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Q & A: Journalist, Author, Former Presidential Advisor Barry Jagoda & Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Barry Jagoda – Courtesy Photo

It’s such a pleasure to introduce our esteemed SJF Communications client, Author, Journalist, PR professional as well as Media Advisor to former President Jimmy Carter. Barry’s new memoir is Journeys With Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media, published by Koehler Books. Here is information, including details to purchase the book from our previous 12/7/2020 post: https://sjfcommunications.com/2020/12/07/memoir-by-award-winning-journalist-presidential-advisor-barry-jagoda/

Q & A – Barry Jagoda and Susan J. Farese

SJF: Why/How did you decide to write Journeys with Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media?

BJ: People kept asking me, after I mentioned that I was retired, “what do you do or what did you?”  I always answered, “I’m a writer”.  Many would follow with “What have you written?”  

I had been toying with a few paragraphs, so then I started saying, “I’m semi-retired, working on a memoir.”

Here is an example of letting imagination be partly driven by external forces.  These fans of Jimmy Carter and Walter Cronkite, though dying off, provided a platform for my story. I didn’t mean to be at the center of American political and cultural life but a journalist can have that serendipity.

If you have modern information technology and talented colleagues, a first draft of your story can be whipped up in about two years including finding a solid publisher with a stable of intelligent editors and designers.  Subsequent drafts will benefit from trusted advance readers, including some who think the completed final first draft needs more substance, except for the brilliant energy-oriented lawyer who noted a lack of rigor—He said the book could be divided into three parts:  an analysis of the Carter Presidency, a study of modern telecommunications policy & the Presidency and my friends and others I had encountered.  Though not denying my right to name names, he was quite obviously miffed at being left out. Go back to the drawing board!, he counseled.

SJF: Did you make any personal discoveries (or aha! moments) while writing your memoir? If so, please explain.

BJ: While writing, the concept of “flow” seemed to kick in as I was very comfortable remembering earlier life-episodes.  In fact, one post-publication reader asked if I had used a “diary” with notes because details seemed to flow as I wrote.  This discovery of useful memory was a pleasant surprise.

SJF: How did you decide on the title and decide to find a publishing company vs. self-publishing?? 

BJ: As loyal readers will attest, here is the book and I take full responsibility for factual errors.  The solid publisher, John Koehler, wanted to use the Carter cover in part for marketing.  I had no better idea.

SJF: Tell us about your background in the media and in politics

BJ: After graduate school (M.S., Journalism, Graduate School, Columbia University), I was hired as an Intern/Writer at NBC News and after a few months in the Newsroom at NYC Headquarters was assigned as Writer/Editor in Washington, DC.  Their top stars, such as David Brinkley and Nancy Dickerson would present their copy for radio news (“hourlies) and television inserts.  Left their own styles but occasionally did find factual errors which they were always glad to correct.  During this period was often assigned as field producer at Capitol Hill gallery and back-up at other news making locations in DC.  After accepting an overnight assignment monitoring audio feeds from NASA early Apollo Program came to attention of CBS news team covering moon landing effort and was hired as Associate Producer there.  Subsequently became Producer (for Walter Cronkite) in coverage of Apollo 11.  After ten years in broadcast journalism was asked by Jimmy Carter to help as Television Advisor in his nascent presidential campaign.

Barry Jagoda with President Jimmy Carter in the Oval Office – Courtesy Photo – Barry Jagoda

SJF: Tell us about your role in politics as Presidential media advisor

BJ: Carter wanted help understanding role of TV in presidential nominating politics and general election, though he was not interested in someone who would change his style and manner of presentation.  After I said I would only advise him of effect of his words on news coverage, by networks and major print publications, he said I could be helpful and told senior media advisor, Jody Powell, to invite me aboard the campaign.  After the successful election of 1976 I was named Special Assistant to the President, serving in the White House focusing on media and cultural relations.  Eventually I had a philosophical difference with top campaign advisors (including powerful candidate spouse, Rosalynn Carter) who thought my work was giving Carter “overexposure” instead of focusing on a few cardinal issues.  Moving to the National Security Council, I served there for seven months, but did not participate in Carter’s 1980 unsuccessful re-election campaign.

