The 98% Podcast
The 98% started as a humorous podcast exploring the realities of working in the acting industry. Today it continues as part of the CIC. carrying forward the same mission: amplifying voices and stories that need telling to inform and support fellow creatives navigating this challenging industry. While the format has now grown and evolved, the heart of the podcast remains the same - honest, relatable, and committed to shining a light on the experiences that matter.
You can listen to The 98% podcast wherever you get podcasts. If you’re after comedic, relatable, easy listens about the real #actorslife, scroll back to 2018 and enjoy years worth of original and early episodes. If you’d like insight, advice, and discussion on more serious topics the 98% has covered in more recent years, check out the newer episodes from 2024.
Available wherever you get podcasts
The 98% podcast features honest discussions, advice, and tips through laughing, lamenting and talking openly and candidly about life in The 98%. It 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.
The podcast started in 2018 with determination yet trepidation. In this first-of-its-kind platform there is no shying away from the brutally honest subjects it covers. But luckily, the conversations were ones many others had been waiting for. The 98% has totalled more than almost half a million total downloads across the globe, placed in the UK’s top 10 charts for performing arts podcasts multiple times, and been featured in various publications and on other platforms. 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 on the podcast and social media (@the98percentpod).
Over the years the podcast has morphed into a relatable and supportive space through the lens of honesty and realism. As actors started to connect through shared experiences - conversations began to shift, highlighting the lack of safeguarding, the prevalence of malpractice, and the absence of resources for those who feel no one is there listen. Until now. It was through this environment of openness and solidarity that the foundation for The 98% CIC was born: continuing the podcast’s mission while expanding into advocacy, education, and action - to better protect and empower actors and other creatives working in the entertainment and performing arts industries.
Whether you’re in the acting 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…
A podcast for actors, by actors; since 2018 The 98% has been lifting the curtain on 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 change from their work clothes to an audition outfit in their ‘paythebills’ job lunch break.
Only 2% of actors earn a living from acting work, and yet those are the only ones you tend to hear from when discussing this profession.
For the first time, this podcast represents, and gives a voice to,
the other 98%.
"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 heart-warming, hilarious and much needed reality check. The 98% is for everyone fighting the good fight and trying to make their way in the world by pursuing that elusive dream.
This podcast 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
Who’s behind the mic?
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Host & Producer
Alexa is an actor, writer, author, coach, and all-round creative. She enjoys true crime podcasts, eating vegan junk food, and immersing herself in one of her many, many creative hobbies.
Pre-orders will soon be open for Alexa’s first book - a first-of-its-kind guide to the reality of being an actor. Follow @the98percentpod for updates!
Follow Alexa on instagram: @alexa_morden
For actor tips and insight follow:
@acting.with.alexa
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Co-Host
Katie is an actor, writer, theatre-maker, music therapist, and artistic director of Oshi’s World - Wales’ first theatre company making work exclusively with and for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. In her spare time she enjoys eating beans on toast and watching soul rotting television.
Follow Katie on instagram:
@katieelinsaltTo support her theatre company follow:
@oshis_world
Between them, Alexa and Katie have 25+ years of experience as professional actors since each graduated from drama school. They’ve performed on world famous stages, won awards at film festivals, and played leading roles on stage and screen...they’ve also worked as teachers, gardeners, nannies, bar tenders, theatre ushers, waitresses, princess party leaders, harrods perfume sellers - truly experiencing both sides of the #actorslife coin. Alexa and Katie met in the waiting room of a commercial casting and, after bonding over feminist ideology and being overjoyed that they didn't have to sit in silence for a minute longer, they exchanged numbers - and the rest is history!
(Also conveniently documented in a podcast)
In 2025, Katie stepped back from the podcast to focus on her own creative projects, writing and wellbeing work, and family life - welcoming a new baby. She also launched Oshi’s World, of which she is artistic director - Wales’ first theatre company making work exclusively with and for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
At the same time, Alexa was throwing herself into armchair investigations, actor advocacy, and victim support work through The 98%. The podcast continues to evolve through the CIC with Alexa flying solo, while staying true to its mission of supporting those working in the performing industry and exploring the realities within it. Katie will be back for future drop in episodes!
Listen wherever you get podcasts.
With some quick links below.
For direct links to podcast episodes relating to the mission of The 98% CIC you can visit the ‘Education and Resources’ page.
“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 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.
