Motherhood in Hollywood

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Ep. 24 Jillian Darlington Explains How The MomCo App Is Like Tinder For Moms Dec 14, 2015

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In less than a year the MomCo app has taken off like a SoCal wildfire. It's quickly become the go-to app for moms looking to set up play dates, meet other moms and find services all at your fingertips. MomCo app creator Jillian Darlington is such a smart lady for realizing this is something ALL moms need (sorry dads, get your own app!) Co-Founder Beth Bryan (left) and CEO & Founder Jillian Darlington (right) Jillian explains how Tinder, yes THAT Tinder, played a role in creating the MomCo app. I really love how honest she is in this episode about the challenges women face when starting their own business. The business world, especially in tech, is still very male dominated. And even a woman with a great idea can face resistance. How annoying! Jillian also let me ask her some super personal questions about her dating life. Yes, I am that nosy! She was so gracious in answering all my questions. But mostly you can tell she is passionate about her son, her business and staying loyal to her friends. Sounds like someone I need to set up a play date with! If only there was an app I could use... To find out more about MomCo go to momcoapp.com. And be sure to find MomCo on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Ep. 23 Weelicious Mom Catherine McCord Gives Us Easy Toddler Meal Ideas Dec 07, 2015

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Catherine McCord founder of Weelicious stops by to talk about one of the most frustrating parts of parenting, getting your baby to eat healthy foods! Channing sampling her first "solid" food-mushy carrots! When Channing started eating solid foods around 6 months old I couldn't wait to absorb every bit of information I could find on what to feed her, how to feed her, and what to do if she wouldn't eat. She's now 2 and a half and I'm still asking myself those same questions. And all she wants is bread. Weelicious founder Catherine McCord So as you can imagine I was really excited to talk to Weelicious founder and mom of 3 Catherine McCord. She's created a food empire with recipe's designed to make life easier for parents and healthier for kids. And she makes it look so easy! I had to ask her how she does it and if I can do it too. In fact her website has an entire section dedicated to making toddler-friendly meals. I'm sold! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: How to get your kids excited about veggies by using your local farmers market Tips for dealing with finicky eaters Managing your child's sugar consumption-how much is too much? Ideas to engage your kids in the kitchen We also reveal details about Catherine's new food delivery service called One Potato. They deliver healthy meals for families to cook at home that are organic, and partially prepped for the whole family to enjoy. And something really cool, One Potato is in partnership with LA Kitchen to help teach employees a new career skill. Here's a pic of one of the partially prepared meals on this weeks' menu! Yum! One Potato Stuffed Shells To try one of the thousands of recipe's Catherine has created go to Weelicious.com. And for more info on her food delivery service go to onepotato.com.

Ep. 22 Talent Manager Wendy Alane Wright On Child Actors and Momagers Nov 30, 2015

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I saw a documentary a few years ago about an apartment complex in LA that caters to showbiz kids. It was called "The Hollywood Complex." Basically these families come from all over the world to live there for a few months and hope their kids "make it" during pilot season. Few do. Most don't. Talent Manager Wendy Alayne Wright What's fascinating to me about this phenomenon is the powerful pull of Hollywood. Anyone in this industry has felt it at some point. And we pack up, leave our family in Oklahoma to pursue our dreams. But I was a grown ass adult when I made that decision. How does a little kid know what their dream is and where to pursue it? How do parents decide to take that leap of faith in their child's talent? And honestly, how do you know if your child is really ready for the reality of Hollywood? These are just a few of the questions I couldn't wait to ask Youth Talent Manager Wendy Alane Wright. Then I forgot all about those questions and asked her things about myself. Kidding! She stopped by to share with me her passion for helping kids make their dreams come true, and what it really takes for a child actor to make it in Hollywood. I also asked her about "Momagers" ala Kris Jenner, and how to tell the good ones from the bad ones. And she reveals the type of kid Hollywood is in desperate need of right now. The answer might surprise you! You can find more info on Wendy and her incredibly helpful YouTube videos on her website www.secretsofahollywoodtalentmanager.com. Plus follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep track of all her tips for kids trying to break into Hollywood. Parents, is your kid a star? What are you gonna do about it? I'd love to hear from you!

