Best Maggie Bera Podcasts (2024)

1
what you can do right now for your acting career + why i hate ‘survive till 2025’ 7:39

1d ago7:39

7:39

I hate “survive ‘till 2025” with a burning passion and no, you can’t change my mind. Listen, we’ve still got 4 months left in this year and there is a LOT that we can do. So I’m talking about why the phrase 'survive till 2025' is detrimental to actors and offering actionable advice we can all do instead. Don’t wait for this unpredictable, unreliabl…

1
Why film, tv, and commercial actors need to care about the video game strike with Zeke Alton & Sarah Elmaleh 29:56

5h ago29:56

29:56

Another strike? Whattt?? That’s right. Video game actors are standing up to big corporations and taking a stand for all of us. In an industry that makes more than sports and TV profits COMBINED, video game artists are continuously being neglected by one of the most lucrative industries in the country. As key figures in SAG-AFTRA negotiations, actor…

1
a beginner's survival guide to TECH WEEK (ahhhhhh) 22:09

7d ago22:09

22:09

The spookiest week of the year... and it's not Halloween (even though TJMAXX put out all their Halloween decorations already... can't we have one more month of summer?!) Going into a tech week of her own, host and actor Maggie Bera breaks down exactly what to expect walking into tech week for a musical. Buy the Fontus lozenges here. Have a topic su…

1
Side Hustles, Actor Mental Health, and Avoiding Burnout | BRITTANY RIZZO’S “MY ONLY FRIENDS” PODCAST 24:02

12d ago24:02

24:02

We’re shaking things up today with me being the guest on Brittany Rizzo’s “My Only Friends” podcast! This is a small segment of our full hour long conversation, but it was one that really resonated with me. I openly share my mental health journey, and the way that I’ve grown to approach finances as an actor. Success is what we make it and how we de…

1
what to expect if (AND WHEN!) you book a regional theatre contract 31:20

29d ago31:20

31:20

If you're not performing professionally on Broadway, on tour, or on a cruise ship, where might one find work? Regional theatre! In this episode, actress and host Maggie Bera breaks down booking regional theatre jobs, packing and travel tips, Non-Equity vs Equity contracts, Equity Chorus contracts vs Equity Principal contracts, out-of-town actors vs…

1
(BONUS) Booking My Recurring Role on Bosch Legacy: A Look into the Patreon Podcast 36:48

1M ago36:48

36:48

I’m releasing one of my Patreon podcasts for free here to share the journey of my booking on Bosch Legacy! On the Patreon, I share my real, unfiltered, unedited thoughts on the most pivotal moments in my career and my life. My Bosch booking was everything to me, not only because they called me back for multiple episodes, but because it happened rig…

1
Be “Radically Content” w/ Author Jamie Varon PT 2: Jealousy, Rest, & Living a Creative Life 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

Back for Part 2 of our conversation with bestselling author Jamie Varon, we take a dive deep into the emotional rollercoaster of achieving creative milestones. Jamie shares her candid thoughts on comparison, jealousy, and the often unspoken realities of success in the creative world. From discussing the pressure of social media portrayals to the di…

1
Be “Radically Content” w/ Author Jamie Varon PT 1: Success, Self-Worth, and the Waiting Game 36:31

2M ago36:31

36:31

What happens when all your dreams come true? You book the job. You publish the book. You become rich and successful. Do you start to treat yourself better because of those accomplishments? Often, the answer is no. Bestselling author of “Radically Content” and “Main Character Energy” Jamie Varon is here to share her journey with self-worth as a crea…

1
I went to 5 Equity Auditions in NYC in one day... here's what I learned 39:34

2M ago39:34

39:34

From working your side job in the holding room, to playing the waiting game, to Equity audition rules (and unspoken rules), to running around NYC signing up before the audition closes, this episode literally has it all. 40 minutes of JAM-PACKED info you'll want to hear before your next audition. Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed …

1
WORKING ACTOR LIFE | Actors on Social Media, IATSE Strike Talks, and Industry Uncertainty 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

