Story + Rain Talks

Take a ride through the actor’s life and listen to our latest episode. Lily Rabe, who can currently be seen in David E. Kelley’s Love + Death on HBO Max, and on Shrinking on Apple TV +, is the daughter of prolific playwright David Rabe and celebrated actress, Jill Clayburgh, and we begin our conversation with her childhood spent near the stage. Watching the world’s greatest talent in rehearsals for her father’s masterpiece, Hurlyburly, Lily was bitten by the performance bug early on. We discuss her time as a dancer and how that turned to acting, life at Northwestern and her very fancy degree, and how life almost imitated art when she played a restaurant-employed actor for the film No Reservations. She describes why her heart belongs to theater and the “religious experience” that is performing Shakespeare In The Park. We discuss being a part of the Ryan Murphy American Horror Story family, and in a quick fire round, Lily talks playing Liz Cheney, the sheer joy she felt during The Undoing, why George Clooney is the happiest person, and why her role in his The Tender Bar opposite Ben Affleck was a favorite, and why George and Ben are, too. We discuss crafting the complicated relationship her character Meg has with Harrison Ford’s Paul in Shrinking, and we talk in detail about why embodying Betty Gore for Love + Death sometimes meant taking her home with her, for better or worse. Having worked with her husband Hamish over many years, Lily tells us why co-directing the soon-to-be-released film Downtown Owl whet their appetites for much more. And on the subject of  "more”, Lily tells us why she’s feeling so fulfilled…. so will simply take some more of that, please. We touch on Presumed Innocent, ahead for her on AppleTV+ and co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga. We talk about how paying attention to saying no helped build her brilliant career, and why she looks to feel compelled to play a part. And lastly, Lily shares her great taste with a long list of her most favorite obsessions. We hope you love our conversation with everyone’s favorite, Lily Rabe, just as much as we do. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
Watch Lily Rabe as Betty Gore in Love + Death  on HBO Max
Watch Lily Rabe in Shrinking on AppleTV+
See Downtown Owl, co-directed by and starring Lily Rabe
Cranberry-Lime Pie
Khaite The Danielle jean
Khaite The Evi sweater
Khaite The Jo sweater
Khaite The Mae sweater
Shani Darden Skincare LED Mask
Shani Darden Skincare Triple Action Signature Peel
Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream

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For this week’s podcast, we sit down with Mina Stone, the chef, cookbook author and restauranteur who mashes up fashion and art, with food. What could be better? Mina got her start working in fashion and at our friend Claude’s legendary magazine, Trace, and on the podcast, Mina discusses her early years, and how fashion turned to food when she was introduced to New York City’s art world. She tells us all about her first big gigs, what fueled her confidence, and the blind faith of youth that proved to be life-changing for her. We also talk about the early influences of home-cooked food and her Greek heritage on her cooking, her years of cooking for artists (and the title of her first cookbook) and how artists approach, perceive, value, and enjoy food. We get granular with Urs Fischer’s cuisine deep-dives, discuss the discovery of a list of Elizabeth Peyton’s loves and hates (tzatziki, yes; mesclun greens, no). And Mina recounts the details and impact of her work in recent years, working with and telling stories of food through the artists of MoMA PS1. She shares what she’s learned through her restaurant there, what she likes to wear in the kitchen, and her latest obsession with Caribbean culture and flavors. We get into the importance of color…in everything from food to her personal style, some tips and dishes for entertaining, and her brilliant list of favorite things. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
Mina's NYC at MoMA PS1
Cooking For Artists by Mina Stone
Lemon, Love + Olive Oil by Mina Stone
Daphnis and Chloe Greek Tea Gift Set
Alex Mill jumpsuits
Vacation SPF 30 Chardonnay Oil
Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook by Melissa Thompson

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Story + Rain cover star Sophie Thatcher is an artist through-and-through. The Yellowjackets star immerses herself in acting, music, art, writing, and fashion. On episode 128 we discuss the importance of connecting to art, how it can be transformative, and Sophie’s vision for being as vulnerable and as chameleon-like as possible in her work. We discuss her being intense as a kid, how she’s been influenced by music, and also by growing up Mormon. We talk about the special relationship she has with her twin, a fellow artist, and their matching tastes. We get into the first time she was on set, her feelings about theater, and the things that inspire her very strong artistic and visual sensibility. We chat about finding home on the road, planting roots in Silver Lake, and falling in love with having a sense of place. Listen in for an intimate BTS discussion on all things Yellowjackets, the hit Showtime series currently streaming on Hulu, in which Sophie has the unique experience of playing the younger version of the older version of a character played by Juliette Lewis. Thatcher shares how sharing the role with Lewis has given her more confidence as an actor and fuel for pursuing all her artistic interests. She tells us about the impact a serious scooter accident had on how she played Natalie, and we dive into all the details of her season-two story lines. Sophie weighs in on the show’s discussions of belief system. And then there’s the cannibalism. Sophie  talks about the panic, out-of-body experience, disassociation, and “weird day” on set involved in shooting the season’s much-anticipated key scene, and more. You’ll hear about the June release of the Stephen King movie, The Boogeyman and her role in it, opposite Chris Messina, the music she paints to, how she makes music, and walks us through her home for her #Obsixed list of current obsessions. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
Stream Yellowjackets on Hulu
Novation Synthesizer
Sam Shepard: Seven Plays
Dior Forever Couture Luminizer in Pink Glow
Yazuaki Shimizu Kakashi CD
Exuma's Life on vinyl

