A podcast about diversity and Hollywood! Hosted by stand up comedian Mahesh Kotagi and filmmaker Daniel Marcha. Each week we discuss new topics in Hollywood and talk to guests in entertainment with diverse backgorunds.
Amanda is a rising star known for her portrayal of the series regular character Jenn Yu on Netflix's well reviewed figure skating show SPINNING OUT. Prior to SPINNING OUT, Zhou appeared in the Warner Bros. film IT CHAPTER II, and recurred in the hit Canadian series BLOOD AND WATER. #netflix #aapi #actor #diversity #hollywood
Johnny is in the new movie A Journal for Jordan directed by Denzel Washington! Johnny grew up in New York City where he attended Stuyvesant High School. After forgoing a study of finance in undergrad for a theatre major instead at Binghamton University, he was accepted into Yale, NYU, and UCSD on full scholarships for his Master's.
Nicole Nageli joins us via zoom to discuss motivation in entertainment, following your dreams, publishing your own book, speaking at TEDX and more!
Season 3 coming soon, releasing a few epsidoes this week as a holiday present! Stay safe everyone!
Daniel's back folks! We have a great ep for you - we come up with the next blockbuster movie LIVE and we get to the bottom of the mystery every one has been wondering - What's in the avocado toast at #DUNKIN DONUTS!!! So thrilled for how our NMT community is growing thanks so much for the support, please tell a friend to listen!
JENNIFER DIBELLA is an actor who uses her experience in the industry to empower others. She has appeared on a some big name shows, including GREY’S ANATOMY, 9-1-1 and STATION 19. Jennifer’s success in the acting world has now led her to a new career path – in the midst of the pandemic, nonetheless! Her new business endeavor as an Acting Career Consultant and Acting Coach is nothing short of impressive. She teaches actors how to advocate for themselves and find their power in a business where you have little to no control. Jennifer is going all-in on her consulting business as Hollywood begins to open back up from the pandemic and opportunities continue to emerge for aspiring actors. Jen’s Instagram: @jendibella Jen’s Consulting/Coaching IG: @jdactingconsultant No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
Shawn Finnie is a well-rounded multi-hyphenated creative. Professionally, he serves as the Senior Director of Member Relations and Awards for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the organization that puts on the Oscars). He is a crucial part of the team that is responsible for making sure there is solid representation and diverse voices of all backgrounds included, engaged, and activated within the Academy membership which ultimately reflects the Oscars. Shawn uses his voice on his own platform to amplify, uplift and elevate conversations around mental health, community, rights, and creating space by initiating thoughtful conversations with some of Hollywood’s most influential and well-known activists and artists such as: NAACP President Derrick Johnson, Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker Mahershala Ali, actress Rita Wilson, attorney Ben Crump, Tom Bilyeu and more. Shawn Finnie: @shawnfinniebeflourishing No More Tokens: @nomoretokens
It's just me this week, so you know things go off the rails!!! I'll tell you what I've been watching, and also what mystery flavor of soda has really shaken up my world!
ORLANDO LEYBA is one of our favorite stand-up comedians out there who finds humor in just about anything that crosses his path. You have to check out his standup special ADORABLE, now streaming on HBO – or you can catch it streaming on Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, Pandora, Sirius XM or wherever you’re streaming from right now. He’s made multiple memorable appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and he stars in the animated kids film LUIS AND THE ALIENS on Hulu. He’s appeared on three episodes of TruTV’s LAFFTRACKS, and on TBS's WRECK LEAGUE. He’s killed it as a contestant on the NBC show BRING THE FUNNY, and he was a finalist in NBC's STAND-UP SHOWCASE. When the world opens back up, you can catch Orlando on stage at comedy festivals, and clubs throughout the U.S and Canada. Orlando Leyba: @heylando
SIA MISTRY is an Indian-American storyboard artist. Originally from India, Sia has lived everywhere from England to the midwestern US (and currently, Los Angeles!). Her nomadic upbringing and love of art have led her into a passion for promoting diversity and racial equality in the art community. Sia has interned at Green Gold Animation in Hyderabad, India, and worked on television shows including Disney Junior’s MIRA, ROYAL DETECTIVE, and CHICKEN SQUAD. Sia Mistry: @siamystery No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
