On Showing Up with Spencer Martinez
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode, Spencer Martinez discusses:
The impact of “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, and how it led to a profound personal and professional realization
Steps that led to building confidence including switching voice teachers, using affirmations, and writing her “morning pages”
Her experience with sexual harassment and how it influenced her ability to show up to auditions
What needs to change for both non-union and Equity performing artists
How she learned to not make decisions based on fear
Spencer Martinez, a South Jersey native with a love for Musical Theatre, earned her BA at FDU, becoming the first in her family to graduate. After backpacking through Europe, she kicked off her career with an Off-Broadway production in NYC. Adapting during COVID, she founded the LimeLight platform, providing accessibility and education to the industry. Recently booking UGC for various companies and the NYC based "Moving UP" workshop, she not only strives for her own comeback but consistently gives back to the industry that fuels her passion. From a log cabin to Manhattan, Spencer's journey epitomizes resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community in the ever-evolving world of musical theatre.
Follow along on Spencer’s journey: @spencermartinez
TRANSCRIPT
Jess
Hello and welcome to The Story Project. Today’s guest is Spencer Martinez, a South Jersey native with a love for Musical Theatre, earned her BA at FDU, becoming the first in her family to graduate. After backpacking through Europe, she kicked off her career with an Off-Broadway production in NYC. Adapting during COVID, she founded the LimeLight platform, providing accessibility and education to the industry. Recently booking UGC for various companies and the NYC based "Moving UP" workshop, she not only strives for her own comeback but consistently gives back to the industry that fuels her passion. From a log cabin to Manhattan, Spencer's journey epitomizes resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community in the ever-evolving world of musical theatre.
In today’s episode, Spencer discusses the impact of “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron, and how it led to a profound personal and professional realization, steps that led to building confidence including switching voice teachers, using affirmations, and writing her “morning pages”, her experience with sexual harassment and how it influenced her ability to show up to auditions and what needs to change for both non-union and Equity performing artists.
Please enjoy this episode with Spencer Martinez…
Okay, hello Spencer. How are you?
Spencer Martinez
Hi! I'm good. I'm excited to be here.
Jess
Good, I'm excited to have you here. So we're both in matching red shirts, unplanned. So that's starting off on the right note, I would say.
Spencer Martinez
Yes, absolutely….absolutely, and we both say that we don't really wear red, so that's even crazier.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Yes, I completely agree. So I'm going to start off by asking how is your heart in this moment right now? How are you feeling?
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, it actually feels pretty full today, to be honest. I had a really good day yesterday, like filled with like just random moments of just, it didn't even have to really do with theater and some did, but it was just really good, like people moments. And they were like with some strangers and you're like, wow, like sometimes it feels really heavy outside and you're like, this stuff is going on in the news or like this is happening at home, blah blah blah blah. But it felt really good, so I'm very, my heart's full today.
Jess
That's so good. What are you working on right now?
Spencer Martinez
As a performer, as a human.
Jess
human. Let's start there.
Spencer Martinez
as a human. Yeah, well there's two. I'm drinking more water, but I really am trying, it's like a constant thing with me, just really being kind. I'm trying new things recently and knowing being a beginner is okay and that's where we all start at some point, but not getting down on myself and just really like, okay, I can't do this turn, this double or this triple, it's okay, you're fine, it's okay, and do not be like, you're so dumb, like everyone else can do that and you can't, like why? And understanding that kindness really does help in the long run for sure.
Jess
Can you talk more about how you actively practice that, like some tangible things?
Spencer Martinez
yeah, in the mirror I do my affirmations, reformations, reformations, a great story, affirmations, plug reformations, sponsor, yeah great, that'd be amazing. My affirmations in the mirror, I have a little post -it note and my husband's like, I love that one, yeah, like totally save that one to yourself. I'm like, that's nice, I'm glad you're reading these post -its around the house.
Jess
Sponsor her!
Spencer Martinez
I would post it by my mirror and then when I'm walking into an audition I say like five kind things to myself while I'm doing like my breath work so I'm not like all tight and like super nervous and that's really helped because it's not about getting the material right worrying about the accompanist and being like the rhythm's not correct like what am I gonna do?
But just focusing about yourself and really what you can control, which is how kind you can be to yourself.
Jess
What are some of those kind things that you tell yourself?
Spencer Martinez
My god. No, yeah, no, that's great. This is so funny. These are like so much deeper questions that other people don't ask me and it's great actually. Yeah, no. I was always super self -conscious about like not being smart enough and always, always, always, always. So that is the first one I start off with every day. And then saying like,
Jess
We're going for it. Welcome! Hmm.
Spencer Martinez
it's okay that you don't know everything. And making sure that I'm not clawing at myself, being like, my God, why don't you know that information? If you took like 10 more minutes to read another book, then you would know. And just being like, it's okay.
Spencer Martinez
Being a girl in the industry, I think it was always pushed on to me that, you're so pretty. You're so pretty. You play the pretty girl. But knowing like, I'm a good actor. And not just being like this pretty face that people have said, which is so nice, so nice. Who doesn't like being told that they look great today? But saying that I'm a good actor and I have the foundations that I know I can bring into the room is really important. And then like saying that, knowing that I'm enough through everything. And then they always say at the very end is like, feel the fear and do it anyway. Because that's what my mom used to say to me all the time. And that's just a little grounding moment that I'm like, okay, it's scary. But that's what being a human is. And that's what this career is that we're doing. Like,
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Jess
Mmm.
Jess
Great.
Spencer Martinez
your career is being uncomfortable and that's exciting and it could be really great and sometimes it can stink and you can cry on the subway on the way home like either or. But yeah, I think really feeling that fear and it doesn't always have to be scary. Fear doesn't have to be scary all the time.
Jess
Yeah.
Jess
Ooh, has there ever been a time where fear did stop you in your tracks?
Spencer Martinez
my god, yeah, for sure. So I can tell you a moment. It was this, it was for an audition and I was like, I can't do that. I know I can't do that. And why waste my time? Why waste their time? And I still think about that audition all the time. Like I could have done that. And you were just afraid because you thought they were going to ask something that you know you can do, but people haven't seen that side and it's new and scary. And I really wasn't ready for it because it really was in the very beginning of like moving to the city. But yeah, it totally stopped me. But since COVID and stuff, I really have done pretty much everything that I'm afraid of, which has been good. It's been helpful.
