The Stories: Finding an unexpected and inspiring note from mother Barbara Ann Teer. Pivoting. Launching NBT Beyond Walls. Building a building and the creative process involved. Escaped a close call leaving Tom Ford pieces two countries behind while on tour styling Lenny Kravitz. “Our work is for all audiences, but it’s also to create a platform of possibility and to course-correct the stories that have rendered us two-dimensional.” Working with Ivy Park and Beyoncé to sample her mother's words onAlien Superstar.

The Backstory: Worked the door at NYC’s legendary clubs, was discovered on a red carpet at the MTV VMAs and worked as a producer for TRL, co-founded a swimwear line, began helming National Black Theatre after her mother’s sudden passing.

Words Of Wisdom: “I’m building the plane while I’m flying it.” "If I don't see you wholly, and you don't see me wholly, then we can never connect or belong." "Life is short. Live it to the fullest." "No matter how fast and hard you run away from your purpose, it always comes back around."

On Inspo: “My forever 'yes' is to show up and be a good daughter.” Dancer Judith Jamison’s relationship with her mother’s best friend, Alvin Ailey, has inspired her through ‘Impostor Syndrome.’ "The seven generations of women who carry me every day."

On National Black Theatre: “I’m ambitious in my vision for what NBT must be: the premiere destination for black theater in the country.” The majority of black theater is being produced in white spaces with artistic directors and producers for white audiences. Feels the honor and the pressure of preserving black culture and history.

On NYC: "There was a heartbeat to New York. No matter where you came from, we belonged to each other."

What Else: “I’m not in the business of theater, I’m in the business of freedom.”

Obsixed: A collection of Sade's lifestyle obsessions.

Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

National Black Theatre 

J. Crew slipdresses

J. Crew cashmere 

J. Crew loafers

Pattern Beauty haircare

Honey Pot personal care items

The work of artist Amy Sherald

The Stories: They are the new generation of whiskey makers, making their brand pop on shelves to appeal to a consumer who cares about what they’re eating and drinking. “You never shut off:” there’s always something to do when you live where you work. Bourbon in coffee on Christmas morning is a tradition. Frey tests new products all the time.

The Backstory: Colby Frey comes generations and generations – 170 years – of farmers. Colby and Ashley met in college in Nevada. Colby woke up one day and thought, why aren’t we making whiskey with all that we grow on the farm? Once Ashley was introduced to farm life, she never wanted to go back to city life.

Words Of Wisdom: “Be good to the land, and the land will be good to you.” “Whenever you do something, you always have to give something back.” Farming requires optimism. “When I die I can’t take it with me; I have to take really good care of the land in order to pass it on.”

On Inspo: “We consider ourselves temporary caretakers, custodians, and stewards of the land.” Frey Ranch’s branding, packaging, and visuals are packed with meaning.

What Else: Colby Frey wants to be at the industry’s forefront for where the grains for spirits come from. Frey Ranch tours are complimentary. Frey Ranch hosts food + drink events, and creates exclusive cocktail recipes. Discover more:

freyranch.com

The Stories:

“Seeing people cope  through my songs and be able to let themselves feel with them, has been so beautiful and has also made me feel less alone.”

“I'm so deeply empathetic. I feel everything around me, tenfold.”

“The hard part of touring is when you get off the tour, because you've gone from one hundred miles an hour to zero.”

“As an artist, you have to constantly evolve, you have to be ever-changing. You're almost a new character every year. It's weird, but also cool to figure out. “

The Backstory: Her first video posted to TikTok was created at age 11 using her grandparents old old keyboard.

Wisdom Rains: 

“The more you share, the more can be used against you.”

“Something that has surprised me is how expansive my mind can be and how expansive creativity is.”

On Inspo: “I have to feel some type of way for idea to come out of me. It's a way of getting things out of my brain, because if I don't, I suffer.”

Singer-Songwriter Soundoff: Jelly Roll, Maren Morris, Teddy Swims, Diplo.

On Coachella: “I'm coming into a new character and a new part of myself. Musically, I'll be leaning into my rap side of things.”

