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What does it really take to build a creative career that lasts—not just survives, but thrives?
In this powerful episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole sits down with legendary artist, author, and educator Dr. Synthia St. James to break it all down.

From painting the iconic cover of Waiting to Exhale to creating the historic Kwanzaa postage stamp, Dr. St. James shares how she transformed raw talent into a globally recognized brand. This is not a “wait to be discovered” story—this is a masterclass in self-determination, strategy, and creative ownership.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
• How to balance day jobs without dimming your creative fire
• Why PR, licensing, and visibility matter more than you think
• How to stop asking for permission and start building power
• What it really means to design your own creative lane

Whether you’re an actor, painter, writer, or multi-hyphenate creative navigating Los Angeles, Hollywood, or your own corner of the world, this episode delivers real-world wisdom you can apply now.

This is your reminder: your art is valuable, your vision matters, and your career deserves intention.

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a creative who needs a mindset shift.
Let’s stop waiting to be discovered and start becoming undeniable.

#ActingSmarterNow #CreativeCareer #MasterTheBusinessOfArt
#ActingCareer #CareerAdvice #HollywoodInsights
#ArtTips #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ArtCareerAdvice #BuildYourOwnPath
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - Passion for Art
06:40 - Artistic Inspiration
09:38 - First Art Sale
11:21 - Parental Support for Artists
19:26 - Return to Los Angeles
22:08 - Importance of a Day Job
26:35 - Transition to Acting
28:20 - Inner City Cultural Center
30:15 - Finding an Agent
34:00 - First Job Experience
36:35 - First Art Exhibit
42:40 - Shift to Abstract Art
49:07 - Teaching Business to Artists
51:45 - Licensing Art Decisions
57:41 - Benefits of Licensing
1:02:30 - Kwanzaa Stamp Creation
1:07:15 - Artist Responsibilities
1:19:41 - Birthday Trips Reflection
1:20:28 - Starting Self-Care
1:22:15 - Regular Self-Care Trips
1:25:54 - Setting Goals as a Youth
1:30:08 - Incorporating Affirmations
1:32:34 - Exercises for Artists
1:35:48 - Tips for Emerging Artists
1:39:59 - Promoting Your Art
1:44:35 - Embracing Technology
1:51:29 - Legacy Aspirations
🎬 Welcome to Lydia Nicole’s World! 🎤

Get ready to dive into the bold, hilarious, and downright inspiring universe of Lydia Nicole—a creative dynamo who’s worn all the hats: actor, stand-up comedian, writer, producer, music marketer, and even radio programmer. Basically, if Hollywood had a Swiss Army knife, it would be Lydia!

🔥 What’s in it for you?
✨ Candid conversations with industry pros—actors, producers, and creatives who’ve been there, done that, and have stories to prove it!
✨ Insider secrets to Hollywood’s glitz and grind, sprinkled with Lydia’s signature wit and wisdom.
✨ The Acting Smarter Now series—think of it as your go-to guide for acting, resilience, spirituality, and surviving the wild world of showbiz with your soul intact.

But wait, there’s more! Lydia’s channel is packed with acting tips, industry hacks, and real-life lessons that’ll have you laughing, learning, and leveling up in your career. Whether you're dreaming of your big break, plotting your next project, or just here for some juicy Hollywood tea, this channel is your backstage pass to a smarter, funnier, and more fulfil

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Unlock the secrets to mastering dramaturgy and transforming your acting career! In this episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole dives deep into valuable insights every actor needs to know, featuring an exclusive interview with Che'Rae Adams, the artistic director of PlayPen Theater and a skilled dramaturge. Discover how techniques like the Michael Chekhov movement-based approach can accelerate character development, avoid emotional burnout, and build authenticity in your performances. Che'Rae shares her journey from actor to director, tips for writing solo shows, and the importance of collaboration in the creative process.