Jess
Wow, they're really good.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, so and the artist way, I just did that, I guess I'm like four months out and it's just been, that was really important too for this growing of all of these things and being like a smart actor and really being mindful of all those things and giving back to yourself, super important.
Jess
Nice. Yes. Yeah, for those listening, The Artist's Way is a book written by Julia Cameron and tons and tons of artists and non -artists alike have really enjoyed and grown from this piece. And it's a 12 week program, right? Isn't that what it is? Yeah, basically a boot camp. I think I started it about three times before I finally finished it all the way through.
Spencer Martinez
Mm -hmm. Yeah, it's like a boot camp. Yeah, it's a 12 week. Yeah, yeah, because it stops. It stops you because you're like, because in the beginning, you're like, I'm so open, I can do this. And then you're like, Whoa, why is a book with words, like making me feel like I need a break? Like I need a second because it is. I mean, I read the first the second chapter, it opens so many things for me where I was like, Wow, that is a reason why. I stopped going to auditions because of a certain problem that happened a really long time ago. And it was just a moment in my life and you're like, whoa, I never even like thought like that was even a thing. And that book really opened it up. So happy that that happened.
Jess
Could you explain what chapter two was and how it impacted you?
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, so chapter two, if I can like recall this correctly, it was go back into like your younger self and who told you no, or who made you feel less than or that you couldn't do something or pushed you back. So there were like a couple of things that happened to me younger, younger but in college, I was harassed sexually by a person. And then I had to do a student showcase and he was playing the piano and he messed up on the piano. And the whole, the school knew, the director of the program was like, are you sure he did that to you? I'm like…Yes, I know, that's what happened and people saw and whatever. And then later, one of the people in the school, I was hired and then asked me to like sit on his lap and was just, and that was like my first job, like out of the city. And I realized, I stopped myself from auditioning because I was so afraid that.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
if I book something, it's out of me being like this girl, this pretty girl that they think they can do whatever to and that they can touch me and do whatever. And I was so paranoid going into a room with a pianist and them being like sexualizing me or something and I didn't even know. So yeah, I stalked myself for a really long time, for sure. And then it's when I like started like doing an app.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
because I was like, I don't know if I really want to do this. And I didn't realize that this was happening until I did the artist way. Until I wrote in my journal, I did my three pages. And I mean, my God, like, I'm able to voice it, which is like really like, as much as like we talk over email, I don't really share that. And it's something that's really...
Jess
Wow. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
It's been hard to even understand, like, how did I get here and how did I not voice that, like, ever? It's like four or five years ago, and I still couldn't put a pin in it. Like, why am I stopping myself? Why am I not doing this? But yeah, the three pages, I still do them today because it helps a lot. And when I stop, I know I can feel to myself that, whoa, whoa, you gotta go back to your three pages. You gotta go to your artist's date for creativity. You deserve it.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Hmm.
Spencer Martinez
You don't have to spend tons of money. But yeah, so I usually go down to like Lincoln Center and do like a show, a free showing of a musical and I'll do that and make me feel better for sure.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Yeah, thank you so much for sharing that. That is so horrible that that happened to you. And I was sexually assaulted in college and that's a big part of my story, my journey, the reason behind this podcast to use our voices and to kind of try to come to terms with what happened and move forward. But I think that it didn't...
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Mm -hmm.
Jess
I didn't understand until recently too, and this happened for me like eight years ago, that being in a situation where you feel unsafe in that way and where you are harassed or assaulted in that way, it has all of these effects that you don't understand in the moment. You don't understand for years to come. You might not understand it until...
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
a book comes your way or some other experience or conversation comes your way. But the fact of the matter is, if you don't believe that you are safe, why would you want to step into a room of strangers? Why would you want to step into a similar room or similar environment to that which where you were hurt?
Spencer Martinez
Absolutely. Right, right, like walking into an audition room is like really where I was hurt or like in the rehearsal space, which is where I was hurt and it's like, so why would I do that to myself again? It's like your body being like, no, no, no.
Jess
Right.
Spencer Martinez
That's not, and then I'm like, am I crazy? Like, is this just me? And it's not though, because it's, I've had other people being like, yes, it's happened to me, yes, it's happened to me. And you're like, okay, great. So it does help when people reach out and stand up and say, yeah, this is, because then you don't feel crazy. So yeah, absolutely.
Jess
Yeah, it happens all the time and people don't feel that they can speak out. People can't even admit it to themselves sometimes. Like it took me a year to be like, this actually happened. And it took me even longer to say this happened and it wasn't my fault. And even longer to say this happened, it's not my fault. And now I'm gonna share it. But I completely agree. Thank you for saying that. And I'm sorry.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, I'm so sorry, honey. Yeah. Of course.
Jess
to and that is the heart of sharing your story. It's not to say that everyone needs to go public and that's a requirement and whatever it is, but even if you, the messages you got, the messages I've received that are totally confidential that I've never shared and would never share until or unless a person decided otherwise, then I'm like, I can keep using my voice more because,
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Mm -hmm.
Jess
Yeah, then I'm not, I know I'm not alone in this thing. And I think that phrase gets used a ton, like you're not alone, you're not alone. And it's so important and so vital. And I'm just going to like break it down for myself a little more and maybe to those listening and to you as well. You are not alone. These things happen all the time. And every single one of them is wrong. It's not that, this just happens, right? Like,
Spencer Martinez
Yes.
Jess
This happens and it is all so wrong. You don't deserve to have this experience at all. You don't deserve to experience in the moment. You don't deserve the trickle effect that continues impacting your life years down the road. So all that to say, having a moment in the artist's way where you were able to come to this realization is such a beautiful gift that the book gave you. And it's such a beautiful gift that you gave yourself by committing to working through the book.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, yeah, no, for sure. Yeah, and I'm so grateful for that. And I mean, I didn't tell my mom until after the book, after I finished the book. And I was like, hi, I need to tell you something just to let you know. And I didn't even, my dad, I don't think my mom even told my dad, because I actually think things would happen. Like, I just wasn't ready for that. And I wasn't ready to make a big spectacle or all of those things. And...
