The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast

Where do you go to reconnect with yourself when the world as you know it feels unrecognizable? For my guest, Noelle Bonhomme, the answer was out in nature.

After two decades in Hollywood as a commercial actress, model, and a successful children’s party planner, Noelle’s world unraveled — a heartbreaking series of events including the loss of her mother, a divorce, and a miscarriage sent her into a deep depression.

But instead of staying there, one trail at a time, she began reconnecting with herself, her strength, and a purpose bigger than she’d ever imagined.

Now a certified Wilderness First Responder and founder of The Hiker Babe, Noelle leads women into nature to help them feel safe, strong, and sovereign in the outdoors. She’s hiked in over 30 countries, built a thriving platform, and is living proof that it’s never too late to come home to yourself — or start a wildly new chapter.

This conversation is filled with reminders that healing is rarely linear, but it’s always possible.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How loss and grief cracked Noelle wide open — and how nature helped her rebuild
• Why hiking became a pathway to purpose, peace, and a brand-new business
• How she created The Hiker Babe and why she’s obsessed with teaching women to feel safe and confident in the outdoors
• Her favorite nature spots, and survival show dreams
• The side hustles (including pet sitting!) that supported her while building a new life
• What she’d tell anyone in the thick of change or heartbreak

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

This isn’t just about hiking. It’s about healing. It’s about following what brings you back to yourself when everything else falls apart. If you’re navigating loss, change, or a creative identity shift — Noelle’s story will meet you right where you are and walk with you to the other side.

Time Stamps:

0:00 Discovering the Outdoors: A Personal Journey

02:03 Finding Yourself in Times of Uncertainty

06:43 Noelle's Journey: From LA to the Wilderness

09:10 Healing Through Nature and Entrepreneurship

16:30 The Pandemic Pivot: Moving to Mount Shasta

21:53 Creating The Hiker Babe: Empowering Women Outdoors

29:00 Practical Tips and Future Plans

31:44 Conclusion and Farewell

Connect with Noelle:

Website: www.TheHikerBabe.com

 Instagram: @The.Hiker.Babe

Sign up for her email list to receive a free hiking checklist and stay up to date on events, hikes, and new offerings from The Hiker Babe.

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual chat, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

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It’s just me today, friends! I'm sliding in at the 11th hour from San Diego with my new laptop ( Yay! Finally), Waffle on the bed, and a whole lot of thoughts about what it means to not be done, but also not be the same.

After a few days back on set last week on a fantastic job, I felt something I had forgotten: The Joy. Belonging. And Distraction from "real life" a show bubble provides.

In this solo shorty, I’m talking about the emotional imprint Hollywood leaves on us, the identity shifts we never see coming, and how to honor what we loved—without sacrificing who we’ve become. If you’re in a season of transition, of questioning, of deep personal growth... this one’s for you.

Time Stamps:

 00:00 — Intro: The Unexpected Gift of Set Life

 01:52 — What Belonging Feels Like (and Why It Matters)

 04:14 — The Complicated Love Story That Is Hollywood

 08:34 — Identity, Nostalgia, and the Transition No One Preps You For

 12:13 — The Emotional Imprint of the Industry

 17:04 — What You Keep, What You Let Go

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual chat, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

It’s just me today, friends! I'm sliding in at the 11th hour from San Diego with my new laptop ( Yay! Finally), Waffle on the bed, and a whole lot of thoughts about what it means to not be done, but also not be the same.

After a few days back on set last week on a fantastic job, I felt something I had forgotten: The Joy. Belonging. And Distraction from "real life" a show bubble provides.

In this solo shorty, I’m talking about the emotional imprint Hollywood leaves on us, the identity shifts we never see coming, and how to honor what we loved—without sacrificing who we’ve become. If you’re in a season of transition, of questioning, of deep personal growth... this one’s for you.

Time Stamps:

 00:00 — Intro: The Unexpected Gift of Set Life

 01:52 — What Belonging Feels Like (and Why It Matters)

 04:14 — The Complicated Love Story That Is Hollywood

 08:34 — Identity, Nostalgia, and the Transition No One Preps You For

 12:13 — The Emotional Imprint of the Industry

 17:04 — What You Keep, What You Let Go

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual chat, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Today’s episode is a deep dive into something that comes up frequently in my work with Hollywood creatives, entrepreneurs, and career-pivoters: ADHD. If you've ever wondered what the distinction is between having ADHD and being a creative thinker, you don't want to miss this episode.

My guest is Jorie Houlihan, your Guide for the Dopamine Deprived™ . Jorie is an ADHD educator, coach, and founder of the ADHD Transformation Café, a supportive membership community for women navigating ADHD in adulthood. Drawing from both lived experience and years of guiding others, she specializes in helping late-diagnosed professional women move from overwhelm and self-doubt into action and sustainable change. Through her membership, digital tools, and live coaching, she focuses on practical strategies that work with the ADHD brain—offering structure, accountability, and encouragement in a judgment-free space. 

