My Only Friends

Mitchell Gerrard Johnson is a performer, stylist, and content creator turning nostalgic pop culture moments into viral, high-energy content—with glam, chaos, and a strong sense of humor. Mitchell and I connected through our mutual experience of being called up on stage with Hilary Duff to do her viral With Love dance. We talk all things Hilary Duff, our relationship to social media, and the impact of a good 90s sitcom Disneyland episode. You can follow Mitchell on instagram @mgjohns to see what iconic cultural moment he'll create next.     Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Maiara Walsh is a true multi-hyphenate creative; Brazilian American actress, director, writer, producer, and singer, her work spans film, television, music, and art. She has built a creative practice rooted in bold storytelling and artistic independence, most recently bringing her directorial debut feature film BIGHT, a psychological thriller with a distinct visual identity, from concept to screen. Known from her Disney channel days on Cory in the House to her work on Desperate Housewives and leads on hit Brazilian shows on Netflix, Maiara isn't interested in staying in a single lane. Whether on screen, behind the camera, or in the recording studio, Maiara brings a fearless authenticity to everything she creates. After my conversation with Maiara I felt so energized. We cover the nostalgia of the 90s, the way we combat our anxiety, and how beautiful it is to cultivate friendships with strong women in our 30s. You can watch BIGHT, starring Maiara Walsh out today on Apple + and Amazon.      Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

As a Los Angeles native, Anastasia Washington began professionally acting and singing at just 3-years-old and has since done everything under the show biz sun. Her lengthy list of award-winning talents have given her many titles including: Actress, Comedian, Podcaster, Writer, Director, Singer, Curvy Model, Comic Con Panelist, and Dance Hall Queen. Her work can be seen on-screen in productions such as The Addams Family Movies, Die Hard 2, the award-winning short film Gaslighter,  and the four-part anthology Grind which just made its premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival. Anastasia has created her own Horror Filmmaker Community, with monthly meetups, conventions, and more. She also hosts a new monthly comedy show titled Comedy 4 Nice People in an effort to bring community together and provide a safe space from the outside world.    We talk about how to speak nicer to ourselves, respecting other peoples journey, and X-FILES.   Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Whitt Laxson is a TV producer and content creator based in Tampa, Florida. Since 2020, he's produced the lifestyle program Daytime at Tampa's NBC affiliate, WFLA. He's also host of the Hilary Duff fan podcast Duff Enough and creator of @DuffEnoughProject on social media. Whitt is an avid movie goer, a pop culture junkie and a Disney theme park enthusiast.   Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

On this episode I sit down with my very first podcast guest ever Sarah Quinn to talk about one of the best nights of my life. Recently, I was up on stage with THE Hilary Duff and it was absolutelty what dreams are made of. Enjoy!     Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Steve Garraty is the author of Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life, a speaker, and a longtime business leader. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's as a teenager, his life was interrupted early by illness, uncertainty, and adversity that reshaped how he viewed growth, resilience, and what truly matters. That experience became the foundation for his mission to help others reframe perspective after life's toughest moments. Through honest storytelling and practical reflection, Steve helps readers find clarity in the wake of cancer, divorce, grief, job loss, and other defining disruptions. Drawing from his personal journey and decades in sales leadership, he emphasizes appreciation, gratitude, and paying it forward—while encouraging people to embrace a glass-half-full perspective in growing from their own challenges.     Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

My nephew Nash recently took a trip to the Long Island Childrens Musuem. He got to get a taste of what it was like to record a radio show, be a newscaster, and create core memories- quite literally. Nash was so excited to think he could listen to himself on the way to school instead of kidsbop. I wanted to share this with my listeners as I talk about Nash so often and he brings so much joy. 

