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“One of the best decisions I made - I trusted my instincts. I ended up getting the syndicated version, which the pay was better and it was a great job. ”

— PATRICIA KARA

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Patricia Kara sits down with George Stroumboulis in Newport Beach, California on the Invigorate Your Business Podcast to talk about her new book - Dream on, Now Deliver.

Patricia Kara is a veteran in the entertainment industry and is now sharing all of her knowledge with aspiring models and actors.

ABOUT THE “INVIGORATE YOUR BUSINESS” PODCAST

The Invigorate Your Business with George Stroumboulis podcast features casual conversations and personal interviews with business leaders in their respective fields of expertise. Crossing several industry types and personal backgrounds, George sits down with inspiring people to discuss their business, how they got into that business, their path to the top of their game and the trials and tribulations experienced along the way. We want you to get inspired, motivated, and then apply any advice to your personal and professional lives. If there is at least one piece of advice that resonates with you after listening, then this podcast is a success. New episodes weekly. Stream our show on Spotify, YouTube, Apple, Amazon and all other platforms.

ABOUT GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

George Stroumboulis is an entrepreneur to the core, having launched several ventures across multiple industries and international markets. He has held senior-level positions at progressive companies and government institutions, both domestically and internationally, building an extensive portfolio of business know-how over the years and driving profit-generating results. George’s ability to drive real change has landed him in several media outlets, including the front page of the Wall Street Journal. George was born in Toronto, Canada to his Greek immigrant parents. Family first. Flying over 300,000 miles a year around the world puts into perspective how important family is to George’s mental and emotional development. With all this travel to global destinations, the longest he stays even in the most far-out destination is 3 days or less - a personal rule he lives by to make sure he is present and involved in family life with his wife and three daughters. To read about George’s global travels, stay connected with his blog section.

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FULL SHOW TRANSCRIPT

George Stroumboulis - Host: 00:00

Welcome to another episode of Invigorate your Business with George Stroumboulis. Today, I sit down with an entertainment industry veteran by the name of Patricia Kara. She is an expert on all levels. She's an actress, tv presenter, has appeared in commercials, tv shows, game shows, and you may recognize her from the hit TV show Deal or no Deal as case number nine. She recently published her own book that gives tips about everything in the entertainment industry what you need to be successful, profitable and to present yourself well for a long career in this space. So get ready as we sit down with Patricia on this episode.

00:47

My name is George Stroumboulis and I'm extremely passionate about traveling the world, meeting new people and learning about new businesses. Join me as I sit down with other entrepreneurs to learn about their journeys. This episode of Invigorate your Business starts now, so we're going to jump into this right now. Let's do it. I am sitting here with an industry veteran in the entertainment space right. Actress, model presenter, has done everything for several years right, a long time, a long time right Several years, right A long time A long time, right, patricia Kara.

01:26

she has been on TV shows, sitcoms, commercials, presenter on you know famous deal or no deal, we'll get into all that and an author of an amazing book called Dream.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:38

On and Out of the Liver. I actually read it. And I got a lot of it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:41

I love that you read that I really did, yeah, it was a flight from New York it and I got a lot of it. I love that you read that. I really did. Yeah, it was a flight from New York back and I'm like I need to get into this. But we're going to cover a lot of topics, but please give us an update. Like who are you?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:52

Oh my gosh, it's a loaded question but yeah, yeah, yeah, I feel like I'm a jack of all trades. I modeling world when I was a teenager, but that expanded over time. I loved learning everything that was going on, entertainment wise, so got into acting. As you said, hosting I love the hosting world. I managed some people. I produced my own fitness DVD with a couple of the deal girls actually um, pitch shows for a while. That's something a lot of people don't know. I had a few show ideas. I actually pitched it to Howie who for a year we went out with one of my ideas. So a little bit of everything. I feel like I'm up for anything and everything.

02:34

If it seems exciting and it suits me. I'm like, hey, let's try this, why not? I like expanding my world.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 02:41

Absolutely.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 02:42

And I like both sides of the camera. I don't have to be on camera. I love being behind the scenes and working with people and I'm a great connector. I love connecting people, so that's definitely something innate in me that I've always done for a long time.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 02:57

For a long time.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 02:58

Yeah, yeah, Hence why I wrote the book.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 02:59

Hence why and we're going to jump into this, but talk to me so your career has been out here in California, hollywood, but originally from Chicago.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 03:08

Yeah, started in Chicago when I was 15, 16, didn't know what I was doing, so I started there, pulled out the yellow pages and started cold calling agencies and just asking everybody the questions of how do I get started? It was very intimidating, but I learned a lot and from there I went to Florida, went to New York and then eventually LA. And now I have moved again after 25 years of being in California and I'm going back to basics. Really, I'm following my own book advice really, because I'm now in Florida starting with new people, new agencies, new casting directors. So it's kind of fun and exciting to go back in time and start all over in a different way.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 03:50

Absolutely so. Business podcast right. We talk about business whatever arena. It is right. So this book for people it's a guide. It's a very hands-on guide on everything from A to Z to be in this industry and not just become famous. It's not even about that. It's about developing a career. What do you need to do to be profitable, to make this a career? So it doesn't apply to someone who just wants to be an actress or an actor or whatever, Like. It applies to business as well, right?

04:18

There's lessons on, you know, PR etiquette, finding the right agents agents, plural right it's not just one size fits all.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 04:26

And that's a lot of people think it is one agent. But it's not. You're right. I'm sorry to cut you off.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 04:30

No, no, no. But. And then what I loved about it, it was so easy to read because you had your experience, your advice, and then, at the end of every chapter and every topic you would highlight, you know you should do this, this and this, where it's like cool. Thanks for the recap. So I thought it was just an amazing read and stuff that we could apply in the business world as well. So talk to me, how do you go about even writing a book? Why did you want to start this? You know what's that process like.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 04:56

Honestly, I'm not a writer and that's something that just wasn't in my mind for the longest time. A friend of mine, when I lived here in LA for a couple of years, planted that seed and said you know, you have a lot of knowledge with. You know all your experience and agencies and the business in general. He's like you really should write a book. And I thought you're absolutely crazy. There's no way I could talk but I can't write. But over time I started jotting notes and over time, when I was meeting people in auditions and they needed help and they were newbies and they would ask me questions, or even if they didn't ask, and I saw that they needed information, I was happily giving it to them, which I know. A lot of people don't operate that way. Everybody's competitive and they want to keep their information to themselves and their context to themselves. I feel like there's enough for everyone. So I felt comfortable with hey, I can help you and, I hope, more power to you if you book this or if you get that out of this.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 05:59

Was that because you were confident in your own abilities and what you were doing? I felt good.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 06:03

Yeah, I just knew how hard it was for me and I wish people had helped me. When I started that, I thought why would I not help somebody else? This is something I wanted when and I needed that I didn't get.

06:15

So, I'm going to do that for somebody else and save them the trouble, because it is a tough business and especially being in LA um, more so than New York or Chicago and anywhere else I feel like LA has was the toughest out of all the places I lived and work. So if I could save somebody from being scammed or you know those difficult times or those difficult, whatever the case may be, I'm happy, happy, happy, happy to help them get through that and think about all the things that could come into play that they should be aware of. Save them the time and trouble and maybe even money, because there are a lot of scams that go on. And then, once I was on Deal or no Deal, people started approaching me even more than they did before. I would get approached like how do you get started?

07:04

And so, by the time deal came around, it was just such a regular question that I thought I need to put all this information in a book, and it took me forever to finally get to that point. I would say it was like 20 years in the making, 2025. And the last few years is when I finally said, okay enough, I need to do this and get that. I'm tired of saying one day I'm going to write a book. So I started following through on those steps. I'm like girl, get it together and start helping people.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 07:33

Yeah, it's amazing. And so you just launched this this year, right, 20 years in the making. Yes, finally get it together. Yeah, over 20 years, like when what you went through? Is it a different world 20 years later, or do these rules still apply to get into the space?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 07:50

Some rules still apply, but the business is always evolving so you have to think about it. And even auditions I talk about that in the book that's evolved with COVID itself. Like you do the self-tapes, now everybody is all about the self-tapes, even though everybody's gone back to. You know, most people have gone back to the office. Not everybody has in the casting world. So now you do the self-tapes and that's our world now. Sometimes they'll have meetings. It's very rare that you can go and audition in person oh really yeah, so that changed a lot during COVID.

08:21

Before COVID there were self-tapes, but it was once in a blue moon. Now that's the norm.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 08:27

So audition typically you go in and there's a table of producers, casting directors, all this stuff.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 08:32

Correct Well the initial. When you do your first audition, it's you and the casting director.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 08:37

Okay, one-on-one camera.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 08:38

One-on-one, the callbacks. If you're lucky enough to make the cut for the next round, then it's producers, directors, whoever else, the clients, depending on which area you're working, whether it's commercials, film, tv, whatever it is. All of a sudden there are more people in the room and you're auditioning for a slew of people. Um, so that's changed. Now there are some callbacks that they do in person, but now they even do it through zoom.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 09:05

So it's it involves like Is that cheating? Like can you really deliver? It's different seeing someone it's hard.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 09:11

I personally like the old school way. I personally like being in a room and being face to face with somebody. I think there's only so much you can do on camera. It's just not as personable. So, yeah, I just I know it saves people a lot of time and money and driving to the audition getting you know there are a lot of things. There's good and bad to everything.

09:33

Um but personally I'm old school and I love that way and I wish we would go back to that. But I get it. You got to evolve with the time You've got to do what you've got to do.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 09:44

Absolutely so. This book is dedicated to your mother, which is amazing, right, so you did that. You wrote it, you brought it out here. Have you already heard back from people who are trying to get in the industry, like what's the feedback you're getting already about the advice?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 09:59

I've been getting a lot of good feedback and even people from people that are not in the entertainment space, that they're like oh, I can apply this in my business world and it can be applied to your personal life too. I talk about rejection, I talk about self-image. I mean rejection. We all go through it all the time in our personal lives and our professional lives. Even after you have an agent and you even book the job, you get some form of rejection day to day and it's how you deal with it, it's how you frame it in your mind over time. You have to really think about it and go. Sometimes it has nothing to do with you, it's. There are other factors that you don't understand. You don't know what's going on in the cast, on the casting side of things, um, so it may have nothing to do with you and sometimes you think it's rejection and it's not. I've had auditions where I didn't book it, but down the line those same casting directors, agents or clients remembered me for something else. I just wasn't right for this, right, but it showed itself down the line.

