The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad

Hassiem
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Discover The Actor’s Instrument, a podcast for actors dedicated to guiding listeners through the complexities of the entertainment industry. Join host and actor Hassiem Muhammad as he interviews industry experts—from casting directors to Hollywood and Broadway stars—unveiling invaluable insights and career-building strategies. Whether you're starting out or are seasoned in your craft, tune in to demystify the path to building a sustainable acting career, one episode at a time.

  1. Part 2 - Financial Planning For Creatives with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull

    1D AGO

    Part 2 - Financial Planning For Creatives with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull

    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

    46 min
  2. Financial Planning For Creatives with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull

    DEC 16

    Financial Planning For Creatives with Dr. Elaine Grogan Luttrull

    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

    44 min
  3. Tyler Perry’s Head Writer, Steve Coulter

    DEC 9

    Tyler Perry’s Head Writer, Steve Coulter

    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

    36 min
  4. Affording International Travel featuring Co-Host Andrea Laing

    DEC 2

    Affording International Travel featuring Co-Host Andrea Laing

    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

    42 min
  5. From Junie B to Broadway Dreams with The Path's Courtnee Carter

    NOV 25

    From Junie B to Broadway Dreams with The Path's Courtnee Carter

    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

    33 min
  6. Broadway Longevity: Two Decades of Success, Hustle, and Resilience with Erica Mansfield

    NOV 11

    Broadway Longevity: Two Decades of Success, Hustle, and Resilience with Erica Mansfield

    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

    40 min
  7. Finance for Freelance: Smart Money Moves for Actors & Creatives | The Actor’s Instrument Podcast

    NOV 4

    Finance for Freelance: Smart Money Moves for Actors & Creatives | The Actor’s Instrument Podcast

    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

    48 min
  8. Twin Cities, Double Bookings! With Anna Hashizume

    OCT 28

    Twin Cities, Double Bookings! With Anna Hashizume

    🎭 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

    36 min
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10 Ratings

About

Discover The Actor’s Instrument, a podcast for actors dedicated to guiding listeners through the complexities of the entertainment industry. Join host and actor Hassiem Muhammad as he interviews industry experts—from casting directors to Hollywood and Broadway stars—unveiling invaluable insights and career-building strategies. Whether you're starting out or are seasoned in your craft, tune in to demystify the path to building a sustainable acting career, one episode at a time.

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