On Topic, Off Script

In a special *bonus episode* of On Topic, Off Script, host Brian Mastroianni sits down with actor, producer, and cookbook author Tia Mowry.

For millennial listeners out there, you know Tia as the '90s and 2000s fan favorite star of shows like classic family sitcom 'Sister Sister.'

This holiday season, she is using her platform for an important cause -- Tia is joining Change the Odds, an American Cancer Society (ACS) initiative with sponsorship funding from Pfizer that hopes to bridge the gap in cancer care disparities. Through Change the Odds, Tia is hosting Rewrite the Recipe, a video series that addresses these cancer disparities in Black communities. It aims to inspire conversations about family cancer history around the dinner table this holiday season.

The need for these conversations in Black households is great — Black people have the highest death rate for many cancers like breast and prostate. Black Americans have the lowest survival rates than their white peers for nearly every type of cancer, ⁠according to recent statistics⁠.

Brian and Tia discuss her suggestions for how to start these needed conversations during the holidays, her own experience with cancer screenings, and share what she’s been up to — from her holiday dinner table go-to recipes to her upcoming role in 'My Secret Santa,' which premieres this December on Netflix. 

Tia Mowry: Instagram, Current Projects

American Cancer Society: Change the Odds, Rewrite the Recipe

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with Heather Ward to discuss her asthma advocacy and partnership with AstraZeneca.

Based out of Fort Worth, Texas, Heather Ward is an application software builder for hospitals and is a proud mom of two.

Heather joins On Topic, Off Script today, in partnership with AstraZeneca, to share her personal health journey with asthma.

Born with a collapsed lung as a premature baby, Heather was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 5. This has been a thread that’s carried through her whole life. At age 11, she almost died from a flare-up, and over the years, she’s gone through trial and error with a number of medications and treatments. Things subsided until her second pregnancy, when her life was upended once again when her asthma reemerged.

Earlier this year, she was prescribed Airsupra, a medication that has seen her experience a difference in her lungs right away. Research published this year in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that this medication significantly reduced the risk of a severe asthma attack by 47% compared to as-needed albuterol. 

For the record, this podcast episode is neither influenced nor sponsored by a pharmaceutical company. 

Brian sits down with Heather to learn more about her journey with asthma, how her passion for singing brought her to appear on American Idol (!), and what others can take away from her experiences. 

The New England Journal of Medicine: Study, AstraZeneca press release

Asthma resources: American Lung Association Asthma Resources Library, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Allergy & Asthma Network

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with Jess Rothschild to discuss her new docu-podcast series Cult of Body & Soul.

Jess Rothschild produces and hosts pop culture podcast Hot Takes and Deep Dives. Since 2019, she’s interviewed the likes of Rosie O’Donnell, John Cameron Mitchell, Sandra Bernhard, and many more as she delves into all things queer pop iconography and New York City culture. 

Now, she’s discussing Cult of Body & Soul, her new seven-part docu-podcast series that explores the cultural phenomenon of SoulCycle -- something that became much more than an indoor cycling workout. It hit the zeitgeist, attracting celebrities like Oprah Winfrey but also serving as a hub for community...and some controversy...over the years.

Through the show, Jess interviews instructors, studio managers, front desk staff, and corporate insiders, while also weaving in her personal connection to SoulCycle and how it affected her own life.

Brian sits down with Jess to hear what inspired her to do this deep dive on all things SoulCycle and what made something that -- on paper -- sounds like just an indoor spin class into the Cult of Body and Soul.

Jess Rothschild: Instagram

Cult of Body & Soul: Website, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon

Hot Takes & Deep Dives: Website

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with Peloton fav Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts.

You know Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts as a popular yoga and meditation instructor for Peloton, and in 2018, she was named the first Black global ambassador for lululemon. With a PhD in Educational Studies, Chelsea has dedicated herself to making a positive impact on the world through yoga, believing that yoga and meditation can be healing — connecting us more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.

From working with teen girls at Spelman College’s campus where she founded her Yoga, Literature, Arts Camp to The Power of Presence Peloton series with Shayla Stonechild that will launch this June, Chelsea believes yoga and meditation can make us all happier and healthier in our daily lives and are crucial tools for longevity and wellbeing.  

Brian sits down with Chelsea to learn how yoga has transformed her life, suggestions for all of those yoga beginners out there, and how the healing and power of yoga and wellness comes from within. 

Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts: Website, Instagram, Peloton

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with Fireclay Tile CEO Eric Edelson.

Eric Edelson is the CEO of Fireclay Tile. Fireclay is a company that makes hand-crafted tiles for a range of businesses from grocery stores to kitchens. Committed to sustainability, the company is a Certified B Corporation and a Climate Neutral Brand. They make every tile domestically in California by way of solar-powered production and recycled materials.

Recently, Fireclay pledged $1 million in donations and discounts over the course of the next six years to help rebuild homes and support communities impacted by this year’s LA Fires.

Brian sits down with Eric to discuss Fireclay Tile’s commitment to sustainability,  why it’s important that the company supports those devastated by the wildfires, and Eric's own personal journey..and what others can learn from it. 

Eric Edelson: LinkedIn

Fireclay Tile: Website, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with La La Anthony.

You know La La Anthony as an actor on shows like 'BMF' and 'Power' on Starz, a writer, a producer, and TV host extraordinaire from TRL all the way to hosting Vogue’s livestream of the Met Gala each first Monday of May. 

Now, she’s partnering with Amgen to spread the word about plaque psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that affects more than 6 million adults in the U.S. alone. It’s a condition that stems from  inflammation, causing uncomfortable, painful, itchy patches on the skin. They're often found on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Through Moments with La La, she’s been getting personal about living with plaque psoriasis for more than a decade and how that’s impacted her day to day life. 