10:57

So people forget and I think we get in our heads quite a bit. There's a lot of self-doubt, there's a lot of fears our heads quite a bit. There's a lot of self-doubt, there's a lot of fears and I get it, we all have it. But at some point you need to realize, look, do your best and keep moving forward and not harp on those situations. You're like why didn't I get it? Oh, my God, I could have done it better, I could have. We're all guilty of it. But over time you get a little stronger, a little bit better, a little bit more confident, and that takes practice, like anything else. So it's building upon that and just always keeping your eyes on the ball and just keep going forward.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 11:35

You had shared a story about a casting director. You went in, you got rejected and you're like F it. Next week you went back in for something else. I had heard this story, but have you always had that I'm going to succeed attitude? Was that your upbringing? Where do you have that confidence? Or is it fake confidence until you make it?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 11:56

Interesting. I think I got a lot of that from my mom. My mom was a very, very strong woman and just did what she had to do, and I think that's where I got it. To be honest, I think that's where it came from. I never really thought about it until I wrote this book. I started really going back. I'm always about moving forward, but sometimes you do have to look back to see where you came from and why you are, who you are and the things you do. And I've been doing more of that since my mom's passing and this book.

12:27

The book came together during the time I was with her towards the end and it all kind of came together. So I think she gave me the strength I needed my whole life. There were times where I would think, oh, this is so tough, how am I going to get through this? And then I thought here's my mother, who came from Greece, didn't know the language. She was a single woman, abandoned, abused, and came here and raised three daughters on her own. And I'm like if she could do all that, my problems are trivial, like mine. I can get through these little things that I think are such a big problem. So I would look at things that way from that lens.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 13:04

She's a hero. Are you kidding me so?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 13:06

it really. I would have to remind myself because I mean, we all love to complain about all kinds of things, but over time I was like what are you complaining about? Like your mother's struggles were a whole different thing. You can get through this. This is nothing, and so that would actually drive me over time. It really helped me and my mindset to go power through and just keep going.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 13:27

Right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 13:29

And figuring it all out.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 13:30

Absolutely so. I want to. So you're 15 when you got into this industry. I have three young daughters, right, and when they start getting to that age. If I have a 15 year old daughter coming to me and say, dad, I want to be an actress, right, or I want to be on TV.

13:49

Like, obviously I'm going to support anything that makes sense. And you're going to put like when you're 15, how did you even know that's what you wanted to do? And then you go and grab, like the yellow pages. So to the younger listeners who just Google what?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 13:55

yellow pages were it's the Google of back then, yeah.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 13:58

Physically had to go and find, but like how did you know that's what you wanted to do, Like at 15?.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 14:03

So when I was four or five years old, people used to ask me what do you want to do? And I always would answer I want to be a singer and a dancer Like I. Just that was that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a performer. I wanted to be in the arts. I didn't know it was the arts, but I was a performer as a kid. I can't sing to save my life.

14:26

I did end up dancing over time down the line. I went to school for dance and theater, okay. But by my early teens I would see magazines of like Kathy Ireland and Rachel Hunter and Christy Turlington, cindy Crawford, and I was like, wow, I want to do that. But it wasn't about like the fame of it all, it was about like I just knew I wanted to be an entertainer and I didn't know what that all meant until I looked into it more and more. And the more I did look into it, the more I was fascinated.

14:53

And I was the class clown at times too, and at home I would be the one to make my mom and my sisters laugh. That was me and I just. It was always a very natural thing. That was me and I just it was always a very natural thing. So it just grew from there and, like I said, I didn't know anybody in the business so I had to you know where else do you go. But that's what we had was the yellow pages and I looked up agencies and would just hold call. It was very intimidating and got a lot of rejection. But over time I thinking about, I'm like of course I'm going to get a no, but eventually I'm going to get that yes oh, you already had that mindset in my mind.

15:30

over time it just got stronger. Initially I would. It would take me about 10-15 minutes to even pick up the phone to dial, because I would have these conversations in my head of how it would go and it would scare the hell out of me, right, um. But then I kept working on that and the more you start making the calls, the more comfortable you are. And then you learn for the next time. You're like okay, the next time I I make that phone call and if they say this or that, what is my response going to be? So I would just practice and do it over and over and keep going and that helped. And then when I moved to Florida and eventually New York, New York was great for me. New York was a whole different feeling, the business was different and I actually at that point I built that muscle that I could take rejection and I got rejected and I would still go back. How?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 16:20

many years into like making the decision.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 16:23

So I ended up going to New York about 24. Okay and honestly, there were times I would call an agent and they'd be like no, actually the one guy I remember was so rude to me on the phone and he's like no, you have to be this height, you have to be this, you have to be that. And I was like, okay, when are your open calls? Because you could go in for a frame to meet with the agents. I hung up the phone and I was like all right, I'm going to show up to the office because I feel like face-to-face is a different thing. You can tell me whatever you want on the phone. Walked into his office, we hit it off. He ended up taking me on. I ended up booking quite a bit with him and built this relationship and this friendship with this person that totally blew me off on the phone. It was actually very rude.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 17:06

Which most people would have buckled under that and be like all right on to the next.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 17:10

And that's when New York taught me to just really power through. I had a little bit of that in Chicago and Florida, but New York. Really, I really got into it and I was very focused and I was not going to let anything get in my way. At this point I'd been doing it long enough that I was like all right, we got this.

17:30

We're going to this is, this is for the long haul, this is longevity for me. This is what I'm going to always do. I don't know anything else, I don't want to do anything else. This feels good. So I just had that frame of mind and that's what kept me going. And then, when I moved to LA, I was like, oh, I have New York under my belt. I had this confidence, like I got this. Well, it was a different bargain coming to LA.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 17:54

How so.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 17:55

So in New York you could just jump right in. I felt like and you're booking stuff, you're auditioning all the time, it was nonstop. But by the time I came to LA it takes a couple of years to really get people to know you Like they want to build a relationship with you. They whether it's with agents, casting director, directors it's a process. It is a long process.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 18:19

Versus just straight to the point.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 18:21

Yeah, new York, you've got that boom boom, boom LA. It's like, all right, let's take the time to get to know who you are and see if you're bookable and see if you're this, if you're that. So it was a process and I was like, okay, I'm really starting over.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 18:41

That was a little tough for me, but it was like, okay, start over, let's do it. So okay, so you move out. Here you're an actress, you're getting gigs at this time commercials and so on. Right, what are you doing to supplement income? Like at that time, were you doing odd jobs to like support her, or were you always in this?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 18:55

Always entertainment always, and even if it was something that wasn't necessarily in New York, I lived doing commercials, prints, tv on the weekends, instead of being a, you know, a bartender or a waitress, because that would be an epic fail. I know myself in the clutch that I am, um, I worked at a school teaching girls how to model and how to act and and I loved it because I love kids, I love the entertainment side of things. So it was like great, I combined both my worlds and it's still entertainment and that's to me. I was like, whatever entertainment wise I can do, I will do, um, but you, I wanted to be immersed in that space. I didn't want to. It wasn't a hobby for me, it was. This is my business and that's it. And I know a lot of people come into it thinking they want the glitz, they want the glamour, and it can be that and we have moments of that, but it's a business.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 19:53

It's a business.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 19:55

If you want longevity and if you want to be in this business, you have to think of it as a business, and I think people are caught up with all the. You know the sorry, I'd all the. You know all the hoopla that comes along with, which is great. Again, you have moments of that and I've been able to do a lot of cool, amazing, fun things because of the work I do, and that's great. But there is the other side of it. You have to think about the business to keep going.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 20:25

Yeah, and that's, that's what I love, what you covered in your book on, first of all, congrats, cause you always hear oh.

20:31

I'm an actress and it's okay. Where are you bartending or where and no offense to actresses right, that's even living in New York. It was like, oh, I'm an actor, but I'm just doing this and I get it. You got to hustle, but the fact that you still were doing odd jobs in the space, like that's incredible. Like that's not easy to do. And in your book you say you're always financially responsible, right, so you're always good with your money. It was always about you. You didn't have to rely on anyone and you just kept enough jobs and work to build your financial stability, right, like that's incredible.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 21:03

And I can't tell you how many times, especially living, living in LA, people are like people will say, oh, so you're being taken care of, or and. And then, when I got married, they're like, oh, your husband, you've got your backup plan. I'm like, no, that's not, I have my business, he has his, and we're both very independent and we came together and we talked a little bit about this earlier. It's I can't imagine. And if I needed to depend on him, obviously we're a team or a couple, we're married but I personally I grew up and again it goes back to my mom I grew up with, I took care of myself and, yeah, you take care of your family, of course, but there's that independence I need that. I just couldn't live with myself if I didn't have that, Absolutely. I don't know if that makes sense.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 21:52

It makes total sense. Yeah, it's just that's how I grew up the immigrant mentality, right. Just you came here. Your mom came here. Nothing was handed to her. She had a rough life. You saw that you're like I need to do better, I can't rely on anyone, right? And you built like that's incredible. So like even going through this, you basically operated like that immigrant mentality. Like you know, failure is not an option. I'm going to keep pushing, like it's just really cool to see that and to see where you've been and you're a good person, right. Like you're genuinely like a sweet person and you want to help people and you want to connect. That seems like it's not natural. From the outside, looking into this industry, it just feels like it's very cutthroat. People want to step on each other's necks and you're sitting here writing a book to help people and even before the book, you want to help people, even if they're like just hats off to you for that.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 22:45

Like that's pretty awesome. I don't understand how people don't want to connect. I know there is that competitive thing in people, but again, I feel like there's enough around, there's enough work for all of us that I can't imagine steamrolling or stepping on other people. And trust me, I've had it where people have steamrolled over me and, you know, use me in a way, but and it it makes me sad and it's definitely hurtful, right, but you have to remember, like I just have to get past it and go. That's just who you are and where you came from, and I don't understand it. It is hurtful, but that's just. For whatever reasons that are unknown to me, that's just how you operate.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 23:30

Yes.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 23:30

And so I stay away from that as soon as I see it, experience it. It's time to move on, and I don't need that type of person in my circle of people in my life. It's time to move on, and you're going to have that Again. We all go through it, unfortunately. I just I can't imagine ever being that person. Yeah.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 23:53

So you talk about small jobs as well. Right, and I think this is important. You know, if I'm talking with my nephews, or even my daughters, or whoever it is like, whatever your end goal is, you can't just jump there because you think right, I'm going to be on TV, I'm going to be on a hit deal or no deal, like it just doesn't happen.

