Explore every episode of the podcast The Resilient Artist Podcast

Caroline Corrie is an actor, writer, director, filmmaker, painter, seamstress, musician, mother, and maker of homes. That list sounds almost excessive until you understand that, for Caroline, these are not separate identities. They are the materials of a life spent making things when no obvious structure arrived to contain her.

Her film Shalborne took eight years to complete. She wrote it, directed it, acted in it, made costumes, found props, gathered collaborators, navigated weather, children, budgets, distribution, festivals, cinema screenings, and the long emotional aftermath of finishing something that did not solve everything.

That is what interested me in this conversation.

Not the fantasy version of independence, where self-generation becomes a motivational slogan. The real version. The one where agency costs something. Where making your own work does not remove loneliness, uncertainty, or the need for recognition. It simply changes your relationship to waiting.

Caroline’s story sits close to the heart of The Resilient Artist. It is about what happens when the hoped-for permission does not arrive, and the artist has to decide whether to stop, or build a form of authorship from the materials immediately available.

Her film Shalborne is now available on YoreFlix, a streaming platform dedicated to period drama. This conversation is about that film, but also about the deeper question beneath it: what kind of life has to be built around the work, if the work is going to survive

You can watch Shalborne on YoreFlix.

If this conversation speaks to you, subscribe to The Resilient Artist for more long-form conversations on creative agency, resilience, authorship, and the work artists make when the conventional route no longer holds.

There is a particular exhaustion that arrives not from failing to book work, but from trying to survive by booking it.

Most actors do not articulate this difference, because the industry teaches us to collapse survival and success into the same idea. Work equals safety. Visibility equals value. Momentum equals security.

Self-tapes intensify this confusion.

They arrive frequently, privately, and without witnesses. They create the illusion of control. If I just adjust the variables. If I remove the reasons to say no. If I improve the odds. If I master the system.

This is where much of the current teaching around self-tapes lives. Not maliciously. Often generously. But fundamentally misplaced.

Because the system you are trying to master is not coherent.

You are sending work into an opaque mechanism governed by taste, timing, chemistry, budget, fear, politics, exhaustion, and preference. The rejection is rarely about the thing you are told to optimise. And the acceptance is rarely proof that you got it right.

What this creates is a subtle identity error.

You begin to treat the self-tape as evidence of who you are. You build your sense of solidity on whether it lands. You score yourself. You keep mental tallies. You brace. You shrink. You over-prepare. You collapse inward.

This works for a while. Until it doesn’t.

Because success, when it comes, does not do the job survival is asking it to do.

I know this not theoretically, but from actual, long-term experience.

Twenty-five years of working, earning, being written about, being praised, being visible, being quiet, being rejected, being in demand, being forgotten, being useful, being surplus. All of it. Repeated cycles.

What remains is not the success.

What remains is what you built underneath it.

Survival is not tenacity. It is not grit. It is not grinding through rejection with a clenched jaw and a motivational quote. It is not pretending you don’t care.

Survival is identity that is internally generated.

It is the capacity to experience rejection without existential collapse. It is the ability to make work without needing it to certify you. It is the discipline of relating to yourself with integrity when nobody is watching. It is the choice to keep your nervous system on your side.

This is not visible on Instagram.

It does not trend.

But it is legible in an actor’s presence.

You can feel it in people who have been here a long time and are still open. Still generous. Still dangerous. Still capable of intimacy and risk. Not hardened. Not brittle. Not performing resilience, but inhabiting it.

This is why I am not interested in teaching you how to remove reasons for rejection.

There will always be reasons.

I am interested in teaching you how to survive being an actor without outsourcing your sense of self to outcomes you do not control.

A self-tape, approached this way, stops being a test.

It becomes a practice.

Not a practice of perfection, but a practice of authorship. Of showing up aligned. Of making a clear offer. Of leaving yourself intact afterwards.

You bring the same thing to the room whether you get the job or not. You bring it to the rehearsal room. You bring it to the waiting room. You bring it to the relationship. You bring it to the moment where someone else gets the part you wanted.

And crucially, you can only extend that generosity outward once you have practiced it inward.