GARFIELD WILSON, is a musician-turned-actor. Garfield has been in movies including STOLEN BY MY MOTHER: THE KAMIYAH MOBLEY STORY opposite Niecy Nash, COME TO DADDY, and VENDETTA. You've seen him on TV shows including ARROW, ONCE UPON A TIME, BATES MOTEL, THE 100, VAN HELSING, THE GOOD DOCTOR, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and J.J. Abram’s ALMOST HUMAN, among others. Check him out on this season of SNOWPIERCER, which airs on Mondays on TNT, and his upcoming project THE ASTRONAUTS, premiering in November on Nickelodeon. Garfield Wilson: @garfieldawilson No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
JAYDEEP HASRAJANI is an Indian-American animator, storyboard artist, and director based in Los Angeles, CA. He has previously worked on Cartoon Network's THE POWERPUFF GIRLS and THE FUNGEES, and Netflix Animation's GHEE HAPPY. Currently, he is the Creator and Producer on a super secret project he legally cannot talk about at Netflix Animation. Oops we've said too much already... Jaydeep Hasrajani: jaydeephasrajani No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
RAJEEV DASSANI is a director/writer who's film EVIL EYE recently dropped on Amazon after Rajeev and his twin brother Elan were tapped by the legendary horror house Blumhouse Productions. Rajeev is an award-winning filmmaker with his film A DAY'S WORK winning the prestigious Gold Medal at the Student Academy Awards which are put on by the Oscars organization. He's gone on to screen his film at hundreds of festivals worldwide winning additional awards at the Shanghai Film Festival, and the AFI Dallas Festival among others. Rajeev and his brother Elan created the Master Key Productions shingle where they provide production services and visual effects for dozens of TV series and feature films. Rajeev has served as creative consultant and visual effects producer on shows including the SCANDAL, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, GRACE AND FRANKIE, and JUSTIFIED. Rajeev's Arabic-language coming-of-age supernatural series JINN debuted on Netflix in 2019. Rajeev Dassani: @dassanir No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
Director + Producer Oz Scott with Guest Co-Host Marco Martinez! OZ SCOTT is a legendary director and producer with an extraordinary career spanning 40 years and more than 100 television credits. Oz's directing career began with classic television series including HILL STREET BLUES, FAME, and THE JEFFERSONS. He went on to helm episodes of some of the most talked about shows in television history including THE COSBY SHOW, L.A. LAW, CHICAGO HOPE, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, ALLY MCBEAL, NCIS, and AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. Most recently he’s directed episodes of the series BLACK LIGHTNING, which he also serves as Co-Executive Producer. Oz has received many accolades for his contributions to the community including the NAACP Image Award, the Drama Desk Award, and a Village Voice Obie Award for off Broadway, the Genesis Award, and the Nancy Susan Reynolds Award. We’re also pleased to welcome MARCO MARTINEZ as today’s guest co-host! Marco is a multi-hyphenate all-around performer. His acting credits include NCIS:LA, CRIMINAL MINDS: BEYOND BORDERS (directed by Oz Scott!), HOUSE, and CASTLE. He founded the vocal group “Cornerstone” which went on to a development deal with Capitol Records. Marco created the LA Dance group “The Godfathers,” and was credited by the L.A. Times as one of the founders of “Krump” dancing. Venturing into film, Marco also assisted Barry Jenkins on the Oscar-winning film, MOONLIGHT.
CAROLINA HOYOS is a first generation Peruvian Quechua-Inca Afro-Latina. Carolina has had an exceptional career blending her love of acting with her skills as a classically trained musician. Under a 4-year performance contract as a member of the official Los Angeles County Artist Roster, Carolina sings and played "Antonella" in the series finale of Nicolas Winding Refn's Amazon Prime crime drama TOO OLD TO DIE YOUNG. The song also appears on the series' soundtrack. She's also appeared in the tv dramedy pilot BLACKWATER, and performed the closing credits "My Man The Devil" which won a special jury award at the Austin Film Festival. She is a member of The Autry Museum's Native Voices Theatre Artist Ensemble, participated in the 2019 Native American TV Writers Lab, and she's written and directed several plays and performed with improv sketch troupes across Los Angeles.
OLIVER BOKELBERG is a German-born filmmaker behind Shondaland's first documentary, "Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker." Bokelberg has directed multiple episodes of television including "Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal," and most recently, "Big Sky." He also served as "Scandal's" cinematographer for all seven seasons, beginning with the pilot. Bokelberg studied at Tisch School of the Arts and was the Directing/Producer films including "The Station Agent," "The Visitor," and "Win Win."