Gabrielle and I are BACK! We are discussing the current state of the acting industry, dealing with silence, managing expectations during uncertainty with the IATSE strike talks looming, and the evolving nature of actors and influencers. No matter how you feel about social media, we share our experiences on how it has helped us as SAG influencers, a…

1
performing at 54 Below in NYC... how to get involved in your next show 13:47

2M ago13:47

13:47

You're scrolling through YouTube and you see yet another Broadway star performing a song at a fancy cabaret... chances are, they're singing at 54 Below!!! But did you know you don't necessarily need to be an established performer with an insane resume to perform there? Tune in to learn how you can get involved in your next show. Have a topic sugges…

1
when should I join actors' equity? (here's your answer!!!) 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

When exactly should I join Equity? How will I know when the time is right for me? Is it worth it? Answering the NUMBER ONE question we get here to better help you understand how the union works... and what makes the most sense for YOU! Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com. Visit actoraesth…

1
Mom and Dad: supporting an actor in the family 35:51

3M ago35:51

35:51

I’ve done the impossible. I convinced my mom and dad to be on the podcast. I know, we thought it would never happen and yet here we are! I am so proud to bring on Rich and Debbie Valentine, and interview them on what it was like to raise an actor and support me in my dreams. You may not know this, but I didn’t come from a creative family. It’s real…

1
Let’s Talk the SAG Influencer + Podcast Contracts with Sue-Anne Morrow & Shaine Griffin 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

Have you always wondered about making your podcast union? Or using your content to pay into your pension and health? Today, I’m bringing on two SAG staff members in charge of these contracts to talk ALL about the Influencer and Podcast Agreements. Sue-Anne Morrow and Shaine Griffin get into a comprehensive discussion about SAG AFTRA, and the conver…

1
what to do when you have to sing a POP SONG for a musical theatre audition 13:06

3M ago13:06

13:06

Have an audition coming up? Hadestown? Mean Girls? Six? Guess what... chances are you WON'T be singing a musical theatre song. These days, professional musicals are very heavily calling pop songs for their initial auditions. Why? Many of them are BASED in pop music! Hence... casting directors are now asking you to bring in a song off the radio. Hav…

1
Maggie Bera on Theatre in NYC & Making it on Broadway 47:52

4M ago47:52

47:52

Waiting in line since 5am. Spending 8+ hour days for an audition you may never get. Having to find the best audition material to match the tone of the show you want. These are the realities of theatre actors, and I’m bringing on the one and only Maggie Bera to take us through the current state of theatre in New York City. This one is for all of the…

1
217. Working Actor Life: Learning to Pivot, Local Hires, and How the Industry Has Changed 36:22

4M ago36:22

36:22

Gabrielle is now my roommate and you can be sure to let Caleb and Corey know. No, but really, we have spent a LOT of time together recently and we wanted to sit down together and really get into how living with each other has given us brand new perspectives on the industry. We have each gained a better appreciation for truly how different actor’s l…

1
the pros + cons of pursuing your PASSION in theatre as a a career 24:13

4M ago24:13

24:13

Getting to do something you love every day? YES. Getting PAID to do something you love every day? HECK YES. Going months not knowing when your next acting job will be? Needing to work another job to sustain yourself in the meantime? Facing daily rejection? The what-ifs? Only defining your self-worth by how "successful" you think you are in the indu…

1
216. Embracing Change: How to Transform the Rest of Your 2024 (Part 4) 20:49

4M ago20:49

20:49

In the final episode of the April series on the One Broke Actress podcast, we are focusing on looking back at all of our past goals and what we want to change going forward to get us closer to our ideal more. I’m going to introduce an equation to help you set up the next three months of your life, focusing on accomplishing and enjoying what's been …

1
moving to NYC to pursue musical theatre? here are your options (and why Hoboken is cute) 23:28

5M ago23:28

23:28

Ask your friends who moved to NYC which neighborhood they live in. Harlem? Hamilton Heights? Washington Heights? Or do they live out in Queens? Brooklyn? Maybe they live across the water in New Jersey... Hoboken? Weehawken? Jersey City? As a 2 year Hoboken resident, host Maggie Bera gives you her tips for moving to Manhattan, and why you may just w…