Will Madden began his career as an actor following his classical training at The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art and the Boston University School of Theatre. After starring in the Sundance Film Festival feature Beast Beast (EP Alec Baldwin) he made his studio debut as the titular serial killer in MGM/Orion Classics' The Wolf of Snow Hollow. He has subsequently starred in numerous independent feature films including 2026's Erupcja (opposite Charli XCX), 15 Cameras (third installment of the cult classic franchise 13 Cameras), Jethica, Love and Work, and Mean Spirited. His feature films have premiered at Sundance, SXSW, TriBeCa, TIFF, and numerous domestic and international festivals.   Will and I had a great conversation about our reoccurring actor dreams , how to stay calm in the eye of the storm, and of course Jennifer Aniston. Please enjoy my conversation with Will Madden.     Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Kitty Swink is a film, stage, and television actress. Kitty made her film debut in a minor role in the 1987 comedy Like Father Like Son, followed by a supporting part in Paul Schrader's biopic Patty Hearst (. She has worked primarily in television, including guest appearances on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1999), Judging Amy (2005), and Without a Trace (2006) She was then 2024 recipient of the Ralph Morgan Award from SAG-AFTRA for Extraordinary Service in the Cause of Actors. Kitty has also served as the Vice President of SAG.She has been married for 44 years to Armin Shimerman, who she is lucky enough to share the stage with in Outside Mulingar currently.   Kitty is a pancreatic cancer survivor, with this month being pancreatic cancer awareness month. She works to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and eliminating the disease.   Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Stephanie Garvin is an international filmmaker based in Los Angeles, Chicago and Scottsdale. She is excited to announce her newest venture as Founder and CEO ofHollywood Expansion Corporation! She serves as an executive producer on Maserati: The Brothers,(Al Pacino, Anthony Hopkins, and Jessica Alba)developing a strategic affiliation between the Maserati production and HEC.    In 2013, she transitioned from a career in finance and entrepreneurship to fulfill her lifelong dream of being in the entertainment industry creating movies. Determined to learn all she could about the film industry, Stephanie studied at UCLA, UCB, and the Margie Haber School, gaining hands-on experience in acting and filmmaking, eventually founding ETM Pictures Inc. and ETM Distribution LLC.    A passionate advocate for family-oriented storytelling, Stephanie's mission is to create meaningful films that resonate with audiences of all ages. Some of her notable work includes, being the writer, director, and executive producer of Holiday Twist (2023), with a sequel planned. As a major feat, she previously co-executive produced the award-winning The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) and co-produced the documentary Mr. Nelson on the North Side (2021).        Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Marquise C. Brown is an actress, writer, and motivational speaker. Beginning her acting career at a young age, she worked her way up, appearing in National TV commercials for brands like Disney, Barbie, and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure; as well as landing roles on networks like NBC, Fox, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, Disney, ABC, and CBS All Access (Paramount+). Having years of experience in entertainment, from acting to teaching improv, Marquise has since set out to explore more of her creative talents. She is currently working on her debut book, focusing on character development, which is soon to be released. You can follow her journey on Instagram and other social platforms @Marquise.c.brown.   Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Today's episode is not your regular My Only Friends episode. Micky Shiloah and I sit down for a check-in. We discuss shifting from a scarcity mindset, The Hunting Wives, how I dropped him into a trash can full of chicken, and of course the impact of Titanic.  It is also Micky's birthday the day this will be released so make sure to wish him well!   You can follow Micky on instagram @mickyshiloah Follow Me! Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo Listen to "My Only Friends" Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg    

Kait Hanson is a Washington, DC-based reporter and photographer available for freelance assignments. Her work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Travel + Leisure, TODAY, TIME, CNN, NBC News, Coastal Living, AllRecipes, Frommer's, Fodor's Travel, People Magazine, and more. She holds a B.A. in Public Relations from Penn State and has earned national recognition for her work in writing and social media, as well as her photography. Kait brings a versatile skill set to every project, including writing, blogging, social media strategy, branding, public speaking, corporate and crisis communications, crowdfunding campaigns, press materials, and speech writing. She is also the founder of CommuniKait, a lifestyle website and brand. Through this platform, she has partnered with more than 100 national and international brands, professional and collegiate sports teams, government officials, non-profits, and small businesses - helping each one grow its voice and reach through powerful storytelling and digital strategy. Kait's strong foundation in writing remains at the heart of her success, both professionally and personally. In June 2015, her first book, "Sweet Eats & Dog Treats", debuted on iTunes.   We talk about our deep love for our dogs, grief, and how cooking really grosses us out.

Alex Grech is an Australian actor, stuntman, and rising star. After backpacking around the world and settling in to study at NYU's TISCH School of Arts, learning at the prestigious Experimental Theatre Wing in TISCH, Alex has his first big break in the upcoming independent musical feature film, Juliet & Romeo alongside an all-star cast featuring Rebel Wilson, Jason Issacs, Rupert Everett and more.    In the film, Alex shines as Tommaso, Romeo's younger cousin, who admires his adopted cousin, Mercutio, and seeks a chance to prove himself. The film, which has a few intricate fight scenes, also called on Alex to do double duty as the stunt double for Romeo. Juliette & Romeo is out in theatres now! Outside of acting, Alex is adventurous, with hobbies that include surfing, hiking/camping, skiing, martial arts (including Muy Tuy, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga), acrobatics, writing, and horse riding.  Prior to acting professionally, Alex participated competitively in soccer, water polo, and rugby union, all at a state or above level, and was a gymnast in his childhood/adolescence years. As an avid fitness enthusiast, Alex maintains an active regimen every day, including regular climbing for full body and coordination, weightlifting sessions for strength and power conditioning, running and swimming for cardio, as well as at-home calisthenics for core, balance, and mental health treatment

