She shares what she learns from her own growth and transformation with humor and insight to inspire you to create a life of joy, freedom, and abundance.  Sign up for her V.I.P. updates at CourtneyRioux.com and look out for her upcoming podcast, The Whole Artist with Courtney Rioux. Instagram is her drug of choice. Follow at @courtneyrioux      Follow Courtney!   Instagram: @courtneyrioux Website & Newsletter: www.courtneyrioux.com  The Whole Artist Podcast: https://podclubhouse.com/category/twa-pods/ Teachings: Check out https://www.thegreenroomstudio.tv/ to see availability!  Check out her coaching replays and Zoom recordings! https://vimeo.com/cour

Today’s episode is with Chicago actress Aneisa Hicks. Follow Aneisa  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aneisa.hicks Instagram: @AneisaJene TikTok: @aneisahicks Interview Highlights: Ways to answer “What have I seen you in?” Her experience working in “Graveyard Shift” at the Goodman Theatre How she started giving herself permission to take breaks in between shows Her story of losing a family member during tech week What to remember when comparing to other actors Learning how to say “no” to a project Why health is so important How health isn’t just about looks  Why we try to “please people from our past” and why it’s unnecessary  How Aneisa rewires her brain to love herself  What social distancing has taught us   Links referenced   Team Beachbody:www.teambeachbody.com/tonyrossi Books  T is for Transformation - Shaun T Tony’s reading list   Previous Episodes Why Bookings Aren’t Our Work - Patrick Mulvey    Have you signed up for the free actor self-care newsletter?  Head on over to www.tonyro

Are you finding yourself posting about “controversial” topics more lately? Are you talking more about racism, police brutality, or politics? And are you worried what people might think of you?  If the concept of having difficult conversations is new to you - I get it. It’s new for me too. Here’s why I’m speaking up and why it isn’t as “bad” or scary as you might think. Previous Episodes Speak Up! Difficult Convos & Emotional People - with Mel B Cook  Books Me and White Supremacy - Layla Saad  Listen to this on Audible with a free trial  Videos on racism Trevor Noah - “There Is No Right Way to Protest”  Shawn Stevenson sharing what we can do to combat racism  Rachel Rodgers - “Marie Forleo and the Good White Liberal Response” Donate to Brave Space Alliance  Have you signed up for the free actor self-care newsletter?  Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com to sign up for the free actor self-care newsletter. I’ll share tips, tricks, and stories (that I don’t post anywhere else) every

There’s a lot of people scared.  There’s even more people who have *been* scared. After a weekend of protests that spread across the country, many people have questions: “What can I say right now? How can I help? How can I speak up and share my voice without offending others?” This week, we’re talking to speaker, coach, and communication expert, Mel B. Cook. Let's talk. Let's learn.   About Mel B: Mel B. Cook has been dominating in life and business since she was 16 years old. At an early age, she understood the importance of self-discipline, hard work, and consistency. Mel has served in leadership, managerial, and other influential roles for several Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and health systems. Mel followed her entrepreneurial passion to become the CEO of Suite Conversation, where she teaches the art of communication to increase your revenue, relationships, and results. Outside of being a seasoned professional, Mel is survivor of sexual assault, abandonment, a broken home, and depression. She

“I was robbing the camera of myself” - Patrick Mulvey Today’s interview is with Chicago actor, Patrick Mulvey.  Patrick Mulvey received his Bachelor's degree from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. While in the UK he starred on the BBC series River City and worked with the National Theatre of Scotland and the Globe Theatre in London. Other theatre credits include TimeLine Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and Broadway in Chicago. He went on to play Tony in the nine-time Tony award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical on Broadway. He has also appeared in Cirque de Soleil's production of Baz Luhrmann: For the Record. Recent television credits include CSI: NY, NCIS, Chicago PD, and Fox’s Proven Innocent. He was recently recurring on the hit shows Empire, Chicago Fire, and the Girlfriend Experience. This past spring he played the title role in David Auburn's world premiere adaptation of The Adventures of Augie March at the Court Theatre.    Episode topics:  How to separate work-life balance  Patrick’s doubts

