Conversations with Alya Lei

Welcome to the "Conversations with Alya Lei" podcast; where actor, improviser and audiobook narrator, Alya Lei brings you weekly episodes filled with inspiration and insight. Each episode features captivating guest interviews, valuable resources, and/or uplifting content. Join us as we explore the journeys, challenges, and successes of creatives and entrepreneurs, offering wisdom and motivation to fuel your own path.

Lynn Harris: Championing Diversity and Inclusivity in Comedy 11/13/2024

Lynn Harris: Championing Diversity and Inclusivity in Comedy Lynn Harris is a trailblazer in the comedy world, passionately addressing gender disparity through her transformative initiatives and perspectives. As the founder of Gold Comedy, Harris has created a nurturing platform that empowers women and underrepresented groups to pursue comedy careers, challenging the traditional male-dominated narrative. She highlights the systemic gender biases in the industry, noting the unequal representation of women in leading roles and the significant power dynamics where humor dictates societal structures. Through her work with Gold Comedy and Persisticon, Harris combines her journalistic acumen and comedic flair to advocate for gender equality, using humor as a catalyst for social change and empowerment. Lynn Harris, a comedian, writer, and founder of Gold Comedy, has a diverse career that merges journalism and comedy, using humor to advocate for social change and gender justice. Gold Comedy amplifies underrepresented voices in the comedy industry, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and aiming to normalize the notion that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can be recognized simply as a comedian. Harris emphasizes the importance of using statistics to address gender inequality in comedy and challenges the notion that male comics are the default standard. Through Gold Comedy, she provides a supportive community, mentorship, and educational opportunities for aspiring comedians worldwide, offering classes in stand-up, sketch, improv, and more. By fostering a global network of support and collaboration, Gold Comedy empowers individuals to thrive in the comedy industry on their own terms. (00:00:11) Championing Diversity and Inclusivity in Comedy (00:02:46) Humor-infused Journalism: Lynn Harris' Impact (00:10:55) Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Comedy (00:12:51) Empowering Comedy: Breaking Gender-Based Norms (00:25:02) Inclusive Comedy School Fostering Global Connections (00:29:08) Celebrity-Led Comedy Mentorship Network /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/33923852

Zhive Media and Mara McCann: A Dynamic Duo in the Film Industry 10/18/2024

Zhive Media and Mara McCann: A Dynamic Duo in the Film Industry Mara McCann, the visionary founder of Zhive Media, is at the forefront of shaping the future of the entertainment industry by bridging the gap between film financiers and creative talents. Through Zhive Media, she has established a vibrant membership community and a distribution incubator, empowering writers, directors, and actor/producers to seamlessly bring their projects to market. Mara's passion for creative and business growth is evident in her commitment to mentoring pre-seed companies and curating opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the film ecosystem. Her efforts are further amplified by Zhive Media's initiatives, including an exciting in-person event in Los Angeles (October 25-27, 2024), designed to support independent filmmakers and foster a thriving network of industry resources. Here are three key takeaways from the podcast: 1. **Continuous Learning and Desire for Growth:** Mara McCann emphasized the power of learning and how a strong desire to expand one's knowledge can open up numerous possibilities. She shared her own journey of transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship and how being open to learning new skills paved the way for her success. 2. **Embracing Change and Flexibility:** Mara McCann highlighted the significance of adaptability and flexibility in the entrepreneurial landscape. She discussed the concept of an incubator as a space that provides mentors and resources to help individuals execute their ideas effectively, emphasizing the value of being open to new solutions and opportunities. 3. **Community Engagement and Networking:** Zhive Media's focus on community building and providing platforms for independent filmmakers was a key theme in the episode. Mara McCann mentioned an upcoming event in Los Angeles (October 25-27, 2024) aimed at supporting filmmakers and creating a collaborative ecosystem within the industry. (00:00:06) Independent Film Ecosystem and Mara McCann (00:09:32) Time as Valuable as Money in Film (00:14:46) "Embracing Change for Entrepreneurial Advancement" (00:17:55) Embracing Intuitive Paths for Personal Growth (00:26:31) "Engage with Alya Lei for Zive Media" /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/33519682