Plaque psoriasis is often dismissed and misdiagnosed as just being another skin condition, which has led La La to dispel misconceptions and open up about her own experiences. 

Brian sits down with La La to discuss her plaque psoriasis journey, this awareness campaign with Amgen, what it was like hosting this year’s Met Gala and the importance of this year’s Costume Institute exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, and why it’s crucial to reach out to others and seek support when facing an unexpected life challenge.

La La Anthony: Instagram, TikTok

Amgen: MomentsWithLaLa.com

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with Carnie Wilson.

You know Carnie Wilson as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, whose varied career has seen her as part of the trio behind Wilson Phillips and a successful solo artist in her own right.

She's also been a fierce mental health advocate, speaking out about her own experiences, while using her platform to support others. That advocacy work brings us to her current partnership with Neurocrine Biosciences on its Connecting with Carnie initiative. By way of ConnectingWithCarnie.com, Carnie is using her platform to support people living with tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder that is associated with the use of some mental health medications. It's a condition that often brings with it immense stigma, leaving those living with it to feel self conscious about seeking support and the treatment they need.

At least 800,000 adults in the U.S. currently live with TD, while a high 60 percent remain undiagnosed. While Carnie doesn't have TD herself, her own personal and family history with mental health challenges inspired her to connect with TD patients and medical professionals alike to share resources on TD including information on treatments and support. ConnectingWithCarnie.com went live this month (May 2025).

Brian chats with Carnie to discuss why it's important to destigmatize conversations around TD and how her own mental health journey and those of her family -- like her dad, Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys fame -- fueled her advocacy.

Carnie Wilson: Instagram

Connecting With Carnie: ConnectingWithCarnie.com

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with Jennifer Fisher.

Celebrity jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher joins the show to share how a very personal health journey changed her life — it led directly to the founding of her eponymous brand and is a story she hopes others can learn from. 

At age 30 she was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor — a rare, aggressive, locally invasive soft tissue tumor. It can affect all areas of your life (chronic, long-lasting pain, loss of physical function, potential disfigurement, and for some people, all of this can feed directly into mental health concerns like depression and anxiety). For Jennifer it's been quite the journey. An unusual bump on the chest was misdiagnosed as being just a cyst, which led her down the path of second opinion, more accurate information, and ultimately a correct diagnosis. 

Jennifer has now joined SpringWorks Therapeutics to raise awareness and share resources by way of DesmoidTumors.com.

As she tells others with a similar story,  "you are bigger than your desmoid tumor."

Brian chats with Jennifer who shares how this health journey impacted everything from motherhood to founding her brand, what you need to know about Desmond tumors, and advice for how to navigate some of those unexpected challenges life throws your way. 

Jennifer Fisher: Jennifer Fisher Website, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry Instagram , Jennifer Fisher Instagram, Jennifer Fisher Kitchen Instagram

SpringWorks Therapeutics: Website, Instagram, DesmoidTumors.com

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni sits down with interior designer Melissa Bowers.

This year, Melissa marks 10 years of M.A. Bowers, Inc., which has seen her working on projects with the likes of the 101 Club in New York City, the historic Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Saint Theo’s, a 20-key hospitality development in Puerto Rico, among many more projects.

Having started out as a stylist and visual merchandiser, Melissa brings her keen eye for detail to everything she does. Later this year, she’s bringing her approach to style and taste to all of you through her upcoming book, Effortless Elegance: A Modern Guide to Hosting and Home Etiquette.
Brian sat down with Melissa to discuss her career and her advice on how we can all apply a bit of effortless elegance to our daily lives.

Melissa Bowers: Instagram, M.A. Bowers, Inc.

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni

On Topic, Off Script host, journalist Brian Mastroianni, sits down with investigative journalist Gianna Toboni.

For over a decade, Gianna has traveled around the world by way of her insightful and daring investigative journalism. She’s been to more than 30 countries for her documentary work that has appeared on the likes of HBO, Showtime, Hulu, and Vice. A two-time Emmy winner, recipient of a GLAAD Award, two Front Page Awards, honored on Forbes’s 30 Under 30 list for Media -- Gianna’s list of accomplishments is long. 

She joins On Topic, Off Script to discuss her new book — The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America, and One Inmate’s Quest to  Die with Dignity. The book stems from her reporting for Vice News, when she met Scott Dozier, a man who was sent to death row in Nevada back in 2007, convicted of two murders. Dozier’s life story is a complex one full of twists and turns. The path to writing this book began in 2017, when Gianna wrote Dozier a letter in the hopes of securing an interview before his scheduled execution date. Dozier’s execution was stayed at the last minute, and from there, the two formed a connection between reporter and subject. She became his confidante while he advocated for his own execution. Gianna sets the fraught ups and downs of Dozier’s life against the backdrop of this nation’s flawed capital punishment system. The book is riveting and it forces you to confront the realities of just how embedded the death penalty is in America’s psyche. 

Brian sits down with Gianna to discuss The Volunteer, how her reporting on Scott Dozier led to this book, and the state of capital punishment today.

Gianna Toboni: Instagram, LinkedIn

The Volunteer: Atria Books/Simon & Schuster

Music: The Right Direction by Shane Ivers -- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.silvermansound.com⁠⁠⁠

Logo: ⁠⁠⁠David J. Martin⁠

For more info on host, journalist Brian Mastroianni: ⁠⁠⁠brianmastroianni.com⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠@bmastroianni