After my MFA, I began performing and teaching at 2 universities in Boston, where I further honed my skills in working with aspiring actors and non-actors alike. It was here I discovered my passion for working with non-actors. Teaching non-actors revealed how acting techniques can transform everyday life. By blending acting, Eastern wisdom, and yoga, I developed acting methods students began to use for personal growth and breakthroughs. Think of it as mental strength training for life's big game. This journey culminated in me writing a first draft of a book, "Playing You! Acting Secrets to Create the Life You Really Want."  When I sought Richard's feedback on my initial manuscript, he enthusiastically offered to lead workshops with me. He was the perfect wingman for this adventure, but there was a problem. I was paralyzed by fear and couldn't complete the book. My writing retreats often turned into Netflix marathons. As the saying goes, "We teach what we need to learn most." The book began to write itself, guiding me toward what I needed to do to create my own breakthrough. So I began teaching the material, and at my first workshop, Richard experienced a breakthrough that inspired him to embark on his dream cross-country motorcycle trip he'd put off for years. I did eventually publish my book (whew!), and Richard, not to be outdone, cranked out his own about teaching drama. We figured out that finding your "Breakthrough Self" is all about faking it till you make it—focusing on what you want instead of letting your inner couch potato run the show. My decade-long procrastination fest and Richard's journey from Mr. Apprehensive to Easy Rider taught us something big: the tools for unleashing our inner badasses were right under our noses all along, hiding in the world of acting and storytelling.