the 98%
A comedic, honest look at the real #actorslife
"The life of on an actor is not Ryan Gosling’s day to day. And it hasn’t got a filter on Instagram with a chai tea latte
highlighting lines"
A podcast for actors, by actors; for the past 7 years The 98% has been exploring what life is *really* like for the majority of actors and performers who, rather than trying to find an outfit for their next red carpet event, are trying to find a public toilet to use to change from their work clothes to an audition outfit in their lunch break of their 'paythebills' job.
It comes as a surprise to most that only 2% of actors earn their main source of income from acting work.
This podcast represents, and gives a voice to, the other 98%.
The podcast features anecdotes, honest discussions, advice and tips, through laughing, lamenting and talking openly and honestly about life in The 98%. The podcast also features interviews with top industry professionals including award winning casting directors, producers, directors, a psychologist, coaches and artistic directors, as well as fellow actors and performers.
While there are now over 100 episodes of The 98%, the podcast started in 2018 with determination yet trepidation. In this first-of-its-kind podcast there is no shying away from the brutally honest subjects it covers but luckily they were conversations many others had been waiting for. The 98% has totalled more than almost half a million total downloads across the globe and has featured in the UK’s top 10 charts for performing arts podcasts multiple times! The guests of the podcast have also been keen to shine an honest light on topics they discuss; creating a welcoming and supportive community for all, both in the podcast and on social media (@the98percentpod).
Whether you’re in the entertainment industry or not, this is a podcast that will humour, shock, validate and inform. You think you knew what it’s like to be an actor? Think again…
What started as a comedy podcast, with co-hosts Alexa and Katie laughing and lamenting about the REAL #actorslife, has morphed into a relatable and supportive space through the lens of honesty and realism. By lifting the curtain on things that need changing in the industry, exposing hidden truths, and chatting to brilliant industry professional guests from all corners of the biz, The 98% is a podcast and platform that works to humanise those in the industry and redefine what success means in a business that, before, only shined a spotlight on the small minority.
After years of The 98% solidifying itself as a community where actors can be heard, validated, and supported - the online platform has, in recent years, turned into a place of solace and safety for those who have experienced mistreatment in the industry. What began as a podcast to share the highs and lows of being a working actor has evolved into a force for advocacy and activism, holding those in power accountable and challenging harmful practices that have long gone unchecked.
Through investigative work, contributing to articles in the press, exposing malpractice, and amplifying the voices of those affected, The 98% has played a key role in bringing industry-wide issues to light. From highlighting exploitative practices to pushing for systemic change. By standing up for fairness, transparency, and respect, The 98% continues to fight for a safer and more inclusive industry, ensuring that no actor feels alone in the challenges they face.
Podcast co-hosted by Alexa Morden and Katie Elin-Salt
Online platform run by Alexa Morden
Fun Fact!
Did you know that The 98% changes the lyrics to each episodes theme song to match the subject of the content covered?
That’s over 100 different jingles!
Here are a couple of our favourites…
What People Are Saying
“Alexa and Katie provide a heart-warming, hilarious and much needed reality check for anyone trying to make it in the creative arts. The 98% is for everyone fighting the good fight and trying to make their way in the world by pursuing that elusive dream. The show takes all your insecurities and worries about whether you should be doing what you’re doing, and celebrates them as the badges of honour they really are while welcoming you to this all-inclusive gang where everyone, well 98% of us, really are welcome. Brilliant stuff.”
— matt holt, award winning director for screen
“This is the best resource for actors. I’ve been an avid listener since the beginning and Alexa and Katie never fail to make me feel so much better about navigating this industry as a fellow 98 percenter! They are so insightful and empathetic whilst simultaneously causing me to snort with laughter on my daily commute.”
— KIKKIWEEK70 ON APPLE PODCASTS REVIEW
“Extremely useful and fun at the same time! These two have kept me company 24/7 in the last weeks. I wish I was friends with them! I’ve never enjoyed a podcast so much, and the incredible thing is that I’m learning a lot about the industry - I wish they explored these things at drama school. It’s a must for all creatives, especially actors. I kinda wish this podcast could go on forever! Thank you for your spontaneity Alexa and Katie, what you’re doing in so precious!.”
— georgia asperti on apple podcasts review
Discount for WeAudition!
Endorsed by Casting Directors and loved by actors all around the world, WeAudition is a platform where you can find a reader on-demand to rehearse or self-tape with, audition for roles, meet Casting Directors, Agents, Coaches, and Industry Experts and EARN money being a reader! All through video chat!
Like The 98%, WeAudition was made for actors, by actors and they prioritise helping fellow creatives. Get 25% off your monthly subscription with the discount code 9825.
“After becoming a professional member and reading for talented actors on WeAudition I earned back the entire cost of the annual membership within 3 weeks from tips alone!”
-Sven Maertens, podcast listener and WeAudition member
Learn more about WeAudition by listening to The 98% Miniseries 2 Episode 2, released in May 2022, to hear co-founder Darren Darnborough talk about the platform.