Episode 213: When Things Go Wrong

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 stories from my coaching journey — including what I’ve learned from over two decades of helping actors tap into the truth of who they really are and what’s possible for them. 🎯 Ready to refocus on your dream? Click below to book a free consult: 👉 Book your Working Actor Road Map consult with Peter Whether your focus is on commercials, film, television, or theater — I’ll help you clarify the next right step. Rate & Review If this episode helped raise your energy or shift your mindset, would you take a second to rate and review the show? Your support helps more actors find the guidance they need. Until next time, stay safe — and treat yourself real well. 💛

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-worth is tied to your productivity — this episode is for you. Resources & Links: 📝 Mandy’s Burnout Recovery Guide: Check out her Substack post on Burnout with a 7-week stretch goal list to help you gently stay engaged with your creative life while recovering. 💛 Need support? Peter Pamela Rose’s Weekly Adjustment coaching group is a safe, nurturing space to reconnect with your creativity and confidence. Learn more & join here. 📬 Got questions or want to share your burnout story? Email us or DM us on Instagram @actingbusinessbootcamp. Memorable Quotes: “Burnout isn’t a failure of willpower — it’s your body saying, this isn’t sustainable.” — Mandy Fisher “You don’t owe the world your exhaustion. You don’t have to become a cautionary tale just to prove you were committed enough.” “Tiny exits count. Letting yourself be imperfect in public counts. You’re allowed to take the slow way home.” If this episode resonated with you, please: Share it with a fellow actor or artist who might be carrying too much. Leave us a rating & review — it really helps other creatives find us. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Stay connected: Instagram: @actingbusinessbootcamp Website: www.actingbusinessbootcamp.com Substack: Mandy Fisher on Burnout & Creative Life

🔊 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 How to get off the perfection treadmill and start building actual trust The 3 big pillars of your VO career: Trust, Consistency, and Risk 🔥 Key Takeaways “Templates can be a great starting point. But they are not the finish line.” “Trust isn’t something you get. It’s something you build—with your voice, your choices, and your actions.” “Being the most talented person in the booth doesn’t matter if clients don’t trust your process or presence.” “Consistency isn’t sexy, but it is the backbone of a sustainable career.” 🛠️ Tools & Tips You Can Use Right Now ✏️ Write your cold emails like you're texting a friend—not like you're begging for a job. 🎯 Don’t just say what you do—say why you’re reaching out and make it personal. 🤖 Be human. In an AI world, real voice cuts through the noise. ↻ Don’t ghost your outreach—consistency builds trust (with clients AND yourself). 📩 Drop the “Dear Sir.” Use contractions. Sound like you. 💬 My Challenge for You Take 10 minutes today to peek at your emails, your reels, or your site. Ask yourself: Does this actually build trust—or am I just trying to sound impressive? And if it’s the second one, don’t panic. It’s fixable. Just start small, tweak a little, and keep showing up. 📁 Wanna Practice This? 💥 Let’s do this together! Join me in one of our Voiceover Gyms—monthly $35 drop-in classes where we stretch your VO muscles, get feedback, and sharpen your tools. It’s low-pressure, high-impact, and actually fun. Reserve your spot → 👋 Stay Connected Peter Pamela Rose – Instagram | Website Mandy Fisher – Instagram 🎧 Listen Now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Preview Text (for email/newsletter use): Why voiceover templates might be sabotaging your business—and what really builds trust in a crowded, AI-saturated industry.  

In this episode, I’m getting real about something every actor struggles with at some point in their journey: the frustration of not seeing the success you know you’re capable of. Inspired by a powerful passage from Jen Sincero’s You Are a Badass, I explore how your dream career (yes, including that dream agent, those callbacks, and the big booking) isn’t out there in the future… it’s already here, waiting for you to meet it at the right frequency. If you’ve ever asked yourself: Why isn’t this working? Where’s the success I’ve been working so hard for? Why do I feel like I’m doing everything right, but nothing’s landing? …then this episode is for you. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the success you’re looking for is already here (and how to tap into it) How energy, mindset, and “vibrational frequency” impact your acting career What You Are a Badass teaches us about staying present and attracting opportunity How to tell if you’re just on the wrong “level” — and how to shift your energy upward The real reason self-doubt keeps sabotaging your career momentum The #1 mindset mistake I see actors make when success feels out of reach 🧭 My Personal Story (Yes, It Involves LAX and the Wrong Terminal!) I share a real-life moment that perfectly illustrates what it feels like to be this close to the career breakthrough you want — but not quite aligned with it. Think you’re just unlucky? Think again. It might be your energy that’s off, not your effort. 💬 My Challenge to You: The life and career you want are not only possible — they’re available right now. But if your thoughts, energy, and daily habits don’t match the level of what you desire, you won’t be able to see the opportunities that are right in front of you. Let me help you get into alignment. 🎯 Ready to Work Together? If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to shift your mindset, raise your energy, and finally start seeing the results you deserve… 👉 Click here to book a free consult with me — let’s talk about your goals and how we can bring them into reality. Or check out my Working Actor Road Map program — a step-by-step career strategy for actors who are ready to stop spinning their wheels and start booking the work they’re meant for. 📚 Resources Mentioned: Jen Sincero’s book: You Are a Badass (highly recommend!) My free consultation link: Book here The Working Actor Roadmap: Learn more 💌 Stay Connected: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review! And if you want weekly tools, mindset tips, and business strategies for actors, join my newsletter — I’ll be in your inbox every week with fresh insights to keep you inspired and in action. Until next time — stay safe and treat yourself really well. xo, Peter Pamela Rose

Why Your Energy May Be the Missing Link to Booking Work Have you ever looked at another actor and thought, "They’re not more talented than me... so why are they booking and I’m not?" If so, you’re not alone — and you're asking the exact right question. In a recent solo episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp podcast, I (Peter Pamela Rose) dove into what I call the "X Factor" — that invisible yet undeniable energy that seems to magnetize auditions, callbacks, and career opportunities to certain actors... even if they’re not the most trained or technically gifted in the room. Spoiler: it’s not luck. It’s vibration, energy, and alignment. And if you’ve been hitting walls despite working hard and doing “all the right things,” this post might be the energetic reset you didn’t know you needed. What Is the X Factor in Acting? The “X Factor” isn’t about looks, representation, or even talent. It’s about vibrational alignment — the frequency you’re putting out and how it matches (or doesn’t) with the opportunities you want to attract. Inspired by You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero, I shared how this idea is more than spiritual fluff. It’s rooted in quantum physics: All energy vibrates at a frequency. That includes you, your goals, and yes — your fears. When you’re vibrating at a lower frequency — feeling stuck, unworthy, or doubtful — you repel the very things you’re working so hard to attract. But when you shift your state to feel good, confident, and connected, you become magnetic. The Triangle That Changes Everything To make this actionable, I teach a simple model: 🧠 Thought → 💓 Feeling → 🔁 Action → Thought Your thoughts generate your feelings. Your feelings create your actions (or inactions). And your actions either reinforce or shift your original thought. This loop runs your career — whether you're conscious of it or not. Change your thought, and you change your emotional and energetic output — which changes your results. Two Simple (But Powerful) Energetic Exercises ✍️ Exercise #1: YOU vs. UNIVERSE Diagram Draw a line down the center of a page. On the left: “YOU” — mark 6 inches down. On the right: “UNIVERSE” — mark 2 inches down. This is a visual representation of your current vibration vs. where your desires are. If they don’t match, there’s no energetic “handshake.” It’s time to raise your side of the equation. ✍️ Exercise #2: The Thought-Feeling-Action Triangle Draw a triangle. At the top: “THOUGHT.” Lower corners: “FEELING” and “ACTION.” This tool helps you diagnose where your cycle may be keeping you stuck — and how to shift it in your favor. Why Feeling Good Isn’t Optional "You can’t fool the universe. But if you can raise your frequency just to feel good — you’ll start attracting things that feel even better." That quote from Jen Sincero hits home because it’s the foundation of everything I teach: When you feel good for the sake of feeling good, your vibe aligns with your desires — and the universe responds. In one Weekly Adjustment class, a student practiced this and within minutes received a text from a filmmaker offering her a role — someone she hadn’t spoken to in years. That’s not luck. That’s synchronicity. That’s alignment. Ready to Raise Your Frequency? If you’re curious about how to work with these concepts in real time — with support, community, and over 100 hours of powerful content — I invite you to check out The Weekly Adjustment, my mindset coaching group for actors. 🎁 Special Offer: 👉 Click here to learn more and claim your listener-exclusive bonus Love the Podcast? Help Us Out ❤️ This podcast is 100% unsponsored and made with love. If it’s helped you, please take 30 seconds to leave us a 5-star review. It helps more actors find their way to this work — and that means a better, more energetically aligned industry for all of us. Let’s Stay Connected Peter Pamela Rose – @actingbusinessbootcamp Mandy Fisher – @mandyfishervo 🎧 Listen to this episode now — and start attracting the career (and life) you truly want.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this empowering solo episode, voiceover actor and coach Mandy Fisher poses a bold question that every actor must learn to answer with confidence: “Are you a good actor?” We’re taught from day one to expect rejection in this industry—but rarely are we taught to say yes to ourselves first. Mandy breaks down why internal validation is the foundation of success and how your energy, mindset, and self-belief shape every audition, job, and opportunity. 💡 Key Takeaways: Your Confidence Sets the Tone: If you walk into the room unsure if you belong, others will sense it. Start with a Daily Practice: Ask yourself: Am I a good actor? Am I an expert storyteller? Am I worthy of this career? Am I ready for my next opportunity? Your answer needs to be YES—every single time. Don’t Wait for External Feedback: Casting directors and agents often won’t tell you what you did right. Create your own feedback loop by reviewing your past work and tracking your progress. Rejection Hits Different When You’ve Already Said Yes to Yourself: A “no” becomes part of the process—not a blow to your self-worth. Progress Is Quiet: Celebrate subtle wins—more callbacks, better auditions, stronger connections. 🛠️ Resources & Coaching: Build unshakable belief in The Weekly Adjustment (mindset + core work) Stay focused and supported in The Weekly Accountability Group Book a 1:1 session with Mandy or Peter for coaching tailored to you Join Mandy’s monthly Voiceover Gym to keep your VO skills sharp and bookable 🧠 Your Homework: For the next 14 days, ask yourself daily: “Am I a good actor?” “Am I ready for success?” Say it. Mean it. Own it. 📣 Connect with Us: Coaching & programs: www.actingbusinessbootcamp.com Instagram: @actingbusinessbootcamp You are enough. You are ready. The “yes” starts with you. 🎭