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

With solid footing in television, including her breakout role in beloved Netflix Series,13 Reasons Why, actor Alisha Boe intrigues in Jesse Eisenberg's recently released indie film, When You Finish Saving The World, begging the question: what's next? Here, our latest cover star discusses what it was like working with the actor who wrote and directed his first film, and playing Lila. She explains what drew her to the part, her initial thoughts on playing opposite Finn Wolfhard in the film, how she's both similar to and different from her character, and why stories about the parent-child relationship move her.  We discuss her early start as a performer at age 7, life in Norway, doing cartwheels in the airport upon touching down in LA, growing up as a young actor in the Valley, and being home-schooled, because she was picking up so much work. Alisha names the shows, films, and actors who helped stoke her interest in her career, how simultaneously working on series' like Ray Donovan and CSI  taught her to be comfortable on set, and what it's like to collaborate with crew. Having not discussed it for some time, Alisha revisits and reflects upon 13 Reasons Why in an exclusive conversation here, and talks about her life-changing role as assault survivor, Jessica Davis, and how Jessica's story provoked and still provokes constant conversation in her life.  We get into the series' serious topics that she describes as 'personal', how the experience made her 'less naive', and how playing Jessica made her feel more connected to people.  We talk her feelings about social media, what's important when picking projects, and work-life balance. We go behind the scenes on Alisha's photo project with our episode 59 guest, artist Sarah Bahbah, and get into when she feels most comfortable in front of the camera, and how she feels about fashion. We discuss her values of friendship and home, the push-and-pull of inspiration, the beauty of a well-worn t-shirt, and the other items that make up her #obsixed list of 6 current obsessions. Discover more:

Watch When You Finish Saving The World on Prime Video
Watch 13 Reasons Why on Netflix

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Netflix's Ginny + Georgia has been viewed a total of over 504 million hours, and at the crux of all that success, is actress Brianne Howey, who delivers a one-of-kind, head-turning performance as Georgia Miller, the sweet cherry on top of this two-season-to-date series that is defying demographics. Since appearing in Fox's The Passage, Hulu's Dollface, The CW’s Batwoman, Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here, Horrible Bosses, and more, Howey was meant for the role of Georgia: single mother with a deeply dark past, abundance of personality, endless energy, slew of survival skills, back pocket wit, gorgeous smile and spot-on Southern drawl that has people believing it's her own. (It's not). On episode 126 we go behind the scenes with Brianne to talk about ALL the Ginny + Georgia things. We discuss Georgia's "performative" personality and powerful voice, what makes her character one that's filled with the kind of contrasting traits that makes fans of all kinds fall in love with her,  and those "sticky subjects" and "social and cultural blinders" her character is known for. We talk her beloved relationship with her co-star Antonia. Then there are the details of the show's idyllic town, inclusive cast of characters, and serious subject matter--- all served alongside a serious dose of humor---that Brianne gives backstory to. She shares how cast, crew, and creators feel and first felt while making Ginny + Georgia, how it's touched lives, and the the two important entities the show relies upon in order to tell their stories responsibly.  We get into Ginny + Georgia's secret sauce, how Brianne transitions in and out of her sometimes "exhausting" character, how she landed the part just as her husband was about to propose, and working on a show she pridefully deems  "art and argument". We head back to childhood and early years, when she favored the stage while her siblings favored sports, her time as an acting student in New York City, how television inspires her, how reading grounds her, and we of course get into a list of some of her most favorite things. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
Watch Ginny + Georgia on Netflix
Read The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
Roses candle by Diptque
Candles by Le Labo
Candles by Salt + Stone
Watch Amazon's Good Night Oppy
Listen to Etta James
Listen to Otis Redding

