Today’s episode is a little different — it’s just Todd and Jay, mic’d up and mood-swinging their way through one of those actor chats that starts with “I’m not feeling it” and ends with “okay, I’ve got a little fire back.”
In this candid bonus conversation, Todd and Jay explore the ebb and flow of motivation in an actor’s life — why it disappears, how to rediscover it, and the tools they’ve each developed to stay (or get back) on track. From inner drive to outer community, yoga hacks to time-blocking, and even the occasional black hole of self-doubt, this is a brutally honest and refreshingly funny reflection on the ups and downs of creative energy.
Whether you’re smashing auditions or stuck in the “meh,” this episode is for every actor who's ever felt a little lost in the grind.
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Opening
01:40 – “I’m just not feeling it today”
03:00 – Losing motivation and why it happens
05:15 – Why actors need inner motivation
07:40 – Jay’s “bliss-based” discipline hack
10:30 – Todd on how the body seeks pleasure
13:20 – No money, no validation — just love of the work
15:45 – The unpredictable nature of actor life
17:30 – Yoga, chakras, and the motivation pyramid
20:10 – Balancing survival with creative readiness
22:30 – The curse of missed opportunities
24:00 – Todd’s big casting miss while abroad
26:00 – Community as a motivator
28:00 – Why Todd got active in the union
29:40 – Surround yourself with other actors
31:00 – Jay’s take: finding inner motivation
33:10 – Community vs. discipline — which drives you?
35:30 – Creating purpose from within
38:00 – Tangible tips for everyday motivation
40:00 – Rebuilding your tribe post-pandemic
42:00 – Inner food vs. outer support
44:30 – Why actors need both solo and ensemble energy
46:00 – Wrap-up and final thoughts
đź’¬ Join the Conversation
What resonated with you in this BONUSODE? Drop your thoughts in the comments — or tag us on socials with your takeaways!
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đź’« TODD: https://linktr.ee/toddkramer
đź’« JAY: https://linktr.ee/jayreum
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