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, Native American actor and stuntman, Skyler Bible, has become a familiar face whose loveable and distressed characters have been seen around the world at international festivals, streaming, and on the big screen. Skyler has played many diverse characters on TV shows including: Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett as Luke Skywalker's best friend, who stands up for what he believes in. In Fox's 911: Lonestar, a college "athlete" that thinks it's the right thing to ski on a highway, not weighing the potential life altering risks, and Ryan Murphy's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, portraying a real-life victim Richard Guerrero. Sklyer can now be seen in the highly anticipated live action re-make of Disney's Lilo and Stitch.  He portrays Agent Foster who is Cobra Bubbles' right-hand man and a voice in his ear in the hunt for Stitch. Lilo and Stitch will be out in theaters on May 23rd.In addition to being a part of a major Disney release, Skyler is also in an  upcoming Comedy/Drama directed by Jay Duplas, See You When I See You.   Sklyer and I talk about imposter syndrome, the effects entertainment has on our family bonding, and understanding that you are enough.

Madison Elise Rogers was born and raised in La Grange, Tennessee where she began her career as an actress. Initially enrolling in acting classes to help break her out of her painfully shy shell, Rogers found an unexpected passion for the craft that led her to her budding career. Her family moved within the Southern region of the US, creating a true, Southern Belle after living in both Memphis and Mississippi. The young actress decided to make the leap to Los Angeles when she was 19, where she landed her first role.   Rogers has been seen in both film and television series to date, including her roles in Mr. Fish, Fluorescent, Kingmakers and It's Cool. Next up, she will reprise her role as 'Lindy' opposite Timothy Dalton in the Paramount+ hit series 1923 and will be seen as a young Sage Calaghan in the TV comedy series Damsels (currently in post-production).   In her free time, she loves to bake, cook and paint.   Madison and I talk about her love for all things witchy & fall, how she shakes off playing a character, and how helpful it is to give yourself a hug.

Braeden Webb De La Garza, born in Grapevine, Texas, to Kerissa Webb and David De La Garza is an actor, musician, and singer. Starting at the age of seven, Braeden has performed in multiple stage productions, and starred in numerous projects both large and small, most recently as Prince Emmett in "The Quest" (Disney+), and Brent Chambers in "Cruel Summer" (Freeform/Hulu). Not only does he enjoy being on camera, or being in front of an audience, but Braeden also enjoys writing and recording his own music. When not working, you will often find Braeden working out, playing one of the six instruments he's proficient in, or out exploring the world around him. (iMDB) We talk about the importance of gratitude, not having a plan b, and how if you really love to create you just have to do it. 

Originally from outside Boston, MA, Chad has been in LA for 19 years. With a background in performing on stage, be it acting, singing or dancing, Chad continues to foster his talent in the TV/Film landscape and periodically dives into theater. You can catch him recurring now on MAX's hit series The Pitt and find him as a supporting role in Jillian Bell's upcoming Hulu comedy feature Summer of 69, as well as Chris Marrs Piliero's horror/thriller feature Appofeniacs. Notable TV/Film credits include Blue Bloods, NCIS: New Orleans, Most Likely to Die, All Rise, Murder Motel, The Rookie, Paint It Red, S.W.A.T., Grimm, Grey's Anatomy & Bones. He was last seen on stage in Love is a Battlefield at The Limbic Arthouse and Hype Man at The Fountain Theatre. You can listen to his music on Spotify, Apple Music & other platforms and find him on social media at @chadaddison.   Chad and I talk about the 90s nostalgia that inspired us, how to deal with OCD and its tendencies, and the value of a good friend group.

