In this solo episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad pulls back the curtain on his acting career with a transparent 2025 year-in-review, sharing real numbers, income percentages, wins, disappointments, and hard-earned perspective. Hassiem breaks down his audition count, callback rate, booking rate, and exactly how his income was divided between various jobs. He also details what he invested financially in his career—and what those investments looked like in real, practical terms. Hassiem also outlines how he’s using this data to inform a clearer, more intentional 2026 career strategy. This episode is for actors who want real data—not hype. 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor’s Instrument: @actorsinstrumentpodcastFollow Hassiem: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit:https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument 📩 Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #HassiemMuhammad #ActorPodcast #ActingCareer #ActorLife #CreativeCareers #ActorGoals #YearInReview #ActingBusiness #ActorsInstrument #careerstrategy #newyearsresolution #goals

This week on The Actor's Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, creator, and viral sensation Dexter McKinney — a performer whose journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up in Syracuse, to earning dual master’s degrees, to working in Congress, to making his Broadway debut in Skeleton Crew, to appearing in hit series like When They See Us, Mrs. America, Dr. Death, City on a Hill, and most recently Law & Order, Dexter opens up about the winding path that brought him to where he is today. In this conversation, Dexter shares how he pushed through a three-year TV dry spell, how he built an audience of nearly 400,000 followers across TikTok/Instagram/Facebook, and how his viral Judge Judy mob-boss series transformed his career. Follow Dexter on Instagram: @dmtv_19 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #HassiemMuhammad #DerrekMcKinney #DexterMcKinney #ActorInterview #ActingPodcast #ActingCareer #JudgeJudyParody #LawAndOrder #ContentCreatorLife

 In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Hassiem Muhammad continues his in-depth discussion with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull, founder of Minerva Financial Arts, as they break down the real financial decisions artists and freelancers face every day. Using a Red Light / Green Light framework, Elaine tackles common money myths and gray areas — from disability insurance and high-yield savings to investing, retirement accounts, and tax planning. This episode goes deep into IRAs, SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, brokerage accounts, and how taxes truly work for self-employed creatives. They also unpack new tax laws impacting tipped income, the importance of reporting income accurately, and how artists can legally reduce tax stress while planning for long-term stability.  Link to "tipped occupations" from the Treasury Department: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Tipped-Occupations-Detailed-8-27-2025.pdf IRS guidance on retirement plans for self-employed folks:   https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-for-small-entities-and-self-employed 🎧 Be sure to check out Part 1 of this conversation for foundational financial guidance before diving into this episode. 🔗 Connect with Minerva Financial Arts: Visit MinervaFinancialArts.com to book a session or explore Elaine’s courses for creatives. Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com

Today on The Actors Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull — CPA, accredited financial counselor, founder of Minerva Financial Arts, and nationally recognized educator helping creatives take control of their financial lives. From inflation to budgeting, 1099s to Netflix write-offs, Elaine breaks down the REAL financial challenges facing artists today — and how you can navigate them with clarity, confidence, and strategy. 🔗 Connect with Minerva Financial Arts: Visit MinervaFinancialArts.com to book a session or explore Elaine’s courses for creatives. Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #HassiemMuhammad #ActorLife #ActingPodcast #WorkingActor #FreelancerTips #FinancialAdviceForActors

On this week’s episode of The Actors Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor and writer Steve Coulter, whose career spans more than three decades across film, television, and theatre. With over 130 IMDb credits—including She-Hulk, Yellowstone, The Conjuring films, The Walking Dead, House of Cards, Paterno, and First Man—Steve shares the hard-won lessons that shaped his long-term success. Follow Steve on Instagram: @coulter28 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #HassiemMuhammad #ActorLife #ActingPodcast #WorkingActor #SteveCoulter #MeetTheBrowns #TylerPerry

In this installment of Finance 4 Freelance, Hassiem Muhammad and co-host Andrea Laing dive into the real financial habits, strategies, and splurges of working creatives. From shocking gig-economy stats to choosing between career-boosting jobs vs. higher-paying ones, this conversation is packed with practical gems for freelance actors, artists, and gig workers. Andrea also breaks down exactly how she’s able to travel to places like Amsterdam, London, and beyond without breaking the bank — with tips on point cards, timing international flights, and budgeting long stays. Hassiem shares his own system for funding vacations, smart credit, and maintaining retirement goals. Follow Andrea on Instagram: @yourfavoriteandrea Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #HassiemMuhammad #ActorLife #ActingPodcast #WorkingActor #Finance4Freelance #FreelancerTips #GigEconomy