Ep. 21 Elizabeth DeRazzo Reveals How Accidentally Going Topless Landed Her The Perfect Part Nov 23, 2015

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I've known Liz for about 8 years after meeting her at a party with our friend Lindsay. She was loud, wild, and dressed as a slutty nurse if I remember correctly. It was a Halloween party!(or was it?) Anyway, I loved her immediately. She had no inhibitions and she was ready for anything. I'm weirdly drawn to people like that so LA is the perfect place for me to live. Since our first encounter I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming friends with her and watching her acting career explode. Actress Elizabeth DeRazzo (The 33, Easbound and Down) She recently walked the red carpet with Antonio Banderas, Juliet Binoche, and Lou Diamond Phillips for the The 33. Um, hello? That's awesome! The film is based on real-life events after 33 Chilean miners were trapped underground for 69 days. Of course I had to hear all the dirt on how she got the part and how sexy Antonio Banderas is in person. Hint: Real Sexy. The 33 premiere For such a funny gal, Liz is admittedly more comfortable in drama than in comedies. But some of her funniest scenes IMO, were as "Maria" in Eastbound and Down. As "Maria" she had to get naked, a lot. So naturally I wanted to know how she did that. I can't even look at myself when I get out of the shower! So in this episode we chat about what's it's like as a woman to appear naked on-screen, and how that feeling can differ from set-to-set, and depending on who's producing. Liz as "Maria" on Eastbound and Down. (Note: not her real boobs) We also talk about what life is like as a character actress in this town. We actually compete for parts sometimes which is crazy bananas because we are very different people,. But we are the same "types" in Hollywood. I'm assuming it's because casting can tell we are both amazing and talented and doesn't care that she is more brown and skinnier than me. As they shouldn't! I love running into her at auditions because she gets it. She gets how this town works, and she doesn't take it personally or obsess over it like a coo coo bird. She knows that if she gets a part how lucky she is. She also knows that when she doesn't, it's okay. It's someone else's chance to be lucky. I think that's her carefree attitude shining through and it's served her very well. I'm 100% positive you will enjoy my conversation with Liz because we clearly had a good time. It felt like two friends having a power gossip sesh, which is exactly what it was! You can follow Liz on Twitter @edrazzo, and find her on Facebook. And be sure to check out her new show called "IdiotSitter" coming to Comedy Central in the spring. She'll also be in a new movie called "The Greasy Stranger", yes, that's the title, produced by Elijah Wood. This girl is on fiyaaaaaa!

Ep. 20 Rosie Pope On Helping Celebrity Parents and Her Maternity Fashion Line Nov 16, 2015

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This week my guest is Rosie Pope! She' s a parenting expert, entrepreneur, maternity fashion designer and mom of 4. She was also host of a maternity concierge reality show on Bravo called "Pregnant in Heels." If all that doesn't impress you, then you should leave. Right now. You clearly have no soul. Rosie Pope: Maternity Concierge, TV Host, Entrepreneur and Mom of 4 Rosie was so candid during our conversation. It made me wish she lived in LA so we could get afternoon tea together every day and talk about our kids. I'm sure she'd be totally okay with that. She opens up about overcoming her challenges with infertility and how it shaped the kind of parent she is today. Her story is remarkable and personally I don't know that I would have had the strength she did. She also shares her key tips for moms as they try to do what's best for their kids. It's not easy! Or is it? I love what she shares about keeping life simple. Sometimes we get so caught up in the status of parenting, and the fear of failure that we forget to get back to basics. Her motto is: Love with Confidence. She explains what it means to her and give examples on how we can apply it in our lives. I also got the inside scoop about her new nursing line which is available at A Pea in the Pod and coming soon to RosiePope.com. You can follower her on her fav social media outlet, Instagram @rosiepope as well as Twitter and Facebook. You can follow Rosie on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook Share your stories with me! I'd love to hear what you're doing to keep the fear of failure away and Love with Confidence. For me it's a saying when I get frustrated during potty training by daughter Channing. Someone once told me that "She won't go to college in diapers." That makes complete sense to me! Of course she won't. I didn't. And as this sinks in I remember that it will take time, but she will learn to use the potty like a human and not a crazy pooping monkey. By then maybe I'll be able to sit down to discuss my potty training triumphs over tea with Rosie...I mean, if she's up for it of course!