1
215. Dreaming Big: How to Plan Your Perfect Morning (Part 3) 16:31

5M ago16:31

16:31

We are onto Part 3 of our April series on resetting and evaluating our goals. This week, I invite you to do something: figure out what your perfect morning looks like. In your dream life, what do your days start with? I’m going to challenge you audience to outline your ideal morning because, trust me, this exercise will help us all tie our current …

1
214. Reflecting and Resetting Goals: Where Do You Put Your Energy? (Part 2) 15:21

5M ago15:21

15:21

Building off of our work in Week 1, we are going to do a Quarter 2 reset of our goals. What did you do in the first three months of the year that you wish you could do different in the next three months? I’ll be asking some questions to get your minds going, and help you analyze where you’ve directed your time and mental energy so far and how to ch…

1
213. How to Readjust Your Acting Career (Part 1): Reflecting on Goals & Celebrating Victories 23:28

5M ago23:28

23:28

We are going to do a little mini series for the both of April where we focus on resetting our goals and structuring routines. I’ve noticed and also felt the low morale we all have post-strike here in the entertainment industry, and I want to help us all get through it a little bit easier. I am going to empower you, yes you, to take charge of the ar…

1
best advice for non-union actors at Equity auditions in NYC (including the "unofficial list) with Spencer Martinez of Limelight 22:41

6M ago22:41

22:41

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER! In this episode, host Maggie Bera has the absolute honor of chatting with actress Spencer Martinez. You may know her from her platform, LimeLight - a community that has revisioned the industry by taking care of the masses. Spencer Martinez, a South Jersey native with a love for Musical Theatre, earned her BA at FDU, becomi…

1
212. ASK ME ANYTHING | Patience, Day Jobs, Pet Peeves, My Inspiration, How I Feel About My Acting Career & More 24:31

6M ago24:31

24:31

We are doing an Ask Me Anything!! From where my career is at to what my biggest pet peeve is, I answer all of your questions. We start off with me telling you about my upcoming commercial headshot session, my honest feelings about the slow pace of the industry currently, and why community is so important to staying hopeful during quieter periods. T…

1
211. It’s Never Too Late to Start: Sean Alexander James on Acting, Mental Health & The Will to Succeed 46:57

6M ago46:57

46:57

Have you ever thought that you’re too old for this business, or that you’re aging out, or that there’s somehow a timeline on your dreams? Well, hate to break it to you, but none of those things are true. Acting is a lifelong art, and I’m bringing on Sean Alexander James (CSI: Vegas, The Morning Show, 9-1-1) who started pursuing this at 29 and never…

1
taking you through the longest week of my life auditioning, working 9 to 5, and learning new music 22:16

6M ago22:16

22:16

HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL, MAGGIE? In this episode, host Maggie Bera recaps what could possibly be (or at least feels like) the longest week of her life. Lol. And if you're an actor in the city right now, you're probably going thru something very similar. Running back and forth between auditions, working a 9 to 5 in marketing and social media, learning …

1
210. Working Actor Life: VO Dub, Auditions Post-Strike, the 2024 Pilot Season, and the Actor Rat Race 23:47

6M ago23:47

23:47

Gabrielle Byndloss is back to discuss the changing face of the acting industry with me as we look at life post-strike in 2024. We talk about the new auditions we’ve been seeing in the commercial realm that are focused on social media ads, the deal with commercials and streaming, and how the industry is reshaping itself. Pilot season is changing bef…

1
209. Brass Taxes CEO Rus Garofalo on Everything Actors Should Know About Taxes 54:35

6M ago54:35

54:35

We are bringing back Rus Garofalo of Brass Taxes (where I personally do my taxes). He was a hit last year, and he’s back with even more tips to help us all make this terrifying time just a little bit less scary. When it comes to taxes for creative professionals, there are so many nuisances that others don’t have to deal with because it is such a vo…

1
Pre-Broadway workshop of SMASH, starring in SIX on Broadway, and making music with Bella Coppola 36:41

6M ago36:41

36:41

Bella Coppola is California raised, Texas educated, and New York based. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University. She recently finished up playing Jane Seymour in Six on Broadway! She is currently in the pre-broadway workshop for SMASH. Coppola’s music is out on all main music platforms. Check out her popular singles “Forbi…

