Ego Was Here

Why does Blood In Blood Out still mean so much to audiences more than 30 years later? In this episode of Ego Was Here, actor Victor Rivas Rivers returns for a deeper conversation about the making and lasting legacy of the cult classic film Blood In Blood Out. Best known to many fans as Magic Mike, Victor shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming inside San Quentin, reflects on creating one of the film’s most memorable characters, and explains why the movie continues to connect with audiences across generations. The conversation explores the film’s themes of family, identity, culture, loyalty, and choices, while also touching on Chicano culture, fan devotion, and the responsibility of bringing a real community and its stories to the screen with respect. For fans of Blood In Blood Out, film history, acting, Chicano culture, and behind-the-scenes movie interviews, this episode offers a thoughtful and personal look at a film that continues to live on.

Why are the most recognizable voices in the world almost invisible? In this episode of Ego Was Here, Emmy-winning television producer and director Rudy Gaskins reflects on the idea behind SOVAS (the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences), the organization he co-founded with his wife and business partner Joan Baker. Starting behind the scenes in television, Rudy worked on major projects including Emmy-winning promotions for the 2000 Summer Olympics for NBC. Through hiring voice actors, he saw how essential their work was, and how little recognition they received. That gap became the foundation for SOVAS, a platform built to bring visibility to the entire field. He speaks about the resistance they faced, the criticism from within the community, and the moments where the project felt uncertain. Building something new required persistence and a clear sense of purpose. For Rudy, success is less about recognition and more about creating something people can actually use. Something that connects people, creates opportunity, and brings a community together.

What happens when you try to protect your mother and she turns against you? In this episode of Ego Was Here, singer-songwriter Tara Beier shares the moments that shaped her relationship with her family. As a teenager, she stepped in during a confrontation at home to protect her mother. Years later, she stood in front of a room full of strangers and spoke about what happened, and it changed how her family saw her. She talks about what it’s like to go against your own family, how those dynamics shift over time, and what it takes to find your footing again when that foundation changes. With a background in criminology, she also offers a broader perspective on why people stay silent, why certain patterns repeat, and how difficult it can be to be heard when the truth challenges everything around you. This is a conversation about speaking up, dealing with the consequences, and learning how to move forward without easy answers.

What does working in film actually look like, and how far is it from the dream people imagine? In this episode of Ego Was Here, filmmaker Brandon Slagle shares a grounded perspective on building a career across independent productions and larger studio-backed films, including The Black Dahlia Haunting, The Flood, and Battle for Saipan. His path into filmmaking was not linear. He started in music, moved into acting, and eventually stepped behind the camera. That progression shapes how he approaches both the creative and practical sides of the industry. The conversation focuses on the reality of filmmaking as a demanding and often unglamorous process. Brandon talks about working under tight timelines, adapting quickly on set, and collaborating with teams where every role matters. He explains how filmmaking is not only about creative vision, but also about execution, logistics, and consistency over time. A key part of the discussion centers on decision-making. Brandon reflects on the kinds of opportunities that can define a career, including moments where turning down a project can be just as important as accepting one. These choices highlight the balance between professional growth and personal values. The episode also explores the relationship between creativity and business. From understanding films as both artistic work and commercial products, to learning how to navigate the industry long term, Brandon offers insight into what allows some people to continue while others step away. For anyone interested in filmmaking, storytelling, or creative careers, this episode provides a clear and honest look at how films are actually made and what it takes to sustain a career in the industry.

What happens when a child grows up in a home where survival becomes part of everyday life? Actor Victor Rivas Rivers, known for his iconic role as Magic Mike in Blood In Blood Out and for The Mask of Zorro, shares how he broke a cycle that could have defined his life. In this episode of Ego Was Here, Victor, actor, author, and advocate, opens up about a story that goes far beyond Hollywood. Many recognize him from working with directors like Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee, and David Lynch, and from roles in series such as Miami Vice, 24, CSI Miami, Modern Family, and Better Call Saul. Here, he reflects on what shaped the man behind it all. After immigrating from Cuba as a child, Victor grew up in an environment that affected every member of his family. As a young boy, he did not just witness it, he challenged it. One moment, walking into a police station alone to ask for help, would shape how he saw the world and his place in it. What followed was a path that could have gone in a very different direction. Instead, through mentorship, discipline, and personal choice, Victor redirected his life into sport, education, and storytelling. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and the choices that shape who we become.

