Slate It Till You Make It

VOTE FOR THE PODCAST In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It , host Catherine Donnelly sits down with her best friend Jesse Hsu — actor, foodie influencer, photographer — for an honest conversation about navigating the ever-evolving landscape of a creative career. Having experienced the entertainment industry from both sides of the audition room, Jesse shares his unique perspective on working in casting, the serendipitous circumstances that led to his theatrical representation, and the value of consistent costar training in developing his craft. The conversation also explores the realities of building a sustainable acting career, including navigating rejection, managing expectations, and maintaining momentum when opportunities aren't coming as quickly as hoped. Catherine and Jesse dig into the difference between stagnation and rest, the importance of cultivating creative outlets outside of acting, and how to keep your cup full without tying your entire sense of fulfillment to professional success. Whether you're questioning your career trajectory, looking for ways to stay creatively inspired, or trying to find the balance between pushing forward and giving yourself permission to pause, this episode offers an honest look at the mindset, perspective, and resilience required to build a lasting career in the entertainment industry. What working behind the scenes can teach actors about the audition process The unexpected path to securing theatrical representation The value of consistent costar training and continued education Navigating rejection and managing expectations in an unpredictable industry Recognizing the difference between stagnation and much-needed rest Maintaining creative fulfillment outside of acting Balancing multiple creative passions while building a sustainable career Redefining progress beyond callbacks, bookings, and external validation ACTING FOLIO AUDITIONAL JESSE HSU

VOTE FOR THE PODCAST Are you putting in the work but still wondering why your acting career isn't moving forward? Are your materials actually helping you get hired? And how do you know whether you need a new strategy, better materials, or a mindset shift? In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It , host, Catherine Donnelly, interviews actor and acting career consultant Jen DiBella to break down the business side of building a sustainable acting career. After moving to Los Angeles from New York without representation, Jen landed her first five television network credits—including a recurring role on Grey's Anatomy and appearances on 9-1-1 and Station 19 —through her own networking. Now in her sixth year as a career consultant, she's helped hundreds of actors sign with representation. We get into what actually moves the needle, how to make your materials work for you, what reps are looking for, and how to stop spending time and money on things that aren't moving your career forward. Jen shares her perspective on networking, branding, strategic outreach, and the difference between being busy and being intentional about your next steps. We also dig into the mindset challenges that come with this industry: navigating rejection, staying motivated when you're not booking, avoiding comparison, and learning to pursue your goals without tying your self-worth to the outcome. Whether you're trying to sign with your first agent, level up your existing career, or figure out why you've hit a plateau, this episode will help you think more strategically about your next move. If you're ready to stop guessing and start making more intentional moves, this episode is for you. Connect with Jen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdactingconsultant/ Website & Consulting: https://www.jenniferlaurendibella.com/consulting

VOTE FOR THE PODCAST What happens when you decide to pursue a dream that requires you to start over? And how do you keep your self-worth intact when you're constantly putting yourself out there, facing rejection, and waiting to be chosen? In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It , I'm joined by Ranela Kaligithi, a South Asian and Filipina actor, coach, therapist, and content creator, for an honest conversation about navigating the emotional side of an acting career. We dive into the challenges of pivoting into a new career after establishing yourself in another field, embracing the discomfort of being a beginner, and learning to separate your identity from your achievements. Whether you're starting over, feeling behind, questioning your path, or struggling to stay grounded in the uncertainty of this industry, this episode is a reminder that you can want something deeply without allowing it to define you. In this episode, we discuss: Navigating identity shifts and having the courage to start over Embracing the discomfort of being a beginner again Balancing ambition with mental health and self-worth Separating external validation from your identity as an artist Applying the principles of detachment in dating and auditions Handling rejection without letting it define your potential Building a fulfilling life while pursuing a big career Learning to trust yourself before the industry gives you a reason to Because you can be ambitious, want the job, and work relentlessly toward your dreams without abandoning yourself in the process. Connect with Ranela: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithranela/

