The 98%

Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or not, this is a podcast that will humour, shock, validate and inform. You think you knew what it’s like to be an actor? Think again… The 98% explores what life is really like for the majority of actors and performers who, rather than trying to find an outfit for the Oscar’s, are trying to find an outfit that makes them look as close to an 1850’s aristocrat as possible for an audition in 24 hours. It comes as a surprise to most that only 2% of actors earn their main source of income from acting work. This podcast represents, and gives a voice to, the other 98%. What started as a comedy podcast in 2018, with co-hosts Alexa and Katie laughing and lamenting about the REAL #actorslife, has morphed into a relatable and supportive space through the lens of honesty and realism. By lifting the curtain on things that need changing in the industry, exposing hidden truths, and chatting to brilliant industry professional guests from all corners of the biz, The 98% is a podcast and platform that works to humanise those in the industry and redefine what success means in a business that, before, only shined a spotlight on the small minority. @the98percentpod

S5E40 - Finale Pt 2 - Reflection 06/10/2024

S5E39 - Finale Part 1 - Finding Joy In Your Journey 06/03/2024

S5E38 - Representation Special Part 2: Agent Roundtable 05/20/2024

S5E37 - Representation Special Part 1: Self Representation 05/11/2024

S5E36 - The Deceit and Corruption of Fake Self Tapes 04/22/2024

PSA: Jamie Fisher / "Archie Purnell" Statement 04/20/2024

S5E35 - "The Best Journalists Are Trustworthy" 04/08/2024

S5E34 - “My greatest performance was pretending everything was ok" 03/25/2024

S5E34 - “My greatest performance was pretending everything was ok" Mental health has always been a throughline for episodes of The 98% and so the podcast is proud to host Adam Bambrough in this episode, founder and CEO of Wellbeing in the Arts. After leaving the acting profession due to struggles with his own mental wellbeing, Adam planned to write a book revealing the scope of actors and creatives with mental health struggles. He soon realized that there was no stand alone mental health support in the entertainment industry, so no wonder mental health struggles were affecting so many creatives. And so..he made one himself. Wellbeing in the Arts works towards their vision of an industry in which every individual, organisation and production has access to mental health and wellbeing support and where awareness and understanding of mental health issues is vastly improved, along with the root causes of poor mental health in the workplace being addressed. Adam shares his journey as an actor, leaving the professions, neurodivergence, and more. This is an honest, transparent and much needed conversation about creatives and how this industry can exacerbate struggles, and what needs to be done to help. CN: This episode contains discussion around mental illness This brilliant organization has helped Alexa herself have access to 6 weeks of counselling for an incredibly accessible price considering the promptness and high quality of the service. Find out more about this much needed org here Need support with your mental health? Email: [email protected] Call: 0330 123 5574 Text: +44 7496 896 436 For general enrquries or to chat to Adam about his services email Follow them online @Wellbeinthearts If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call emergency services 999 or Samartians 116 123 . The 98% is excited to have this episode sponsored by Kru Live! Find out how you can get paid to have fun with flexible, exiciting work perfect for actors here . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/30512268

