Mind Body Soul & Stage

Lovely rare recording in person!! Rhoda is a Ghana born , British raised actor from Yorkshire and trained at the Oxford School of Drama. She has been acting in TV/film since 2005 and experienced playing many different roles under many different platforms including BBC, Netflix and ITV and Sky.  She has been part of many classic and critically acclaimed projects including Coronation Street, Silent Witness, Last Tango in Halifax, Shadow & Bone, YOU & Top Boy. Rhoda was also part of the 2019 Bafta Elevate cohort which provided her with some amazing opportunities and connections. You will hear about this in the episode along with her other career in Pharmacy...... I bet you weren't expecting that! Hear how she balances both jobs and tries to find peace and joy in both worlds and what her hopes are for her future in acting.

@rhoda.oforiattah
@bafta

@mindbodysoulstage

Mountview alumni Dan Buckley has been acting for the best part of almost 15 years. He has worked across the West End theatre and touring internationally and in the UK as well as booking commercials, voice overs and video games. He has been nominated for his work and has received accolades for his roles in Loserville and Book of Mormon.  Some may recognise Dan from his well known Tik Tok account where he has a 40k+ following for his funny and charismatic actor inspired videos. Dan has battled with mental health and has been very open about his journey in this episode.  If you struggle with anything mentioned in this episode please remember to reach out for help. Some are included below. Hope this episode is both encouraging and inspiring for all artists. Live your dream and Love your whole self!

@danbuckley
danbuckleyactor.com

@applauseforthought
@mindcharity
@samaritanscharity

@mindbodysoulstage

Helen is a North London born actor and has appeared in roles for both TV, West End and touring theatre. She performed the role of Isis as part of the Original West End cast for Daddy cool, while also understudying the lead role and featuring on the original soundtrack. Helen has since performed for a number of shows and has also been part of the girl band Goldstone with fellow stage performers Vicky Hoyles and Amie Atkinson. Helen actually spent a number of years away from TV and theatre following her successful start, and maintained a singing career amongst other things. She has now returned to the West End after having her son and is really such an inspiration in following your dreams as well as being a new mum. At the time of recording this episode and currently Helen is in the Bronco Billy musical having just finished the Tony award winning revival of Oklahoma at the Wyndham's Theatre in London. 

@helenkwint
@broncobillymusical
@goldstonelive

@mindbodysoulstage

Kristen Gutoskie is a Canadian born Actress now mostly living and working in LA. Kristen is known for TV roles in Beaver Falls, CW's Vampire Diaries and Containment and most recently Hulu's awesome show The Handmaid's Tale. She is multi talented and is also a musician and producer. Listen to Kristen's experience from child actor to Adult actor and how she now finds a balance with life and work she loves. 

Please note: This episode was a little labour of love as it due to tech issues it would nearly not have bee able to be released. Thank you to Dave @Flat6music.com for making it possible! We hope you enjoy

www.kristengutoskie.com
@kristengutoskie

@mindbodysoulstage

Charlie Brooks is a British actress based in London. She is very well known in the UK mostly for playing Janine in soap opera, Eastenders. Charlie spent many years in Eastenders but has also managed to carve out a career in acting for TV drama and Theatre. I recently went to see Charlie in the National Theatre production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane which was absolutely amazing and it was great to see her in a completely different light and on stage. Her various TV credits also include Wired, The Bill, Bleak House and With Intent. 

Charlie has also taken part in popular reality TV shows including I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here ( Which she Won!) and Strictly Come Dancing. 

"Her most recent project is co-founding iampro. After experiencing first-hand the difficulties of breaking into the industry and the financial commitment needed, Charlie helped to build the learning platform dedicated to making the arts accessible to all" - ---  www.iampro.com 

This was a really insightful chat. Particularly hearing from an actor who has been on our screens day in and day out. It was interesting to me how she still has to find ways for her that work practically, mentally and physically to continue in the business she loves and I think she’s doing an amazing job. I hope you can take some gems from this one! 

@charlie_brooks_xx
@iampro

@mindbodysoulstage

Janet Hsieh and George Young are both actors living and working in LA having been based in Taiwan together previously. Janet has had a considerable amount of success in Taiwan as a presenter and model and George's acting career has recently had two feature films out as well as writing/directing his own work with Janet and gaining accolades for their short film Home. Being in the industry for a number years, Janet and George discuss the ups and downs of turning potential lucrative offers down in pursuit of changing your pathway, moving around the world to do so, how fitness has really helped them stay motivated and focussed, and what to do about self tapes and toddlers in the room! They have a lovely way of finding the funny side of a sometimes really stressful career and also knowing what works for them as a couple and individuals.