SJF: Tell us about your upbringing, geographically, personally etc.

BJ: My parents, both immigrants from Eastern Europe (part of the massive inflow between 1880 and 1920) were hard working and successful.  Mother, who spoke no English upon arrival in USA from Ukraine, quickly mastered elementary and secondary education and went on to receive a medical degree (pediatric chiropody) from Case/Western Reserve University.  Father, a serial entrepreneur, had a grocery business in affluent part of otherwise industrial Youngstown, Ohio.  After being forced to move to warmer climes (first Phoenix, then Houston) he started small markets catering to shift workers from emerging petrochemical plants.  They settled in post-WWII GI bungalows near stores.  Eventually parents moved to districts of Houston where schooling was an improvement.  This had a profound effect on me, as I moved forward with classmates in journalism and debate at one of Houston’s top high schools, Bellaire.  For college, though accepted at some top private universities, enrolled at cost-effective University of Texas.

Karen and Barry Jagoda – Courtesy Photo

SJF:  If you had to write the book over again, would you change anything?

BJ: A re-written book might include more information on differences between legitimate media and fake expressions, particularly in an election year. Thus, I would try to provide more analysis of difference between legitimate media and fake social media, especially from my experience and perspective from years of work in journalism and, more recently, in use of legitimate social media.

SJF:  A brief history of your education, media and political positions/teaching appointments published articles, etc.

BJ: After graduate school, I was hired by NBC News, then CBS News to cover science and politics of moon landing.  This evolved into coverage of the Watergate scandals for which I shared in an Emmy Award.

SJF: What are your personal pastimes/hobbies/interests/passions?

BJ: When I have a chance to relax, I enjoy the sports of golf and squash racquets.

SJF: Anything you’d like to mention about Watergate? Kennedy in Texas? Apollo? Emmy award?

BJ: From my memoir one can see a photo of the Emmy Award, press credentials for President Kennedy’s fatal trip to Texas in 1963 and photos signed by Apollo astronauts reflecting on my coverage of those events.

SJF:  Where can we find you on the web? Website, social media etc.

BJ: I maintain a website (BarryJagoda.com) where those photos are easily accessible.  Less useful for my expression is the Twitter account and the Linked-In that are available in my name.  The best way I communicate with others is through email, where I am readily available via <Barry@barryjagoda.com>.

SJF: Any recommendations for us to journal or document what we are going through with Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic? Stress management tools? 

BJ: When I anticipate a sense of stress or anxiety upcoming (mainly due to the Covid-19 Pandemic) I find “breathing exercise” to be a regular source of relief.

SJF:  How has the Covid-19 affected you personally/professionally?

BJ: The Pandemic has forced me to be very careful about meeting with or encountering others without following the recommended tools of mask wearing, social distancing and trying to stay at home as much as possible.

SJF:  Role models or persons that inspire you in your life?

BJ: I am reminded about these safety measures—and other common-sense applications—by my spouse, Karen Jagoda, who is a role model and an inspiration.

SJF:  Favorite quotes?

BJ: At some point I favored the expression “practice makes perfect,” but in maturity I have chosen a variation, “practice makes improvement.”  A short way of pointing to the inspiration I’ve had from Karen is by attention to the words in dedication to her of this book: “If you want to go quickly, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

SJF:  Who would you like to have lunch or dinner with to discuss your book?

BJ: In addition to a long lunch to discuss the memoir with President and Mrs. Carter, it would be useful to compare notes with Professor Douglas Brinkley and other scholars who have given serious thought to their lives, including accomplishments and shortcomings.

SJF:  Life hurdles? Successes?

BJ: After formal education I realized my shortcomings in mathematics and computational sciences, but was gratified to have gained skills in public speaking and general social interaction.

SJF:  Three significant/pivotal moments in your life?