S5E33 - "'All I can do is act' is absolute bull" 03/11/2024

S5E32 - Bodhi Scandal, unveiled by The 98% 02/26/2024

S5E31 - "Hold On Tightly, Let Go Lightly" 02/05/2024

S530 - “If you know my bra size, you can text me back” 01/22/2024

S5E29 - “Your world is subjective. And you can’t change it.” 01/08/2024

S5E29 - “Your world is subjective. And you can’t change it.” "This year I will book my first TV credit" "I will sign with an agent" "I will star in a film" Sound familiar? These are all outcome goals, and very common amongst actors who are so determined to achieve that certain thing they think will make them more valid, especially in an industry that tends to only focus on the outcomes. But outcome foccussed goals can be detrimental, especially as actors when the outcome doesn't necessarily correlate to the process. What are process goals and why are they more important to focus on than outcome goals? This episode will explain all, and leave you feeling positive and inspired to make realistic and attainable goals and New Year's Resolutions for 2024 and beyond. Today The 98% welcomes back one of the most listened to guests of the podcast, Dr Steve Bull! Steve is a keynote speaker, author and 'high performance' consultant. During his 40 year career he has coached CEOs, Olympic athletes, NATO officers, actors and university professors. He has attended 3 Olympic Games as the Great Britain Team Headquarters Psychologist and has worked with hundreds of athletes in professional sports helping individuals and teams optimize their performance potential. Steve is also...Alexa's Dad! While the bias may be considered strong here, this really is a not-to-be-missed episode and can change your mindset in ways that will forever improve your career. In this episode Alexa and Steve discuss the importance of reframing goals as an actor to ensure they're within the realms of "controlling the controllables", how to stay confident and resilient as an actor, redifing success, and more! The perfect episode to shake off those January blues and get back on the actor horse. For Steve's previous apperances on The 98% listen to Series 1 Episode 5 and Series 3 Episode 14. For coaching/mentorship for The 98% visit Read Steve's latest book The Game Plan for more (albeit, sports laden) insightful tips on enhancing performance under pressure. . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from, and enjoyed, the podcast and want to give a little back; we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/29156058

Happy Christmas from The 98%! 12/25/2023

S5E28 - “You are not a cog. You are not just an actor. You are a human being.” 12/23/2023

Bonus Episode - Alexa and Katie on In The Room podcast 12/14/2023

S5E27 - "Happy actors do better work" 12/11/2023

S5E27 - "Happy actors do better work" It's the 100th episode of The 98%! And what could be more on brand than a deep dive on the one thing that actors in the 98% have in common...having to have a non-acting job. Guest Robyn Holdaway returns to the podcast after publishing a brilliant article on The 98%'s blog entitled "How To Pick The Right Non Acting Job For You". They break down every part of the process of having to find a paythebills job with the main idea being finding a job that doesn't rot your soul...because, as Robyn so brilliantly puts it, "you will be a better actor if you don’t hate yourself and your work, because the more desperate you become for an acting job...the worse you’re going to become." It's very normal to believe that the "right" job to have alongside your acting career is one that makes you as flexible and available for acting as possible, but that shouldn't be the only criteria. Considering 98% of actors don't earn their main source of income from acting, the reality is you are more than likely going to be paying your tax bill each year from work outside of the industry. So finding a job that is right for YOU, which can differ person to person, is of paramount importance. As is keeping a healthy state of mind and finding joy in your day to day life. How you pay your bills is a huge part of that, and in turn makes you a healthier and better person to enjoy the acting work when it does come. So how do you find a job like this? And what are the options? Listen now to find out! Read the original blog post here: Follow Robyn online @robynholdaway An enjoyable side hustle of reading in for self tapes for others is a click of a button away at Enjoy 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/28981423

S5E26 - Strike Update, A No Vote? 11/27/2023

S5E25 - "It's not about the millionaires. It's about the 98%" 11/13/2023

S5E24 - Halloween Special Part II 10/31/2023

S5E24 - Halloween Special Part II In this two-part Halloween Special, Alexa and Katie enter the world of true crime, sharing cases with each other that also relate to being an actor, and life in the entertainment industry. Where better to uncover these sordid tales than Tinseltown itself: Hollywood..Where, behind the glitz and glam, lies a dark underworld of crime, prejudice and exploitation. In this episode, Alexa tells Katie about the investigation of the murder of Bonny Lee Bakley. Bonny, desperate to find self worth, moved to Hollywood to chase the one thing she thought would give her life meaning - a famous husband. She finds this in Robert Blake, a man who was once hailed as among the finest actors of his generation but became better known as being in the center of a real-life murder trial and the most expensive investigation in LAPD history. Content note: murder, coercive and abusive relationships. The true crime starts at 10 minutes in, with the first part of the episode being general chat between Alexa and Katie about their current #actorslife. If you are experiencing violence or abuse at home, please reach out for help. In the UK visit or Canada Happy Halloween everyone! Stay spooky and stay safe! . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from, and enjoyed, the podcast and want to give a little back; we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/28410653

