Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast
Immerse yourself in the rich, dynamic world of 'Acting Smarter Now" with Lydia Nicole,
your vibrant guide to mastering the business and craft of acting. With Lydia, a
seasoned industry veteran of 40 years, you'll experience a journey of practical
wisdom, brimming with empowerment, and street-wise common sense.
Join Lydia Nicole as she transforms the mindset of actors and creatives, infusing confidence and cultivating fun while executing their craft. As a multifaceted creative—actor, stand-up comedian, radio programmer, music marketer, and more—Lydia offers a treasure trove of wisdom from both her victories and her blunders, allowing listeners to navigate their paths with more ease and insight.
Lydia brings the Hollywood scene right into your ears, conducting vibrant interviews with industry creatives, from budding actors to veteran producers. She effortlessly peels back the curtain on the glamorous yet challenging Hollywood landscape, providing a pragmatic roadmap for your creative journey while staying authentic to your artistic vision.
'Acting Smarter Now" goes beyond art; it is about life, resilience, and spirituality in an industry that never stops spinning. So, whether you're an aspiring comedian, an emerging filmmaker, or an established actor seeking refreshing perspectives, this podcast is your friendly companion, mid-week energizer, and dose of industry smarts.
Hop on board for the ride of a lifetime with Lydia. Engage with
her on social media, stay updated with her latest episodes, and make your
artistic and business journey smarter, confident, and joyful!
Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast
Nobody Teaches Creatives This: How to Master the Business of Art
What does it really take to build a creative career that lasts—not just survives, but thrives?
In this powerful episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole sits down with legendary artist, author, and educator Dr. Synthia St. James to break it all down.
From painting the iconic cover of Waiting to Exhale to creating the historic Kwanzaa postage stamp, Dr. St. James shares how she transformed raw talent into a globally recognized brand. This is not a “wait to be discovered” story—this is a masterclass in self-determination, strategy, and creative ownership.
Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
• How to balance day jobs without dimming your creative fire
• Why PR, licensing, and visibility matter more than you think
• How to stop asking for permission and start building power
• What it really means to design your own creative lane
Whether you’re an actor, painter, writer, or multi-hyphenate creative navigating Los Angeles, Hollywood, or your own corner of the world, this episode delivers real-world wisdom you can apply now.
This is your reminder: your art is valuable, your vision matters, and your career deserves intention.
Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a creative who needs a mindset shift.
Let’s stop waiting to be discovered and start becoming undeniable.
#ActingSmarterNow #CreativeCareer #MasterTheBusinessOfArt
#ActingCareer #CareerAdvice #HollywoodInsights
#ArtTips #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ArtCareerAdvice #BuildYourOwnPath
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - Passion for Art
06:40 - Artistic Inspiration
09:38 - First Art Sale
11:21 - Parental Support for Artists
19:26 - Return to Los Angeles
22:08 - Importance of a Day Job
26:35 - Transition to Acting
28:20 - Inner City Cultural Center
30:15 - Finding an Agent
34:00 - First Job Experience
36:35 - First Art Exhibit
42:40 - Shift to Abstract Art
49:07 - Teaching Business to Artists
51:45 - Licensing Art Decisions
57:41 - Benefits of Licensing
1:02:30 - Kwanzaa Stamp Creation
1:07:15 - Artist Responsibilities
1:19:41 - Birthday Trips Reflection
1:20:28 - Starting Self-Care
1:22:15 - Regular Self-Care Trips
1:25:54 - Setting Goals as a Youth
1:30:08 - Incorporating Affirmations
1:32:34 - Exercises for Artists
1:35:48 - Tips for Emerging Artists
1:39:59 - Promoting Your Art
1:44:35 - Embracing Technology
1:51:29 - Legacy Aspirations
🎬 Welcome to Lydia Nicole’s World! 🎤
Get ready to dive into the bold, hilarious, and downright inspiring universe of Lydia Nicole—a creative dynamo who’s worn all the hats: actor, stand-up comedian, writer, producer, music marketer, and even radio programmer. Basically, if Hollywood had a Swiss Army knife, it would be Lydia!
🔥 What’s in it for you?
✨ Candid conversations with industry pros—actors, producers, and creatives who’ve been there, done that, and have stories to prove it!
✨ Insider secrets to Hollywood’s glitz and grind, sprinkled with Lydia’s signature wit and wisdom.
✨ The Acting Smarter Now series—think of it as your go-to guide for acting, resilience, spirituality, and surviving the wild world of showbiz with your soul intact.
But wait, there’s more! Lydia’s channel is packed with acting tips, industry hacks, and real-life lessons that’ll have you laughing, learning, and leveling up in your career. Whether you're dreaming of your big break, plotting your next project, or just here for some juicy Hollywood tea, this channel is your backstage pass to a smarter, funnier, and more fulfil
Get the Acting Smarter Digital Planner and Course bundle for free until Oct 15, 2025