Healing through Comedy: Aidan Park's Story 10/04/2024

Healing through Comedy: Aidan Park's Story Aidan Park, the dynamic founder and CEO of the Yay Foundation, harnesses his talents as an award-winning stand-up comedian and bestselling author to pioneer emotional healing and inner child work. Through his book, "The Art of Being Yay" (The OMG NSFW Memoir and Guide to Authentic Joy), Aidan underscores the significance of joy and authenticity, drawing from personal experiences to demonstrate the transformative power of embracing one's inner child. He believes that unresolved childhood traumas can manifest as intense reactions in adulthood, and his innovative use of comedy serves as a powerful tool to foster mental and emotional health, encouraging self-expression and connection. Aidan Park's collaborative efforts through engaging wellness programs continue to inspire individuals to delve into past experiences, empathize with their inner child, and pursue genuine happiness and self-acceptance. Here are three key takeaways from the episode: 1. **Utilizing Comedy for Healing**: Aidan Park's Yay Foundation utilizes comedy as a tool for promoting mental and emotional health. By incorporating humor into educational programs and workshops, the foundation fosters self-expression and healing through laughter. 2. **Personal Storytelling and Connection**: Aidan Park emphasized the importance of embracing emotions and narratives, encouraging individuals to engage in inner child work and empathize with themselves. By revisiting past emotional experiences, it is possible to heal and grow from unresolved traumas. 3. **Spreading Joy and Compassion**: The Yay Foundation aims to empower individuals to find joy and healing through a compassionate and joyful approach to mental well-being. By creating safe spaces for personal storytelling and connecting through comedy events, the foundation promotes emotional balance and self-acceptance. National Alliance of Mental Illness American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Aids Healthcare Foundation Website: https://www.theyayfoundation.org/ Instagram: @aidanparkshow (00:01:40) Healing through Comedy: Yay Foundation's Impact (00:14:45) "The Art of Being Yay": Finding Purpose (00:16:44) Impact of Childhood Molestation on Fear (00:27:12) Embracing Emotional Balance for Lasting Happiness (00:30:08) Desperation-Fueled Drug Use for Coping (00:36:50) Journey of Self-Discovery and Compassion (00:45:32) Embracing Authentic Narratives Through Comedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ComedyForHealing #FindingHappiness #EmotionalBalance #EmpathyMatters #OvercomingChallenges #StorytellingThroughComedy #InnerChildWork #SelfExpression #JoyfulHealing #EmbraceEmotions #SupportThroughHumor /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/33324957

From Anchor to Actress: Morgan Deer's Journey to Success 09/24/2024

From Anchor to Actress: Morgan Deer's Journey to Success Morgan Deer, now based in Los Angeles, shares a unique and inspiring perspective on her acting journey, rooted in her transition from a career as a news anchor in Humboldt County. Her dedication to the craft is palpable, as she immersed herself in various acting workshops, studios, and improvisation classes, all while living with epilepsy—a condition that has only fueled her determination. Despite facing self-doubt and uncertainty, Morgan draws inspiration from renowned actors like Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, embracing every opportunity to bring memorable characters to life, including her role as a news reporter in the film "Fresh Air." Through her story, she hopes to inspire others, particularly those with disabilities, to pursue their dreams with unwavering confidence and persistence. Quick Outline(00:01:05) Empowering Actors with Epilepsy through Advocacy (00:05:48) From News Anchor to Hollywood: Morgan Deer's Transformation (00:13:04) Navigating Obstacles with Self-Belief (00:20:15) Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience and Dedication (00:24:34) Inspired Journey to Acting Success in LA (00:27:35) Acting Opportunities and Pursuing Dreams Key Takeaways - Morgan Deer advocates for individuals with disabilities in the acting industry and encourages them to pursue their dreams despite challenges. - Transitioning from news producer to news anchor and then to actor, Morgan highlights her journey from a small town to Los Angeles. - Morgan emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming self-doubt and navigating obstacles in Hollywood. - Morgan and Alya Lei stress the value of persistence and determination in achieving success and inspiring others to stay focused on their goals. - By attending acting classes and securing an agent, Morgan emphasizes the importance of taking action towards one's dreams despite fear and self-doubt. - Morgan Deer shares her experience in the film 'Fresh Air' as a news reporter, showcasing her dedication to learning lines and pursuing her acting dream. Actionable Insights - Believe in yourself and be your own biggest supporter to avoid self-doubt - Take inspired action towards your dreams even when faced with fear and self-doubt - Persistence and determination are crucial in pursuing your goals and overcoming challenges - Leverage your background and skills to create opportunities in your desired field - Stay focused on your goals and persist through adversity to achieve success - Do not let your identity be defined by any challenges or conditions you may face Socials: - Instagram: /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/33179792

