Breaking into acting and modeling doesn’t have to mean moving to LA. In this interview, actress, model, and YouTube pioneer Michelle Pearson breaks down exactly how she built a thriving on-camera career from Utah. We discuss what to know about agents, auditions, residuals, and the real-life “dark side” of the industry for beginners who want to get started the right way.

From being one of the first YouTube moms in Utah to starring in national commercials and major productions, Michelle shares how she transitioned from social media creator to professional actress. You’ll learn how to get into acting and modeling without experience, what agencies actually look for, how auditions really work, and why work ethic and professionalism matter more than fancy equipment or follower counts. Whether you’re in Utah or anywhere else, this is a practical roadmap for launching your acting or modeling career while balancing real life, family, and other goals.

What's in this episode?

- How Michelle went from YouTube content creator to actress and model represented by McCarty Talent Agency, without moving to LA or New York

- The truth about how to become an actor or model without an agent, and when you do need one to reach national, residual-paying work

- Exactly how self-tape auditions work today (gear, lighting, teleprompters, reader tips, and how to stand out on camera)

- Red flags and must-know advice for choosing a modeling or acting agency and avoiding scams and pay-to-play traps

- The emotional and mental side of acting—how Michelle prepares for intense roles, handles rejection, and protects her energy through long shoot days

- Comment below with your biggest takeaway from Michelle’s journey, hit like if this helped you, and subscribe to Where To Get Started Podcast for more real-world career and creator advice.

Michelle Pearson is an actress, model, and content creator working with the McCarty Talent Agency. After a decade as a successful YouTube mom and brand collaborator, she transitioned into professional acting, appearing in national commercials, large-scale productions, and campaigns for major brands. Michelle is known for her authenticity on camera, strong work ethic on set, and practical guidance for aspiring actors and models trying to break into the industry from outside traditional Hollywood hubs.

#actingcareer #modelingtips #commercialacting #utahactors #wheretogetstarted

You can find Michelle on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meeshpearson/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichellePearson/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meesh.pearson

Check out our socials & more:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wheretogetstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheretogetstarted/

Website: https://www.where2getstarted.com

*Disclaimer*

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or official direction for topics or discussions within this episode. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice.

Dive into the culinary world with Chef Nick Zocco, the James Beard Award Finalist in 2024 and Semi-Finalist in 2025 who conquered Bobby Flay and is revolutionizing Salt Lake City's dining scene! We chat would the journey of Chef Nick who transformed from a small-town cook to an award-winning culinary innovator.

Chef Nick Zocco shares his incredible journey from watching cooking shows as a child to becoming the Executive Chef at Urban Hill. Learn how he navigated the intense restaurant industry, beat Bobby Flay during a Beat Bobby Flay Episode, and became a driving force in Utah's evolving culinary landscape.

Highlights:

• The critical importance of cross-training and skill development in professional kitchens

• Overcoming challenges in the restaurant industry, including mental health and work-life balance

• How collaboration and community building are transforming the local dining scene

• Navigating career growth from line cook to executive chef

Drop a comment below and tell us your biggest takeaway from Chef Nick's incredible story! Like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell to stay inspired by amazing culinary journeys.

About the Guest: Chef Nick Zocco is the Executive Chef at Urban Hill, a 2024/25 James Beard Award Semi-Finalist, and Utah Restaurant Association's 2025 Chef of the Year. With a background spanning from Santa Fe to Las Vegas, he's now a key innovator in Salt Lake City's dining scene.

Contact Chef Nick: https://www.instagram.com/chefnick.zocco/

https://www.urban-hill.com/

#ExecutiveChef #UrbanHill #ChefNickZocco #Foodie #SLC #W2GS

Other Mentions:

Chef Nick's Episode on beating Bobby Flay: https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/beat-bobby-flay/episodes/is-it-getting-chile-in-here & Check out Beat Bobby Flay on Hulu & Amazon Prime

Chef David Walzog: https://www.youtube.com/@thechefswarehouse/

Yan Can Cook: @ChefMartinYan

Great Chefs: @GreatChefs

NY Restaurant - Emilios Ballato https://www.emiliosballato.com/

@FoodNetwork Let's Get Chef Nick on Chopped!!

Check out our socials & more:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wheretogetstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheretogetstarted/

Website: https://www.where2getstarted.com

*Disclaimer*

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or official direction for topics or discussions within this episode. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice.

Ever wondered what it's like to save lives flying 140 miles per hour in the sky? Join us as Megan Ames, a seasoned Life Flight Nurse, reveals the heart pounding world of emergency medical transport and the incredible skills required to keep patients alive during critical moments.

Megan takes us behind the scenes of life flight nursing, sharing insights into the most demanding and rewarding medical profession you've never heard about. From inter-facility transports to mountain rescues, she breaks down the complex world of emergency medical aviation and the critical care skills that make life saving differences.

Highlights:

• Life Flight nurses cover 90% inter-facility transports, not just dramatic accident scenes

• Requires minimum 3 years ICU or ER experience before qualifying

• Carries specialized medical equipment to function as a "flying ICU"

• Transports patients across multiple states and even internationally

• Unique canine transport program helps support working police and rescue dogs

Drop a comment below and tell us: What surprised you most about life flight nursing?

Like this video and subscribe for more incredible professional insights!

About Megan: A dedicated Life Flight Nurse with Intermountain Healthcare, Megan brings over a decade of critical care experience and a passion for high-stakes medical transport. Her expertise spans adult medical transport, specialized patient care, and innovative medical aviation programs.

This video is NOT sponsored by Intermountain Health. But incase you want to contact Intermountain Health:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intermountain/

- YouTube: @intermountainhealth

#LifeFlightNursing #EmergencyMedical #NursingCareers #MedicalAviation

Check out our socials & more:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wheretogetstarted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheretogetstarted/

Website: https://www.where2getstarted.com

*Disclaimer*

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or official direction for topics or discussions within this episode. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice.