Meet Carson Polish

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carson Polish. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Carson, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

By giving everything purpose! I battled with this thought for a very long time. I went through something incredibly difficult at the age of 18 and felt like nothing I could ever do would be enough. However, I had this one friend that gave me a little boast- all the momentum I needed to really get things going for myself. He said, “I am so impressed with how you make the most of every situation; even during a stressful time”. I couldn’t have disagreed with him more, but the longer it sat with me, the more I realized, that is my purpose.

I knew I loved entertainment. Music, film, art- you name it and I will adore it. I always wanted to step into this space, but felt like I wasn’t giving anything back that would be meaningful enough for people to listen. But, I knew what my friend said and it reminded me: It’s time to make the most out of my sh*tty situation. I used this medium, as an artist, to heal my trauma. However, I noticed after some time, that it was never for me to use to heal. The process and performance helped distract me, but the music and screenplays were for the people. My purpose became: To Start A Revolution. My journey has been painful, but my purpose has never been greater. I can’t wait to share the story of what happened, and with the combination of my art, it could erase the idea of committing the horrible act that happened to me, and raise someone from a very low point in their life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I have often been described as a “golden retriever”. As flattered as I am, because no one loves dogs as much as I do, I want to change the way people view that and just be the most welcoming human alive. And when I explain my story, my trauma, people are floored how I have come such a long way.

When I was 18, I was a witness to my dads death. I was and still am traumatized. Prior to that, I was going through a break up, hung up my skates as a competitive hockey player, and started my college life with no direction. I kept wondering: Where are my super powers? Isn’t that how ever Marvel story starts? Time passed, and I was only grieving harder and harder. I vividly remember that one of the paramedics, who was kind enough to come to the funeral, warned me of this (Shout out to Officer Tony); as he lost his father to something similar. He was right- but his positivity stood out to me. He was in full control of it. So, I learned I could too. Behind close doors, I could cry, until it prevented me from being able to feel any other emotion when I am around people.

What I want you to see when you see my work, is that life is truly the best gift. I hope, even as the antagonist or villain, that I can spark a light of you that shows how much happier life can be when you decide to grow from your trauma, instead of running from it.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

When I first started acting, back in 2022, I had a real problem with being in the moment. I would hear the word “action”, completely disassociate, and then hear the word “cut”. I was working along side an individual who I grew to match the personality of within my first year of acting. In total shock, we’re in a scene together. Maybe it was hot, or the nerves were getting the best of me, but in a scene where I had one line, I was dripping in sweat just during the rehearsal. While this actor, who inspires me dearly, had beautiful girls all around him and crushing each and every take of blocking and running lines. I said to him, “Man, I don’t know how you do it… I am dripping in sweat while you’re playing it super cool under all the pressure you got on you… Not to mention the pretty girls”. He gave me credit for being so smooth then dropped the best advice I have ever heard: “Decide before you show up to set… are you lucky or just good.” I went to wardrobe, looked in the mirror, reminded myself that I am good. That was the first time I noticed I was completely present in a scene. In the moment more than I could ever envision. This is the same advice I would give to anyone.

From there I also learned that being in the moment allowed me to capitalize on being coachable, curious, and personable. I feel like my self even when playing the most out of pocket characters. I worked with a private coach for sometime who has helped me expand my range and learn how to full commit to what the director wants; all while still make my own choices. I learned that I can implement my own triggers to get myself angry. I love that the world will be able to see that someday.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

This might sound wild, but the most impactful thing my parents did for me was allow me to attend a boarding school almost 2 states and 1 time zone away to pursue my hockey career. At the age of 14, I attended Culver Military Academy. I was terrified going there. Being homesick was a huge struggle of mine, and I was underdeveloped, physically and mentally. I was short and really struggled with anxiety in school. This was no easy task for my parents, brother, or sister. We were a family and I was at a place that was very strict on visiting your first year there. However, understanding that this was a struggle for myself AND my family, propelled me into a mindset that I hold dear to this day. That is, to work as hard as I can to make them proud.

For those who don’t know, Culver Academies is a phenomenal school. I was very lucky to go there. As scared of the military aspect as I was, I learned very quickly that the whole point, is to break you down. They have phrases, words, and songs, all referred to as common knowledge. But to anyone that didn’t go there, there was nothing common about this knowledge. However, I treated it like it was and learned it forwards and backwards. This place propelled my ability to understand things.

So, whenever I start a job, whenever I book a gig- I go in there with the understanding that I know nothing. I know nothing until I define what the common knowledge is. For example: I could book a job where I play a homeless man. In the script, theres a part where the homeless man cries. This is my common knowledge: point A: homeless, point B: crying. Then, once I am confident I understand those two points, I pull from what my acting coach calls: the belt. This is, how would I, Carson Polish, do this. I mix up the two worlds of common knowledge: Carson Polish and the homeless man who cries. Now I have more resources than I could ever imagine and in my hopes, that both versions show when I perform.

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Image Credits

Megan Victoria, Dhar Mann, Rain Valdez, Gateway 7

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