Today’s episode is an interview with actor and career coach, Elise Arsenault.  In this episode, you’ll hear about…. Paying attention to warning signs when it comes to choosing projects  Why you don’t need to say yes to everything. How Elise decompresses given the stressful circumstances these days Tools and tips for staying sane while social distancing The importance of establishing your mission statement Why not to let your zip code define you.    Get to know Elise!  Elise Arsenault, Career Coach + Founder of The Global Actor, is known for bringing focus + direction to actors' careers by helping them "live where they want + work when they want".  She is an award-winning actor, with roles ranging from stage to screen. Her voice can be heard on national commercials, industrials and video games. Elise is the narrator of over 100 audiobooks.    Access Your Free Gifts From Elise: Free Guide + Video Series: #GlobalActor VO Starter Kit For actors who are ready to dip their toe in and find out more about how to ge

Whether you're stressed about COVID19, or just hella frustrated with the challenges that come with acting - this episode shares strategies from meditation teacher, life coach, and happiness trainer - Kelsey Mathes.  What we chat about Why we're married to our stress (and what to do about it) A strategy to check in with yourself and adjust your day, based on how you're feeling The difference between needing a break versus "just not feeling like doing the work." Avoiding guilt when you need self care time Avoiding guilt when you actually feel okay, but know others don't feel the same About Kelsey Kelsey Mathes is a Chicago-based world traveler, and Happiness Trainer, specializing in Vedic meditation and holistic nutrition. Kelsey's mission is to help clients uplift their lives utilizing ancient, tried-and-true systems, while making them practical for the modern person. She believes if it's not practical, it won't work, and empowers her clients by teaching them how to be self-sufficient.  Get to know Kelsey W

Welcome to Actor Problems - a self care podcast for actors. My name is Tony Rossi. While this podcast used to be called "The Tony Rossi Show," we're now switching so that the content is 100% focused on the mental health and well being of actors. Today is a quick introduction of who I am, why I'm an advocate of self care, and how Harry Potter changed my life.   Have you signed up for the free actor self-care newsletter?  Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com to sign up for the free actor self-care newsletter. I’ll share tips, tricks, and stories (that I don’t post anywhere else) every week, just for artists.  OH - and you’ll also gain access to my free give away, “How to Win the Day!”    Through my own self care routine, I’ve identified three ways you can win the day and make it much easier to experience more positive emotions. Whether you’re going to a day job, heading to an audition, or having one of those “I don’t have time to eat or sleep!” weeks - this audio has some tips for you.   Wanna chat with me

Welcome to the Actor Problems Podcast - a self-care podcast for actors. My name is Tony Rossi. I'm a Chicago based actor as well as a mindset coach and Backstage guest expert. I help actors see things differently with the things that make them stressed and overwhelmed - so that we can focus on what really matters. This journey can be hard: Endless rejection. Constantly comparing ourselves to our peers. And often feeling like the harder we work, the further we are from our goals!  If we don't make our mental health a priority - that is when the burnout starts.  But I truly believe that not only we can see things differently - we can also be messy and still get the things that we want. I'll see ya on set :)  #notperfect - Let's go get 'em actors.  Have you signed up for the free actor self-care newsletter?  Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com to sign up for the free actor self-care newsletter. I’ll share tips, tricks, and stories (that I don’t post anywhere else) every week, just for artists.  OH - and

Today is a great day to revisit one of my favorite episodes with certified life coach and working actor, DaJuan Johnson. DaJuan Johnson is an actor recurring on BOSCH (Amazon), with credits including Grey’s Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Days of Our Lives, and General Hospital. Despite having an impressive resume to his name, he still felt he was missing something. So he started Think Bigger Coaching, where he helps actors “STOP spinning and start focusing their dreams, setting some attainable goals and getting to that Oscar speech they've practiced so many times in the mirror!” He also runs a free facebook group, the Think Bigger Tribe, where he’s constantly giving away free information to actors! Check out today’s interview, plus his links and resources below: Think Bigger Coaching: www.thinkbiggercoaching.com Think Bigger Tribe: www.facebook.com/groups/thinkbiggertribe DaJuan’s Actor Website: www.dajuanjohnson.com DaJuan’s new podcast - “Think Bigger Actor Podcast”  Connect with DaJuan! Instagram: @dajua

