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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In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we dive into the vibrant career of Jennifer Wigmore, a multidisciplinary artist whose talents span acting, writing, and visual art. Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Jennifer has left her mark on stages and screens across Canada and beyond.

Jennifer is currently captivating audiences as Chief of Police April Anderson in the highly anticipated James Patterson series Cross (Amazon Studios & Paramount Pictures). With an impressive list of credits, including Dream Scenario with Nicholas Cage, Malory Towers (CBBC), Y: The Last Man (FX), and Anne with an E (Netflix), her versatility knows no bounds.

But Jennifer’s artistic prowess doesn’t stop at acting. She’s an award-winning visual artist whose paintings—both figurative and abstract—explore the intersections of performance and pedagogy. Her art has been featured in collections across Canada, the U.S., and England, and she even won Bravo’s Star Portraits with a painting of Canadian icon Gordon Pinsent.

As a passionate advocate for artists, Jennifer co-founded AACE (Association of Acting Coaches and Educators) and works tirelessly to uplift the artistic community. In this conversation, we explore her journey from Edmonton to the global stage, her commitment to fostering the next generation of artists, and her latest creative projects, including a screenplay and a play in development.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a fan of her work, Jennifer Wigmore’s story will inspire and empower.

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In this episode of My Fame, Explained, we’re thrilled to welcome the talented Amber Reign Smith, an actress who’s quickly becoming a name to watch in the entertainment industry. From captivating television performances to starring in big-screen films, Smith’s versatile range has already made a lasting impact on both viewers and critics alike. She has shown her acting chops in some of the most talked-about TV shows today. As a series regular in Tough Love: Atlanta, Smith has captured the hearts of fans with her authentic, dynamic portrayal of complex characters navigating love and life in the bustling city. Her recurring roles in hit shows like Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Rap Sht*, and Games People Play have further established her as a versatile actress, capable of seamlessly moving between genres. She even made a memorable guest appearance in Tyler Perry’s The Oval, proving her ability to shine no matter the project.

She starred in Western film Outlaw Posse alongside a legendary cast including Mario Van Peebles, Whoopi Goldberg, Cedric the Entertainer, and John Carroll Lynch. In this gritty Western tale, Smith once again demonstrates her dedication to her craft, stepping into a genre that challenges her to explore new depths as an actor. Perhaps one of her most highly anticipated projects is her role as ‘Rain’ in Tyler Perry’s first Netflix series, Beauty in Black, which debuts on October 24th. This dark, gripping series explores the interconnected lives of several women as they face trials in both their personal and professional lives. Smith’s portrayal of Rain is expected to be one of the series’ standout performances, showcasing her emotional depth and fierce talent.

Amber Reign Smith’s rise in the entertainment industry is nothing short of inspiring. With a clear passion for challenging herself in every role she takes on, Smith is set to continue making waves in Hollywood. Currently residing in Atlanta, the actress remains grounded while pushing the boundaries of her craft. As her body of work grows, so does her fan base, eagerly awaiting what she’ll do next.

Tune in to this episode of My Fame, Explained to hear more about Amber Reign Smith’s journey, her experiences working with industry giants, and her insights on what it takes to thrive as a rising star in today’s entertainment landscape.

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In this episode Larry Gilbert sat down with the multi-talented actor Oliver Trevena, a name synonymous with success in Hollywood, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. With over 20 years in the entertainment industry, Trevena has seamlessly navigated various roles from acclaimed TV host to award-winning actor, producer, and philanthropist.

Trevena’s journey in the spotlight began with his charismatic presence as a TV host for major shows like Young Hollywood and The Hollywood Reporter, where he interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment. He’s also fronted red carpets for prestigious award shows, including The Grammys and The American Music Awards. But his career didn’t stop there. Over the last few years, Trevena has transitioned from hosting to acting, and what a journey it has been.

Oliver has starred in over a dozen feature films, sharing the screen with Hollywood heavyweights like Gerard Butler in Plane, Nina Dobrev and Aaron Eckhart in The Bricklayer, and Olga Kurylenko and Harvey Keitel in Paradox Effect, the latter earning him the Breakout Actor Award at the Rome Film Festival. With the recent Toronto Film Festival premiere of The Cut, where he co-stars alongside Orlando Bloom, Trevena's name continues to rise in Hollywood’s elite circles.