Ep. 19 Birthday Parties & Besties with Weekly Dictator Host Mary Diaz Nov 09, 2015

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November 15th is my birthday. And my husband will tell you I like to start celebrating in October. Sometimes September. Birthdays were a big deal when I was growing up. My mom loved throwing me parties and spending way more money than we had. As a result I'm now an adult who expects the world to stop and buy me balloons and cake on my big day. Parents take note of the monster you could create if you over-celebrate. What. Am. I. Wearing. As a gift to myself I asked one of my favorite people in the world to come on the show. Chris Hemsworth was unavailable. But my BFF Mary Diaz was happy to step in! Mary is a co-host of the Weekly Dictator podcast, honorary auntie to Channing, and a Scorpio. Need I say more? Probably not. But I will! Her birthday is also this week which is an amazing stroke of programming prowess I'd say. As a gift to myself I asked one of my favorite people in the world to come on the show. Chris Hemsworth was unavailable. But my BFF Mary Diaz was happy to step in! Mary is a co-host of the Weekly Dictator podcast, honorary auntie to Channing, and a Scorpio. Need I say more? Probably not. But I will! Her birthday is also this week which is an amazing stroke of programming prowess I'd say. She'll be celebrating her 25th (wink wink) on the 13th. Mary was also one of the first people to hold Chan after she was born. And that is a HUGE deal because I don't even share my food much-less my newborn. But the best part are all the adventures we've had. Like the time we went on a couples cruise that resulted in one of the best photo bombs of all time. (see tiger pic) Yep. That's my husband Chris photobombing the Diaz' and a tiger. In this episode we talk about her Weekly Dictator podcast coming to an end, her dedication to fitness, and our mutual hatred for those who have wronged us. All while I shove about 2 dozens pieces of chocolate in my face. Try to ignore the sounds of the candy wrappers over, and over, and over again. Sorry about that. It was my post-Halloween binge. Mary threw me a very fancy Goodnight Moon baby shower. Bottom line, I love this lady so much. Not just because she will totally "Mean Girls" someone with me, or pretend to smell Channing's stinky feet just to make her giggle. But for all of the wonderful things she is and does for my family. She loves my daughter as much as I do and that is a friendship worth celebrating and sharing. So if you think about it, this episode is as much a gift to me as it is to you. Happy Birthday everyone! Mary holding Chan on her first day in this world! You can find Mary on Twitter @NotMomMaterial and on Instagram @Pirated.

Ep. 18 KTLA & KIIS Traffic Anchor Ginger Chan Is An LA Treasure Nov 02, 2015

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I'm a big believer that certain people come into your life right at the time you need them most. And Ginger Chan was just that person for me. I used to work for KTLA news in Los Angeles on the overnight shift as a writer for the morning show. Just thinking about those hours now makes me shudder. But one thing that made it bearable was the people. I worked with a lot of incredibly talented journalists who (thankfully) were always down for a silly dance break or a 5 course meal at 5am. Money can't buy you class , anyone? KTLA & KIIS-FM Traffic Anchor Ginger Chan I quickly discovered that Ginger was one of those people I was drawn too. She's smart. She speaks her mind. She's damn good at her job. It's like we're soul mates! So I was beyond excited to have her on the show. She tells me how she took an unusual path to get to the top of the LA traffic scene and we talk about how challenging it can be for TV news folks to find love. It's hard! But she did it and is now married to KTLA helicopter pilot and reporter Mark Kono. Talk about a symbiotic relationship. Halloween fun with Ginger, her kids, and hubby Mark Kono As if all this wasn't enough, Ginger is also a mom of three! Her son Ryder is (almost) 5 and she has toddler twins Devyn and Alyssa. I had to ask her how she stays afloat with taking care of her kids, working full-time in TV news, doing traffic reports for Ryan Seacrest, and finding time to record podcasts with awesome friends like me. You will love what she shares about her journey and how her kids have changed her perspective on the roads, and life. More importantly, she threw me a baby shower when I was pregnant with Chan. She will forever hold a special place in my heart for that. Don't tell her I got all mushy though! I've got a rep to maintain. Ginger Chan (photo credit: KTLA.com) Thank you for coming on the show Gingie!! I look forward to making a guest appearance in the traffic center one day. Maybe Sam Rubin will let us do a fun skit. You can follow Ginger and keep up with her kids and traffic updates on Twitter @ktlagingerchan, or on the KTLA morning show page.