What drives creativity and why do so many creative people struggle on a deeper level? In this episode of Ego Was Here, we explore the connection between life experience, emotional depth, and artistic expression in a conversation with actress, writer, and producer Klara Landrat. Klara, a New York based creative who grew up across multiple countries as the daughter of a diplomat, brings a unique perspective on identity, storytelling, and what shapes us as people. Through her work in film and her own life experiences, she reflects on how creativity is often connected to how deeply we process the world around us. She also reflects on years of living with endometriosis, and how it shaped her perspective, identity, and creative work.

Actress, model, and painter Paz de la Huerta continues her conversation about her time in Hollywood, sharing why she has chosen to keep speaking about the experiences she says shaped her life and career. In this part of the discussion, she reflects on what it has been like to revisit that period over time, the challenges she describes in being understood, and how those moments have continued to affect both her personal life and her creative work. She also discusses the importance she places on telling her story in her own words, and why she feels that conversation is still ongoing.

Ngozi Onwuchekwa joins Ego Was Here to share the story of a health crisis that changed the direction of her life. What began as the feeling that something was seriously wrong soon became a long and difficult journey through uncertainty, treatment, and recovery. For months, Ngozi sought medical help while doctors struggled to identify the cause of her symptoms. The turning point came during what was expected to be a routine procedure, when the underlying problem was finally discovered. Her diagnosis came during the early days of the COVID pandemic, adding another layer of challenge during an already difficult time. The experience reshaped her outlook on resilience, purpose, and life after remission. After recovering, Ngozi rebuilt her life with remarkable determination. Within a short period she completed an MBA, ran several marathons for charity, and was crowned Mrs. Exceptional Lady Universe 2023 at the Mrs Universe pageant in Miami. Today she uses her platform to raise awareness, encourage self-advocacy during illness, and support others facing serious health challenges. Ngozi is also the founder of ADM LTD, a marketing consultancy, and a motivational speaker dedicated to helping others navigate adversity and recovery.

British supermodel Sophie Anderton rose to fame in the 1990s almost overnight, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the era. In this episode of Ego Was Here, she speaks about the reality behind fame, the modeling industry, and the life that unfolded beyond the headlines. Sophie first gained international attention in 1996 as the face of the iconic “Girl in the Grass” campaign for the lingerie brand Gossard. The billboard made her one of the most talked-about figures of the decade and brought widespread media attention during the height of the British tabloid era. She went on to work with legendary photographers including Herb Ritts and David Bailey, appeared in campaigns for brands such as Sony, Topshop, Marks and Spencer, Knickerbox, and La Senza, and graced the cover of British GQ. Sophie later became a familiar face on television, appearing on shows including I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Love Island, and Celebrity Big Brother. In this conversation, she speaks about life in the spotlight, the pressures that came with sudden fame, and the journey that followed. Today Sophie lives in Ireland, where she founded Anam Kara Wellness, a sanctuary dedicated to wellbeing, nature, and reflection within the historic Glendalough House estate in County Wicklow.

Actress, model, and painter Paz de la Huerta speaks about Epstein, Weinstein, and the celebrities she says shaped what happened to her behind closed doors in Hollywood. In this episode of Ego Was Here, she names people, reflects on how certain figures are rarely questioned publicly, and shares how speaking out changed her life. Paz talks about her current situation, the strain that followed after she began speaking publicly, and how her life and career shifted once she stopped staying quiet. She also discusses high-profile names connected to the Epstein materials and why continuing to speak in her own words matters to her. This episode continues Paz de la Huerta’s story. To hear how it begins, listen to Episode 30 of Ego Was Here.