24:10

Talk to us about the importance of just doing small jobs, the ones that you think don't mean anything but lead to other opportunities and open other doors. How has that helped your progression to even get on a show like Deal or whatever your pinnacle was?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 24:24

I think it's a stepping stone. You start out with the small jobs. I mean I started doing background work in films in Chicago. I was even the perfume girl, the Jaeger girl in posters, like weird stuff way back in the day. But to me it was. They were all part of the learning process and part of the experience. Right, and it's a stepping stone to get you to. You're not going to always stay that, stay there, and it's up to you not to stay there. You could Right.

24:53

But if you're doing the work and if you have that dedication, that persistence, that drive, you start going up that ladder and you're learning and experiencing and you're networking and you're building relationships. I can't tell you how many times I've worked with people and if they see you're a good person and you're professional, they want to work with you again. And that's how one job led to the next, led to the next, and that's for me personally, that's how it happened. Along the way you meet your agents, you meet your clients, you meet the different people and it grows from there. But it's up to you to put yourself in that place. A lot of people will be like, oh, we'll say, oh, you're so lucky. Like, oh, I just can't. No, it wasn't that, I knew what I wanted to do and I worked on that and I put myself in those situations to get those opportunities.

25:47

I'm sure luck comes into play too, but if I didn't do all those things, I wouldn't have had those opportunities. I could have sat back on my couch and did nothing and I'd get nowhere. I'd still be in that same place. But it's up to you to figure out. This is what I want. Okay, how am I going to get there? And that, to me, is very important that I think a lot of people miss the steps in between. I've managed people too, so I've done the other side of it and I've had people where they want to go from A to Z. All of a sudden they're newbies at this and want to be superstars Again. I think it's because they look at what's on TV and they look at the fame of it all and like, I want to be that person that I see. But there are steps to take in between to get you there, and you could get there if you do the work Right, and that's what everybody.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 26:34

And that's what it's about. Yeah, so aside from actress model, everything. You're the ultimate networker, right Like you're you're always out at events.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 26:43

You're I'm a people person. You're a people person.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 26:44

Absolutely, you are your brand right Like that's it. So the importance of networking and going to places like you said, I don't feel like I'm going to sit on the couch Like how important has that been to help progress and open doors for you.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 26:56

Very important and I learned that more living in LA, in New York, like I said, it was a different ball game. I never went out in New York, I would just my going out and networking was the agencies, casting directors, work, sleep, get up, do the same thing over. La is a different animal, um, and times have changed now. I I've been in la or was in la for the last 25 years, so the networking part of it is really important okay um, but there's also the party aspect.

27:27

So you have to be conscious of not getting caught up in all the events and this and that you have to. This is part of your business too, the networking and the events and all that comes in. But don't forget your day life of you know, going to the agencies, getting to the auditions Remember, this is what it's all about, is your work life. These other things could help you along the way, those relationships and bonding, because people do remember you and will consider you for things right, um, to just always maintain your professionalism and, uh, not lose yourself because, la, again, it it is a different animal and it's you could get caught up in it right um, so just kind of rein yourself in.

28:14

If you start seeing yourself detract and get distracted and you're getting caught up into the, the party of it all and the that sort of thing, you have to really be aware enough, be self-aware enough, to rein yourself in and go what is my purpose? Right? What am I doing?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 28:31

like. So you're saying in la again from the outside.

28:35

There is a dark side to this world as well, right, and there's people are always trying to monetize off each other, take advantage, false promises. It's a dirty industry. Every industry has its negatives. What are things that weren't essentially covered on this? On things to look out for? I know this covered a lot of the business side, but what are some things that you just need to be careful because you can get caught up in? Oh, I got invited to this person's party and there's drugs and they wanted me to sleep with this person and, and, and, and it just spirals out of. You know what I?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 29:07

mean it spirals out of control and actually, as of recently, a lot of stuff is coming out and, uh, there was something on on a lot of different things. I won't even get into it, but it's really sad at how many people know that this is going on and they did nothing and aren't protecting, especially their children, and so I, any child coming into this business. They need their parents or whoever it is that's helping them, supporting them, being by their side through it all. I was lucky. I had a sister that was eight years older who went through everything with me.

29:42

She was my biggest cheerleader amazing and she was like my second mom, and so she was with me through it all. So I was lucky I had that. Yep, so for any children getting into this, I really feel like you need an adult to be by your side. Um, and I again, I'm going back to what I was just watching and I'm thinking how, how did this even happen? How were the parents there? How wasn't somebody watching? And especially on sets, they're supposed to have somebody right? Um, that's watching everything. A lot of people drop the ball and, um, so what is it they do?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 30:20

they just get blinded by the fame, the money, the glitz and they're like, oh, they have the best interest of my kid, because you see it even in sports right, like it's just, it's sad, and like kids in general, and you see all this crap coming out, like you only have one chance for them to be pure right, to protect them and then to know years later that this child was violated. It's just again, we don't need to go down that path, but it's just, it's sad, it happens and unfortunately that's that happens all the time, sadly.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 30:51

I'm glad it's coming out and hopefully that's a message to parents that do have their children into this business Guide them all the way, do not leave their side. You can step out of the room and something can happen. So you need. I don't care if anybody tells you, no, we need your child in here alone. No, this is my child and that's it. I'm the parent and I'm protecting my child, and whether you have something nefarious going on in your mind or not, this doesn't matter. I'm being protective of my child. Bottom line, that's it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 31:24

That's great advice.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 31:24

No way around it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 31:26

Absolutely.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 31:27

But and even if you don't have a parent, some an adult, you need somebody there. I think they need that guidance and even when they're older, people need support. We all need support. At any age, there are things that happen to you know how many times you hear stories about women. We all need that support and I always think, even if it's your friend that can, it's kind of. I go back to and I know this is really weird and go back to like when you go out with your girlfriends, or when I go out with my girlfriends, I will never leave my girlfriend alone if we're out and about somewhere.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 32:03

That's your girl, that's just who I am.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 32:05

I would never leave a friend behind, even if I just met you through our pareja, our group, I would never, ever leave anybody behind, whether I know you or not. On your part, I am going to be protective of you because things happen and I would be beside myself if I knew something happened and we were together and I could have done something to help you or protect you. That's just who I've always been, and so I've always been with my friends. If they struggle, I'm like like hey, where are you going? What are you doing?

32:36

I I may sound like a mom, but at the end of the day, people need that we all need somebody to know where we are, what's happening, and just watch out for each other. To me, it's such a simple thing watch out for each other. It's not about being, you know, possessive or it's just watch out for each other. It's so simple. Avoid things, um. Yeah, if you can't like that, that's just how I grew up that's great advice I've always done that with my friends. I've done in the business world, I've done it in the um my personal life.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 33:08

I, I, just I'm you watch out for people yes, and that's just a rule we should all live by it would be great. So here's like this younger generation now right, it's, it's instant gratification right. It's a dating's become easier. You swipe and you date. Order food. You swipe and you get your food.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 33:25

You want to watch something. It's a Jetson's age.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 33:28

It really is Right. So you have that quick access where everyone thinks it's easy. Everyone wants to be celebrities. Everyone wants to be famous. If they're working at a company, they want to be senior vice presidents. There's no more progression in these smaller jobs to get there. What advice do you have for people that are getting into the space, that's a younger generation? Social media is coming into it and people think they're famous through social media and they deserve this. Like it's got to be interesting from your seat seeing this right, like it's a whole new wave, that you never grew up with.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 34:01

It's a whole new world and yeah, it's a tough one too, because no matter what you say as an adult to somebody that's younger, they look at you like you're being my mom. Yeah, I get a lot of that and, and I hate, I try to talk to them as a peer more than I'm just. You know, it's the way you talk to them. It's hard to explain it, but trying not to sound like the mom, but more of their friend, um, whether they listen or not, that's a whole other ball game, um like when you see, for example, you'll see a beautiful woman right, she's showing it all out there, she's getting clicks.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 34:39

There's all these only fans where they're making money now, Like, like that's short lived, you know what I mean Like and again I'm saying cause I have daughters. It's like, don't that that cheapens who you are instantly? Right, that's all you're offering, like obviously there's jobs and stuff that require that, but if that's all you're offering, like it's going to be short lived.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 34:56

No, and it's interesting because in the entertainment world, like one of the jobs, one of the clients that was looking at me for it was a Greek product and they wanted a host for their Greek line that was coming into the States and they saw that I had a calendar out from a couple of years back and they looked at my swimsuit shot, almost didn't hire me because of a swimsuit picture and it was tame, Nothing like what you see out there what's the standard now for yeah.

35:24

Yeah, it was very tame. It was my calendar that I put out. It was during a deal or no deal, like I think after the first um, the first deal or no deal version that was out and they almost didn't hire me Because of that. Because of that. And they told me afterwards, when we were working together, we're in Greece and we're working on this infomercial, and they're talking to me and they're like, you know, we almost didn't hire you because and I was floored, it was I said really, you almost didn't hire me Because of that, which really you almost didn't hire me because of that, which was interesting, and this is something I've never talked about.

36:04

The first person they went to was Maria Menounos Really Okay, and she turned it down from what I understand, what I was told, she had a swimsuit stuff out too. She had been, I believe, fhm or some of those things too, but they wanted to hire her. Hire her and I get it and she's a big name. I understand, but it was really interesting because the swimsuit stuff didn't make a difference to them. Um, but for me, they were telling me oh, we almost didn't hire you because of it. I'm glad they ended up hiring me. I really it was a great job. I loved working on that job. I ended up going to Greece to work, which was so incredible for me, and New York and we shot here in.

36:40

LA. So it was such an amazing job, loved it. But I was interesting to hear.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 36:47

That's why right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 36:48

But people do look at your social media. If you want to work in this business, they're definitely looking at your social media. I've been in castings where they're on the phone looking at stuff as I'm auditioning and they're looking on their phone and they'll just look up, I mean, and they'll bring up random stuff. Like I had one audition where they're like, oh so you're married to an ex football player. I was like, yeah, I'm like, how about my audition? But it's funny, they do look at that stuff and that could make or break.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 37:17

Plus, like politics, opinions, what you're putting out there. I'm sure that comes into play as well, or no?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 37:22

Yeah, all of it comes into play. I personally don't put all that stuff out there. That's just me. Do you do what you need to do for yourself? I try to stick to what I know and what works for me, and that's I stick to my work. And you know I put some personal stuff, like you know, going out uh 20, I don't know like random little things, but nothing you're not preaching or anything.

