Breaking Through with Apollo

Brainspotting: Creativity and Performance Expansion with Jenny Williams

Greg Bekkers — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0700

Today we interview therapist Jenny Williams who specializes in creatives. Specifically performance and creativity expansion. We go in depth into Brainspotting which is one of the most exciting and new modalities. Brainspotting is one of the newest cutting-edge techniques for the treatment of trauma, and also in healing creative blocks and performance issues. This brain-body therapy is ideal for helping creatives heal from the past, ignite their talent, and pursue their dreams and career with all cylinders.We even do a demo of how brainspotting works in a session with me.

“When Brainspotting heals an artist of their wounds, their spectrum of creativity widens dramatically”— DAVID GRAND, PH.D.

Find Jenny here: https://www.jennywilliamstherapy.com/welcome

P.S. Unfortunately the last 10 minutes we had some technical difficulties that made the audio slightly harder to understand. Luckily it's only the last 10 minutes it affected.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

With Therapist Seth Menachem: Ego, Identity, Group Therapy, and Boundaries

Greg Bekkers — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0700

Exploring what it means to be present as an actor and how to get to that. What does self care look like as an actor and how do you sustain a career through all the ups and downs mentally. What does ego and identity mean and how does it apply to actors. We talk about therapy and the changes it can make. We also talk about couples therapy and who it's good for. Group therapy versus individual therapy and it's benefits.

Today we're joined by Seth Menachem, LMFT, joins me today in talking about his experiences as a therapist and his experiences working with actors and entertainment professionals.

Seth Menachem: Before becoming a therapist, he earned his B.A. in Psychology from Emory University in Atlanta, where he contributed to research and conducted studies in England measuring children’s abilities to identify emotions in facial expressions.

He moved to LA, where he spent twenty years working as an actor and writer. He is very familiar with the unique challenges of working in the entertainment industry, and many of his clients work in TV and film.

He received his Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in LA, and did his training at Beit T’Shuvah, an inpatient addiction facility. He worked with a variety of clients–some coming from a life of privilege; others who are transitioning out of the criminal justice system. He also worked at Creative Care, an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility specializing in co-occurring disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and borderline personality.

He currently work with individuals, couples, and groups in private practice at Menachem Psychotherapy Group. He founded this group in order to create a place for like-minded therapists to work with clients.

Find him at:

Instagram: @menachempsychotherapy @the.life.of.a.therapist

Website: https://menachempsychotherapygroup.com/team/seth-menachem-lmft/

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

How IFS Therapy Can Help Creatively and Personally with Chris Burris

Greg Bekkers — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0700

Today we're joined by Chris Burris, lead trainer at the IFS Institute. We talk all things IFS therapy , which is one of the leading therapies in the world right now. How it compares to traditional talk therapy. How it can help actors and others in the entertainment industry.

Chris Burris is a Senior Lead Trainer for the Internal Family Systems Institute where he provides Level I, II, and III trainings in the IFS model. He has been an IFS Therapist since 1999 and a practicing psychotherapist since 1987. Chris is trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist and uses a mind-body approach to psychotherapy. He has worked extensively with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and organizations. In addition, he has facilitated groups on topics such as men’s issues, sacred activism, rite of passage, couples, healthy relationships, performance enhancement for artists, and bullying. Since 1990, he has been an active participant with men's groups and rites of passage programs. He also facilitates consultation and supervision groups for trained therapists. In addition to being a psychotherapist, Chris has trained in many nature bases models with Animus Valley institute, School of Lost Borders, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and The Center for Conscious Eldering. Chris has been featured on multiple podcasts such as "IFS Talks", "The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems Podcast", "Truth, Love, and Beauty", and "Bossy, Brilliant, and Badass". He currently lives in Asheville, NC with his wife, Deena, and their daughters. You can follow Chris at burriscounseling.com

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Mental Health and Performance in the Entertainment Industry with Therapist Anna Hollaender-Bird

Greg Bekkers — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:30:00 -0700

Today we talk with Therapist Anna Hollaender-Bird who has a specialization in therapy for people in the entertainment industry. We talk about the specific mental health challenges of the industry industry, what you can do and why you should prioritize it. We also talk the effect that mental health has on your performances and your overall career. How can we help our mental health in an uncertain industry? We also talk about Performance coaching tips that can help your performance.

Anna's bio

Anna is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in working with actors and entertainment industry creatives. Anna aims to make coming to therapy a safe and warm experience. She’s integrative in her therapeutic approach using traditional “talk therapy,” EMDR therapy, and performance psychology techniques to help people heal and achieve peak performance. Her education includes the University of Southern California (USC) and Antioch University.