Broadway actor and rising film/TV star Courtnee Carter joins Hassiem Muhammad on The Actors Instrument to talk about her journey from Jacksonville to the Broadway stage and into major Hollywood projects — including her upcoming film The Prince, featuring Nicolas Cage, Giancarlo Esposito, and J.K. Simmons. Courtnee opens up about making her Broadway debut in Once On This Island, the financial realities of being a working actor, and how she filters every character “through Courtnee”Follow Courtnee on Instagram: @iamcourtneecarter Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #CourtneeCarter #HassiemMuhammad #ActorLife #Broadway #NicolasCage #ActingPodcast #WorkingActor #FilmIndustry #AuditionTips #ActorsOnActors #NextChapterPodcasts

This week on The Actor’s Instrument, Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Broadway veteran Erica Mansfield, who’s been performing for over 20 years — including in the same show where she made her debut: Mamma Mia! From her start with two suitcases and a dream to twelve Broadway credits (Evita, Pippin, Doubtfire, Kiss Me Kate, Almost Famous, and more), Erica shares what it really takes to sustain a career in one of the toughest industries in the world. They talk about staying grounded in a competitive business, how to handle “dry spells” the myth of “making it”, and finding joy and longevity in the work — not just the applause 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #ActingPodcast #HassiemMuhammad #EricaMansfield

In this Finance for Freelance edition of The Actor’s Instrument Podcast, Hassiem Muhammad and Andrea Laing unpack the realities of money management for creatives. 💸 From budgeting and investing to building an emergency fund, they share honest stories, smart strategies, and lessons learned the hard way. This ongoing series dives into the money side of the creative grind — how artists, freelancers, and actors can take control of their finances and thrive in an unpredictable industry. They also play a round of “Would You Rather?” — tackling tough money questions like whether to invest in a publicist or personal growth — and share the habits that have helped them build stability while pursuing their dreams. Budget Spreadsheet Discussed In This Episode https://tinyurl.com/mvmbuxm8 💡 Subscribe for weekly conversations that help you sharpen your craft, strengthen your mindset, and sustain your career in the long game of acting. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Actor’s Instrument for more tools, stories, and inspiration for the long game of acting. 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com

🎭 Can you really make it as an actor outside NYC or LA? Hassiem Muhammad talks with Twin Cities performer Anna Hashizume about thriving in Minneapolis–St. Paul’s vibrant theater scene, balancing opera and musical theater, and building a sustainable creative life. Anna opens up about her journey from opera to musical theater, the importance of inclusion and representation on stage, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable creative life in a smaller market. From performing at the Guthrie Theater and Minnesota Opera to booking national commercial work for Target and Best Buy, Anna proves you can live off your art with persistence, community, and an entrepreneurial mindset. 💡 Subscribe for weekly conversations that help you sharpen your craft, strengthen your mindset, and sustain your career in the long game of acting. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Actor’s Instrument for more tools, stories, and inspiration for the long game of acting. 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #ActingPodcast #HassiemMuhammad #AnnaHashizume

What does it take to build a thriving acting career outside of New York or L.A.? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with award-winning stage actor Cody Nickell to explore life and work in the D.C.–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) theater scene. Cody shares his journey from New York auditions to finding consistency and creative fulfillment in D.C.’s growing regional market.  With over 20 years in the business and five Helen Hayes Award nominations, Cody opens up about why the DMV is a hidden gem for professional actors, and lessons from working with theaters like Woolly Mammoth, Round House, and Folger Follow Cody on Instagram: @nickellshots 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to The Actor’s Instrument for more tools, stories, and inspiration for the long game of acting. 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice #ActingPodcast #WashingtonDC #DMV #FilmIndustry #CodyNickell

 This week on The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, host, and model Andrea Laing to explore what it’s really like to build an acting career in Atlanta — the “Hollywood of the South.” Andrea shares her journey from broadcast journalism to performing in hit shows like Atlanta, Pain Hustlers, NCIS: New Orleans, and Yule Log. She opens up about navigating the entertainment industry as a first-generation American, finding the courage to pivot from a stable career to acting, and how Atlanta’s thriving film and TV scene offers unique opportunities (and challenges) for working performers. Follow Andrea on Instagram: @yourfavoriteandrea Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice #ActingPodcast #AtlantaActors #FilmIndustry #AndreaLaing