Actress, model, and painter Paz de la Huerta speaks about Epstein, Weinstein, and why she decided to come forward publicly. She describes abuse she says she experienced in her family and how exploitation by powerful figures shaped her life. In this episode of Ego Was Here, Paz says she was sexually abused by members of her family and grew up under extreme control. She talks about her father’s background in Spanish aristocracy and her mother’s public role connected to the United Nations, and the contrast she describes between her family’s public image and what she says was happening privately. Paz claims she was trafficked by her mother and sold to Harvey Weinstein. She also says she has lived under threat for years, including what she describes as multiple attempts on her life, and that she has been in hiding for safety. She links parts of her story to names she says appear in the Epstein materials, including references to the Brunel family. She explains that she’s speaking publicly now to raise awareness about trafficking and exploitation and to support others who have been harmed.

What do you do when choosing your own life puts you in danger? Born in Jordan, Dima Ghawi grew up in a culture where women were discouraged from pursuing education or independence. After escaping an arranged marriage, her father believed she brought shame on the family and has sought revenge ever since. For nearly twenty five years, the consequences of that choice have followed her. In this episode of Ego Was Here, Dima shares what it was like to grow up feeling unseen, how isolation can slowly become familiar, and what it takes to rebuild your life when you leave everything familiar behind. This is a conversation about courage, consequence, and the long road to choosing yourself. Today, Dima is a globally recognized keynote speaker, leadership coach, and the award winning author of Breaking Vases. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning to live with visibility after years of being told to stay small.

What if midlife is not a crisis or something to fix, but a powerful point of change? This episode explores what women often face in midlife: shifting roles, changing bodies, and the pressure to keep going even when everything inside says to slow down. Heike Yates shares insights from over 40 years of experience in fitness and coaching, reflecting on how this stage affects identity, confidence, and the relationship women have with their bodies. We talk about the guilt that comes with rest, the constant pressure to improve, and what it means to care for yourself in a way that feels supportive rather than punishing. This is not a conversation about doing more. It is about letting go of what no longer fits and finding strength that feels true to where you are now.

What does leadership feel like when responsibility comes first and there are no perfect answers? In this episode of Ego Was Here, Janice Kovach, Mayor of Clinton, New Jersey, reflects on leadership as lived experience rather than theory. Drawing from years in public service, she talks about what it means to serve an entire community while navigating disagreement, pressure, and accountability. Janice shares how she learned to separate personal feelings from public responsibility, why listening became central to her approach, and how her understanding of empowerment evolved over time. The conversation also explores the role of dialogue, art, and community in bringing people together, even when opinions differ. This episode offers a thoughtful look at leadership shaped by experience, perspective, and care, rather than performance or certainty.

What happens when your life doesn’t unfold in the order you expected? In this episode of Ego Was Here, Laura Behnke shares her experience of building a successful career while quietly questioning her timing in life. Laura spent 16 years as a TV sports anchor and reporter, reaching professional milestones many people aspire to. And yet, at 35, she had never been in a relationship and often felt out of sync with where she thought she should be. This conversation explores what it’s like to be doing well on the outside while feeling behind on the inside. We talk about societal expectations around relationships and success, the pressure of timelines, and how comparison can shape the way we see ourselves. Laura reflects on letting go of the idea that life has a correct order, and what changed when she allowed herself to imagine a future that looked different from the one she had planned. This episode isn’t about advice or fixing yourself. It’s about recognizing the quiet tension many people carry when their life doesn’t match the milestones they were taught to expect, and finding space to live more honestly within that reality.

What if the reason some parts of your life feel hard to change has nothing to do with motivation or effort, but with beliefs that were formed long before you were aware of them? In this episode of Ego Was Here, Karen Leigh, NLP Master Practitioner and hypnotherapist, explores how limiting beliefs take shape early in life and continue to influence how we grow, decide, and move forward as adults. These beliefs rarely affect everything. More often, they block specific areas such as confidence, relationships, ambition, or self-worth, even when there is insight and a genuine desire to change. Karen explains how early experiences shape what feels possible, safe, or realistic later on. We talk about why people can feel capable in some areas of life but stuck in others, why understanding something intellectually does not always lead to real change, and how familiar patterns can repeat quietly over time. This conversation is not about fixing yourself or pushing harder. It is about understanding why growth can stall in certain areas of life, and what changes once those patterns are clearly recognised. If parts of your life feel like they are not evolving despite effort and reflection, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate way to understand why.