This is slow work.

It is private work.

It does not rescue you from disappointment. It does not promise success. It does not bypass grief.

What it does is build an aquifer beneath the career. Something that feeds everything above it without being dependent on it.

That is resilience.

Not as branding. Not as grit. Not as endurance.

But as a way of staying human in a system that quietly encourages you to disappear.

If the self-tape is breaking you, it is not because you are weak.

It is because you have been taught to use success as a survival strategy.

That strategy fails eventually.

There is another one.

And it begins here.

In this episode:

* The difference between survival and success in acting

* Why external achievements do not equate to personal resilience

* The importance of building an internal foundation that sustains your career and well-being

* How to maintain authenticity amidst industry pressures

* The role of self-awareness and mindset in long-term longevity

* The danger of conflating validation with survival

* Practical ways to reinforce your inner stability

* The impact of generosity, forgiveness, and integrity on your artistic journey

* The importance of perspective, especially during rejection or silence

* How to bring your true self into every self-tape, audition, and interaction

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why many actors focus on self-tapes and external validation02:19 - The distinction between being a working actor and coaching others03:46 - Why obsessing over technical details can be arbitrary04:38 - Success as a superficial marker and true survival05:36 - The illusion that fame, followers, and awards guarantee resilience06:31 - Survival is deeply personal, rooted in your identity07:13 - Building resilience through self-awareness and internal stability08:42 - The importance of understanding your inner depths09:12 - How authenticity and generosity sustain your career in the long run10:29 - Bringing your true self to every situation, regardless of outcomes11:26 - Giving yourself unconditional kindness and forgiveness12:26 - Reframing rejection and silence as part of a deeper process13:08 - The importance of flow, trust, and understanding in resilience13:38 - Embracing your identity as a resilient artist

Resources & Links:

* The Resilient Artist — Explore mental models and practices for resilience

* Self-Tape Masterclass — Practical strategies for audition prep

* TRA’s Instagram

* TRA’s YouTube Channel

In this episode, we explore the authentic journey of Richard Laxton, a director whose work spans over three decades of British television and film. Richard shares candidly about maintaining resilience, navigating self-doubt, and the inner work essential for sustaining a lifetime in a demanding industry. Whether you're an actor, director, or creative, his reflections on trust, vulnerability, and craft offer valuable lessons on enduring with integrity and curiosity.

Key Topics:

Richard’s approach to emotional complexity and character development

How childhood experiences influence his storytelling choices

The importance of vulnerability and self-care as a creator

Insights into the director-actor relationship, audition dynamics, and casting processes

Resilience strategies for handling rejection, self-doubt, and career longevity

Practical tips for self-tape preparation, mental health, and staying grounded

The balance between control and openness in creative work

How personal growth informs professional adaptability and confidence

The subtle art of balancing technical craft with emotional truth

Timestamps:

:00 - Introduction to Richard Laxton’s illustrious career and what makes his work emotionally sharp

00:20 - Richard’s journey from childhood experiences to storytelling focus

00:48 - The emotional complexity Richard seeks in characters and its roots in his own life

01:19 - How childhood trauma and experiences shape his empathy and directorial choices

02:05 – The role of vulnerability and self-care in creative resilience02:38 – Behind the scenes of casting and audition processes from a director’s perspective03:10 – Balancing plot mechanics with character authenticity during filming03:44 – Handling rejection and managing self-doubt in a competitive industry04:11 – The significance of trust and clear communication when working with actors04:37 – Practical advice on self-tape preparation and maintaining confidence05:06 – Building mental resilience through daily routines and reflection05:32 – The importance of authenticity over perfection in auditions06:00 – Personal stories of growth, vulnerability, and industry longevity06:28 – Balancing vulnerability with professional authority06:56 – How directors handle the emotional toll of industry pressures07:08 – Reflection on past social dynamics and evolving industry culture07:37 – The value of genuine human connection within professional relationships08:06 – Patience and trust in casting decisions08:33 – The shared human experience of rejection and success09:03 – Emotional sobriety and sustaining confidence09:32 – Daily practices that support emotional resilience10:01 – Gratitude and mindfulness as grounding tools10:40 – Vulnerability as strength and creative leverage11:00 – How industry culture can foster or hinder honesty11:40 – Final thoughts on craft, resilience, and personal wellbeing