Hey there, it’s Peter Pamela Rose. In this episode, I’m getting real with you. After what feels like forever since I last recorded (even though I know that might not be true if you’re bingeing episodes!), I’m back to talk about something that’s been coming up a lot in my weekly classes—how to deal with fear, anxiety, and overwhelm when the world feels like too much. Whether you're feeling the pressure of what's going on globally, or you're just tired of asking yourself, “How the hell did I end up back here again?”—this episode is for you. Here’s what we get into: The Serenity Prayer and how I actually use it in my daily life A simple but powerful tool called “Just For Today” The difference between your conscious and subconscious mind Why it feels so hard to change—and how we actually can And how to keep your actor mindset strong when everything feels uncertain This episode comes straight from the heart—and from what’s been resonating in my Weekly Accountability Group and The Weekly Adjustment class, where we dive into both the business of acting and the emotional and mental work behind it. 🎯 Want to try one of my classes for free? Come join me on Fridays from 12–2 PM Eastern. You’ll get the full live experience and access to over 100 hours of recorded content to watch on your own time. 👉 Click here to try a class free Also, if you haven’t already listened to the two-part interview with Erik Passoja about AI and the future of acting—please, please go check that out. And if you’ve got questions, send them in! I’m bringing Erik back for a follow-up episode and I want to include your voice in that conversation. Thanks for listening. Be safe, stay grounded, and treat yourself real well. With love and gratitude, Peter Pamela Rose 💛 🧠 Quote of the Day: “Just for today, I have food in my belly, a roof over my head, and money in the bank. And that’s all I need.”  

Thinking about attending a voiceover or acting conference? Conferences can be an absolute goldmine for networking, learning, and career growth—but only if you go in with a plan! In this episode, Mandy Fisher shares her personal experience attending (and now avoiding) conferences, including why she prefers virtual attendance due to being partially deaf. More importantly, she breaks down exactly how to make a conference work for you so you don’t just leave with a pile of swag and a drained bank account. Learn how to: ✅ Identify your specific goal before attending ✅ Research attendees and speakers in advance ✅ Develop a tight, compelling elevator pitch ✅ Network like a pro without being salesy ✅ Follow up after the conference to build real connections Whether you're a first-time conference attendee or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you maximize your investment and leave with meaningful industry relationships—not just free pens. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Know Your Why: Be clear on what you want—clients, agents, casting connections, or coaching. 🔹 Do Your Research: Check out the speaker list, social posts, and attendee rosters. 🔹 Craft a Strong Elevator Pitch: Who you are What makes you unique Why people should care 🔹 Engage, Don’t Just Sell: Instead of forcing your business card on strangers, start conversations with curiosity: “I loved what you said about industry trends. What do you think is next?” “How did you land that TikTok project? What was that process like?” 🔹 Follow Up Like a Pro: Send emails within a week Connect on social with a personal message Take notes to remember key details 🔹 Mandy’s Conference Checklist: ✅ Research the attendee list & make a target list ✅ Polish your online presence & elevator pitch ✅ Pack your business cards (yes, people still use them!) ✅ Bring a phone charger (you’ll need it!) ✅ Attend the right panels & introduce yourself ✅ Follow up with new contacts within a week Resources & Contact: 📲 Follow Mandy Fisher: TikTok: @AstoriaRedhead Substack: Find her content here Email: [email protected] 📢 Let us know what conferences you’re attending! Tag us on social or send us a message—we’d love to hear about your experiences! 🎭 Join the Acting Business Bootcamp Community: Want more industry tips and career guidance? Visit Acting Business Bootcamp for coaching programs, insider insights, and more. 👉 And remember—wear comfy shoes! 🎧 Listen now and get conference-ready!