Obsixed: A collection of Jessie's lifestyle obsessions.

Disover more + Shop The Podcast:

jessiemurph.com

Jessie Murph Ain't No Man Thats The Devil on vinyl

Sundae Whipped Shower Foam Body Wash in Very Vanilla

Loving Tan 2 Hr Express Self Tanning Mousse

La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream

Stanley Stainless Steel Valentine's Day Tumbler

Victrola Empire Bluetooth Record Player

The Stories: Famously took the ‘Farrah’ out of Farrah Fawcett by giving her a bob. Took Madonna’s hair from club kid to everyone wanting to look like her. Responsible for Karlie Kloss' short hair transformation. Glory days at Studio 54. Making news in the 1990’s with celebrity clients.

The Backstory: Started doing hair at age 13, and declaring it at school. His time at Bergdorf Goodman left a lasting impression, where Suga was his mentor.

Wisdom Rains: Don’t get too chummy or personal with clients. You are there to serve them and make them feel taken care of.

Hot Heads: Farah Fawcett, Madonna, Karlie Kloss, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga

On Inspo: “I’ve learned how to collaborate; it’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned, and one of the biggest things I've always been inspired by.”

On R + Co:  “I reflected on my first couture show in Paris with Polly Mellen, Irving Penn, and his wife. We were at YSL, I saw the girls come out in all these colors. I was knocked away and it never left me. That color storyboard was so in my head that when we were able to do the R + Co Bleu line and we didn’t know what to call it, I said, ‘Bleu’.”

What Else: Taking leaps and getting to the next level. Living well and in style.

Obsixed: A collection of Garren’s lifestyle obsessions.

Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

R+Co Bleu Reparative Shampoo

R+Co Bleu Essential Shampoo⁠ 

R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo 
R+Co Bleu Essentials Hair Tonic 
R+Co Bleu Root Booster Volume Spray 
Sisley Paris Supremya At Night Anti Aging Skin Care 
Sisley Paris Supremya At Night Anti Aging Eye Cream 

Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L'integral Anti-Age Hand Care Concentrate⁠ 
Dustin Pittman New York After Dark 
Helmet Newton Legacy
Tod's Loafers in Blue Suede 
AYR The Normie Straight Leg in Oyster 

The Stories: “Being hot wasn’t a crime. I was always the master of my own destiny." “People would be so surprised about how nervous I am. I put myself out there in the roles that I play, but in real life, I can be nervous.” 

The Backstory: Being discovered and modeling. 

Rapid Fire Role Call: Varsity Blues, Legally Blonde, Final Destination, A Lot Like Love, Obsessed. 

Wisdom Rains: “We are allowed to change. If something isn’t working, you can make a change”. 

What Else: Food, family, and what’s next. 

On Landman: “I love the show and I love the cast and I love filming in Texas. I have been able to find a part of myself that was gone for a long time.” 

Obsixed: 6 of Ali Larter’s lifestyle obsessions.

Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

Kitchen Revelry Cookbook by Ali Larter 

Varsity Blues on DVD 

Legally Blonde DVD Box Set 

Final Destination 5-Film Collection 

Bottega Veneta Classic Wool Prince Of Wales Blazer

Miu Miu Regard Gold Sunglasses 

Khaite Danielle Stretch Jean 

Alo Cashmere High Waist Plush Waffle Pant 

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream 

Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast Iron Braiser in Red 

Lola Blankets Original Blanket in Caramel N' Cream 

Lola Blankets Original Blanket in Black Sand 

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne 

Belvedere Organic Vodka 

What was working with Sistine’s face like, as an artist? Talking supermodels of the 1990's. What was the makeup of the 1990’s, and what were some of the most popular products?  What did MAC do that turned heads at the time? 1990's browns in makeup are popular again, how does one wear browns? What do you look for in a makeup brand? Talking clean makeup and keeping clients safe, MOB Beauty, Charlotte York's makeup look on And Just Like That, Matin's work with Angelina Jolie, tips + tricks, Matin's favorite MOB Beauty products including the M1990 lip pencil used on Sistine Stallone throughout our Story + Rain cover story. Shop The Podcast:

MOB Beauty Smooth Precision Waterproof Lipliner in M1990 

MOB Beauty Hydrating Shine Balm in M139 

MOB Beauty French in 5 palette 

MOB Beauty Cream Clay Eyeshadow in M87 

MOB Beauty Blurring Ceramide Cream Foundation 

The Stories: What it takes to be successful at creating good reality TV. Deciding how candid to be on TV and on her podcast.