37:45

No, no, nothing like that. Do what you need to do, but honestly be aware of your image. That's out there, that stays out there forever. So that's something to be conscious of If you want to continue working. I'm sure some people have continued to work without you know being that mindful, but for me personally, that's what works. That's what I feel good about. I could put my head down on the pillow at night and feel comfortable with what I have out there. It's that's just what works.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 38:15

That's right, and you were able to manage, you control that messaging that brand, that image.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 38:19

Absolutely, absolutely. So to all the young ones out there, just be mindful, because what you're doing here today and that's out there, you don't know how it can affect and you might not want to be in entertainment. You may want a serious job somewhere else doing something else, a whole different career, but that can come into play and hurt you down the road. Somebody may not hire you because of what you put on social media. You're. You're drinking on a video and doing god knows why, and that I could tell you countless stories offline about stuff.

38:53

Yeah, anyways yeah, it's insane. I've heard stories and I'm like oh my god, that's horrible, it's cringe, but when you're younger you don't realize you don't think about those things absolutely talk to me about deal or no deal.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 39:04

All right like this was a massive show globally.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 39:07

Right like it was a global show filmed here in hollywood um, most of it was in Hollywood and Clover City, and then we also did shoot the reboot in Orlando, florida, and then the daytime version we shot in Connecticut actually in. New London, Connecticut, which is really cool. I love when we go outside of the norm, so it was really cool to when we were in Connecticut we got to stay in Mystic where they filmed.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 39:35

Mystic Pizza which was cool.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 39:36

It was such a great little town. They were very welcoming there.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 39:39

And so I lived in Stanford, connecticut, for a while. Yeah, so we were all up and down there.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 39:43

Yeah, it's a cool place. I love it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 39:45

So so, deal or no deal, this like this must've just changed your career. It changed everything, Okay. It changed everything Okay. So up until Deal and no Deal, you were doing great jobs, like big brands, you know, and then you get casted for Deal. How does that process even work? Because how many suitcases are on the actual show?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 40:02

So there are 26 models, and then they have two alternates.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 40:06

Okay.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 40:07

So 26 cases, two alternate models that if somebody is sick or can't work that day, they put the alternate in Also. Those two alternates sometimes are the banker girls where they have the hair slicked back. Do you remember Robert Palmer videos? Yeah, Addicted to love.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 40:24

Yes.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 40:26

It's that look with the hair slicked back, the red lipstick, the all black, Really cool look. But the daytime version, there were only two of us out of the 26, 28 girls. Um, so that was really cool because that was a whole different kind of show, it was played a little differently, but, but to be part of that was really awesome and incredible and, um, I was so thankful for all of it. Uh, and, mind you, I had been working a lot prior, but it's a day here, a week there. It's a different kind of work. You're not working consistently on a long period of time.

41:06

So when I booked Deal, I thought it was going to be just another job for a few days. And I remember the head guy at the production company said uh, the the head guy at the production company. He said get ready, your life is going to change. And I was like you know, sure, Okay, yeah, you know I. I kind of dismissed it because I thought everybody wants their show to be a success. But once it aired, it's the ratings were through the roof. It was December 2005. And by January 3rd, whatever it was, we were getting the calls that, hey, we want to book you for a few more weeks, a few more shows, and it was like that for the next few years.

41:45

And we kept getting those calls and it was really cool to experience because all of a sudden you become family. It really it was a sisterhood. You're working with these people all the time, and even the camera guys and the producers they're some of my lifelong friends now. So it changed my world personally and professionally. I always talk about that. It opened other doors. I got to guest host on an extra and Fox movie channel and a lot of different things so, which I love hosting, so that for me was exciting and really cool to do. And again, it just changed everything.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 42:21

Like the global reach. Yeah, like the global reach. So three years ago, I'm in Athens with my dad for three days, right, we were launching our office and we're walking in the lobby. I'm like, oh my God, patricia, hi, hi, right, oh my God, random, I only know you through social media, social media.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 42:34

I'm like, oh, my God, patricia, hi, hi, right. Oh, my God, how random Random. I only knew you through social media.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 42:37

Social media. We're like oh my God, what a small world and nice to meet you. What are you doing here? Boom, boom and passing, that's it. We leave and my father, who's 76 at the Howie Mandel. I go yeah, how do you even know like deal or no deal? He goes no, no, she's either case number seven or nine.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 43:07

I love that. He knew that. I swear to God I go. I'm like okay, stalker.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 43:11

Pump the brakes, angelo, but it blew my mind and he was like just a small, but what a global reach. And I remember asking him like how do you even know he goes?

43:19

oh, we watch it and your mom's always like, oh, that's the Greek girl, like my mom knows that, so like, even culturally, like it's such a cool thing, right, so like, talk to us. It becomes a full-time job for several years, right, like it was a full-time gig. It was amazing. How does that even work when you get on stage and you're there like one episode, what are the logistics? Like you show up, like just walk us from start to finish.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 43:50

Really crazy. A one hour show would take four to six hours to tape. Think about it all the technical stuff, the lighting, the, you know you have an audience that they've got to bring in. You have the contestants and the family and then Howie and all the women getting ready. So it was a long process. Sometimes things happen in between. We did the commercial breaks too. So it's a long process and things happen. If a briefcase falls or gets knocked over, they have to start the game all over again, and that didn't happen often, but it did happen.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 44:17

But why? Because the case would open and people could see it.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 44:19

Yeah, so you have to. Legally it has to be, even if it didn't show, if you didn't see, because I actually was one of the people that dropped that case- and you didn't get fired.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 44:28

Okay, that's good thank god.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 44:30

Um, it was actually on the reboot and I couldn't believe I my case got. I didn't even hit it. I think I was dancing and the floor was. It knocked it off okay the case didn't open but it had fallen down and I guess legally you have to start over. So they have to take everybody had to walk off stage. They had to take the cases, go backstage with the cases, reshuffle everything and start the game all over.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 44:56

Were they booing you like in the crowd, or what?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 44:58

Everybody was really shocked. They're like you, you're the OG. Like really, you're not the case over. I was actually petrified. I'm like, oh, they're going to hate me, they're going to kill me. But, funny enough, the contestant that was playing his whole backstory was he has a black cloud over his head and that was his thing and they talked about it. This changed his luck and he ended up doing really well on the show, like he did. He did good.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 45:25

Okay, so you ended up sunshine I'd like to think that nobody else said it.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 45:33

Of course it's me saying it, but it really. He ended up doing great, so I didn't feel as bad. I mean, cause I was feeling really bad, I felt guilty.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 45:41

Um's great, you just cost the network. I mean think about hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 45:46

It does get expensive. It's time consuming. There's a set schedule and anything that happens. It's like, oh, that's going to cost us a little bit more now to redo all that. But luckily it worked out. He played well and he went home with some money, which made me very happy.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 46:01

Is it exhausting though? Like six, eight hours, like you have to be on, you're on camera. People at home need to see like energy from you. Like is that exhausting?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 46:08

So the other thing I didn't mention is okay, a one hour show takes four to six hours, but then we're doing three shows a day, so we would work 18 hour days, sometimes 18 to 20 hours.

46:19

So they are long days and being on set there's in between, like I said, on commercial breaks we have loud music during the show the the audience members are really loud, and and then once we're off stage, after our case has been called, we would sit backstage and it's high energy backstage too, cause we have a TV set and we can watch the show in real time. So we're screaming at the TV as if we're at home. So there is a lot of high energy. So when we would finish after whatever days how many days we were working it was sometimes three, four days I would go home and just the next day be in bed, not take any calls, put my head on the pillow blanket over my head and just try to like, get that buzz out of my head.

47:05

Um, because I wouldn't sit down. I was one of the people on set that if I sat down I would never get back up. So I would keep going and I would just move around all the time. I wouldn't take my shoes off, cause you can't put them back on. It's hard, like your feet swell up and a lot of the girls would do that, and it was hard to get back up. So I was like I'm not going to be that person.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 47:24

So what is it?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 47:25

Just a lot of caffeine or like um in the beginning it was, and they have, you know, the craft service, so we would eat and eat and drink a lot of coffee. Over time you start realizing this is not good.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 47:38

Right, right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 47:38

Right and for the long haul. You can't keep doing that because you'll crash and burn. So I started. Personally, I was like, okay, I'm not going to do coffee, I'm going to do tea instead, because my body feels better on that and you don't crash with the sugar. I'm not going to have the taquitos today, I'm going to have an apple instead. So I started shifting how I would do things. It took me a long time. Certain habits are hard to break. I'm a chocoholic, so I would be, like you know, eating away.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 48:07

Better than tequila shots in between breaks, right, good point, good point.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 48:11

I would actually take chocolate and microwave it and let it really random information here. But I microwave it and eat it like a soup. I was such a chocoholic.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 48:22

Are you doing a cookbook next? Is that going to be your main? I?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 48:25

actually would love to. I just can't cook. I like to eat. Yeah, microwave your chocolate.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 48:31

We got to try that.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 48:31

Yeah, it's actually really good. I know a lot of people love putting their chocolate in their freezer. I'm the opposite. Melt it before it turns to melted. I could go on and on about this topic because I am that I've. I've gotten better, right, I feel like I could go to chocoholics anonymous.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 48:49

Um, that's your guilty pleasure, that's fine.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 48:51

Yes, it's good, it's good I know I've got any chocolate. You know what we will for next round?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 48:56

no, don't do it, don't do it uh, so talk to me when, so you have all this like you're brought.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 49:02

I want to hear about how we got sidetracked.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 49:05

This is amazing. Like after you got on the show, when did you realize like, oh, people recognize me like I it would go in spurts.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 49:13

There were some people that would. Kids sometimes would be like oh my god, that's number nine, that's patricia. And I was like oh, how cool they were.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 49:21

You know, that's cool and then I had a few people that were like nine, that's Patricia.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 49:23

And I was like, oh, how cool they were. You know, that's cool. And then I had a few people that were like, uh, my friend's kids. I went back to Chicago and they're like Patricia is going to come over today and they love the show. So they were excited. So I rang the doorbell, they opened the door, I and the kids were right there and they looked at me kind of like huh and I heard a big parka jacket.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 49:41

You're like wait what's up.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 49:42

And they're looking past me and they're like where is she? And they didn't recognize me because I didn't have the hair makeup, the dress. So they really were like did you bring her with you? And it was so funny. I'm like, oh, I forget, it's a different look.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 49:57

I mean, I had the big curly hair on the set, you know, and all that that and you went home and cried that night like damn it but it's so interesting.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 50:06

There were times I would get recognized and there were times where people had no idea. Or if, if they found out I was on deal or no deal, they're like, oh, were you one of the producers? And to me that's a compliment. I love that. But it was it varied. There were certain girls are some uh models that were recognized off set. They looked like that's how they looked off stage or in their personal life.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 50:31

Right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 50:32

So it was a little different. But yeah, it was like night and day.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 50:35

But it was night and day. You look the same, you're great. Let me ask you so, the business side of it, every time, those three week increments, are they kept renewing your contract? How cutthroat was it? Were certain models cut and others Good?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 50:49

question. Have not been asked that before. Yes, so I would say about when we first came back, about a little more than half of the women that were on came back. They changed out, some for different reasons, some didn't want to come back, some, I think they just didn't quite grasp. Some people didn't get the show in the beginning it was really new and they're like I'm not feeling it or weren't comfortable. They microwave, microwave. Oh my God.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 51:20

You're back to the chocolate. You see that.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 51:25

They microphone six models throughout each um you know when they're eliminating the cases okay so some of the women are not comfortable being on camera. Their models are not necessarily actors or yeah so um, so that was a big thing. They weren't comfortable, so some didn't come back for that reason or they weren't whatever. It was on either side, whether it was the producers who let them go, or casting, whichever.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 51:50

Great diplomatic response so far right Versus. They just sucked and they got.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 51:56

I don't think anybody sucked. I don't think you can but, yeah, it was none of that.

