Creative Struggles

Actors don't talk enough about late or missing payments. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I'm joined by a fellow actor to discuss waiting months to get paid, chasing checks, and navigating payment issues without burning bridges. If you've ever questioned when to speak up or walk away, this episode is for you.
 
#chasingchecks #freelance #moneytalks #paymentissues #actor #actress #notpaid #paidlate #creativestruggles #actinglife #actingjourney #protectyourself #contracts #film #tv #podcast #actorpodcast
 
Guest: Christopher Riviere
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfriviere?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.riviere?_r=1&_t=ZP-95kQIpq1xzK
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusevh

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor who also expresses their creativity through painting. We talk about navigating an industry that wants you to pick one lane, creating without permission, and staying connected to your art when acting isn't the only outlet.
 
#painter #artists #creator #painting #actor #hobbies #sidejobs #acting #actress #actingjourney #actingtips #handmade
 
Guest: Keshia Ramdhanie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/keishaannram?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintingsByKeisha?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZnRzaARNr1RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaejljpbfIKHUD8wKBVHJYdnzfn9Vg3bkbKFkUTRQzivf41OqqtLi22RJiUmSw_aem_g-WGvKQI_l1iNlGO-eV_UA&dd_referrer=https://l.instagram.com/
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev

In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with a recording artist who is navigating the music industry while staying true to who they are. We talk authenticity, pressure to conform, and what it really takes to build a music career without losing yourself.
 
#music #recordingartist #rap #hiphop #musicindustry #musician #rapartist #rapper #neosoul #randb #lyrisist
 
Guest: Johnathon Black
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/johnathon.blacks_world?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
All streaming platforms Johnathon.Black
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev

Working for free is often framed as “paying your dues” in the creative industry — but what does it actually cost? In this episode of Creative Struggles, I sit down with an actor to unpack the reality of unpaid work, favor-for-favor culture, and the emotional toll that comes with constantly saying yes.
We talk honestly about when free work can be strategic, when it becomes exploitative, and how to choose opportunities that align with your values, time, and long-term goals. From blurred boundaries to learning how to say no without guilt, this conversation explores what creatives give up when they work for “exposure” — and how to protect your worth without burning bridges.
If you’ve ever felt conflicted about unpaid opportunities or questioned whether a “favor” was really worth it, this episode is for you.
 
#free #notpaid #actors #actingjourney #actingtips
 
Guest: Jerry Davis
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/asulay?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev

Intimate scenes require trust, communication, and clear boundaries — but that’s not always the reality on set. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I’m joined by a fellow actress to talk honestly about uncomfortable moments during intimate scenes, power dynamics, and why safety should never be optional. We break down what should be standard practice, how to advocate for yourself, and why your comfort matters just as much as the performance. Listener discretion advised.
Guest: Olivia
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ojthajuicegirl?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Facebook and Tik tok @ D. Olivia Jordan
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev

 
Not Every Opportunity Is Aligned explores the pressure creatives feel to say yes to everything - and the growth that comes with learning when to say no. In this episode, we talk about unaligned opportunities, guilt, fear, and how choosing yourself doesn't mean you're giving up on your dream. If you've ever questioned whether an opportunity was truly meant for you, this conversation is for you.
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev
 
#actor #cr8tivestruggles #KnowYourWorth #Opportunities #ActingAdvice

Season 2 of Creative Struggles is here — premiering Wednesday, April 1st.
This season dives deeper into the real experiences of actors and creatives navigating the industry in real time — not after they’ve made it, but while they’re still building, learning, and figuring it out.
From rejection and self-doubt to growth, pivots, and new opportunities, these conversations highlight what it really takes to keep going when the path isn’t clear.
If you’re chasing a dream and learning as you go, this season is for you.
 
#actorslife #actingtips #actor #cr8tivestruggles #actingjourney
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev

Rejection is part of the acting journey - but that doesn't make it hurt any less. In this episode of Creative Struggles, I talk honestly about how rejection shows up in the creative process, why it feels deeply personal even when it's not, and how easy it is to internalize a “no" as a reflection of your worth. If you've ever questioned yourself, your talent, or whether you're doing enough after being rejected — this one's for you!
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev
 
#actor #cr8tivestruggles #Rejection #Vulnerability #ActingLife #KeepGoing

 
Clapping for Yourself is about learning how to keep going when no one is watching, cheering, or validating your effort. In this episode of Creative Struggles, we talk about the quiet phase of the creative journey - when progress feels invisible and motivation has to come from within. If you've ever felt discouraged by the lack of applause, this episode is your reminder that showing up still counts. Sometimes, the most important recognition comes from you.
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev
 
#actor #cr8tivestruggles #CelebrateYourself #SelfWorth #Motivation #CreatorsJourney

This episode explores what happens when confidence meets pressure and preparation turns into overthinking. From walking into an open casting call filled with industry heavyweights to performing through nerves and self-doubt, this episode breaks down the reality of showing up scared, trusting your work, and being seen trying anyway. If you've ever over-prepared, spiraled, and still pushed forward - this one's for you.
 
If you would like to share any stories, questions, topics, encouraging words, etc., send an email to cr8tivestruggles@outlook.com and I will share them on the next episode!
 
You can find the video version of this episode on Youtube at Creative Struggles
 
Please follow, like, subscribe, comment, leave review, share and send an email!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8tivestruggles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581997290521
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cr8tivestruggles
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nahjalae?_t=8ifoX1PN8P5&_r=1
 
I also have my own earring business, Nahjalae’s Polymer Earrings, that I handcraft! Check them out on my Etsy Shop!
 
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NahjalaePolyEarrings
 
Music: Mikhail Smusev
 
#Confidence #Overthinking #CreativeStruggles #ActingLife #actor #audition #fear