The Backstory: “There was always some form of artistic expression, whether it was that we were standing on a kitchen table and singing or reciting Edgar Allan Poe, or my dad pulling us into the garage to paint on these massive canvases. I truly learned how to read by lying on my dad's office floor and re-reading old scripts with him.” Growing up with her mother Jennifer Flavin, a former supermodel, and her own early experience with modeling and insecurity.

Wisdom Rains: “It takes just one person to say yes. So far I’ve only heard a whole bunch of no’s and the beautiful thing about that, is that it’s made me a more resilient person.” “Do not come off like you are better-than or entitled, and don't try to present yourself in a certain way.”

On Inspo: “You're not allowed to procrastinate in New York City. I feel like I'm really coming into my own. But I'm so tired. This city truly never sleeps.”

What Else: family, dating, living in New York, what’s next.

On The Family Stallone: “You almost have to say goodbye to your friends and your social life, because for the next few months you'll have zero of it unless they want to film – which a lot of my friends are not keen on doing.” “You actually do ask yourself the question, 'What would be interesting about my life right now?’

On Her Unwaxed Podcast: “Sophia and I produce it ourselves. We write every show, we edit every show. Sophia learned how to code. I do all the scripts and the editing. It's 's a full-time job.”

Obsixed: 6 of Sistine Stallone’s lifestyle obsessions. 

Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

Unwaxed podcast on Spotify 

The Family Stallone on Paramount+ 

Freck Beauty The Original Freckle 

Refy Beauty Cream Blush in Rose 

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand in Pinkgasm 

Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp + Hair Strengthening Oil 

LYMA Laser 

Lioness Daydream Tie Up Jeans

The Stories: “They wanted me to sign that I would be nude. How do you sign something and not know the scene? That's when you kind of laugh and think, this is crazy.” “When I was younger, and I don't know if it was because cancel culture wasn't so much of a thing, you didn't have this daunting chip on your shoulder telling you to be careful about what you say, because anything could be twisted, and you could be done. ”

The Backstory: “I look back on my life as a child and I don’t think anyone pigeonholed me. I thank every casting director and every actor and director who saw my past work, saw that I was a kid, and then trusted me to tackle a whole new genre.” “I try not to overthink the process too much; I let myself discover it – when my body is actually on set, in the moment, in costume and hair and makeup.”

Wisdom Rains: “I’m inspired by humans. If you’re looking for it, you can learn something from anyone you’re around.” On Inspo: “Adam Sandler runs a set in the most joyful way possible.” What Else: directing, creating, and making music.

On Pretty Little Liars: "We grounded our crazy villain world with true stories. We said look, there's that kind of horror, but then there's the normal day-to-day horror that human beings deal with."

Obsixed: 6 of Bailee Madison’s lifestyle obsessions.

Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

Bridge To Terabithia

Just Go With It 

Good Witch The Complete Series 

Pretty Little Liars on HBO Max 

Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum

Roz The Healthy Hair Kit 

Lolavie Restorative Shampoo 

Kristin Ess Softening Conditioner 

Stanley The Quencher Tumbler 

Sonya Dakar Organic Omega Oil 

Sonya Dakar Blue Butterfly Balm 

Celsius Energy Drink 

Threshold Rustic Palo Santo 3 Wick Candle 

Aesop Ptolemy Aromatic Candle 

Soho Home Bianco Bergamot + Mandarin Zest Candle 

Apparis Brady Jumbo Throw 

Meet the set decorator whose rooms you’ve fallen in love with for years. With over 35 years in the industry under her belt, Beth Kushnick diligently deals in the details with expert precision. Transforming blank slates into authentic spaces that can reveal an entire life in seconds, Kushnick did that and then some when she spent seven seasons as decorator for CBS’s huge hit, The Good Wife. Her work generated so much viewer interest that she was able to collaborate to create the first home décor license in television history with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, and eventually created her own label, BAK Home, using her expertise to make the aspirational look she’s known for, attainable to customers. “Being fiscally responsible is maybe the biggest part of my creativity” Beth explains on our 146th episode, and she shares specifics around the thrill of when it all comes together. Many a client have counted themselves lucky to have the out-of-the-box thinker and deadline-driven design vet work on their homes; and on the podcast we discuss the differences between building a set and furnishing for real life. We run through her robust resume, going behind the scenes on Howard Stern’s famous biopic, Private Parts, to how she created upper crust culture for Reversal Of Fortune starring award-winning Jeremy Irons and Glenn Close, as well as many more projects. We talk Kushnick’s intimate connection to the city of New York and how its spaces and places have evolved, her greatest influences and mentors, being the best when it comes to budget, and the ardent advice she bestows upon the listeners of her podcast. We rake through recent work, from how Beth served up the supernatural for Patrick Wilson’s Insidious: The Red Door to how she applied authenticity to Yvette Lee Bowser’s Run The World, and when she worked on Katie Holmes’ Rare Objects. We go back to her start in theater, and on the iconic and original Little Shop Of Horrors. Then there’s the author she turns to when it comes to her craft, what’s world-class when it comes to wallpaper, and some for her favorite Amazon finds. Come along for this close look into the life of an artist who creates the vivid visuals we savor on screen. Our conversations continue as Story + Rain Talks to most talented most interesting, Beth Kushnick. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

Run The World on Prime Video

Insidious: The Red Door on Prime Video

Rare Objects on Prime Video

The Good Wife on Prime Video

The Good Fight on Prime Video

Reversal Of Fortune on Bluray

Private Parts on Bluray

Art Is Life by Jerry Saltz

How To Be An Artist by Jerry Saltz

Clinique Aromatics Elixir

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Zibeths Velvet Cane Back Dining Chairs

Lands Downunder Italian Herringbone Throw

Phillip Jeffries wallpaper

Persimmons

This week we release our conversation with costume designer and stylist, Paolo Nieddu. Best known for the impact he made working on the hit series fabulously filled his colorful costumes---Lee Daniel’s Empire, we dish about details from the set: from key moments and how he dressed Taraji, to little-known secrets and the BTS nitty-gritty of how a stylist organizes and works with wardrobe. Paolo’s latest work can be seen on CBS’s smash The Equalizer starring Queen Latifah, the action series where the fashion is as fierce as its episode plot lines. On the podcast Paolo shares what he does to create the show’s eclectic style and exactly how he conceives of each character’s look----and we’ll be publishing that into a story you can shop on StoryAndRain.com. Then there’s an intimate deep-dive discussion about the magazine industry, being a fashion assistant and intern, and what it’s like to work at Interview. Paolo and our founder Tamara share the unique experience of having gotten their start at Andy Warhol’s iconic publication. Paolo traces back to his first days in New York and working at fellow Story + Rain Talks podcast guest Patricia Field’s legendary boutique, and how he first caught the style icon’s eye. He takes us on his career journey that begins with assisting Pat on a DKNY fashion show, to then working on a Sex And The City film, Confessions Of A Shopoholic, The Other Woman, and more. He talks working with Story + Rain cover star Andra Day on the award-winning Billie Holiday film, shares his take on what makes for a successful fashion assistant, how he researches and preps his projects, how he describes his signature aesthetic, being all about accessories, what he’s watching, collecting, and more. Our conversations with creatives continue as Story + Rain Talks to Paolo Nieddu. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

The Equalizer on Paramount+  

Lee Daniels' Empire, season 1 

Lee Daniels' Empire, season 2 

Lee Daniels' Empire, season 3  

Lee Daniels' Empire, season 4  

Lee Daniels' Empire, season 5  

United States v Billie Holiday  

Baccarat champagne glasses 

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask 

Casa Dragones tequila

Apple AirPods