My Fame, Explained

In this episode of My Fame, Explained, host Larry Gilbert sits down with the dynamic and multitalented Mohamed Karim — a true global force in entertainment. From humble beginnings in Cairo to starring alongside Nicolas Cage, Heather Graham, and Stephen Dorff in the upcoming Lionsgate Western Gunslingers (in theaters April 11, 2025), Karim’s journey is anything but ordinary.

Mohamed shares the gripping story of how, at just 16 years old, he arrived in Los Angeles alone, speaking barely any English, and talked his way into El Segundo High School with the simple phrase, “Me attend school here?” That bold step launched a remarkable career that now spans continents and genres.

We dive into his acclaimed performances in international hits like Shahata’s Store, Stolen Kisses, and Facebook Romance, which earned him multiple Best Actor awards across the U.S., Egypt, and Europe — including honors from the Arab Film Festival, the Egyptian Oscars, and Monaco’s International Film Festival. Karim also opens up about his time hosting The Voice Arabia, his unexpected journey through medical school, and the power of relentless self-belief.

Plus, Mohamed teases what’s next: a series of upcoming films including Storm, Desert Crossing, Tarot, Blooded, and One Love, as well as his highly anticipated conversation at the 2025 Arab Film Festival in LA with filmmaker Brian Skiba.

Whether you’re a fan of international cinema, aspiring to break into Hollywood, or just love a good underdog story, this episode will leave you inspired to chase your dreams — no matter where you start.

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Actor and stuntman Dennis Andres joins My Fame, Explained to share his inspiring journey from martial arts champion and Canadian Armed Forces member to breakout Netflix star and now Lord Paris in the upcoming film Juliet and Romeo.

You may know Dennis from his standout role as Ian Matthews on Workin’ Moms, or from Netflix's Feel the Beat—but in this exclusive interview, we go deeper. Dennis opens up about growing up in Berlin and Hamilton, how a football injury redirected his path, and how a school drama teacher helped him find his true calling.

In Juliet and Romeo, Dennis stars alongside Rebel Wilson and Jason Isaacs in a bold, pop-opera reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic. He breaks down what it was like to reinvent the character of Lord Paris for a modern audience, prepare for musical scenes, and work with such an electric ensemble cast.

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In this adrenaline-fueled episode of My Fame, Explained, we're riding shotgun with Jorden Halvorsen—a four-time world champion bull rider, fearless trailblazer, and star of Freeform’s hit documentary series Not Her First Rodeo.

Jorden opens up about her unexpected journey from English show jumping to dominating the bull riding world, the life-changing decision to ride her first bull at 17, and how that single moment launched her into becoming one of the most recognized female athletes in the sport today.

We dive into her creation of The Elite Lady Bull Riders, a groundbreaking all-women's bull riding association aimed at legitimizing and empowering female competitors nationwide. Jorden also shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming Not Her First Rodeo, what it’s really like working with Dale Brisby at Rodeo Time, and how her horse Jessie and golden retriever Star keep her grounded amidst the chaos of life in the arena.

Whether you’re a rodeo fan, a docuseries junkie, or someone chasing your own wild dream—this conversation is a powerful reminder of grit, heart, and finding your place in a world that wasn’t built for you.

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In this captivating episode of My Fame Explained, we delve into the dynamic world of Elysia Rotaru—a versatile actress, acclaimed voice-over artist, and visionary producer. Elysia's journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for storytelling and her ability to seamlessly navigate multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

From her early days in Vancouver, where she cultivated a love for performance through classical piano and theater, Elysia's artistic pursuits led her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University. Her on-screen presence has graced popular television series such as Arrow, Psych, Backstrom, and Turner & Hooch, as well as films like Cold Pursuit and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules .

Elysia's vocal talents have brought life to characters across various media, including Black Canary in Justice Society: World War II, She-Hulk in Marvel Super Hero Adventures, and roles in video games like FIFA and Avowed. Her voice has also been featured in campaigns for global brands such as Nordstrom and McDonald’s .

In 2022, Elysia expanded her creative horizons by founding Little Psycho Productions, through which she has co-produced award-winning short films. Her commitment to storytelling and collaboration continues to inspire audiences and creators alike .

Join us as Elysia shares insights into her multifaceted career, the importance of adaptability in the arts, and the driving force behind her creative endeavors. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, Elysia's story offers valuable lessons on passion, perseverance, and the power of storytelling.

Elysia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysiarotaru/

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In this powerful episode of My Fame, Explained, we sit down with legendary footwear designer Omar Bailey, whose career spans decades and whose impact on the sneaker industry is nothing short of revolutionary. From sketching shoes at just 7 years old to leading innovation at Yeezy/Adidas, Omar’s journey is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and vision.

Now at the helm of his own independent, Black-led footwear company, FCTRY LAb, based in Los Angeles, Omar is shaking up the industry. His company is disrupting the traditional footwear model by offering partners more ownership and dramatically accelerating the production process through cutting-edge technology.

