One Broke Actress Podcast: "Stop Trying to Fix Everything at Once" – It Hits Different Episode

Host: Sam Valentine
Release Date: May 8, 2025

In the "Stop Trying to Fix Everything at Once" episode of the One Broke Actress Podcast, host Sam Valentine delves deep into the pervasive sense of overwhelm that many actors experience. Through candid discussion and actionable advice, Sam guides listeners on how to streamline their efforts, prioritize effectively, and regain control over their acting careers.

Introduction

Sam Valentine opens the episode with a reflective note on the evolving nature of both herself and her guests. Acknowledging her growth and the changes in her audio setup, Sam sets the stage for a contemplative discussion aimed at helping actors navigate the complexities of their careers without succumbing to burnout.

[00:06] Sam Valentine: "Let me tell you something I have noticed about all of these interviews and these conversations. Depending on the time of where you are at in your life and your career, it hits different."

The Overwhelm in Acting Careers

Sam paints a vivid picture of the modern actor's landscape, highlighting the multitude of tasks and decisions that can lead to a state of paralysis. From acquiring new skills like stunt work or accents to managing external factors like strikes, actors often find themselves pulled in countless directions.

[10:45] Sam Valentine: "Everything I just said is probably an idea at least half of you have had. And if you didn't already, you have it now. There is so much to be offered to us and so many outlets for our creativity as well as places in the business that we could put ourselves."

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Overwhelm

Sam introduces a three-step framework to help actors conquer overwhelm and focus on what truly matters.

Step 1: Brain Dump

The first step involves externalizing all thoughts, ideas, and tasks by writing them down. This process frees the mind from the burden of holding multiple ideas and lays the groundwork for prioritization.

[15:20] Sam Valentine: "Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them. So we have to put these things all in a place... you have to get it all out on paper."

Step 2: Take Out the Trash

Once everything is written down, the next step is to sift through the list and eliminate items that are not immediately relevant or necessary. This helps in honing in on what truly aligns with one's current career goals.

[22:10] Sam Valentine: "Take out the trash. There are things on this list that are not for you or not for you right now... They may not be the best idea right now."

Step 3: Prioritize and Break Down Steps

With a refined list, actors should prioritize tasks based on available bandwidth, financial capacity, and personal excitement. Sam emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and not just focusing on the end goals.

[28:35] Sam Valentine: "You're still you. If you're someone who really enjoys watching an episode of a new show at the end of the night and having dinner, you're not going to be a different person... you have to make the fun along the way."

[33:05] Sam Valentine: "Bandwidth, money and excitement once you have this list."

Overcoming FOMO

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is a significant barrier that prevents actors from committing to their chosen paths. Sam reassures listeners that prioritizing effectively eliminates the anxiety of missing opportunities.

[19:50] Sam Valentine: "There is no missing out. You are not missing out. If we can take that fear out of your zeitgeist, you then get to choose to live the life you want to live."

Emphasizing Enjoyment in the Process

Beyond practical steps, Sam underscores the necessity of finding joy in the daily grind of an acting career. Without enjoyment, the relentless push can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.

[30:15] Sam Valentine: "If you're not excited to get up in the morning and not every day, you need to make the fun along the way."

Conclusion

Sam wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of taking control over one's career through organized prioritization. She encourages listeners to revisit the episode whenever they feel overwhelmed and to engage with additional resources like Patreon for personalized advice.

[50:45] Sam Valentine: "Our steps are first, get all of the thoughts... Step two is to take out the trash and step three is to prioritize, wait and break them down into tangible steps."

Sam's heartfelt advice serves as a beacon for actors navigating the tumultuous waters of their careers. By implementing her structured approach, listeners can move from a state of overwhelm to one of empowered action, ensuring they remain focused on what truly matters.

Notable Quotes:

• [06:00] Sam Valentine: "You cannot do all of these things well. You cannot do incredible stunt training while also getting really good at your Russian accent..."

• [12:30] Sam Valentine: "There is no missing out. You are not missing out."

• [19:50] Sam Valentine: "There are no missed opportunities. There are only lessons learned."

• [30:15] Sam Valentine: "If you're not excited to get up in the morning and not every day, you need to make the fun along the way."

Final Thoughts

This episode of One Broke Actress is a must-listen for actors feeling swamped by the endless demands of their craft. Sam Valentine not only identifies the root causes of overwhelm but also provides a clear, actionable path to reclaiming focus and joy in one's acting journey.