BJ: My parents favored extreme “left-wing” social change and when I realized that often brought more trouble than success, I became more moderate in political opinion.  After choosing journalism as a career approach I left behind advocacy but later, pivotally, realized one could combine fact seeking with moderate political expression.

SJF: Fears?

BJ: I fear unchecked governmental power and, simultaneously I worry about a failure to use the levers of government to seek improvement in the general human condition. 

SJF:  Recurring dreams/ Usual dreams?

BJ: From time-to-time I worry about human catastrophes, such as earth quakes, and a general failure to act in ways that will modify the harmful effects of climate change.  The weakness of humanity to observe and address problems sometimes leads me to have nightmares, mostly overcome in a startling awaking.

SJF: Strongest asset? What would you like to work on/improve?

BJ: I am a good listener but would like to improve on that trait.  And, moving too fast—simulating the speed of light—makes one see less brightly!

SJF:  Where/How do you ‘give back’ to your community/communities?

BJ: Though I try to see how I can give back to my fellows, and to the general community, this is an area that requires concentration and improvement. 

SJF: Any regrets in life?

BJ: Being readily more selfless by focusing on helping my fellow man is a real shortcoming that, I try to remind myself, needs focus and hard work.

SJF: What qualities should the younger generations aspire to that you think are important in this day and age?

BJ: The younger generation seems even more self-oriented that my own group of “baby boomers” and pre-boomers.

SJF: Funny/humorous (appropriate) stories in media or politics?

BJ: The book, Presidential Campaigns, by Professor Paul F. Boller cites hundreds of laugh-filled moments in politics, including several where I am the butt of the situation.  I heartily recommend this volume for many hours of humor.

SJF: How do you handle loss?

BJ: Loss is often the result of misfortune and, therefore, should not be taken personally, though this awareness may only mitigate the pain.

SJF:  Where have you traveled and where would you like to travel once Covid-19 is OVER???

BJ:  I have traveled the world as a journalist and political assistant, including having more than just a passing stop or two.  Longer stays, of course, always been more informative and rewarding.  These days, while desk bound by the Pandemic, I think of going back to some places I’ve enjoyed the most—particularly the Hawaiian Islands and the Adriatic coast and islands—but to more intriguing locations including Madagascar and New Zealand.  Having the responsibility to share in the caring of a very active canine, a Mini Schnauzer named Timothy, is probably as much of a snag for travel as anything else.

SJF: What has been the most valuable lesson in your life?

BJ: The most valuable lesson I’ve had would be learning to appreciate the many qualities that others can bring when and where I frequently fall short.

SJF: Many thanks Barry, such a pleasure to learn more about you.

Book Details:
Journeys With Jimmy Carter and Other Adventures in Media

The book is available at Amazon and wherever books are sold:

Paperback: ISBN-10: 1646630319; ISBN-13 : 978-1646630318

Hardcover: ISBN-10: 1646630335  ISBN-13 : 978-1646630332

eBook ISBN: 978-1-64663-032-5

More information:

Barry Jagoda : 
barryjagoda.com Email: barry@barryjagoda.com Ph: 858-688-1025

Media Contact:
Susan J. Farese,SJFCommunications – sjfcommunications@gmail.com Ph: 408-398-5940

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Q & A: Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph.D., Co-Author of ‘Falling in Love With the Process: A Stroke Survivor’s Story’

Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph. D.

We have been so inspired by our SJF Communications client, Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph.D., Professor Emerita in the School of Communication at San Diego State University. Dr. Geist-Martin’s research examines the stories people tell in making sense of their lives, particularly in their journeys through health and illness. ‘Falling in Love with the Process: Cultivating Resilience in Health Crises: A Stroke Survivor’s Story‘ (2020), is Dr. Geist-Martin’s fifth book (which she co-authored with Sara Parsloe, Ph.D.).

Here’s a little information about ‘Falling in Love with the Process: Cultivating Resilience in Health Crises: A Stroke Survivor’s Story‘ followed by our recent Q & A.

Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph.D., Bill Torres and Sarah Parsloe, Ph.D.