VOTE FOR TOP HOST HERE Joy Lofton is back on Slate It Till You Make It ! You may remember Joy from Season 1, where we talked about her journey and career in the commercial world. If you haven’t heard that episode yet, go give it a listen — but this time, we’re skipping the origin story and getting straight into the WORK. Joy brings a uniquely valuable perspective to commercial actors: she’s not only a successful commercial actor herself, she’s also a session director who has been on the other side of the camera watching auditions move from first calls to callbacks to selects. In this episode, we’re getting technical . We break down what casting is actually watching in the first few seconds of an audition, how to make “sell lines” feel natural, the importance of pace, timing, eyelines and reactions, how to create meaningful variation between takes, and what actors can do to make their self-tapes stronger. Plus, Joy shares what she wishes every commercial actor knew from the other side of the camera and how actors can identify the specific skills they actually need to train. If you want to stop guessing and start getting more intentional about your commercial auditions, this episode is for you. Connect with Joy + Audition Lab LA: 🎬 Audition Lab LA: auditionlabla.com 📸 Audition Lab LA on Instagram: @auditionlabla 🌬️ Joy Lofton on Instagram: @takeabreathjoy

As someone who’s booked over 50 national commercials and has spent the last decade deep in the trenches of commercial casting, it’s taken me a long time to learn one thing: you are almost never the reason you don’t get a callback. Most of the time it has nothing to do with you, your talent, or your tape. It’s the chaos behind the curtain — the brand, the agency, the director, the client’s cousin, the storyboard artist, the budget, the weather, Mercury retrograde… all of it. So today, I’m breaking down the 25 reasons you didn’t get a callback — even though your tape was absolute fire.

In this episode, host Catherine Donnelly sits down with Beth Fraser (Elizabeth Nicole Fraser), an actor and former broadcast journalist whose career spans commercials, television, and film. Originally from Douglas, Georgia, Beth grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida before beginning her on-camera career as a model for the Home Shopping Network in Tampa. After moving to Los Angeles, Beth met her husband, filmmaker Johnny Fraser , in 2008, and together they have a daughter, Ondine. Her sister, Brinson , is a storyboard artist on the hit animated series Family Guy . Beth has appeared in numerous national commercials—including a four-year run as the spokesperson for Nasacort —and in award-winning long-form projects for Apple . Her television and film credits include 9-1-1 , Loot , and Baby Daddy . She also stars in the short film Code Red , currently making its way through the 2025–26 festival circuit, including a recent selection at the San Diego International Film Festival . In this conversation, Catherine and Beth dive into the art of being a great co-star, the importance of having an opinion in the room, being strategic about casting workshops, and how to bring authenticity and confidence to every audition—from commercials to spokesperson roles. @iambethfraser @slateitpod

In this episode, Catherine Donnelly unpacks the major shift at Casting Networks — namely, the new paid subscription model for all U.S.-based agents and managers , beginning January 1, 2026. We walk through exactly what the new tiered fees are, why Casting Networks says it’s doing this, and how actors who depend on CN for commercial auditions should plug the gaps. (Source: Casting Networks Support , “Talent Representatives: What Should I Know About the New Subscription Model”) Then we zoom out and take a look at the big picture: how private equity ownership is impacting casting tech. In July 2022, RedBird Capital Partners , along with StepStone Group, acquired a majority stake in Talent Systems — the parent company behind Casting Networks, Casting Frontier, Spotlight, and more. (Source: Business Wire / RedBird press release, 2022) Throughout the episode, we stay grounded in what you can do now: talking to your reps, updating your profiles, saving your media, and keeping your eyes open for alternate platforms like Casting.com . This is a moment of disruption — but also of opportunity for actors who stay informed.

In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It , host Catherine Donnelly sits down with recurring guest John Fulton, a multi-talented comedian, musician, and actor, to discuss his top ten commercial booking tips. From his early days as a basketball team captain in Topsfield, MA, to DJing a jazz show at the University of Rhode Island, and eventually hosting Must Love Cats on Animal Planet, John’s career has seen plenty of twists and turns. Now, he's thriving in the world of commercials and TV, and is a member of the comedy band Camp Friends, who just released their new album “Seriously?” John Fulton Follow Slate It Pod on IG