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
You know, it's like, that's so wrong. You know, like why? And that was like before like the Me Too stuff was happening, like a year before. Like okay, like my friend's mom who's a therapist, Lauren, was like, tell my mom, she was Spencer, that is not okay. And that should not happen. And you do not, like really what you said, like you do not deserve that to happen to you. And...for another woman to say that to you and then going back to a program where a woman does say, well that happened to me and it's alright. And you're like, well, hold on. That's the industry talking and I'm not about that and I'm not about that old industry life and if you are a part of that then we will go in different places. And it doesn't have to be like that now. And that's the key. So if something's happening now to people.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
there is a safe place for you and you can go to other people because there is an actual intimacy coach on your project or you really do feel safe. I mean, I was on, I was just an extra in something a little bit ago and there was an intimacy coach and I was like, this is great. Like, you don't know who's on set with you. And if you're dancing really, really close with someone and some people can be a little interesting and it's great.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
But if they're trying to hit on you while you're trying to be an extra in a moment where you're trying to pay for dance classes, like this is, it's crazy. So there are things put into place now where I do think it's a lot safer. But if something does happen, please tell someone, because I wish I did, and I wish I did it sooner, for sure.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Yeah, yeah. And it's sometimes that takes time, but as soon as you're ready, there are resources for you. So the realization of all of this is fairly recent relatively for you. Where do you, where do you stand now with performance and going into those spaces?
Spencer Martinez
So I'm going in the room now. And I felt, actually yesterday, it was really the first time where I felt 100 % comfortable in being like, and I think that's really one of the reasons why, like the heart was really full because I did something uncomfortable for me, not having to do a self tape, not being behind the camera, like all of those things. And then being on a side with people, which was so lovely and the room was so comforting and great and realizing if it is, if it has a weird feeling, that's okay and we don't take that job. But this audition was great and I had a good time and yeah, so that was really the first time that I was really a hundred percent like, okay, it's back. Like you feel good, the people are,
Jess
Wow.
Spencer Martinez
want people want you to win. And I know that and I know, like the side of casting, like they're not wanting to see you fail, like, but there is also a comfortability of like for me, like, how do I feel about being in a room where I was to not feel safe at one point in my career, but no idea. So it's great.
Jess
Right. Mm -hmm. That's incredible. And that was literally yesterday.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, absolutely. Literally yesterday and I'm like, I went home like, my god. And but I'm also expecting that there are going to there's going to be a room where I'm like, I felt a little funky in there. And that's okay. And then going back and I know that it's just it's going to be something really interesting to see where that is and how that lives in my body for sure.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Yeah, and definitely listen to your instincts. When you go into a space, I don't care if it's the most famous director or choreographer or you're going in for this big TV show, this big show, whatever it is, if it feels off, you have every right to listen to yourself, big or small, you know? And I think that we really need to hold onto that.
Spencer Martinez
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Right.
Jess
because this was something that has taken me a long time to process. Like the predator in my situation, right? What happened was 1000 % his fault. There is 0 % that was my fault. However, I believe that had I been more empowered, more connected to my body and my instincts at that moment of time, and had I just generally not been as kind of like just wanting everyone to be pleased with me and whatever it is, maybe I wouldn't have found myself in that situation in the first place. And again, I'm not blaming myself for trusting somebody that I had no reason not to trust. But I question for myself, was I listening? No, I don't think I was listening. Because I think there was too much going on outside of me and I was at a point where I couldn't listen to myself. And so as we move forward, again, anyone who's going to do anything, whether it's just a little negative or a full out assault or whatever it is, it is on them completely. But I think for us, it's a matter of trying to hold on to whatever empowerment.
Spencer Martinez
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.
Jess
and trust of our own instincts that we can find. And then to be able to trust, okay, if I'm in a room and it feels wrong, I can take myself out of that room. Walk out the door. And that's so hard, especially when we're trained at such a young age. Just listen to what they're telling you to do, directors, choreographers, teachers, whatever it is.
Spencer Martinez
Absolutely. Walk out the door…my god, yes. And it was always say yes to everything. And you're like, yeah, sure. Like, I remember like going to see a show and this like star who I was so obsessed with and I was like, what's something that you want every actor to know? And she says, say yes to everything. And you know, as like, as an adult, I understand where she's coming from. I understand completely. But as a young,
Jess
Yeah. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
person, that's like everything. You are saying yes to absolutely everything. If a person is trying to come on to you, yeah, sure, what do you need? What do you need me to do? How can I be a perfect human? But now it's like, okay, I took that way too seriously. And now I understand. I would say this, I really would never, I don't think I would say the same.
Jess
Yes. Hmm.
Spencer Martinez
the same thing as what she said, but it'd be a different context, I think a more specific...
Jess
Mm -hmm. Yeah. Whether someone had an experience like ours or for whatever reason they feel hesitant to step back into a class or audition or performance space, whatever it is, would you kind of detail your journey of going from I won't step into the room to having the day you had yesterday?
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, I think it was really being comfortable with my... So, I have to go back actually a little bit. So when I started the app, I really wasn't able to even afford to audition at the point. It was a lot of money per month to pay for this app that my husband and I were working on and that we thought that this would really change the industry. And… I do think there was a moment where I was pushing myself aside because I was so fed up with how I was feeling and I need to remove myself from the industry and really focus on giving back, which I as a person, that's just who I am. If I could give you information for free to make it as accessible as possible because I wasn't given the information because it wasn't accessible at that moment I will give it to you. That's what I've always focused on with the app and now still with the non -union list and how I would love to help change that at some point. But when I had to close the app down because it was financial, it was just a smart business move really to make and how much in debt did I want to be.
Jess
All right.
Spencer Martinez
I really had to look at myself and say, I know you want to perform, but what are we going to have to do to get you in that room to feel comfortable? Because I know when I'm on stage, I can, I feel so, I feel so comfortable and confident. And I, it's just so different from being in the audition room than to being on stage. Like there was just such a big gap for me because of what happened to me in an audition room. And I didn't know how I was gonna get to get there. I was also not able to afford voice lessons or acting class. And after the Artists Way book, because I was definitely in a moment of what do I do? I don't want my body to self -destruct because I'm so afraid of what's going to happen. But through that book, I was like, all right.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
I'm going to invest in myself and I'm going to try. I'm going to try and do this. And I'm going to have to work through all of these feelings and the pages have helped. But really finding also, I've only had men voice teachers. And recently I now go to a woman voice teacher, Grace. She's great. And...I love her and I never had a woman before. Other than like my first voice teacher who I was in like fifth grade for like a year, you know what I mean? But like as an adult woman who's going through her period and like all of these things and understanding like the woman body, yeah. And that's changed how I felt about my voice performing and really feeling confident with the material that I have that.