“WHY ME?” These were the first words that Bill Torres spoke after waking up from his stroke. Like many survivors, Bill lived his first days and weeks after stroke in a dark, heavy cloud of depression. Depression creates feelings of hopelessness, guilt, helplessness, and decreased energy—all symptoms that stand in the way of a survivor’s efforts to regain mobility and speech. Yet, rather than dwelling on asking “WHY ME?” Bill’s second words were, “WHAT NOW?” He set his mind to getting better, little by little, every day. As researcher and author, Peter Levine (2013) suggests, stroke survivors must “fall in love with the process … [and] see the process of recovery as an opportunity for growth.”

Falling in Love with the Process: Cultivating Resilience in Health Crises – A Stroke Survivor’s Story tells Bill Torres’ story of recovery and advocacy. The book is structured along two different timelines—the timeline of Bill’s early life and the timeline of his life from stroke onward. Chapters are alternated between Bill’s stories of growing up in San Diego and chapters that provide accounts of Bill’s journey of stroke recovery. These two separate storylines come together near the close of the book as we explore Bill’s approach to recovery and advocacy.

‘Falling in Love with the Process: Cultivating Resilience in Health Crises – A Stroke Survivor’s Story‘ is divided into three parts:

Part One: Picking Up the Pieces; Connecting the Dots explores the aftermath of Bill’s stroke and discusses the ways in which stigma, depression, and internalized ableism shaped Bill’s initially difficult emotional response to stroke. It also offers accounts of how his communication with key health care providers reinforced Bill’s drive to work on his own rehabilitation.

Part Two: Persisting Through Recovery considers both Bill’s capacity to structure his own rehabilitation routine and the ways in which his close network of friends supported him throughout his recovery process.

Part Three: Communicating as an Advocate explores how Bill transformed his survivor narrative into a tool for advocacy. It explains the strategies Bill used to successfully work with other stroke survivors and also describes the compassion fatigue that can accompany this kind of communicative labor.

Q & A with Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph.D. and Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Patricia Geist-Martin, Ph.D. & Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

SJF: Why/How did you (and Sarah) decide to write a book about Bill Torres? 

PGM: After being a guest speaker in my Health Communication class at SDSU over the past 10 years, Bill suggested that I should write a book.  I resisted at first with so much on my plate, but then I thought of inviting Dr. Sarah Parsloe to co-author the book.  We knew the book would touch on the disabilities that come with stroke and the advocacy work that Bill engages in, and Sarah has a great deal of expertise on both of these topics.

SJF: Did you make any personal discoveries (or aha moments) while interviewing Bill for the book? If so…please explain

PGM: We made so many discoveries—too many to list here—and of course that is really what the book is all about.  First, resilience isn’t something we create from scratch at the moment we need it, it is something we develop over time beginning as a young person.  So cultivating resilience as a young boy served Bill well at 69 when he had his stroke. Second, resilience isn’t something we cultivate alone. People who have a network of friends and family that they can count on when they need it most can join forces with them to create resilience.  It isn’t about the number of people, it is about the quality of these relationships–having people in your life that you love and they love you and will be there for you when you need them.  That’s just two of the many lessons.

SJF: How did you decide on the title ‘Falling in Love with the Process: Cultivating Resilience in Health Crisis: A Stroke Survivor’s Story“? 

PGM: Peter Levine wrote a book about stroke called Stronger After Stroke, which is now in its third edition. https://www.springerpub.com/stronger-after-stroke-third-edition-9780826124135.html

He used the phrase in the beginning of his book, stating that stroke survivors must “fall in love with the process . . . [and] see the process of recovery as an opportunity for growth” (p. xiv).

SJF: What made you decide on increasing the distribution of the book from academia to the masses? 

PGM: Sarah and I are big believers in the power of stories.  While we teach this in our college classes, we knew the general public would enjoy the stories told by Bill, his providers, and his friends.  We also knew that the lessons about communication and resilience would be valuable for anyone, not just stroke survivors.  Anyone who is moving through the grief of losing someone they love or recovering from an accident or any illness would find lessons in Bill’s stories that are universal.