Whether you're preparing for a one-person show or navigating the complexities of Hollywood, this video is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your craft. Learn how to create impactful scenes, refine your storytelling, and develop meaningful industry relationships. Plus, hear how theater can change perspectives, shape communities, and fuel your creative legacy.

Don't miss out on these essential acting tips and career strategies! Hit that like button, subscribe to the channel, and share this video with fellow creatives. Let’s turn your passion into unstoppable success. #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingclasses #Hollywoodinsights #dramaturgy #MichaelChekhovtechnique #creativejourney #careeradvice #actorslife

#actortraining #dramaturgytips #soloshows #soloperformance #playwritingtips

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - Michael Chekhov Technique
03:39 - Transition from Acting to Directing
05:26 - Internship at the Mark Taper Forum
08:20 - Internship at the Seattle Rep
10:57 - The Road
12:35 - Writer Guidance in Theatre
15:27 - Concept Sentence vs Logline
16:38 - Writing Your Own Project
21:00 - Writing Process Tips
23:24 - Che'Rae’s 6-Week Class
27:18 - Timing for Writing Your Story
32:59 - Processing Trauma Before Performance
35:55 - Rewriting Techniques
39:05 - Workshopping Plays
43:35 - Rehearsal Strategies
48:40 - Learning from Designers
50:20 - Actionable Feedback for Directors
53:20 - Teaching Boundaries in Theatre
56:32 - Actor-Director Communication
1:04:00 - Rehearsal Time Management
1:05:14 - Importance of Internships
1:10:38 - Building Relationships in Theatre
1:22:57 - Setting Artistic Goals
1:28:54 - Community Involvement in Theatre
1:35:03 - Fundraising and Grant Writing
1:36:46 - New Play Development Insights
1:39:53 - Love for Theatre
1:40:44 - Legacy in Theatre
1:43:10 - Appreciation in Theatre
1:44:05 - Supporting PlayPenn

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As the new year approaches, it's time to focus on your **acting** **career**! I'm sharing essential insights on **how to set goals** and cultivate the **success** mindset you need to thrive. This episode is all about **personal development** to prepare for an incredible year ahead.
Stop wasting time on ineffective resolutions—discover the actor’s guide to setting real, powerful goals 🎯. Whether you’re a new actor or a seasoned pro, this video breaks down how to set clear, intentional targets to supercharge your acting career. Learn what separates goals from tasks and resolutions, how to turn ambition into action, and the secrets to staying motivated when the industry feels overwhelming.

Lydia Nicole brings her years of experience as an actor and producer to share inspiring personal stories—including how goal-setting helped her land roles with legends like Robert Redford and produce award-nominated films. You’ll hear actionable tips on creating a vision for your career, aligning your goals with purpose, and avoiding common pitfalls that hold actors back.

If you’re tired of drifting and ready for structure, clarity, and momentum, this video is your roadmap to success. Gain insights into the importance of creative maintenance and learn why setting goals regularly is essential for staying ahead in Hollywood. Don’t let another year pass by without progress—your career deserves direction, and your dreams deserve to be realized.

Watch now to transform your acting journey, subscribe for more empowering content, and share this video with fellow creatives who need a boost! #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingtips #Hollywoodinsights
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - What are Goals
02:25 - What Goals Are Not
06:01 - Why People Get Goals Wrong
07:39 - Setting Goals from a Young Age
12:12 - Setting Goals for Your Career
13:14 - How to Set Goals
18:09 - Don’t Let Your Feelings Stop You
20:02 - How to Win Awards
27:05 - Benefits of Goal Setting
28:47 - Why Actors Must Set Goals Regularly
33:18 - Goal Setting Workshop for Actors
36:20 - Sign Up for the Actor Goal Setting Workshop
37:38 - Ongoing Goal Setting After the Workshop

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Ready to stop waiting for your acting career to magically take off—and finally take the wheel?
Hollywood rewards the bold, and if you're reading this, that means you're ready to step into that version of yourself.

