Keep learning to improve your craft and skills. I take some type of class every day of the week — acting, dancing, and singing. I go to two different dance studios and have three different instructors teaching five hours of dance. I also go to two singing coaches.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brodie Mullin.
Brodie Mullin is an actor and an award-winning singer-songwriter and dancer. Brodie is also an anti-bullying advocate who encourages people to be themselves and protect others who can’t stand up for themselves.
Website — https://sites.google.com/view/brodie-mullin/home
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
My first experience with music was dancing around my living room to “So You Think You Can Dance.” My parents enrolled me a hip hop dance class. Now I take five-six hours a week of dance classes and I dance competitively. Most recently I won 2nd place in my category and 5th overall for the teen solo category.
I auditioned to be in a music video. I found that I really liked acting so I started taking classes and then got a talent agent. My most recent work is being a cast member of Winning Feathers which teaches soft skills.
My agent wanted me to audition for a singing role so I started taking voice lessons. Now I have three songs streaming on all social media.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
For my first audition, I had to dance, but I had a lot of technical difficulties. I tried to connect my phone to the speaker and it didn’t work. Luckily, my mom had her laptop. While she was logging in and getting the music set up, I talked casually with the casting directors and showed some of my karate skills and forms. Finally, we had music, but it still wouldn’t play through the speaker. So we just played it through the laptop. It wasn’t the best scenario, but it worked. Just before my dance audition I learned that Ludacris was watching. So, I got to audition for Ludacris and I got the part too. I am in one of his Kidnation videos.
My takeaway is that not everything will go smoothly so always be prepared.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I would tell them to follow their dreams and not give up. I have been on many auditions, but didn’t get the role. I feel that even getting the audition is a win. Work hard, take classes, and learn from others. It is important to network. I also take jobs that don’t pay just to get experience.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
My parents have made an impact on my life. They always believe in me and push me to challenge myself to be better and even to try new things. They have supported me every step of the way. They pay for my lessons, they drive me to lessons, they travel with me so that I can perform at events, and they never give up on me.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on starting a non-profit organization. It will be a place where teachers, counselors, and administrators can go to request a grant to implement anti-bullying curriculum and kindness incentives in their schools. I have a business proposal drafted and I’m hoping to talk to a major corporation in the next couple of weeks that will hopefully back this project.
In the meantime, I perform at anti-bullying events in the community and at schools.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
As I mentioned, earlier, my agent wanted me to audition for a singing role so I started taking voice lessons. After taking lessons, I released my first single, “Headshot.” It is a song I co-wrote and it is inspired by Fortnite.
After I released “Headshot” people were posting horrible comments on YouTube. I had to turn the comments off. I started researching why people post negative comments and learned it is because they are hurting and in a bad place. It was actually a conversation between Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) and Charlie D’Amelio that was posted on YouTube where I learned this. I even mention Gary Vee in the song. So, my voice coach and I started putting verses together and wrote “Warrior.” Warrior is based on events that happened in my life. I was bullied for having long hair and classmates called me gay and transgender. The song is about being kind to everyone even if we don’t look like them or have the same views and beliefs. I also sing about being an upstander or ally to stop bullying and to let victims know to focus on supporters, follow their dreams, and not let anyone stand in the way of their destiny. I hope the song empowers allies and victims.
“Warrior” won Song of the Year at the Atlanta Kidz Choice Awardz. I was nominated for Best Youth Artist in a Music Video by the Young Artist Academy and Best Music Video by the Skyline Performer Awards.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
After every performance I have kids and adults come up to me and tell me about their experience with bullies. The kids will say that they will be a warrior. They are not going to let others bring them down. Adults tell me that they wished they had someone to tell them that it is okay to be yourself and not let others influence how they feel about themselves. It is really impactful to hear that.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Absolutely. In about six months when my non-profit is ready, they can help spread the word about grants being given to teachers and schools to help promote kindness.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
- Don’t get discouraged. You will go on many auditions. Sometimes you will get the role and many times you will not. Just keep trying.
- Keep learning to improve your craft and skills. I take some type of class every day of the week — acting, dancing, and singing. I go to two different dance studios and have three different instructors teaching five hours of dance. I also go to two singing coaches.
- Meet and talk to everyone on set. Watching me on stage, you would not know that I’m kind of quiet. It really does pay off to network and meet people who you are working with.
- There will be people who don’t like you and they have never met you. The negativity has been tough. People will post negative comments about my work on my YouTube channel. Respond with kindness and know that they are hurting and in a bad place. We must show compassion to these people.
- Social media is a great way to connect with people. I read and respond to every comment.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
It would be an anti-bullying movement. I have a song called, “Warrior.” It is about being kind to everyone even if we don’t look like them or have the same view and beliefs. I sing about being an upstander and if you are a victim of bullying, to follow your dreams and not let anyone keep you from your destiny. “Warrior” won Song of the Year at the Atlanta Kidz Choice Awardz and the music video has been nominated several times. I even have a Warrior merchandise store. I hope the song inspires victims and allies.
I am opening a non-profit organization for teachers, counselors, and administrator to apply for grants. The grant money will be used to purchase anti-bullying curriculum and kindness incentives.
I mention Gary Vee in the “Warrior” song. It would be great if he would listen to it.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
Stay true to yourself. Use your haters as your motivators and remember that your self-worth is not defined by how people treat you or whether or not they like you
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Absolutely, George Lucas. Ever since my parents introduced me to Star Wars, I have been a big fan. It would be so cool to hear how he came up with the idea behind Star Wars. There are so many different locations, made-up worlds and characters that I would like to learn about. He is so creative!
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making A Social Impact: Why & How Brodie Mullin Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.