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Alexa Morden

Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or not, this is a podcast that will humour, shock, validate and inform. You think you knew what it’s like to be an actor? Think again…

The 98% explores what life is really like for the majority of actors and performers who, rather than trying to find an outfit for the Oscar’s, are trying to find a reader for a self tape after working a bar shift. It comes as a surprise to most that only 2% of actors earn their main source of income from acting work. This podcast represents, and gives a voice to, the other 98%. 

What started as a comedy podcast in 2018, with co-hosts Alexa and Katie laughing and lamenting about the REAL #actorslife, has morphed into a relatable and supportive space through the lens of honesty and realism. And now, a platform and CIC run by Alexa. By lifting the curtain on things that need changing in the industry, exposing hidden truths, and chatting to brilliant industry professional guests from all corners of the biz, The 98% is a podcast, and platform, that works to humanise those in the industry and redefine what success means in a business that, before now, only shined a spotlight on the small minority.

@the98percentpod

The 98%

A special moment that feels full circle, where everything is the same but different at the same time. For the first time in 6 years (!!) Alexa and Katie are in the same room recording an episode of The 98%. After years of remote recording and living in different countries, they're back in Katie's living room, trying to wrangle a cat, and talking honestly about #actorslife that is now more like #creativelife. Only this time, gone is the desperation and frustration, and in its place is acceptance of the reality of the game, and efforts to make their part in it as happy and fulfilled as possible. Redefining what success is, unlearning unhelpful industry bullsh*t, seeing the business for what it is, and finding joy in the process rather than the outcome.
 
In this episode, Alexa and Katie reflect on how their perspectives have shifted over the years - from chasing external validation to embracing creative autonomy, from feeling stuck in an unfair system to actively working to change it. They discuss the evolution of The 98% into a platform not just for support and solidarity, but for advocacy and action, tackling industry malpractice and amplifying voices that need to be heard. Tune in for laughter, honesty, and a much-needed reminder that success isn’t a finish line - it’s what you make of the journey.
 
For ongoing 98% content follow @the98percentpod on instagram
 
Links mentioned in the episode:
 
Accessible, supportive free resources for actors:
 https://www.actingwithalexa.com/freeresources
 
ActingWithAlexa's services:
 https://www.actingwithalexa.com/services1
 
Oshi's World:
 https://www.oshisworld.org
 
Support The 98% on Ko-Fi:
 https://ko-fi.com/the98percent
 
Contact The 98% at
 the98percentpod@gmail.com
 
Follow on instagram:
 @alexa_morden
 @acting.with.alexa
 @katieelinsalt
 @oshis_world

"We aren't chasing the thing anymore. We ARE the thing."

A small snippet from Episode 1 of The 98% where you can get to know Alexa and Katie as they chat about a wide range of thoughts, struggles and experiences that most actors go through.
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 98% Teaser

Before we get into structured episodes on particular topics in Episode 1 we share some general musings, stories and thoughts about being an actor. Find out what Katie does in a hair emergency pre audition, why Alexa cried at a stranger and what it sounds like to try and coax a cat out from behind a piano.
 
*Disclaimer* This is our first time podcasting, we apologise to your ear drums for a couple sudden loud and excitable outbursts. Apologies also for Alexa coughing down the microphone (gross) - it’s the tail end of two weeks being bed bound with the flu.
 
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Need a reader for a self tape? Want to earn money reading for others? Have access to castings and a community made by actors, for actors by subscribing to WeAudition, an online video chat community loved by actors and casting directors around the world! Get 25% off your subscription with the discount code 9825 - where you can then earn your money back + more by reading for and rehearsing with actors from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E1 - "The acting bug is real. Disinfect your child immediately."

This week we talk “resting jobs” (in heavily inverted commas!) We all have them, hate some and love others/find them mildly tolerable. 
 
Alexa clears up something that’s been literally keeping her awake at night from Episode 1, Katie explains how caramel lowlights saved her from a jobbing nightmare and we share advice from the many inbetweeny jobs we’ve done, as well as reading a few listener stories!
 
Find us on twitter: @the98percentpod Facebook: The 98% And come say hi!
 
If you’re enjoying our chats please subscribe, rate and review! It helps us on a technical note as well as egotistical ;)
 
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Need a reader for a self tape? Want to earn money reading for others? Have access to castings and a community made by actors, for actors by subscribing to WeAudition, an online video chat community loved by actors and casting directors around the world! Get 25% off your subscription with the discount code 9825 - where you can then earn your money back + more by reading for and rehearsing with actors from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E2 - The Girls With The Pearl Necklace

Advice for those looking for one, insight for those who already have one, a Q&A with some that provide helpful answers and personal stories from Alexa and Katie that will either make you laugh or curl your toes in embarrassment. We talk…*dun dun DUUNNN*…AGENTS!
 