Josh Plasse is an actor, boxer, writer, and producer born in Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University from 2011 to 2013 and was privately coached by Joseph Obermueller. He moved from Virginia to Hollywood with only 5 months of acting experience to expand his acting career. In 2018, he guest-starred as Chris Cleaver on the long-running hit ABC drama, Grey's Anatomy. He was later cast as Wes on iCarly which was an exciting experience for him, being that was his favorite show growing up. In June 2021, Josh produced his company's first feature film titled Yucca Valley.   From the big screen to small, Plasse's career has taken him from memorable films (Ride, Wildflower), to hit TV shows (The Baxters, iCarly, All the Queen's Men, 9-1-1: Lone Star, AHS, Grey's Anatomy, Grown-ish, and more), and now to the page with his first literary release. Published by Forefront and distributed by Simon & Schuster, Dust, where "the epic adventures and ragtag friendships of Guardians of the Galaxy meet the cunning and betrayal of Game of Thrones,"is the perfect recipe for the beginning of a steadfast saga.

In this episode we get real, we get a case of the giggles, and we talk a lot about Mandy Moore and Hilary Duff. Micky Shiloah joins me today for a check-in.     

Born in a suburb in Texas, Jennifer started doing theatre at the age of six. Her favorite place to be was on the stage doing musicals and serious stage productions, even at a young age. This quickly transitioned to work in local Texas commercials, TV, and film work. Her most notable work in Texas was a film starring Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. As Jennifer grew older, she broadened her horizons to Los Angeles. She did a myriad of different jobs in television and movies, ranging from drama and comedy. Then after pounding the pavement auditioning and working on and off, she booked her most notable role, to date, as Harper on Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place". She spent years playing the lovable, loyal, and eccentric best friend to Selena Gomez's Alex Russo. She followed up the show with film collaborations with Slash, from Guns N Roses, and many other unique endeavors. She continues to act, teach, and pursue her bachelors of science (iMDB)     In this epiosde we talk about Jen's love of traveling, maintaining her mental health as a nurse and actress,our time on Wizards together, and the art of detachment. 

Trevor's acting career started after his mom's friend encouraged his parents to try it out because of his red hair, energy and outgoing personality. He booked his first national commercial for Target when he was six years old. This was followed immediately by another commercial booking obliging him to become a union member at six. After many commercial jobs, Trevor booked his first theatrical role on House, M.D.By age nine, Trevor snatched a role in a pilot that went to series, the popularized Fresh Off the Boat. Trevor filmed over seventy episodes of this ABC series that takes place in the 90's. Trevor has many fond memories of the years he worked on the show. One of his other favorite acting experiences was when he played Colin Farrell's son on True Detective. He acquired an international fan base for this role.

Pat Broe is a best selling author, mental health advocate, and an accomplished businessman. His journey to professional success was marked by personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and an attempt on his own life. These challenges ignited his passion for guiding others toward authentic living.    With raw storytelling and practical advice, Pat empowers readers to overcome the unique mental health threats of modern life. Drawing from his diverse background spanning radio hosting to business consulting, he offers a powerful roadmap for cultivating a happier, more fulfilling existence as "The Real Confident You."   In this episode we talk about the effects of social media has on our mental health, Hart of Dixie, and building self confidence. 

Saint Heart left her home of Austin, Texas for Los Angeles to pursue her career in acting and music. Since moving to Los Angeles, Saint has taken the industry by storm. She broke into the music scene when she was signed to Universal Music Group and has since toured in 12 states. Even during the pandemic, Saint didn't let anything stop her. She discovered a passion for acting and booked her first lead role in Panic, which was released Summer 2023.    Recently, Saint had the incredible opportunity to work on Alien Storm alongside veteran actors Kevin Sorbo (Hercules) and Tom Arnold (True Lies). This further confirms what Saint Heart always knew: that she was born to be an entertainer. With unwavering determination, ambition, and talent, she continues to persevere on her path towards stardom and nothing will get in her way! Amid the challenges of the COVID pandemic, she seamlessly delved into hosting during the actors' strike, interviewing legendary directors like Tim Burton and Guillermo Del Toro and on top red carpets.    As an actress, Saint has been seen in television roles in series such as, Babylon, Daisy Jones and the Sixth, and The Offer, as well as thriller sci-fi movies Panic, Wicked Game, Another Way to Die, Alien Storm (opposite Tom Arnold & Kevin Sorbo), and Cursed Waters (alongside Glenn Plumber, Costas Mandlor & Robert LaSardo). Currently, you can find Saint's latest featured in the movie Alien Storm on Paramount Plus, as well as Deadly Western on Amazon Prime in which she is the lead.

