Podcast Summary: In Search Of Excellence – Episode E131: Sasha Pieterse: The Real Costs of Acting

Introduction

In this compelling episode of In Search Of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actress, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Sasha Pieterse. Released on October 1, 2024, this episode delves into the multifaceted challenges and triumphs Sasha has experienced both in her acting career and entrepreneurial ventures. From navigating the complexities of Hollywood finances to overcoming personal health struggles and launching a groundbreaking cannabis-infused beverage company, Sasha shares candid insights and inspiring stories that resonate with anyone striving for excellence.

1. The Reality of Acting: Finances and Challenges

Sasha opens up about the often-misunderstood financial landscape of Hollywood. Contrary to popular belief, a significant portion of an actor's earnings—approximately 30%—is typically withheld for taxes, agents, managers, and lawyers.

[00:00] Sasha Pieterse: "Most people don't understand the Hollywood game, so you're really taking home around 30% of what you make. You got taxes, agent, manager, lawyer."

This revelation sets the tone for a candid discussion about the financial realities actors face, dispelling the myth that most actors are unequivocal millionaires.

[00:09] Sasha Pieterse: "The money isn't as much as you would think that it would be for the majority of actors, unless you're at the tippy tippy top."

2. Sasha’s Acting Journey

Sasha recounts her early start in acting at just three and a half years old, securing an agent by the age of four and a half. Her most notable role on the hit TV show Pretty Little Liars spanned eight successful seasons, highlighting both the opportunities and pressures of being a child actor. She discusses the challenges of growing up on set, being homeschooled, and graduating high school at 14.

[00:38] Randall Kaplan: "We talked about how she started her career at three and a half, got an agent at four and a half, her eight years on Pretty Little Liars, one of the most successful TV shows of all time."

3. Health Struggles: Overcoming PCOS

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Sasha’s battle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition she was diagnosed with in her late teens after enduring unexplained weight gain and persistent health issues.

[07:31] Sasha Pieterse: "When I... around 16, 17 when I realized that I was gaining weight. That wasn't making sense."

Sasha details the difficulties she faced in finding a diagnosis, including seeing 16 gynecologists before finally being diagnosed by an endocrinologist. She explains how managing PCOS required a tailored approach to diet and exercise, diverging from traditional methods like high-intensity workouts and strict diets.

[12:21] Sasha Pieterse: "I didn't know what it was, so of course people had different things they threw at me... but it was just a very hard place to be in."

4. Mental Health and Public Scrutiny

Navigating public misconceptions and body shaming, especially while portraying a younger character on screen, took a toll on Sasha’s mental health. She emphasizes the importance of a strong support system in overcoming these challenges and avoiding severe mental health crises.

[13:42] Sasha Pieterse: "I went through a really difficult process with my mental health... I had an amazing support system."

5. Compassionate Response to Bullying

Sasha discusses her unique approach to handling bullies with compassion, understanding that ignorance and personal struggles often drive such behavior. This empathetic stance not only helped her cope but also inspired her to support other women facing similar issues.

[18:17] Sasha Pieterse: "I try to just kind of understand that like human nature, we want an answer for things..."

6. Financial Insights for Actors

Delving deeper into the financial aspects, Sasha explains the importance of Coogan accounts—a legal requirement that safeguards a minor actor’s earnings by placing a portion of their income into a trust until they reach adulthood.

[24:32] Randall Kaplan: "And by the way, for people don't know, there's something called a Coogan account."

She highlights the volatility of acting careers, where actors often receive large sums sporadically but must manage these funds wisely to sustain themselves between projects.

[27:24] Sasha Pieterse: "I think the money isn't as much as you would think that it would be for the majority of actors, unless you're at the tippy, tippy top."

7. Entrepreneurship: Launching Hippie Water

Transitioning from acting, Sasha introduces her entrepreneurial venture, Hippie Water, a hemp-derived, cannabis-infused social tonic designed as an alcohol alternative. She elaborates on the product’s unique features, including its low sugar content, precise THC dosage, and superior taste devoid of the "dank" flavor commonly associated with cannabis beverages.

[38:43] Sasha Pieterse: "So hippy water is hemp derived, cannabis infused social tonic, like a seltzer, but better."

She discusses the challenges of navigating the cannabis beverage industry, including regulatory hurdles and securing investment, emphasizing the importance of quality and consistency in product formulation.

[48:09] Sasha Pieterse: "With cannabis beverages, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes... you can start controlling the level that you want."

8. Podcast Endeavors: Women in the Nude

Sasha shares her passion project, the Women in the Nude podcast, which focuses on empowering women by addressing topics often considered taboo, such as mental health, self-care, and sexuality. The podcast aims to create a supportive community where women can share their experiences and insights.

[53:53] Sasha Pieterse: "It's meant to replace... something that we've kind of gotten used to or feel weird when we don't have it."

9. Career Goals and Balancing Multiple Roles

When questioned about her commitment to entrepreneurship versus acting, Sasha confidently states that acting will always be her first passion. However, she adeptly manages both roles, leveraging her multitasking skills to lead Hippie Water while continuing her acting career.

[60:47] Sasha Pieterse: "Acting will always be first. However, I am extremely good at multitasking and Hippie Water... I am also a full-time CEO."

10. Personal Reflections and Advice

In the closing segments, Sasha reflects on her career highlights and personal lessons. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself, setting boundaries, and maintaining passion in one’s pursuits.

[62:12] Sasha Pieterse: "To never lose sight of my passion. So to never sacrifice my passion for someone else's success."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:00] Sasha Pieterse: "Most people don't understand the Hollywood game, so you're really taking home around 30% of what you make. You got taxes, agent, manager, lawyer."

• [07:31] Sasha Pieterse: "When I... around 16, 17 when I realized that I was gaining weight. That wasn't making sense."

• [12:21] Sasha Pieterse: "I didn't know what it was, so of course people had different things they threw at me... but it was just a very hard place to be in."

• [18:17] Sasha Pieterse: "I try to just kind of understand that like human nature, we want an answer for things..."

• [24:32] Randall Kaplan: "And by the way, for people don't know, there's something called a Coogan account."

• [38:43] Sasha Pieterse: "So hippy water is hemp derived, cannabis infused social tonic, like a seltzer, but better."

• [48:09] Sasha Pieterse: "With cannabis beverages, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes... you can start controlling the level that you want."

• [60:47] Sasha Pieterse: "Acting will always be first. However, I am extremely good at multitasking and Hippie Water... I am also a full-time CEO."

• [62:12] Sasha Pieterse: "To never lose sight of my passion. So to never sacrifice my passion for someone else's success."

Conclusion

Sasha Pieterse’s episode on In Search Of Excellence offers a transparent look into the often unseen struggles and strategic decisions behind a successful acting and entrepreneurial career. From her honest discussion about the financial and mental challenges of acting to her innovative approach in the cannabis beverage industry, Sasha exemplifies resilience and adaptability. Her insights serve as valuable lessons for aspiring actors, entrepreneurs, and anyone aiming to achieve excellence in their personal and professional lives.