What if the reason you feel stuck in your head, exhausted, and disconnected from your own life isn’t because something is wrong with you, but because overthinking has quietly taken over? Psychotherapist Mary Starks joins to explore why authenticity can feel dangerous, how old patterns and survival strategies keep us locked in our own minds, and what it actually takes to feel like yourself again. From the pull of validation and performance to the quiet cost of comparison, this conversation looks at ego, identity, and the need to be seen without abandoning who we are. If you’ve been longing for clarity, self-trust, and a way back to a life that feels present instead of overthought, this episode offers insight and practical guidance to start reconnecting, gently, honestly, and at your own pace.

What actually happens when you grow up faster than everyone else? In this episode, filmmaker, actor, and producer Elinor Keyes shares what it was really like to start college at 13 through an exceptionally gifted program, and why being academically ahead didn’t make growing up any simpler. She reflects on skipping high school, entering adult environments as a child, and how early achievement quietly shaped her relationship with pressure, confidence, and other people. Elinor talks about the parts no one prepares you for: learning social and emotional skills later than expected, realizing that intelligence doesn’t translate to ease in everyday life, and unlearning the belief that productivity equals worth. She also opens up about anxiety, creativity, and how finding the right role behind the scenes, producing rather than performing, helped her build a life that actually fits. This conversation is about the gap between achievement and real life. Elinor explains how being ahead can shape your relationship with people, pressure, and self-trust, and how you rebuild those skills when the world assumes you already have them.

What if the women erased from history were the very ones who could help you finally stop shrinking yourself? In this episode, award-winning historical fiction author Kerry Chaput (Daughter of the King, Chasing Eleanor, The Secret Courtesan) shares how discovering forgotten women in history helped her reclaim her voice, her creativity, and her life. She opens up about growing up in a patriarchal environment, learning that women were meant to support men, not be the heroes, and how that belief fed years of anxiety and self-silencing. At 40, Kerry reached a breaking point and decided: “This is my time.” From secretly writing in the margins of her life to publishing award-winning historical fiction, she shows how truth, “useful rage,” and storytelling can become tools for women who are tired of being invisible. If you’ve ever felt “too quiet,” “too sensitive,” or “not enough,” this conversation is for you. In this episode, we explore: Growing up being taught that women are not remembered and not meant to be heroesHow silencing your voice feeds anxiety, and what changes when you finally start using itTurning anger into “useful rage” that fuels courage instead of shameThe impact of Eleanor Roosevelt and the quote that changed everything for KerryLetting go of external approval and redefining success from the inside outThe story behind The Secret Courtesan, a novel about a hidden woman sculptor whose genius was buried under a man’s name

Actor, writer and acting coach Laura Cayouette joins the podcast to talk about what it really means to risk everything on a dream that almost no one achieves. Before appearing in films like Django Unchained, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Enemy of the State, Now You See Me and TV shows such as Friends, True Detective and Queen Sugar, Laura was on track to become a professor, building a safe and respectable academic life. In this conversation, she shares how an inner voice pushed her to walk away from that plan, commit to a “1% chance” career in acting, and build a decades-long body of work in a brutal industry. We explore the realities behind the credits: navigating ego and comparison, facing depression and burnout, aging on camera, leaving Los Angeles, and ultimately redefining success around happiness rather than fame. This episode is for actors, creatives and anyone standing at the edge of a big, risky decision, wondering if the life they’ve built is really the one they want.

Actor, filmmaker, and spiritual thinker Sean Stone joins the conversation for a deep exploration of consciousness, perception, and the subtle experiences that shape how we understand the world. As the son of director Oliver Stone, Sean grew up on the sets of his father’s films and appeared in several of them, including JFK, The Doors, and Nixon. Those early years offered a unique insight into how storytelling influences the ways we interpret reality. Travel, cultural encounters, and personal introspection later pushed him to look beyond the familiar and explore the deeper layers of human experience. Sean reflects on how early environments shape our sense of self, why perception is rarely as straightforward as it seems, and how noticing the unseen dimensions of life can shift the way we move through the world. His work in film has evolved alongside a growing interest in spirituality, global traditions, and the fundamental questions behind consciousness. His perspective blends cinematic storytelling with an ongoing search for meaning. This episode explores: How early environments shape our perception of realityThe connection between storytelling, culture, and consciousnessWhy intuition and awareness matter in daily lifeWhat we overlook when we only focus on the surfaceHow the “edges” of experience expand our understanding of the world

