Interviews

‘One Day We’ll All Be Found’

One of my absolute favorite sitcoms this season has been Ghosts on CBS! If you haven’t tuned in yet, you are seriously missing out. It is incredibly funny, so cleverly written, and just wonderfully cast with a very talented and gifted group of performers that I love and respect so much and am honored to have in my life. I’ve had a chance to cover the show at PopCulture.com since its premiere last October and have been fortunate to chat with the showrunners and every cast member about their quirky characters and storylines every week. It might seem strange to say — call it fate or luck, but this beautiful, sweet and magical show landed in my lap at the most opportune time in my life when I had just lost one of my best friends to suicide and to have this show kind of fill in the gaps, and then chat with these wonderful, beautiful kind people about it has been a godsend and one that has left me in a new phase of life. One where I am the happiest I’ve ever been, while also filled with love and friendship.

With the series brilliantly encapsulating a sincerity with immense heart, reminiscent of a familiar hug, it brought to life a subject matter we rarely speak of and one I am grateful for. With the arts like film and TV being accurate representations of how we interpret life, Ghosts offers room to understanding grief in this affable, humorous containment of sorts. One that encourages healing with stories that are charming and permit reflection of that pain because it is understood and appreciated in terms of grief’s take on loss and rebuilding. Most of all and through conversations with the cast, it has opened up parts of my heart I haven’t recognized in a while and I am so grateful for it. Through conversations with these genuine spirits and the show’s sharp sense of humor, this series has shown me how valuable it is to be the things you loved most about those who are gone and I think that is the greatest testament to the ones we love. (For more on these thoughts and how the show brought to life a controversial theme, please read this.)

Go check out the coverage of the show here at PopCulture, and watch the show this summer on CBS! Below, check out a playlist of all my on-camera interviews with the cast, including Utkarsh Ambudkar, Asher Grodman, Richie Moriarty, Devan Chandler Long, Román Zaragoza, Sheila Carrasco, Danielle Pinnock and Rebecca Wisocky.

And check out some of my favorite micro-moments from our full-length interviews:

‘You Won’t Have to Think Twice’

Hard to believe it’s March, but here we are! While I am 100 percent looking forward to spring and finally getting out of this winter hibernation that has made me part bear, I have been having so much fun at work thanks to an amazing team that is constantly hitting the goals we set out a year before. One of the coolest aspects of work that stems back to my initial passion for meeting people and talking about film and TV has been the virtual junkets, which I’ve managed to take part in since my first junket last September. One of the shows I had been absolutely waiting for in the literal past year was The Tourist starring Jamie Dornan and Danielle Macdonald. 

Little back story — I have been a HUGE fan of Jamie Dornan for years! The Fall is one of my favorite TV shows and honestly, I was never the same after the Sheriff died in Once Upon a Time, lol. But to see Jamie work his way up and grab some really meaty, heartfelt roles like in Belfast or my favorite Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, I was excited about The Tourist, and I am so glad to say that the show is every bit as phenomenal and well-done as you could imagine. If you love the Coen brothers and dark comedies, this is the one for you. See more of my full review of the series here.

Getting the chance to talk to Jamie about his complex role and lots more, watch the interview in its entirety above. I also spoke to his amazingly talented co-star Danielle Macdonald, whose interview you can see here.

For the full features of this story, head to PopCulture.

‘Woke up This Morning…’

In my almost 13 years of news reporting and entertainment journalism, I’ve had some really fun experiences but this moment is definitely one for the books. I got a chance to attend my first ever movie junket for PopCulture.com and it was an absolute blast. Maybe even more so since it was surrounding one of my favorite TV shows — The Sopranos! Most humbled and grateful to be speaking to the very kind cast (Michael Gandolfini, Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr., Michela De Rossi, Ray Liotta) and director (Alan Taylor) of the highly-anticipated prequel film, The Many Saints of Newark, it was a moment to remember and one I am so thankful for.

It’s a real blessing to be working in a field that is not only fulfilling with the chance to share and interpret social commentary and criticism through an art form like film with other cinephiles, but recognize that the privilege to work in a job like this is a real gift. These guys were so much fun (and oh my gosh, the absolute warmest and funniest) — be sure to watch the complete junket, hot off the press, above; and if you are interested in more awesome content from PopCulture.com, head to our YouTube channel for the latest.

Womanista Exclusive: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pro Lindsay Arnold Dishes on David Ross, Her Diet and Married Life

Earlier this month, I got a chance to catch up with Dancing With the Stars pro, Lindsay Arnold for an exclusive feature with Womanista! In my first interview, we dished about the show and the controversies following this season. In my second interview, we explore more of the lighter side of performing, along with family life, wellness routines and more.

While you’re at it, check out Lindsay Arnold’s Womanista Approved Influencer picks, where the Utah native outlines her favorite things from beauty to entertainment to fitness and more, that you must have!

Womanista Exclusive: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Pro Lindsay Arnold Dishes on David Ross, Her Diet and Married Life

As one of the youngest professional dancers in Dancing With the Stars history, Lindsay Arnold is conquering the dance world and showing no signs of slowing down with every step, swing and cha-cha.
With a little more than half a million followers on social media and dancing her way victoriously to the title of top five finalists for three consecutive seasons, Arnold is clearly one to watch.
In her fifth season as a pro, the 23-year-old is hitting the dance floor this spring with former Chicago Cubs player, David Ross. But as she tells Womanista in an exclusive sit down, practice doesn’t come easy as there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes with travel and rehearsal time.
CONTINUE READING AT WOMANISTA…

Womanista Exclusive: Lindsay Arnold Reveals Who Might Be Partner David Ross’ Competition on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

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Last week, I had the honor and privilege to chat with Dancing With the Stars pro, Lindsay Arnold for an exclusive interview with Womanista! She is such an incredibly easy-going, friendly and bubbly person—it was a lot of fun to write up and showcase her bright personality. If you are watching the hot ABC show every Monday night, you will have noticed that the 23-year old is burning up the dance floor this season with former Chicago Cubs player, David Ross. The two are sensational and really setting a bar for the season’s competitors. I’m rooting for both of them and cannot wait to see how the rest of this 24th season unravels.