While his acting resume grows, Trevena is also making waves behind the camera. He produced and stars in Another Day in America, which recently hit the festival circuit, and he just wrapped production on Icefall, starring alongside Joel Kinnaman and Danny Huston. Trevena's upcoming projects include two television shows: Beachy Head, which he co-created with Danny Cannon and stars Dougray Scott, and London Son, both of which he is producing with Pulp Fiction producer Lawrence Bender.

Beyond Hollywood, Trevena’s impact is felt on a global scale through his philanthropic efforts. For over a decade, he’s served as an ambassador for Not for Sale, a worldwide organization fighting human trafficking and modern-day slavery. His dedication earned him an award from the Duchess of York. His passion for humanitarian work doesn’t stop there—Trevena produced a documentary in India, spotlighting the importance of female education and raising awareness about forced child marriage.

Trevena is not just an entertainer; he’s also a savvy entrepreneur. As the founder of Ollywood Media, he’s built a thriving business centered around investments, production, and brand creation. Recognized as one of the "Top 20 Entrepreneurs to Watch," Trevena has merged his deep connections within the entertainment world with his creative vision to launch global brands like Allsaints, DOGPOUND, and Next Health. His most recent venture, Caliwater, co-founded with close friend Vanessa Hudgens, has attracted an all-star group of investors including Gerard Butler, Glen Powell, and Ryan Tedder.

With a packed schedule of upcoming films, TV projects, and entrepreneurial ventures, Oliver Trevena continues to redefine what it means to be a multi-hyphenate in the modern entertainment industry. Whether he’s acting, producing, or leading philanthropic initiatives, Trevena’s passion for storytelling and making a difference shines through every endeavor.

Tune in to the full episode to hear Oliver’s inspiring story of perseverance, the lessons he’s learned from his 20+ years in the entertainment business, and how he balances his Hollywood success with his business ventures.

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Guest: Barry L. Levy - Creator, Showrunner, Executive Producer

About the Episode:

In this episode, we dive into the creative journey of Barry L. Levy, the mastermind behind Apple TV+'s latest original series, ME, premiering in July 2024. A seasoned screenwriter with a rich history in both film and television, Levy brings a wealth of experience and insight into the ever-evolving world of entertainment.

Levy’s impressive career includes a range of high-profile television projects. He served as Executive Producer for the Crackle series START UP and contributed his writing talents to L.A.'s FINEST, a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced series for Charter Spectrum. His work extends to projects with major networks like NBC, Amazon, CBS, FX, and The CW.

On the big screen, Levy’s screenwriting prowess is highlighted by his work on the thriller PARANOIA, featuring an all-star cast including Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman. His original screenplay for VANTAGE POINT marked his breakthrough, leading to a box office success that grossed over $150 million. Levy has continued to write for industry giants such as Paramount, Warner Bros., Legendary, Disney, Universal, Sony, and DreamWorks.

Beyond his work in the industry, Levy also shares his expertise as an Adjunct Professor at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he nurtures the next generation of storytellers.

Join us as we explore Barry L. Levy’s approach to storytelling, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and his latest venture with ME.

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Meet Sophia Laurenzi, a dedicated journalist who covers health and policy, with a special focus on mental health and the criminal legal system. Sophia believes in the transformative power of words and humanity, and she is an ardent advocate for changing harmful systems into ones that are kinder, healthier, and more equitable for everyone.

Sophia's journey into journalism took a profound turn four months after her father’s suicide when she left her family in New Jersey to become an investigator on death row. At just 23, she was driven by a quest for answers—why do people make the choices they do, and what could be done to alter the paths of those choices? The answers she uncovered, both within her own family and within the death penalty system, were far from what she had anticipated.

In her subsequent work as a writer, Sophia has continued to delve into challenging questions and explore spaces where easy answers are elusive. Her reporting on mental illness within the prison system and her poignant essays on grief and loss have resonated deeply with many. Sophia's insightful work has been featured in prestigious publications such as TIME, The Washington Post, Slate, and more. She's currently working on her first book.

Join us as we dive into Sophia’s compelling stories and insights, uncovering the intricate connections between personal experiences and systemic issues.

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Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Jim Keller, an icon of the American music scene whose illustrious career has spanned over four decades. From his roots as the co-founder, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter of the legendary rock band Tommy Tutone, to his pivotal role in working with music luminaries like Philip Glass and beyond.
As the driving force behind Tommy Tutone, Keller left an indelible mark on the music world with hits like "867-5309/Jenny," co-written with former Clover frontman Alex Call, a song that would etch itself into the annals of pop culture history.
Keller's story is one of passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication.

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