Today we’re unpacking what ADHD actually looks like in women, why it’s so often missed, and how a late-in-life diagnosis can completely reframe your strengths, challenges, and next steps. This conversation will give you the tools, validation, and language many of us never got growing up. And it might even change your life.

Why You Need This Episode:

If you’ve ever asked, “Why can’t I just do the thing?” — this episode could be your answer.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed, suspect you might be neurodivergent, or simply want to better support someone you love who is —tune in for a compassionate and illuminating conversation.

Time Stamps

01:46 Personal Reflections and Life Changes

02:37 The Challenge of Building a Life Around Priorities

03:08 Navigating Career Transitions

04:35 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

07:06 The Challenges for Women with ADHD

11:33 The Emotional Impact of ADHD

25:17 Strategies for Managing ADHD

28:56 The Importance of Identifying Strengths

31:52 Getting Assessed

39:34 The Role of Accountability and Coaching

42:31 Resources and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jorie

Instagram: @joriehoulihan

Website: www.joriehoulihan.com

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual chat, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Feeling overstimulated, scattered, and overwhelmed?  You’re probably not “just bad at focusing” — you might be digitally burnt out.

Today’s episode is packed with real-life strategies to help clear the clutter and reset. We’re talking attention spans, tech boundaries, and how to outsmart digital chaos. And let’s be honest: this isn’t just for your kids. Your adult brain needs this too.

I’m joined by my brilliant friend Julia Storm — Digital Wellness Educator, parent, and entrepreneur — to unpack how screen time is chipping away at our mental bandwidth and what we can actually do about it.

Julia spent 15 years as a Hollywood editor before founding ReConnect, a whole-family, whole-child approach to navigating life in the Digital Age. She holds a B.A. from Princeton and a Master’s from UCLA in Television & Digital Media, is certified by The Digital Wellness Institute, and received a Paraprofessional Certificate in Counseling from the Southern California Counseling Center. She’s also a teaching partner with Common Sense Media and Sleepy Planet. Her work has been featured in TIME, Wired, NPR, Parents Magazine, KTLA, and more.

We talk about: 

• What screen time is actually doing to your brain (spoiler: your caveman brain wasn’t built for TikTok)
• How Julia made the transition from the film industry and built her purpose-driven biz from the ground up
• What to do when your second act feels murky but your gut says, “I'm not in the right lane anymore”

Why you need this episode:

 Because we’re ALL operating with too many tabs open — mentally and digitally. Whether you’re a parent, creator, business owner, or human with a phone, this conversation is a reset button for your nervous system and a reminder that digital boundaries aren’t a buzzword — they’re a survival skill we All need today. 

Feeling digitally zapped? This one’s for you.

Time Stamps:

00:00 The Impact of Digital Overload on Mental Health

03:03 Julia's Journey: From Film Editing to Digital Wellness

05:49 Navigating Career Transitions and Finding Purpose

09:03 The Role of Technology in Parenting Today

12:02 Building a Business in Digital Wellness

15:05 The Importance of Community and Networking

18:03 Maintaining Relevance in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

20:47 Teaching Values in a Digital World

24:00 Strategies for Healthy Social Media Engagement

26:55 Rebuilding Focus and Attention in a Distracted Age

29:52 Creating Balance Between Work and Personal Life

32:55 The Future of Digital Wellness and Parenting

36:05 Conclusion and Resources for Listeners

Connect with Julia

Instagram: @reconnect4u

Website: www.reconnect-families.com

* To purchase Julia's course Stress Less Screen Time Solution, go to her website, navigate to the “course” drop-down down and you’ll be redirected. Enter code: SECONDACT  at checkout for 20% off

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual chat, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

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Staying up late worrying about your finances and wondering how to make the numbers work? You're not alone, friend! This episode is Exactly what you need to hear to start feeling less overwhelmed and more empowered.

Today, I’m talking with Miata Edoga, Actor, CEO, and founder of Abundance Bound, a financial education company dedicated to giving artists, entrepreneurs, and non-traditional earners the money skills they need to sustain a creative career over a lifetime. Over the past two decades, the Financial Empowerment Program she developed has provided 1000s of creatives with ongoing support and a specific step-by-step process to improve their financial situation- giving them more time, freedom, and energy to focus on their biggest goals and dreams.

Miata has led workshops and seminars on financial empowerment for a wide range of organizations and universities including: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Television Academy, The Writers Guild of America, The Directors Guild Foundation, SAG-AFTRA, The Entertainment Community Fund, Yale School of Drama, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, USC School of Dramatic Arts and Columbia University.

You’ll Learn:  

• How to get clear on what your life *actually* costs  
• Why getting back into the “Power Cycle” brings stability and clarity even when your income is unpredictable  
• What Miata discovered by moving to Panama and what she's loving about her life today

This conversation is packed with real talk and practical steps to make your financial goals more than a dream. Whether you’re starting fresh, starting over, or just trying to figure it all out, Miata’s wisdom will meet you right where you are.

Tune in, and prepare to shift your relationship with money no matter what's going on "out there"!  

Have you had any lightbulb moments while listening? We'd love for you to share them with us on Instagram @hollywoodsecondactclub and @abundancebound!

