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| Photo by Lance Carr |
My latest chat is with Melanie Victor of California. She’s a podcaster and her show consists of interviews. She has interviewed over 100 individuals in the entertainment industry, and she just recently celebrated a year of podcasting. I came across one of her podcasts because she had interviewed one of my friends who is an actor as well as a director. I was impressed with how casual and fun her show was. I was inspired as well because coming across her show has inspired me to look into doing this in the near future.
Learn more about Melanie and find out her who her biggest supporter is and if she has a favorite interview.
Introducing Melanie…
My husband and I are able to pursue our passions and dreams all while raising our 1-year-old son Jaiden. It’s exciting to have him on this journey with us. He keeps us very busy, so we definitely have to be strategic and work together to get things done. Although this journey can be challenging at times, it’s definitely been worth it and I know eventually things will pan out the way we desire.
You’ve been a podcaster for a little over a year, was there an individual or was there a show that inspired you to be a podcaster?
My husband was the one to encourage me to start a podcast. I was terrified, but he believed in me so much that he actually started reaching out to actors and setting up interviews for me. So at that point, I had no
What have been the joys and challenges of starting it?
Some of the joys of the podcast have been getting the opportunity to talk with and hear so many different actors stories. I also have enjoyed watching the podcast grow and connecting with so many people that have
A big challenge was just doing it and knowing that I was good enough to host my own show and interview
Was there a class you took to learn how to do a podcast?
No, I didn’t take any classes. My husband has taught me everything I know about successfully running my own podcast.
Do you mainly interview actors and are you planning to interview others in the entertainment industry?
I mostly interview actors, but I also have interviewed directors, casting directors, producers, etc. My focus is the actor’s story and acting business so I’m open to interviewing anyone in the field that can speak to the business or offer a different perspective for my listeners.
So far, I’ve interviewed over 100 actors and counting. So much more to come!
Do you have a favorite interview? And I imagine that you have more than one for different reasons, am I right?
I’ve taken something away from every interview I’ve done so far. I really appreciate hearing the stories about the actors who wanted to quit or give up but didn’t. They were so close to throwing in the towel but they got that opportunity or finally booked that first costar or dream role. I enjoy hearing about the challenging times because they have
So, how do you go about preparing for the interview and what does that entail?
So for each guest, I have them send me their bio and I like to watch any past interviews they may have done. I also like to watch at least one of their shows or movies, so I’m familiar with their work. I come up with 10 questions for each guest as a guideline, but I like to allow the conversation to naturally flow. My interviews are very relaxed, casual, and free-flowing.
What do you want potential interviewees to know about your podcast?
That there are no right or wrong answers to the questions I ask. This is just a space for actors to freely share their stories and experiences. The Actors Lounge is a great resource for the acting community, and by coming on the show, you have an opportunity to help and inspire a lot of other actors. So many actors that have been on the show have told me how much they enjoyed the interview because it gave them the space to reflect on and appreciate how far they have actually come on their journey as an actor. It’s a gift to me, but it’s also a gift to the interviewee.
You’ve done some acting, what do you enjoy about it?
I enjoy being able to tell a different story from my own and being able to walk in someone else’s shoes. I find acting to be very freeing.
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| Photo by Lance Carr |
Besides your acting and podcasting, you’re also a print model, is there one you prefer over the other?
Anytime I get to act in front of the camera or work on a print shoot, I’m grateful. I really just enjoy having the chance to do what I love. I don’t take any of it for granted.
Wearing your different hats as an actor, podcaster, model, Mom, and wife, what has been the most rewarding for you and why?
Well, I wouldn’t say one has been more rewarding over the other but having my own podcast is the most surprising because I never thought I’d have my own. It was always something I’d seen other people do, but I never imagined myself having my own show. That alone is rewarding because it has shown me
There’s a quote I came across recently that says, “Some people are artists. Some, themselves are art.” What are your thoughts on that and are you the artist or the art?
I’d say I see myself as the art because I ultimately want my life and story to be an inspiration. People use art to
Who are your biggest supporters?
Hands down my biggest supporter is my husband, he really keeps me
Tell me three fun facts about you.
1. I have my Masters in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I had plans to become a therapist. After finishing school, I
2. I love to collect notebooks and journals. I enjoy writing down my goals and thoughts. I have so many notebooks, used and unused. There is something about a pretty notebook that I can’t resist.
3. I’ve been a vegetarian for 7 years now.
Yes, I agree with this quote. I believe you can demand things with a certain amount of class and a knowingness based on who you are and how you carry yourself. You don’t always have to make a lot of noise or fuss in order to get things done or make a change. True confidence doesn’t have to be loud. Also, setting your intention is powerful because it keeps you focused on the goal at hand. That is where clarity comes into play.
I share motivational quotes with my readers, do you have a go-to saying or quotes that uplifts or inspires you during a difficult time?
Pray or worry, don’t do both.
Describe yourself in one word.
Sincere
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| Photo by Lance Carr |