Why The F*** Am I an Artist?

On this episode of Why The F*** Am I an Artist we have the opportunity to speak with and learn about Actor and Musician Krystal Millie Valdes! In this episode we talk about getting through the anxiety and making what you want on the path less traveled happen. We learn about what exactly Actors Equity is and how it can really be a gift to onesself. We also learn that through these challenging times an artist can really open new doors for themselves and open up new doors for their careers. This episode packs a lot of great info for artists, musicians, and vintage lovers! Thank you for the music @adultprogramming follow their music on IG! Thank you Krystal Millie Valdes follow her on IG @kyrstalmillie Look out for the new season announcement on Sept 1st of New City Players at www.newcityplayers.org and on IG @newcityplayers You can follow Host Amanda Ortega @manderz323

In Season 2 Episode 2 of Why The F*** Am I an Artist Host Amanda Ortega interviews actress, singer, blogger, and entrepreneur Caro Pozo. Within this dynamic episode we learn about how you can turn a hobby into a business, make acting your number one, and how networking can be your best friend in the acting industry. We dive into the ups and downs of acting while living through a pandemic, the trials and tribulations, and the determination it takes to make it on this road less traveled. Special thanks to @adultprogramming for the music in the opening and closing of each episode. Follow Caro Pozo, her blog, and business on IG @caropozo @blond2brunette @thesugarcottage_ Follow host Amanda Ortega @manderz323

We are back! On our premiere episode of Season 2 you find out Where the F*** your host went on her year long break from the podcast. On this episode we find out what Amanda has been up to from Theatre, big moves, and mental health awareness. This short episode packs a punch, you don't want to miss it! Special thanks and shout out to The incredibly talented Adult Programming (AJ Ruiz) who's music is heard in the opening and closing of the podcast check him out @adultprogramming on IG! You can follow host Amanda Ortega and all my adventures on IG @manderz323

On this final episode of season one of Why The F*** Am I an Artist host Amanda interviews Asian American actress-singer and fellow Floridian Jen Chia! Amanda and Jen talk about how the industry is growing and shedding more light on diversity. Jen speaks on being a proud half-asian artist. We dive into the audition scene and the transition from Florida to NY. We both share stories on how the auditioning scene can be a whole other world in the BIG APPLE! We also talk about Jen's success in the auditioning front by landing the Magic School bus tour and receiving her Actors Equity card! This final episode packs a whole lotta info in just under an hour, but don't be sad because more episodes will be coming in the near future. Till then stay safe, continue to create, and what I've learned from this episode stay positive! Happy Memorial Day and Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! If you are a Half-Asian Artists check out HAPA Society! There is one in NY, LA and Atlanta! Follow Jen on IG @jenchia and on her website www.jenchia.com Follow host Amanda Ortega @manderz323 Follow the music you hear on each episode by Adult Programing on Spotify and follow on IG @adultprogramming

In this jam packed episode host Amanda Ortega interviews friend and fellow Florida International University Theatre Alum Juanita Olivo. We dive into the auditioning process and how detrimental a positive attitude can be when you walk into that room. The conversation that leads into her optimism and positivity getting her through a door at the right place and the right time. We talk all about her journey to becoming the lead host in Sesame Street Live! Touring Show which sadly was cut short due to Covid-19 cancellations. Juanita Olivo's journey is beyond inspiring and sheds light on hope like its never been shed before. This actress, singer, dancer, and puppeteer tells her story of why she took this path less followed and her passion is magnifying. So sit back and enjoy the longest episode of Why The F*** Am I an Artist I promise you will be enlightened and inspired after! On a special note! Congrats to all the College Grads if you are an artist this episode will benefit you greatly. Also Happy Mother's Day to all the mama's' out there, much love! Follow Juanita Olivo on IG @juanitadilia Follow Host Amanda Ortega @manderz323 Follow and listen to Adult Programming on Spotify and on IG @adultprogramming

Within this episode host Amanda gets to know the director, writer, podcaster, photographer, videographer, editor, and on-screen personality Knives Manroe. This self taught artist gives insightful views on how becoming an artist is all he ever hoped for and cultivating dreams to become reality. We dive into how he became an artist because that's all he could relate and connect to while growing up. The pitfalls and painful life lessons that come with becoming an artist and how to survive it all and still love it! Follow host Amanda Ortega on IG @manderz323 Follow Knives Manroe @knivesmanroe and click on linker.ee/knivesmanroe to see all of his work including his business. Opening song is from Adult Programing follow and listen to them on Spotify and on IG @adultprogramming Closing song is Nick Cordero "Live Your Life" many prayers go out to Nick and his family. He is currently fighting for his life after being affected by Covid-19. Many prayers and well wishes to him and his family as well as anyone being affected by this terrible virus.