Danielle Bisutti has been seen on some of television's most popular series including Parks & Recreation, Last Man Standing, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, The O.C., Castle, NCIS, Criminal Minds, 90210, Shonda Rhimes' For the People, Private Practice, Body of Proof, Two and a Half Men and Boston Legal. She is best known for her starring role as Amanda Cantwell opposite Keke Palmer on the Nickelodeon series True Jackson VP.    Her talents lend to both onscreen and behind the scenes work. In 2018, Bisutti provided the voice and motion capture for the Witch of the Woods, who is later to be revealed as the Goddess Freya in the Sony Playstation video game God of War. She continued her role for the 2022 release of God of War: Ragnarok – roles for which she has been BAFTA nominated for. Additionally, she performance captured the role of "Claudia Grimstone" in Madden NFL 21: Face of the Franchise and voiced "Wonder Woman" in the Lego Movie 2 video game. As a Singer-Songwriter, Danielle's original songs have been placed in films Venice Underground, April Moon, In the Presence of, Shadowheart, and theme song Heaven for the indie feature City of... which she performed live at the 19th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Desert AIDS Project accompanying dancers Kupono and Marko from So You Think You Can Dance with with choreography by Ray Leeper. She received a Los Angeles Music Award for "Best Female Singer-Songwriter." Her album "Glimmer" was nominated for AAA Album of the Year and her song "In Passing" has received Unanimous Choice Recipient Award for Independent AC Single of the Year.  Currently, Danielle is starring in the film The Blue Rose (a film about two rookie detectives who set out to solve a homicide but end up in an alternate reality made up of their worst nightmares) as one of the main leads. The actress currently splits her time between Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Sam Valentine is an actress from all over the Midwest. Born and raised in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Illinois. After graduating from Missouri State University with a degree in Theatre and Mass Media, she moved to LA to start her career in film and TV. Sam has booked several national commercials, voice overs, TV roles and most of all feature films. Followed has been the biggest hit yet, winning Sam a Burbank Film Festival Best Supporting Actress nod and became the #1 movie at the box office several weeks running! Sam also created and runs One Broke Actress, a podcast and website dedicated to sharing the honest world of the working actor.   We talk about our worst jobs, the benefits of SSRIS, and Summer House!    

Originally from Cortlandt Manor, New York, Both Danielle's parents are of Puerto Rican descent and retired NYPD officers. At fifteen years old she, along with her mother, moved to Los Angeles, California to further pursue her goals and aspirations as an actress. While accomplishing so much in her career, Danielle took the time to earn her Cosmetology License as well as a B.S in Psychology from The University of Phoenix all while being a mother to her son, Benson (Benny).   Danielle landed her first commercial at only four years old and has had an ongoing success in modeling and acting for over 2 decades. Becoming a Broadway star at only 9 years old, Danielle was cast as 'Young Nala' in 'The Lion King' on Broadway in 2009, which led to many opportunities like performing on "Saturday Night Live" with Jimmy Fallon and hosting a season of commercial breaks for the Women's National Basketball Association. Further credits include guest-starring on "ER", "Without A Trace", "NCIS", "Home Economics", and "Good Trouble", a recurring role on "Vida" and "This Is Us" and starring alongside Melissa Joan Hart in the Christmas Movie" Mistletoe in Montana". Now, the rising star makes her mark on Amazon's BOSCH: Legacy and can be seen in the Jennifer Lopez film "This Is Me….Now"

On this episode I sit down with comedian,writer and podcast host Mike Glazer. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Mike Glazer is an entertainment juggernaut with extensive credits including appearances at the 2023NHL Awards, HBO's Night of Too Many Stars (earning an Emmy nomination),Comedy Central, and Food Network's Worst Cooks In America. Glazer's live shows, which consistently sell out, have been praised as "the most promising show in LA" by Rolling Stone and hailed as an "instant classic" by High Times magazine, who also recognized him as one of the "Most Influential People in Cannabis" in 2021. Mike Glazer's portfolio extends to high-profile events like the Outside Lands Festival, SXSW, and the immensely popular BuzzFeed series, High Guys, with over 100 million views. His comedic genius has shone on truTV's Billy on the Street and even at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He is diagnosed Manic Bi-Polar and grew up with Schizophrenia among other mental illnesses in his household and immediate family. At a young age, he found ways to make his mother laugh in order to keep their family home from being too intense and furthering his own mental health issues. He is open about being on medication for his diagnosis and hope that doing so will help others (especially men) feel that they can normalize the conversation and get help.     Mike will be performing May 9th in Los Angeles at the Netflix is a Joke festival in Los Angeles,CA. 