Jess
Right. Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
The material that I was using was all of the music he gave me to sing. So I was singing rep that this person that harassed me and touched me in specific ways, I would have to sing those songs. And I really didn't realize this really until now. But now changing this music that I'm singing. And it's so different. Like there's an energy to this music that Grace has given me or that I've worked with the rep coach too. It's crazy. Like, and going into that audition room, which was yesterday with a new song that he didn't give me, that there's different memories tied to on feeling a really confident woman. It's, it's shocking. Yeah. Yeah.
Jess
Wow. I just want to also highlight that that's another kind of unexpected way that a situation like that can impact you moving forward. Like I have, there are certain phrases or words that this person used when I was in college, because they were a professor, that at the time when I was like a very happy student.
Spencer Martinez
yeah.
Jess
I was not a happy student at that school. Let me rephrase that. Anyone listening knows that. But when I was happily taking in information, I'll say, from certain people, and yes, totally. So there are certain things that I really appreciated and phrases that really stuck with me that to this day, if I hear those words, I just feel so gross about it, which is crazy, because they're just words. They're just words.
Spencer Martinez
Hehehehehe. Yeah, when you're an eager person.
Spencer Martinez
their words. And yeah, and that the fact that that person gets to do that is unfair. It's like a sticky, like it'll never, you'll never get to, it's like Gorilla Glue, you'll never get off your fingers, no matter how you scrub it off your hands. Yeah, yeah, it's really incredible the fact that you can sing a different song and it's like a total different, I mean, obviously you're acting it.
Jess
Yes. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
Let's be clear, hopefully you're acting the song. But it's just different. So yeah, it's been good. Yesterday was good.
Jess
What did you sing yesterday?
Spencer Martinez
It was for Jersey Boys and it was Will You Love Me Tomorrow. Yeah, so that was nice. It's a good song. It was a happy song.
Jess
Can you describe the feeling in the moment of singing that song?
Spencer Martinez
Well, yeah, I mean, there was definitely like freeing, like the feeling did feel freeing, but also like, I was like, my God, I'm singing a new song. Whoa, scary that I haven't had, like, I haven't gone into a room before with the song. And even that fear was happening, I still felt comfortable in the room, which is also pretty wild. So yeah, it felt, it really did feel freeing. I left and I was just like,
Jess
Hmm.
Spencer Martinez
That was so good, like just comfy, just like super grateful that I was able to even do that and have, and some people don't get that and I did and I'm very grateful for that moment.
Jess
Mm -hmm.Hmm. Yeah, I'm so happy that you had such a beautiful experience, you know, 24 hours ago and we get to talk and celebrate it. I mean, that's huge.
Spencer Martinez
Thanks. I know, we get to really debrief. Yeah, yeah, it is. And you know what? If I don't get anything, and I really, honestly, I'm really happy with not getting it. Like, I'm okay with it, and everyone's like, my God, when you're an actor, you get an audition and you totally...try to figure out your world for like, if you book that part. Like, what is my life gonna look like? my God, I can see what I'm packing and if it's gonna be on tour, what am I gonna be doing and how am I gonna live my life? But honestly, I was just like so specific in the moment that I was like, I don't even care. Like, I'm happy that I got to like have that moment in the city and really having like a comeback. Like the girl had a comeback yesterday. It was great.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Yes, yes.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, you know, like I'm happy enough. We don't, we don't just do anything else crazy. Like that was good. I'm good. Yeah. One thing at a time. It was really good. Yeah.
Jess
One thing at a time. Yeah, I really appreciate feel the fear and do it anyway. And I think that it's important to highlight, like you said, you know, it's okay to feel that fear. And I think what we can highlight as we're talking about being in environments where it can be actually dangerous, whether it's emotional, physical, sexual, whatever it is, there's a difference between actual danger and lack of safety in that way. And just having fear because of discomfort or because the stakes feel so high or whatever it is. And that's really hard for me. I don't know if that's maybe partially like a trauma response. Like it's hard to kind of sift those things, like separate the two. What's actual danger? Maybe my body feels it all the same.
Spencer Martinez
Yes. Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.
Jess
But I don't really know where I was going with that.
Spencer Martinez
But that's interesting though. So like, does your body like get super like tight and like you can't like breathe through it? Is that what you're talking about? Yeah.
Jess
I just won't go. Like everything, I haven't been to an audition since before the pandemic. And it's interesting too, because I look back and I'm like, but you, you are auditioning then and you had a great performance experience right before the pandemic. And it's just that I haven't, I think, I think it's a combination of a lot of things. I think I've analyzed the shit out of it as anyone who's listened can.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
probably listen and be like, how many more words is Jessica gonna say about this topic right now? But also like, and maybe a little bit like with your app where there were times where at the beginning I was like, I need to step away from this thing for now. And then I discovered other passions and other things I wanted to do as well. And so now that I'm coming back around to performing and...
Spencer Martinez
No, but it's important.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
I'm really opening my eyes back out to it both for theater and for TV and film. I… Yeah, I think that I'm glad I was steered in different directions. I was able to start this podcast. I was able to write. If I hadn't been thrown so off track after graduation, I would have never started writing. I would never taken my first acting class or voice lesson or anything like that. So there's some ways in which having some kind of disastrous situation throwing you off track can...bring you to different lands and worlds that you may not have had the time for or energy for otherwise.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, absolutely. my God, yeah. Like, don't you hear like the story of like this horrible childhood and this actor just like appears because they can just feel this emotion that's so raw that we, a lot of really lucky humans don't have to feel that right away. And you're like, wow, where do you get that? And you're like, you felt serious trauma and you can, and you feel safe enough to pull that out and that's bravery, like serious bravery that at some point I would like to be able to do. But like, it's just, and it has to be baby steps. And that's where in the very beginning of this conversation, it's like, you're gonna be a beginner and that's okay. And really going slow and I'm good with that. I'm comfortable with that.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
and I'm able to be like, you know, hold on, just like take a second, write it down. Why are you so, why do you feel like your body is saying no to this? And then really kind of weeding through like, why, what are those thoughts and why is that?