MAZ JOBRANI is an Iranian-born actor and comedian who's newest comedy special PANDEMIC WARRIOR premieres on January 28 on Peacock! You may have seen Maz on the big screen in films including Sydney Pollack's THE INTERPRETER, Disney's DESCENDANTS, and Ice Cube's FRIDAY AFTER NEXT. Tune into Netflix to catch his original (and hilarious) standup special IMMIGRANT. Most recently Maz appeared in A SIMPLE WEDDING (from the producers of MY BIG, FAT, GREEK WEDDING) alongside Rita Wilson, as well as Hulu's TASTE THE NATION with Padma Lakshmi. You should also give some love to Maz's awesome podcast BACK TO SCHOOL WITH MAZ JOBRANI now available on Spotify and Apple podcasts. Maz Jobrani: @MazJobrani No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
Happy New Year everyone! Wow! We are growing so much as a podcast, thanks to all of your support!!! Today Daniel and I talk about what we are looking forward to in 2021, the status of movie theaters, and also DUNKIN DONUTS. Follow, share, and tell a friend! Let's get to a 50,000 subscribers!
Aasif Mandvi is a Peabody award-winning actor, writer, creator, comedian, author, and producer of Indian descent. Widely known for his work as a correspondent on the multi Emmy-winning, "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." He currently stars in the new CBS series "Evil," as well as in the UK series "This Way Up" with Aisling Bea on Hulu. Some of Aasif's other credits include "Blue Bloods," "Younger," "Mother's Day," and "Million Dollar Arm." This past September, he launched the podcast "Lost At The Smithsonian," where he gets up close and personal with ten of the most culturally significant artifacts at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Now available on Apple and Stitcher. Aasif Mandvi: @aasif No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
Actress Tiya Sircar recently appeared in the final season of NBC's “The Good Place,” and Entertainment Weekly dubbed her the series "Scene Stealer." Tiya's other projects include lead on the ABC series “Alex, Inc.” alongside Zach Braff’s, Netflix’s “Master of None” and "Good Sam," Fox’s “The Mindy Project,” “The Witches of East End,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Crazy Ones,” “Hannah Montana,” and “The Suite Life on Deck.” Having also established herself as a capable voiceover actress, Tiya lent her pipes to the character "Sabine Wren," a graffiti artist and explosives expert, on the Disney/Lucas Film animated series “Star Wars Rebels” on the Disney Channel. Tiya Sircar: @tiyabird No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
Sanjay Shah is currently the co-showrunner of Season 1 and 2 of Apple TV's "Central Park." His was previously a writer on the long-running series "King of the Hill," co-executive producer on the Fox comedy series "Enlisted," and writer and producer of "Fresh Off the Boat," from creator/showrunner Nahnatchka Khan. No More Tokens: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
Dawan Owens is an actor and comedian. He also created a support and mentorship group for actors of color at John Rosenfeld Studios in LA. Some of his credits includ the ABC, Kerry Washington produced, pilot Man of the House, starring alongside Alyson Hannigan and Leslie Bibb, a series regular role on Tyler Perry's If Loving You Is Wrong & recurring roles on Nextflix's The Ranch, ABC'S Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. OWN's Greenleaf & Hulu's All Night Leave us a 5 star review, and tell a friend!
Floyd Reeves is a producer, writer, and the founder of Broken Barriers Productions – a social network for filmmakers of color – and Broken Barriers Entertainment, a Los Angeles based production company that creates content for digital, film, theater, and TV. Broken Barriers has created over 80 events in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York.
Today we had Gabrielle Ruiz and Pallavi Sastry of the very successful What Are Friends for Podcast! They are both super talented and have built amazing careers in entertainment. We chat all things showbiz, advice on how to make it, and the best grocery store in the world!
