How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.

How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.

How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t is hosted by Shvorne Marks - actor, writer, and now podcast host, who knows firsthand just how wild this industry can be. Each week, Shvorne sits down with a fellow actor to unpack the highs, lows, and everything in between: from where their love of acting began to how they deal with rejection, uncertainty, and the times when work just isn’t coming in. Every episode ends with the all-important question: “For any actors about to lose their sh*t… what’s your advice?” Expect laughter, honesty, a few tears and some bad language.

Episodes

January 27, 2026 40 mins

In this final episode of the season, I sit down with the producer of the podcast, and my sister, Caitlin Thornton.

Together, we reflect on some of our favourite moments from the season, the biggest learnings and takeaways from our incredible guests, and how this podcast came to life in the first place. From the initial idea to hitting record, we talk honestly about what it’s been like building this together and what we’ve learned al...

Mark as Played

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, an English actor whose work spans stage, television and film with remarkable range and depth. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Ronkẹ has built a dynamic career that moves effortlessly between powerful theatrical performances and memorable screen roles.

You’ll hear about her journey from classical theatre training to taking on roles in accla...

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In this episode, I sit down with West End musical theatre star Tom Senior, known for iconic roles including Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and Kenickie in Grease. While his career on stage has been massive, Tom has since built a hugely successful online coaching business, which is now his main priority.

Now running the online platform Powerful Performers with his fiancée Mimi, Tom helps artists get into the best shape of their lives...

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In this episode, I sit down with comedian, actor and writer Michelle De Swarte for an honest, funny and deeply refreshing conversation about her journey in the industry.

Michelle opens up about finding her voice, carving out her own lane, and what it’s really been like building a career on her own terms. We talk about the highs and lows of acting, navigating rejection, self-belief, and what it really takes to keep going in an indust...

Mark as Played

For this special bonus episode, we’re flipping the script. Stacey Dooley steps into the host’s chair, while How To Be An Actor And Not Lose Your Sh*t host Shvorne Marks becomes the guest.

In this open, honest and often funny conversation, Stacey digs into the story behind the podcast, from when Shvorne first fell in love with acting, to the highs and lows of her career so far, and the moments that nearly made her walk away altogethe...

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In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow ArtsEd alum, Daisy Doris May. We’ve known each other for years, so it was a real joy to finally sit down and talk about her creative journey, from drama school to becoming one of the most iconic comedic drag kings on the scene today.

Daisy opens up about how she discovered drag, how she built her unique style of comedy, and what it takes to carve out your own space in an...

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In this episode, I sit down with award-winning actor Hammed Animashaun - whose love for performing began at just 11 years old. Born and raised in London, Hammed discovered his love for acting early, joining youth theatre before eventually pouring everything into stage, screen and everything in between.

We dive into his story: growing up in London, the internal and external battles he faced when choosing to follow his calling, and th...

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From gracing our screens since the age of eleven, Nell Tiger Free has grown up in front of the camera - and in this episode, she sits down with me for a completely open and honest conversation about what that’s really been like.

We talk about the highs, the lows, the pressure of starting young, and the moments that shaped her both as an actor and as a person. Nell shares the realities behind the roles, how she navigates uncertainty ...

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Kevin Clifton has been performing since he was a child. Many of you will know him from Strictly Come Dancing, but I know him from working alongside him on stage.

In this episode, Kevin opens up about his lifelong love for musical theatre and acting, passions that were put on hold while his dance career took the lead. It wasn’t until his mid-twenties that he found his way back to the world of theatre, discovering a renewed sense of j...

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Welcome to How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.
In this first episode, host Shvorne Marks sits down with her long-time friend and fellow actor Pearl Mackie. The two first met back in 2012, performing together in a tiny garage theatre in Peckham, and now, over a decade later, they reflect on just how far they’ve come.

Expect honest chat, laughter, and a few raw moments as they share the highs, lows, and lessons learned along...

Mark as Played

In this introductory episode, actor Shvorne Marks , introduces How to Be an Actor and Not Lose Your Sh*t.

Shvorne shares why she created this podcast: to have honest conversations about what it really takes to survive and thrive as an actor in an unpredictable industry. Over the coming weeks Shvorne talks to some brillant actors and artists about their own journey's, the highs, the lows, and the lessons they've learned along the way...

Mark as Played

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