@janetgram
@instageorgey

@mindbodysoulstage

"Ashley Verma – self-proclaimed “ always coffee-infused” – was born and raised in Moundsville, West Virginia. She began a professional Broadway career at just 19, performing on Broadway and around the globe. It was while performing that her fitness career began, teaching sold out classes and personal training the elite. Jumping the pond with her British husband, she launched her first fitness business Define London. Ashley’s fitness business was thriving pre-COVID-19, and she was the go to personal trainer for the likes of celebrities Jourdan Dunn, Pippa Middleton, Lorena Rae and Lisa Snowden" - bizzimumzi.com

I really wanted to share Ashley's story as a lot of us creatives find it hard to manage and grow the business side of earning a living. I wanted to share a female story and how the competitiveness of the arts as influenced her in other areas of life including business. Many artists, dancers actors, singers have so many other talents and ideas its interesting to hear how others harness those related ideas and passions. Ashley has a zest for life and just an all round go for it attitude that is so encouraging. We also chat about the brutal and amazing auditioning process and how she dealt with that environment and managed to keep giving 1000%!

Head to bizzimumzi.com, @bizzimumzi to see what Ashley does now following her amazing dance and Broadway career. She helps "Bizzi" mums all over to connect and share experiences of motherhood in all circumstances. There are also free workouts which guys can do too!

@mindbodysoulstage

Born in Middlesbrough, Neil began his career in ITV daytime soap Crossroads and was nominated for Best Actor at the 2002 Soap Awards. Neil went on to star in 2 series of the BBC2 sitcom Hebburn and most recently has appeared in ITV dramas The Hunt for Raoul Moat, BAFTA nominated series A Spy Among Friends and the second series of BBC drama The Capture.- IMDb 
We have known Neil for over 20 years! He has been a great friend and wonderful supportive colleague. Like many successful actors Neil has turned his hand to other businesses to support and add to his main stream of income. Neil is also a successful communication coach employing others and is currently about to travel the globe to deliver corporate packages he himself is now writing and creating!

@graingerneil
IMDB - Neil Grainger 

@mindbodysoulstage

"Dr Lucie Clements is a Chartered Psychologist and Psychological Coach supporting individuals, schools and companies in the Performing Arts industry" She has over 10 years experience delivering her services. In this episode Dr Lucie and I cover the importance of mental well being for performers, how she overcame a setback in her own dance career and used it to create another career she is passionate about. Not only does it incorporate dance but also empowers and supports other dancers and performers on their own journeys. Dr Lucie has a wealth of knowledge to share in this episode. If you are interested in Dr Lucie's work and how it may help you or anyone you know working and training in the dance and performing arts industry, links are below including other helpful organisations mentioned.

thedancepsychologist.com
@thedancepsychologist
@applauseforthought
@trinitylabanhealth

@mindbodysoulstage

Darren Darnborough is a British -born Actor working in Hollywood and has been based in the US for many years. His TV and Film work includes hit US shows and working with Oscar winning directors! He is the CEO of WeAudition.com - a revolutionary Video Chat community for auditions, rehearsals self tapes & advice, connecting professional actors across the word as scene partners for each other. Darren is a member of the TV academy, SAG-AFTRA, Equity & regularly attends major film festivals including Sundance, Cannes, TIFF, Venice, SXSW and awards shows including the Emmy's BAFTA's, & Artios Awards.

Check out his amazing community at,
 WeAudition.com online
@darrendarnborough and @weaudition on IG 

@mindbodysoulstage

David Gyasi

Our guest for the Mind Body Soul & Stage season finale is my inspiration for this podcast. My favourite male actor- period. (and he’s also my husband) David Gyasi. Since graduating in 2003 with a BA in Acting from Middlesex university, David’s career has slowly grown and grown, notwithstanding some extreme highs and lows. David appeared in many theatre shows until he landed a role in Warhorse at the National Theatre. Since then his film and TV career took over. His TV credits include: Carnival Row, Troy: Fall of a City, The A Word and he’s also just completed filming as one of the lead characters in The Diplomat, a new drama for Netflix US releasing later this year.
David’s time in film has seen him work with amazing award winning directors and actors including Christopher Nolan, Anne Hathaway, David Oyelowo in such films as: Interstellar, The Dark Knight Rises, Cloud Atlas and many more. 

David and I cover A LOT here! Everything from Young parenting, good habits, red carpets and supermarket night shifts! Enjoy!

@mindbodysoulstage

My guest today is the talented Joshua Da Costa. As a graduate from Guilford School of Acting, Josh has a wealth of experience in UK theatre. He is an accomplished all round performer and has graced many a London stage in such productions as: Show Boat, Pinocchio, Book of Mormon among others and he is currently on stage right now in Tina the musical at the Aldwych Theatre. Not only is Josh busy with performing but he is also an experienced PT and his company, JDC Fitness, helps hundreds of performers as well as others, with not simply keeping fit but also maintaining a healthy wellbeing. Josh has a great perspective on health and fitness as a performer, I hope you get some gems from this episode. 