1
208. What are strike captains up to… Brendan A. Bradley, Brittney Baxter, and Iris Liu on life post-strike 59:20

7M ago59:20

59:20

In this riveting reflecting on the SAG-AFTRA Strike, Paramount Strike Captains Brittney Baxter, Iris Liu, and Brendan A. Bradley share their firsthand experiences from the picket lines. They discuss their motivations for joining the strike, their unique perspectives on union participation, the challenges they faced, and the transformation they unde…

1
there will ALWAYS be another audition... work smarter, not harder! 20:59

7M ago20:59

20:59

Whether this ain't your first audition season rodeo or you’re simply brand new to the city, this episode is packed with a few nuggets of wisdom for ya. Host Maggie Bera dishes her best advice for surviving NYC Audition Season, Equity Principal Auditions and Equity Chorus Calls, and how to work SMARTER and not HARDER as a non-union actor. It takes a…

1
207. Headshots According to LA Photographer Leah Huebner 38:08

7M ago38:08

38:08

In our final installment of the Headshot miniseries, I’m welcoming back someone who I have shot with several times over the last decade: Leah Huebner. If you’ve looked through IMDb or iSpotTV, you’ve seen a Huener Headshot. Leah, a former actress turned professional portraitist, offers her unique perspective on the art and business of actor headsho…

1
"audition season" is my worst nightmare and I WILL come out alive!!!!! 21:55

7M ago21:55

21:55

Feeling absolutely BONKERS this "audition season?" (hate the term but you know what it is) You're not alone. This week we're talking EPAs and ECCs in NYC (all the acronyms, baby), asking for help, reaching out to your sphere, updating your reels and website, and more. Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@act…

1
206. Headshots According to Atlanta Photographer Chase Anderson 28:52

7M ago28:52

28:52

We’re back with another installment in our headshot photographer miniseries with Atlanta based photographer Chase Anderson. Recommended by our resident Atlanta Queen Gabrielle Byndloss, Chase is a renowned photographer who has used his acting experience to enhance his clients session and get shots that work. In this episode we get into Chase's jour…

1
205. Headshots According to LA Photographer Joanna DeGeneres 47:20

7M ago47:20

47:20

Headshots. Every actor needs them. We are constantly wanting to improve each time we take them. And the stress never ends. So, what do we do to approach headshots to successful as possible? I’m going to some of the best in the game to see what they have to say. First up, Joanna DeGeneres. She gives us a detailed guide to mastering actors' headshots…

1
national swing day, college auditions, and learning new skills in 2024 24:21

7M ago24:21

24:21

Celebrating the hardest working people in the biz, chatting about college auditions and how to find peace within the process (trust me you CAN!!!!) and passing the time by learning new skills... (if my little hands can play piano, you can do anything!) Have a topic suggestion you'd like to have discussed on the pod? Email maggie@actoraesthetic.com.…

1
204. Elizabeth Boykewich (Disney Casting Executive & Coach) on All Things Casting 1:09:27

8M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

I’m sitting down with an incredible casting director and personal life coach, Elizabeth Boykewich. Elizabeth has an impressive resume, having worked on shows like 'Good Trouble', 'Pretty Little Liars', and 'The Bold Type'. She provides an in-depth look at the casting process, explaining her role as an executive casting director and how she selects …

1
203. Working Actor Life: An Actor’s Holiday, Social Media, Manifestation, Goals, and Headshots 37:30

8M ago37:30

37:30

Happy New Year!! Gabrielle and I are right back into the swing of things and dive into a candid conversation about the ups and downs of being both actors and entrepreneurs. I just moved, and so it truly feels like such a fresh start. With each fresh start though, it’s so important to set goals and stay on target so we touch on why goals are so toug…

1
going viral online, “what’s next for you?!?” and going after what you want in 2024 23:38

8M ago23:38

23:38

HAPPY 200 EPISODES!!!!!! Join host Maggie Bera as we talk about what you need to know about going viral online (the good AND bad) how to respond when someone asks you "what's next for you?!?!!?" and how we're going after what we want in 2024. LETS GET IT. Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actorae…

