In this conversation, Janet McMordie and Raffael Ponce-Valencia explore Raffael's journey from a late start in acting to finding his passion through various life experiences. They discuss the importance of teamwork, the transition from sports to acting, and the lessons learned along the way. Raffael shares personal anecdotes that shaped his perspective on life and creativity, emphasizing the beauty of pursuing one's dreams despite challenges. He discusses the challenges of self-doubt and rejection, the joy of creating opportunities, and memorable experiences on set. Raffael also highlights the significance of self-compassion and mental health in the pursuit of artistic endeavors, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and be kind to themselves. Takeaways<ul><li>Teamwork is crucial in both sports and acting careers.</li><li>Gratitude plays a significant role in enjoying one's career.</li><li>Fear of starting can be overcome with self-motivation.</li><li>Rejection is a part of the acting journey; learn to embrace it.</li><li>Creating your own opportunities is essential in the industry.</li><li>Mental health plays a crucial role in artistic success.</li><li>Embrace failure as a part of the growth process.</li><li>There is a unique journey for everyone in the acting world.</li></ul> <hr /> Hosted on Acast. See <a target="_blank" href="https://acast.com/privacy">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

"The moment I close myself off, I'm not learning anymore. That's not good for me. It's not good for anybody I love.  I am the most interesting when I'm doing things that I love and I feel everybody is that way."

EP 168: Raffael Ponce-Valencia: Soccer Player Turned Actor