Jenna Ushkowitz on Hacking Hollywood and Pursuing Your Dreams

700 different musical numbers in six years.

17 hour days dancing and singing.

5 am call times on Monday mornings.

10 month long seasons.

Sound fun?

Maybe not, but maybe it does.

If you’re a fan of musicals, dancing, singing, or the combo of all of that – the hit TV show Glee – get ready to GLEEK OUT!

That’s right, actress Jenna Ushkowitz is on The School of Greatness today, and I had a blast grilling her with behind the scenes questions about my favorite TV show.

Jenna played the character of Tina on Glee and in case you didn’t know, I am a massive Glee fan.

So of course I had to interview her.

But not just because I am obsessed with the show.

I know it takes massive work ethic, mental strength, hustle, and dedication to make it on a show like that, not to mention keeping at it for a six season run.

Jenna shared amazing insights into how such a big cast worked as a team week after week, how they supported each other, and how she pursued her other big interests while shooting on such an intense schedule.

Whether or not you’re a fan of the show, or musicals in general, I know you’ll appreciate Jenna’s optimism, insight, and inspiration in Episode 306.

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The School of Greatness Podcast

“Leave your day at the door.”

Some questions I ask:

• How was the dynamic of the cast and crew? (19:33)
• What are some good tips to prep for getting on stage? (32:56)
• How do you get into a cool, confident mindset when you really need a job? (35:09)
• What was it like to be become famous and recognizable on the street? (44:45)
• How have you stayed so grounded? (54:16)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• How Jenna describes a “typical Glee day” on set (5:02)
• The story of Jenna getting cast on Glee (7:36)
• The ridiculous number of takes it took the cast to do the original Don’t Stop Believing recording (12:59)
• How Jenna figured out how to manage her time once Glee ended (17:59)
• What maintaining a dating relationship looks like while shooting such a busy show (18:54)
• The most memorable scene Jenna remembers shooting (21:31)
• The amazing story of why Jenna and her best friend started an adoption foundation (26:38)
• What it was like to be on a Broadway show as a kid (31:50)
• The experience of having a leading cast member pass during the show (48:54)
• How Jenna handles rejection today, even after her big successes (58:55)
• Plus much more…

Continue Seeking Greatness:

• Choosing Glee: 10 Rules to Finding Inspiration, Happiness, and the Real You
• AJ Jacobs
• Jenna’s podcast – Infinite Positivities
• Kindred Adoption
• Kyle Maynard

FOLLOW JENNA

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

• HAVE YOU READ THE SCHOOL OF GREATNESS BOOK YET? ORDER A COPY AT HTTP://LEWISHOWES.COM/BOOK

• Music Credit: Opening Night by Jason Farnham

You may also like these episodes:

• Julianne Hough on Finding Your Passion and Following Your Purpose
• From Dancing on Broadway to Hollywood Success with Alexis Carra
• Todrick Hall: From Broadway to MTV, Making Your Dreams a Reality

Did you enjoy the podcast?

Wow, any other Gleeks out there that loved this interview as much as I did?

“Greatness is showing up when you didn’t think you could.”