We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amy Wade. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amy below.

Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is currently underway in the early stages of pre-production. It’s a documentary titled, “SAVING LIVES WITH PSYCHEDELICS.” This project is close to my heart because it’s about how psychedelic medicines saved me from committing suicide four years ago. Prior to this miraculous, life-changing experience, I suffered from debilitating depression and anxiety since early childhood. Throughout my life, I sought help from psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, all of whom prescribed pharmaceutical drugs, which only made my depression worse. In the fall of 2020, I was planning to end my life when my best friend intervened and convinced me to travel to Mexico to work with shaman healers and psychedelic medicines. It was the most important decision I’ve ever made. Since then, I’ve been on a journey of healing and spiritual awakening. I’m free from pharmaceutical drugs, and I no longer think about suicide. I know these medicines can help others; people struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, PTSD, and other mental (and physical) ailments CAN experience true healing and freedom from suffering. I hope my documentary can help spread a message of hope and inspiration to those in need.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

First and foremost, I am a passional animal lover and advocate for animal rights. Through storytelling, I try to promote and protect the welfare of all living creatures. The plight of the animal kingdom has always weighed heavily on my heart. I will be working on other documentaries in the future to raise awareness, and to try to make a positive impact on the world. Regarding myself as an actress and a writer has always been my passion. From a young age, making people laugh is something I love to do. Physical comedy comes easily for me, and I think I’m pretty good at it! I also love sketch comedy and playing different characters. Being on SNL is a life-long dream.
I’ve been pursuing this craft since 1990. Lots of small successes, but MANY failures! The failures are actually successes in disguise, but when they happen it’s easy to get discouraged. You have to keep your eye on the goal and embrace the lessons as they come. I love creative people because we face insurmountable rejection and keep on going. You have to be resilient in this business.
Perseverance has played a huge role in my latest project, a film titled “SECLUSION” which will be premiering on the LIFETIME movie channel this fall. I started writing the screenplay over five years ago, and finally saw it come to fruition this winter. I play a co-starring role in the movie as well.
Besides pursuing my craft in the entertainment world, family is most important to me. My parents are my biggest supporters. I’m in AWE of their energy and drive at ages 84 and 82! My fiance, Brian LaBella, is my soul-mate. He has been my rock during the toughest times. Our relationship has grown stronger in the face of adversity, and I realize how lucky I am to have this man by my side.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my life is that if you want to make a difference in the world, you have to start with yourself. I was so incredibly lost for many, many years. The depression was eating me alive. I was full of self-loathing, self-pity, and hopelessness. It wasn’t until I surrendered to the “unknown” that I truly began to heal. I had to find the courage to face my fears and delve deep into my own soul to experience what I consider a true Miracle. I’m still healing; it’s a life-long journey but I’m finally on the right path and I see the light! Through meditation, mindfulness training, love, and forgiveness (for myself and others) I feel fortunate and blessed to be alive. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share my story.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2009, I decided to put my acting career on hold to work with my father at a mill in Rhode Island. It was a challenging job- lots of physical labor, construction, cleaning, and managing residents while overseeing the property and grounds. I planned on working there for a year, until my father could retire. One year turned into 10 years! He retired at age 83. He is my HERO. I’m forever grateful for the ten years of memories we have together, working at the mill. Priceless! Wouldn’t trade it for ANYTHING. Hollywood isn’t going anywhere- it’s never too late to do what you love to do. I’m back in the game, and I feel better and stronger than ever before!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is the opportunity to share stories with other people, using humor, wit, hardships, and experiences to entertain, educate, and inspire. The world needs love and compassion, and comedy! If I can make someone laugh, I have succeeded. If I inspire someone to make a change, that is success. If a story has a positive impact on another human being, I have done my job well!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amywade.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/amywadeactress
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/amywadefilmmaker
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/amywadeactress
• My Blog: www.amyhasissues.blogspot.com

Image Credits
Brian LaBella and Chris Morrissey