My Only Friends

Chris Marrs Piliero is an actor, writer, producer, and director of short films and music videos. He has directed iconic music videos like Criminal and I Wanna Go for the legendary Britney Spears and won a VMA for the music video Tighten Up by The Black Keys.

Now Chris is celebrating the release of the film Appofeniacs which he wrote and directed. In Appofeniacs the use of AI technology reaches it's most violent and bloody conclusion after a series of deepfake videos are unleashed into the world.

Appopheniacs is exclusively in theatres October 2nd!

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Liz Astrof is the co-creator and showrunner of NBC/Peacock's Stumble. Before that, she was the creator and showrunner of Fox's Pivoting. She has also served as a head writer and Executive Producers of 2 Broke Girls. Her other credits include The King of Queens, Raising Hope, Trial & Error, The Conners and many others. She is the author of the book Don't Wait Up; Confessions of a Stay at Work Mom which was published by Simon & Schuster. Her work has also appeared in Glamour, Marie Claire and several anthologies.

We talk about our love for sitcoms, the magic of the 90's,anxiety, and remember the legendary Jimmy Burrows. This conversation was a very real and authentic look at what it's like to be a writer and all around human in the age of 2026.

Libsyn links

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Malynda Hale is an award-winning actress, filmmaker, singer-songwriter, and storyteller based in Los Angeles. Working across film, television, music, and digital media, her work explores themes of identity, humanity, faith, race, and emotional connection through cinematic storytelling and character-driven narratives.

Most recently, she starred in the feature film Bull Street alongside Loretta Devine and Amy Madigan and made her directorial debut with the short film Curtain Call, which screened at festivals internationally including Bend Film Festival, GAZE International LGBTQIA Festival, and Middlebury NewFilmmakers Festival. Her second short film, Au Gratin, starring Tiffany Daniels, Loretta Devine, and Jay Donnell, was selected for the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival and Wyoming International Film Festival, and will also screen at the LightReel Film Festival in Washington, D.C. and the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival in August, an Oscar-qualifying festival. She is also the founder of JMV Entertainment, a production company focused on developing film, television, and media projects rooted in meaningful storytelling.

Before expanding into filmmaking, Malynda built a career as a singer-songwriter and performer, releasing multiple independent projects and opening for artists including Smokey Robinson and OTOWN. Her music has appeared on television, including CBS and Disney productions, and she has performed for audiences ranging from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the California Democratic Convention. Across every medium she works in, Malynda is passionate about telling stories that create empathy, challenge systems, and connect people more deeply to one another.

Libsyn links

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Marjan Tabibzada is a top beauty and fashion creator and Afghan-American talent whose viral content spans GRWMs, elevated makeup tutorials, and personal storytelling around her experience in the beauty industry. One of six siblings and a graduate of California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing, Marjan blends her academic foundation with hands on industry experience. She began her career at MAC Cosmetics, where she developed a strong foundation in artistry, product knowledge, and client experience, skills that continue to inform her content today. An early adopter of content creation, Marjan started building her platform well before the space became widely recognized, cultivating a highly engaged audience drawn to her makeup tutorials, fashion-forward get ready with me videos and more. Her work is deeply rooted in both artistry and heritage, with her passion for beauty initially inspired by her mother's background in cosmetology, an influence that continues to shape her approach. Today, Marjan has partnered with globally recognized brands including Chanel Beauty, Estée Lauder, Armani Beauty, and Dermalogica, solidifying her as a trusted voice within the beauty space. She continues to expand across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, with a growing audience that looks to her for both inspiration and expertise.

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Elena has worked on over 100 movies & TV shows, ranging from $200K indies to $300M blockbusters, that have totaled over $10 Billion at the worldwide box office.

Born in Germany to a German mother and Spanish father, Elena started performing during her childhood in plays such as "Return to Neverland" and "The Nutcracker." After graduating from Cornell University, she continued her studies at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Elena's feature film debut as an actress was the highly anticipated second installment of The Hunger Games films, Catching Fire, where she portrayed Cecelia, the tribute from District 8. She has since shared the screen acting opposite Nicolas Cage, Sam Rockwell, and Tim Roth, as well as performing alongside the likes of Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Chris Pratt, William Forsythe and Gerard Butler. Elena's television appearances include roles on CBS's NCIS: New Orleans, FOX's Sleepy Hollow, and AMC's The Walking Dead, where she memorably killed off bratty villain Sebastian Milton in the final season.