On this episode host Amanda Ortega interviews her friend and past director Jonathan Vargas. Amanda and Jonathan talk about how they met, the importance of first impressions, how Jonathan became a filmmaker and his inspiration as to why. They also share stories of the many projects they've worked together on and how they learned from each other. Within this episode you can learn a lot from the stories of this incredible indie film maker and director. Jonathan gives advice that is an important take away for any artist to remember. Enjoy this Gangsta packed episode with the badass Gangsta Filmmaker! To see Gaby's Revenge or any of the other film projects Jonathan Vargas has created SUBSCRIBE to his Youtube page Cinefreek Productions Follow Amanda Ortega on IG @Manderz323 Follow Jonathan Vargas on IG @citystar611 and on Youtube at Cinefreek Productions Follow Adult Programming on Spotify and on IG @adultprogramming To see updates on the health of Nick Cordero and to sing along with his wife to "Live Your Life" at 6pm EST 3pm WST Follow her on IG @amandakloots

On this remote episode of Why The F*** Am I an Artist host Amanda Ortega speaks with actor, writer, producer and PA Daniel Bailey. We speak about how Bailey wrote a film that involved only song titles and lyrics, his own podcast, and how he took the road less travelled and became an actor and writer. He also mentions the sacrifices of doing one job to get to the one you truly desire. Its a business of working and climbing the ladder, and sometimes creating your own content keeps you motivated on the road less traveled. We learn that on this new episode of Why The F*** Am I an Artist. Follow host Amanda Ortega on IG @Manderz323 To hear the opening music subscribe to Adult Programming on Spoitfy and follow on IG @adultprogramming Find Daniel Baileys podcast "Just a kid from Belington" on all the podcast platforms including anchor.fm Follow the podcast on IG @JustAKidFromBelington and twitter JustBelington Follow Daniel Bailey on all social media platforms @g.danielbailey @ lonepalm984 and @punkeeproductions

On this episode of Why The F*** Am I an Artist host Amanda interviews actress Paige Breese who has a story that hits a holy topic. In this jam packed episode Paige and Amanda discuss time lines, religion within theatre, and choosing art over your faith. This is not an episode to miss! Follow Paige Breese on IG @paigeterynbreese Follow Amanda Ortega on IG @manderz323 Follow the music heard in each episode @adultprogramming Follow Bottle Alley Theatre Company to see the upcoming projects Paige is apart of during quarantine as well as, Gwinnett Classic Theatre who will be performing Hamlet July 24th-August 2nd. (If quarantine permits)

On this BONUS EPISODE of Why The F*** Am I an Artist host Amanda Ortega interviews the writer, director, producer, and lead actress of Made in America Film! We hear the story of this quadruple threat of an artist and how she moved from El Salvador to America and found herself taking the road less traveled thanks to an unexpected compliment. Anything and everything can change your path in life. Armida say's it as inspiration to immigrant artist, but it's something we all must remember. "We just have to start!" Follow Armida Lopez on IG @thearmidalopez Follow Made in America Film @madeinamericafilm Upload, watch and support Made in America by using this link: role call.co Follow your host Amanda Ortega on IG @manderz323 Opening/Closing Song: Amrcnize Me Bby By: Adult Programming

Within this episode host Amanda Ortega interviews creator of Latinas in Media Atlanta, Denise Santos. This episode dives into how and why Denise created a platform where diverse artists could be heard. This Latina is not only a creator, producer, mother and wife she is an actress. Her road to becoming an artist isn't what you would expect. In this episode you will understand the importance of support and how powerful it can be! Follow Denise on IG @denisepsantos1 Follow Latinas in Media Atlanta on FB and IG @latinasinmediaatlanta Follow your Host Amanda Ortega on IG @manderz323 Follow and take a listen to all the new music of Adult Programming on Spotify and on IG @adultprogramming Interested in taking acting classes Denise suggested Robert Pralgo and Robert Mello's virtual acting classes! Send an email to info@robertpralgo.com or robertmellostudios.com

Within this episode Host Amanda Ortega has a remote interview with Opera singer and friend Eloisa Ferrer. This episode really explores a powerful latina making the most out of taking the road less traveled. This inspirational episode gives advice on getting that MFA by just going for it and learning more by experiencing more. You can follow Eloisa Ferrer on IG and to see her full cover video of "I Put A Spell On You" @eloisaferrer1982 You can follow me host Amanda Ortega on IG @manderz323 Check out Free Streaming of live Opera Performances at Operawire.com If you are in College and are about to take out a loan please check out Grant and Scholarship Programs! I am lucky to have received scholarships from FIU Theatre department and the Pell Grant (able to receive if you are age 24+) which saved me from the loan monster. Make sure to ask your advisor about possible University grants as well. Check out collegeofdistinction.com for a "mega list" of scholarship programs. Good luck and continue to purse those dreams!

On Episode 4 of Why The F*** Am I an Artist host Amanda Ortega interviews the first acting friend she ever met in Atlanta, Kevin Saunders. Within this Quarantined episode we learn more about Kevins story of how he choose to follow his passion and become an actor, writer, and director. Within this isolated episode we learn that we should never stop dreaming the dream. Music by: Adult Programing Follow Adult Programing on FB and Insta @adultprogramming You can Follow Kevin Saunders to see what upcoming quarantined projects he has upcoming @kevo_theactor And of course you can follow host Amanda Ortega @manderz323

In this episode Host Amanda Ortega shares her story of her first paid theatre experience, to her first major rejection and how she rose above it all. Her re-do on episode three makes you do a double take and makes you remember to never give up!

On Episode 2 of Why The F*** Am I an Artist hostess Amanda Ortega interviews actor, writer Jon Levine. He started his acting career at childhood to then deep dive into the Marketing world to going back to his first love Acting! This episode is so inspirational and makes you remember that the road to happiness has a few twists and turns, and its your choice to choose.

Episode 1 Hostess Amanda Ortega tells the story of her road to becoming an Actress. In this episode you will hear a glimpse of what this show has to offer an artist which is hope. We choose a road less traveled we have to remember why. This episode is dedicated to the legendary James Lipton who interviewed some of the greatest artists in the world!