SJF: Tell us about your passion and teaching emphasis with ‘storytelling’, especially as it pertains to health communication?

PGM: Storytelling is about connecting with other people.  In telling our own stories, we put into words our joys, fears, and even our secrets.  In the process of telling our story and being listened to, we can actually change the chemistry in our bodies—telling stories of pain and trauma or joy and passion can have an effect on the brain where dopamine, cortisol, oxytocin, and endorphins are released.  In that release and in the chemical changes, we often feel pleasure—something that happens in hearing the story, not just the facts. I teach health communication from the point of view of stories—stories told to friends, family, providers, and even in health campaigns offer an opportunity to put into words, something that we are experiencing.  As we tell stories to others, we begin to make sense of our own experience and when we listen to others tell their stories we offer them the same opportunity.

SJF: If you had to write the book over again, would you change anything?

PGM: I think the only thing I would add to the book if I were still in the process of writing it would be for Sarah and I to tell more of our own stories, especially as we feel that have evolved in the process of collaborating with Bill, his providers, and his friends. Our stories are partially there, but I think the experience of collaborating with Bill was life-changing in so many ways, but specifically reflecting on my own path and the resilience I feel I have created in difficult and dark times.

SJF: A brief history of your upbringing, education, professor positions/teaching appointments and early retirement at SDSU.

PGM: I am a first-generation college student.  My dad graduated from high school and ended up as a pattern maker at John Deere Tractor Works.  My mom did not graduate from high school and was a stay-at-home mom to four children. Both my parents really emphasized education and especially reading.  I cannot think of one time in my life where I have not had one or more books on my night stand. My family moved around a lot-five states and seven houses by the time I was in second grade.  I think my own resilience was built through that experience.  I started out as a dance major at the University of Iowa in Iowa City but then switched to Literature and Writing when I discovered I wasn’t as skilled at learning and remembering choreography the way others were.  My minor was Communication and I was hooked.  I taught high school for two years—literature, writing, drama, and filmmaking.  But then my thirst for knowledge about communication led me to gain a master’s degree in Communication at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls Iowa and a Ph.D. in Communication from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. My first position as an Assistant Professor was at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT, then the Department of Speech at the University of Hawaii, Manoa in Honolulu, HI.  Finally, in 1990 I was hired by the School of Communication at San Diego State University.  I feel blessed to have lived and worked in all three universities and to have attended strong programs for my education. I am now in my second year of a five-year early retirement program where I teach three classes only in the fall and have the spring and summer off to do whatever I want. And my joy is writing, so I will keep doing that as long as I can!

SJF: Tell us about all of the books you’ve written:

PGM: These are the title of my books:

I have also published over 100 journal articles and book chapters.

SJF: Anything you’d like to mention about your upcoming book The Infinite Now?

PGM: I have been working on a memoir for over 15 years.  The tentative title is The Infinite Now: A Mother’s Past, A Daughter’s Future. My mom died of brain cancer when I was 17, right before Christmas in my senior year in high school.  The only way I could cope with this huge loss in my life was to press down any memories of my mom. This turned out to be the worst strategy, because the pain was still there under the surface.  It wasn’t until our only child, Makenna moved into her teen years that suddenly the past came rushing forward with each and every interaction—so it’s my mom’s past and my future woven with my past and my daughter’s future that form a braid of our two overlapping stories.  It is a labor of love that is both traumatic and joyful.  I hope to publish the book by summer 2021.

SJF: Where can we find you on the web?

PGM: My website is patriciageistmartin.com

Two Facebook pages: Patricia Geist Martin and Falling in Love with the Process

My Instagram @pgeistmartin

Find the book ‘Falling in Love with the Process at Kendall-Hunt or Amazon.com

A link to my recent interview on the U-T Community Spotlight with host Drew Schlosberg:

Stroke Survivor’s Inspirational Story Documented in Recent Book

SJF: Any recommendations for us to journal or document what we are going through with Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic?

