Nora and Maryna share their funny and eye-opening experiences with American food after moving to the United States. From their first encounters with tacos and Starbucks to the overwhelming size of supermarkets and portion sizes, they break down the biggest cultural shocks they faced when it came to American dining.  

The conversation covers everything from unique dishes like fried chicken and waffles to their struggles with weight gain and adjusting to healthier eating habits. They discuss the cultural differences between the U.S. and Ukraine when it comes to food, and offer some tips for maintaining balance in a land where everything is abundant.  

Along the way, Nora and Maryna reveal their favorite food spots in Los Angeles and dive into topics like portion control, weird food combinations, and the organic food debate. With humor and honesty, they recount their foodie adventures and share valuable tips on how to navigate the vast and sometimes strange world of American cuisine.  

Join us for a lighthearted and insightful look into adapting to a new food culture in America!

00:00 Intro
00:58 First Impressions
02:50 Struggling with Weight
08:11 Adapting to Healthier Eating Habits
12:06 Cultural Differences in Food
22:12 Healthy Eating in LA
25:05 Weird American Foods
27:20 Soup
29:08 American Food Habits
34:11 Favorite Food Spots in LA
37:19 Conclusion

Nora and Maryna discuss various side hustles that can help you make extra money in the expensive city of Los Angeles. We dive into options such as working as an extra on film sets, becoming an atmosphere model, and taking up jobs like dog walking and personal assisting. We also share personal examples about our experiences with these gigs and the importance of networking and leveraging your assets to thrive in this city. Whether you're new to LA or looking to supplement your income, we offer practical tips and insights on making the most of your time and skills.

00:00 Intro
00:49 Welcome to Just Fake It
02:17 The Hustle Culture in Major Cities
04:30 Exploring Side Hustles
06:59 Being an Extra on Film Sets
11:42 Audience Participation and Dog Walking
12:47 Social Media and Influencer Opportunities
16:20 Modeling and BeautyPass App
18:20 Atmosphere Modeling
21:55 Finding Promoters and Getting Paid to Party
24:25 Exploring Various Side Hustles
27:27 Leveraging Your Assets for Success
30:57 Final Thoughts

Also check out Maryna's jewelry store:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlderStudioUS

We're sharing our favorite secret spots in Los Angeles to catch a glimpse of celebrities! Join us, Nora and Maryna, as we chat about our personal experiences seeing celebrity stars in Los Angeles like Mel Gibson, Mila Kunis, and Leonardo DiCaprio. We'll let you in on our top 5 list of best cafés, iconic hotels, secret beaches, and other places where you're most likely to spot Hollywood's elite.

Whether you're an LA local or just visiting, we've got the insider info you need for a fun celebrity-spotting adventure. Tune in for some great stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way!

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Celebrity Encounters
01:40 Nora's Celebrity Stories
04:43 Maryna's Celebrity Stories
07:28 Top Places to Meet Celebrities in LA
08:20 Cafes and Hotels
12:22 Beaches and Museums
14:32 A Chance Encounter at LACMA
17:09 Respecting Celebrity Privacy
19:50 Movie Screenings
22:49 Unexpected Celebrity Encounters
28:30 Summarizing the Top Spots to Meet Celebrities
30:54 Final Thoughts

Nora and Maryna discuss the challenges of overcoming self-doubt and the journey towards confidence. They share personal stories about struggling with negative internal voices and the steps they are taking to break free from these limiting beliefs. Maryna talks about her efforts to improve her social skills by reading Dale Carnegie's book on making friends and influencing people, and participating in confidence-boosting activities like dance classes. Nora explains her strategies for engaging with influential people and succeeding in the competitive city of Los Angeles. The episode emphasizes the importance of perseverance, growth, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of fear and rejection. Join Nora and Maryna as they offer practical advice and inspire listeners to pursue their goals, despite the inevitable challenges along the way.

00:00 Struggling with Inner Voices
01:45 Creative Work and Inspirations
04:21 Overcoming Self-Doubt
08:02 The Importance of Sales Skills
13:14 Personal Growth and Confidence
19:51 Sales: It's About Who You Are
29:37 Power of Creativity
32:37 Embracing Fear and Rejection
34:01 Conclusion: Just Fake It

In this episode of the Just Fake It Podcast, hosts Nora and Maryna welcome the talented Fady Jeanbart, a full-time director, editor, and producer who has carved out a successful career in the tough and unpredictable film industry. Fady shares his journey from graduating from the New York Film Academy to working on acclaimed projects like the Emmy Award-winning TV show 'Studio City.'

