Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast

NY vs LA Actors: Acting Coach Reveals BIG Differences
Ever wonder what sets New York actors apart from their Los Angeles counterparts? In this insightful conversation, Acting Coach extraordinaire Marnie Cooper reveals the BIG differences between NY and LA actors and what it truly takes to succeed in the entertainment industry. From the disciplined, theater-driven approach of New York to the fame-driven hustle of Los Angeles, th...

What Does It Really Take To Make It In Hollywood?
Are you ready to take control of your acting career without waiting for Hollywood to call? In this inspiring and insightful video, Lydia Nicole of Acting Smarter Now sits down with veteran actor and producer Tony Winters, who shares transformative advice from over 40 years in the industry. From his early days as a Universal Studios tour guide to starring in acclaimed projects an...

Avoid This Common Acting Mistake When You Work Alone

The Big Mistake Actors Make When They Work Alone.  Discover why being a lone actor can derail your career and learn how to build momentum, stay accountable, and connect with the right people to thrive in the industry. In this video, I share vital acting tips, personal experiences from my 50-year career, and Hollywood insights to help you avoid common pitfalls. From emoti...

Unlock your true potential and find confidence in your voice with this transformative guide on overcoming actor insecurities! 🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned Hollywood star or just beginning your acting journey, this video is packed with actionable acting tips and career advice to help you embrace your unique sound and shine on stage or screen. 

Join me, Lydia Nicole, as I sit down with the extraordinary voice and diale...

Rejection is NOT the end! In this video, I’m sharing essential actor mindset secrets 🎭 to help you thrive in your acting career. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, rejection is a part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to break you. Learn how to reframe rejection, protect your self-confidence, and build resilience with actionable tools and tips like creating a support network, strengthening your craft, and ce...

Stop "spraying and praying" or winging your way through auditions! Master audition prep today with actionable acting tips, career success strategies, and inspiring Hollywood insights. Are you tired of generic auditions that don't represent your unique essence? I’ve been there, and I’m here to help you shine! From creating tailored scenes that fit your brand to delivering unforgettable slates, this video is packed wit...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to career longevity in acting? 🎭 Join me, Lydia Nicole, as I sit down with the incredible Wren T. Brown, a renowned actor, artistic director, and co-founder of the Ebony Repertory Theater—the first black professional theater in Los Angeles operating under an equity contract. With four generations of artistry in his family, Wren shares invaluable acting tips, Hollywood insights, and the power of ...

Are you an actor waiting for your big break? Learn how YOU can turn your creativity into cash with Shopify today! In this inspiring episode of Acting Smarter, I sit down with the incredible Shopify guru, Vero Lopez, to share actionable tips on building a thriving side hustle. Whether you're selling unique crafts, creating digital downloads, or offering acting classes, this video is packed with insights to help you succeed.

Discover how Vincent Paterson found hope in Hollywood's darkest moments and reclaimed his sense of self-worth when everything seemed lost. In this candid conversation, Vincent opens up about confronting personal struggles, overcoming a deep mental health crisis, and rediscovering purpose through creativity. Hear about the turning point that saved his life, how faith and humor played a role, and the lessons he learned about res...

Are you prepared to revolutionize your acting career? Learn how colors can significantly impact your acting career! Join Lydia Nicole and top Hollywood color consultant Jill Kersh as they share invaluable acting tips and Hollywood insights on how the right colors can impact auditions, headshots, self-tapes, and even your confidence. From understanding jewel tones to choosing wardrobe pieces that make your face, eyes, and smile pop,...

What does it take to land your big break in Hollywood? Join Skye Townsend as she shares her inspiring journey through 600 auditions to her breakthrough role on "A Black Lady Sketch Show." In this heartfelt interview, we dive into her unwavering determination, the lessons she learned from her iconic father, Robert Townsend, and how she embraced her own path in comedy and acting. Skye opens up about balancing integrity with...

Still think acting after 40 is impossible? It’s TIME for your COMEBACK! 💥 Whether you’re returning to the industry or just starting over, this video is packed with game-changing acting tips, career advice, and Hollywood insights to reignite your journey. Age is not a limitation—it's your superpower! From tackling ageism to rebranding your acting career, I’ll guide you step by step on how to sharpen your craft, rediscover your...

Are you ready to transform your acting career today? 🎭 In this value-packed episode, I sit down with rising Hollywood actress Dominique Stango to uncover how mastering Canva can elevate your acting brand and help you stand out. Whether you're creating professional headshots, storyboards for your shorts, or crafting a pitch that wows agents and casting directors, Canva is the ultimate tool for actors! 

We dive into ac...

She couldn't find a Stage, So She Bought One. Can you imagine a poet wanting to have a place to perform, so she ends up buying a theater to have a space for her and her fellow artists to perform. That is precisely what this one artist, Stephanie Weisman, did.  I got to sit down with the incredible Stephanie Weisman, owner and artistic director of the legendary Marsh Theaters in Northern California, a hub for solo performers fo...

Acting Collaborations Gone Wrong - Avoid These Mistakes! Are you ready to protect your creative dreams? In this video, I  share essential acting tips and Hollywood insights to help actors like YOU avoid the most common collaboration pitfalls that could derail your career or damage relationships. Whether you're starting your acting journey or you've been working in the industry for years, this advice is for you!

F...

Are you an actor wondering why your career isn’t progressing or why you’re not booking roles? In this video, I break down the 10 reasons actors fail—and more importantly, how YOU can succeed. As someone who has been in the acting industry for years, I’ve seen it all: from inconsistent efforts to the fear of visibility, these self-sabotaging habits can hold even the most talented actors back. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you mo...

Ready to get amazing headshots with these prep tips every actor must know! From nailing your wardrobe to choosing the right photographer, I’m sharing all the tips you need to create headshots that truly reflect your unique brand and open doors to career success. Drawing from personal experiences and coaching sessions with actors, this video is packed with advice on perfecting your look, saving money while investing in quality, and ...

Unlock the secrets to a thriving acting career with these 10 career tips every aspiring actor must know 🎭! From defining your brand to building resilience, I’m here to guide you step-by-step on your journey to becoming the superstar you’re destined to be. In this episode of Acting Smarter Now, I’m sharing practical advice drawn from my own experience in Hollywood, including lessons learned standing in line at the Laugh Factory, in...

Ready to master the art of one-person shows?  Dive into this inspiring episode packed with expert tips, Hollywood insights, and heartfelt stories that will ignite your creative spark! Join me, Lydia Nicole, as I chat with the incredibly talented Don Reed, who has acted, written, and directed NINE one-person shows. Together, we break down everything from accessing your vulnerability to structuring your show like a blockbuster movie....