Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts. In this episode, we explore the art of authentic acting through the remarkable journey of Kerstin Schulze, the actress best known for portraying Sola and for her role in The Righteous Gemstones.

Kerstin’s path in the entertainment industry has been anything but conventional. Coming from a background in athletics and fitness, she quickly discovered that acting demands much more than just physical presence—it requires emotional vulnerability, spontaneity, and complete authenticity.

One of the biggest shifts in her approach came when she realized that delivering dialogue isn’t enough. Like many transitioning from fitness or modeling into film, Kerstin had to unlearn performative habits and embrace a more fluid, reactive style of acting—where truth and presence matter more than perfection.

Mentors like her acting coach, Billy Gallo, helped her develop a deeper connection to her characters, teaching her to embody them long before stepping into the audition room. But the journey wasn’t without obstacles. Kerstin has openly discussed dealing with imposter syndrome, especially early on, like during an intense audition where another actress’s presence nearly derailed her focus. Instead of retreating, she learned to ground herself in the moment and stay committed to her truth.

Through meditation, self-reflection, and relentless practice, Kerstin has transformed her mindset—learning to quiet the inner critic and fully inhabit each role. Every audition, no matter the outcome, became a vital opportunity to grow, be seen, and refine her craft.

Today, Kerstin continues to rise as a powerful, authentic performer. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the courage to be seen—flaws and all. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just someone chasing your own creative goals, Kerstin’s journey is packed with insights and inspiration.

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00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:06 - Dialogue and Authenticity in Acting

00:00:52 - The Audition Process

00:02:24 - Staying in Character

00:03:09 - Audition Experiences

00:05:47 - Learning from Audition Failures

00:06:56 - Committing to Character Choices

00:08:14 - Dealing with Rejection

00:10:07 - Closing Remarks

For more insights into her work and programs, you can visit her website at ⁠partyanddiet.com⁠ or follow her on Instagram at ⁠@partyanddiet⁠.