In this episode, Jess talks to the listeners for the second time. She shares her first monumental experience with rejection and heartbreak when she was in eighth grade. She talks about how acting was always the love of her life and how painful it is when your dreams don't come true. She talks about her current goal of looking for magic everywhere amidst the disappointment.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this conversation, Jess talks to performing artist, singer/songwriter & embodiment guide, Kristi Salerno. In 2012, she launched Dance For Artists (DFA,) -- teaching expression & somatic movement to over a thousand Hollywood actors over the course of a decade. She was named one of "LA's Best Dance Instructors" in BACKSTAGE WEST (2016.) In 2017 Kristi launched KRIA Method-- a wellness modality combining dance & somatic movement for healing. Kristi recently returned to music full-time and released her first EP, Asherah in 2025-- Now streaming everywhere. Kristi can be seen performing and producing creative projects in & around the LA & San Diego areas-- where she is currently producing an indie music video & short film for her original song, WOLF, coming out later this year! IG: Kristisalerno Website: https://beacons.ai/kristisalerno?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/21dcXuUZP1YBQ7M0QSYG5P?si=21-WuWsQSw2HMze-RDJTfA

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to her Go-Solo teacher, mentor, and friend, Matt Hoverman. Matt is a TV writer/producer and playwright whose groundbreaking work in kids' animation (Arthur, Curious George, Fancy Nancy, Sofia the First, Firebuds, Batwheels, RoboGobo) has been recognized with an Emmy. Matt co-wrote the book for The Audience (Drama Desk Award nom. for Outstanding New Musical) – and he wrote the book for Disney Junior Dream Factory (which ran for 5 years at Disneyland Paris) and TheaterWorks USA's upcoming national tour of Clifford: The Big Red Dog, the Musical!

As a teacher, Matt has midwived hundreds of solo shows in his popular GO-SOLO workshops including winners of five FringeNYC Best Solo Show Awards, to name just a few. Go take Matt's incredible class!

IG: MattHoverman1

Website: Go-Solo.org

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to Sean Conroy. He is a writer, stand-up, improviser, actor, and podcaster. Sean has written for Adult Swim, Comedy Central, Seeso, NBC, and ABC, and served as Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer on the cult favorite Mr. Pickles. He's performed stand-up on Conan, improvises weekly with UCB's ASSSSCAT, and is a founding member of The Swarm, UCB's original house team. He hosts Punching Up, a podcast about writing and comedy, and teaches writing and improv to the next generation of comedy creators.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to hilarious Los Angeles-based actor, writer, and content creator Clayton Farris. His recent acting credits include Weapons, MaXXXine, Tulsa King, The Pitt, and Cape Fear. Alongside his on-screen work, Clayton has built a highly engaged digital audience of over 900,000 followers across platforms through original comedic characters and sharply observed sketches about modern life. Most notably, "That One Rich Couple" is a huge viral hit on social media. What began as a fun creative outlet on Vine has grown into a natural extension of his acting career and the perfect place to develop new characters, refine his voice, and consistently showcase his range. IG: ClaytonFarris TikTok: ClaytonFarris4ever

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to director, actor, screenwriter, and producer Ken Arquelio. Jess and Ken met in the Howard Fine Masterclass in Los Angeles. Ken founded Vincero Pictures, a production company based in Miami and Palm Springs. He recently wrote and directed the short film called Disco Beats opposite Pepe Serna, which won best narrative short at the Arizona International Film Fest. As an actor, he played a supporting role in Casa Grande, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, and played the lead in a feature film called Clownspiracy. IG: Kenarquelio Websites: https://www.kenarquelio.com https://vinceropictures.com

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to Paul Lubicz. Paul is a coach for high-performing leaders, artists, and athletes. For more than 25 years, he has helped extraordinary individuals regain clarity, direction, and internal coherence—so they can lead, create, and perform at the level their true potential demands. His work and wisdom have been featured in The Sunday Times, Men's Health, and GQ. Guest: Paul Lubicz IG: @Thewellbeingmanager Website: https://www.thewellbeingmanager.com

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to YOU… the listeners. She breaks down her motivation for starting this podcast, her personal journey with rejection, how it's been challenging getting new guests on the show, and her experience with repeated rejections when she wrote her first spec script and pitched a TV show in LA.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to Miami native Rochelle Weinstein. Rochelle is the USA Today bestselling author of eight contemporary fiction novels. She is the book columnist for AQUA Magazine and a frequent speaker and workshop instructor. LIttle Fishy has recently optioned her book "What You Do To Me" for feature adaptation, and her ninth novel, The Outbox, releases April 2027.

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Guest: Rochelle Weinstein

IG: Rochellebweinstein Website: https://www.rochelleweinstein.com

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess talks to LA-based and New York-born comedian, Max Meisel. Over the last twelve months, Max has been featuring for Tom Arnold on his sixty-city stand-up tour around the United States and Canada. He is also on his first headlining tour titled "The L.A. Sober Tour" and the host and producer of BackDoor Comedy, a monthly comedy party combining music, a dance party, and a great comedy show. You can catch his updates and tour schedule on his website, MaxMeisel.com

Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod

Guest: Max Meisel

Website: MaxMeisel.com

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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