We discuss the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, the importance of perseverance and reliability in the industry, and the unique aspects of storytelling that fuel their passion for filmmaking.

Fady provides insights into the creative process behind his recent short film project offering valuable advice to aspiring filmmakers about staying dedicated, embracing opportunities, and continually creating and improving their craft.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:24 Welcome to Just Fake It
02:10 Balancing Family and Film Industry
04:59 Journey from Egypt to LA
06:24 Breaking into the Industry
07:39 The Reality of Film School
10:37 The Power of Saying Yes
16:51 The Creative Process
22:54 Human Trafficking Awareness
34:07 The Role of Filmmakers in Social Issues
36:39 Passion Projects and Filmmaking Challenges
39:16 Directing and Overcoming Nervousness
42:40 The Creative Process and Audience Reactions
47:38 Masterclass: Creating a Character
57:59 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Join us for an inspiring and educational episode filled with behind-the-scenes stories, practical tips, and a look at the power of filmmaking to address social issues and inspire change. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and stories!

Hosts Maryna and Nora are back from their European escapades, each with incredible stories to share. Maryna takes us on a heartfelt journey to Ukraine, where she navigated through a war zone to visit her family, witnessing firsthand the resilience and adaptability of the Ukrainian people.

On the flip side, Nora shares her whirlwind adventure across six countries in under a month, with a special highlight on her glamorous experience at the Cannes Film Festival. From mingling with celebrities to attending exclusive events, Nora gives us the inside scoop on the glitz and glamour of Cannes.

Join us as we dive into the contrasts of their travels, exploring the deep themes of survival and joy, the juxtaposition of war and glamour, and the emotional complexity of their experiences. This episode is packed with captivating stories, from the heart-wrenching to the dazzling, reminding us of the importance of embracing life.

00:00 Intro
01:45 Ukraine Challenges and Family Reunion
04:37 Daily Life Amidst Conflict
09:12 Beauty and Normalcy in a War Zone
14:49 Nora First Time at Cannes Film Festival
16:51 Behind the Scenes at Cannes
21:26 Unexpected Encounters and Networking
31:36 Exploring Europe: From Cannes to Paris
34:33 Exploring Europe: Six Countries in 25 Days
36:53 The Reality of Being an Immigrant in Europe
41:45 The Vibrant Nightlife of Cannes
43:42 Navigating the Cannes Film Festival
45:45 Reflections on the Journey
53:25 Unexpected Adventures in Ukraine
58:18 Gratitude and Realizations
01:02:07 Closing Thoughts

We welcome a very special guest, Eugeniia Gul, an inspiring woman who immigrated from Ukraine to LA.  She shares her diverse journey from being a model and beauty pageant host to an accomplished author and aspiring political figure. The conversation dives into her experiences, motivations, and the challenges she faced along the way. We discuss the significance of self-belief, the hurdles of participating and producing beauty pageants, and her thoughts on the power of female empowerment. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, sincere insights, and a candid discussion on the realities behind the glamour of LA. Eugeniia also touches upon her work with the homeless, her aspirations to become the mayor of LA, and the profound impact of her 12 step book on self-discovery and healing. The trio also shares humorous and heartfelt moments for anyone looking to understand the intricate journey of reinventing oneself in a new country.

00:00 Intro
01:13 Girl Power and Collaborations
04:45 Early Life and Ambitions
07:14 Challenges and Aspirations in the US
08:08 Homelessness and Social Issues
10:51 Writing a Book and Personal Growth
21:41 From Politics to Red Carpets
32:53 The Competitive World of Beauty Contests
34:37 The Reality Behind Beauty Contests
37:40 The Myth of Being Self-Made
41:06 The Importance of Authenticity
48:51 Recharging and Self-Care
50:49 Truth or Dare: Beauty Pageant Edition
01:00:51 Final Thoughts

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the incredibly talented screenwriter David Barbeschi. Join us as we delve deep into the world of screenwriting and filmmaking, covering everything from the importance of creative limits to the challenges of writing for clients with differing visions. We share some laughs while reminiscing about our favorite characters and even some fun improvisational storytelling moments.

