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    My Only Friends

    Brittany Rizzo talks with actors, writers, and other creatives about the tv shows and entertainment that get them through their mental health struggles and hard times. No one told us life was gonna be this way.
    enBrittany Rizzo41 Episodes

    Episodes (41)

    The One With Lucy Walsh

    The One With Lucy Walsh

    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).

    The One with Tony Cavalero

    The One with Tony Cavalero

    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!

    This is Brandon Delsid...Now

    This is Brandon Delsid...Now

    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! 

    Wonder Woman in Hollywood with Matt Marr

    Wonder Woman in Hollywood with Matt Marr

    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.

    Traveled Down the Road and Back Again, with Karen Cliche

    Traveled Down the Road and Back Again, with Karen Cliche

    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.

    The One With Kayla Alpert

    The One With Kayla Alpert

    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. 

    Get Out of My Head! with M. Andrew McConnel

    Get Out of My Head! with M. Andrew McConnel

    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

    Having An Abundance Mindset with Gill Hasson

    Having An Abundance Mindset with Gill Hasson

    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. 

    Habits of a Happy Brain with Loretta G. Breuning

    Habits of a Happy Brain with Loretta G. Breuning
    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.

     

    The One With Heather Besignano

    The One With Heather Besignano

    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. 

    From Golden to Gilmore with Stan Zimmerman

    From Golden to Gilmore with Stan Zimmerman

     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. 

    Hoop Dreams with Michiel Thomas

    Hoop Dreams with Michiel Thomas
    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.

    And Just Like That...Mia Hunt

    And Just Like That...Mia Hunt

    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.

    The One With Ciarra Siller

    The One With Ciarra Siller

    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. 

    The Other Nice Guy, Cameron Cowperthwaite

    The Other Nice Guy, Cameron Cowperthwaite

    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. 

    Grease Is The Word! with Barry Pearl

    Grease Is The Word! with Barry Pearl

    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.