Vanessa Haney: Horror Stories Author 09/14/2024

Vanessa Haney: Horror Stories Author Vanessa Haney (pen name: Van Haney) grew up in the new age circus known as the entertainment industry. Van was first published in an anthology of poems in 1997. In the early 2000's she was showcased in young filmmaker competitions for her screenplays, and in 2018 while getting her Master's in Education, while also working as VP of Communications at Shoreline Entertainment, she self-published her first book of short stories, "Stories to Curl Your Toes". Now after two children and a move to the Pacific Northwest she's unleashing her stories into the world once again. "Bloody Ever After" nine short stories based on re-imagined fairy tales, will be free for digital download on Amazon August 13th through 15th. If you follow her on TikTok: Van_Haney_Books (where Vanessa tells ghost stories), Vanessa will be doing a giveaway for both of her books of horror shorts in September and in October, she will be releasing her novel, currently titled "Safest in the Light". TikTok: Van_Haney_Books Instagram: @dystopianess Show Notes (timing is approximate) 28s Intro Vanessa Haney aka TikTok: Van_Haney_Books 1m 15s - Growing up in the Hollywood Circus 3m 12s - Started acting 3m 45s - Looking back - wished she focused more on what she was good at in film school - not the “idea” of the path 4m 6s - Getting into film sales, VP of communications 5m 15s - Details of film sales 8 years: what is it, how Vanessa got into it, how/why she get out of it 6m 38s - Miracle and Interview with Shoreline entertainment 7m 17s - Going to Cannes and assistant to VP of Shoreline 7m43s - Communications and becoming VP 8m 07s - Great boss teaching how to market yourself and be an entrepreneur 8m 34s - High stress job - only 1-3% of films make their money back / profit 9m 13s - Loved job, but no longer a fit with wanting a family 9m 43s - Received Masters in Education 9m 53s - Tends to say “yes” when presented with opportunities 10m 28s - Improv in high school and college 10m 36s - One of the main ways independent films are sold 13m 41s - Picking up films at festivals 13m 47s - Picking up films that have never been screened at a film festival 13m 57s - Pitching directly to decision makers at Cannes, TiFF, etc 14m 47s - Pitched films are not purchased by the company, works as a sales agent 15m 21s - How independent filmmakers get in touch with companies like Shoreline 15m 37s - Cinando.com created by Cannes film festival 15m 52s - look up film sales agents 16m 02s - Short films? 16m 13s - Shoreline distribution wing 17m 01s - Self publish books vs publisher, similar to picking up and distribution for films 17m 38s - Transitioning into being a mom 18m 26s - Volunteering at homeless shelters cooking and teaching art, exploring teaching as a new career 18m 54s - Film set and School community similarities 19m 27s - Looking back, missing things about Shoreline 20m 27s - Timeline after Masters degree and moving to Pacific Northwest 21m 12s - 2022 in Portland, Oregon - teaching and involved in school district 22m 22s - When did writing, screenplays and books, get involved? 23m 28s - Started writing 15 years ago, novels and bizarro books 24m 01s - 2019 wrote short stories and published them 24m 33s - 1st published book 24m 48s - Publish another book 25m 07s - YA fantasy book 25m 17s - Self publishing books 26m 07s - Started social media 26m 31s - Finding your niche 26m 54s - Ghost stories 27m 16s - TikTok: Van_Haney_Books (videos) and Instagram: @dystopianess (horror writing) 27m 52s - Why writing fantasy and horror has always been a part of Vanessa’s life 28m 37s - Most recent horror book, Safest in the Light, hybrid baby as metaphor for being a parent, juxtaposition LA lifestyle 29m 58s - Beta readers and editor, out in October 2024 30m 29s - 2nd book of short stories, Bloody Ever After, 9 re-imagined fairy tales, available on Amazon 31m 04s - 1st book, Stories to Curl Your Toes, short stories on Amazon 31m 22s - Books that go out with the Northwest independent writers association 31m 47s - Giveaways of books and swag - follow Vanessa on social media /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/33049937

