Nopes and Dreams

Margaux Amie is a SAG-AFTRA actor, producer, and founder of True Self Films, an independent production company committed to bold storytelling and creating opportunities for women and people of color. After years working professionally across film, television, commercials, theatre, voice-over, and modeling, Margaux expanded into producing and developing original projects through True Self Films. Her current focus is bringing the psychological drama feature Therein Lies Darkness to the screen while continuing her work as a professional actor.

In this episode, Jess talks to actor and puppeteer Harrison Bryan. After another sold-out appearance at NY Comic-Con, "BALLS: The Monster-Catching Musical Comedy" is launching worldwide for FREE on YOUTUBE! Starring Broadway's Stuart Zagnit, the original voice of Professor Oak in "Pokémon", this award-winning, immersive, action-packed adventure comedy features hundreds of special features, never-before-seen animations, an original musical score, and 151 original collect buddy monsters.

BALLS is celebrated as one of Time Out NY's "Best Things to Do" and hailed by Forbes as "a hilarious spotlight on the dubious premise Pokémon presents". This immersive comedy is the winner of eight Broadway World Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.

To watch the full show, visit: BALLSmusical.com/watch and follow @ballsmusical for updates and more!

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

In this episode, Jess talks with Los Angeles-based actor, writer, director, filmmaker, musician, artist, and voice-over talent Noel Wells. Noel joined the cast of Saturday Night Live for the 2013-2014 season. In 2015, she was cast on Netflix's hit comedy "Master of None." We wrote and directed her indie feature film, Mr. Roosevelt, which won numerous awards, including the Audience Award at SXSW and was bought by Netflix. She self-released her debut album "It's So Nice" in 2019. She also appears on many popular animated series, including "Star Trek: Lower Decks," "Craig of the Creek," and "American Dad," among others.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

In this episode, Jess talks to multi-hyphenate Leah Knauer, who is a hilarious stand-up, improviser, actress, and singer. Leah has collaborated with Wayne Brady, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Mary J. Blige, Jimmy Kimmel, Meghan Trainor, Travis Kelce, and Jack Black. She is in the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot film. You've also seen her on Comedy Central's Corporate and Not Safe with Nikki Glaser and as a guest on Adam Carolla's Show. Leah is a writer/performer in Ron Funches' sketch group, the Funch Bunch. Leah's personal mission in life is to add sparkle, sass, and laughs whenever she can.

IG: @Leahknauer

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Look for our new YouTube Channel

In this episode, Jess talks with NYC-based comedian and writer Casey Balsham. You might know her from her breakout bits "A Message to Gen Z" and "Childbirth = Women's Super Bowl," which have racked up over 20 million views. AMNY just featured Casey as a performer to watch in 2026. She's been a go-to warm-up comic for Comedy Central and The Problem with Jon Stewart on Apple TV+, and has hosted the brutally honest parenting podcast Never Not Tired and the true crime deep dive Shady Sh*t. Her debut comedy album Son of a Barb shot to #1 on iTunes, and her solo show Inconceivable, an unflinching, deeply personal look at IVF and the road to parenthood, earned rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her live comedy special will be available in 2027.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

Self-taught as a painter, with a background in graphic design, branding, and visual communication, Deni came to art through instinct, curiosity, and a deep need to express what words could not quite hold. Deni mentors women artists through Art&Soul, in-person workshops, and international retreats, helping them move past self-doubt, strengthen their visual language, and create from a more honest place.

Her work has been recognised nationally and internationally, including being featured in Alice in Wonderland, an art novel published by Bond&Grace, and as a finalist in both the Australian National Emerging Art Prize and the Leda Gallery Art Prize.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com