Meet Casey Carroll | Yoga teacher, trauma-informed facilitator, freelancer, improv actor, artist, and writer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Casey Carroll and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Casey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have to admit, since my divorce in 2017, my whole life has felt like one big risk. Not long after, someone close to me said, “The world is your oyster, Casey.” It was like someone flipped on the lights in a dark room. Yes, I was heartbroken over what I’d lost, but also, yes, the possibilities were suddenly endless. No partner. No mortgage. No kids. I could do all the things that used to whisper to me, like walk the Camino de Santiago, take time off, change careers, work remotely, stop drinking alcohol, do more yoga, and live in a place where the mountains meet the sea (hello, LA).

It was in saying yes to all those whispers to take risks that my personal path became my professional one. Today, I’m a yoga teacher, trauma-informed facilitator, freelancer, improv actor, artist, and writer. This is a big departure from my 9 to 5 desk job in the travel and tourism industry.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I wouldn’t say that getting here has been easy, but I’ve found that the more aligned my life becomes, the easier everything flows. When I practice yoga and meditate, everything that doesn’t matter drops away, making room for creative ideas. When I feel calm and centered, I have the time and energy to follow through on inspiration. I started my first business at 23 years old doing henna body art. Shortly after that, I started playing guitar and singing at events and parties. I’ve always had a creative side hustle, and for the first time in my life, this is shifting to where creativity is taking center stage.

Right now, I’m focused on improv and studying at Upright Citizens Brigade. After a meditation earlier this year, I was inspired to create a web series called “Annual Dinner” where I play six different characters – all completely improvised. The pilot episode is recorded, and I’m planning to release a full season this fall. I have to thank my friend, Rose Donahue, for inspiring me not just to act, but to write, direct, produce, and record my own work. She’s been a powerful example of what it looks like to hustle with heart and grace in today’s Hollywood.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m lucky to call Culver City home, so that’s where we’d kick things off. We’d start the day with a coffee from Philz (their decaf drip is great!), then take a walking tour past the three studios: Sony, Culver, and Amazon MGM. Lunch would be at Café Vida, followed by thrift store shopping at Timeless Treasures. We’d make our way to the heart of downtown Culver City and sit on the stairs while we people watch and enjoy a scoop of Salt & Straw’s pear & blue cheese ice cream.

In the afternoon, we’d hike up Baldwin Hill for views that stretch all the way from downtown to the ocean. I’d point out the different areas of LA to show that we’re a big city for sure, but we’re also just a bunch of smaller neighborhoods. For dinner, nothing beats the wood-fired pizza (and atmosphere) at Jackson Market, a hidden gem that feels like a neighborhood hangout.

From there, each day would be its own little adventure: museum-hopping, hiking, beach days, wandering the Venice Canals, taking the Waterbus through Marina del Rey, exploring Hollywood, WeHo, Beverly Hills, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and, of course, more thrift stores. And yes, I’d absolutely make sure they experience the 405. It’s a rite of passage (and I secretly love watching people’s reactions).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although my post-divorce journey has been a solo one in many ways, I’ve had A LOT of support along the way. My friend Will Farrow showed me it’s okay to leave a job without a plan and go explore. Family friends Eileen Perrigo and Bill Mayhew mentor me in business and Zen meditation. My dad Chuck Carroll and my friend Eric Forbis inspired my career pivots. My mom Patti Carroll taught me it’s never too late to quit something that’s holding you back (her cigarettes and my alcohol). The SHE RECOVERS Foundation has been a huge part of my recovery, and my longtime friend Elizabeth Morton has helped guide me on my late-in-life LGBTQIA+ journey. I also have to give a shout-out to Los Angeles. The people I’ve met, places I’ve explored, and experiences I’ve had in this city impact every single area of my life in the best ways possible. Just living here fills me with inspiration and gratitude.

Website: www.caseycarrollco.com and www.caseyjoycarroll.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseyjoycarroll

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/caseyjoycarroll

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caseyjoycarroll

Image Credits
Sarah Boyer and Nancy McKay