Broadway actor and star Eric Anthony Lopez joins us this week! We chat about his experiences on Fox’s American Idol, diversity in the Broadway community, and acting in the record-breaking, longest-running Broadway musical, Phantom Of the Opera. Phantom of the Opera has the distinction of being the ONLY musical to continue performances SAFELY during COVID 19. Eric Anthony Lopez made history by becoming the youngest actor in The Phantom of The Opera franchise to tackle the leading opera tenor role of “Ubaldo Piangi,” which he is currently covering (in addition to playing “Passarino” eight times a week) on the World Tour through 2023. Eric Anthony Lopez: @eric.anthony.lopez No More Tokens!: @nomoretokens Mahesh Kotagi: @maheshkotagi Daniel Marcha: @marchamakesmovies
With her infectious personality and unique sense of humor, Pittsburgh native Sujata Day has established herself as a performer, creator, writer, and director. She regularly performs in Upright Citizen Brigade's hit Asian AF show. Sujata is known for her starring role as CeCe in Issa Rae’s The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl. She's recurred for three seasons on HBO's Insecure. Sujata is a #Sundance Lab fellow, Sundance Film Festival influencer, and Sundance Collab advisor. Her short film, Cowboy and Indian, sold to a major studio for series development with Sujata writing, producing and starring. She served as #HBO Visionaries Ambassador in 2019. She directs This Is My Story, a series in which beloved storyteller LeVar Burton narrates real life personal experiences of everyday racism. Sujata's debut feature film, #Definition Please, currently screens on the film festival circuit. FB/IG/Twitter: @sujataday
TOBY LOUIE is an award-winning independent producer, originally from San Francisco, CA. Toby produces television, recently making SNEAKERHEADS with Olive Bridge Entertainment for #Netflix. He has three new projects in the works, including an #Apple TV+ pilot with Annapurna, a docu-series about the #Lakers, and a project with Stay Gold. His feature film, NIGHT OWLS, was released in 2015 to rave reviews and sold to #MGM. Toby has subsequently had films at many of the major festivals, including #Sundance, #SXSW, and #Tribeca.
Liz Fields is an Asian-Australian-American writer and filmmaker who has traveled to 40 different countries across six continents searching for stories that illuminate human existence, struggles, and truth. Liz became a staff writer at #ABC and was part of the #Emmy Award-winning team that launched #VICE News on #HBO. As a filmmaker, she explored the insanity of the modern American condition as a 2016 #presidential campaign embed, produced a #Netflix series on the global drug trade, and won a Gracie award and GLAAD nomination for her work on issues affecting minority women and the trans community. Enjoy the episode!
Shannon Bills (f/k/a Shannon Malecki) is a casting associate at Greenstein Daniel Casting. In her seven years of casting she has worked on over 50 TV comedies such as #NBC's Superstore, American Housewife, Shrill and #Netflix #NeverHaveIEver. Last year she decided to take on a new passion coaching actors. Her goal is to motivate and excite actors about the work they're doing. She takes a holistic approach to acting by intuitively looking in and figuring out blocks that are keeping you out of alignment with what you desire most. Instagram: @shannonbillscoaching Website: shannonbills.com #diversity #inclusion #entertainment #netflix #hulu #mindykaling #superstore #nbc #theoffice
Dan Levy Dagerman and Selina Ringel have a production company called TWO HANDS PRODUCTIONS. They also filmed a FEATURE FILM during quarantine. Selina Ringel is an award winning Producer, Casting Director, and a Writer. Dan directed their first feature film THE BEST PEOPLE which is currently being sold worldwide by Shoreline Entertainment and distributed domestically by Samuel Goldwyn Films. It premiered at the 2018 Cinequest Film Festival. We talk about filming during #quarantine, how to roll with the punches and completely change and adapt your #featurefilm to the current landscape. http://www.2handsproductions.com #hollywood #diversity #filmmaker #director #producer #Netflix #Hulu #Amazon #filmfestival #romanticcomedy #comedy
#BravoTV's Family Karma star Anisha Ramakrisna joins us this week! #FamilyKarma is the only #Indian reality show on network TV. We chat about what this means for diversity and representation on television and Anisha's life and her eco-conscious and sustainable clothing companies #Currently and #NoSharam. Follow her @ Instagram @anishramakrishna Currently Clothing @shopcurrently No Sharam @nosharammerch
#Indian Matchmaking is #Netflix's new docu-series that was promoted as a show that helps single millennials “find true love”. The series is hosted by elite matchmaker Seema Taparia as she works with young #Indians and their parents to select a spouse. The Indian community is divided over this - but we LOVED it. Check it out! #IndianMatchmaking
Jim Kleverweis is an executive producer of at #HBO and produced all six seasons of #SiliconValley, and #Insecure, and many other amazing shows. Jim is a huge proponent of diversity in Hollywood. We talk about the importance of diversity on camera and behind camera and all the work he is doing to help change Hollywood for the better. No More Tokens is a podcast hosted by comedian Mahesh Kotagi and filmmaker Daniel Marcha.