Richard Laxton

Instagram

Keywords

theatre, star casting, agency, actor archetype, resilience, mindset, personal development, creative growth, acting career, industry challenges

Summary

In this conversation, Elliot Cowan discusses the challenges and realities of the acting industry, particularly focusing on the impact of star casting on opportunities for actors. He emphasises the importance of reframing one's mindset from feeling powerless to taking agency over one's career. Cowan encourages actors to understand their unique archetypes and to actively build their paths in the industry through continuous growth and resilience.

Takeaways

Star casting is prevalent but not a new phenomenon.

Believing the system is the reason for stagnation is dangerous.

Actors must take responsibility for their own development.

Understanding your archetype can guide your career choices.

The work is to become a reliable and specific actor.

No one is given meaningful work until they prove themselves.

Daily practice and readiness are essential for opportunities.

Building authority and audience is within your control.

The mindset of apprenticeship is crucial for growth.

Resilience and continuous improvement are key to success.

Titles

Navigating the Challenges of Star Casting

Empowering Actors: From Powerlessness to Agency

Sound bites

"What am I becoming?"

"You must know your aura."

"Stop waiting to be chosen."

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Star Casting on Theatre

04:31 Reframing Mindset: From Powerlessness to Agency

08:43 Understanding Your Archetype as an Actor

11:03 NEWCHAPTER_2

11:49 NEWCHAPTER_3

13:54 Building Your Own Path in the Industry

18:34 Embracing Resilience and Continuous Growth

20:19 NEWCHAPTER

Summary

Elliot Cowan (TRA) discusses resilience in the creative industry, the changing landscape of Hollywood, and the importance of finding one's niche. He shares insights from his 25-year career, emphasising the need for adaptability and self-reinvention.

Keywords

resilience, creative industry, Hollywood, niche, adaptability

Takeaways

Resilience is essential in the creative industry.

Hollywood is changing, not dying.

Finding your niche is crucial for success.

Adaptability is key to surviving industry shifts.

Self-reinvention is a continuous process.

Vertical series and micro series are gaining popularity.

The industry demands constant reinvention.

Creative control can be more fulfilling than financial gain.

The democratisation of content consumption is reshaping the industry.

Embracing new platforms can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Title Options

Resilience in the Creative Industry

Adapting to Hollywood's New Landscape

Finding Your Niche in a Changing World

The Power of Self-Reinvention

Vertical Series: The Future of Content

Hollywood's Evolution: Change or Die

Creative Control vs. Financial Gain

The Democratization of Content

Embracing New Platforms for Success

Elliot Cowan on Resilience and Reinvention

Sound bites

Resilience isn't an option.

Hollywood is changing, not dying.

Find your place in the new market.

Great joy, great hope, great resilience.

The resilient artist exists for a reason.

Chapters

00:00:08 Introduction to Resilience

00:02:50 The Changing Landscape of Hollywood

00:04:53 Finding Your Niche

00:06:52 Adapting to New Markets

00:11:13 Embracing New Opportunities

00:17:07 Conclusion and Inspiration

In this episode accompanied by TRA's Worksheet, Elliot Cowan discusses the concept of identity and its impact on personal growth, particularly for artists and creatives. He emphasises the importance of recognising when our identities become outdated and how they can limit our potential. Cowan introduces a workshop designed to help individuals reset their identities by taking a day to reflect, write, and confront uncomfortable truths about their current dissatisfaction and future aspirations. He encourages listeners to dig deep into their feelings and behaviours, using discomfort as a signal for growth and change.

