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Second Act Actors
EP 114: Jodie Bentley: Actor & Career Coach
In this episode of Second Act Actors, Jodie Bentley shares her journey into acting and the challenges she faced in pursuing her passion. She discusses the pressure to choose a practical career and the mindset blocks she had to overcome regarding money and worth. Jodie also talks about the power of curiosity and how it played a role in her personal growth. She shares her experiences in the acting industry and the importance of narrowing focus to find success. Finally, Jodie discusses her transition into coaching and offers insights into marketing and branding for Canadian actors. In this conversation, Jodie Bentley discusses the importance of branding and how it helps actors stand out in the industry. She emphasizes the power of specificity and how it opens doors for actors. Jodie also highlights the need for actors to define their own path and not be swayed by external expectations. She shares insights on how to overcome age and identity challenges and find authenticity in a noisy industry. Jodie encourages actors to take control of their careers and offers advice on navigating the industry's noise. Connect with Jodie Bentley on her website and social media platforms for more guidance and support.
Takeaways
- Overcoming mindset blocks around money and worth is crucial for success in the acting industry.
- Curiosity and a growth mindset are essential for personal and professional growth.
- Narrowing focus and finding a niche can lead to greater success in the acting industry.
- Marketing and branding are not about bragging, but about authentically sharing your talent and point of view. Branding is about knowing who you are and defining your own path in the industry.
- Specificity is key in standing out and attracting opportunities.
- Overcoming age and identity challenges requires embracing authenticity and knowing your unique strengths.
- Navigating the industry's noise requires discernment and focusing on what you truly need.
Jodie Bentley https://jodiebentley.com/
Work With Jodie! https://www.actor-insider.com/
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204. EP 204: Meg Maguire: Talent Agent
36:27||Season 1, Ep. 204This week's industry guest is Meg McGuire, a Toronto-based talent agent who transitioned from stage management and acting to representing some of Canada's top comedic talents. Learn about her insights into the industry, managing comedians, and advice for actors navigating their careers.In this episode:Meg's unique path to becoming a talent agentThe skills she applied from stage management and theater to her role as an agentHow to effectively communicate with your agent for better opportunitiesThe challenges and rewards of working with comedians versus dramatic actorsTips for actors on preparing self-tapes and maintaining motivationNavigating career changes and the importance of mentorship and ongoing learningThe importance of love for the craft over fame in acting careersTimestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Meg McGuire, talent agent at Baxter Agency 02:06 - Meg's journey from community theater to agency work 03:32 - Transition from stage management to talent representation 08:01 - Skills from stage management that help in talent agency work 10:48 - A typical day in the life of a talent agent 13:30 - How actors can support their agents through communication 15:07 - The nuances of working with comedians and comedy acting 17:07 - The skills inherent in comedy and how actors can hone them 19:02 - The impact of live energy versus self-tapes in comedy 22:24 - The emotional highs and lows of talent management 23:02 - Advice for actors entering the industry later in life 24:53 - The role of patience, persistence, and understanding industry dynamics 25:11 - When and why actors might consider changing agents 28:49 - Building long-term relationships with agents 31:55 - Memorable moments and success stories in Meg’s career 33:07 - Upcoming projects and personal milestones 35:03 - Final words of wisdom for aspiring actorsResources & Links:The Baxter AgencySecond CityToronto's Comedy Scene
6. Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now? w/ MAYA RITTER
55:05||Season 2, Ep. 6In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did.
5. Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now? w/ BARRY CLIFTON
53:52||Season 2, Ep. 5In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did.
4. Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now? w/ EMILY SLAUGHTER CARVER
25:00||Season 2, Ep. 4In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did.
203. EP 203: Kathleen Munroe: Actor, Writer, Musician, Director
01:36:16||Season 1, Ep. 203She's BAAAAAAACK!!!Settle in, get yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy the longest episode of Second Act Actors to date. Kathleen Munroe has an amazing story to tell and this episode is everything you need to hear in this dumpster fire world.
3. Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now? w/ TRISH RAINONE
04:57||Season 2, Ep. 3In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did.
2. Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now? w/ HASSAN JOSEPH
06:46||Season 2, Ep. 2In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did.
1. Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now? w/ MADELINE DeCORSO
38:59||Season 2, Ep. 1In this special Second Act Actors: Where Are They Now series, host Dr. Janet McMordie revisits past guests to see how their journeys have evolved since their original episodes. From career pivots and creative breakthroughs to pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns, these conversations explore what a “second act” really looks like over time.This series shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the realities of building a creative life at any age. Our story didn't end when the episode did.
202. EP 202: LIVE EPISODE RECORDING!!! Kathleen Munroe, Jo Vannicola, Tricia Black and a special appearance by Eric Johnson
01:19:07||Season 1, Ep. 202I am so thrilled to bring you to recording of my second live charity episode! This episode was also a celebration of 200 episodes of Second Act Actors!!Three incredible actors joined me: Kathleen Munroe, Jo Vannicola, and Tricia Black! We chat about their careers, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories reveal the complexities of transforming a passion for acting into a sustainable career and highlight the power of resilience, personal growth, and the support of a creative community.This was a charity fundraiser for The Get Real Movement, a Canadian non-profit focused on combatting 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and bullying in schools, summer camps, and workplaces.If you would like to donate to our fundraiser, click here!