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

Acclaimed actor Harry Lennix (The Matrix, Ray, Purpose) joins host Hassiem Muhammad for a wide-ranging conversation on classical training, artistic responsibility, and career longevity. Fresh off Broadway’s Tony Award–winning Purpose, Harry reflects on craft, Black cultural legacy, and why fundamentals still matter in a self-tape era. He also shares his vision for the Bronzeville Renaissance Project, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving Black performance history. A must-listen for actors focused on craft, history, and the long game. 🎭 Follow Harry Lennix: @harrylennix 🎙 Follow The Actor’s Instrument: @actorsinstrumentpodcast 🎧 Follow Hassiem: @HassiemMuhammad 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter PodcastsSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit:https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument 📩 Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com

Actor, writer, director, and producer Andrew Pastides joins host Hassiem Muhammad to break down the realities of producing an independent feature film. Andrew shares the inspiration behind his upcoming film St. George, the challenges of fundraising, and what it means to be a collaborative, values-driven presence on set. A must-listen for actors and creatives navigating the indie film world. Follow Andrew: @ajpastFollow the podcast: @actorsinstrumentpodcastFollow Hassiem: @HassiemMuhammad 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter PodcastsSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit:https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument 📩 Inquiries: actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com

Career coach Stuart Hyslop joins host Hassiem Muhammad for a candid conversation about goal setting for actors and creatives navigating nonlinear careers. After four months of coaching, Hassiem shares how shifting away from outcome-based goals helped him gain clarity, improve productivity, and feel more empowered in his acting career. Stuart—an experienced productivity coach and certified One Thing coach—offers a practical framework focused on systems, priorities, and actions actors can actually control. This episode is a must-listen for artists looking to set smarter goals, avoid burnout, and build sustainable momentum—especially at the start of a new year. 🎧 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts Follow Stuart on Instagram @theonethingguy Follow The Actor’s Instrument: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem: @HassiemMuhammad Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit: ⁠https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument⁠ 📩 Inquiries: ⁠actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com⁠

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

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

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

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

🎭 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