Lucy Walsh, an accomplished American artist, has garnered recognition as an actress, writer, producer, classical pianist, singer and songwriter. Notable for her theatrical performances, Lucy has been nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Actress in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest ' and has received an NAACP Theater award for Best Director for 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Additionally, she has made appearances across various TV Shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, NCIS, and Criminal Minds. On the big screen, Lucy starred in Gary Marshall's star-studded Mother's Day which additionally featured her original song "Winter Coat" on the film's soundtrack. She has also composed the original musical score for the film Normal, which is now receiving accolades in film festivals and has toured internationally as a music artist, most recently with Maroon 5.     Lucy is excited to release her most significant project to date, her book 'Remember Me As Human'  (March 12th, 2024) which is a tribute to her family and a book of passion and love. It includes her Grandparents' WWII love letters, her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's and a deeper look into the familial relationship including excerpts of a life entangled in The Eagles success (growing up with her father on the road, managing their relationship through his sobriety and the moment she realized he was famous).

Tony Cavalero is an American actor and comedian. He is known for his role as Dewey Finn on Nickelodeon's School of Rock, Keefe Chambers on the HBO television series The Righteous Gemstones, and for playing Ozzy Osbourne in the film The Dirt. I fangirl over Tony because he was on one of my favorite re-watch shows Hart of Dixie.  Tony is a big ball of electric energy, spreading kindness where ever he goes. We talk about all things Hart of Dixie, how Tony went from being an athlete to an actor, and we do some laugh yoga!

Brandon Delsid is a Latinx actor originally from Fresno, California. With an admirable dedication to the performing arts, Brandon graduated from Stella Adler Studio of Acting NYC and was awarded the 2023 Diversity Scholarships from both Anthony Meindl Studios and the prestigious Groundlings School. As a multi-hyphenate talent, Brandon plays the piano, sings, and has performed in countless musical theatre productions. One of his most recent and notable theatre roles is his adaptation of the role Raj in the Off-Broadway premiere production of 'The Big Bang Theory Musical' at the Anne L. Bernstein Theatre. Brandon also loves fashion and being creative with his personal style. Not stopping there, he can add being extremely tech savvy to his list of talents.   Brandon identifies as a part of the LGBTQIA + community. As a passionate advocate for gender fluid and queer rights, it is important to him that queer characters are represented with genuine respect and thoughtful writing in film and television. His loyalties lie within continuing to create a safe space in all sectors of the world for LGBTQIA + individuals. Brandon is also a part of the fight for environmental issues, specifically those that involve global warming.    In Brandons free time he loves to do yoga, cycling, running, shopping and meditating. He resides in Los Angeles, CA with his adorable Tuxedo cat Dexter! 

Matt will talk to anyone.  He's the guy in the grocery store that compliments your eye makeup and then two minutes later you're asking him for dating advice.  Podcasting for over nine years, Matt is the co-host of Reality Gays, which was ranked by Screenrant as the number one reality podcast everyone should be listening to for 2020. At the same time, he is a successful commercial actor, improv actor (Modern Family, Saving Mr. Banks), has produced content for TBS, and has performed stand up all over the West Coast. He is a contributing host on Portland Afternoon Live (KATU ABC). Find all things Matt on social media, @theMattMarr.   Matt and I talk about how Wonder Woman helps him summon his power, the shows that got him through his grief, and our time with Justin Timberlake.

Karen Cliche, a Canadian actress best known for her captivating performances in renowned television series like Vampire High ,Adventure Inc. ,Mutant X, Young Blades, and Flash Gordon. In addition to her time starring as the lead on the previously mentioned series, she is also no stranger to the silver screen and has been seen in Saw VI, Steal, Killer Mom, I Do (But I Don't), Turkey Drop, and more.   Cliche joins Patrick Dempsey, Addison Rae, Milo Manheim, Gina Gershon and Rick Hoff man in Eli Roth's latest thriller film Thanksgiving which releases theatrically worldwide November 17th. Based on the mock-trailer from Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse, this film follows a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizing Plymouth, Massachusetts, the birthplace of the infamous holiday. Karen plays a pivotal role as Rich Hoffman's wife who finds herself at the center of a memorable Thanksgiving dinner! Single mother to a nearly 14-year-old daughter, Cliche temporarily stepped away from the spotlight to embrace motherhood. Today, she has returned to the industry, channeling her passion into supporting critical causes. She's a dedicated advocate against sex trafficking and actively champions various women's issues. She currently resides in Ottawa with her daughter and family.

Kayla Alpert is a writer and executive producer. Kayla has written for shows such as All That, Ally McBeal,Emily in Paris and currently Netflix's Wednesday.  She has also written one of my favorite book to film adaptations Confessions Of A Shopaholic. Kayla is funny, authentic, and strong. Her willingness and support for other women in the industry is a breath of fresh air.  We talk about her start in the industry, and how coffee and panic keep her going. 