PGM: Yes, this crisis calls on all of us to become resilient. Resilience requires us to be flexible and adapt to each new phase of the pandemic. Resilience also offers an opportunity to be creative and come up with new solutions to this experience of isolation. Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, Zoom, and other social media offer opportunities to reach out to support one another and decrease our sense of isolation. One new solution that my husband and I have been engaging in is virtual happy hours.  It is fascinating to realize that we our doing this more than we did when we had the opportunity (but supposedly not the time) to be connected with friends and family.  We just don’t stay on the phone as long as we do when we are telling stories, playing games, and goofing around “face-to-face” on zoom.  It’s fascinating to see some of the increased sharing and intimacy that is evolving on zoom with friends and family.

SJF: Is there anything else that you’d like to mention?

PGM: I love writing and teach it in most of my communication classes.  I love helping people tap into the stories they feel they must tell—about life, love, travel, pain, trauma, joy—anything.  So, in addition to the memoir, I have a few other books I plan to write, one about creative female leaders and another on the process of mentoring. I also plan to develop writing workshops in San Diego and in other cities, countries.  My husband will be retiring about the same time that I am and we hope to build a business together that takes advantage of the expertise that each of us could contribute.

SJF: Thank you so much, Patricia – it was such a pleasure to learn more about you and you work!

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SJF Communications – ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

2020 by SJF Communications

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Creative Coronavirus Coping Concepts and Ideas – 10 Tips

As we are all probably aware, the recent situation and news is all about preventing and dealing with the devastating effects of the novel Coronavirus and Covid-19 and positive thoughts and concern for the front line health care workers working with infected patients.

How are we all doing? Staying healthy? Are we helping to ‘flatten the curve’? Washing hands more frequently? Being cognizant of and seriously practicing ‘social distancing’ or ‘physical distancing’? Shaking our heads every once in awhile when we hear the news reports and numbers of positive coronavirus tests, Covid-19 cases and unfortunately sad accounts of death numbers rising?

I’m thinking about you!

Is this truly a paradigm shift for us?

If you’re parents of young, middle grade, high school or college-aged kids…how are you coping with things? You know, lesson plans, zoom learning, kids and young adults struggling to be non-social despite their affinity to others? Us too? Come on, be truthful. I’m thinking about you!

If you’re a creative (visual, performing, literary artist), how is it going for you? Any new ideas percolating? Do you have online presence? Have you been tweaking your website or social media or branding campaigns? Are you actively promoting or selling your work? Are you watching shows or movies while isolating? Working with an online coach or mentor?

What about those of you who usually work in an office or other outside establshment? How are you coping?

Has the financial change of late affected you? Have you taken steps to notify billing (household payments, utilities, assocations, healthcare etc.)?

Is anyone actually thriving? I hope so! Let’s try together. We can get through this.

For me, since I’ve worked from home for many years, it hasn’t been too bad of an adjustment. Well, it comes and goes..Truthfully, I miss my FREEDOM to come and go as I pleased. (Gee, I took that for granted)! But ‘staying put’ with social distancing, avoidng crowds, etc. is hopefully going to be worth it in the long run…right?

Here’s a list of my 10 things I have been doing to ‘survive’ the ‘self-isolation’ ‘shelter in place’ etc. Send me your ideas as well!