52:03

So they would have a lot of changes the whole time. I mean, the first version of Deal or no Deal was four seasons and they were casting throughout those four years. Oh wow, they continued casting. So I mean, if you didn't want to work or didn't care to be there or for whatever reason, maybe you got a show or something else um, you can go, because they had a replacement always ready. There were a lot of people once. There was that height of the show. Everybody wanted to be part of it. I had friends that called me up. They're like hey, is there any way you can get me in? Or um, and I would happily. I had a few friends where I'm like, hey, you need to um her too, and they would audition her and it was up to them. At that point I had nothing to do with the casting process, but I was like yeah, I will definitely bring your name into the mix. There's no reason why you shouldn't be here, why not?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 52:53

Even at that show, right where it was cutthroat, yeah, yeah yeah, and they came auditioned.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 52:57

I remember a couple ended up getting on the show. They were there for a little bit. Some of the women didn't make it on Again. It had nothing to do with me. But I was like, yeah, you're my friend, of course I'm going to throw your name in there. I would love to work with my friends, so it was pretty cool. It was great to see all the women that came through. Some I knew, some I didn't, some I'd worked with before, some are some I knew some I didn't, some I'd worked with before.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 53:25

Some are now still my, my close friends. Yeah, and I see it through your socials too, like it's a family right, it really is, it really is did you like in the team that kept on going season after season like you're an OG there, right like you? People know you. When it came to contract negotiations, was it take it or leave it type of thing, because there were people or did certain models have clout to demand more?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 53:45

Nobody had that clout. Nobody had that clout. It was everybody was paid the same. Yeah, and each year they brought us back the girls that came back, they gave us a little bit more, and then the newbies had to start where we started. So so there was that. They're the only ones that the the rate was different. Um, so each year that we were there, they gave us a little bit of a bump up.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 54:09

Right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 54:10

Um, but there was no. You know, there was somebody else waiting in line that would happily take your job, um, so it was definitely interesting. And I have to tell you, when I started working on the show, I had a great agent who got me the audition and who I continued to work with through the first version of Deal or no Deal and at one point he said to me he goes, I don't really, I don't think the money's that great. He's like I don't think you should do this anymore and this was, I think, going into second season. He's like I really don't think.

54:40

And I said I appreciate you saying that, but I really love my job and I love what we do and I have a good feeling about it and I'm going to ride the wave and stick it out. And I appreciate your feedback and I get what you're saying and I agree. But I want to stick it out. One of the best decisions I made trusted my instincts and I talk a lot about that in the book, about trusting your instincts, because then I ended up getting the syndicated version, which the pay was better and it was a great job.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 55:17

Syndicated. Sorry, can you explain?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 55:19

So the syndicated version, it was a daytime version done a little differently. Sorry, can you explain? So the syndicated version, it was a daytime version done a little differently and it's all over the place on different networks nationwide and there were only two of us on that version, versus the 26 models. Now it was two people and it was still deal or no deal played, but the contestants were holding cases instead of models and then there was a spinning wheel, so the one girl was spinning the wheel. I had the ball.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 55:48

I would throw it in and whatever number it landed on, that was the contestant for the day. Oh, I didn't even know that. So you made it down to two only. Oh, I'm sorry. Bragging rights.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 55:54

It was so much fun. I was like this is the best job ever. I loved it and it was cool to see it played a little differently in. The contestants were having a great time opening the cases. Now they were the models, so it was really fun to watch it and see that version of it. And instead of an hour long, it was a half hour and it was during the day that it was airing, I think at like 11 am.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 56:16

Yeah.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 56:17

So totally different. Instead of a million dollars it was half a million dollars. So it was half a million dollars. So it was fun all around. But everybody loved the original, right even when the the reboot came, everybody just loved the original. There was something special about it and I think the cool special things about the original was we had a lot of themed stuff. We had Star Wars Wars, we had Sesame Street, we had people from the Office being from Chicago, we had Scottie Pippen and Mike Ditka on there.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 56:48

Oh, really, I didn't know.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 56:49

Okay For me that was really cool.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 56:50

Big deal.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 56:51

We've had Greek contestants on there, chicago contestants, and they made it really special for a lot of different people for a lot of different reasons. They didn't do as much of that. On the other ones there was a little bit of it, but on the original, I mean, we got to do some really cool things, experience some really neat things. We even had the texting version where you could win a million dollars via text.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 57:17

Oh, okay.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 57:17

And so I showed up at the guy who won. I up going to oregon where the winner was and knocked on his door and presented him with this big check like surprised him with his lawn full of news people and um band players from a school nearby, like it was this whole big production. I'm like how, and it was live, and it was really.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 57:39

He was speechless um, so the show loved. You like to be the face of it, going out there and presenting that? That's a big deal.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 57:45

I think it was, I was game for anything. I was really excited and I love the interaction with everybody. Um, I just I think it suits. It suits my personality. I just love people and I can, uh, kind of a chameleon of sorts, like I could be in any situation and just bond with people, and I love that. I love getting to know people. I'm inquisitive and I love just getting to know people.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 58:11

Right right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 58:11

And I want to make sure they're feeling good and enjoying themselves. I feel like I'm a host. I think that's the Greek in me. I think that's just how I go around.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 58:19

But you need your own show. You should be.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 58:21

I love that idea.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 58:25

But let me ask you so how much on the show is scripted? Because there's banter, there's questions from Howie to like when he's asking you a question or something. Is any of that scripted? Because it's not just. You're not just sitting there opening the case, there's personality behind there.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 58:36

Howie is all about spontaneity. That's what I love about Howie he's very spontaneous. He's very much about in the moment. If there's something being said off camera, he's like wait, wait, don't say anymore. He's like, let's get that on camera in real time. He loves that aspect of it and I love that. He loves that and it plays out well. He knows what he's doing. He's been doing this a long time so and he's just, he's quick-witted like that.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:00

Oh, he's amazing, he's Canadian. Like, let's give him respect. Oh, that's true. That's true. Serious question though have you ever shook in his hand?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 59:07

I've tried to high-five him.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:08

He won't do it.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 59:09

No, but I will say, over time he got more comfortable with us hugging him.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:14

Okay.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 59:15

I would mess with his head.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:23

I'm. You know we've all messed with him, yeah, but uh, because it's legit.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 59:25

Germaphobe, right, like he does not want to touch. Yeah, uh, ocd germaphobe, yeah you know he talks about. He wrote a book about it. Um, so it's legit. But I think over time and not you know he's on agt now for how many years and he hugs and people hug him all the time, so he's more comfortable he's just showering in in a sanitizer in the back right, pretty much head to toe.

59:42

That's so cool, yeah he, so he's more comfortable he's just showering and and, uh, sanitizer in the back right, pretty much head to toe.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 59:45

That's so cool yeah, he's, he's hilarious, right like he's oh, I remember him.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 59:50

Do you remember him back in the day with curly hair and the rubber glove, or?

59:52

the head so when we first got the job, they didn't tell us what it was. Uh, they said a game show, but they didn't say anything. Actually, they didn't even tell us originally that it was a game show. So I thought I was interviewing for a model's reality show and I almost walked out. I'm like that's not my thing, but I'm here, let me see, and I'm gonna stick it out. I feel like you should always keep your eyes and ears open and see. You know what it's all about before you say no to something that you're making up in your head. So I stuck it out and once I found out it was a game show, I'm like, oh, cool Game show. You know that's great Modeling. It's not reality, I'm good. And then I found out how he was part of it. A lot of people didn't know who, how he was, and I was floored but I was one of the older girls on the show.