Actor John Scott Wells joins the show for a thoughtful conversation about fatherhood, empathy, and learning to understand the world through a different lens. Raising a neurodivergent child led him to rethink communication, connection, and the small moments that reveal who we are. It shaped his work as an actor and the way he moves through everyday life. John shares how autism is often perceived, how sensory overwhelm affects communication, and why slowing down long enough to truly notice others can transform the way we relate to one another. This episode explores the quiet strength of presence, the emotional truth of parenting, and the deeper human insights that come from seeing beyond assumptions. His latest feature film, Learning You, a father–son story centered around autism and human connection, will premiere in theaters across the United States and Mexico on January 16th, 2026.

When Plan B is not an option, what keeps you going? Actor Danny Boushebel, known for his work in Stranger Things, Homeland, The Blacklist, and Elementary, shares a powerful journey shaped by resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to his craft. Danny grew up between Lebanon and Kuwait during years marked by conflict, and those early experiences shaped his perspective as an artist. In this conversation, he reflects on family, identity, the loss of his brother, and how storytelling became both a calling and a way to heal. His path through the industry reveals what it takes to stay committed when the road is long and the roles are limited. This episode explores the realities of the actor’s life, the courage to reinvent yourself, and the inner drive needed to stay the course. It is a conversation about belief, persistence, and the creative fire that refuses to die out. In this episode, we explore: Danny’s journey from Lebanon to HollywoodHow a war-torn childhood shaped his artistic perspectiveThe “no Plan B” mindset and what it really meansDefying stereotypes and finding authentic rolesCreating your own opportunities in the film industryStaying grounded through rejection, success, and reinventionThe healing power of storytellingAdvice for actors navigating the long game

When life hits hardest, some people fight back with laughter. Comedian Sean Porter shares how growing up in the shadow of war shaped his voice, his presence, and his purpose on stage. Through stand-up, therapy, and reflection, he discovered that comedy isn’t just entertainment, it’s healing in motion. In this deeply human conversation, Sean opens up about the discipline of being present, learning from failure, and finding meaning in connection. His story is a reminder that sometimes the strongest punchlines come from the hardest truths. 🎧 In this episode: Turning pain into comedy and connectionHow therapy reshaped his creative processThe balance between honesty and performancePresence, mindfulness, and emotional growthRedefining success through authenticity Listen to more stories of transformation and creative truth every week on Ego Was Here, where artists, thinkers, and dreamers strip away the illusion to find what’s real.

Actress and storyteller Stacy Thunes explores what it really means to be seen, in life, art, and the world of Hollywood. In this inspiring episode of Ego Was Here, Stacy opens up about acting, reinvention, and the courage to live authentically, revealing how self-discovery and creativity intertwine on and off the screen. Through her candid reflections on resilience, Buddhism, and filmmaking, Stacy shares how embracing vulnerability leads to freedom, transformation, and purpose. Her journey reminds us that being seen for who we truly are isn’t just brave, it’s liberating.

Every story that reaches the screen begins long before the cameras roll. Writer and producer Philip Levens (Smallville; creator and showrunner of Ascension) has lived the highs and heartbreaks of turning ideas into stories that survive the system. In this episode, he opens up about what it really takes to bring a vision to life, from endless rewrites and studio notes to moments with icons like Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jackson, and creative leaders George Lucas and Mark Frost. Through decades in writers’ rooms and showrunning experiences, Philip reveals what he’s learned about creativity, persistence, and the balance between art and industry. It’s an intimate look behind Hollywood’s curtain, where stories are built through vision, resilience, and the courage to keep creating when everything’s on the line.