We dig deep into Omar’s story—from building shoes for stars like Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and Karim Benzema, to his viral collaboration with rapper NLE Choppa, and the bespoke cleats he's designing with NFL athletes like Jalen Ramsey of the Miami Dolphins. We also talk about his recent spotlight on the new Roku series Visionaries, premiering today, where he was personally hand-picked by Keanu Reeves to be featured.

This episode is a masterclass in innovation, hustle, and passion. Whether you're a sneakerhead, entrepreneur, or just love a good origin story—you don't want to miss it.

Connect with Omar Bailey and FCTRY LAb:

Website: https://www.fctrylab.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fctrylab
Omar’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theomarbailey

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Ever opened a bottle of wine, had a glass, and then watched the rest go to waste? Dana Spaulding felt the same frustration—and decided to do something about it. In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we sit down with Dana, the founder of Wander + Ivy, a premium single-serve wine brand changing the way we sip.

Dana shares the personal story that led her to create a beautifully packaged, elevated wine experience for those who love wine but don’t always want to commit to an entire bottle. We talk about the spark that started it all, the challenges of building a brand from the ground up, and how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood.

If you're a wine lover, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to make smarter choices in your daily rituals—this one's for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The moment Dana realized there was a gap in the wine market
• How Wander + Ivy is redefining the single-serve wine space
• What it takes to build a sustainable beverage brand from scratch
• The joys and realities of balancing business, family, and wine
• Dana’s favorite varietals and go-to wine pairings

Guest Bio: Dana Spalding is the founder and CEO of Wander + Ivy, a premium wine company offering curated, single-serve bottles made for those who appreciate quality, sustainability, and convenience. What started as a simple desire to enjoy wine without waste has grown into a fast-rising brand changing how—and when—we drink wine.

Connect with Wander + Ivy:

• Website: wanderandivy.com
• Instagram: @wanderandivy

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In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we sit down with the wildly talented and charismatic Luke Cook. Known for his devilishly entertaining portrayal of Lucifer in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Luke has made a name for himself in Hollywood with a mix of charm, humor, and undeniable talent. But his journey to fame is as fascinating as his performances.

Luke’s latest project takes him into the world of crime and comedy. Starring as Detective Henry in the CW’s new show Good Cop Bad Cop, Luke plays one-half of a sibling detective duo trying to solve crimes in a small town while dealing with quirky locals, strained relationships, and their police chief father. This comedic crime procedural is set to showcase Luke’s ability to blend humor and drama seamlessly.

Luke Cook is not just an actor—he’s a storyteller, a comedian, and an entertainer in every sense of the word. He has amased over 1.7 million followers on TikTok.

Tune in to this episode of My Fame, Explained to hear Luke’s hilarious, insightful, and inspiring journey in the world of entertainment.

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Katie Pumphrey is an American ultramarathon open water swimmer. Katie is a force in the water. On June 25, 2024, she made history as the first person to complete the Bay to Baltimore swim—a grueling 24-mile journey from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. She is also one of the elite few to achieve the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, having conquered the English Channel, the Catalina Channel, and a 28.5-mile swim around Manhattan.

A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, her paintings, sculptures, and installations use abstraction and humor to examine how our imagination shapes our fears. Her art has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S., including solo shows in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Key West.

Katie is currently training for her 3rd English Channel in 2025.

Katie lives in Baltimore City, Maryland with her husband Joe and their dog, Adja.

In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we dive into Pumphrey’s artistic process, her mindset as an endurance athlete, and how both worlds intersect in her life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about pushing limits—on canvas and in open water.

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On this episode of My Fame, Explained, Larry Gilbert sits down with Midwest-based filmmaker Dylan Sires, the creative mind behind the highly anticipated Amazon Prime Video documentary ChiefsAholic. The film delves into the jaw-dropping double life of Kansas City Chiefs superfan Xaviar Babudar, whose passionate fandom masked a secret career as a serial bank robber.

Dylan takes us behind the scenes of this gripping true-crime exploration, sharing how he captured Babudar’s arrest, legal journey, and personal story through firsthand interviews and meticulous investigation.

We also discuss Dylan’s creative journey as a filmmaker, composer, and producer, from building sets to directing this breakout feature documentary under his banner, Empiricus Pictures.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about fame, crime, and storytelling.

ChiefsAholic is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.

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In this episode of My Fame, Explained, Larry Gilbert chats with Billboard-charting pop sensation Ashlee Keating. From her Broadway debut at age six in The Sound of Music to her show-stopping pop hits like “YASSS” and “Nice N Naughty,” Ashlee’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She opens up about her early career highlights, including starring as Annie at Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theater, competing on CBS' Star Search, and becoming a Radio Disney favorite.

Now a force in the music industry, Ashlee shares how her empowering lyrics and vibrant style have made her a beloved ally and activist within the LGBTQ+ community. We’ll also dive into her passion for philanthropy, creative process behind her latest holiday single, and how she stays grounded while living her best life.

Tune in to hear how this multi-talented artist continues to spread messages of love, positivity, and self-confidence—one beat at a time!

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