1
202. This is Not “Your Year”… 30:56

8M ago30:56

30:56

▶▶ This is a Replay Episode that I think is still super useful. Happy Holidays, everyone!This was going to be a podcast episode just for the Patreon, but I thought that this topic was something that we could all use to set up our 2023 rather than feeling like it has to be "our year" in a career that will take a lifetime. To me, setting ourselves up…

1
set your goals with me for the new year! actors’ edition 24:22

8M ago24:22

24:22

Grab your favorite journal and get comfy because we're going BIG this year. What will 2024 look like for you? Whether you want to book your very first musical or make your Broadway debut, tune in and join host Maggie Bera as we set our goals for the new year. To learn more about Helen on 86th Street the musical, go to http://www.helenon86th.com/. V…

1
10 things that made my life as an actor SIGNIFICANTLY better this year 30:17

8M ago30:17

30:17

Being intentional with auditions. Investing in my physical health. Making financial literacy COOL. Host Maggie Bera is sharing alllllllll the things that helped her build a strong foundation to inch closer to her goals this year. It takes a village :') Visit actoraesthetic.com for more info. Follow Maggie Bera on social media Instagram: @actoraesth…

1
201. How to Rest & Relax in Actor Hustle Culture 28:59

9M ago28:59

28:59

▶▶ This is a Replay Episode that I think is still super useful. Happy Holidays, everyone!I wanted to make a podcast and YouTube video all about what actors actually do over the holidays. I know we always want to be doing something for our careers and using every minute of our time towards the next thing, but rest is a crucial part of being a creati…

1
how I manage my time auditioning, performing, and working a 9 to 5 job 28:13

9M ago28:13

28:13

As an actor, your life is a whirlwind of auditions, rehearsals, performances, and possibly even a day job to pay the bills. During the pandemic, host Maggie Bera began working a full time job in addition to auditioning and performing to keep up with the lifestyle she wants to live. Managing your time effectively is crucial to make the most of your …

1
200. Jealousy & Comparison 18:49

9M ago18:49

18:49

▶▶ This is a Replay Episode that I think is still super useful. Happy Holidays, everyone!I tackle a common challenge faced by actors: comparison and jealousy. With years of experience and personal growth, I touch on how to navigate these emotions when they come up for us, especially because they can really intense during the holidays. Drawing from …

1
199. Working Actor Life: 3 Things We Did Well & Poorly in 2023 45:53

9M ago45:53

45:53

In this episode, I sit down with the fabulous Gabrielle Byndloss to reflect on the past year and discuss our wins and losses, or what we did well and what we did poorly. I’ve been doing this ever since my friend Ashli Pollard shared it with me, and I’ve found it to be a great reflection on my year. We dive into topics like taking control of our mor…

1
198. Casting Directors Erica S. Bream & Cara Chute Rosenbaum on Script Analysis: The Key to Booking the Room 1:04:33

9M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In this episode, Erica S. Bream (Altered Carbon, Star Trek Into Darkness, Echoes) and Cara Chute Rosenbaum (American Crime Story, The Mindy Project, The League) discuss the ups and downs of being actors in the industry. They held a Script Analysis Workshop with The Membership that was so good that I immediately enrolled in their Script Analysis Cou…

1
197. How We Got Here: The Tentative Contract Step-by-Step with SAG Negotiating Committee Members (and fellow actors) Charlie Bodin & Kevin E. West 55:53

9M ago55:53

55:53

The strike is over and the tentative agreement is here for us to vote on by December 5th. To give you all the most information I can during this voting period, I wanted to bring you tow special guests: Charlie Bodin and Kevin E. West, members of the SAG Negotiating Committee. You may know Charlie from Halt and Catch Fire (2014), Good Trouble (2019)…

1
auditioning for your school show? here’s how to deal with cast list anxiety 24:14

10M ago24:14

24:14

Ever been there? It's the morning of the big cast list reveal, and you're practically sprinting to see if your name made the cut. Auditioning for your school musical, whether you’re in high school or college, is not for the weak. But with a strong work ethic, a positive mindset and mentors that can guide you, you’ll get through the process just fin…

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