Vinessa Shaw on acting, perfectionism and success

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Today’s episode is an in-depth conversation with actor Vinessa Shaw, who is known for her success as a child actor in movies such as Ladybugs and Hocus Pocus and then, as an adult, in Eyes Wide Shut and most recently, 12 Mighty Orphans, which is in theaters.

Vinessa has been practicing Buddhism since childhood, and today she shares her honest experience dealing with success at a young age, struggling with perfectionism and finding true self-worth.

She also shares advice on auditioning and rejection for actors, and her three favorite Buddhist quotes.

CHEAT SHEET

1:59 Why Vinessa started practicing Buddhism

7:06 How she got into acting and the challenges of success as a child actor

24:28 The role that chanting played in dealing with depression and anxiety

33:45 What is self-esteem when you’re in the spotlight?

40:07 How Buddhism helped her navigate taking a break from acting

47:30 How she feels about acting now

51:38 How chanting helped her battle negative self-talk

57:32 Advice on rejection, especially for actors

64:01 Being in rhythm and how she got 12 Mighty Orphans

66:58 Three Buddhist quotes on believing in yourself