Jess
Yeah, and how much of it is a residual narrative that you've put on yourself over time? You know, what's a real feeling? What's a real authentic feeling? And what are the words that you've used to describe this story that you're living? This, you know, how have you chosen to describe what your journey has been? And how does that shape you? How does that?
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
limit you and I'll circle it back to you and ask is there any ways in which you have found words that you use in your own mind limiting yourself and if so how have you worked through that or maybe you haven't?
Spencer Martinez
Absolutely. Yeah, I mean, I think...So when I was younger, I was pulled out of the classroom. And there was a severe amount of bullying happening, sprayed in the eye with expo marker and I couldn't see. And a teacher had to bring me down and crazy stuff. And it was because I had to leave the classroom. And it was like, you're dumb. You're not smart. You can't do any of this. You're not smart. And that's why I tell myself, you are smart. It's just, it doesn't have to be like AP science. Like it can be, there's a different way and that's okay. And I really had a hard time in school in the very beginning and then in college, it really, it was, I don't know what happened, honestly. The school was great because I knew how to study and I knew what was going on. I was studying something that I liked, but there's a constant thing of like not being smart enough and not being enough in general. Because I do think the industry sometimes makes you feel like you're not enough. And how can I feel enough? And I do think giving back to the community fills up my cup in a way because I do feel like I'm helping as many people as I can. But yeah, I think just really knowing in my...the affirmations of just being like, you are smart enough and if you're not, that's okay and who cares? It's not like someone's gonna be talking about you in the bathroom that you got an F on this test now and you know what, if they are, that's great, I don't care. And the grades really don't matter anymore or having a hard time reading in the beginning, that's okay and now look, you can read.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Yeah. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
You know, there's all those like little things that I think really from childhood really took a toll on like who I am and it's a good thing and really understanding like how I can get myself out of like, I don't feel confident today because I can't do this or blah blah blah but like having school be really hard and fighting at that through.
Jess
Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
I really feel like I can kind of figure it out at some point, you know what I mean? And always asking the questions and that's not a bad thing and it's okay if you're not the smartest person in the room.
Jess
Yeah.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Can you tell us more about the app that you had made and what your intention was and what you're hoping to change?
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, so in the very beginning, I was just like, I just, I felt like the industry was just so closed off. And in like, how does this person know to go to like to this voice teacher? And this is the main voice teacher that everyone uses or the chiropractor that everyone uses. And you're like, how do you get, how do you get this information? Like, yes, like you meet people in a contract or something like that. But how was, how was the kid from like North Carolina, gonna gain any of this information. I was lucky enough where like my parents worked incredibly hard and were able to pay for like a summer camp for me to do. And like that's how I gained that information. Was all that information great? No. Looking back on it, no. But it did help in a specific way that I...knew things that other people didn't and that was helpful. And like what school should I be auditioning for? All of that stuff. So I also felt like this was like right before COVID happened happening and I was like, I just really want to figure out how I can help the industry and why not be on an app because our industry is always so archaic and we need some, we need to move up a little bit and so really what it was was for performers to find teachers, coaches, photographers, anyone that's going to help. And so those people were called lights. So the photographer and then the actors were called limes because you wanted to gain that access. You wanted to go towards the light and really help your craft. And there were points that you could gain after you take so many classes and then that would go into a free class.
And there were reviews about teachers because you never know when you're going into someone's voice studio, you don't know who they are. And safety was a really big thing as well. So yeah, so that was a big thing and having a forum about different universities and about different regional shows. What was it like? What was the working conditions? And then I would hear crazy stories like someone was having to be in a wheelchair because they fell in a contract and the choreographer asked them to do this move that they were not comfortable with and now they are paralyzed. And now they still, and that's a contract that people go on. Or talking about cruise contracts like, I didn't realize that the weigh -ins was a thing and that you take photos of your body and where does that photo get sent to? I don't know. And how many photos do they have of women or men in a bathing suit? Like that's very odd. But I understand. Yeah, so that even coming to light, I was like, wow, all right. And then it all being anonymous. So people felt like that they were comfortable.
Jess
Yes.
Spencer Martinez
sharing this information and also helping other actors as well. So I had to shut that down but the forum's still on there and then now we're working on the non -union list being safer. The area in Penn by Penn Station is so incredibly dangerous and for a woman or a female presenting person going to an audition at 4am to sign up on a list is not okay and or the night before at like 12 a and what if like you're a college student and you don't know the area and like God forbid you get like assaulted like and that's happened. So focusing on like a guide for actors and sending it to different colleges so they're aware of like what this is like and what's an ECC what's an EPA and having equity information on there as well but also asking for equity to have a full, like a language that's specific on what does it mean that we are non -union and what is the audition language that you are going to be using every time there is an audition because the language differs. Like, we're not gonna take the list. we are gonna take the list. there's two lists for that day. And it's not clear. So, It's confusing for non -union actors to know what's going on. And then, I mean, at some point it'd be really great to digitize the list and for it to be online. That's really what I'm pushing for. But if education can go first, great. And then if digitizing the list can go second, great. Or even just having the portal being open so non -union members can see what's going on.
Jess
Yeah. Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
So they understand, like, hey, like, the union does this, this is great. Because I don't think the union does a great job with education on why actors should just join the union. Okay, like, obviously to get an audition, but like really why? And because they're trying to help actors be safe while they're on tour, while they're on contract. I don't think that's talked about enough. And if I could just share that information with younger actors, that'd be great too.
Jess
Hmm.
Spencer Martinez
But yeah, it would be nice to have a text and SMS message on what's going on in the audition room. Even for equity, I mean, equity actors ask me, like, this would be great for us because now you know what's happening in the room instead of like texting someone else or just staying there all day in the holding room where there's like 500 people and most of them being on equity and they're like warming up in the room, which I don't want to be, you know what I mean? So and...