David offers profound insights into the intricacies of screenwriting, lessons learned from the industry, and the emotional journey of crafting compelling stories. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the Hollywood landscape.

00:00 Intro
01:18 Welcome Again!
02:56 David's Journey into Screenwriting
05:20 Art of Screenwriting and Client Expectations
09:26 Game of Thrones & Audience Expectations
12:28 Structure & Breaking the Rules
13:45 The Perfect Script
17:23 The Role of a Screenwriter in Film Production
21:37 The Writing Process
32:11 Struggles and Script Rewrites
37:36 Favorite Dialogue and Script Challenges
39:00 The Collaborative Process in Filmmaking
40:23 The Importance of Theme in Screenwriting
41:47 Creating Characters and Worlds
43:46 Truth and Dare: Movie Critiques
46:35 Truth and Dare: Industry Insights
53:51 Truth and Dare: Genre Preferences
57:12 Improvised Movie Plot
01:01:19 Conclusion

A heartfelt thank you to David and everyone who helped make this episode possible. Don't forget to tune in with Nora and Maryna on Just Fake It: Coming to LA podcast for more exciting content.

In this episode with Maryna and Gene, we share our harrowing escape from war-torn Ukraine. Join us as we recount our journey from military invasions to refugee camps, culminating in our reunion in Slovakia. The trials we faced—fatigue, hunger, and the difficult navigation through Europe to reach safety—tested our endurance and spirit. We delve into how we managed to expedite Maryna's visa, the incredible support from friends and organizations, and our volunteer efforts in Poland.

From nerve-wracking moments at the embassy, a tense border crossing, to a heartfelt wedding during wartime, each step brought us closer to each other. Our path, fraught with challenges, was also filled with hope, love, and resilience. This episode is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful testament to survival and the human spirit. 

00:00 Intro
02:10 Hotel Struggles and Unexpected Guests
03:21 Journey to Krakow
04:35 Family Challenges and Military Draft
17:39 Grandparents' Resilience and Village Defense
33:08 Volunteering and Support Efforts in Krakow
42:43 Japanese TV Feature and Financial Relief
46:36 Documentarian
47:34 Worries and War Frontlines
51:45 Life in Poland: Constantly Moving
55:36 Visa Process and Medical Exams
01:04:46 Returning to Ukraine for Family
01:26:26 A Wedding Amidst War
01:31:40 Final Farewells and New Beginnings
01:34:11 Conclusion and Reflections

Join host Maryna and her husband, Gene, as they share their extraordinary journey from meeting at film school in Los Angeles to surviving the Ukrainian invasion. This compelling episode of Just Fake It details their long-distance love story, creative endeavors, and the harrowing escape from Ukraine amidst missile strikes and military checkpoints. They talk about resilience, fear, and ultimate reunion in Slovakia, the power of love and human connection amidst chaos.

00:00 Intro
00:41 Welcome to a Special Episode
01:16 Meeting Gene
02:16 First Encounters and Film School
05:03 Creative Collaborations and Growing Closer
08:31 Long Distance Challenges and Reunions
18:32 Navigating the Pandemic and Reconnecting
29:52 A Night at the Opera
30:46 The Proposal Surprise
33:28 Planning the Wedding
35:26 Visa Challenges
38:02 Rising Tensions in Ukraine
48:49 The Invasion Begins
01:01:33 Escaping the War Zone
01:09:56 Shin Shirley's Big Moment
01:10:09 Escape from the City
01:13:14 Fuel Shortages and Air Raids
01:15:48 Forest Road and Checkpoints
01:21:37 Border Crossing Challenges
01:28:03 Lost in Slovakia
01:34:05 Reunion and Refugee Camp
01:46:14 Finding Each Other

This episode is more than just a recount of our escape; it's about the human spirit and the power of love. Join us as we share personal experiences of navigating a war-torn country and the emotional toll it took on us. Our story is a reminder of the importance of hope, courage, and the connections that keep us going.

We hope you enjoyed Part 1 of our story. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll continue sharing our experiences and our new life in Los Angeles.