In today’s episode of the Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast, Mandy Fisher dives into a crucial topic for actors and entertainment professionals—the balance between authenticity and privacy online. With social media playing a major role in personal branding, many performers feel the pressure to share intimate details to connect with their audience and industry decision-makers. But where is the line between being real and oversharing? Mandy unpacks the risks and consequences of unchecked openness in the entertainment industry, including how it can impact casting decisions, make audiences uncomfortable, and even invite scrutiny. She also shares practical tips for determining what to post and what to keep private, all while maintaining a strong, engaging online presence. Plus, she challenges you to be intentional about what you share over the next month—because authenticity is powerful, but so is discretion. Key Takeaways: 🎭 Why actors instinctively overshare online (and the risks involved) 📣 The difference between advocacy and venting on social media 🎥 How your online presence affects casting directors and producers 🤔 A simple self-check before you post: "Would I say this in a casting meeting?" 📌 Why specificity and intentionality are the keys to a strong brand Resources Mentioned: 📺 Skamanda on Hulu – A case study on social media and storytelling 📺 An Update on Our Family on HBO – The impact of online sharing in real-time Connect with Mandy: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📲 TikTok: @AstoriaRedhead 📝 Substack: The Actor’s Index 🎬 Go kick some ass today—but don’t show those butt cheeks! 😆

In last week’s episode, we explored the fascinating yet daunting world of AI in the entertainment industry. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, stop right now and go back! Everything we cover in this episode builds on what we discussed previously. In this follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Erik Passoja—an AI expert and industry professional—who provides deeper insight into how AI is reshaping the acting world, especially in voiceover work. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—Erik offers practical ways to navigate this shifting landscape while empowering actors to embrace their expertise. You Are the Expert One of the most impactful takeaways from this episode is Erik’s powerful statement: “When you perform, you are the expert.” As AI continues to evolve, actors must remember that what makes them unique cannot be replicated by machines. AI can generate voices and even expressions, but it cannot create the deep emotional connection that comes from human experience. Your authenticity, presence, and ability to breathe life into a character are irreplaceable. The Rise of AI in Voiceover and Performance Erik discusses Eleven Labs, a company that has mastered AI-generated voice replication. With just seconds of recorded speech, they can generate a synthetic voice pattern nearly identical to the original. While this technology is exciting, it also raises significant concerns about privacy, copyright, and ethical use. One shocking example Erik shared was how a deepfake voice of President Joe Biden was used in a robocall scam. This highlights the dangers of AI voice cloning and underscores the importance of protecting actors’ voices and performances. How to Protect Yourself as an Actor So, how can actors ensure they remain in control of their work in this evolving AI landscape? Here are some key takeaways: Read your contracts carefully. If you’re represented, make sure your agent is reviewing all AI-related clauses. If you’re non-union, be extra cautious. Look for AI-related language. Contracts should specify that your voice, image, or likeness will not be used beyond what was originally agreed upon. Stay informed. The entertainment industry is actively working on protections, such as digital watermarking, which will help track AI-generated performances and ensure fair compensation. Advocate for AI ethics. Legislation such as the No Fakes Act is currently being proposed to regulate AI use in entertainment. Call your representatives and voice your support! AI as an Opportunity, Not Just a Threat While AI presents challenges, it also opens new possibilities. AI could potentially be used to generate passive income for actors by licensing their voices for ethical projects. With proper regulations and safeguards in place, AI could create opportunities rather than replace human talent. Overcoming Overwhelm Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. The key to staying grounded is focusing on what you can control: Stay present. Instead of getting lost in fear of the future, focus on honing your craft. Take care of yourself. Avoid getting consumed by the doom-and-gloom AI narratives—spend time in nature, engage in self-care, and nurture your artistry. Keep storytelling alive. As Erik eloquently put it, storytelling is what has connected humans for thousands of years. AI may change the industry, but it will never replace the need for powerful human performances. What’s Next? We want to keep this conversation going! If you have any questions about AI and its impact on acting, click the link in the show notes to submit your questions. We’ll be gathering them and bringing Erik back for another episode where he’ll address your concerns. Also, if you feel like you need to hit the reset button on your 2025, I’m opening up free consults again! If you want to take charge of your acting career with clarity and confidence, click the link in the show notes to set up a session. Claim Your Free Consultation! Are you ready to take your acting career to the next level? I’m offering free consultations to help you gain clarity, confidence, and actionable steps to move forward. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, let’s talk! Click the link in the show notes to book your free consultation today. As always, stay safe and treat yourself real well. Until next time!