Elena has won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in Avengers: Endgame, has been nominated five additional times, and has been nominated for two Taurus World Stunt Awards.

Elena can soon be seen as the female-lead as Detective Keyes in the action thrillerNeglected opposite Dylan Sprouse, Josh Duhamel and Til Schweiger premiering in theatres May 8th, 2026!

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

John Krause is an actor, singer, and music educator. He recently closed two shows in the LA Area. Tarantino: Live at Cinevita, where he played Pulp Fictions's "Vincent" and shredded on the guitar, and the world premier of Millenials Are Killing Musicals at the Colony Theater in Burbank where he appeared as "Nate/ Atlas." He is best known for his roles in Broadway and touring musicals. Other credits include: Hadestown (OBC), Jesus Christ Superstar (Hollywood Bowl), Fun Home, Wicked, Green Day's American Idiot: The Musical, The Secret Garden, Newsies, and Rock of Ages. When John isn't performing or teaching private guitar and voice lessons, he enjoys spending time with his wife Molly and dog Maxine. Follow along @johnakrause

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Maya Stoyan is best known for her recurring roles on hit television shows including Castle, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and her role as the main villain in the one and only NCIS Trilogy crossover. She has also guest-starred on fan favorites such as Grey's Anatomy, The Resident, and Magnum P.I., among others.

On the big screen, Maya has played leading and supporting roles opposite an impressive roster of talent, including Nia Long, Omar Epps, Jean Smart, William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, Danny Trejo, Mena Suvari, Mickey Rourke, and many more.

Beyond her work in film and television, Maya is the founder of "The Gratitude Architect", a platform where she guides individuals in transforming their lives through a daily gratitude practice. Dedicated to giving back, she actively supports and collaborates with organizations such as The Midnight Mission on Skid Row, Humanitarian for Empowerment, and Boo2Bullying, using her voice and platform to inspire compassion and change.

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Mitchell Gerrard Johnson is a performer, stylist, and content creator turning nostalgic pop culture moments into viral, high-energy content—with glam, chaos, and a strong sense of humor. Mitchell and I connected through our mutual experience of being called up on stage with Hilary Duff to do her viral With Love dance.

We talk all things Hilary Duff, our relationship to social media, and the impact of a good 90s sitcom Disneyland episode. You can follow Mitchell on instagram @mgjohns to see what iconic cultural moment he'll create next.

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

Maiara Walsh is a true multi-hyphenate creative; Brazilian American actress, director, writer, producer, and singer, her work spans film, television, music, and art. She has built a creative practice rooted in bold storytelling and artistic independence, most recently bringing her directorial debut feature film BIGHT, a psychological thriller with a distinct visual identity, from concept to screen. Known from her Disney channel days on Cory in the House to her work on Desperate Housewives and leads on hit Brazilian shows on Netflix, Maiara isn't interested in staying in a single lane. Whether on screen, behind the camera, or in the recording studio, Maiara brings a fearless authenticity to everything she creates.

After my conversation with Maiara I felt so energized. We cover the nostalgia of the 90s, the way we combat our anxiety, and how beautiful it is to cultivate friendships with strong women in our 30s. You can watch BIGHT, starring Maiara Walsh out today on Apple + and Amazon.

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg

As a Los Angeles native, Anastasia Washington began professionally acting and singing at just 3-years-old and has since done everything under the show biz sun. Her lengthy list of award-winning talents have given her many titles including: Actress, Comedian, Podcaster, Writer, Director, Singer, Curvy Model, Comic Con Panelist, and Dance Hall Queen. Her work can be seen on-screen in productions such as The Addams Family Movies, Die Hard 2, the award-winning short film Gaslighter, and the four-part anthology Grind which just made its premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival.

Anastasia has created her own Horror Filmmaker Community, with monthly meetups, conventions, and more. She also hosts a new monthly comedy show titled Comedy 4 Nice People in an effort to bring community together and provide a safe space from the outside world.

We talk about how to speak nicer to ourselves, respecting other peoples journey, and X-FILES.

Follow Me!

Instagram | @myonlyfriendspodcast

Website | https://myonlyfriendspodcast.com

TikTok | @thebrittanyrizzo

Listen to "My Only Friends"

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3knIbkv92XCZ2pDQU0UBJt

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-only-friends/id1649670689

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgYJYa-NjGYe21M1WnhOKg