Zarna Garg is an award-winning screenwriter and stand-up comedian (and accidental TikTok breakout star). Her one-of-a-kind comedy style highlights her role as a mom and lawyer turned stand-up comedian, and uniquely combines the immigrant and American experience. Her debut romantic comedy screenplay REARRANGED won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award at the 2019 Austin Film Festival (placing #1 out of 11,000 scripts), and was also a 2019 Academy Nicholl Fellowships Semi-Finalist. The script has been optioned by Marginal Mediaworks. Thanks to the help of her kids, Zarna recently joined TikTok where her comedy videos have been viewed more than 6 million times in one month alone. Follow her at @zarnagarg Follow us @nomoretokens
Monroe Martin is a stand up comedian and actor. He has been on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, NBC's Last Comic Standing, Netflix's Master of None, Late Night, Comedy Central and so much more. Follow him on social media @MonroeMartinIII Check out his podcast No Need For Apologies and catch his live shows. https://www.monroemartincomedy.com/ Leave us a 5 star review and tell a friend!
Akansha Agrawal is a brand storyteller and strategist at Citrus & Gold, and the co-author of The Healthy Indian Food Cookbook. Her mission is helping creatives & entrepreneurs find their authentic voices and build powerful personal brands so they can make a bigger impact. We chat about how to create your brand and stand out in the crowd while maintaining your vision and celebrating your individuality. Follow her @citrusandgold Please share, comment, and leave us a 5 star review @nomoretokens!
No More Tokens fully supports the Black Lives Matter movement and we wanted to share some resources where you can help as well. Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/i-run-with-maud https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor Sign: Justice for Floyd https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justiceforfloyd_george_floyd_minneapolis Stand with Bre https://www.standwithbre.com Run with Maud https://www.runwithmaud.com/#petition Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com
Whoo! Netflix's The Lovebirds came out this weekend starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. This is huge for diversity and we LOVED the movie! Also we talk 90's nostalgia! Thanks for the support please review, rate, and share!!!
Comedian Khalid Rahmaan (TBS's Conan) joins us via virtual studio! We chat about stand up comedy and Netflix's new show #BlackAF! Tune in, rate us 5 stars, and stay safe people!
*This was recorded pre-Rona* Sanya Dosani joins us in studio! She is a producer for many TV shows including Netflix and VOX's show Sex Explained, and has worked on TBS's Samantha Bee's Full Frontal. Sanya started in journalism and made her move to TV. This was a great episode! Follow us @nomoretokens Leave us a 5 star rating! Tell a friend! COVER YOUR MOUTHS!
Ohhh Boy! Y'all may be stuck inside but Daniel Marcha is back this week and we talk about how corona has affected Hollywood and production of your fav shows/movies. Please rate us 5 stars, comment, share, and above all COVER YOUR MOUTHS AND STAY HOME! Thanks!
New York Comedy Club Co-Owner Emilio Savone joins us in studio along with comedian Neko White. Emilio Savone and Scott Linder are co-owners of the ultra successful New York Comedy Club. They have expanded to two clubs and multiple road rooms. We discuss how they started and how they have built up such a great club. We also talk advice to young comedians and what it takes to make it in this business.
Stand up comedian Neko White joins us in studio live from NYC! Neko has been featured on TruTV, Kevin Hart's LOL network, Vice, Fox, and many others. He is hilarious and has a lot of great advice in this one! Leave us 5 stars on iTunes, Spotify, and a comment please! @nomoretokens
Happy 2020! Season 2 is coming soon, here is a bonus to get you cooking! Daniel and I chat about MOVIES!
Yikes! Sorry for the delay folks! We are back with a few more episdoes for the end of 2019! Thanks for all the support - this is a fun one! Mahesh has an INSANE travel story. Daniel is not impressed. Follow us @maheshkotagi @marchamadness @nomoretokens
Hey! We are back with another hot episode! This time we discuss the Hollywood Pay Gap and other fresh news in the industry!
We're back! Today we have casting director and awesome human being Naela Durrani on the podcast. Naela is a freelance reality casting producer based in the LA area. She has worked in casting for over 10 years and has worked on some casting amazing shows such as AMERICA'S GOT TALENT. We had a blast talking to her and her pet dogs even make a special guest appearance! Follow her at Instagram @whererealitymeetsreality
Yikes! This week we discuss the Saturday Night Live controversy, and give our takes on how it impacts diversity in entertainment. This is an important episode people! We have video now! Check us out on Instagram @nomoretokens Leave us a 5 star review if you can!
We're back! And Daniel's got some beef this week! Thanks for all the support and thanks to The Roast Truck for some awesome coffee! Keep those 5 star reviews coming! @nomoretokens
We're back! This week we talk about what we've been up to, and get into some hot topics! @nomoretokens
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