Anna’s career highlights include being a public speaker on the topic of mental health at universities such as UCLA and & UC Berkeley and her clinical work at the renowned Reconnect Trauma Treatment Center in the Pacific Palisades.

Currently, Anna is seeing adults based in California online for therapy. Check out her website for more information at talkwithanna.com/entertainment-industry/ Anna has rolling client openings. You can always reach out to her for a free 15-minute consultation consultation at: www.talkwithanna.com/schedule/

Here's the podcast Anna referenced for a unique, humorous, & heart warming take on the therapist/client relationship:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-my-psychiatrist/id1462096941?i=1000440731821

Here are the links mentioned for low-fee counseling services:

Center for Professional Counseling

North Hollywood, CA

https://www.thecenterpro.org

LGBT center

Multiple L.A. locations

323-933-7500 ext. 5

https://lalgbtcenter.org/health-services/mental-health/mental-health-services-overview

California Family Counseling

Chatsworth, CA

818-907-9980

Anthony Meindl: Learning How to Be More of Yourself in Acting and Being Present

Apollo Management — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 02:45:00 -0700

Anthony Meindl is the founder of Anthony Meindl's Actor Workshop, with studios in 10 cities over the world. Named best acting studio in Los Angeles.

Today we talk about what to look out for in acting classes, what it means to act, and how to actually "stop acting". Trusting your instincts, making your own choices, and bringing your own essence to your acting. We also talk about how important presence and flow is for actors and how meditation can be such a great tool to train that. We cover a range of topics and lots of golden nuggets in this one and one you'll want to relisten to.

Anthony Meindl is a guest teacher at David Lynch's Masters in Film Program, was a panelist at the GATE Story Conference founded by Jim Carey and Eckhart Tolle, and a guest speaker at the Association of Transformational Leaders (ATL) conference alongside Neal Donald Walsch (“Conversations with God”) and Jack Canfield (“Chicken Soup For the Soul”). Meindl is known for teaching the new generation of Hollywood stars led by Golden Globe Nominee Shailene Woodley (“Divergent”). He is a contributor to the Huffington Post and Backstage, as well as the author of the best-selling creativity book “At Left Brain Turn Right”; “Alphabet Soup For Grown-Ups”; and his latest, “Book the F#©king Job,” was listed as New Best Seller on Amazon for eight weeks. You can also check out his podcast: "In the Moment", as well as his Instagram: @anthonymeindl

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

What's Important for Actors with Agents and Managers with Zack Duncan Gilanyi

Apollo Management — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0700

Zack Duncan Gilanyi is a former talent agent and current talent manager at E85 Talent Management. He got real about the importance of truly caring for the client, and how he got into this industry to help actors feel more comfortable with their reps. He tells us exactly the way he thinks communication between and actor and their reps should be. The importance of keeping it casual. The need to really know your clients on a personal level to really represent them to the best of your ability. There's a lot to learn here!

For more on Zack check out his Instagram @jdgilanyi

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Mindset and Mental Health with Casting Director Lindsay Chag

Apollo Management — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0700

Casting Director Lindsay Chag joins us today to discuss Mindset, psychology, and mental health are key for being a successful actor. In today's episode we go in depth on what type of mindset it takes to be successful in anything, but especially as an actor. How it affects your auditions and what you attract into your life. To be a successful actor you first have to have a successful mindset. Lindsay tells us exactly how and also how a lot of tennis equates to acting. Definitely lots of golden nuggets here.

You can check out more from Lindsay at:

lindsaychag.com and her instagram @lindsaychag1

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

How to Make Your Reel Stick Out to Casting with Andrea Bunker

Apollo Management — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0700

Andrea Bunker is a casting director and has experience in comedy, long and short film, and television. She has worked on many films like Four Weddings, Men in Black International, and Big Little Lies. She tells us exactly what she looks for in submissions and auditions. The importance of the right way to have your reel edited. And how showing range is not that important or beneficial.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Casting Director Michael Testa on the Casting Process and Writing Features

Apollo Management — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0700

Michael Testa is is a casting director and writer. He has cast the original Roswell and movies like The Glass Jaw, Don't Look Back, and many, many more features. Make sure to listen in on how he became a casting director and the advice he gives for auditions. He also shares his casting process as well as what he's working on now.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Ramani Leah on the importance of good questions in the audition and a good reel

Apollo Management — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:00:00 -0700

Ramani Leah shares with us the story of how she became a casting director. How quarantine will change the casting process and the future of the industry. She also tells us the importance of questions in the audition process and other tips to ace the audition. What she finds important in an actor's marketing materials.

