Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast
Immerse yourself in the rich, dynamic world of 'Acting Smarter Now" with Lydia Nicole,
your vibrant guide to mastering the business and craft of acting. With Lydia, a
seasoned industry veteran of 40 years, you'll experience a journey of practical
wisdom, brimming with empowerment, and street-wise common sense.
Join Lydia Nicole as she transforms the mindset of actors and creatives, infusing confidence and cultivating fun while executing their craft. As a multifaceted creative—actor, stand-up comedian, radio programmer, music marketer, and more—Lydia offers a treasure trove of wisdom from both her victories and her blunders, allowing listeners to navigate their paths with more ease and insight.
Lydia brings the Hollywood scene right into your ears, conducting vibrant interviews with industry creatives, from budding actors to veteran producers. She effortlessly peels back the curtain on the glamorous yet challenging Hollywood landscape, providing a pragmatic roadmap for your creative journey while staying authentic to your artistic vision.
'Acting Smarter Now" goes beyond art; it is about life, resilience, and spirituality in an industry that never stops spinning. So, whether you're an aspiring comedian, an emerging filmmaker, or an established actor seeking refreshing perspectives, this podcast is your friendly companion, mid-week energizer, and dose of industry smarts.
Hop on board for the ride of a lifetime with Lydia. Engage with
her on social media, stay updated with her latest episodes, and make your
artistic and business journey smarter, confident, and joyful!
Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast
Raising Actors in the Age of AI: Is Your Kid Ready for the New Hollywood?”
Ready to future-proof your kid’s acting career?
In this episode of Acting Smarter Now, I’m sitting down with Annie Semenova, powerhouse creator of Unity, an online acting school that’s shaking up how kids and teens train for Hollywood and the age of AI.
Unity isn’t just “another acting class.”
It’s a global training ground for young performers who want to become:
Confident storytellers
Compassionate leaders
Smart, tech-savvy creators
With working-actor teachers from shows like Shameless, Abbott Elementary, and Jane the Virgin, Unity gives kids insider-level training and real-world skills—empathy, creativity, leadership, and the ability to think for themselves in a fast-changing, AI-driven world.
They’re not just running scenes…
They’re writing, acting in, and creating their own short films.
Annie opens up about:
Her journey as a mom helping her daughter navigate the industry
The emotional and practical challenges parents face
How Unity helps young actors stand in their power, own their uniqueness, and use technology as a tool—not a threat
If you’re a parent who wants your child to:
Express themselves boldly
Build real confidence (on and off camera)
Be ready for an entertainment industry transformed by AI
…then this conversation is absolutely for you.
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00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Empowering Young Actors: Creativity, Confidence, Individuality
03:42 - Impact of AI on the Acting Industry
12:39 - Inspiration Behind Starting the Acting School
16:05 - Overview of the Acting Curriculum
24:13 - Age Groups for Acting Classes
26:42 - Incorporating Leadership in Acting Training
29:28 - OUTRO
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