The Acting Coach Network Podcast
The Acting Coach Network Podcast is your go-to space for growing a thriving, joyful acting business - without the burnout. Whether you’re a solo coach or a theatre school owner, you’ll get mindset tools, marketing tips, and behind-the-scenes strategies to help you attract more students and love your work.
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Youtube: @iamsavannamadden
Episodes
37 episodes
Keeping the Personal Touch While Scaling a Creative Business with James Aconley
James Aconley is the Principal of four Pauline Quirke Academy theatre schools across North and East Yorkshire, supporting over 500 children every weekend. In this episode, James shares how he scaled a performing arts education business while ke...
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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53:49
The Final Acting Coach Network Episode: Reflecting on 40 Weeks of Podcasting and What Comes Next
After forty weeks of podcasting, this episode marks the final chapter of the Acting Coach Network podcast.In this reflective solo episode, Savanna Madden looks back on what this podcast has been, what it has taught her, and why now feels...
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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14:37
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Why Reflection Is the Smartest Way to Start 2026
How should you start 2026 if you feel behind, overwhelmed or unsure of your next move?In this episode I explain why reflecting on the year you have just had is the most powerful and strategic way to set goals for the year ahead. Rather t...
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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9:19
The Drama Teachers Toolkit: From Lesson Plans to Legacy With Jackie Stuart
What happens when a drama teacher stops trying to do everything alone and starts building systems that support both her students and herself?In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I'm joined by Jackie Stuart, founder of Sta...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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34:47
Building Legacy, Leading With Impact and the Class Business Awards With Kristine Monaghan
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I’m joined by business mentor and class based industry leader Krissy Monaghan for a conversation that is honest, practical and incredibly value packed.Krissy has spent over a decade in...
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Season 3
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Episode 32
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38:04
Making Dance Accessible for All with Jack Seager
In this episode I chat with Jack Seager, founder of the Community Interest Company Jack Seager School of Dance. Jack is deeply committed to making dance accessible for every child and every family, and he shares the powerful story behind buildi...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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39:56
Leadership, Resilience and Growing a Franchise. A Powerful Conversation with Rascals Founder Diane Neave
In this incredibly heartfelt and inspiring episode, I sit down with Diane Neave, founder and franchisor of Rascals Theatre School. Diane opens up about her remarkable journey, from building a thriving franchise to receiving a life changing canc...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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46:00
The Trinity Acting Method: Flexibility, Truth and Twenty Years of Craft with Matt Zina
In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Matt Zina to dive deep into his brand new book The Trinity Acting Method, a method twenty years in the making and already an Amazon bestseller on pre sale alone.Matt opens up about the lim...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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56:46
How to Become Confident with Tax and VAT as a Creative with Sam Cantrell
In this episode of The Acting Coach Network podcast, I sit down with accountant and business owner Sam Cantrell, the woman behind In for a Penny Accountancy Services and the hugely popular Accounting for the Arts community. Sam has become the g...
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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35:38
Visibility, Balance, and Meta Ads: How to Grow a Business That Works for Your Life With Gwen Baird
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I'm joined by certified business coach and Advanced Meta Ads Strategist Gwen Baird for an honest conversation about visibility, alignment and what it really takes to grow a creative business ...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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51:47
Self Belief, Acting Ambition and Drama Coaching with Heather Nye
In this episode I am joined by actor and drama coach Heather Nye, whose journey into the performing arts and coaching world is rooted in courage, self belief and a deep commitment to helping young people grow in confidence.Heather start...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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45:18
How MN Awards Is Changing the Future of Drama Education with Tom Newton
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network Podcast, I sit down with Tom Newton, co-founder of Middleweek Newton Talent Management, MN Academy, and the groundbreaking MN Awards - the first Ofqual recognised awarding body to specialise exclusive...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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44:27
Building a Career, Not Just a Craft: Growing as an Artist and Entrepreneur with Matt Zina
Are you ready to take your creative career to the next level? In this episode, I talk with Matt Zina, acclaimed acting coach, author, and creative entrepreneur, about how to grow your career, not just your craft.Matt shares his insider i...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:02:05
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From Coach to CEO: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Are you constantly working in your business? Teaching every class, answering every message, juggling every task and wondering how to create more freedom and growth?In this solo episode, I share what it really means to step into a CEO min...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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11:08
Braver Decisions: Overcoming Procrastination and Imposter Syndrome with Kirsty Knott
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak to mindset and accountability coach Kirsty Knott about her journey from a corporate HR career to coaching. We discuss the importance of mindset tools in navigating tough times, unders...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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35:15
Creating A Business in a Box: Building Confidence Through the Arts with Katie Taborn
In this episode of The Acting Coach Network Podcast, I’m joined by Katie Taborn, founder of Jazz Hands Performing Arts and The Performing Arts Pro.For the past 15 years, Katie has been creating spaces where confidence can flourish throug...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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31:50
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Speaking Up, Standing Out & Staying Creative with Sarah Day
In this episode I sit down with actor, dramaturg, writer and coach Sarah Day.Sarah trained at ArtsEd and is now represented by BBA Management. Alongside her stage and screen work, she’s the founder of Speak Up with Sarah, a LAMDA coachin...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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30:07
Building Teams, Raising Twins & Trusting the Process with Bethany Wilson
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I chat with actor, educator, content creator, and twin mum Bethany Wilson (aka Bethany Unwin).Bethany shares her journey from training in musical theatre at Bodywork Company to perform...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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45:59
The Drama Teacher’s Playbook: Katie Zakkak on Resources, Productions & Passion
In this episode, I get to chat with the brilliant Katie Zakkak, a drama teacher turned creative entrepreneur to explore her unique journey from directing high school productions to running her own creative business, Much Ado About Drama....
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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35:53
Finding Your Thrive Zone: Building Creative Confidence and Bold Ideas with Audrey Elizabeth
What happens when you lose trust in your own ideas because your head is full of everyone else’s “shoulds”?In this conversation with business coach and creative entrepreneur Audrey Elizabeth, we talk about the courage it takes to build a ...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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48:05
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From Stage to Studio: Anna Reeve Cook on Neurodiversity, Confidence and Creativity in Coaching
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak with Anna Reeve Cook, founder of Attitude Performing Arts. We discuss Anna's journey from performer to educator, her philosophy on teaching, and the importance of inclusiv...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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44:34
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From One Saturday Class to a Thriving Franchise – How Leanne Johnson Built The Drama Centre
In this episode of the Acting Coach Network podcast, I speak with Leanne Johnson, founder of The Drama Centre, about her journey from professional actor to business owner. Leanne shares her experiences in creating a nurturing enviro...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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50:28
Beyond the Stage: Building a Heart-Led Drama Business by Being Kinder to Yourself - Katy Bachelor
In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Katy Batchelor, founder of Zozimus Drama, to talk honestly about building a business that’s rooted in values, not pressure.Katy shares how she created a safe, inclusive space for children to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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42:12
People-Pleasing, Burnout & Boundaries: Therapy for Creatives with Lee Ellaway
In this powerful and gently eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Lee Ellaway, a person-centred counsellor, psychotherapist, and the founder of Lee Ellaway Therapy, a private practice supporting performers, creatives and those navigating big trans...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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42:57
Why Taking Time Off Won’t Break Your Business (And Might Just Save It)
Feeling guilty about stepping away from your coaching business or theatre school? You’re not alone, and you’re not lazy! In this episode, I unpack why so many acting coaches and performing arts professionals find it hard to rest, and how that c...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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11:05