  1. Spring cleaning – have cleaned out several bathroom, bedroom, office and ‘junk’ drawers and have discovered a few great finds!
  2. Taking walks (and deep breaths) in the neighborhood and in nature (as rules allow) – getting those steps! Noticing that Spring upon us despite the gloom of this pandemic.
  3. Cooking more (and eating a bit healthier)! For the past few years, I’ll admit I wasn’t cooking as much. It’s actually been fun and sort of a puzzle to plan meals lately depending on how the stores stocked (or as we now it…unstocked).
  4. Online learning: Have taken several courses online for my obtaining continuing education credits. Have you thought of online courses?
  5. Reading manuscripts and books of my client authors and other new books.
  6. Calling/Connecting with important family members or others in your life via calls, emails, texts, social media, etc. (you wouldn’t believe how gratifying it is to reconnect with friends from the past or to stay in touch with family across the miles)!
  7. Cherishing family (near or far) and our time together… Maintaining physical distancing while cherishing our families!
  8. Adoring pets…we love our cat (you wouldn’t believe how calming it is to spend time with our 21 year old lovable, tuxedocat – such a social comforting feline)!
  9. Writing! I have been submitting my poetry online, adding some blog posts, interacting online, looking for podcast and blog interviews for clients as well as for SJF Communications.
  10. Reflecting and making choices for being: more grateful..kinder…and patient.

How about you? What are your ‘go-to’s’? Let’s hang in there and check in with each other. We’re all worth it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Feel free to subscribe, like, comment & share!

Like this post?

Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Websites/Writing

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

SJF Communications – ‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

2020 by SJF Communications

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Q & A with Debra Wanger ~ The Resilient Actor & Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

We are thrilled to introduce our new SJF Communications client – San Diego Actor, Author and Coach – Debra Wanger. Debra’s book The Resilient Actor: How to Kick Ass in the Business (Without it Kicking Your Ass) brings the behind the scenes secrets of Hollywood & Broadway to supercharge one’s career and balance one’s life. An upcoming Audiobook as well as Workbook/Planner will be available soon.

SJF: In a nutshell…tell us about your life as an actor/performer – highs, lows, ‘aha’ moments- stressors…etc.

DW: I’ve worked mostly in live regional theatre, but also some television, film, and radio. When I left my BFA program and started working professionally, I had to learn the hard way all the life and balance skills they didn’t teach at the conservatory.  There was a lot of focus on being a triple threat, on performance skills, but nothing about how to survive the challenging life of being an actor. I fought depression, loneliness, weight gain, difficulty navigating periods of unemployment, all of it. Like most actors, I had to learn how to get the rest & recovery I needed, how to master my mindset to work with me – not against me, and how to take care of myself like a performing athlete.  I had to learn all these life skills beyond my BFA.

SJF:  What experiences and/or people (parents, role models, etc.) in your life influenced you the most and why?

DW: My brother used to attend an acting school in Chicago with some young actors – John Cusack, Joan Cusack and Jeremy Piven among them. They were all clearly phenomenally talented back then. I tagged along and was impressed. I caught the bug then & there. My brother gave it up, but I didn’t. 

I also had a boss at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) who was somehow able to be an agent, a wife, a mother and a happy human all at the same time. She was able to cut through all the B.S. and find a balance that worked for her.  She was an inspiration for me.

Debra Wanger – Photo Credit: Ken Jacques

SJF: Describe your book The Resilient Actor

DW: Many of my private coaching clients are actors who stumble upon the same road blocks, and that is how The Resilient Actor was born. The Resilient Actor combines my experience as an actor, coach, and Hollywood talent manager.  It is part cautionary tale, letting readers know my story and all the ways I did it wrong. It is the actors’ handbook I wish someone had handed me when I left my BFA program. It is the course that was missing from my acting school curriculum. 

Debra Wanger – Photo Credit: Ken Jacques

SJF: Describe your work as a health and wellness coach

DW: As a coach, I help my clients discover what their goals are: whether it be to lose 20 pounds, gain energy, make more money, improve relationships, whatever it is they want or need. Then I help them come up with an action plan to achieve those goals, identify and remove any obstacles they have to this action plan and help them with accountability.  Every client is different, so I customize it to their needs. Many of my clients are actors who stumble upon the same roadblocks, and that is how The Resilient Actor was born. The Resilient Actor combines my experience as an actor, coach, and Hollywood talent manager.

SJF: Your time working at CAA and with the Talent Manager? Stresses? Patterns seen? High points?