Ep. 17 Celebrity Stylist Alexis Scott Gives Tips On How To Get Out Of Sweatpants Oct 26, 2015

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I have a secret to tell you... I'm in love with my sweatpants. We've been in love for sometime actually. It's a give and take affair. I give my sweatpants a warm body to hug and they give me the ability to move around freely with no restriction. Whew! Feels good to get that out there! Scott Rose Style In fact I think I've been wearing the same pair of sweatpants for about 3 years. Side note: they are also maternity sweatpants. Don't judge! They're extra comfy and have so much room in the belly. So when I see moms who are juggling their babies and are also dressed like an adult person, I'm jealous. I want to be able to make smart fashion choices so I feel like a contributing member of society and not a failed gym experiment. Enter my friend and stylist Alexis Scott. Alexis is a mom to her very handsome toddler Wyatt, and she always looks amazing. Her experiences ranges from personal shopping and red carpet styling to editorial styling and creative direction. She's known for her blend of classic styles with her signature bohemian flair. She says she draws inspiration from some of her favorite icons such as Steve Nicks, Jimi Hendrix and Brigitte Bardot. I'm so envious of her obvious style and clear direction when it comes to what to wear. I feel like I draw inspiration from the sale rack at Target. So I need her help! I invited her on the show to get some fashion tips for myself and hopefully some other moms (and dads) out there who are struggling to find their post-baby style. I think we discovered that mine is "active", which is a fancy way of saying sweatpants and t-shirts. Yay! In this episode Alexis gives tips on how to figure out your own style by using what's in your closet. And how it can be changed up depending on the activity you're doing with your kids, going out with friends, or going to work. Also we have a lively discussion about Fashion Police, the fashion industry and how it's changed in the past several decades. Should you spend that extra 50 bucks for a nice pair of jeans? Or stick with what's on sale? Alexis says spend the extra dough! The quality and wearability of a good quality pair of jeans will serve you better in the long run. Alexis styling actress Elizabeth Small I also really wanted to hear her thoughts on fashion for the plus size industry. Or size challenged? Whatever PC term it's being called these days it's nice to know more companies are catering to women of size with more styles and choices. Aside from being completely gorgeous and comfortable in her clothes, Alexis is truly gifted at making other people look and feel good in their clothes. She styles editorial photo shoots, red carpet celebs, and is a personal stylist. She recently started working for a company called Stitch Fix where she can be a personal stylist to anyone in the world all from the comfort of her own home. It's a great way for her to take care of Wyatt, and help moms in need of a fashion make over. You can request her after a brief style questionnaire on the Stitch Fix site. While Alexis can relate to moms and their personal experiences with fashion, she also styles many different kinds of people. So if you find yourself in need of a new look, check out her website and contact her. I was definitely inspired after our conversation to cutback on the residents in my "Sweatpant land" and get out of my style comfort zone.

Ep. 16 BGB Acting Teacher Steven Braun on Meisner, Feminism and Finding Your Zen Oct 19, 2015