What does it really take to stand out, book more work, and build a sustainable acting career in today’s rapidly shifting industry? In this episode of Slate It Pod , host, Catherine Donnelly, sits down with Murisa Harba — award-winning actress, director, and founder of About The Work , a Hollywood-based acting studio she launched in 2013. Murisa has coached thousands of actors across five continents using her signature body-based methods , helping them break out of their heads, connect more deeply to their emotions, and bring undeniable authenticity into the audition room. Her students don’t just feel more confident — they also book more consistently. Murisa opens up about her own journey from performer to teacher, the challenges and triumphs of creating her own studio, and why she believes actors must lean into their humanity to remain indispensable — especially as AI continues to reshape the industry. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your auditions, craving more authentic performances, or wondering how to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and encouragement. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Murisa’s body-based approach helps actors break out of their heads and into authentic performance Why connecting to your physical instrument changes everything in auditions and on set The biggest misunderstandings actors have about what casting and directors really want How to know when it’s time to upgrade your training or pivot to the right class Practical tools to prepare before every audition Strategies for resilience, longevity, and staying grounded in a volatile industry 📌 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about Murisa Harba → www.murisaharba.com About The Work Studio → www.about-the-work.com Free Guide: The Six Keys Instagram → @aboutthework Facebook → AboutTheWork

What does it take to build a thriving career in commercials — and keep your sanity while doing it? In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It , host, Catherine Donnelly sits down with Stuart K. Robinson , CEO of Brady, Brannon & Rich Talent (BBR) — one of the top commercial agencies in Los Angeles. Stuart’s career spans decades as an actor, Broadway performer, motivational speaker, voice artist, and Fruit of the Loom icon, and now he’s a powerhouse leader helping actors navigate the ever-changing entertainment industry. They cover it all — from what agents really look for when signing talent, to why detaching from audition outcomes might be the most powerful shift you can make. Stuart opens up about the spark that led him from stage to CEO, shares insider perspective on today’s commercial landscape, and gives practical strategies for standing out authentically in a competitive market. Whether you’re brand new to commercials or deep into your acting career, this episode is packed with wisdom you can use immediately — and mindset tools that will serve you far beyond the audition room. What you’ll learn in this episode: The biggest shifts shaping the commercial industry in 2025 The difference between agents and managers — and when you need which What makes an actor stand out when seeking representation How to gather “evidence of your greatness” and show up authentically Proactive career strategies you can implement today Why Stuart swears by “Kairos vs. Chronos” time — and how it changes your relationship to auditions The importance of detaching from outcomes and focusing on what you can control Stuart is also the author of It All Begins With I , a powerful guide to mindset, empowerment, and taking ownership of your career.

On this episode of Slate it Till You Make It, host Catherine Donnelly takes a deep dive with Lindsay Bronson of AHC Casting , one of the most successful commercial casting offices in the country. With decades of experience and a client list that spans major global brands, Lindsay brings unmatched insight into what it really takes to book work in today’s evolving commercial industry. We dive into: Families & kids in commercials — what casting directors look for in child actors and “real families,” plus advice for parents just starting out. Self-tape secrets — Lindsay’s biggest pet peeves, the mistakes that get you skipped, and what makes a tape stand out. Getting seen — the best way to get on AHC Casting’s radar and what keeps an actor getting called in again and again. Follow AHC on IG Follow Slate It Pod on IG Support --> Slate It Pod

In this episode of Slate It Till You Make It , host Catherine Donnelly is joined by the powerhouse that is Havilah Malone—4x bestselling author, award-winning actress, spoken word artist, and executive producer—whose mission is to inspire over 2 billion people to unlock their intuitive genius and confidently communicate their value. From starring in hit shows like Barry , Insecure , and NCIS: New Orleans , to appearing in four Super Bowl commercials, Havilah knows firsthand the ups and downs of a creative career. She shares how tools like NLP, affirmations, and spirituality have not only transformed her own journey, but can also help actors and artists reprogram limiting beliefs, embrace rejection as redirection, and step fully into their potential. We also dive into her brand-new spoken word album Proof of What’s Possible , and explore how mindset, mantras, and manifestation can help creatives book more work and build resilience in an unpredictable industry. Follow Havilah on IG Follow Slate It Podcast on IG Support the Pod!!

