The Global Actor

It's 2026 and this episode is more relevant than ever. The Federal Reserve recently revised the U.S. Job growth statistics for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 to accurately reflect the numbers. There were ZERO jobs created. It's more important than ever to be thinking of yourself as an entrepreneur and the creative CEO of YOUR actor or creative business and make sure you're diversifying your company's portfolio.Let’s dive into a career pivot that had the greatest impact on my journey— discovering audiobook narration. If you find yourself hustling waiting tables, driving uber or working other non-creative jobs that suck your energy and leave you feeling exhausted… there is another way, and this episode is for YOU!We'll explore the powerful practice of checking in with yourself and your business, and discuss how moving into audiobook narration can provide both creative fulfillment and financial stability. I'll share my personal story of transitioning from theatre roles to becoming a sought-after audiobook narrator, highlighting actionable strategies that led me to book over 175 audiobooks. You'll learn why audiobook narration leverages your acting skills, how it can position you as an industry leader without needing an agent, and why it's a brilliant way for union actors to reap SAG-AFTRA benefits. Plus, discover how building repeatable systems in this niche can offer you the flexibility and independence to thrive. If you’re ready to take the plunge into audiobook narration, you’re in for actionable insights and a special invitation to my free live class, "Narrate Your Way to Abundance." Let’s dive in!This Episode features a new intro/outro published today and main content published 9/5/2024Links:Begin or expand your audiobook narration journey via my free class - Narrate Your Way To Abundance https://audiobookadventure.com/class/The Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Helene McCardle, James Reitz, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. Thank you, we are so grateful for you! Grow in community with us! If you’re listening to this and want to go deeper into the podcast content and explore behind-the-scenes adventures, we’d love to invite you to our patreon! Our next Celebration & Intentions event happens Friday, April 3, 2026. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheGlobalActor

It is such a joy when I have the opportunity to connect with an author who’s words I’m bringing to life via the audiobook. And it’s even better when the content is values aligned for me AND I get to share the conversation with you!Unwritten by Emily Crookston is a no nonsense guide for business owners who know they have a book in them but can never manage to put aside the time to make it happen. And the audiobook, narrated by me, is out now, too.Whether you consider yourself a business owner with a framework to share or not, this episode will help you keep taking action - whatever your creative endeavor.So, put down your syllabi and grab your oracle cards—it’s Emily Crookston, the rebel ghostwriter with yogic energy and a cause. Unwritten rules, cold plunges, and that fearless leap from academia into the wild world of thought leadership. Overthinking gets the boot, intuition takes the wheel… Whether you’re curious about ghostwriting, facing a creative crossroads, or wondering where human creativity fits in the age of AI, this conversation is for you. Emily shares candidly about ditching academia, facing imposter syndrome, and how yoga, cold plunges, and a sense of play helped her quiet her inner critic and finally leap into entrepreneurship.Links:Curious about whether writing a book is the right move for you? Get Emily Crookston's Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business BookIn Print: https://www.amazon.com/Unwritten-Thought-Leaders-Overthinking-Business-ebook/dp/B0DFYT7XWR/or In Audio: https://www.amazon.com/Unwritten-Thought-Leaders-Overthinking-Business/dp/B0DK7Z87WFTo receive Emily’s Free Gift Sign-up for the Pocket Ph.D Newsletter by visiting her website! https://www.thepocketphd.com/Connect with Emily On LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emilycrookston/Begin or expand your audiobook narration journey via my free class - Narrate Your Way To Abundance https://audiobookadventure.com/class/The Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Drumsinger Michelle, Helene McCardle, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. Thank you, we are so grateful for you! Grow in community with us! If you’re listening to this and want to go deeper into the podcast content and explore behind-the-scenes adventures, we’d love to invite you to our patreon! Our next Celebration & Intentions event happens Friday, April 3, 2026. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheGlobalActor

Milena Pagan traded an MIT-trained engineering path for the heat of the kitchen and never looked back. Elise sits down with the James Beard-nominated, Food Network-winning chef and founder of Little Sister to talk quitting “stable,” setting goals that actually work, building boundaries to avoid burnout, and designing a creative life that fits.Roll up your sleeves, grab a coffee, and hit play! This one’s to help you make your creative life sustainable, joyful, and authentically YOU.Links:To Read Milena’s Blog or for information on traveling  visit https://www.milenapagan.comReserve, Visit, Dine Little Sister PVD, RI https://www.littlesisterpvd.com/Stop in @ Rebelle Bagles Cambridge, MA https://www.rebelleartisanbagels.com/Follow on Instagram:@milena.pagan @littlesiderpvd @rebelleartisanbagelsExpand your entrepreneurship today via Narrate Your Way To Abundance Free Class https://audiobookadventure.com/class/The Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Drumsinger Michelle, Helene McCardle, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. Thank you, we are so grateful for you! If you’re listening to this and want to go deeper into the podcast content and explore behind-the-scenes adventures, we’d love to invite you to our patreon! Join us at https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheGlobalActor

Is there really enough work out there for all of us as actors?Can you actually make the leap from side hustles and scarcity to creative abundance—and what does it look like to manifest those opportunities?You've heard the whispers: "There's no work," "Don't get into audiobooks," "If you share, there’s less for you..."But what if the truth is there’s so much more available than you think?This week on The Global Actor Podcast, I’m thrilled to introduce you to the bright light who is award-winning audiobook narrator and actor, AhDream Smith! A graduate of The Great Audiobook Adventure™ with over 40 audiobook titles, an AudioFile Earphones Award, and a background in both regional and Off-Broadway theater, she’s living proof that a creative life built on service, abundance, and integrity is possible.Let’s keep the convo going beyond today’s episode!Links: ✨ Enrollment is now open for The Great Audiobook Adventure™ at  www.audiobookadventure.comJoin us for our Next Celebrations & Intentions Room happening Friday, Feb 6th - https://www.patreon.com/posts/celebration-149768530The Girls Who Grew Big ~ Leila MottleyStrange Fruit ~Ya Ya Schoefield @chasingAhDreamNarrate Your Way To Abundance Free Class https://audiobookadventure.com/class/The Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Drumsinger Michelle, Helene McCardle, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. Thank you, we are so grateful for you! If you’re listening to this and would like to be a part of our patreon community we would love to have you and support you there! Head over to https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheGlobalActor

Audiobooks are still a phenomenal place to grow your creative career in 2026, and in this episode I’m sharing one of the biggest reasons why: the odds and access can be wildly better than traditional submissions.When a publisher requests an audition, you’re often one of only a handful of narrators they reached out to, not one of 2,000 actors submitting for the same TV role. That shift changes everything: momentum, confidence, and consistency.We talk about what “publisher-requested” really means, why it boosts booking odds, and how to start playing the long game so opportunities come to you.Key Topics include:🎤 Why audiobook narration remains a reliable income stream in 2026—even in the age of AI🎤 Stats and stories about working actors earning at least $25k+ per year from narration🎤 The ongoing demand for human connection through storytelling🎤 How audiobook work supports union actors in reaching SAG AFTRA health and pension minimums🎤 The power of building relationships with publishers—leading to more direct bookings and fewer auditions🎤 The creative satisfaction and confidence boost narrators experience from consistent, meaningful workLet’s keep the convo going beyond today’s episode!✨ You’re invited to my upcoming LIVE class Narrate Your Way to Abundance, happening later this month, where I’ll break down the audiobook path, teach you tools to get started and answer your questions in real time. www.audiobookadventure.com/classLinks: Narrate Your Way To Abundance Free Class https://audiobookadventure.com/class/The Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Drumsinger Michelle, Helene McCardle, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. Thank you, we are so grateful for you! If you’re listening to this and would like to be a part of our patreon community we would love to have you and support you there! Head over to https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheGlobalActor

Step into your “star power” to become a BOOKING MAGNET!Whether you're an actor, multi-hyphenate creative, or anyone looking to bring more authenticity, focus, and abundance into your career, this episode is for you!In this inspiring conversation, award-winning actress, coach, and “booking magnet” Christine Horn breaks down what it really takes to attract opportunities, own your gifts, and stop playing small.We get into: ✨ Why it’s time to stop hiding your gifts—and how sharing your unique blend of talents is actually an act of service✨ How to move past the “old rules” of being just one thing and embrace all the creative hats you wear✨ What “playing small” really means, and how to overcome the thought patterns that keep you stuck✨ How industry expectations around self-promotion and marketing yourself have changed—and why it’s essential✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from Christine Horn’s standout TV roles (including Timeless and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), and the power of representationGet Christine’s Booking Magnet Blueprint here: https://hollywood-bound-actors.kit.com/blueprint!Want more Christine inspo? Follow her on IG @hollywoodboundactors: —-If you’re enjoying the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d leave a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Audible. It’s a small, free moment of support that helps The Global Actor™ Podcast reach more storytellers like you. 🎧✨The Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Drumsinger Michelle, Helene McCardle, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. We are so grateful for you! Come join the party over on The Global Actor Patreon, where the podcast continues with extra resources, bonus episodes, and community support. patreon.com/theglobalactor 🎧✨

In this special live episode of The Global Actor Podcast (recorded at the Dream Big, Plan Smart Retreat in Providence, RI) Elise sits down with returning guest Angel Pean—a three-time Audie Award–winning narrator, on-camera actor, and thriving multi-hyphenate. Together, they dig into the reality of building a sustainable, joyful, and authentic creative career—even when dreams shift.This episode is for you if you:✨ Crave insight on shifting your mindset from scarcity to abundance in the arts ✨ Need permission to let your career evolve and celebrate where you are now ✨ Want practical tips on negotiating rates and advocating for your worth (with real examples!) ✨ Are curious about stepping into mentorship, leadership, and the power of community ✨ Feel stuck— or super busy, even – juggling “too much of a good thing” and wondering how to build your own support teamInside, you’ll hear open conversations about: 🔥 Navigating unexpected wins, setbacks, and self-care as a working artist 🔥 The value of mentorship and community in keeping your creative spark alive 🔥 How to move from feeling like a freelancer to confidently running your own creative businessPlus: Angel Pean shares her favorite recent projects (including a Good Morning America Book Club pick and an award-winning audiobook), what it’s really like to negotiate renewals and rates, and why connecting in-person with creative peers can be fuel for your journey.Tune in for an honest look at defining success on your own terms—and how to keep moving forward, wherever you are in your career.Then, get your own plan in place for the New Year with the Dream Big, Plan Smart framework via our 5-day free training here: https://bit.ly/dreambigplansmartLinks: Hear Angel’s narration of JUNIE by Erin Crosby Eckstine here and connect with Angel further here: angelpean.comThe Global Actor Podcast is brought to you in large part by sustaining contributions from our amazing Patreon Supporters; Thank you, thank you! Special Shoutout to Creative Powerhouses: Darcey Rhoads, Drumsinger Michelle, Helene McCardle, Lori Holt, Maria Makis, Patrick Tokarz, Philip Estrin, Rachael Warren-Allen, Roodley Dorleans, and Shelley Philips who are supporting at our highest level. Thank you, we are so grateful for you! If you’re listening to this and would like to be a part of our patreon community we would love to have you and support you there! Head over to patreon.com/theglobalactor

Seasonally, it’s a great time to prune back some of the old growth! Elise is joined by studio wrangler and creative co-conspirator: Justin Marra.They're doing some emotional fall cleaning, sharing bittersweet goodbyes, and garden metaphors galore. The dynamic duo reveal the signs you should look for to know when it's time to kill your darlings--welcome to a fresh-cut all new Global Actor Podcast episode!If you like what you hear please leave a positive rating and review, especially on Audible and Apple podcasts.Then join us over in our brand new Patreon Community for our companion “Shaking the Tree” Podcast and more insider content and support ✨ : https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheGlobalActor/membershipConnect with us anytime on Instagram @theglobalactor The Global Actor is always free to listen to, but it isn't free to make. Please consider supporting the show by joining our Patreon. There you can engage with other listeners, enjoy behind the scenes content, and watch our companion video podcast "Shaking The Tree" where you can learn more about what's happening bts at TreeCave Creative and The Global Actor.