S5E23 - Halloween Special Part I 10/30/2023

S5E22 - "You are not in this to make other people happy, it has to be for you” 10/16/2023

S5E21 - "Our beliefs affect our world" 10/02/2023

S5E21 - "Our beliefs affect our world" Something a bit different for The 98% on this episode - with a practical aspect! Guest Dana Middleton is an Alignment and Tapping Coach who helps creative peiple raise their vibrations and unlock their most actualized lives. She teaches her Affirmation Tapping Formula to create laser focus while releasing common blocks and patterns of sabotage that hold creatives back. What is tapping? Well; disciplines that rely on a body-mind connections have evidence showing that they can relieve stress, depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping falls into this category. Tapping draws on the ancient Chinese practice of accupuncture, which teaches that the body's energy travels along specific pathways. Certain points on these pathwaysare stimulated to improve the flow of energy. Scientists believe that it works because it stimulates the central nervous system and causes the body to release helpful chemicals. In this episode you'll hear Alexa and Dana discuss what EFT tapping is and why it is importnant and powerful, advice for actors to raise their vibrations and change their mindset to 'move from stuck to shining', and more! Dana even takes listeners along a mini tapping session for actors! Check out our instagram page for a diagram of the tapping points so you can tap-along! Dana hosts Momentum Monday at the Aligned Artist Facebook Group and Instagram and offers recorded courses and live workshops through her website: Since the recording of this podcast Dana has completed her new course: 30 Days to a High Vibe You. Sign up here! Follow Dana on instagram @the_aligned_artist And join the Facebook group The Aligned Artist for live ‘tap-along’s’ . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from, and enjoyed, the podcast and want to give a little back; we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/28201397

S5E20 - "Let's talk about tax, baby!" 09/18/2023

S5E19 - "People wanted to believe that West End Producer was somebody really important" 09/04/2023

S5E19 - "People wanted to believe that West End Producer was somebody really important" In 2010 a new theatre producer hit the twitter scene. But this wasn't like any other producer, this was a persona and he was talking the talk. After swiftly gaining popularity for his tongue-in-cheek relatable showbiz musings, it was time for 'West End Producer' to walk the walk. Which he did..donning a mask, sticking a pillow down his trousers and adopting a voice that is now so synonymous with the character he portrayed. For 14 years the real identity of 'WEP' has been a secret...until now. After writing two books, being a columnist for The Stage, appearing at countless press nights and industry events and amassing a cult following, it was time for the man behind the mask to be revealed. With rumours swirling and some steadfastly believing it was really a producer akin to Sir Cameron Mackintosh, actors across the country (including Alexa and Katie) were delighted to discover that the genius behind this character was, in fact, a "jobbing actor" in the 98%. Christian Edwards started posing as West End Producer all those years ago partly out of frustration at the industry and all it entails for actors, and partly as a need for a creative outlet he was in control of. He had no idea when he sent that first tweet that he'd gain 60,000 followers, be a voice of guidance for many, have a sell out show at the Edinburgh Fringe, become an author, and be the centre of London's best kept theatre secret for over a decade. In today's episode you'll hear from West End Producer himself, as well as Christian who shares the times he was almost at breaking point, the imposter syndrome he faced as WEP, close calls of people finding out, why he is unmasking now and more classic 98% actor stories than you can imagine (including how going from the red carpet as WEP to a promo work shift the next morning really puts a new spin on #actorslife!) Follow West End Producer @westendproducer And Christian @chrisedwards79 . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/27886815