DW: Creative Artists Agency in the 90’s was so exciting and crazy. I was there when super-agent Michael Ovitz still ran the place and all of Hollywood. It was like working in an emergency room, everything was high stakes and urgent and high stress, and then Tom Hanks would walk by.  It was incredibly stressful, but such a fertile learning ground for how the business of the business worked. It probably took a few years off my life, but the experience was invaluable for learning how film and television work.  Managing was some babysitting, some creativity and lot of phone calls, horrible scripts and hours in my car traversing LA for lunch meetings.  Taking clients to Sundance or the Golden Globes was as cool as it sounds, but the grind really got to me. Ultimately, I enjoy being on the creative end more than the business side of things.

SJF:  Tell us about your past year or so of musicals/shows- Describe  your roles and accolades! Angels in America, etc.

DW: This year has been a breakout year for me in San Diego theatre.  I was the female authority figure in Hairspray at San Diego Musical Theatre, a collection of John Waters dark-humor characters in a cracker jack cast of a huge musical comedy.  I played The Angel (& several other roles) in the acclaimed production of Angels in America at Cygnet Theatre (all 7 hours of it.) It was the most challenging, most exhilarating show I have ever done. Every single element of that show came together, every single person from the director, cast, designers all brought their A game. Next, I play the Queen of England in the West Coast Premiere of the British comedy hit Handbagged at Moxie Theatre.  It’s funny –  I followed my own advice and had one of the best years of my career. 

SJF: Tell us about the cast of Handbagged and when is the theatrical run at Moxie?

DW:  The Handbagged cast is a ‘who’s who’ of San Diego theatre: Sandy Campbell, Linda Libby, Lisel Gorell-Getz and myself, with Durwood Murray and Max Macke directed by Kim Strassburger. Many of us are often up for the same roles and don’t get to all work together.  It will be a diva-fest in the best way possible.  So much talent.  We play Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth running October 19-November 17.  I can’t wait.

SJF:  What do you dream about?

DW: I dream about making a difference. I dream about balance. I dream about sunny weather, hugs from my children and using my all the wisdom I have acquired to help others. And chocolate. 

SJF: What are your top 3 values in life?

DW: Authenticity, love and playfulness.

Debra Wanger – Photo Credit: Ken Jacques

SJF: What are you most proud of?

DW: I am really proud of The Resilient Actor, and upcoming The Resilient Actor Audio Book and The Resilient Actor’s Workbook and Planner, my creative babies, but I’d have to say I am really proud of my 3 kids,  my human babies. They are phenomenal, loving, decent human beings.  

SJF: Describe your feelings about balancing motherhood and work

DW: Balancing motherhood & work is a challenge.  Acting tends to be feast or famine.  I don’t take every show I am offered. I have to weigh it against tucking my kids in for those 3 months. I am pickier about what projects I do.  That is one of the reasons I love writing, coaching, and public speaking – it allows me to work with actors and be creative without negatively affecting my kids.  They know I love being onstage and want me happy, I just attempt to balance it as best I can.

SJF: Female issues with males (harassment) in entertainment?

DW: Ugh. This is a real thing.  It is time that people shed light on bad behavior in the arts and in business.  There have been some individuals abusing and taking advantage for years, many of whom were common knowledge and no one did anything. I applaud the brave souls who are willing to speak up for themselves. Of course, I hope that individuals who are breaking the law are brought to justice and that attitudes change. The whole system needs to change and awareness is the first step.

SJF:  Any fears? Doubts? ever?

DW: Of Course!  I’m human.  Like all actors – I doubt myself.  I have several exercises in the book to help with negativity and doubt so they don’t get the best of you. I get insecure and doubtful like anyone, but I have learned how to tame that beast most of the time. 

SJF: Many thanks, Debra!

Debra Wanger’s Website: http://debrawanger.com/


Like, Follow and Interact with Debra on Social Media:

Facebook: @resilientactor  https://www.facebook.com/resilientactor/

Twitter: @debrawanger  https://twitter.com/debrawanger

Instagram: @debradiva  https://www.instagram.com/debradiva/

For more information or to book Debra for interviews, speaking engagements or coaching contact

Publicist: Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com 

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