01:00:37

So I grew up watching him, so I knew his stick, I knew his thing, I knew his comedy. But I found out a lot of girls were a lot younger and they're like they had to ask their moms. It was really cute.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:00:50

But yeah, no, the guy. He's amazing, so he's doing America's Got Talent now.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:00:55

Yeah he's doing America's Got Talent. He's been doing it for 10 years that's right, he has his own production company. He has Deal or no Deal Island that he's executive producer, producer, not hosting.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:01:03

Okay, Podcast.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:01:05

I see A podcast, yeah, so he's got a lot going on. He's a busy man and I think that's part of his OCD thing where when we were working, we would work all these crazy hours and then he would fly to do his stand-up comedy and then fly back to do our show first thing in the morning. So he was going, going, going, going and I'm like you're like the energizer bunny, how are you doing it? Because it's such a high energy job and to keep going he's the face right, like he's got to be on and he that camera roll like he was on it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:01:37

He was so good and professional and on it how is it when the camera's off with him, like, is it just like? All like, all right, I'm normal. Like how, how is that?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:01:45

I would see, I would know when he was tired, but he would never say it or complain. He was not that person I could personally tell over time because we'd worked together for so long. So I could tell him Michael, he's a little tired today. You can tell Um, but he never let on in any way. He never made it known, which was really cool to watch. Like true professional Um, which I talk about in the book, like be aware of your surroundings and everybody that works on a set. Learn about the other aspects of the job, cause it's not just about you, it's it's a team effort. It's not about the models, it's not just the contestants, it's not how. It's everything collectively, our camera guys, lighting, it all plays an important role. And the more you learn about it down the line you might be like you know, I don't want to do this anymore. I want to do this side of the business or that side that intrigues me more, and I think the more you learn, the better it is for you.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:02:43

Expose yourself to everything, everything. I think the more you learn, the better it is for you. Expose yourself to everything.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:02:44

Everything I think it's. Even if you don't end up doing any of those jobs, it's important to know the team effort that's happening and how a show gets put on If that's the field you're in. Whatever field you're in, you want to absorb as much as you can and learn about it. It just makes you better.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:01

But that's a good statement there. But you even said right down to the cameraman most people wouldn't even mention them, but you know what you care about it. It's part of the production. There are people too Like it's the whole crew, right?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:03:13

I loved our camera guys. We were great. I actually worked with them on other shows.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:16

It was really cool.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:03:18

I came on set and one of the models, one of the camera guys, it's like hey, what are you doing? Oh my God, you know, and you already have this built-in friendship and it grows from there, cause now we're working together for another few years and he's going to give you more screen time, so it's good to yeah.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:03:33

Right, I know what I'm doing.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:03:35

No, but it's really cool to have that. Just it again it becomes a family. It really, it really truly does? It does, and I know a lot of people say that with a lot of shows, but when you're spending that much time together, you're bonding. Yeah, yeah, it's just, it's. It's a good feeling. I mean even down to our stylist and our makeup people. I'm very close to them, I love them, I we're like family with them too. It's. It's amazing how it works. We get together all the time and I love that.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:04:04

Oh yeah, you, it's a, it's just a cool chapter.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:04:07

It's a good feeling.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:04:08

There's two more segments I would love to talk about. You've been awesome with the time, so I appreciate that, yeah, happy to be here.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:04:14

Chat with you, yeah this is amazing.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:04:15

So two things like I want to talk skills right, being on camera, advice right and people could apply it to you know, boardrooms and meetings, interviews, talking to your spouse Like I think we could learn a lot from you on that. And then the last thing, just in general what are your future aspirations? Right, you've kind of covered a lot of things like what's the next thing for Patricia Got up, but I actually totally side note you cut your name, I did what's your full Greek name?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:04:46

So and it's funny I've gotten some flack for that?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:04:49

Yeah, because I'm going to get pissed off right now. So let's hear it. What was your?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:04:52

All right, bring it on. No, karamuzi, karamuzi, karamuzi.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:04:58

So you cut this a long time ago.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:05:00

If you were just starting today, when I was 15, I cut it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:05:02

Okay, if you were just starting today, when I was 15, I cut it. Okay, if you were starting today, would you cut it? Yes, oh, even today, even today, okay, so why?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:05:07

So I am proud of being Greek. I'm a very proud Greek. I talk about my Greekness all the time, everywhere, anywhere. I grew up without my father and I just don't feel attached to that name in any way. I he hasn't been in my life since before I was born, so that was part of it, and so and it bums me out because I growing up, I would hear other entertainers that would cut their name and I did the thing. Why'd they cut their name?

01:05:35

so they not proud to be Greek. I've never talked about that either. This is the first time that I'm saying this on camera. I feel very comfortable with you obviously because I feel like I've told you a lot on and off camera Clip it. But it's funny because I've had people give me a hard time and I know I've been that person and actually when I was first dating my husband, I said that about somebody else and he's like you cut your name too.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:00

He called me out and I was like oh, I did.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:06:02

I'm like, yeah, but my, my reasoning is a little different.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:05

No, and honestly, all jokes aside, though, I get that.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:06:13

Right, it was just I didn't feel attached to that name and um, so we're good. I like Kara, I even like it for a first name for a little while I was like, should I just go by, kara?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:18

Yeah.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:06:18

Kara Kara. You know, kara Kara, why not? I love it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:20

Sorry, that was a total tangent question. No, no, no.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:06:22

It's okay. And actually I have people that don't even call me Patricia, they'll call me Kara, and I don't mind it, I love the name Kara. And then I have people who call me number nine. I answer to that too. I can't tell you how many times I've had people go hey, nine, and I'm like that's crazy, I'll turn around. I take it as a compliment.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:41

I love it. I think it's a great thing. You know what, if it's the reference and they're recognizing you?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:06:44

Yeah, I think it's sweet.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:46

Talk to me. So presentation skills even if you're just modeling, you're still communicating with what you're putting out there, right?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:06:53

I think anything we do. So what do you mean as far as presentation?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:06:58

So first of all, even on camera, let's start there, Like when you're presenting or if you're talking, or if Howie Mandel is asking you a question on camera, like what are some you know pieces of advice on how to properly communicate? You know what I mean? A lot of practice.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:07:13

I mean, for some people, I think it's more natural than others, whether you're in entertainment or something else. Honestly, even if you were in another field, I think it's worth taking an acting class or working with somebody that can teach you those skills of, because, again, it's natural for some, unnatural for others. But teaching you those skills of being on camera and presenting yourself, or even if it's for a meeting, it can be intimidating. Listen, I've been in this business for a long time and there are times my nerves take over. No matter how long I've been doing this, I don't know when it's going to hit. And sometimes I get more nervous about things that I'm like why am I nervous? I've been doing this forever and it's time for me to like okay, hone this in what's happening, you haven't done this enough, or maybe lately, or whatever it is. Work on it.

01:08:06

That's something you have to completely maybe not think about. All the people you be present in the moment is basically what it comes down to. As soon as I find myself the nerves hitting or being self-conscious, or having that weird fear, self-doubt, whatever it is, it's just being present in that moment and just thinking about what you're talking about and not the judgment you think that's coming. I think we fear the judgment.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:08:33

Oh, wow, yeah.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:08:34

And we get in our heads, get out of your head and feel the moment. I find myself doing that all the time, where I'm like bring yourself right here in this moment, be present.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:08:45

So I'll support that. Before we're having a coffee, before we started this, your phone rang several times and you're just we're still in conversation and you're a busy person. Like I noticed these little things and I'm like you're the same way, same way, like I'm adamant about it, because if you're blocking off a certain amount of time unless it's an emergency, and you're just like wait, why are they calling three times? I don't care how important or special or busy you think you are like be in the moment as much as you can right, whether it's with people or meetings or dinners or kids. Like that's a great piece of advice. And I'm just and then back to the, you know just presentation skills. So a few years ago I did an improv class with my team, so I brought the executive team.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:09:25

That's great.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:09:26

We did it in New York and it was more of like, okay, what's a cool team building thing? And we went to this comedy club in New York and it was like this three-hour improv and people who were on stage from my team that are shy or from accounting, and they were forced to just kind of work together and then we had to present certain things to our environment. It was one of the coolest experiences, right. And then we had some people where you're like man, this guy or girl was just like needs to be in drama and not in lighting. You know, it was just. It was really cool to see that.

01:09:54

So we, we did a lot of that and you know what we? We should bring that back, because it's just presentation and being an advocate for yourself. That's why, like, I'm just asking on hey, if you're shy and you can't get your message across, nobody's going to hear you, no one's going to ask you Patricia, do you think you deserve a raise? Do you think you're being valued? Like you have to be your own advocate right, you have to.

01:10:13

So presenting is a key part of it. On just getting comfortable in all environments All environments.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:10:20

Sometimes you have to bring out the silly in you. We feel stupid being in certain ways. You we feel stupid being in certain ways. With practice again. That's why I recommend to people like take an improv class or acting class or a coach or practice in front of the mirror, whatever it takes to get you to. Or maybe amongst your friends, have your friends help you, whatever it is to get you to that place of comfort.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:10:42

Absolutely.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:10:43

The more you do it, the more comfortable you are. I mean to give you an idea. I audition all the time. Right when I was on deal, I wasn't auditioning as much, so I was on camera all the time doing my thing, but all of a sudden the show was over and I was going back to auditions. I was petrified. I don't know what happened to me and I think I talk about that in the book actually where all of a sudden I felt out of sorts. I just wasn't comfortable. I wasn't used to. I went from this high energy job to all of a sudden being in a room one-on-one and it was just. I felt like I was a newbie just starting and I'm like oh wow, I've kind of lost my way here. I need to get back onto my auditioning skills, my presentation in this company and be comfortable in this space with another person, one-on-one, on camera. And it was interesting because I was like I just did what happened.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:11:35

I was on every television set in America and now I'm. That's crazy.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:11:39

And it was the strangest thing and I noticed initially my auditions were not good. I mean, they were not. I could tell, I could feel it, but I had to get out of my head, stop thinking about it and be in the moment. And that's I. I would literally have these conversations with myself walking out of the audition room and go okay, I got to get you know, freshen up, get back to it, get back on the horse, and then it was fine again and then I was back to my norm and doing my thing and booking jobs again. But you know, sometimes we just kind of get you know out of touch or whatever. It is lost in our way or things happen, um, that could get you off base or whatever.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:12:21

Yeah.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:12:23

Let me ask you we're talking about, about rejection.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:12:26

So you have a career over two decades incredible. But for people to understand like it's not, yeah, you're going to hear a lot of no's in there, like what does that really mean for every 100? Like, take your average over 20 years for every 100 auditions, how many yeses did you get?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:12:42

oh my god, I just had this conversation with my husband the other day Cause one thing um, when I started in this business, I had a bazillion auditions and people started asking me that weren't in entertainment. They were like, well, how many auditions do you get a day and how many do you book? And I never looked at that, I never counted. I know I would write everything out I have a schedule book that I write everything out but I was never one to look at the statistics. I thought that would bring me back.

01:13:14

It would probably depress me if I really looked at it and thought about it. But we were talking. I was explaining to my husband like when I was going through my audition process I would get asked this all the time, but honestly, I just focused on the next audition, the next okay, I got a job. Next next. It was always about next moving on, and that's the way I looked at everything. So I never I don't know how many no's I got a lot.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:13:39

That's all a lot of no's, more no's than yeses.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:13:42

I got more no's than yeses, and then eventually, over time, I got more yeses than nos.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:13:47

Oh, wow.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:13:47

And I think what helped was listen. People can smell desperation. When you walk into a room, people can smell, they could see it. When you're not as confident, or if you're nervous, it's telling. There are times you just can't hide it and people see it. Well, if you're doing it consistently and you're, you're doing it over and over again and you're more comfortable, all of a sudden you're not thinking about it and you're not here and you're not thinking about the judgment, then you're going to do better. And then you move on and you're already thinking about the next thing I was already thinking about the next audition and focusing on that instead of going oh my God, how did I do? Oh my God, how did you know? Was that good enough? Oh, I could have done it that way, I could have done it this way. When you stop all the nonsense and just stay focused and continue doing what you know you should be doing, the yeses start coming and then all of a sudden, it's like oh, what was I even you know, thinking about back then? Like what?