On October 28th, 2023 the world lost a friend.  This episode is dedicated to honoring and remembering Matthew Perry. I want to thank my dear friend Raven Tryon for joining me on this episode to talk about "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing." Rest in Peace Matthew Perry, we love you.

M. Andrew McConnel is  the Founder of Rented.com and  the Bestselling author of "Get Out of My Head: Creating Modern Clarity with Stoic Wisdom"    Through Stoicism and Southern grit, he managed to graduate Harvard College, Harvard Law School, and University of Cambridge with honors, all while becoming a member of the USA Open Water Swimming National Team, and earning an international Bronze Medal in the process. Entering the work world, Andrew took a while to find his footing, bouncing from banker (Merrill Lynch), to attorney (Eversheds Sutherland), to consultant (McKinsey & Co.), before finally striking out on his own.   By deploying the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, Andrew eventually took the company he founded from less than $200,000 in revenue to nearly $10 million in under three years, a 50X increase. Rented is now a two-time Inc. 500 winner, and the growth continues. Andrew has tracked this perilous journey as a regular contributor to Inc., Forbes, USA Today, Huffington Post, Betterment, Skift, and Curbed.   He is a Board Member of Sheltering Arms—Georgia's oldest nonprofit early childhood education program—as well as a founding Board Member of Atlanta Technology Leaders and a TechStars Mentor for Social Impact Startups. Andrew's drive to share encouragement, resources, understanding, and techniques have led to the creation of this book. https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/about

Gill Hasson is a writer, teacher, and coach.She has over 20 years experience teaching, coaching and writing on anything and everything to do with personal development.Gill is an author of over 30 books on wellbeing, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, resilience, and more. Her most recent book is a 21 day Abundance Challenge. We got to discuss this book and the benefits of having an abundance mindset. 

Loretta G. Breuning, PhD, is Founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and Professor Emerita of Management at California State University, East Bay. She is the author of many personal development books, including Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphin Levels.   As a teacher and a parent, she was not convinced by prevailing theories of human motivation. Then she learned about the brain chemistry we share with earlier mammals and everything made sense. She began creating resources that have helped thousands of people make peace with their inner mammal. Dr. Breuning's work has been translated into twelve languages and is cited in major media. Before teaching, she worked for the United Nations in Africa. Loretta gives zoo tours on animals behavior, after serving as a Docent at the Oakland Zoo. She is a graduate of Cornell University and Tufts. The Inner Mammal Institute offers videos, podcasts, books, blogs, multimedia, a training program, and a free five-day happy-chemical jumpstart. Details are available at InnerMammalInstitute.org.  

Heather Besignano is the Founder and CEO of ICON PR Overseeing the Entertainment and Music Departments, as well as handling campaigns for authors, CEO's, charitable organizations and digital creators.    We talk about how she maintains her mental health while working a demanding job and our deep love for Friends.   This podcast episode was recorded before the new podcast guidlines of the SAG-AFTRA strike were released. 

 Stan Zimmerman is a television producer, director, and screen writer. I am a huge fan of his work from Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, and The Brady Bunch Movie, and A Very Brady Sequel. Just knowing Stan is responsible for Logan Huntzberger makes me a Stan fan for life. He is funny, smart, and his heart shines through in all his art. Stan uses his art for advocacy producing, writing, and directing plays such as Right Before I Go and Latinx The Diary of Anne Frank.   This episode was recorded and produced before the SAG-AFTRA podcast rules were announced. 

Michiel Thomas is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, cameraman and editor based in Los Angeles, CA. He has over a decade experience as a freelance one-man-band documentary filmmaker on the field for Netflix, HBO, AMC Networks, PBS, BBC News, USA Today, VOX, 60 Second Docs, etc.   His debut feature documentary GAME FACE was distributed worldwide by Netflix in 2016, screened at more than 50 international film festivals and won a dozen awards. His second feature doc THAT'S WILD was acquired by AMC Networks and PBS, screened at over 25 film festivals in 5 continents and won 5 awards. GEMMEL & TIM has been selected by 30+ film festivals, won 8 awards and is available on VOD.   His latest short doc RELIGHTING CANDLES is a heartwarming portrait of Tim Sullivan (82), who offers newly sober men and women a chance to rebuild their lives and a second chance at life from his candle shop in West Hollywood. This film, which he co-directed with Zeberiah Newman and was executive produced by Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, will premiere at Outfest LA 2023 on Sunday at 11am at the Directors Guild of America Theater 1 on Sunset Blvd. Info  & tickets: https://outfest2023.eventive.org/films/relighting-candles-the-tim-sullivan-story-648139f78fa5500080c327c1?fbclid=IwAR3uF2E3dG2k8oB1LEkyaAV_0QtWB4_NWYkYMKCwiSaoypplgyRIydoh2Xw     Michiel and I talk about what calms us, the importance of following your heart, and our love for Titanic.