In our exclusive, Lindsay dished not just on the show, its competitors and her rituals before every performance, but shared what her World Series-winning partner really means to her. Check out the first interview in our Lindsay Arnold exclusive, only at Womanista! (Also, check out her Womanista Approved Influencer picks, where the Utah native outlines her favorite things from beauty to entertainment to fitness and more, that you must have!)

Womanista Exclusive: Lindsay Arnold Reveals Who Might Be Partner David Ross’ Competition on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

With its 24th season well underway, Dancing with the Stars is on fire and one dancer burning up the ballroom this year is none other than bubbly and congenial Utah-native, Lindsay Arnold.
Last week, Arnold and her partner, former Chicago Cubs player, David Ross hit the dance floor for the show’s first-ever Vegas night, full of 11 Sin City-inspired routines that included everything from the samba to the foxtrot.
While the pair performed a sexy “Magic Mike Live” number as a jazz routine much to Ross’ apprehension, Arnold, ever the encouraging teacher with a heart as glittery as the Mirrorball, knew he had it in the bag. The two earned 31 points that night — his highest of the season and an accolade she is incredibly proud of.
“That is truly my favorite part of being on the show — the rewarding moments where I see how much my student has learned,” Arnold said. “It means a lot that I have had such incredible partners who respect me as a coach and trust me to be their teacher.”
CONTINUE READING AT WOMANISTA…

Coffee, Cream and Charity: Serving Up Social Change at The Well

Call it an homage to my roots and how I initially started writing back in the day, but I absolutely love talking to those making a difference in their communities. I feel featuring and lifting up others who pay it forward is one of the more important aspects of feature writing. One such company I deeply admire is The Well, a nonprofit coffeehouse nestled in the heart of South Bend’s River Park neighborhood that donates 100% of its profits to helping residents. Introduced to this amazing cafe thanks to my father and his many visits for work to the city, I knew this was a company that others need to model their business strategy on.

In addition to hosting a slew of events, The Well will be hosting a Princess Fundraiser event to support Lauran and local Iraqi war veteran, Brian Cuyler as they fight to treat Brian’s Stage IV brain cancer.

For more information about The Well and the fundraising event, check out my latest for The Hudsucker where I chat with manager, Megan Chandler of The Well about coffee, community and social change.

The Hudsucker | Coffee, Cream and Charity: Serving Up Social Change at The Well

Whether you call it java, brew, or jitter juice, it’s evident through the frantic morning rush to work you need your caffeine fix. Nestled between hundreds of Starbucks and the independent cafés is one glimmering coffeehouse making a difference, one cup at a time.
Situated in the heart of South Bend’s River Park neighborhood, The Well is the only nonprofit coffeehouse where 100% of the profits go back to the community. Utilizing a pay-what-you-want consumer plan with suggested price donations, customers can pay the amount they are capable of paying in exchange for ethical and delicious coffee.
Continue reading at The Hudsucker…

Can Having a Baby Resolve Marital Infidelity?

{Image Credit: Getty Images}

Whether emotional or physical, many couples believe the number one quick fix to infidelity is by having a baby. Often assumed that the miracle of a new life will aid in a newly renewed bond between the couple for a better relationship and distract them from past conflict, a baby becomes the ultimate symbol of hope for a depleting marriage.

It’s easy to romanticize how a bouncing bundle of joy will help solve problems like infidelity between a couple, but the arrival of a baby to repair a broken relationship is pure myth as per licensed marriage and family therapist, Melissa Risso, M.A, LMFT of Risso Counseling in San Mateo, California.

“There is never a ‘quick fix’ when it comes to relationship concerns, especially when a couple has experienced infidelity of any sort,” Risso says.

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The Truth Is Out There: Chatting with Aliza Vellani of “The X-Files”

As one of the longest-running science fiction series in network television history, The X-Files is back this Sunday after nearly 13 years with a six-episode run. Returning are its two dynamic leads, Special Agents Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) diving back into unsolved cases the FBI deems false or outlandish. Built upon the premise of alien cover-ups, government conspiracies, and man’s everlasting desire to seek the truth, the iconic 90s series garnered prestigious awards and acclaim over its nine-year run, with fans constantly wanting more despite being given two movies.

Talk about rebooting the series has been transpiring for years, creating quite an itch with fans. And it’s no wonder either—in addition to the legions of ‘X-Philes,’ television critics call it one of the best shows that ever aired on American television in the 1990s. So when news broke out last January that FOX was interested in reviving the series as a miniseries, it didn’t take long until the show’s familiar faces and creator, Chris Carter would eagerly jump on board.

Joining the cast for the much-anticipated revival is 24-year-old Canadian, Aliza Vellani. As a charismatic actress whose professional training and extensive experience in the industry has given her strong groundwork for a prosperous career, Vellani was cast last summer and shot the series alongside original leads, Duchovny, Anderson, and Mitch Pileggi in Vancouver, where the show was originally shot for its first five seasons in the early 90s.

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