@mindbodysoulstage

Vicki Manser

Queens get ready! This week's guest is the fabulous Vicki Manser. Vicki has accumulated a dedicated fanbase since appearing as Katherine Howard in the award winning West End show, SIX. 

Previous to this, Vicki graduated with a BA Hons from the Urdang Academy in Professional Dance and Musical Theatre. She has been up and down the country performing in numerous shows including Sunday Afternoon, The Carole King musical, Beautiful and Bat out of Hell. Her dance credits include work for ITV, BBC Proms and Strictly Come Dancing. She discusses all the ups and downs including, rejection and injury coupled with the amazing feeling of doing what you love. You’ll gather from this episode that she has a huge passion for singing! Having recently released her own music, Vicki spends a lot time writing, performing and touring her own work.

Vicki is also an experienced teacher providing the next generation of budding performers with the tools of the trade in both performance and fitness. I hope you’ll enjoy this episode.

@mindbodysoulstage

Jason Wong

This week's guest is British-born Chinese actor Jason Wong. Jason's professional career is a little over 15 years. He has had a really interesting journey in TV that is steadily growing. Since training at Central School of Speech and Drama his work has included small roles in Alex Rider, Midsomer Murders & Chimerica to larger regular and recurring TV roles most recently being Silent Witness and the US ABC version of The Missing. His film roles also include indie film Panic, Solo: A Star Wars Story and the popular Guy Ritchie flick The Gentlemen. His connection to action roles may be linked to his extremely experienced belt in Jujitsu! Here we get to listen to how Jason uses his hobby in martial arts as well as mindful practices to keep moving forward in the acting industry. Jason is currently appearing in the newly released Dungeons & Dragons movie alongside Reggè Jean Page, Chris Pine and Michelle Rodruigez!

@mindbodysoulstage

Today’s guests are Mike Jibson and Caroline Sheen. They have been married for a number of years and both have had prominent acting careers in theatre, film and TV. 

Mike started off in the National Youth Theatre and has since performed with the National Youth Theatre and The Royal Shakespeare Company. He has since then performed in many productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe and he played the role of King George III in the Original London cast of Hamilton winning the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Caroline has played numerous roles on TV and has had an expansive career in the West End in productions such as Grease, Mamma Mia!, The Witches of Eastwick, Les Mis and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & Recently 9 to 5. She also played Mary Poppins!

I hope you’ll enjoy this very open and honest conversation where we cover everything from actors’ wellbeing to dog walking and how to be positive leaders in the difficult world of acting.

@mindbodysoulstage

This weeks guest is the lovely Tamzin Merchant. Tamzin is a Cambridge graduate who started her acting career while studying. Her early career credits include Pride and Prejudice and playing Catherine Howard in the popular tv drama The Tudors. Since then she has played various roles in both UK and American TV shows, many of which have been huge productions including Salem and Dragonheart. Her most recent work includes playing Helena in a new adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and popular series regular Imogen Spurnrose in Amazon’s Carnival Row. Tamzin has also written, produced and directed short films. She is an accomplished writer, having recently secured a 3 book deal with Penguin Books for her popular children’s series The Hatmakers. Enjoy Tamzin’s wonderful take on maintaining her acting career both mentally & practically, and how to listen to your instinct! - Enjoy

@mindbodysoulstage

Mind Body Soul & Stage hosted by Emma Gyasi is an insight into the lives of actors and performers with a focus on physical and mental health. Whether you’re a budding artist new to the creative industry or just a fan of some of the amazing guests, this podcast will give you a true insight into the life of a performer.

Here we listen to first hand experiences from stage and screen actors on how they manage to look after their whole self in a creative and tumultuous industry. Stories of expectation versus real life from actors of all walks of life and training at the beginning of their careers to now. We will discuss what they have learned along the way to help them not only sustain their careers but more importantly their mental, physical & spiritual well being. 

@mindbodysoulstage

Madeline Appiah is a British born Ghanaian actor. Having originally trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Madeline has since then, spent the last 18 years in theatre, film and TV. She has been in countless productions at notable venues such as The Old Vic, Theatre Royal Stratford and the National Theatre and most recently she has starred in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Her time in TV includes Jungle on Amazon Prime and she is currently starring in Idris Elba’s ‘In the Long Run’. 

She has gained a wealth of experience over a long career and absolutely loves what she does. In this episode Madeline covers what it was like in the early days after graduating, how she stays positive between jobs, having a supportive partner who is not in the industry and her experience managing life as an actor with a young family.

You can follow Madeline on instagram @themaddelineappiah

Keep up to date with more episodes by following @mindbodysoulstage on Instagram

@mindbodysoulstage