Stephanie Bell - Award Winning Producer 09/06/2024

Stephanie Bell - Award Winning Producer STEPHANIE BELL, PGA A member of the Producers Guild of America, Stephanie is an Emmy nominated & multi-award-winning producer and line producer with over 25 years experience in film, TV & digital content. Her films (both features and shorts) have screened in over 75 film festivals around the world, garnering more than 50 awards, including 14 for “Best Feature”.  Stephanie’s goal is to tell daring and provocative stories that spark a dialogue about the human condition and how our actions impact it.  She is the founding partner of three production companies, BelLipoma Entertainment, HatLine Productions, and Remote Films. She is a member of the Producer’s Guild of America. Stephanie is also an adjunct professor at College of the Desert in Palm Springs, CA, where she teaches producing and line producing. She also serves as a casting director through her casting company, 2 Tall Dames, based in Palm Springs.  In addition to her teaching, Stephanie has served as a mentor to high school and college students in the Coachella Valley. As a member of the Palm Springs Women in Film & TV (PSWIFT), Stephanie served as Co-Chair of the Events Committee. Stephanie also has a background in business and legal affairs, having worked in the legal departments at Paramount Picture, Interscope Communications, and Franchise Pictures.  Stephanie began her career in the entertainment industry as an actress, performing Off- Broadway and regionally. She had the honor of studying in New York City under the tutelage of the Oscar-winning director, Mike Nichols. Show Notes (Timing is approximate): 7sec Stephanie Bell Intro - 1min - 3 production companies - Bellipoma Entertainment, HatLine Productions & Remote films 1min 10 sec - adjunct professor at the College of the Desert in palm springs 1min 20s - casting director at 2 tall dames casting company 2m study under oscar winner Mike Nichols 2m 30 sec oscar winning producers, directors, actors always want to do more 3m 04 sec mike Nichols and improvisation - new actors workshop 3m 20 sec Paul Sills and Second City Improv 3m 30 sec Paul Sills, George Morrison broadway director - 3 teachers for improv training program 4m 07s - Viola Spolin’s sister 4m 43 s - how is Stephanie so prolific, how did Stephanie get started, how is Stephanie so successful? 5m 02s - growing up in family where acting is a hobby 5m 9s - environmental lawyer, english literature major, public relations 5m 28 s- started acting as a young child 5m 35 s - decision to be an actress 5m 54 s - regrets article by Erik Erikson, therapist 6m 20 s - oldest all female theatre company, The Snarks 6m 35 s - left job, in NY city, auditions, etc. 6m 45s - accepted into the New Actors Workshop, acting took off 6m 54 s - workshopping off broadway play brought to Los Angeles 7m 09s - stayed in LA, temp job at Interscope 7m 15 s - hired full time at Interscope, late 90’s, lots of activity in small theaters 7m 45s - involved with Sacred Fools Theater Company 7m 53 s - asked to produce a play 8m 6s - fell in love with producing & why 8m 15s “Don’t wait for people to create work for you, create your own work” 8m 26 s - started doing short films, produced 35 plays in Los Angeles, won awards, segue into features 8m 57 s - always said yes, accepting every offer, can’t give it up 9m 28 sec - recap and timing of decision to act and progress 10m 37 s - great advice Stephanie received from a working actress 11m - get your process and use it to build your acting career 11m 38 s - new actors workshop 11m 42 s - George Morrison taught wesley snipes, edie falco, and more 12m - new actors workshop - so many formats of teaching, find what works for you - your own process 12m 52 sec - 2 years at new actors worksop, then 4 years doing theatre in NYC, then went to LA and never left 13m 22sec - George Morrison said it takes 10 years to hone your craft, ie Sharon Stone, Hank Azaria 13m 54sec - use every audition as an opportunity to work your craft 15m 36sec - everyone has a special quality and finding your special quality 16m 14sec - Stanley Tucci story, right out of school 16m 40 sec - hard part of being an actress - can’t be worried about what other people think about you. Believe in Yourself. 17m 36 sec - remembering who you are 18m - Trust your instincts 18m 51 sec - LA timeline 18m 57sec - 45 yrs old and want to be an actor? 19m 36 sec - involvement with Sacred Fools 21m 50 sec - finding the yes within the no 22m 25 sec - learning which mountains to climb and which battles to fight 22m 50 sec - compromising with other producers 23m 03 sec - producers as writers 23m 54 sec - being too close to the material 24m 57sec - transition out of acting into producing 27m 40 sec - Stephanie teaching 27m 56s - getting involved with the palm springs women in film and television 28m - networking and teaching film development and producing at College of the Desert 29m 02sec - Line producing responsibilities 29m 53 sec - how a producer gets paid 30m 49sec - independent film world 32m 18sec - thoughts of success and failure as an artist 33m 08sec - everything that can go wrong, did go wrong on music video 35m 43 sec - wonderful things about the film industry 36m 28sec - working with people you enjoy 37m 49sec -how to get through when a person is challenged 40m 22 sec - “I am still here” film drama about child sex trafficking in the U.S. on Amazon 40m 58 sec - “Inverse” sci-fi/drama film on Amazon 41m19sec - current projects Stephanie is working on 42m10sec - writer Michael Lipolma 42m 15 sec - writer Mischa Marcus, @sanemenmovie.com 42m 19 sec - Stephanie’s active production companies: Bellipoma Entertainment and HatLine Productions 42m 36sec - how to contact Stephanie 43m 50 sec - Stephanie great at auditioning 44m 10sec - why Stephanie was great at improv /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/32938882