Ramani is the casting director of Criminal Minds, has cast The Bates Motel, The Strain, and many more.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Preparing for Auditions with Casting Director Cara Chute Rosenbaum

Apollo Management — Fri, 22 May 2020 02:30:00 -0700

Cara Chute Rosenbaum, the casting director of The Mindy Project, Jumanji, Sorry for Your Loss, and many more, shares what's important to prepare for auditions. She also shares where she believes casting is going in a post Corona world. This episode is filled with such valuable insights into the casting process and what actors need to pay attention to. And what does it take to get into casting? How do you get started on that journey? Cara shares her own personal story with us in how she got started in this casting journey.

You can also The Casting Directors Cut, where casting directors help choose and cut your reel. They cut it in a way that is most appealing to casting, which is huge, as that's why it matters most. Check it out here: https://www.thecastingdirectorscut.com/

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Top Southeast Agency People Store Owner Rebecca Shrager

Apollo Management — Fri, 08 May 2020 13:15:00 -0700

People Store Owner Rebecca Shrager shares what they look for in actors and their philosophy on out of town actors. People Store has been around for more than 30 years and is the most reputable agency in the Southeast. With many series regulars they are the top destination for representation in the Southeast region. A region that has been blowing up the last few years with huge projects being cast. With everything becoming self tapes it's becoming more and more important for actors to have representation in different regions to give themselves the most opportunities possible. Rebecca shares her insights over her long career and tips/strategies that can help actors get representation and booking.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

How to Break Through as a Director with Kelsey Bollig

Apollo Management — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0700

Upcoming director and writer Kelsey Bollig is with us today to share her journey as a young female director breaking through and directing in Hollywood. She shares with us what path she took and what advise she would give not only directors but actors that want to work as well. We get into the right way to build relationships, how to deal with the current quarantine, and how to get noticed as a director.

Check out the premier of Kelsey's "Asking for a Friend" June 10th on the Alter Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMOB6uDg7e-h8OuCw8dK2_Q

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Carla Hool: Changing People's Lives and Casting Diversity in TV/Film

Apollo Management — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:45:00 -0700

Carla Hool, the casting director of Narcos, Selena, Coyote, and many more, gives us an open look behind the scenes for casting. She shares her story and what motivates her, what she recommends for actors, the audition process, pitching, and we even go into mental health. She also shares her passion for casting and diversity in film and TV, giving fresh faces a chance, and much much more. Look out for the new TV shows coming out she's cast recently: Coyote and Selena.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

The Best Self Tapes and How to Make Yours Stand Out

Apollo Management — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 12:00:00 -0700

Self tapes are happening more than in person auditions and it makes sense. It's much more efficient for most casting directors. This is also mean yours have to stick out from the competition and not every self tape is created equal. Here's what you can do...

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Should You Get Representation In Places You Don't Live?

Apollo Management — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -0700

With there being more self tapes than ever that also means that many actors are able to do their audition from anywhere. This is good news for most as this means you can get representation in some other cities outside of your own to get more auditions. How and why should you do this?

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Joe Sabatino: Producing 'Necessary Roughness' and What I learned

Apollo Management — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:45:00 -0700

Joe Sabatino not only has been a successful actors in many hit TV shows, including NYPD Blue, NCIS, Vegas, 24, he also produced USA's Necessary Roughness for 3 years. There's a lot we learned from his massive amount of experience. What actors can do to help themselves get cast and how they shoot themselves in the foot. How you get a show produced and picked up, and it's not how you would think.

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Corona Virus: What Can You Still Do?

Apollo Management — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:30:00 -0700

The Corona Virus has had a never seen impact on the world. There hasn't been a time in our lifetime that so much has completely shut down and where it can affect so many people not just health wise but career wise. What can you still do when the entertainment industry is completely shut down?

Hosted by Greg and Thomas Bekkers of Apollo Management.

For any questions that you would like answered on future episodes or anyone you'd like to see interviewed please DM us on Instagram.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

How to Have the Best Headshots

Apollo Management — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 12:00:00 -0700

Headshots are not just one of the things you need, they are the MOST important piece of marketing material you need. Yes, ahead of a good reel for an actor. We're not where we were ten years ago, the industry is different now. Things are more digital than ever and there's thousands of actors being submitted for just one small role. This means "good enough" headshots aren't enough, they need to be the best. Here we tell you how you can achieve that and why it matters.

Hosted by Apollo Management

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement

Introducing: Breaking Through with Apollo

Apollo Management — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 22:15:00 -0700

What is this podcast about and why should you care?

It's an in depth look inside everything in the entertainment industry from the perspective of a talent manager and an actor. We will interview casting directors, producers, directors, talent agents, actors, and many more in the entertainment industry. Hearing their stories, how they got there, their triumphs and their struggles, and the lessons they learned that can help you as well.

Hosted by Thomas and Greg Bekkers from Apollo Management.

IG: @breakthroughapollo

@theapollomanagement