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

Over many years, actor, poet, playwright, writer, producer, director, activist, and Tony Award-winner Sarah Jones would contribute her powerful perspective to culture, ultimately birthing what would become her one-of-a-kind brand with a message. Influenced by growing up in Queens, her time as a downtown New York slam poet, and more, Sarah is known for her multi-character, one-person shows, the Broadway hit Bridge + Tunnel, and the critically-acclaimed play, Sell/Buy/Date. She's given multiple TED Talks, performed for the Obama's, and at the World Economic Forum. She recently launched social justice-focused, Foment Productions, and recently acted in Broad City, Noah Baumbach's Oscar-winning film Marriage Story, and in Julie Delpy's series for Netflix, On The Verge. On the podcast Sarah discusses deepening the alignment in her values, and working with artists whom she truly believes in. Given the much deserved title of "master' of her genre by none other than The New York Times, Sarah just made her debut as film director, with her documentary Sell/Buy/Date, in which she, of course, also stars...as herself, and as a handful of the diverse signature characters she's known for. On episode 125 of the podcast we get into ALL of it. In a delicate symphony of self expression, self exploration, cultural and individual life experience, Sell/Buy/Date doc, an 'Unorthodoc' , as she calls it, dances between deeply honest and organic discussions with those in and around the sex industry, intimate friendships with familiar faces like Ilana Glazer, Rosario Dawson, and Bryan Cranston, the Greek-chorus commentary and comedy of her characters, and a very personal peek offstage and into Sarah's own life and family. We talk about the night that Sell/Buy/Date the play went from being performed in her living room to its very first audience, the major backlash that turned what would have been her movie into an exploratory documentary, how exactly her hybrid film was made, how she voices her characters, how and when they took shape, and the way in which she introduces new ones...and doesn't. We discuss the origins of her activism, how she prepares for her multifaceted performance style, being an 'HSP', and how putting self care first helps her art. Sarah and Tamara share stories about the United Nations International School, where they met as students, what makes it such a unique place, and how it's informed a lot of Sarah's work, as an artist and as an activist. Be prepared to laugh! You'll hear Sarah share her thoughts and her story in at least seven other accents, and as at least seven other people. We talk about what stokes her drive to give back, teaching poetry on Rikers Island, and that time she was the first artist ever to sue the FCC for censorship. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
Sarah Jones Website
Watch Sell/Buy/Date on Prime Video
Clare V.  for elevated casual
Caddis Birdcage Glasses
Rebecca Nadler Designs rings + jewelry
Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Pillow Talk

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

We sat down with cover star Gretchen Mol for this week’s podcast. An actor since the mid 90’s, Gretchen’s choices reflect taste and a certain sensibility, audiences have fallen in love with the characters she’s played. Think The Notorious Bettie Page and Boardwalk Empire’s Gillian, whom she returns to frequently in her own personal life, and you’ll hear why. Her latest character is Michelle, in Showtime’s series remake of the iconic 1980 film American Gigolo, a riveting must-watch. She plays her complex character so beautifully, the audience left wanting so much more from her. On the podcast, we talk about everything from why Michelle was so difficult “to be in”, as Gretchen describes, to some very interesting behind the scenes details about her character’s physical appearance. We discuss all the things that have made up Gretchen’s rich, well-balanced career, tracing back to her beginning, in acting school, and working at Angelika Film Center alongside her brother and the musician Maxwell. We talk her stint as a jazz club MC, New York City roots, and what she misses about the acting scene of a certain era. We talk the shifts in tv and film, why theater is important for all actors, what saying no to a certain role taught her about setting boundaries, working with visionary directors, having a creative life partner, and being surrounded by creative people. There’s some great favorite things, of course, what she’s in the midst of designing, the actors she most enjoys watching most, some valuable advice for actors who could use a little emotional support, and more.  Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
 American Gigolo on Showtime
Watch Gretchen Mol tv + film on Prime Video
Boardwalk Empire, all five seasons
The Notorious Bettie Page
Joanna Vargas Eden Rejuvenating Pro Serum
The New Yorker Book of Cartoon Puzzles + Games

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

This week’s podcast is many things. Much of it traces the dramatic details of shoe designer George Esquivel’s remarkable and inspiring life. Growing up in seedy motels, surrounded by drugs and violence, and with a father tied to a life of crime, some chance encounters greatly impacted the course and purpose of George’s life, a life that would go on to be grounded in ingenuity and authenticity, and the tireless pursuit of creativity and learning. Listen in to discover how making a pair of shoes on a trip to Mexico turned into 2000 pair produced in a garage, and the chance to contribute to Gwen Stefani’s iconic stage costumes. Since his start, George has designed for many more celebrities, including Jenelle Monae, Brad Pitt, and Madonna, and on this podcast he shares the key to those relationships that he holds so sacred. You’ll hear all about his supremely unique vision and process, how he works with private clients and retailers, and the many people and brands he’s worked with over the years. From Tommy Hilfiger and Anna Wintour, to Chloe and Tumi and more, George gets candid about what it’s like to create both for your own brand, and also for others. He shares advice and the way in which he perceives and truly lives his brand identity. We discuss his greatest hits like Tumi’s X bag and Accent Kit and his Fratelli Rosetti J. Crew loafer that Jenna Lyons still sports today. We get into creative spaces and personal style, and his downtown LA atelier and signature candle. He shares his favorites pieces from his own collection, the six things he’s loving right now, and we talk the magic of Harry Styles. Recalling the love and kindness of strangers experienced in his own early life, George gets specific about his charity efforts and Esquivel X Collection. It’s an honor to share George’s perspective and entrepreneurial story, so happy to do so, especially at this time of year, as people reflect on the year gone by, when people might need a little lift into the next one, because it offers strength, hope, motivation, and most importantly, a message of kindness and gratitude. Here’s the amazing story of George Esquivel, a talented designer determined to move forward as a maker, at one point, against all the odds. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
GeorgeEsquivel.com
Give back with Esquivel X
Tutima + Esquivel watch
Nick Fouquet hats