Achieve acting success anywhere with a strategy from award-winning actor Chrissy Hogue Bartels 08/21/2024

Achieve acting success anywhere with a strategy from award-winning actor Chrissy Hogue Bartels Achieve acting success anywhere with a strategy from award-winning actress Chrissy Hogue Bartels! Chrissy Hogue Bartels shares her journey as an actor, challenges of being "derailed" from acting and her strategy to be successful as an actor no matter where you live! Chrissy is a multi-award winning actor with a recent Best Supporting Actress Award from the Iowa Motion Picture Association for her role as "Katie" in a film she produced titled A Swan Song. She recently became SAG Eligible after booking a co-star on the popular NBC TV Show Chicago PD, holds an MFA in TV & Film with a concentration in Script & Screenwriting and has 1 feature-length script, 4 short screenplays, and a full-length stage play written. Chrissy most recently performed a "graduation" Tight-5 via The Second City's Stand-Up I class and is hitting open-mics virtually and all over the country depending on where she's working. She coaches actors and teaches communication at Clarke University and Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently in production on several films. Follow Chrissy on IG to find out where she'll be performing Stand-Up and for upcoming release dates on the films she's in production on! Instagram @ChrissyHogueBartels Website is Show Notes (Times are approximate!) 13sec Intro - 2min30 sec Hollywood Winner’s Circle - developed by manager Wendy Alaine Wright 5 min - journey as an actor 5min 36 sec - transition from theatre into tv & film 6m10 sec - one woman show - the stupid economy 6min 42 sec - julian dubuque international film festival - one of the top 50 film festivals in the world 7min 58sec - becoming a producer, writer & director 9m 19sec - Kate Mulgrew - captain laneway in star trek, orange is the new black, chair of film festival 10min 42 sec - impetus for one woman show - twin towers 9-11 25min Goodman theatre 26min Derailed 14min 34 sec - when Chrissy knew she wanted to be an actor 17min 6 sec - derailed so many times 18m 27s - acting again in high school 20m 3s - magical things happen, rome, awards, 20m13s - never give up 20m56s - what it’s like to be a car salesperson and taught Chrissy how to stop living in the mindset of lack and how that changed everything 22m 33s - derailed again - got married and had kids, acting put to the side - 23m 36 s - producing benefit vagina monologues, had cops called on them, raised $30k in 2 nights for the Riverview center - local rape crisis shelter, 25m 41s - where is chrissy now? when did chrissy start booking film & tv? 5 year plan. 26m 3s - classes with James Ciccone 26m 17s - booked Chicago PD 26m 38s - won best supporting actress award 26m 56s - audition, chemistry read and booked first feature film. director fought for chrissy for the lead, but producer wanted a name actress instead. director loved chrissy so much he expanded and wrote the role for Chrissy. 29m6s - how chrissy created her acting strategy 29m42s - strategy for actors in communities not in major markets 31m40s - Follow ChrissyHogueBartels on Instagram. YouTube. Website. Podcast in August: Violent Women in Film, 32m02s - books on how to make a living acting anywhere. on Amazon and website 32m33s - least favorite food and why /episode/index/show/alicekwongactor/id/32683952