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I wish I could be zen. I wish I could find a way to reach deep down inside my soul and find some calm to pull from whenever I need it, especially when it comes to my acting career. LA-based actor and acting coach Steve Braun can do this. BGB Studio co-founder Steve Braun Actually one of the first things I noticed about him when he was my acting teacher was just how calm he was. He embraced the silence, a rare gift that actors too often forget to do. And he gave his students insightful tools to learn more about themselves while discovering their character. It was a really great class where I met some wonderful people and let myself go a little bit. Which if you know me is not an easy thing for me to do. I enjoyed his class so much at Bramon Garcia Braun Studio. So I wanted to see if he'd let me pick his brain about where he gets his zen, how it can be helpful for actors, and why he stopped pursuing his showbiz career and started helping others pursue theirs. He said yes! Steve and June (aka June Bug) Steve has been an actor for a long time (Harold and Kumar go to White Castle, The Immortals, The Trip) before he co-founded the BGB Studio with casting director Risa Bramon Garcia (the BG in BGB!) In this episode he explains why he left the grind behind and found fulfillment in helping actors "do the work." He also talks about how becoming a father has changed his perspective in some ways, and not in others. I got to express my frustration with the Meisner technique (I really don't get it) and sound like a complete jerk while pronouncing the word Buddhist. Steve's wife Amber Borycki and their daughter June But my favorite part was sharing common experiences with another parent. Steve and his wife Amber have an adorable girl name June who he hopes to raise with feminist leanings, but not be a dick about it. I love it when parents are passionate but stay grounded. It keeps the world interesting! For more information on Steve and how you can take classes at BGB Studio, go to their website. And if you just want a little inspiration in your acting career listen to the BGB podcast, and check out their Facebook page.

Ep. 15 Jillian Armenante Has Created Her Own Show – Kittens In A Cage Oct 12, 2015

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There is something very raw, campy and sexy about the women in prison genre. Those who are fans of classics like Caged and the not-so-subtly titled Girls in Prison you know what I'm talking about. (Nikki, I'm looking at you!) It was the style of these locked up ladies that inspired actress Jillian Armenante (Fresh Off The Boat, Judging Amy, Girl, Interrupted) when she was creating her new show, Kittens in a Cage. As she explains in this episode, Kittens was based on a play written by Kelleen Conway Blanchard after reading it on a trip to Seattle. Rebecca Mozo (Junie) with Erin Anderson (Vickie) There is something very raw, campy and sexy about the women in prison genre. Those who are fans of classics like Caged and the not-so-subtly titled Girls in Prison you know what I'm talking about. (Nikki, I'm looking at you!) It was the style of these locked up ladies that inspired actress Jillian Armenante (Fresh Off The Boat, Judging Amy, Girl, Interrupted) when she was creating her new show, Kittens in a Cage. As she explains in this episode, Kittens was based on a play written by Kelleen Conway Blanchard after reading it on a trip to Seattle. Actress Jillian Armenante In fact, Seattle played the backdrop for a lot of the history between Jillian and her craft. Hearing her tell stories about her theater foundation and how it led to her life in LA makes me feel a little out of my depth. I never fully pursued theater as a career because I was scared to death of failure. And, yet...here I am in Hollywood. I'm a star! Rather, I'm a co-star!! I made it? Any who, I love hearing stories from other actors on why they perform and what keeps them going in the face of a career with constant rejection. It can truly wear on your soul after a while. The best part of all of this is that Jillian and her wife Alice Dodd are moms to two beautiful little girls. I couldn't wait to ask her how she found time to produce a TV show, star in a billion other TV show and films, and still take care of her kids. How did she do it? After our chat I'm guessing lots of booze... Noted, Jillian. Noted. Plus when I found out she pulled it all together with a Kickstarter campaign, lots of favors from friends, and enough moxie to fill a...moxie holder... I was super inspired! I wanted to know more and find a way to tell my friends to watch. We should all watch and support other actors who get out of their "cage" and try new things. (see what I did there?) Lauren Weedman, Joel McHale and Jillian Armenante Kittens stars Rebecca Mozo, Erin Anderson, Rebecca Field and of course Jillian who also directs and executive produces. The guest star list is ridiculous...Joel McHale, Amy Brenneman, Tyne Daly, Felicia Day and Constantine Maroulis to name a few. You can find more info on the Kittens website, and watch it on Hulu, Vimeo and Amazon. Felicia Day Keep up with Kittens and Jillian on Twitter and Facebook. Then come back here and let me know what you thought of the show! I think it's sexy, sassy and swell. Just like Motherhood in Hollywood.

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