Cowan outlines a structured approach to this identity reset, which includes identifying current dissatisfactions, envisioning an anti-vision of what life could look like if no changes are made, and setting achievable goals that align with a new identity. He stresses that change doesn't have to be overwhelming; instead, it can be a series of small, manageable steps that lead to significant transformation over time. By the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to take actionable steps towards their new identity, emphasizing that they are resilient artists capable of change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Identity Reset

01:33 Understanding Identity and Its Impact

02:20 The Workshop Structure: Setting the Stage

03:44 NEWCHAPTER

08:28 Morning Phase: Psychological Excavation

15:36 Afternoon Phase: Interrupting Routine

21:02 Evening Phase: Synthesis and Commitment

Takeaways

Identity gives the future enough gravity that the present begins to organize itself towards it.

Discomfort is not a flaw in the process; it's a signal that something honest is being touched.

Most people don't need more motivation; they need permission to stop being loyal to outdated versions of themselves.

Keywords

identity reset, personal growth, artists, creative process, self-discovery, discomfort, transformation, workshop, future self, resilience

keywords: resilience, horror, theatre, binaural sound, trauma, parenting, fear, performance, storytelling, art

summary: In this conversation, Elliot Cowan discusses the importance of resilience in the arts, particularly in the context of horror theatre. He reflects on his experiences as a performer and a parent, exploring how horror can serve as a tool for confronting fear and trauma. Through the lens of the play 'A Ghost in Your Ear', he examines the mechanics of horror, the use of binaural sound, and the emotional impact of storytelling. The conversation emphasizes the significance of facing fear in a safe environment and the transformative power of theatre.

takeaways

Resilience is essential for artists in a volatile industry.

Horror can be a valuable experience for young audiences.

Theatre offers a unique, immersive experience that film cannot replicate.

Binaural sound enhances the emotional impact of a performance.

Effective horror relies on building suspense rather than relying solely on jump scares.

The themes of trauma and inheritance are prevalent in horror narratives.

Experiencing fear in a controlled environment can be therapeutic.

Art can serve as a reflection of personal and collective fears.

The relationship between parent and child can be explored through shared experiences of fear.

Theatre has the power to teach audiences how to confront their fears.

titles

Facing Fear: The Role of Horror in Theatre

Resilience in the Arts: A Conversation with Elliot Cowan

Sound Bites

"Theatre doesn't cut away."

"A rite of passage of sorts."

"I'm glad I did."

Chapters

00:00The Evolution of Horror in Media

02:44A Ghost in Your Ear: An Introduction

03:50The Immersive Experience of Binaural Sound

07:00Crafting Effective Horror: Rhythm and Restraint

09:51Horror as a Reflection of Inheritance and Trauma

11:38Confronting Fear: The Role of Horror

16:41The Impact of Horror on Personal Growth

17:21Conclusion: The Future of Horror Theatre

Summary

In this conversation, Elliot Cowan, a seasoned actor and coach, discusses the evolving landscape of acting, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by self-tapes. He emphasizes the importance of authorship and personal agency in a world increasingly dominated by technology and abundance. Elliot shares insights on how actors can navigate uncertainty, adapt to changes in the industry, and leverage social media as a platform for creative expression. Ultimately, he encourages performers to embrace their individuality and take ownership of their craft.

Takeaways

Self-tapes are a necessary but challenging aspect of modern acting.

The shift to digital auditions has created an abundance of opportunities.

Actors must learn to author their own performances without external validation.

Navigating uncertainty is crucial for success in auditions.

Social media plays a significant role in shaping the acting landscape.

Embracing authorship can lead to personal growth and resilience.

Agency in acting is about curiosity and adaptability.

The acting industry is evolving, and so must the actors within it.

Self-tapes can be a training ground for new philosophies in performance.

The future of acting lies in individual expression and self-validation.

Chapters

00:00 The Dreaded Self-Tape

02:11 The Shift to Digital Auditions

04:38 The Challenge of Abundance

07:19 Embracing Authorship in Auditions

09:53 The Role of Social Media and AI

11:58 The Future of Acting and Individuality

12:17 NEWCHAPTER

13:37 Agency and Adaptation in the Arts

Titles

Embracing the Self-Tape Revolution

Navigating the New Landscape of Acting

Sound Bites

"Self-tapes are our warning signal."

"Self-tapes stripped us of all props."

"The mucky stuff is our advantage."

Keywords

acting, self-tapes, authorship, resilience, performance, creativity, adaptation, social media, abundance, agency