I had a lovely time talking with my friend, Adrienne Allen. I honestly did not know much about her, accept that she was a joyful person when we worked together on a tv show. Her positive energy lured me in to want to know more, and I'm grateful that she welcomed my invite to come on the podcast. Her life has been filled with positive support from her friends and family, and industry folk she met along the way.
At age 12 she wrote a spec script for a sitcom. She speaks about her experiences through the system of Hollywood and journey of self-discovery and re-discovery. Her determination to accomplish her goal as a television writer, and her challenges as a woman of color along that path, are not only eye-opening but inspirational.
You may find, as I did, morsels of wisdom to take home with you, such as: "Enjoy the flow." "Commit to and honor your normal." "Life is short, sometimes you have to embrace the way you're shaped."
From pressuring herself to do better at a young age, to wanting to help others in the fight to fulfill their dreams, or feel they've been abused by employers in Hollywood, she both a joy to know and a force to reckon with. It was such a pleasure finding out who she is, how she reflects upon her own childhood, her views on the industry, the strength she gets from the higher power, and how she bravely took the challenge to go to a place where she "didn't feel unique but made it work" for her.
I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did, and find it equally inspiring.
Thank you for listening.
Mentions: "Tell Me A Story", a CBS All Access TV show.
"#PayUpHollywood" is a service that protects assistants in Hollywood for better wages, health insurance, and working conditions.
+ Podcast artwork created by the amazing Dan Meth. On Instagram @danmeth.
