On this crossover episode of Act Up and 1st Class 2nd Place, hosts Alana J and Jason Enrique are joined by special guest Calixto Chinchilla, founder & executive director of the New York Latino Film Festival, as they dive into the humble origins of the festival, the impact it’s had since its inception, the high risk and high reward that came along with it, along with Calixto’s personal life and well being during the time of enormous pressure and passion.

This episode features the hilarious Jersey-native stand-up comic and producer, Kate Lawlor. Kate and Alana swap stories about attending the same Catholic high school (years apart!) and how it secretly sharpened their comedic edge. Kate opens up about losing her father at a young age, falling into stand-up by accident in college, and carving out her own lane as the producer of the Eyes Up Here Comedy Festival. Tune in to learn, laugh, and level up with Kate, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Follow Kate @katewiththecannons@eyesupherecomedy 

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This week Alana taps in one of her favorite stand up comedians, the hilarious Laura Merli. Laura talks about what pushed her to pursue comedy, some of her most memorable sets, navigating frustrating jobs, her love of reading popular psychology, and so much more. Check out Laura’s stand up special Belly Slappin’ Fun on YouTube here, and tune in to learn, laugh and level up with Laura on this week’s episode. 

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This week Alana taps in comedian, actor and host Bill “The Billionaire” Gilbert. They discuss his journey from former athlete to stand up comic, how he manifested his self-produced Amazon special, Savedish But God Knows My Heart, and his debut performance at The Apollo Theatre. This one is laden with gems, so tune in now to learn, laugh, and level up with Bill The Billionaire. Follow Bill @billionairecomedy06Follow @actupwithajFollow @alanaj.tv------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow @actupwithajFollow @alanaj.tvWebsite: alanaj.tvProudly recording out of Bravery Studios. Follow @braverystudiosnj

This episode features actor, singer, K-Pop star, and Alana's former roommate, the multitalented Frankie DaPonte. Frankie takes us through the incredible chapters of his journey from acting in school dramas to his full-fledged career as a K-Pop star working and training in Korea. Alana and Frankie reminisce about how they met, the joys of living together and their creative collaborations - you can check out one of their projects here. Frankie also discusses his latest single "Birthday" available to stream here now. Listen, learn, and level up from Frankie on this week's episode, and make sure to subscribe. Follow Frankie @frankie.exp.edition 

Episode 29 features stand-up comedian and writer, the hilarious Gordon Baker-Bone. Gordon discusses his unique entrance into the world of stand up comedy via an offer from a former college professor. He speaks on writing for the MTV Show Yo Momma, working in television production, as well as the inspiration behind his own COVID-born podcast Period Piece. You can stream his comedy album Nobody? Just Me? on all streaming platforms, and follow him for all live show updates. Learn, laugh, and level up with Gordon in this week's episode, and don't forget to subscribe. Follow Gordon Baker-Bone @bakerboneFollow @alanaj.tvFollow @actupwithaj

This week, Alana reconnects with her longtime friend, collaborator, and favorite DJ, Eric "One Day" Saldarriaga. Together, they reflect on the many chapters of their friendship, including co-hosting the "One Day Radio Show," working with Killerhiphop.com and The Source, and curating events. Eric shares his journey as a DJ, music producer, and event producer, offering insights into what it takes to excel in the industry. He also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming projects, including his highly anticipated birthday bash in Puerto Rico in February 2025. Tune in to the episode, and subscribe to the show. 

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Episode 27 features actress, writer and artivist the lovely Sita Sarkar. Alana and Sita discuss meeting at an audition and having instant chemistry as the best friends they wound up portraying on screen together. Sita opens up about her beginnings in classical Indian dance and how that influenced her acting pursuits later on. She discusses her advocacy for better representation of Bengladeshi people and all South Asians on screen as well as her future artistic plans. You can also watch Sita and Alana in the film The Next Step available on Amazon Prime. Listen, learn and level up with Sita and make sure to subscribe. 

Follow Sita Sarkar @newyorksita

On this episode, Alana shares her experience working as an actor on the set of Law & Order. She touches on her acting journey up to this point, and how this opportunity was a true full circle moment. Listen to the full episode and subscribe here.