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

One of our very favorite actors is Genevieve Angelson, for the passion and intelligence she brings to her work. Versatile Genevieve was once identified by her manager as someone who could play a doctor masterfully, and this year she did just that, as head of holistic medicine, Dr. Mia Castries, on NBC's New Amsterdam. Most recently, Angelson can be seen as Alanis Wheeler on Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale. Sitting down for episode 122 of the podcast, the New York City native was dressed in a jacket joyfully snagged from set, in Gilead's signature green; listen in to the actor, who skillfully paints a picture of her craft, share details for how she approached playing this season's key character, how costumes played a part...and she also dishes details behind the scenes on the beloved, critically-acclaimed series. We discuss Genevieve's path from Upper East Side prep school Brearley to Wesleyan, to Tisch, to the stage, to tv and film, and the limiting self-beliefs she ultimately broke free from during her last year in college, causing her to attack her pursuit of acting voraciously. We talk co-workers and mentors, her bicoastal  identities and lifestyle, and her tribe, and how writing is fulfilling to her. We discuss the challenges of downtime, her best role to date, and how she chooses and refuses projects. We talk about her role in Apple TV+’s The Afterparty and how she created her character, Indigo. We get into Amazon's Flack, playing opposite Anna Paquin, and how she will always make time to do theater. We discuss her feelings about the inherent lack of control in role portrayal in tv and film versus the stage. We talk about The Handmaid's Tale’s themes of childbirth and fertility, including the diverse fan reaction to the show's hot button topic. We talk about what it's like to work with an intimacy coach, for upcoming film Which Brings Me To You, and what to expect from that project. We talk the industry post Me Too, and the origins of her activism and why it's so important to her. We get into what’s been rewarding, Christmas trees in October, learning new things for growth and fulfillment, who she's dying to play, and so much more, along with some savvy advice for actors starting out. It's a gorgeously honest and robust conversation with one of the most delightful and talented people, one who is destined for so much great work ahead. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:

Handmaid's Tale Season 5 on Hulu
The Afterparty on Apple TV+
Flack on Amazon Prime
Oversized blazers from Sandro
Christmas Trees in October
Somatic healing with Been Caught Healing

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com

It’s a great time of year to remain cognizant of personal wellness, and this week we’re doing just that with health coach, plant-based cook, Instagram pioneer, and Co-Founder of Clean Market, Lily Kunin Doran. Lily turned heads in the early days of Instagram with her gorgeous and healthy, rainbow-bright smoothie bowls. On episode 121, we go back to that time, and to all that went viral and why. We talk about the relationship that Lily forged with beauty and wellness legend and our episode 47 podcast guest, Bobbi Brown. We get into all things Lily’s cookbook, Good Clean Food, including the mask recipe included in its pages that she still relies upon today. We discuss her current self care habits and diet, and how those have evolved over the years and since co-founding Clean Market, wellness spaces filled with a truly unique combination of doctor-led treatments from IV drips to lymphatic massage and more, along with a carefully hand picked, best-in-class retail curation by Lily. She brings us to the beginning of her story and how her upbringing along with some personal physical struggles sparked her quest for better health. We get into detail about exactly how cooking at home turned into a social media pursuit, how she cooks and entertains today, her approach to work and to exercise, and how she creates work-life balance. Lastly, Lily fills us in on what’s next, including her idea for a new book that’s brewing involving children, and more treatments at Clean Market. Lily shares her secrets for good clean skin, what she’s reading, wearing, and more. Discover more + Shop The Podcast:
Clean Market
Good Clean Food by Lily Kunin
Starling Jewelry
Marie Veronique C-Therapy Serum
Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum
Marie Veronique Soothing B3 Serum
Taking Charge Of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler
Moon Juice SuperYou Daily Stress Management Capsules

follow @storyandraintalks on instagram for our very latest drops + more pod content HERE | follow @storyandrain magazine on instagram HERE | follow our host + founder @tamarararappa HERE | discover, read, shop: fashion, beauty, wellness, tv + film, food, travel, interviews, + more on storyandrain.com