01:14:50

You forget about all that and you're picking what your time is going to be and not right and it really it comes together. I think momentum helps. When you have that momentum, you're using your instincts and you remember rejection has nothing to do with you Well, it could, but, but overall rejection sometimes has nothing to do with you. You never know what the reason is for getting that rejection. If you put those together and you keep moving forward and do your thing and do your best, that's all you can do and then things fall into place. I truly believe that, and I believe that because that's what I did all these years and when I went off a little bit and did something different and wasn't as confident or didn't you know, keep looking forward is when I noticed, oh, I'm in my head again. I'm not getting those jobs, I'm not moving forward, I'm not looking at things the way I should be.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:15:39

Tapping into your experience, tapping into all of it.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:15:42

That combination and as soon as I go back to that, I'm good, you're good.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:15:48

Yeah, you mentioned your husband, right? I'm fitting in before we talk about so your husband, former NFL player, correct, right, you're successful in your industry. He's successful in what he's doing. Just talk to me how, how that is coming together and supporting each other, right In two different careers two different careers, but supportive, right.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:16:11

Two different careers, but it's amazing how much our world end up colliding. So he's been in the sports world forever. I've been in entertainment and I can't tell you how many times our worlds have overlapped. But it's great also because they are different, like I'll hear him talking on the phone doing his business. I've learned a lot from him and he's learned a lot about our world and hopefully he's learned something from me too.

01:16:29

We'll have him on next, please do, I would love to hear Well, we, we always end up talking things through Like I can't tell you how much I used to always go through my business by myself. For the longest time I would talk to my sister, but my sister didn't know this world. I would just you know, longest time I would talk to my sister, but my sister didn't know this world. I would just you know, she was my sounding board, she was my soundboard so but with him over time he would give his take. He's a businessman and he would give his take, and I appreciated that.

01:17:02

Sometimes I agree with him and I'm like, oh, I didn't look at things this way, okay. And there are other times where I said, nope, trusting my gut, this is how I feel I appreciate I needed to hear somebody tell me something else for me to go. No, I think I got this, so we're good like that. I feel like at this point we work, we both work a lot from home, so now it's like we're across from each other. His desk is there, my desk is here, so we're really.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:17:23

You can't divert his call. When he's looking at you, You're like so it's really interesting.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:17:27

But again, we I feel like we've learned a lot from each other and our worlds come together in some ways and it's it's really been great for us, I think, over time. I mean we've been together 20 years, so you know it's a learning curve. You, you're first starting to learn each other and then over time, uh, it's not always smooth sailing all the way in every aspect, but over time, like, we get each other, we know each other. We're both very independent, but we're also both team minded, so we know when to like okay, you got this or okay, I need you. So there's a lot of that between us which is great, and I love who he works with and the people.

01:18:04

I've gotten to know all his people that he works with. He's gotten to know my people and sometimes again, there's crossover in some ways. Like I know I might hear something in my world, that they need something or someone from his world, and so we collaborate in that way too. Actually, we just did a podcast with him. I don't think it's aired at all, but he had his podcast and I was on there and amazing. Yeah, so it was interesting being interviewed with him as his coworker and your husband's name is Noel. Noel, Noel Lamontagne.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:18:35

French background.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:18:37

French and Polish background. Yeah, so very French name Noel Lamontagne the mountain.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:18:43

Cause he's a big guy, so he's like a mountain, he is a big guy, very big guy, used to be bigger when he played.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:18:49

He's lost like over a hundred pounds get out. He was a linebacker uh, he was a offensive lineman okay, and yeah. So when I met him he had just shrunk down. I remember people giving him a hard time and I was like why does everybody keep talking about your weight? What's happening? But I found out that he used to play and he just dropped a lot of weight and I was like, oh okay, that makes sense he stopped eating 10 000 calories a day to maintain I have to tell you our first few dates.

01:19:16

He was eating the salads and I was eating the burgers and the pizzas and I'm like what's?

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:19:19

what's going on?

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:19:20

I'm like this just we need to swap food and I should be eating the salads and you can have my burger pizzas. But yeah, over time he's very healthy. He's very it's interesting going from all that weight to nothing. He's had a lot of injuries and surgeries, so losing weight definitely helped him.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:19:40

Yeah, I got to meet him at some point.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:19:42

You have to. I think you guys would get along very well. That's awesome, Very well yeah. Last segment Talk to me about future aspirations.

01:19:55

Future aspirations. So with moving to Florida, I just moved and I feel like I'm going back to basics and starting over. I think I might've said that earlier. I'm excited because I'm open to opportunities. I'm very excited about the book because this has been my baby for a long time. There are other things that are coming into play, that people are approaching me with more about talking to younger people, teaching, which I'm intrigued, but I still am working as a model and actress and host and I still need to venture out in the Florida world of casting directors and agencies. So that's where I'm at right now. Right now, I'm really focused on the book but future wise.

01:20:27

Um, I'm thinking of different things still entertainment and all aspects but I'm kind of excited of the not knowing, not figured, like I love riding the wave and see where it goes and what feels right and kind of taking it from there Like and I've done that a lot throughout my career where I say I'm not sure and I don't want to pick just one thing, so it's working out for you and actually in the beginning of my career, people kept telling me you have to choose one and I was like, but why I have so many interests and why I want to do everything?

01:21:00

good for you and I got a lot of flack for it, but I, I knew again, it goes back to your instincts and and maybe you won't do everything 100 well, um. But look at. There's so many entertainers now that it's okay to cross over. How many people are singers, dancers, models, actors, doing it all. They have companies, they're alcohol brands yeah it's amazing, so I love that and, um, I just want to see where it goes.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:21:28

Amazing and talk to me. This is basically a full-time job right now.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:21:31

Yes, it is, and I'm loving it.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:21:32

Right, bringing it to market. How have you been marketing this and where can the listeners go and support this? I got mine on Amazon.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:21:39

Yeah, it is on Amazon and some bookstores. I know it's out in bookstores as well and honestly, I've been doing all the promo stuff myself. I haven't gone through a publicist I talk about publicists in there and maybe at a later time but I'm enjoying doing the PR and marketing. I love that stuff. I do it for my friends sometimes. So I'm enjoying it, doing it for myself. It is a lot of hard work, but I'm enjoying it because I'm meeting different people, I'm going to different towns. I'm enjoying it because I'm meeting different people.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:08

I'm going to different towns. I'm here in LA right now Book signings.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:22:09

right, I was in Chicago. I have book signings over the weekend. I'm going to New York soon. I'll be talking on a summit there.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:16

Awesome.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:22:16

How to get unstuck, which is really cool. So these random things are opening up and I'm loving it, and more to come, definitely.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:25

We're going to put all the links up. Thank you, I appreciate it. You're amazing.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:22:29

You are amazing. I love that we finally have gotten a chance to sit down and have a long conversation.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:35

My dad's going to be excited. Right Number nine with the ball. Thank you so much.

Patricia Kara - Guest: 01:22:44

Thank you, such a pleasure.

George Stroumboulis - Host: 01:22:45

Thanks for listening to this episode of Invigorate your Business with George Stroumboulis. Please hit the subscribe and like buttons and follow me on all the main podcast streaming channels. Also, please share your comments when you can. I appreciate your help in expanding this network to a worldwide audience. Until next time, stay invigorated.

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO

00:00:00 Deal or No Deal Briefcase Model - Patricia Kara
00:03:05 Remembering Yellow Pages - The Original Google
00:03:56 Entertainment Book - Dream On, Now Deliver
00:10:44 Building Confidence and Persistence in Entertainment
00:11:48 Never Accepting Rejection
00:16:00 New York Was All About Rejection & Toughness
00:18:31 The Importance of Small Jobs
00:24:26 Navigating the Entertainment Industry
00:34:39 Impact of Social Media on Careers
00:39:04 Deal or No Deal TV Show
00:42:29 Global Reach for Case #9 from Deal or No Deal
00:43:15 How Long to Film a TV Game Show
00:46:00 3 Shows Per Filming Day is Exhausting
00:49:05 Being Recognized in Public - No Glitz
00:49:26 Deal or No Deal Behind the Scenes
00:50:41 Cutthroat With Competing Models on the TV Show
00:54:17 Go With Your Instinct - Not Taking Agent's Advice
00:55:32 Behind the Scenes of Game Shows
01:04:46 Presentation Skills and Self-Advocacy in Communication
01:12:09 Navigating Rejection and Mutual Support
01:18:27 From Model to Author

ABOUT THE BOOK: DREAM ON… NOW DELIVER BY PATRICIA KARA

"Dream On... Now Deliver" by Patricia Kara is a motivational book that empowers readers to turn their dreams into reality through actionable steps and practical advice. Patricia Kara, known for her role on the hit TV show "Deal or No Deal," shares her personal journey and the lessons she's learned along the way to achieving success.

In the book, Patricia emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and taking consistent action towards fulfilling one's dreams. She offers insights and strategies for overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and staying focused on the path to success.

Through relatable anecdotes and inspiring stories, "Dream On... Now Deliver" encourages readers to embrace their ambitions, pursue their passions, and persevere in the face of challenges. Patricia's uplifting message resonates with anyone who aspires to make their dreams a reality, providing practical guidance and motivation to turn aspirations into achievements. Buy the book here on Amazon.