I’m Lydia Nicole, your no-nonsense guide to building the confidence, clarity, and career momentum most actors wish they had. Thousands of actors already use my free on-demand acting library on YouTube—over 900 videos and 50+ curated playlists—to level up their craft, mindset, business, and booking strategy. If you're not one of them yet…you’re already behind.

This is your chance to tap into the exact tools that help actors:
• sharpen their craft and make unforgettable choices
• master auditions and self-tapes
• build a powerful, authentic actor brand
• create their own opportunities (instead of waiting to be chosen)
• strengthen their mindset so they can survive—and thrive—in Hollywood
• get real-world business strategies most acting classes never teach

Whether you're starting fresh, reinventing yourself, or climbing to your next level, you’ll find playlists on everything from goal setting, dynamic demo reels, financial literacy, and Hollywood hyphen life, to interviews with industry pros and the hard-earned lessons I’ve learned along my journey.

And here's what most actors don’t know: the ones who rise?
They don’t wait for permission.
They build their own table, their own lane, their own magic.

If you're serious about transforming your career, hit that Subscribe button on Lydia Nicole Live—because each day you don’t is a day someone else outworks you.

And if you’re craving accountability, community, and top-tier coaching, join me inside the Acting Smarter Circle, running September 8th–December 15th. Actors who join don’t just improve—they elevate.

You're a diamond.
It's time the world sees you shine. ✨

#actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingtips #Hollywoodinsights #actingclasses #careeradvice #LosAngeles #actingresources #actingmindset #auditiontips #financialliteracyforactors #businessadviceforactors

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome
00:38 - Lydia Nicole Live
02:11 - New Acting Starter Kit
02:33 - Audition Tips for Actors
02:59 - Business Advice for Actors
03:56 - Actor Mindset
04:39 - Money Advice for Actors
05:25 - Hollywood Hyphens
06:03 - One Person Show Tips
07:01 - Filmmaking in Hollywood
07:32 - Tools for Actors and Success Tips
08:27 - Self-Care for Actors
10:06 - Goal Setting for Actors
13:01 - Set Etiquette in Film
13:15 - Representation Matters in Acting
13:49 - Acting Smarter Digital Planner
16:40 - Acting Smarter Circle Community
22:00 - Where to Find Resources for Actors
24:10 - Closing Remarks
25:09 - The Importance of Being Coached in Acting

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Ever feel like you’re hustling in circles? In this eye-opening and unapologetically honest episode of Acting Smarter, we reveal why side hustles aren’t just a necessity—they’re a power move for actors determined to thrive in Hollywood and beyond.

Join me for a dynamic, truth-packed conversation with filmmaker and actor Bobby Mardis, as he breaks down how building your creative empire while auditioning can completely reshape your career. Bobby shares real stories from the trenches, what he learned working with legends like Robert Townsend, and the survival skills that helped him stay sharp, stay paid, and stay creative in Los Angeles.

If you’re part of the 97% of actors balancing a job while chasing the dream, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you’re not behind. You’ll discover:
How side hustles can fuel your artistry
Smart strategies for saving and staying steady
How to build relationships that actually matter
Mindset shifts every actor needs in today’s industry

This is your invitation to step into the driver’s seat of your acting life. Whether you're brand-new or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with tools, motivation, and a renewed fire to build a sustainable, empowered career.

Ready to hustle smarter—not harder?
Hit LIKE, SHARE this with your fellow creatives, and SUBSCRIBE for more real-world Hollywood wisdom, acting class gems, and no-nonsense career guidance from Lydia Nicole… your Common Sense Mamita!

