Episode 9

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Published on:

3rd May 2023

Bottle Rocket: 3rd time's a charm!

Hello and welcome, dear listeners, to another intriguing episode of "Confessions of an Aging Ingénue." I'm your Aging Ingénue, Jenni Tooley, and I'm super-excited to have you join me today.

Before we dive into the heart of our conversation, I want to extend a special invitation to you. Join me in the confessional on Wednesday nights, every first Wednesday of the month. Head over to jennitooley.com, and who knows, you might find yourself in the confessor seat.

I had a big audition this week, so I thought, why not share some audition tales? We'll take a break from STUCK and dive into the world of auditions – this should be a short one.

"Have I Told You About the Time?" I auditioned for and booked a role in Wes Anderson's movie 'Bottle Rocket'? Now, for those who aren't familiar with it, Bottle Rocket was made about 26 or 27 years ago. I was around 20 when I auditioned for this gem and I was pretty green.

So, there I was, a non-trained actor navigating the audition world.

Here's a juicy tidbit – I wasn't the first or second choice to play Stacey Sinclair. I was the third choice. Yes, folks, the third choice. The first two choices had conflicts, and there I was, stepping into the spotlight.

Yes, I got the role but that’s not what this episode is about. That experience was a hit in the ego that turned out to be a blessing in disguise and looking back, it taught me a valuable lesson about the lack of control we have in this industry. Sometimes, the universe guides us where we need to be, regardless of our plans.

Life is full of what-ifs, but as we navigate our paths, it's crucial to appreciate where we are and trust the journey. I hope my Bottle Rocket story gives you a glimpse into the unpredictable world of auditions and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Thank you for being here with me today. I'm Jenni Tooley, your host, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on today's episode.

So, please, comment, review, follow, and subscribe – all those things that keep our podcast thriving.

Until next time, much love to you!

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About the Podcast

Confessions of an Aging Ingenue
from insecure ingenue to perimenopausal powerhouse
Go BTS into my creative life/career as I regain my integrity and create a system that aligns with my values and supports an abundant, healthy lifestyle.

It’s taken me decades to find my way back to me. The journey has been messy, out of control and all of the things I feared. I fear them no more. Take these stories as your own.

Imperfect. Unedited. Uncensored.
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About your host

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Jenni Tooley

Hi! I am Jenni Tooley and I have a lot going on! I tend to go where I am led, am highly adaptable and have a wide variety of transferable skills and talents. This means I have experienced a whole lot so far in life-- I have owned and operated my own cottage bakery, am a trained birth doula, am a yoga teacher, am a professional actor, have worked in non-profit development, launched a web series and just distributed my first feature film, STUCK. Oh! Did I happen to mention I've also been an actor for over 3 decades and played alongside in Richard Linklater's Boyhood? That all sounds amazing- and super woman-ish, right?

What you may not know is that although I am a creative human, I am also a messy one. I've been around lot of blocks and trudged through around and over some of the deepest blocks within myself. I know what it's like to feel stuck- unable to move forward. I know what it's like to be overwhelmed with self-doubt. I know what it's like to feel like I or what I do is never enough. I've spent years trying to "fix" myself. I have a "chick with a stick" in my brain that loves to whack me around whenever I make a mistake, show my imperfections, or am willing to be vulnerable. She thinks she's keeping me safe. But I'm tired of being abused by myself. My "good enough" is actually more than good enough. I don't have to go outside of myself for validation. And being vulnerable is really hot!

I won't claim to have completely overcome all these things-- after all I am human. But I've gotten through them and continue to build myself up rather than break myself down, most days:) Along my journey I have collected so many tools, a whole lot of experience, and have always been (it turns out) filled with wisdom. I am thrilled to be able to share all of this with you! I specialize in holding space for people, deeply listening, and being able to guide people back to the truth of who they are. The process isn't perfect. And I will never claim to have " the only 5 steps you need to fix yourself for good" because in my experience that's a bunch of hoo-ha. And it sets up a situation where if you didn't get fixed you think there must be something wrong with you(I know, I've had that experience).

I'd love to have you join me on this journey! www.jennitooley.com