Behind every unforgettable performance lies more than talent, it’s shaped by story and the science of human connection. Actor, acting coach, writer, and producer Carolyn Stotesbery reveals how a story-driven, neuroscience-informed approach can shift the focus away from ego and bring truth back to acting. Drawing on her on-screen experience and a deep understanding of storytelling and neuroscience, Carolyn explores how shifting focus from self to story unlocks emotional honesty, presence, and performances that leave a lasting impression. In this conversation, we dive into: How story and neuroscience reshape the craft from the inside outWhy ego often limits authentic expression—and how to move beyond itTechniques for unlocking emotional truth in performanceWhat happens when actors stop “performing” and start listeningHow this shift transforms both the work and the artist behind it

In a world obsessed with perfection, actor and model Dan Cordle reveals why our imperfections might be the very thing that makes us unforgettable. In this raw and thought-provoking episode of Ego Was Here, Dan dives deep into self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the unexpected power of imperfection to create genuine human connection. Dan shares how his life in front of the camera and on stage taught him that embracing what we usually hide can unlock authentic connection, creative freedom, and a deeper sense of self. 🔥 In this episode, we explore: 📌 How imperfection can draw people closer rather than push them away 📌 The role of vulnerability in creativity, acting, and personal growth 📌 Why self-acceptance is essential for meaningful relationships and artistry 📌 Behind-the-scenes moments from Dan’s stage and modeling career that reveal the power of being real 📌 How visualization and inner work shaped his identity over time

At 27, Heaven Stellar (born Kate Stellar, formerly known as Kate Romero) made her screen debut in Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise. But her life story goes far beyond that iconic moment. In this intimate conversation, Heaven shares how she broke free from toxic cycles, set new boundaries, and rebuilt her life in Los Angeles. From her career in Hollywood to the personal transformations that shaped her path, she opens up about resilience, identity, and the courage it takes to start over. This episode of Ego Was Here is about more than acting, it’s about what it really means to reinvent yourself in the city of dreams. 🔑 What you’ll hear: The turning points that gave Heaven the courage to step away from toxic patternsMindset shifts she uses every day to choose freedom over fearThe surprising story behind her Top Gun debut with Tom CruiseWhy she chose the name “Heaven”, and the powerful meaning behind itLasting lessons on boundaries, healing, and self-worth ✨ A story of resilience, courage, and second chances.

What does it take to be authentic in an industry built on roles and appearances? In this episode of Ego Was Here, actor and filmmaker Yasmine Alice shares her journey of finding identity through acting, facing auditions and rejection, and creating her short film Anxious. Yasmine opens up about the pressure of performance, the tension between social media and self-expression, and the courage it takes to stay real when the world rewards masks. 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Ego Was Here and join conversations about creativity, identity, and the human stories behind the spotlight.

What if one thought changed how you decide, create and relate? Havilah Malone joins Ego Was Here to trace the pivot that redirected her life. She explains how she stopped resisting a recurring pattern, shifted the lens she used to make decisions, and rebuilt daily practices to align with who she wanted to be. Havilah brings lived experience and training. She is an award winning actor, four-time bestselling author, spoken word artist and former tech leader. In this episode she blends candid story with short, testable practices: vision work, simple body-based cues, and the One Thought Reset, a focused 24-hour test to try on a new belief. What you will get The moment that started the change and why it mattered Short, practical practices you can use right away How to run the One Thought Reset and what clear evidence to track Try it this week and note one observable result: a different choice, a calmer reaction, or a new opening.

Actor Greg Kriek joins Ego Was Here to share a side of Hollywood rarely seen — one rooted in authenticity, gratitude, and identity. From his Camino de Santiago journey to working alongside Hollywood legends, Greg opens up about the lessons that shaped him beyond the spotlight. This conversation isn’t just about acting. It’s about slowing down, trusting your path, and choosing to live true to yourself in a world built on performance.

What if you lost everything, your health, your safety, even your sense of self — and still had to fight for your life? That is exactly what happened to Carlos Alejandro Lujan. In this episode of Ego Was Here, Carlos opens up about surviving the unthinkable: battling cancer, enduring abuse, and navigating the darkest chapters of his life. He shares the tools that helped him heal, the hope he discovered in moments of despair, and how he turned pain into purpose through his children’s book Cancer Can’t Stop Me, Roar. This is not just a survival story. It is proof of the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable struggles, strength and hope can prevail.