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
Also, equity not being seen, like that's been happening because there's so many people now in equity and they have to figure out like how are all these people going to be seen that pay their dues, that pay this money to be in the union that they should be seen for an audition. So yeah, that's kind of what we're going for. And then, yeah, I talked to a casting director yesterday who was really on board with everything.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
They gave me great contacts and that was really nice too. And just really hearing what the casting director also sees, because it's a total different side from what actors see. And understanding that and also I'll be sharing that at some point on whatever because it was great information.
Jess
Yeah. That's incredible. So overall, you are intaking tons of information. You're intaking all of this. Wait, that's happening? Wait, I can't believe that person just told me. You're intaking stories, anecdotes, and information of what's actually happening, and then coming up with incredible solutions to make it safer, easier, and more accessible for everybody.
Spencer Martinez
yeah, truly. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, it's not just for the non -union. It'd be great for like union because at this at at some point we are going to go union. Like that's just what it is. It's like the matter of it. So it's like if I could help the industry like grow in some point, great. And that letter that we kind of had on our website for a little bit or like on my link tree, a lot of I mean, I was surprised like 750 people signed this letter, which I wasn't even doing like a big like, everyone sign this thing. People just shared it and shared it. And it's very clear that people want to see a change. And if we could just get people talking, that's enough. You know what I mean? And so maybe someone else will help too. I don't know.
Jess
Amazing. Yeah, 100%. I've told this on here before, but I just think it's relevant that I had auditioned for like, cats a while ago and the non -union lists got ripped up. There was like the serial ripper and they did it like three or four times before they got caught, busted. But I just think that's, I mean.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Yes.
Jess
Obviously that's so messed up and everything, but looking back, I'm like, that is such a funny anecdote that I now always have of what it was like to be running around auditioning in New York City at 22 or whatever years old. It's pretty epic.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, it's nuts. It is and it's on a notebook piece of paper. Like, what?
Jess
Yeah, ripped up script, like crumpled up this, the little ripped from a spiral thing and all the little paper frays. my gosh. So funny. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
Yes. Yes, yes, yes! But it's true though, like it's so stupid. Cause when I go home or like people ask me questions like, well you sign up on a list and they're like, what does that look like? And I'm like, notebook, like a five star notebook. You know what those look like? That's what that's from. Like, and yes, yes. And now it, and I do think before the pandemic people would go at like six o 'clock and that was like a spoken thing. But now, now I'm not a young baby anymore.
Jess
Yep. And whoever got there first. Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
and things are happening and I'm like, whoa, like, I don't really think like the 1am list makes sense to me or could you imagine? it's nuts, it's nuts. I mean, I get like, I understand where they're coming from and yeah, like good for you, but you're gonna burn out and that's what's gonna happen and you're not gonna be a happy person when that happens or maybe you're able to,
Jess
my god.
Spencer Martinez
not able to work or maybe you're able to not work. And I was working like, I was paying off my college loan. Like, I didn't have that amazing opportunity. I was like going coming home from work at like 4am like and then going to the list like, that's just like what it was. And so I was just trying to figure out like, how can I even be seen for like maybe one audition and figure that out? But yeah, so.
Jess
Right, right. Right.
Spencer Martinez
Now really what's happening, which I think is also really interesting that we're like, we're just going to say when the monitor says, do you accept the list? And then we're going to say no. And then we're going to start a new list because we came at 10 o 'clock and that makes sense. I was like, whoa, like what happens if a non -union list doesn't exist? I'm not saying it should or it shouldn't, but that is very interesting. Like, yeah, like what if you just say no? And then you just, you're at this audition and then you're number two on the line, you know? But yeah.
Jess
Is that how that works? They ask the...
Spencer Martinez
Yes, the monitor says, do you accept this list? And people in the room, someone would have to say no. And recently there have been people in the room being like, no, I don't accept it. And then they rewrite it and it changes. Which I, if you're in the room and now this should mean something to you, yes, I get that. But then what about the people that have to go to work that night, like that morning?
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
and they go early to sign up on this list. And then after work, maybe they're doing like an early nannying job or something. And then they come back and they're like, the list is ripped up and I could have been seen. But then you kind of can plan your day out if you are gonna go to this audition or not, you know? But yeah, I mean, it's all about accessibility. So it's like, how can we get as many people in there as possible? But recently, Nanak has really not really been seen.
Jess
Hmm.
Spencer Martinez
because there's just been so many, there's so many union people now and the alt list is crazy. And I think when I was talking to the casting team, they were like, I think it's really important for young actors to know that if you're going to an APA, it's unlikely you will be cast because one, it's an audition that we have to do.
Jess
Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
and we are not looking. But if you really feel like that you are perfect for this part, then go, but don't like exhaust yourself by trying to go to all these ECCs and all these EPAs because really we're not looking unless it's a designated audition or something like that. Like the wicked audition, it's always so big and all these things, but are they really looking for someone? Not really, there's just a call that they have to have, the equity mandates that they have.
Jess
Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
But you never know. I just saw a video this morning where this girl's like, I know someone that just booked Hamilton tour and she went to an ECC, which is different than an EPA because you're going to dance. And they can always use dancers, I think, personally. It's a different world if you're going to just sing and then if you're a dancer that can sing, great, you got it covered. Because you have two things kind of gone for you or three things you should be acting to while you're dancing and singing. But it's one of those things where you just, you have to take a jump if you want to do it and if it really means that much to you. And if you are able to afford to go to those auditions and not get burnt out.
Jess
Yeah, there's the emotional tax. There's the financial tax. Like you're saying, do I have to call off work or am I going to be exhausted from my work that evening? Cause I woke up at 1 a to sign up on the list, whatever it is. And it also brings us back to the conversation about saying yes to everything. And you know, go do whatever you want to do. Get your experience. Like I think that was what we were told.
Spencer Martinez
Right.
Jess
our senior year, I had my only jazz class in college and they were like, go to everything. And the pressure is just unbelievable because not only are you all of a sudden pushed out into the real world after college and you're figuring out how to make money and how to be a human and navigating. Yeah. All that life stuff. You're navigating all of that.
Spencer Martinez
like cook and do your laundry. Like, yeah, doctors.
