What does it actually mean to succeed as an actor? In this episode, journalist and presenter Jamie Body is joined by Alexa Morden — actor, coach, author, and founder of the 98% podcast and CIC — to have the conversation the industry rarely wants you to hear.
Alexa breaks down why chasing the traditional idea of "making it" could be holding you back, how to find genuine success and fulfilment at any stage of your acting career, and why being in the 98% of actors who don't earn their main income from acting is nothing to be ashamed of.
They also get into the red flags actors need to watch out for — from fake producers and IMDb credit fraud to agencies withholding pay — and why Alexa turned her podcast into a Community Interest Company to keep fighting for actors who have nowhere else to turn.
Plus, in Lights, Questions, Action: the role Alexa always wanted, the acting advice she thinks is complete nonsense, and why you absolutely need to be her friend if you're okay with voice notes.
🎙️ Topics covered:
Why only 2% of actors earn their main income from acting?
Redefining success on your own terms. Internal vs external validation. Control the controllables — a process-focused approach to your career.
Industry red flags and the work of the 98% CIC: The myth of blacklisting.
Writing Beyond the Spotlight with her father, performance psychologist Dr Steve Ball 📖 Alexa's book Beyond the Spotlight is out now.
🎧 Find the 98% podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. The Business of Show Business is the podcast for performers, creatives, and industry professionals navigating the real world of show business. Hosted by Jamie Body, distributed across 45+ countries.
Subscribe for new episodes monthly and leave a comment below — what's your definition of success as a performer?
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