In this episode, Jess chats with certified coach Erika Shannon. Erika started as a dancer and musical theater actress and took many pivots throughout her life. Erika discusses her dream of being on Broadway, the role of a swing, what it's like to tour with a show, her worst audition stories, and her experience at A Chorus Line boot camp. She currently coaches women helping them to get stronger, healthier and happier in perimenopause.

Guest: Erika Shannon: @Erikashannonmovement

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

Movie we talked about in the episode: Office Space

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

In this episode, Jess chats with actor, writer, and producer Bryan Fitzgerald. Bryan talks about what it's like to work with an intimacy coordinator, how one-line auditions are the most difficult, New York City rejection, and the highs and lows of being on set. Bryan has a production company, Sow the Seeds Productions, with his wife and fellow actor Valery Lessard. Bryan plays Terrance Joseph in Ed Burns latest movie, "The Family Mcmullen" now streaming on HBO.

Host: Jess Kaplan @JessbKaplan

Guest: Bryan Fitzgerald @Bryanpmfitz

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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

In this episode, Jess chats with Jeff Howard. Jeff is an actor, writer, and producer. They talk about how they met in their early 20s in LA, cringe-worthy auditions, how Jeff booked a Super Bowl commercial, the fact that he missed his own bachelor party to be a guest star on Happy Endings, bad auditions, and how he started a production company called Big Smits Entertainment with his best friend B.J. Bales. Jeff made the big move from Los Angeles to Charleston this past year and teamed up with Danny McBride's Rough House Pictures on a new dark comedy titled Suburban Psycho. Jeff co-wrote the film with B.J. and the two also star in the movie alongside Malin Akerman, Ron Perlman, Dennis Haysbert and Ryan Hansen.

Follow Jeff @Justjeffhoward

The College Song Deadline announcement

In this episode, I'm chatting with Ariana and the Rose. Ariana is a New York–based synth-pop artist creating a vibrant universe of cinematic pop, electronic energy, and intimate, emotional storytelling. With roots in music and downtown theater, she transforms live performance into an immersive world where audiences can step inside her songs. Her digital presence has flourished through viral performance clips and piano-driven storytelling. She has 50M+ views across TikTok and Instagram. Ariana made her U.S. late-night television debut on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and most recently performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she has toured extensively, sharing stages with artists like Lizzo and Cyndi Lauper. She is currently touring her one woman show The Breakup Variety Hour, which premiered to a sold out, Joe's Pub, and will make its Australian debut at the Melbourne Comedy Festival in 2026.

Host: Jess Kaplan @Jessbkaplan

Guest: Ariana the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

For more about the podcast go to:

Nopesanddreams.com

Jess interviews actress and fellow NYU grad, Jen Jacob, about landing her newest role-playing Ashley Morgan on Beyond the Gates-- the first daytime soap opera TV show in 30+ years. They talk about finding humor in rejection, bad auditions, tools to combat critical self-talk, and online trolls.

Host: Jess Kaplan @Jessbkaplan

Guest: Jen Jacob @Jen.Jacob

Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose

Edited by: Peter Ney

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