Cozy with Calinnah

In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, I sit down with Teaakat (aka Tea Noel) — a Filipina singer, songwriter, model, and actress from LA who has transformed seasons of toxicity, abuse, and isolation into powerful artistry. We talk about how modeling opened doors in entertainment, the release of her EP, what it means to represent as a Filipina creative, and how she continues to reinvent herself through music, acting, and beyond.

Follow Teaakat on IG: @teaakat

Follow me, Calinnah: @calinnah

What does it really take to market yourself as an artist — without burning out? In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, I sit down with Karen Reyes, founder of Indieground and the face of Nothingmag. As a booker, event coordinator, and creative, Karen shares how artists can pitch themselves to promoters and magazines, push past fear, experiment with sound, and find balance by resetting to avoid burnout.

When you look at a photo, do you see just an image — or an entire story? 📸

In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, I sit down with Carolina Isabel Salazar, a Guatemalan American photographer whose work has been featured with brands like Levi’s, Spotify, Netflix, Tiffany & Co, and Adidas. Her exhibitions, including GAZE and Artistic Working Class, prove that every image can speak volumes — about identity, culture, and the truths we hold inside.

We talk about:

• How to capture a moment that tells a full story ✨
• Creating space where people feel comfortable enough to be themselves 🌿
• Balancing brand collaborations with authentic storytelling 🎯
• The role of identity and representation in her work 🌎
• Why sometimes the camera reveals things people don’t even realize 👀

🎙 Tune in for a conversation about art, culture, and seeing beyond the lens.

✨ Follow Carolina Isabel: https://www.instagram.com/isabel_carolinaaa

✨ Follow me: https://calinnah.live/

In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, I sit down with Brennan Villarreal and Sasha Schoen of Got Your Back (@gotyourbacklb)—the duo known for their pop-ups, supper clubs, and Long Beach residency at Selva. 🌴🍴

We dive into the power of collaboration, why leading without ego creates better outcomes, and how integrity and kindness are at the heart of building community. From backyard dinners to curating chef collabs and winemaker series, Brennan and Sasha share how food and hospitality can bring people together.

Follow Got Your Back: @gotyourbacklb

Follow me: https://calinnah.live | @calinnah

Being an artist isn’t just about the music — it’s also about understanding the business, building with your community, and learning to let things flow.

In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, I sit down with Jerry Garcia, the creative mind behind Casita Negra, to talk about:

• Why independent artists should know business basics 🎶
• How to work with family and friends without losing boundaries 💡
• The power of breaks as shifts in focus, not failures 🌱
• Letting go of timelines and trusting your own path ✨

If you’ve ever felt pressure to move faster or “stay on track,” this conversation will remind you that artistry — and life — can move at its own pace.

Polin Ung opens up about the lessons he learned the hard way—why grinding nonstop isn’t always enough, how not fitting into the traditional school system shaped his unconventional path, and why building a business with heart can create real impact for family, community, and purpose. From life in the Philippines to running Pursuit of Coconuts and Isla Eden, this episode is packed with insights for anyone chasing success without losing themselves.

From church choir Sundays to punk bands, jazz trios, and finally Brainstory — Kevin Martin’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and artistry. 🎶

In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, Kevin opens up about:

✨ Growing up surrounded by music and diverse influences (from his dad’s choir to his sister’s eclectic taste)

✨ Forming multiple bands before Brainstory — and the failures that taught him the importance of vision

✨ Why it took years to understand branding and marketing as an artist

✨ Lessons on songwriting, collaboration, and growth as a musician

Whether you’re an artist, creative, or just love hearing real stories about transformation, this conversation is packed with gems you won’t want to miss.

When COVID forced me to slow down, it brought up more than just a week of rest — it took me back to my early nursing days, when the pandemic first hit and fear was constant. In this solo episode, I share what stillness taught me about purpose, creativity, and why taking breaks matters as an artist.

Whether you’re a creative, a dreamer, or someone running on empty, this is your reminder that slowing down isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How getting COVID made me pause and reflect
• The connection between rest and creative clarity
• PTSD memories from my early nursing career during COVID
• Questions to ask yourself when you’re feeling disconnected from your work
• Why your purpose matters more than productivity

In this episode of Cozy with Calinnah, I sit down with Colombian artist and educator Carlos Eduardo Gacharná to talk about his journey as an immigrant creative, the hustle of finding artist grants, and how he uses art to build community. From neon bending to teaching youth, Carlos shares how being an artist is like a sport—and why persistence is everything.

🎧 Tune in for real talk on creativity, identity, and building a sustainable art empire.

Follow Carlos:

Website: https://www.carloseg.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caduphoto/

Follow Calinnah:

Website: https://calinnah.live

Instagram: https://instagram.com/calinnah

In this episode, I sit down with Meaghan — a Filipino American multidisciplinary artist and founder of Nezzy Studios. After moving from the Bay to LA just before the pandemic, she found herself navigating uncertainty and solitude. But instead of waiting for opportunities, she built her own. We talk about creating a community-rooted studio, leaning into your own voice, and what it truly means to create your own lane.

🎨 Explore Meaghan’s work: https://nezzystudios.com

📲 Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/calinnah

🌐 More content at: https://calinnah.live