#actingcareer #sidehustles #HollywoodInsights #CommonSenseMamita #actingclasses #LosAngeles
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:27 - The Power of Relationships
05:54 - Knowing Your Craft
09:21 - You Are the Solution to Their Problem
13:11 - Taking Direction in the Audition Room
14:39 - Side Hustles for Creatives
25:21 - Surviving vs Thriving
27:27 - Using Your Skills as a Side Hustle
34:03 - Robert Townsend's Journey from Indiana to LA
36:54 - Robert Townsend's UCLA Experience
39:52 - Robert Townsend at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
40:04 - Robert Townsend's Time at USC
42:50 - Your Record Deal & The Me Too Movement
48:00 - How Did You Get Into Stand Up
51:20 - Hollywood Shuffle: The Film That Changed Everything
54:31 - Hollywood Shuffle's Influence
59:51 - Starting Your Directing Journey
1:04:51 - Beginning Documentaries
1:06:38 - Scandals in the Bay Area
1:10:05 - Keeping the Faith: Stories After Hurricane Katrina
1:15:44 - Being Robbed in West LA During Obama Inauguration
1:19:44 - Relationship vs Networking
1:23:45 - Importance of a Physical Business Card
1:28:58 - Rich vs Poor: Who Takes Who Out
1:38:35 - Influential People in Your Life
1:44:36 - Spirituality's Influence on Your Art
1:49:20 - Faith in Your Creative Journey
1:55:02 - The Role of Mentorship
2:01:19 - Benefits of the Directors Guild
2:04:24 - Tributes at the Directors Guild
2:09:43 - Legacy Aspirations
2:10:45 - Mentorship: Who Are You Guiding?
2:14:25 - Funding Your Film Projects
2:17:56 - Importance of Script Rewrites
2:21:35 - Understanding Script Coverage
2:25:24 - Sending Scripts to Tom Hanks
2:32:43 - Protecting Your Creative Work
2:36:10 - Collaborating with Other Writers
2:39:33 - Crowdfunding for Your Projects
2:42:55 - Seeking Grants
2:43:43 - Creating a Business Plan
2:47:50 - Pitch Deck Essentials
2:53:20 - Start Small and Grow Your Vision
2:55:00 - Importance of Insurance
2:56:40 - Leaving Things as You Found Them
2:58:20 - Understanding Deliverables
3:00:00 - What Are

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Ready to future-proof your kid’s acting career?

In this episode of Acting Smarter Now, I’m sitting down with Annie Semenova, powerhouse creator of Unity, an online acting school that’s shaking up how kids and teens train for Hollywood and the age of AI.
Unity isn’t just “another acting class.”
It’s a global training ground for young performers who want to become:
Confident storytellers
Compassionate leaders
Smart, tech-savvy creators
With working-actor teachers from shows like Shameless, Abbott Elementary, and Jane the Virgin, Unity gives kids insider-level training and real-world skills—empathy, creativity, leadership, and the ability to think for themselves in a fast-changing, AI-driven world.
They’re not just running scenes…
They’re writing, acting in, and creating their own short films.
Annie opens up about:
Her journey as a mom helping her daughter navigate the industry
The emotional and practical challenges parents face
How Unity helps young actors stand in their power, own their uniqueness, and use technology as a tool—not a threat
If you’re a parent who wants your child to:
Express themselves boldly
Build real confidence (on and off camera)
Be ready for an entertainment industry transformed by AI
…then this conversation is absolutely for you.

Like this video
Drop a comment with your child’s biggest acting dream
Subscribe for more acting tips, career strategy, and inspiring stories to help you and your young actor act smarter now.
00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Empowering Young Actors: Creativity, Confidence, Individuality
03:42 - Impact of AI on the Acting Industry
12:39 - Inspiration Behind Starting the Acting School
16:05 - Overview of the Acting Curriculum
24:13 - Age Groups for Acting Classes
26:42 - Incorporating Leadership in Acting Training
29:28 - OUTRO