Mia Hunt is LAFA 2021 Best Actress Award Winner for the Indie Film "Rest Area"! You can catch Mia's raw and keep it real style from her latest guest star roles on Hulu's This Fool, Abbott Elementary (ABC), as well as, the no nonsense recurring waitress on NBC's "Good Girls"  along with numerous commercials , theatre projects, and indie films. Mia can't wait to give God all the Glory on what's next on her career path! Just a little girl from Dallas,Texas living out her dreams around the world!     We talk about Mia's love for Carrie Bradshaw, dating, and learning to be and accept yourself.

Barry Lee Moe is an Emmy award winning hairstylist and make-up artist known for his work on Pam and Tommy, Ryan Murphy's Hollywood, and Pose. We talk about the importance of representation, how movies and TV help us understand our feelings deeper, and his journey in the entertainment industry. 

Nancy Travis is an American actress. She has played many iconic on screen moms from Sylvia Bennington in Three Men and A Baby, Vanessa Baxter on Last Man Standing, and now Isabel McMurray on Hallmarks new orignal series RIDE.  We talk about her career, her idols growing up, and the importance of not taking things personal. 

Ciarra is a Las Vegas born actor and food photographer. She has been acting since she was 14 and has appeared in a number of tv shows, films and stage shows over the years. She recently published a cookbook, Vegan Chocolate Treats, available anywhere books are sold. Ciarra enjoys traveling and spending time with her crew of rescue pets (3 dogs, 6 cats and 1 hamster) and husband, Daniel.   Ciarra is also obssesed with Friends, which is what the majorty of what this episode is about. It helps her with her anxiety, and she relates mostly to Monica Gellar. We talk about the importance of Friends on screen and in real life. 

Desi Nicole is an agent and business owner. Her roster includes actors on shows like Winning Time, Impeachment Story, and Abbot Elementary. We talk about her humble beginnings as a bus driver, the imporatnce of never giving up, and how something small can turn into something life changing. 

Cameron Cowperthwaite is an American actor from Wilmington, Delaware. He began his acting career in Los Angeles, California working on television shows with some of the most prolific producers in television like Ryan Murphy, Tina Fey, David Simon, Shonda Rhimes, and John Wells. His most noteworthy work can be seen on Netflix's Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, on FX's American Horror Story, and on Showtime's Shameless. His film career began on BoulderLight Pictures and IFC Films indie cult hit Pledge. And you can see him in Academy Award Winner Tom Schulman's newest film Double Down South, which comes out this fall. 

Barry wears several hats: actor, director, producer and teacher. Hailing from Lancaster, PA, and best known for his portrayal of "Doody" in Paramount's iconic hit film, GREASE, he began his professional acting career at the tender age of 11 years old co-starring as Randolph McAfee in the original Broadway production of BYE BYE BIRDIE. Since then he's not looked back. Hardly stopping to take a deep breath, his varied career has taken him these last 61+ years from stage to TV to film, as an actor, producer, director, and, since 2014, to working with Joey Travolta (one of John's older brothers) teaching film arts to special needs communities all across the country via Joey's Inclusion Film Company.   Barry and I talk about the process of booking the role of Doody, his inspirations, and his advice for young actors.  

Joanna DeGeneres is a respected headshot photographer in Los Angeles. She has  photographed some of the most famous actors along with brave new ones. Her experience as an actor herself allows her to connect with each client on a unique level.  Her photos have been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, People Magazine, The New York Times, Deadline Hollywood, Book Author Covers and many other online and printed publications. In this episode we talk about the beauty in the minutiae, realizing the present moment is the most important,helpful tips for actors on headshots, and of course...Jennifer Aniston.

Mark Blutman is an Emmy winning writer and producer widely known for his success on Boy Meets World, So Little Time,Girl Meets World, and Apple TV's Ghostwriter. In this episode we talk about how Happy Days and John Hughs influenced his writing, combatting anxiety, and of course all things Boy Meets World.