 
 
Find us on twitter: @the98percentpod And come say hi! We love to hear your stories from being part of The 98%, email us at the98percentpod@gmail.com 
 
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Need a reader for a self tape? Want to earn money reading for others? Have access to castings and a community made by actors, for actors by subscribing to WeAudition, an online video chat community loved by actors and casting directors around the world! Get 25% off your subscription with the discount code 9825 - where you can then earn your money back + more by reading for and rehearsing with actors from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E3 - "Joey, it's Giselle"

Mental health difficulties affects 1 in 3 of us in the performing arts industry. Performing artists are twice as likely to attempt suicide, and depression is five times higher than the general population. Awareness about this issue is on the rise but there’s still work to be done to help support people suffering and stop mental illnesses getting worse within our industry. Katie and Alexa talk about their personal struggles, their thoughts and speak to the incredible Annemarie Lewis Thomas, founder and principal of The MTA - a college that is ahead of its time in its approach to mental health and the students.
 
This is an important subject for us, we appreciate all the support and shares of this episode so it can reach, and help, as many people as possible.
 

 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E4 - 1 in 3

As promised in Episode 4, Katie and Alexa read out some inspiring stories from fellow performers. These personal accounts are worthy of their own episode rather than being breezed past in the main episode, so here is The 98%'s first mini bonus episode!
 
Thank you to the amazing people who let us share their story, your words are encouraging, helpful and so moving.
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 in 3 Callback Episode

“It’s a tough nut to crack isn’t it?” Muggles (non actors) say about the industry. “Yes. Yes it is.” You reply through gritted teeth. 
 
This week Katie and Alexa talk about their experiences of having to be resilient and how they got through the times of having an existential crisis in bed at 3am. Plus, you get the inside scoop on some techniques on mental toughness, managing nerves/pressure and how to stay positive from a top performance coach, our special guest!
 
 
 
If you’re enjoying The 98% we’d love it if you could leave us a review so it's easier for others to find us too!
 
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*Update* - This episode remains one of our most downloaded and listened to episodes to date, we are so pleased it has resonated with so many of you! You can hear more from Steve in later episodes of the podcast, so keep an eye out!
 
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Need a reader for a self tape? Want to earn money reading for others? Have access to castings and a community made by actors, for actors by subscribing to WeAudition, an online video chat community loved by actors and casting directors around the world! Get 25% off your subscription with the discount code 9825 - where you can then earn your money back + more by reading for and rehearsing with actors from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E5 - “We are made of friggin titanium”

AUDITIONS - Love them or hate them we all have to do them. In the first half of this episode Alexa and Katie share some funny and ridiculous stories from their audition experiences and then they chat to the lovely and insightful casting director Annie Rowe to hear about the casting process from the other side of the table...Annie's kitchen table to be exact.
 
This episode is a 2 PARTER so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss Part II next week!
 
Email/tweet us your audition stories at @the98percentpod or the98percentpod@gmail.com - we'd love to hear them!
 
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Need a reader for a self tape? Want to earn money reading for others? Have access to castings and a community made by actors, for actors by subscribing to WeAudition, an online video chat community loved by actors and casting directors around the world! Get 25% off your subscription with the discount code 9825 - where you can then earn your money back + more by reading for and rehearsing with actors from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E6 - Auditioning Part 1

In part 2 of the AUDITIONS episode, Alexa and Katie share audition tips that they’ve learnt along the way and their thoughts on the audition process, backed up with more stories (of course!) Plus you get to hear the rest of what Annie Rowe has to say about casting!
 
The 98% will now be coming to you fortnightly so Katie and Alexa can have enough time to bring you more good stuff and helpful guests. Thank you for your support…please subscribe, rate, review and tell other 98 percenters where to find us!
 
 .
 
Need a reader for a self tape? Want to earn money reading for others? Have access to castings and a community made by actors, for actors by subscribing to WeAudition, an online video chat community loved by actors and casting directors around the world! Get 25% off your subscription with the discount code 9825 - where you can then earn your money back + more by reading for and rehearsing with actors from the comfort of your own home!
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S1E7 - Auditioning Part 2

In both Series 1 and 2, episode 10 was a time for Katie and Alexa to check in and get back to basics…getting all down and dirty in the business of being brutally honest about #actorslife. And Series 3 is no different!! Life, lockdown, work (or…lack of) and everything in between. 
 
We never thought we'd do a podcast series being 4000 miles away from each other and we are so thankful for your support during these tumultuous times. If you enjoy The 98% and have found it helpful please consider visiting our patreon to help us keep the podcast going and therefore help our community! https://www.patreon.com/the98percentpod 
 
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Follow us on twitter! @the98percentpod @alexamorden @KatieElinSalt and instagram @alexa_morden @katieelinsalt
 
Check out our website and read our blog at www.the98percentpod.com 
 
Get 25% off your monthly subscription of WeAudition with the code 9825. WeAudition connects you with self tape readers and acting coaches around the globe as well as casting calls and chances to video chat with some of the industry’s top casting directors! You can also earn money by being a reader for someone else! www.weaudition.com 
 
 
 
 
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

S3E10 - “As bright as the highlighter pen of a 2 percenter”

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