Turning Adversity into Art: The Bold Journey of Eric Lee Olsen

In life, we often hear about the “overnight successes” and the seamless paths to stardom. But what about the ones who fight through rejection, setbacks, and even sleeping in a Kia Soul to make their dreams a reality? Welcome to Bold Moves, where we highlight the fearless risk-takers, entrepreneurs, and creatives who push past the obstacles and step boldly into their futures.

In Episode 5, we had the privilege of sitting down with Eric Lee Olsen, an actor, writer, and all-around creative force, to unpack his remarkable journey—one shaped by resilience, humor, and an unshakable belief in himself. Listen to the full episode for an even deeper dive into Eric's story: S1:E5 - Unleashing Boldness: The Journey of Eric Lee Olsen.

The Art of Rejection: Learning to Push Forward

Every great story has a moment of rejection, and Eric’s is no exception. His first audition at 15 wasn’t just a letdown—it was a gut punch. After walking in with high hopes, he was told, “We can’t really work with you until you learn not to smile because your teeth are too big.”

For many, that kind of critique would be a career-ending moment. But Eric didn’t let it define him. Instead, he used rejection as fuel, recognizing that setbacks weren’t personal—they were part of the process. Fast forward to today, and he’s carved out his own space in the creative world, proving that persistence beats perfection every time.

Surviving the Storm: When Life Knocks You Down

Eric’s journey took a dramatic turn when a toxic relationship left him stranded—emotionally, financially, and even physically. Just days before his wedding, everything unraveled, and he found himself without a home, a plan, or even a place to stay.

With no family nearby, he made a bold decision: he wasn’t leaving Arizona, no matter what. He slept in his car, used a 24-hour Planet Fitness as his makeshift bathroom, and hopped between fast-food restaurants to get through the nights. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was survival.

Rather than letting despair consume him, Eric turned this period into a creative breakthrough. During those long nights in his car, he began writing—a process that eventually became his book, A Long List of My Sad Stories. The key lesson? Your darkest moments can be the foundation for your greatest work.

The Healing Power of Humor & Creativity

Eric quickly realized something powerful: humor was his secret weapon.

By taking the pain of his experiences and flipping them into comedy, he was able to heal—not just himself, but others who resonated with his journey. Whether through stand-up, improv, or writing, he used storytelling to turn his struggles into something meaningful.

This ability to find light in the darkest places is something we can all learn from. When life throws curveballs, can we shift our perspective and find a way to laugh?

Improv as a Life Skill: Adapting & Thriving in the Unknown

One of the biggest game-changers in Eric’s journey was improv.

For anyone unfamiliar, improv isn’t just about being funny on stage—it’s about adapting, thinking on your feet, and embracing uncertainty. In Eric’s words:

“Life is one big improv show. The better you get at rolling with the unexpected, the more successful you’ll be.”

This lesson applies far beyond acting. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a salesperson, or simply navigating the unpredictability of life, learning to embrace the unexpected is key.

Building a Personal Brand in the Digital Age

Eric also touched on something that every creative and business professional needs to hear: putting yourself out there matters.

He admitted that he hasn’t always been consistent with social media, but he recognizes that today’s creators need to post frequently, engage with their audience, and build an online presence. The world isn’t going to come knocking—you have to make yourself visible.

For actors, this means showing up on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to showcase your talent. For entrepreneurs, it means marketing yourself and not being afraid to be seen.

What’s Next for Eric Lee Olsen?

Looking ahead, Eric has big goals—booking a sitcom, securing more acting roles, and even diving into the world of investing. But more than anything, he wants to use his experiences to help others push through their own struggles.

If there’s one thing to take away from his journey, it’s this:

You don’t need a perfect plan to succeed—you just need the courage to take bold moves, adapt, and keep going.

Connect with Eric

If you want to follow Eric’s journey or check out his book, here’s where you can find him:

📖 Book: A Long List of My Sad Stories on Amazon

📷 Instagram: @eleeo_show

👤 Facebook: Eric Lee Olsen

Listen to the full episode for an even deeper dive into Eric's story: S1:E5 - Unleashing Boldness: The Journey of Eric Lee Olsen.

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Make Bold Moves?

Eric’s story is a testament to grit, adaptability, and the power of storytelling.

What’s holding you back? Whether it’s the fear of rejection, the uncertainty of taking a risk, or the struggle of putting yourself out there—remember, the only way to move forward is to start.

So what bold move will you take today? 🚀