Episode 12: Toby Poser

Do you remember back in the day when you took pictures, you would have to take the film to the drugstore and wait an eternity for the pictures to be developed? There was no quick snap, throw on a filter and post on Instagram situation. Days later the pictures would finally show up in a little paper envelope. At the very bottom of the envelope would be the negatives from the film that were like little, tiny, faded images of the pictures themselves. Memories of the memories. 

When I talk to Toby Poser, I feel like I am holding the negatives in my hands of our more than 30 years of friendship. She was a huge part of my world during my twenties in New York. And throughout the ups and downs of living we have managed to keep a friendship that has matured over time. In our conversation you will get glimpse of what makes her such a special human being. She is a contemplative and thoughtful person who can disarm you with her effervescent laughter. And as seriously as she takes her work as an actress, what keeps her persisting in this very challenging industry of show business is that it is fun. And it is a gift. And it is a way to marry her passions of creativity with the passion of growing and learning with her family. 

Toby moves through her life with a subtle grace and strength. When the television and film industries wanted to disregard her because she didn’t meet an arbitrary physical standard, she found her voice as a director, producer and writer and formed a production company with her husband and two daughters to create films that all four of them could act in, and wholly produce. Saying “yes” isn’t always about changing directions. Oftentimes it can be about reinforcing the dream that is already present and active in your soul and creating the conditions for that dream to prosper and grow even deeper roots within you.