HOW TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Becoming successful in the entertainment industry requires a combination of talent, hard work, perseverance, and strategic networking. Here are some key steps to help you achieve success:

Develop Your Skills and Talents:
- Hone your craft whether it's acting, singing, dancing, filmmaking, writing, or any other aspect of entertainment.
- Take classes, workshops, and lessons to improve your skills and stay current with industry trends.
- Practice regularly and seek constructive feedback to continually refine your abilities.
Build a Strong Portfolio:
- Create a portfolio or demo reel showcasing your work and talents.
- Include samples of your performances, projects, or productions that highlight your skills and versatility.
- Keep your portfolio updated with your latest work and achievements.
Network Effectively:
- Attend industry events, conferences, and networking mixers to meet professionals in the entertainment industry.
- Build relationships with agents, managers, casting directors, producers, and other industry insiders.
- Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with industry professionals and showcase your work.
Seek Opportunities:
- Audition for roles, submit your work to film festivals, and apply for talent showcases to gain exposure and experience.
- Look for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions within entertainment companies to learn from experienced professionals and gain industry insights.
- Be proactive in seeking out opportunities and don't be discouraged by rejection. Persistence is key in the entertainment industry.
Stay Informed and Adaptable:
- Stay updated on industry news, trends, and developments.
- Be open to new experiences and opportunities that may come your way.
- Adapt to changes in the industry and be willing to pivot your career path if necessary.
Develop a Personal Brand:
- Define your unique selling points and what sets you apart from others in the industry.
- Build a strong online presence through social media, a personal website, or a professional blog.
- Consistently promote yourself and your work in a positive and authentic way.
Be Professional and Reliable:
- Treat every opportunity, no matter how small, with professionalism and respect.
- Be punctual, prepared, and professional in all your interactions.
- Build a reputation as someone who is reliable, easy to work with, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance:
- Find mentors or industry veterans who can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career in the entertainment industry.
- Learn from their experiences and insights, and be open to constructive criticism and feedback.
Stay Persistent and Resilient:
- Success in the entertainment industry often requires perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
- Stay focused on your goals, maintain a positive mindset, and keep pushing forward even when things get tough.
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones:
- Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and milestones along the way.
- Recognize your progress and accomplishments, no matter how small, as they contribute to your overall success in the entertainment industry.

By following these steps and remaining dedicated to your craft, you can increase your chances of becoming successful in the competitive and ever-evolving entertainment industry.

HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN HOLLYWOOD AS AN ACTRESS, MODEL AND TV PRESENTER

Making money in Hollywood as an actress, model, and TV presenter requires a combination of talent, networking, persistence, and strategic career planning. Here are some steps you can take to increase your earning potential in each of these fields:

As an Actress:

Build Your Skills and Training:
- Invest in acting classes, workshops, and coaching to improve your craft and versatility as an actress.
- Continuously work on expanding your range and developing your acting technique.
Create a Strong Portfolio:
- Compile a professional acting reel showcasing your best performances and versatility as an actress.
- Build a resume highlighting your experience, training, and notable roles.
Audition Regularly:
- Stay active in the audition circuit by seeking out casting calls for film, television, theater, and commercial projects.
- Develop relationships with casting directors, agents, and talent scouts to increase your audition opportunities.
Network in the Industry:
- Attend industry events, film festivals, and networking mixers to meet fellow actors, filmmakers, and industry professionals.
- Build relationships with directors, producers, and other decision-makers who can potentially hire you for roles.
Consider Representation:
- Seek representation from a reputable talent agent or manager who can help you secure auditions and negotiate contracts.
- Choose representation that aligns with your career goals and has a track record of success in the industry.
Diversify Your Work:
- Pursue a variety of acting opportunities, including film, television, theater, commercials, voiceover work, and web series.
- Explore opportunities in both leading and supporting roles to showcase your range as an actress.
Stay Persistent and Resilient:
- Rejection is common in the acting industry, so it's important to stay resilient and continue pursuing opportunities even in the face of setbacks.
- Stay focused on your long-term goals and keep honing your craft to improve your chances of success.

As a Model:

Develop Your Look and Brand:
- Determine your unique look and style as a model and develop your personal brand accordingly.
- Invest in professional photoshoots to create a diverse portfolio showcasing your range and versatility as a model.
Find Representation:
- Seek representation from reputable modeling agencies that specialize in the type of modeling work you're interested in, whether it's fashion, commercial, runway, or print.
- Choose an agency with a strong track record of booking jobs for their models and securing fair compensation.
Network in the Industry:
- Attend modeling events, fashion shows, and industry parties to network with designers, photographers, and other industry professionals.
- Build relationships with key decision-makers who can help you secure modeling gigs and advance your career.
Stay Informed and Flexible:
- Stay updated on current fashion trends, industry news, and casting calls to stay competitive in the modeling industry.
- Be open to trying different types of modeling work and adapting to the needs of clients and photographers.
Maintain a Professional Image:
- Present yourself professionally at all times, both in person and online.
- Take care of your physical appearance, health, and well-being to ensure you're always ready for modeling opportunities.
Seek Opportunities for Growth:
- Look for opportunities to expand your modeling skills and experience, such as participating in runway shows, editorial shoots, and brand campaigns.
- Be proactive in seeking out opportunities to collaborate with new photographers, designers, and brands.

As a TV Presenter:

Develop Your On-Camera Skills:
- Practice presenting and speaking on camera to improve your confidence and delivery.
- Take classes or workshops in hosting, public speaking, and television production to enhance your skills.
Create a Reel:
- Compile a showreel showcasing your presenting skills and on-camera experience.
- Include clips from previous presenting gigs, interviews, and any relevant television appearances.
Network in the Industry:
- Attend media events, industry conferences, and networking functions to meet television producers, directors, and executives.
- Build relationships with television networks, production companies, and casting directors who hire TV presenters.
Pitch Your Ideas:
- Develop original show concepts or segments and pitch them to television networks or production companies.
- Highlight your unique perspective, personality, and expertise to make your pitch stand out.
Consider Freelance Opportunities:
- Explore freelance presenting opportunities such as hosting events, red carpet coverage, or online video content.
- Build your online presence through social media, YouTube, or podcasting to showcase your presenting skills and attract potential clients.
Stay Informed and Adaptable:
- Stay updated on current events, trends, and topics relevant to your niche as a TV presenter.
- Be flexible and adaptable in your presentation style to suit different formats, audiences, and platforms.
Seek Feedback and Growth Opportunities:
- Seek feedback from industry professionals, mentors, and peers to continually improve your presenting skills.
- Look for opportunities to gain experience and exposure through guest appearances, panel discussions, and hosting gigs.

By following these steps and staying committed to your craft, you can increase your earning potential and achieve success in the competitive worlds of acting, modeling, and TV presenting in Hollywood.

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE

From Spotlight to Page: Patricia Kara's Journey from Model and TV Star to Author with Industry Insights

Patricia Kara Reflections on a Diverse Career in the Limelight
Behind the Glamour with Patricia Kara Insights on Show Business
The Evolution of Patricia Kara from Television Fame to Literary Voice
Lights, Camera, Action to Pen and Paper with Patricia Kara

Step into the vibrant world of entertainment as we sit down with Patricia Kara, an industry beacon whose career has spanned the roles of model, "Deal or No Deal" luminary, and now, a published author with a wellspring of wisdom to share. Her debut, "Dream. On and Out of the Liver," is more than a memoir; it's a manual for anyone looking to make their mark under the bright lights of showbiz. Throughout our conversation, Patricia doesn't just walk us down memory lane; she offers nuggets of wisdom on building confidence, navigating rejection with grace, and why even the smallest roles can lay the groundwork for success.

From the nuances of maintaining professionalism in a cutthroat environment to the seismic shift in career dynamics brought on by social media, Patricia unpacks the complexities of a career in the public eye. Her insights ring true not just for aspiring stars, but for professionals in any field looking to hone their presentation skills and self-advocacy. Alongside tales from behind the scenes of "Deal or No Deal," Patricia candidly discusses the personal impact of her name change, embracing her Greek heritage while forging a unique identity in the industry.

As we round out our discussion, we touch on the personal side of perseverance in the face of industry rejection, and the power of mutual support between partners balancing their own dynamic careers. Patricia opens up about her life with former NFL player Noel Lamontagne and her journey from model to author, underscoring the significance of embracing a multifaceted professional identity. Join us for this episode brimming with rich stories and invaluable advice that transcends the glitz and glamour, offering a down-to-earth perspective on thriving in entertainment and beyond.

Patricia Kara, known for her role as a model on the popular TV game show "Deal or No Deal," is no stranger to the spotlight. But in a recent podcast episode, she reveals the depths of her journey, transforming from a television luminary to a published author with a treasure trove of industry knowledge. Her story is not just one of fame but also of resilience, adaptability, and the quest for personal growth. As she navigates through her past experiences, she sheds light on the multifaceted nature of show business and the myriad ways to forge a sustainable career in such a volatile industry.

The discussion with Patricia Kara is enlightening, especially for those enamored by the glitz and glamor of the entertainment world. Her insights provide a candid look into the industry, breaking down the often glamorized facade to reveal the real-world challenges and opportunities that lie within. Patricia doesn't hold back in sharing her struggles and triumphs, making it clear that her path to success wasn't just handed to her on a silver platter; it was earned through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from every experience, no matter how small or insignificant it may have seemed at the time.

An interesting takeaway from the episode is the significance of building confidence and dealing with rejection, a universal theme that transcends industries. Patricia's approach to rejection is particularly noteworthy. She frames it as an inevitable part of the process, a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. This mindset, coupled with her emphasis on networking and professionalism, serves as valuable advice for anyone looking to excel not just in entertainment but in any field that requires a strong public persona.

The conversation also ventures into the effects of social media on personal branding and career development. In today's digital age, your online presence can open doors or close them, as Patricia herself has experienced. The anecdotes shared serve as a cautionary tale about the permanence of the digital footprint and the importance of mindful self-representation in the virtual world. This is particularly relevant for aspiring professionals who are navigating the complex interplay between their private lives and public personas.

Patricia's reflections on her time with "Deal or No Deal" provide a behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of working on a hit game show. From the lengthy taping sessions to the camaraderie among the cast, she offers a unique perspective that fans of the show will find fascinating. It's these personal stories, peppered with humor and authenticity, that make the podcast episode a standout. They not only entertain but also humanize the often idealized world of television, bringing listeners closer to the reality of what it takes to be part of such a high-profile production.

In closing, the episode touches on Patricia's life with her husband, former NFL player Noel Lamontagne, and her transition from modeling to writing. This shift highlights the importance of versatility and not being confined to a single professional identity. Patricia's journey serves as an inspiring example of how embracing change and pursuing multiple passions can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic career. For those at the crossroads of their own professional paths, her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of reinvention.

Overall, the podcast episode with Patricia Kara is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in entertainment or looking to navigate the complexities of a career in the public eye. It's a reminder that success is not a linear path but a mosaic of experiences that shape who we are and what we can become. Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or a newcomer with stars in your eyes, Patricia's insights offer guidance, encouragement, and a dose of reality that is both grounding and motivating.

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FULL SHOW TRANSCRIPT

CONTENTS OF THIS VIDEO

ABOUT THE BOOK: DREAM ON… NOW DELIVER BY PATRICIA KARA

HOW TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN HOLLYWOOD AS AN ACTRESS, MODEL AND TV PRESENTER

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE

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