Creative Struggles

What happens when the thing you've worked your entire life for is suddenly put on pause? In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sitting down with a guest I'm a little more familiar with—my brother, a Division I basketball player. After spending his first two years of college playing out of state, he returned home to Wisconsin to play for UWM. But after suffering an injury last season that kept...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sitting down with an actress who has found success booking acting opportunities right here in Milwaukee. We're talking about the reality of the local acting scene, the types of gigs she's been successful in booking, the opportunities that haven't worked out, and the challenges that come with trying to break through in the industry. From auditions and call...

If you watched episode 3 “Starting Over Without Starting From Scratch”, you heard me say I was hoping and praying for a studio space—and now I have one! In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the new studio I designed and talking about what it took to turn an empty space into a creative home for the podcast. But this episode is about more than furniture, eq...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sitting down with a Milwaukee native who's building his career as an entrepreneur, recording artist, rapper, and producer. We talk about what it's like navigating the music and entertainment industry from a city that doesn't always have the same resources or opportunities as major entertainment markets. From creating his own opportunities and building con...

After moving back home, I thought the hard part was over. It turns out the real challenge was figuring out what comes next. In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm talking about adjusting to life back home, rebuilding a routine, finding acting opportunities in nearby cities and states, and staying committed to the dream even when the path looks different than expected. This chapter isn't a...

In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sharing the journey back home after leaving California. The same way I arrived years ago—by car—is the same way I'm leaving. Reflecting on the dreams I chased, the lessons I learned, and the difficult emotions that come with stepping away from a chapter before it looks the way you imagined. This conversation is about feeling like you're quitting, que...

In this solo episode of Creative Struggles, I'm sharing a major life decision: moving back home after living in California. For a while, I viewed going home as a step backward. But I realized that sometimes the smartest move isn't pushing harder—it's taking a moment to reset. I'm talking about saving money, prioritizing personal growth, continuing to work on my craft through acting classes and aud...

Season 2 has come to an end, and what a journey it's been. In this special finale of Creative Struggles, I'm reflecting on the incredible conversations we've shared this season and celebrating every guest who opened up about the realities of pursuing a creative career. From actors, musicians, writers, producers, and directors, each story was a reminder that every creative journey is unique—and tha...

For many actors with natural curly and textured hair, one of the biggest challenges on set happens before the cameras even start rolling. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm joined by a fellow actor to talk about the realities of navigating hair and makeup on set. We discuss advocating for yourself, finding confidence in your natural hair, and why education and representation behind the sce...

This season, we've been exploring the many paths creatives take while building their careers. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm joined by a singer-songwriter to talk about the journey behind the music. From discovering her sound and writing songs that tell a story to navigating the ups and downs of the industry, we dive into the realities of staying creative, pushing through challenges, a...

A returning guest joins Creative Struggles to talk about a crossroads many actors eventually face: the decision to stay or start over. After feeling at a standstill in her current market, she's considering a move to another state in search of new opportunities and a fresh start. We discuss feeling stuck, questioning your environment, taking risks, and whether a change of location can reignite a dr...

Today's guest is back on Creative Struggles, and this time we’re talking about something many actors and creatives experience but don't always discuss openly: mental health. Since their last appearance, we’ve both continued navigating the highs and lows of pursuing a dream in an industry built on uncertainty. From rejection and comparison to burnout, self-worth, and staying motivated during slow s...

A returning guest is back on Creative Struggles, and this time we're diving into the craft. We talk acting techniques, training styles, trusting your instincts, and how our approaches to acting have evolved over time. From overthinking scenes to finding your own process, this conversation is a reminder that there’s no single path to becoming a better actor, only the one that works for you!   #acti...

 In this episode, I'm joined once again by returning guest and fellow actor Chris, for an honest conversation about appearance on camera, confidence, and self-image. We talk about watching ourselves back, navigating comparison, dealing with industry expectations, and learning how to focus on the work instead of our perceived flaws. If you’ve ever been your own toughest critic, this episode is for...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actress who's been consistently booked and busy, sharing the screen with well-known talent. We talk about how she books her roles, what it takes to stand out in auditions, and the discipline behind staying consistent in a competitive industry. Proving that success doesn't come without the work behind it. #actors #actress #aspiringactors #fi...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor who made the bold decision to leave her hometown and move to a new state for a better opportunity at achieving her goals and aspirations. We talk about what that leap really looks like - the loneliness, the fear, rebuilding from scratch, and the moments of doubt that come with starting over in a new city. Because moving for your caree...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor to talk about the unseen parts of the journey - the waiting, the rejection, and the work that happens long before the   #actors #actress #aspiringactors #film #movies #maincharacter #leadrole #supportingcast #casting #castingdirector #directors #filmmaker #setlife #acting #actorlife #struggleisreal #create #creative #entrepreneur #jus...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with a singer, songwriter, and producer navigating the music industry in real time. We talk about how he got started, the obstacles he's faced, and what it really takes to stay consistent while building a career from your sound.   From creating the music to producing it, this conversation dives into the grind behind the art and what it means to kee...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor navigating a tough season - fewer bookings, a regular job, and the decision to step back without giving up. We talk about surviving slow seasons, releasing shame, and finding new paths through entrepreneurship while still holding onto the dream.     #acting #actorjourney #believeinyou #creativestruggles #creators #creatives #actingtip...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor, writer, producer, and emerging director who's stepping into full creative ownership. After writing her feature film, she made the decision to direct it herself. We talk about leadership, imposter syndrome, funding, and what it really means to stop waiting and start building the vision.   #directors #directing #featurefilm #actors #ca...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, we are unpacking acting class — the vulnerability, the ego checks, the comparison, and the growth that happens when you can’t hide in the room. Because sometimes the hardest stage isn’t a set it’s the classroom.   #actingclass #auditions #castingdirectors #actorlife #acting #actors #actress #confidence #actingjourney #classroom #creativestruggles #creators #c...

Actors don't talk enough about late or missing payments. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm joined by a fellow actor to discuss waiting months to get paid, chasing checks, and navigating payment issues without burning bridges. If you've ever questioned when to speak up or walk away, this episode is for you.   #chasingchecks #freelance #moneytalks #paymentissues #actor #actress #notpaid #pa...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor who also expresses their creativity through painting. We talk about navigating an industry that wants you to pick one lane, creating without permission, and staying connected to your art when acting isn't the only outlet.   #painter #artists #creator #painting #actor #hobbies #sidejobs #acting #actress #actingjourney #actingtips #hand...

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with a recording artist who is navigating the music industry while staying true to who they are. We talk authenticity, pressure to conform, and what it really takes to build a music career without losing yourself.   #music #recordingartist #rap #hiphop #musicindustry #musician #rapartist #rapper #neosoul #randb #lyrisist   Guest: Johnathon Black In...

Working for free is often framed as “paying your dues” in the creative industry — but what does it actually cost? In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor to unpack the reality of unpaid work, favor-for-favor culture, and the emotional toll that comes with constantly saying yes. We talk honestly about when free work can be strategic, when it becomes exploitative, and how to...