S5E18 - "I want to quiet the shame and raise the inner artist’s self" 08/19/2023

S5E18 - "I want to quiet the shame and raise the inner artist’s self" A few months ago The Cut published an article 3 years in the making. Journalist Sara Jin Li spoke to 26 ex-students of acting studio Lonsdale Smith & Company, ran by "dogmatic leader slash guru" Michèle Lonsdale-Smith; who has been running acting classes in studios acros North America, and now Europe, for 20+ years. Actors described, in detail, cult-like abuse, mistreatment and bullying exhibited under the guise of "doing the work". Since the release of the article, huge comparisons have been made online between what these actors have described, and the workings of dangerous cults..from survivors of cults themselves. In today's episode one of those ex-students, Brooke, joins us to share her experience and the ways she is using it to retrain as an art therapist with the aim to provide person centered, trauma informed safe spaces for artists. Brooke shares her inspiring story and strength, harrowing experience, important thoughts around how actors are viewed by the profession and themselves, why person-centered training is key, and why actors shouldn't be performing monkey's jumping through hoops for those percived to be 'important' in this industry. An important listen for all. Content Warning - this episode contains discussion around mistreatment and verbal abuse Follow Brooke on instagram @ababblingbooke and her traum-informed safe space for artists @rise.artists If you'd like to find out more about the acting studio, and teacher, discussed in this episode you can read the article in The Cut here: https://www.thecut.com/article/michele-lonsdale-smith-acting-class-students.html You can also listen to a two-part episode from podcast A Little Bit Culty who chat to three ex-students, including Brooke . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/27792237

S5E17 - "Some of the most 'successful' actors I know are 'unknown'" 08/07/2023

S5E17 - "Some of the most 'successful' actors I know are 'unknown'" For so long conservatoire drama schools have been the only way to get invaluable training to set you up for the industry...but not anymore. IAmPro is just one of the alternative training offerings out there for actors and creatives who want to work in the entertainment industry. IAmPro trains talent digitally and gets them discovered, collaborating and networking, and offers personalised end-to-end learning which prepares people for the future creative industry. Their mission is to democratise the historically archaic systems which have driven multi-layers of inequality within our industry. Today's guest is Ben Brooks, co founder and director of production at IAmPro. Ben himself started off in-front of the camera as an actor and then studied Musical Theatre before deciding to work behind the camera in television production, which he has done for the last 15 years. He is also and agent and director of acting agency iAP Talent Group. Ben tells us about his journey from being an actor as a youngster to working behind the camera, and eventually co-founding an alternative to the standard actor training to make it more accessible for all creatives to explore multiple avenues within the entertainment business. We chat about nepotism within the industry (and his own experience of having a famous actress as a sister!), going from working in front of the camera to behind the camera in production, how and why IAmPro started, the perception of success, thoughts on casting director workshops, as well as brilliant advice from an agent’s point of view as director of an actor agency! Make sure you listen all the way through to hear an exclusive DISCOUNT for listeners of The 98% for all the amazing things IAmPro has to offer! Follow IAmPro online @iampro Learn more about IAmPro and join here . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . This episode was recorded on Squadcast - the virtual podcast recording site. Find out more here . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/27661560