Jess
And then you're expected to wake up at, you know, I think we were getting up at four. I was getting up at four. I can't remember what that means for in terms of like when I was signing up for things, but you're getting up and doing that. I was reverse commuting at the time to teach in Connecticut, whatever it is. So. If you want to, so basically my advice would be to go to, say yes to everything that you want to say yes to. And if something feels wrong or just don't make the decisions out of fear. So I similarly, like I have an audition I have in mind that I didn't go to. And to this day, I still think it's fine that I didn't go. I was never gonna get it. But I didn't go because I feared it.
Spencer Martinez
Right, right.
Jess
and I talked myself out of it. And that's not the right reason to not show up for something. I would have probably had an amazing experience learning really cool choreography, maybe meeting somebody because you're there all day. Maybe I wouldn't have even danced, but I would have sat in the room and met a friend. Who knows what could have happened had I just shown up. And the lesson in that is also let them make the decision to not cast you.
Spencer Martinez
Mm -hmm. Right. Right. Mm -hmm. Great, great.
Jess
If you're curious, if you think maybe there's a chance that you can get it, or maybe there's a chance that you could just benefit in some way from being there, period, even if it's just social, or just like a reason to get it out of the house, whatever it needs to be for you, wherever you are in your life, then absolutely move forward in that direction and say yes to that. Say yes.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
Say yes because you're saying yes to yourself. You're saying yes to your desires, your curiosities, not saying yes because some teacher told you to just, okay, go show up for everything because you're gonna have the best chance. Maybe you're not gonna have the best chance if you show up for everything, because like you're saying, you'll just be so effing burnt and so exhausted.
Spencer Martinez
Right. Right. Right, or I think it's just like not being down on yourself if you're really being truly honest. Like, I can't do this. Like, and I know I'm not right for this. And you're like, okay, that was a grown up decision. Like, which you're just graduating school. Like, the decisions are hard. Like, and being like, no, I'm okay. I can't do this. I'm gonna work because I need to pay off my student loan or whatever, or like get groceries or something.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
But I'm gonna go to this other audition that I know I'm really good for and that I can really, I can see myself or I really wanna go in for this casting director, because they haven't seen me yet or something like that. But knowing that you don't have to go to everything and if you don't go to that one audition, it's gonna be okay. There's so many other opportunities out there and if you didn't book right now, during the busy season, Auditions are still happening. Like, it's okay. It's never gonna die out, I promise you. There will always be another audition.
Jess
Mm -hmm. Ultimately we just see auditions in this industry in a very narrow minded way. A lot of the time based on our training, our education and our experience and also what we just put on ourselves. So with what you're doing, you're trying to make the experience accessible and safe for people and what people can do on their own. In addition to supporting the work that you're doing and that other amazing organizations are doing in this industry, it's to take the time to inquire about what's actually going on in your heart, in your mind.
Spencer Martinez
Mm -hmm. Yeah.
Jess
taking care of your whole self, saying maybe I do need to take a little break from this or saying maybe I do need to push harder in this. I'm not saying, I think a lot of the time I tend to be like, do what you need to do, but sometimes what you need to do, and I'm saying this to myself, is push harder. So there's that too.
Spencer Martinez
yeah.
Well, cause then you're, cause you're afraid. Like if you're, if I, if I stay comfortable in this, then I don't have to be uncomfortable. And going to that first TV film class, I'm like, my God, I'm so uncomfortable. my God. I am not in my element. I'm used to being with theater people and this is a whole other thing, which I loved. And at the end you're like,
Jess
Yeah. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
ooo this is so cool and dumb, you're like why was I not doing that? You're so dumb. This is silly. And then going to this salsa class that I just started going to on every Mondays and you're like why did I not do this sooner? You had this opportunity to go sooner and you didn't and I'm so happy I did it now because I wouldn't have even thought to go and do this but because of the look I did.
Jess
Yeah. Mm -hmm. Yeah, yeah. And the other thing is I'll circle back to kindness. You'll get there. You'll get where you're supposed to get. And something for me that can be totally overwhelming is when I get in my head about something like that. I was curious about acting for years before I stepped into a class. And then I look back and I'm like, my gosh, and I spent so many years.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
dancing when I'm not really dancing anymore, that feels like crazy in and of itself, spending all that time and all that stuff, but we have to be gentle. And again, I think that if we have a more holistic approach on the industry itself and what we're doing, then we have the ability to step back and say, yeah, well, this year I didn't work in theater once, but
Spencer Martinez
Yeah.
Jess
I figured out my medicine for my mental health. Okay, so that's my win.
Spencer Martinez
And that's your life. Theater will always be there at some point, but really, I do think actors are always like, it's the acting, it's the booking of the job. You're also a person. You're conveying someone's story, a person's story. And if you can't focus on yourself for a hot second, that's not good. And if you're struggling, that's really important.
Jess
Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
to really figure out and like obviously it took me a second to figure it out and I do think our 20s are hard and graduating college and being left outside and figuring out what to do and your 20s are trying to figure out who you are as well and going through that and going through auditions and hearing no, no, no, no, no all the time. Yeah, I can get draining and knowing where that space is for you where either it's the park or a church or a synagogue or a mosque or all these places where you can find some sort of serenity is really important.
Jess
Absolutely. Where and how do you find your inner peace?
Spencer Martinez
I, there's a synagogue right down the street from me and my husband's Jewish. I celebrate high holidays. and like since I was like 13, I've like, I see like both sides. So I like say I'm like half Jewish at this moment. and like the other side was like nothing. Like I don't really know. But I went to the synagogue recently and I just sat there and it felt really peaceful and whenever Jake and I travel we sit in the church and it's just this like, it doesn't have, I don't need someone talking to me but it's just a place where it's quiet or I hear wood creaking. It's just, it feels safe, it does. But they're on my roof. I, that's where I usually sit and now they're doing work on our building so I can't go up there. But that's where I also find serenity like in nature. So the roof is really my nature spot right now. But yeah, I do need, I'm definitely granola in a sense. I have to be out in the woods at some point because I definitely lose sight of that sometimes for sure. What about you?
Jess
Yeah. ooh. What, where do I find it? Writing, I would say. Writing is like how I ground myself and how I process the world and my life. And it's also where I can like most easily get into a flow. And also a beach, like warm sand, yes.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Mm -hmm. Mmm. yeah, you're like warm. Yeah.