Arlene Schuster-Goss has been a leading force in commercial casting for more than 25 years. As the founder of ASG Casting , she has shaped campaigns for major national brands including McDonald’s, Honda, and Google, and her credits extend to Super Bowl spots and global projects. Known for her discerning eye for talent and straightforward approach, Arlene has built a reputation as both a respected casting director and a passionate advocate for actors. In this conversation, she shares insights into the business of commercial casting, the qualities that make performers stand out, and how the industry continues to evolve. Follow ASG on Instagram https://www.cameraleft.com/ Support Slate it Pod!

In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly shares her Top 10 Self-Tape Tips to help actors stand out, impress casting, and book more work. From mastering your frame and lighting to delivering authentic, high-energy reads, Catherine breaks down exactly what commercial casting directors are looking for—and the biggest self-tape mistakes to avoid. She also reveals **why the first three seconds of your tape matter most,** how to make sure your eyelines feel natural, and the subtle tweaks that can make your performance pop on screen. Plus, Catherine shares an exciting opportunity for actors ready to take their self-tapes to the next level: her upcoming Self Tape Intensive, a four-week coaching experience designed to give actors personalized feedback and the confidence to book more jobs. If you’re tired of feeling like your tapes disappear into the void, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with Daniel Rojas and Jamila Hache, the visionary co-founders of Rafy, an innovative self-tape app designed to give actors more freedom, flexibility, and control over their auditions. As self-tapes continue to dominate the industry, actors face ongoing challenges—limited space, scheduling conflicts, and the struggle to find a reliable reader. Rafy tackles these pain points head-on, providing autonomous practice, AI-powered recording, and an all-in-one solution that simplifies the audition process without sacrificing artistic integrity. Daniel, a sound engineer and composer, and Jamila, an actor who knows the self-tape grind firsthand, bring their unique backgrounds in entertainment and tech to this groundbreaking platform. Together, they’ve built a tool that not only streamlines auditions but ensures actors maintain full ownership of their work in an evolving industry. In this conversation, we dive into Rafy’s origins, what sets it apart, and how ethical AI is shaping the future of auditioning. Plus, Daniel and Jamila share essential insights for actors looking to elevate their self-tape game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with game-changing advice you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly interviews returning guest Sean Spann: an actor, teacher, private coach and VO dubbing artist born and raised outside St. Louis, MO. An LA resident for almost 17 years, he's worked as an actor in television, film, commercials, and stage. TV/Film credits include The Little Things, Little America, Shameless, General Hospital, and Jane the Virgin. He's recently been seen in commercials or ad campaigns for Volkswagen, Disney, and Delta Airlines. He's dubbed central characters in Max's 'On The Spectrum' and Amazon's 'The Corruption Game', and in 2023, played Brutus in 'Julius Caesar' in his 7th season at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival. He's instructed Voice, Speech, Movement, Shakespeare on both the college and conservatory level, and privately coaches actors for auditions, voice, and accent modification. Sean earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Evansville, and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine.

Dear Fellow Angeleno Creatives - I love you. Stay Strong. - Catherine

In this episode of 'Slate it Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down multi-hyphenate Spencer Kramber - actor, acting coach, and commercial session director. With a strong foundation in Theatre Arts from Minnesota State University and an MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, Spencer’s rigorous training has prepared him to excel both in front of and behind the camera. He’s shared the screen with heavyweights like J.K. Simmons in You Can’t Run Forever and earned accolades for his performances in award-winning projects like Sarajin and Pop Music. You might also recognize him from hit shows like Criminal Minds, Them, and The Young and the Restless. When he’s not captivating audiences, Spencer is passionately coaching actors, sharing his expertise, and helping others thrive in the business. Oh, and he’s also a devoted father, finding inspiration in balancing family life with his creative pursuits. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with insight and advice—please welcome Spencer Kramber!”

In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," Catherine Donnelly curates valuable insights gleaned from Season 3, meticulously tailored to cater to emerging actors.

Jesse Hsu began his career in entertainment in New York where he studied with UCB and after moving to Los Angeles a few years ago, he has booked a variety of commercials with multiple casting agencies and worked with some amazing brands and directors. He has had commercial training with AHC and Killian's and voiceover classes at Real Voice LA and Kalmenson. In 2022, he was a guest star in a web series, Millie & Maddie and also starred in his first feature film, "Starring Jerry As Himself" which premiered at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival and now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.