Ilse kicks it with Ana J. Christian (editor/paladin) and C. Ryan Stemple (colorist/wizard)—aka the post team behind Journey Work Entertainment, the Chicago studio making indie films look like a million bucks (without ever leaving the Midwest).

They talk about what post actually is, why metadata’s your ride-or-die, the emotional damage of 2AM color sessions, and business meetings in the bathtub. Yes, a real bathtub. Yes, that’s where they do their best work. Honestly? Goals.

If you’ve ever yelled at your footage, wanted to make a movie, or just like smart people who are good at what they do—this one’s for you.

Learn more about them here: https://www.journeyworkent.com/

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Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse sits down with comic and cultural icon Christina Gutierrez—yes, the one who won at a Canadian casino and used the money to move to London. A literal main character.

They talk standup as healing, immigrant kid ambition, and how comedy becomes armor. Plus: British accents gone wrong, Catholic grandmas, hot horoscopes, and how a purse on stage became a feminist survival tactic.

This one is cozy, cathartic, and extremely funny. Like slipping into PJs while your hot chocolate has chili in it but it kinda works.

Follow Christina @primaprimaveravera

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse sits down with actor and storycreator Lorena Gonzalez to talk about growing up in a legitimately haunted house, quitting a job to chase a dream, and getting told by an all-white conservatory that she didn’t “have it.” (Spoiler: she definitely has it.)

They get into gratitude on set, the struggle of starting late in the game, and the spirit who maybe doesn’t like men. Plus: haunted toilets, shadow figures, and a coconut exorcism that didn’t go as planned.

You can follow Lorena on Instagram @loreyogilife

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse sits down with certified life coach and mindset expert Laura Weiner-Kiser to talk self-discovery, burnout culture, and why rest isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. They unpack what it really means to show up as yourself, why mindset beats motivation, and how to escape the trap of constant self-promotion. Also: Florida Man makes an appearance. Obviously.

For more info on Laura, go to www.changebychallenge.com or follow her on Instagram @changebychallenge

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse sits down with Jon Silver to talk comedy roots, producing madness, and why childlike wonder is the secret sauce. They cover the Chicago scene, theater headaches, and Jon’s latest film The Premiere—plus a few conspiracy theories for good measure. Follow Jon on Instagram @jonsilverpoop <- yeah, you read that right.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Missy Hernandez joins Ilse to talk about making your own lane—from acting to screenwriting to producing. They dive into representation, identity, and the power of language, plus why safe sets and community matter more than ever. Find out more about Missy and her workshops at www.missyhernandez.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse and Jayson "Avocado" Acevedo go all in on comedy, self-discovery, and the weird stuff that makes us human—think: alien surveillance, zodiac beef, and birthmark theories. They unpack what it means to be real onstage and off, how fear messes with your glow, and why living out loud matters. Wanna know more about Jayson? Go to www.jaysonavocado.com/

Writer/director/producer Andrea Zile Bish joins Ilse to talk birds, ghosts, and the Chicago indie scene. They cover creative burnout, ghost roommates, and why making art with your people is the real flex. Find out more about Bish at www.zilebish.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse chats with Yesenia Carreon about the real deal behind being a Latina mom on TikTok—authenticity, community, and making content that actually connects. They get into growth, monetization, and why keeping it funny (and real) matters.

Follow Yesenia on Instagram @yesseniacarreon_ & TikTok @yesseniacarreon

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse and Preston O’ffill talk improv, musical theater, hecklers, and what it’s like performing for kids vs adults. They get into short films, reality TV, and bring back the ‘Gringo Meter’ for a comedy vibe check. Plus: Preston shares what’s next on stage. To see Preston live visit https://www.prestonoffill.com/