Mz.Leading With Alana J

This episode is an interview with my friend Jorge Velazquez, fellow comic who I met in the New Orleans comedy scene. This time, I'm in the hot seat, as Jorge interviewed me for an episode of his "Funny Fucks" podcast. Given the name of Jorge's podcast, I didn't quite expect us to touch on so many big issues, like substance abuse and trauma. Then again, these tend to be common themes among comics and entertainers in general. We have to be the light we need to see; I love being the light. I wanted to give you a quick trigger warning, just in case you're going through something right now, or know someone who is. There is comic relief in there too, I promise. :-)Enjoy the episode, and if you need any help or if you need to talk, don't hesitate to contact me on any of my social media, or add your email to my contact list. TikTok/IG: @alanaj.tv Click here to add your email to my list.Follow Jorge, and make sure to subscribe to his podcast "Funny Fucks"IG: @_jorgevelazquez_ Jorgevelazquezcomedy.com Intro & Outro Music: "New Life" by Moire

I recently finished grad school, earning my MFA in Acting, and I can't believe that it all happened so fast. Though there were moments where it felt like the longest two years of my life, it is bittersweet that that chapter has ended. Nonetheless, I am so excited for the future and in this "in-between time" I've had the opportunity to do so much necessary reflecting. In this episode, I discuss some of the greatest lessons and reminders I got from the two years I went through earning my degree. There are so many more, and I look forward to sharing them with you, but I figured let's unravel bit by bit.  I hope you enjoy these Takeaways from an MFA.If you enjoyed this episode or any others, feel free to leave a review.  You can get in touch with me on IG, TikTok and Threads  @alanaj.tvI look forward to connecting with you! alanaj.tvClick here to Subscribe to my newsletter and stay tuned for all my projects and show dates. Intro & Outro Music: "New Life" by Moire

It's been a hot minute, homies! I've missed you so! Pardon me as I've uprooted my life, and embarked on what is going to potentially be the most challenging and rewarding two years of my life.   I'm rounding out the end of my first semester of grad school at Louisiana State University, and I feel like you totes need to hear about it, so press play already. This one gets a little real.I dish a bit on my MFA in Acting program at LSU, my struggles with substances and alcohol, and my gratitude for my peoples and my life.

In this ep, I had the opportunity to  chat with Yesenia Ramirez - an educator and multi-hyphenate artist based in NYC. Yesenia and I discuss her transition from pursuing music professionally to becoming an educator while working on creative endeavors on the side. The serendipity of unexpected opportunities has led her to do things that quite frankly she didn't feel suited for.  She's an example of the magic that can happen when you take a leap of faith - case in point, acting in and becoming the Executive Producer of a very successful web series called Dominican York.As a young woman who grew up in Washington Heights, naturally, her perspective on Lin Manuel-Miranda's "In The Heights" film had to be brought to the table. Take a listen. Follow Yesenia on Instagram @little_veras Watch Dominican York hereAnd come to my Farewell For Now party on Monday August 9th  if you're in NYC or NJCLICK HERE for tickets.

We are back with another episode featuring yet another phenomenal woman...homies, here we have Natalie Polanco.Natalie is a writer, producer and filmmaker based in the NYC area currently working as Head of Production at Digital Bodega. Natalie's transition from paralegal to production was a risk she was willing to take to lead a purposeful life and pursue her calling as a story teller and artist.Oh yeah, and she may have joined a pyramid scheme along the way which inspired her first web series appropriately entitled Pyramids, which features little ol' me.   It's part of her mission to help educate and employ other people of color, especially women, who have the vision for storytelling but maybe not the resources or the platform. If this sounds like you, you may want to consult with Natalie, who you can find via IG at @npolancooI make a big announcement during this episode so make sure you tune in!Love & light. -AJ

How did I swindle an Emmy award-winning journalist into joining me on my podcast? I'm not quite sure, but I am so grateful for this woman. She's worked for WABC, The Maury Show and is currently the host of both her own award-winning show on CUNY-TV called LATiNAS, as well as Globe Scholars - a show highlighting students' travel and study abroad experiences - on PBS.Her vivacious energy is infectious, her poise is undeniable, and her presence in the media space is just that - a gift.Tinabeth drops so many gems during this episode, and the STORIES this woman has are a must-hear, including being championed by Sam Champion -every New Yorker's favorite weatherman - and THE Roz Abrams live on air. That's just one of her epic anecdotes, so get to it! Listen now and follow Tinabeth on Instagram @tinabethpina and LIKE her on Facebook. 