Today’s episode features the #StayAtHomeActor series hosted by Elise Arsenault. I was invited to join as a guest for episode one! The following is a clip from my interview portion of the episode. To hear the full episode, as well as full access to the entire #StayAtHomeActor series and giveaways - head over to www.stayathomeactor.com and request access. (It’s free!)  Working Actor + Career Coach + Founder of The Global Actor, Elise Arsenault is known for bringing focus + direction to actors' careers helping them "live where they want + work when they want". From NY to LA, Atlanta to Portland & abroad, Elise's clients receive not only tangible results (more bookings, new representation, etc.), but a mindset to support it all! Elise is a Backstage Expert and has served as both director + producer for theatrical productions across the country. This episode features episode one of the #StayAtHomeActorSeries, where Elise interviews myself :)    To know more about Elise and the #StayAtHomeActor Series:  #StayA

Anyone feeling lonely? As someone who is experiencing social distancing alone in a studio apartment - I've sure felt this. To make matters more challenge, I recently lost my job - which gave me a whole plethora of connections to people (virtually). But how much of this "I am alone" negative chatter is actually true? This week I share a story of when I was spiraling - and the realization that came from it. Feel free to use these ideas the next time you feel the same.    Have you signed up for the free actor self-care newsletter?  Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com to sign up for the free actor self-care newsletter. I’ll share tips, tricks, and stories (that I don’t post anywhere else) every week, just for artists.  OH - and you’ll also gain access to my free give away, “How to Win the Day!”  Through my own self care routine, I’ve identified three ways you can win the day and make it much easier to experience more positive emotions. Whether you’re going to a day job, heading to an audition, or having one

Today we're revisiting an interview with my friend from the UK - Ross Grant. (Don't worry - there's a new intro!)  Ross is an actor from Urmston, Manchester and graduated from the Manchester Metropolitan University School Of Theatre in 2005. Since graduation, he's obtained credits in multiple BAFTA-winning TV series, including the critically acclaimed 'Don't Take My Baby', where he played the role of Mike. Ross is also an established voiceover artist and an industry-leading high-performance mindset coach. He's the creator of the UK's largest professional and social network for actors - 'Act On This - The TV Actors' Network', as well as the world's first positive psychology program for actors - 'Bulletproof Actor'. More on Ross Grant and Act On This TV   Instagram Twitter  Act on This TV - Facebook Group (with Live broadcasts every Monday at 3pm central time) Ross’s Vlog: #WatchRoss  Act On This TV Website Facebook Twitter Instagram  Bulletproof Actor Program   Have you signed up for the free actor self-

Today we're revisiting a conversation (with a new intro!) with an old friend - Wendy Braun.  She's an accomplished actress, success breakthrough expert and inspiring speaker, referred to by many supporters as “a positive + uplifting force in the entertainment industry.”   You may recognize Braun from her standout performance for the last three seasons in her recurring role on Netflix’s Atypical, and from recent appearances on Grey's Anatomy, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Documentary Now, The Mentalist, and Criminal Minds, to name a few.   With over 75 TV + Film credits, over 100 commercials + thousands of voiceovers, Wendy has combined decades of invaluable on-set experience with her passion for inspiring others.  She’s the CEO + founder of ActorInspiration.com, where her transformational tools + powerful teachings have helped thousands of actors overcome obstacles + create breakthrough success.  Her students have gone on to become Series Regulars, perform on Broadway, win awards on stage + screen, all w

With social media being such a great resource for all of us to connect - has anyone else noticed a spike in their comparison levels?? (Raises hand). This week, we're sharing 3 things to remember to help alleviate comparison to your peers - regardless how you're spending your social distancing time.  Have you signed up for the free actor self-care newsletter?  Head on over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com to sign up for the free actor self-care newsletter. I’ll share tips, tricks, and stories (that I don’t post anywhere else) every week, just for artists.  OH - and you’ll also gain access to my free give away, “How to Win the Day!”  Through my own self care routine, I’ve identified three ways you can win the day and make it much easier to experience more positive emotions. Whether you’re going to a day job, heading to an audition, or having one of those “I don’t have time to eat or sleep!” weeks - this audio has some tips for you. Head over to www.tonyrossicoaching.com now and sign up for the email newsletter to g