Jess
warm warm warm sun sand water that's yeah.
Spencer Martinez
That is so funny to me because that is where I am like high by. Like sand, I'm like, I don't know if it's because I was like a lifeguard or something and I was just like, I'm gonna be burnt and there's like sand and parts I don't want it to be. But then there is something really nice like reading on the beach. Like you're like, this is so nice but I can only do it for a day. I have to move. I have to move and groove.
Jess
Yeah. I, yeah, no, I get that. I feel like, cause I like getting really, really dirty. Like I like when you sweat a ton after a dance or a workout or something like that. And you're like, I'm filthy. Like I'm soaking through this t -shirt, whatever it is. And then you go, and same thing with going and laying out in the sun. Like.
Spencer Martinez
yes. Yes, yes, yes.
Jess
I have sunscreen all over me. I am sweaty as hell. I have sand all over stuff to me, like salt water, all this stuff. And then you go into your shower and you wash your hair and you wash your body and you get out and you put your lotion on and you get in your PJs and you get in under a blankie.
Spencer Martinez
Yes. Yeah. yeah, you have to be in a blanket. If you're not in a blanket, if you're not in a blanket, I don't know what's wrong with you. No, I'm a full blanket person. I like it.
Jess
You gotta get a blankie. Yeah. Yeah. So that's, that to me is like the best. Like I was feeling a little bit uptight earlier and I, I like went down to the gym and I was like, I just, I'm so exhausted. And I think maybe like I got a little too, I dunno, I was exhausted. And so I just came up and I gave myself like, shower. I did the same thing I just said, the shower, the moisturizer and cozy clothes. And I was like, I feel better now. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
It's not so silly, but it's the best.
Jess
It's just...
Spencer Martinez
It's like knowing your body, I guess, too.
Jess
Yeah, yeah. Cause I also have had like, I've joint issues and things like that. So like the heat helps me. So there's also that. But yeah. The sun, I'm just dreaming about the sun. I'm so much happier now that it's, we're recording now. It's end of May. It's not gonna, when people listen, it's gonna be the winter. So.
Spencer Martinez
Mmm.
Jess
We're gonna be just giving you this image. Yeah. Exactly. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
I'm gonna be freezing, I'm gonna be so upset. This is where my seasonal depression comes in. No, but it was real this year. I don't know what was going on, but I was really feeling low and just like, ugh, why am I so, I just felt nothing. I was really part of a chorus line or something. I don't know, I was really feeling nothing and I...
Jess
Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
It's like, what's going on? And then that one day it was like 90 and I'm like, my God, I feel great. And you're like, this is why.
Jess
Yeah, I know. That is why I needed to leave New York because every single year, and I grew up in Connecticut, so cold still, and every single winter, I'm like, I can't do this again. And then I feel like it's not even just the winter. I feel like even by the end of summer, I'm already feeling it because I'm anticipating what's happening.
Spencer Martinez
so cold.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah, like you're having a whole mind game of like, okay, it's going to be cold. I have to prepare myself. I have to be really strong mind, like mentally of like what the season is going to do to my mind and my body. And then you're like, stressed. Yeah.
Jess
Yeah. Yes. Yeah, every single beginning of the winter, every year, I'm like, this isn't so bad. I can do this. Like, I'll just enjoy getting cozy. And this year I got a huge puffy coat that goes down to my ankles.
Spencer Martinez
yes, you were wearing a blanket.
Jess
Yes, literally. And that really, really helps. I call it my sleeping bag. And I would just walk outside. I looked super cute. And I was warm. Well, I wouldn't say warm, but like warmer than I would have been otherwise. But anyway, okay. So I'm gonna wrap this up with one final question.
Spencer Martinez
you're warm. Hehehehe
Jess
which is what is your human bio? So your bio that exists off of your resume.
Spencer Martinez
It would say Spencer Martinez in bold. In a cute little font. it's black. But it's bold enough and it's like a cute little, it's like something like some kind of font you find on like Canva, like that you're like, this is a cute little vibe.
Jess
What color is the font? Mm -hmm.
Spencer Martinez
And then it'll say, Spencer Martinez is, is a person that wants to help her community as much as she can but also cares about her family, her husband, who she is so grateful for his constant support through high school, who we've been together for 12 years. Yeah, yeah, 12 years. You just can't...
Jess
my gosh, and you're a baby.
Spencer Martinez
I know, well, it's not on a date. I mean, I definitely look younger than what I am, but yeah, I'm 28. And I, and she...and she is willing to learn about the world and different kinds of cultures and loves to hear different people's stories and loves to connect with others and is really grateful that you're reading her bio. Dot, dot, dot.
Jess
Yay! So good! my gosh. Well, thank you so much. I really appreciate everything that you shared. I appreciate everything you're doing and you're very clearly a very special person and I imagine a performer as well, although I have not seen you perform IRL yet.
Spencer Martinez
Of course. Not yet, not yet. Yes.
Jess
but I will and I'm grateful that we're really on the same wavelength. And I also wanted to mention earlier that what you were saying that you were creating with the forum was also part of the original idea for this podcast was that I was like, how are some people still working? How are people showing up for the same jobs where people are?
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Mm -hmm.
Jess
taken advantage of or treated poorly or whatever it is. And there's not just one place where we can all go and see this. And I think since that idea sparked seven years ago for me, there have been things that have come up, but I really appreciate the work that you have done and are doing. It's super important. And a lot of people are going to continue benefiting from it. And I just thank you.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Thanks, Jess. I appreciate you honestly having an honest, open and honest conversation and being a really good listener to while I plopped.
Jess
thank you. It was perfect. You're so honest. And that's all I can ask for on here is to have somebody share their heart with us. Because there's always someone who's going to listen and benefit in some way. And you might never know that. You might never hear it, but yeah. Yeah.
Spencer Martinez
Yeah. Yeah, yeah, and I'm okay. Yeah, I'm okay with not knowing. If I could help one person, I'm, I feel pretty, pretty good about that for sure.
Jess
Yeah. All right. Well, thank you so much. I hope that you can celebrate your wins this week. Many wins. And that's that.
Spencer Martinez
Yes. Yes.
Jess
Thanks for being here. Okay, bye.
Spencer Martinez
Thank you so much for having me, Jess. Thank you.