Hold on to your knickers, homies. This one's gonna get spicy... It's episode 8 featuring the one and only Rachel La Loca! Rachel is a comedian, actress, producer, mother of two beautiful boys and just a gem of human flesh, I mean, I don't know what else you want me to say. She's been seen on NBC's Bring The Funnyas a member of sketch comedy troupe Room 28. She is the producer of The HERlarious Show , performing live and virtually, based out of the NYC-area. She is a co-host of the multi-award winning podcast Latinos Out Loud. She is a phenomenal sketch comedian, actress, and a woman I'm truly honored to call a friend. Spoiler alert: you might get sick of me saying that last part...Get ready for a fun ass conversation during which Rachel discusses her trajectory from marketing professional and educator to comedy Queen on a mission to move the needle. Follow Rachel on Instagram @RachelLaLocaFollow The Latinos Out Loud Podcast on Instagram @wearelatinosoutloud and on Apple Podcasts

This was a very special interview in honor of the legendary comedian's birthday, so go show Glory Mora some love!Glorelys (Glory) Mora is a stand-up comic breaking ground in NYC producing sold-out comedy shows on the regular and opening for celeb comics like Insecure's Yvonne Orji. And she slays at her j-o-b, so don't get it twisted, this woman is out here working. This was such a candid, inspiring, thought-provoking, dope ass dialogue. Glory and I talked comedy, purpose, trauma, mental health, gratitude and so much more during this episode.Follow Glory on Instagram @glorelysmora And for everything Glory, including Legendary merch, visit glorelysmora.com

Episode 6 coming in HOT a day early in celebration of my guest's very own late night comedy show dropping on BRIC TV - TONIGHT June 8th at 10PM EST. Consider this podcast episode the appetizer and Hella Late With Hollie Harper the main course on your media consumption menu this evening. Hollie is a queen. She is a self-proclaimed comedy nerd, and had an epiphany during the pandemic that she wants to be David Letterman. She's brought that dream a step closer to materializing with her Hella Late - a comedy show featuring sketch comedy, woman on the street interviews, musical comedy and appearances from some of the dopest NYC comics and her dear friends. In addition to talking about the show, we also chat about Hollie & her husband's love story - meet-cute included - womanhood in numerous contexts, flipping the bird to imposter syndrome and so much more. If you're in New York, you can check your local listings to tune in to Hella Late With Hollie Harper tonight and for the next 3 Tuesdays at 10 PM EST. You can also watch at: https://www.youtube.com/c/BRICTV & Follow all things Hollie on Instagram at @HollieHarper5. "Get Some Black Friends."Music and Lyrics by Hollie Harper & Jeff JeudyVocals: Shelley Nicole, Patranila Jefferson & Hollie HarperAvailable on iTunes, Amazon.com, Spotify, Zune and Rhapsody!

In episode 5, I get to speak with singer-songwriter and my darling friend Isabel Alvarez for some delicious dialogue.  We are two very open books so we don't shy from too much on this one. Isabel speaks on her enlightening experience maintaining as a live performer in New York City during COVID et al., her passion for jazz music, and being a part of a duo consisting of her and her beau, James. In addition, we speak candidly on our difficulties prioritizing the things that we love and how we overcome them, our individual struggles with substance abuse, and so so much more. Spoiler alert: There will be singing!Follow Isabel on Instagram @missizmusic 

Welcome back, homies! In this week's episode, I got to pick the brain of a woman I dearly admire, whom I'm honored to call a friend, the lovely Ellen Haun. She is an actress, comedian, writer and co-author of the book "Cinderella and the Glass Ceiling: And Other Feminist Fairy Tales" alongside her writing partner Laura Lane. The book is a parody with a (spoiler alert) feminist twist, and she (me) is here for it (clap emoji, clap emoji)!Ellen talks candidly about some of the absurd issues presented in some of our classic fairytales, and we get kinda real; so you've been warned. Then we go from real, to silly, and back again because that is my brand. In addition to all of her accomplishments as an actor and writer, Ellen talks about growing up with her 2 sisters (shoutout to Grace & Polly!!), her acting and creative trajectory, her mid-pandemic move from NYC to LA, and, last but not least, her hubby Drew! Tune in and go buy Ellen and Laura's "Cinderella and the Glass Ceiling: And Other Feminist Fairytales" Follow @feministfairytalesbook on InstagramFollow Ellen Haun @ellenhaun on Instagramand for everything Ellen hit up www.ellenhaun.com

In Episode 3 I had the pleasure to sit down with Digital Media Maven, Host/Personality and my friend, Melissa Sweets. Melissa talks about her experiences working in radio at La Mega and Sirius XM, the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, and her trajectory becoming the woman she wants to look back in 10 years and be proud of. She's also a super woman, aka a mom, and an incredibly loving, talented, passionate human being. There's a lot of laughs and a lot of wisdom in this one alike. Well rounded, ya dig? You can't box us in. Follow Melissa on Instagram & Twitter @melissasweetsEnjoy! And thank you for coming

Episode 2, what it do?! This week, I am HYPE I got to sit down with Illustrator, Author, & my friend since 3rd grade, Alyssa Bermudez. Her story is one for the books, no pun intended. Cuz she be illustrating and writing books so...This conversation really runs the topical gamut: Catholic school memories, first kisses, public apologies, Alyssa's move from NYC to Australia, success tips for creatives, and her celebrity endorsements, just to name a few. Special appearances by: her husband Sam's kitchen activities, and their dogs Barkley & Meeko's barks and snores. You'll laugh. You'll learn. You'll thank us later.

Who the hell is Alana J? How did she get on your interface? Tune in as she discusses how awesome she's been at not doing things, plus some tips, tricks and habits that got her to finally take several seats and make a thing!Should this even be in third person though??