Stand-up comedian and activist Belinda Carroll reveals how she turned struggle into comedy and trauma into laughter. From stage fright to activism, she shows how performance can heal and empower. Belinda’s journey takes us from growing up queer in a conservative Southern Baptist family to founding the Portland Queer Comedy Festival and leading Pride activism. She opens up about the burden of representation, the power of coming out, and why safe spaces are still vital for LGBTQ+ communities. 🌈 In this episode, Belinda shares: How laughter can turn trauma into strengthThe responsibility of representation — and how she coped with burnoutBuilding LGBTQ+ community through Pride, comedy, and activismWhy coming out is always an act of bravery (and how to do it safely) ✨ Follow Belinda Carroll ✨ 🌐 Website: https://www.belinda-carroll.com https://www.instagram.com/belindacomedy 🎙️ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/17pqus9ZH9FmEUZ2kI79fm?si=212650c4088a480e

In the late 90s, Lolly lit up the charts with unforgettable hits like “Viva La Radio,” “Big Boys Don’t Cry,” and “Mickey.” Bursting with color, energy, and fun, she became one of the most recognizable voices of UK pop. In this episode of Ego Was Here, Anna Iris sits down with Anna Kumble (known to millions as Lolly) for an uplifting and candid conversation about her journey through music, creativity, and identity. Anna shares: The highs of 90s pop stardom and connecting with fansHow she balances artistry with motherhood and personal growthThe freedom of making music on her own terms todayWhy success is as much about joy and authenticity as it is about charts ✨ A celebration of music, resilience, and staying true to yourself — Anna’s story proves that passion and creativity never lose their power.

When 90% of your career is rejection, how do you keep going? Actress, accent coach, and mental health advocate Aisling Goodwin shares the raw truths of show business, from resilience and mindset tools to mastering accents without losing your performance. Whether you’re an actor, creative, or facing setbacks in any field, this conversation will inspire you to protect your mental health and define success on your own terms. Topics include: Talent vs. connections in the acting worldHow social media can influence castingMental health and facing rejectionMastering accents without losing performanceGrounding techniques for stress and anxietyRedefining success and embracing authenticity 📲 Follow Aisling: https://www.instagram.com/aislinggoodwin 🔔 Follow for more inspiring conversations with Anna Iris 📲 Follow Anna: https://linktr.ee/annairisofficial

Award-winning actress Natalie Bark joins Ego Was Here to share her unexpected journey from a corporate career to starring roles in The Crown, Loki, and Invasion. But it was her silent performance in the short film Exchange — which won her the Cannes Debut Award — that transformed everything. We discuss: Transitioning into acting without formal trainingThe challenge and power of performing with no dialogueWhat “Barbara” in Exchange truly representsRejection, typecasting, and staying grounded in a chaotic industryMeditation, emotional honesty, and trusting your creative process This is a candid conversation about growth, identity, and letting go of who you thought you had to be. If you're standing on the edge of transformation, this episode is for you. Follow Natalie Bark Instagram: nataliebark.actor Follow Anna Iris Linktree: annairisofficial New episodes every week exploring ego, identity, and transformation in the creative world.

What happens when your world goes silent, just after becoming a mother? In this raw and transformative conversation, host Anna Iris speaks with actress, author, and hearing health advocate Tiffany Storrs, who lost her hearing after childbirth, and calls it the greatest gift of her life. Together, they explore invisible disabilities, identity, motherhood, and the mindset shift that turned fear into fierce purpose. Tiffany shares how she became a bold voice for change, how cochlear implants changed her life, and what it means to truly adapt.  📘 Get Tiffany’s book Adaptability: https://a.co/d/9MC8vdj  📲 Follow Tiffany: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanystasnystorrs/

This time, I’m not just introducing the podcast — I’m sharing what it’s costing me to create it. Why it scares me. Why I hesitated. And what it really means to show up without the protection of a script, a role, or a mask. If you've ever felt the pull to speak your truth — but also the fear of what might follow — this episode might just be for you. 💛 Follow this journey from the very beginning. 🎥 New episodes (with real, unscripted conversations) coming soon. — Ego Was Here is a bold podcast about identity, emotional survival, and the deeply human need to be seen.

Welcome to Ego Was Here, a podcast exploring the masks we wear and the search for authenticity. In this first episode, Anna Iris opens up about why she created this space to question identity, social validation, and what it means to be truly seen. Follow Ego Was Here for weekly episodes that dive deep into human stories, vulnerability, and connection.