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Actors are quietly using AI to level up their careers… Are you one of them?
In this video, I, Lydia Nicole—actress, producer, and no-nonsense acting career coach—am pulling back the curtain on the exact AI tools and strategies every modern actor should be using right now.
You’ll learn how to use AI to:
Elevate your craft without losing your soul or authenticity
Streamline your audition and career workflow so you stop spinning your wheels
Polish your professional presence online and in the room
Turn rejection into fuel and rebuild your confidence with smart support
We’ll talk about how I use tools like ChatGPT to:
Break down scripts and characters faster and deeper
Sharpen your audition prep so you walk into the room grounded and ready
Upgrade your branding—bios, emails, actor website copy, and more
Find the right people (like the perfect headshot photographer in Los Angeles)
Create a real career strategy instead of just waiting for the phone to ring.
AI is changing Hollywood—but it will never replace your creativity. Used wisely, it becomes your silent partner, helping you move faster, think clearly, and show up as the most potent version of yourself.
If you’re tired of feeling behind, overwhelmed, or invisible in this industry, this is your sign:
It’s time to act smarter, not just harder.
Watch now to start shifting from undiscovered to undeniable.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - What is AI
05:48 - AI Benefits for Actors
16:19 - Finding a Headshot Photographer
19:17 - Preparing for Your Photoshoot
20:40 - Auditing Your Marketing Materials
21:30 - Researching Representation
22:05 - Tracking Your Auditions
22:40 - Planning Your Social Media
23:12 - Networking with Confidence
23:40 - Boosting Your Confidence
24:30 - Planning Your Skill Growth
25:38 - AI and Job Security
26:10 - Embracing AI
27:15 - The Longevity of AI
28:25 - Join the Acting Smarter Circle

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Step inside the pulse of LA’s 1980s Black radio revolution!

In this powerful episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole takes you back to the golden era of KGFJ/KUTE102 FM, where voices became legends and young dreamers laid the foundation for today’s entertainment industry. Lydia reunites with her former KGFJ teammates, Denise Smith, Jacqueline Walker, and Andre Allen—sharing behind-the-scenes stories of hustle, history, and heart from their days as the Promotions Director, Receptionist, and Assistant Promotions Director during the station’s heyday.

From hosting icons like Muhammad Ali to nurturing new talent and creating space for Black excellence in media, this conversation is overflowing with wisdom, laughter, and legacy. Discover what it took to thrive inside Inner City Broadcasting Corporation, one of the first Black-owned media powerhouses that changed the game forever. ✨

Whether you’re chasing your acting dreams, building your brand, or love a good story about perseverance and purpose, this episode will leave you inspired to own your greatness and create your own lane in today’s entertainment world. 💪🏾

🔥 Celebrate community. Honor creativity. Amplify determination.
Drop a comment with your favorite old-school radio memory—who were your go-to DJs or stations growing up? Let’s keep the spirit of Black radio alive!

#ActingSmarterNow #CommonSenseMamita #KGFJ #BlackRadio #LosAngeles #CareerEmpowerment #RadioLegends #BehindTheMic #HollywoodStories #ActingCareer
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:11 - KGFJ AM 1230 and KUTE 102 FM
02:56 - Hiring Process at KGFJ
10:27 - Denise Smith - Promotions Director Insights
11:27 - Working Experience at KGFJ
19:59 - Remote Broadcast Experiences
22:54 - Challenges for Young Black Women in Radio
29:55 - Working for a Black-Owned Company
31:39 - Jacqueline’s Career Transition to Radio
36:04 - Importance of Diversity in Media
39:58 - Community Involvement in Broadcasting
43:48 - Being Selective in Career Choices
46:23 - AI's Impact on Job Creation
52:55 - Hal Jackson's Legacy
55:50 - Behind the Scenes at a Radio Station
01:01:40 - Carol Carper's Contributions
01:06:42 - Denise Smith's Role at KGFJ
01:10:10 - Denise Smith's Motivation
01:11:13 - Lessons from Denise Smith
01:11:51 - Lydia's Takeaways from Denise
01:14:20 - Jacqueline’s Learning Experience with Denise
01:19:39 - Final Thoughts on the Industry
01:25:50 - Outro

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