S5E16 - SAG-AFTRA On Strike 07/24/2023

S5E16 - SAG-AFTRA On Strike “It’s all corporate greed” July 2023 marks an historic time for the entertainment industry. For the first time in decades the actor union in the United States (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild Of America (WGA) have joined forces to strike after the expiration of their contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers and the AMPTP's refusal to engage in negotiations for fair pay, safe working conditions, protection against AI and other basic rights for performers, writers and creatives. Whether you are a member of SAG-AFTRA or not, this strike affects and represents us all. Knowledge is power and we are all in this together, so tune in to this episode to arm yourself with insight and fuel your solidarity. Why are the strikes happening? What caused them? How does SAG-AFTRA work as a union? How are they different to Equity and other sister unions? How can you support the strike and how does it affect you? What are some experiences of actors that are happening right now in terms of why we need this strike? Find out all of this and more from this episode's two brilliant guests; Kylie Sparks (they/them) an actor, writer, singer, comedian and strike leader on the ground at the picket line and Dominic Burgess (he/him) a British actor who has been living and working in LA since 2007. They give detailed, open, honest accounts of the importance of these strikes and show why this should be a global movement. Follow them online @kyliesparks and @dominicburgess Some links mentioned in the episode... Information on the strike Free resources and assistance for strikers and how to support them Comment from UK Union Equity on the strikes Information from Canada's Union UBCP-ACTRA on the strike . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. Follow alexa @alexamorden . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . This episode was recorded on Squadcast - the virtual podcast recording site. Find out more here /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/27531474

S5E15 - "It starts and ends with craft" 07/10/2023

S5E15 - "It starts and ends with craft" While The 98% mostly discusses everything about the real #actorslife aside from the actual art of acting…this episode is a slight gear change as Alexa talks to renowned acting teacher Terry Knickerbocker. In this down to earth, honest chat you can hear discussion on the importance of laying the foundations for working on your craft, why your goals should be more than just “be a working actor”, what to look out for when finding a good coach, the importance of self care and finding a nurturing teacher, how to handle the business and stay resilient, self taping advice…and the reasons why Terry loves to work with Daniel Craig! Terry has been teaching new actors as well as coaching experienced actors for decades, and despite working with some of the most famous actors in the world - he has never got caught up in the smoke and mirrors of the profession and remains steadfast in offering training for actors to realize their full potential at his acting studio in New York; Terry Knickerbocker Studio. This is a hugely relatable episode and one to inspire those who may need a reminder, in this difficult and draining industry, of why we are in it in the first place. To find out more about Terry’s teaching work and studio visit: Follow the studio on instagram @terryknickerbockerstudio . Follow us on twitter/instagram at @the98percentpod for relatable #actorslife content, tips and advice for actors, and news about our new series. . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . This episode was recorded on Squadcast - the virtual podcast recording site. Find out more here . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/27414942

S5E14 - "Have you read the call sheet?!" 06/26/2023

S5E14 - "Have you read the call sheet?!" An episode years in the making and one The 98% is SO excited to share. A first-of-its-kind chat where an Assistant Director for TV and film shares all the insight an actor could possibly need for working on set. This is like a crash course in everything they don't teach you at drama school..but what you should know! In this insightful, informative episode 2nd A.D Erin Morris-Large shares the ins and outs of #setlife, the do’s and don’t’s for actors working in TV/film, a breakdown of a call sheet, and what Whoopi Goldberg’s trailer is like! This is an excellent episode for all actors wanting to do screen work, or any creative interested in working on tv and film crews. So much knowledge and insight to be shared..along with some cracking stories only an A.D can tell you! *Important note*: During the second half of this episode Erin helps listeners decipher a call sheet. We have posted the call sheet we are referring to on our twitter and instagram page, as well as our website under "About - The Podcast". We strongly recommend having the call sheet up as a visual to accompany listening to you can be as prepared as possible for the next time a call sheet arrives in your inbox! Find it at @the98percentpod Follow Erin’s meme page for funny lessons on #setlife @assistantdirectorhuns Erin is part of the Assistant Director's Guild. Learn more about the guild and how to get into this line of work here! https://adguild.uk . If you've benefitted from and enjoyed the podcast and want to give a little back, we have a ko-fi where every penny thrown in our hat goes straight into contributing towards the costs of running the podcast and creating helpful content online for actors. Every little helps and is so appreciated! . Want to connect with other actors around the world, be coached, see castings, read in for self tapes or earn money reading for others? You can do all this and more at with 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825! /episode/index/show/59559a0d-8c03-408f-98ba-e3cd1a4b2ef5/id/27084297

The 98%

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