Actor Jeff Parker shares how he built a 35+ year career in Chicago theater, film, and TV—proving you don’t have to live in LA or NYC to succeed. From Goodman Theatre to network shows, Jeff reveals the realities of working actors in regional markets and why presence is the ultimate tool on stage and screen. Jeff shares his journey from Los Angeles to Chicago, what makes the Windy City one of the most exciting regional markets for actors, and how he’s built a sustainable career outside of Hollywood and New York. From working opposite Helen Hunt at the Goodman Theatre to starring in The Da Vinci Code and Lord of the Rings productions, Jeff’s story is packed with insights on staying present, navigating auditions, and finding opportunities across stage, TV, and film. Follow Jeff on Instagram: @jeffparkeractor Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice

In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Camila Cano-Flavia, a rising star of stage and screen. From Broadway productions like Network, Patriots, and the upcoming Punch, to appearances on hit shows including Law & Order: SVU, The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, and For Life, Camila shares the realities of building a sustainable career as an actor. 🎭 We dive deep into her journey from Rutgers to Broadway and beyond, lessons learned from working alongside Bryan Cranston in Network, and staying grounded and spiritually strong in an unpredictable industry Follow Camila on Instagram: @__lacami__ Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice

In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Callum Adams (FBI, City on a Hill, The Blacklist, BritBox’s I Jack Wright) for a candid conversation about building a sustainable acting career across continents. Callum shares his journey from growing up in Scotland and Vermont to training in London and working in both the U.S. and the U.K. He opens up about the realities of pay differences in British vs. American TV, navigating representation, and finding balance in a career full of uncertainty. The two also reflect on the importance of empathy in storytelling, the challenges of breaking through in theater and television, and what it really takes to play the long game in the entertainment industry. Follow Callum on Instagram: @callumnadams Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice

Broadway star Caro Daye Attayek joins host Hassiem Muhammad on The Actor’s Instrument to share her inspiring journey from Elon University to her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! (Revival). In this episode, Caro opens up about life on national tours like Hairspray and Aladdin, her unique path as a swing and ensemble performer, and the lessons she’s learned about individuality, resilience, and trusting your gut in the theater industry. From booking jobs without an agent to balancing the challenges of touring life, Caro’s story is filled with practical insights and motivation for aspiring performers. Follow Caro on Instagram: @caro_daye Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice

In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Darius Jordan Lee (Dexter: Resurrection, The Last OG, Power Book II, Will Trent, Ain’t Too Proud on Broadway) to talk about his incredible journey from the stage to the screen. Darius opens up about his breakout year, landing his recurring role as Lance Thomas on Showtime’s Dexter: Resurrection, his guest appearance on Hulu’s Will Trent, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From navigating the highs and lows of the industry, to staying grounded during strikes, to building the right team of agents and managers—this conversation is packed with insights for any artist pursuing longevity in their career. Follow Darius on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariusjordanlee/ Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #actoradvice #dariusjordanlee

Should you get an MFA in acting—or not? 🎭 Actor Devin Kessler (Godfather of Harlem, A24’s Crystal Lake) joins host Hassiem Muhammad on The Actor’s Instrument to talk about her path from UNC School of the Arts to NYU’s MFA program, and how grad school shaped her career. Devin opens up about the value of training, navigating auditions, and what it means to be an “artistic citizen.” If you’ve ever wondered whether grad school is worth it—or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the actor’s journey—this episode is full of insight and inspiration. Follow Devin on Instagram: @devinelisekessler Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips #HassiemMuhammad #devinkessler #mfa #actoradvice

In this episode, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Jason Thinger of the Jim Carnahan Casting Office — the powerhouse behind Broadway hits like Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Boulevard, Moulin Rouge, and more. Jason discusses winning back-to-back Tony Awards, how to avoid common pitfalls in musical theater auditions, insights into the rise of IP-driven theater, and the challenges and creativity behind revivals vs. new adaptations. Follow Jason Thinger on Instagram: @J.Thing Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #TheActorsInstrument #Broadway #TonyAwards #Casting #TheaterPodcast #ActorTips

What does it really take to be a successful producer in Hollywood? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Mohammed sits down with studio film & TV producer Alec Chorches (FBI, FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International) for a deep dive into the world of producing. From overseeing post-production on CBS’s hit FBI franchise to collaborating with directors, casting teams, and visual effects artists, Alec shares the challenges, solutions, and mindset it takes to deliver hundreds of hours of top-tier television. Alec shares the traits that make actors stand out on set, as well as the qualities the #1 actor on the call sheet should possess Follow The Actor's Instrument on Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem on Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit actorsinstrument.com Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com #podcast #filmindustry #tvproducer #actorslife #fbi #AlecChorches #filmmaking #behindthescenes