 And Don’t forget to leave a review wherever you’re listening to let me know how this podcast is making a difference in your Second Act.

Time Stamps

00:47 Jennifer Hudson's Spirit Tunnel

02:31 Today's Topic: Financial Health and Well-being

02:58 Guest Spotlight: Miata Edoga's Journey to Financial Empowerment

04:35 The Panama Adventure: A Life-Changing Move

11:48 Building a Healthy Relationship with Money

17:42 The Three Pillars of Financial Stability

24:24 Navigating Financial Challenges in the Entertainment Industry

39:00 Creating Multiple Streams of Income

43:17 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Miata

Website: www.abundancebound.com

Instagram: @abundancebound

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

 
Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click

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Welcome back to Season 2 of The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast. I can’t wait for you to meet my fabulous lineup of guests this season, starting today! As always, my mission is to empower entertainment industry professionals (and beyond!) with the inspiration, resources, and strategies to make life's bold pivots less overwhelming...and way more fun!

We're kicking off the Season by laying out the blueprints for Big life and career pivots. And who better to guide us through this creative process, than multidisciplinary designer, speaker, and author of the new book Black Sheep Blueprints, Kelly LaPlante.

Kelly was a pioneer in the sustainable design movement and authored the coffee table book Écologique: The Style of Sustainable Design. She was also the founder and editorial director of Standard Magazine and a contributing writer at Houzz. Her design work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Sunset, The New York Times, and Interior Design Magazine. Kelly's client roster includes innovative brands like Fairmont Hotels and Lexus, as well as a motley crew of quirky celebs.

Today, we dive into:

• How to transform problems into design “projects”
• Actionable baby steps to start prototyping your inspirations
• And a game-changing assignment to help you discover what’s a “Yes, Please” for you!

If you’re ready to learn how thinking like a designer can help you map out your next chapter, you don't want to miss this conversation!

Housekeeping Note: This season, I’ll be releasing new episodes every other Thursday instead of each week. I'' drop juicy bonus episodes from time to time, So if you haven’t yet, be sure to take a moment to subscribe now so you don’t miss out!

Time Stamps:

02:53 The Importance of Positivity and Problem-Solving

04:53 Identifying Your True Self

10:25 The Ideation Phase: Gathering Inspiration

18:07 Prototyping Your Ideas

23:21 Prototyping and Revisions

24:24 Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Examples

27:59 The Nonlinear Design Process

29:58 Forcing Functions and Life Design

34:09 The Fun of Ideation

35:17 Energy-Raising Assignment

38:00 Conventional Choices in Life Design

39:57 New Ventures and Life Transitions

Connect with Kelly

Website: https://www.kellylaplante.com/

Instagram: @kellylaplanteofficial

Join The Club:

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

 
Work with Alexis:

If you're interested in career transition coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, to tell me what's resonating with you!

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Hello, my beautiful friends! Welcome to the final episode of The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast for this year. Can you believe we’re wrapping up 2024?  Today, I’m settling in for a little heart-to-heart to close out the year. I'll be sharing three big lessons that carried over from my life in production that really stood out to me this year ( I bet you can relate to a few!) Plus, a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025...and everything in between! (like what I learned from my run-in with a cyber truck:) 

I just want to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU for tuning in this year! Your messages and conversations mean the world to me and I'm beyond grateful for each and every one of you. To all of the incredible guests who shared their stories with us here—thank you for reminding us that we’re in this together. You inspire me every day! This community has been the highlight of my journey and why I started this podcast. We’re better together, always. I can’t wait to keep the party going and continue growing together in 2025!

Before we dive in, if you’ve enjoyed the show and it’s sparked a little something in you, I’d love to hear about it! Consider this a gentle nudge to leave a review and share a takeaway. It really helps me understand what resonates with you and keeps the podcast growing for others to discover. I would appreciate it so much!

Alright, ready? Let's break it down.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club
00:50 Reflecting on 2024: Lessons Learned
02:12 Takeaway 1: Rest and Recharge
05:53 Takeaway 2: Embrace Imperfection
08:35 Takeaway 3: The Power of Community
10:10 Looking Ahead to 2025
12:43 Wrapping Up and Thank You

Connect with Alexis:
[email protected]

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write 

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Ready to hit the reset button and reboot? My guest today did just that! And the results were transformative. I'm thrilled to welcome financial adviser Kristin Wollam to the show this week.

Kristin began her career as a music supervisor in Los Angeles, working on films such as “The Blind Side,” “Sex and The City 2”, and Tom Ford’s “A Single Man.” She eventually took her talents to the boutique music publishing company Heavy Hitters Music, where she discovered, signed, and shaped artists for music placements in film and TV. In the spring of 2013, Kristin returned to her music supervision roots, becoming a Daytime Emmy Award-nominated music supervisor for her work on The Talk. Kristin also cultivated and began teaching the Music Supervision in Film & TV course at Belmont University’s West Coast location.

In this episode, she discusses the realizations that led her to step away from her career in entertainment, travel the world for a year, and ultimately find a new passion in financial planning for individuals, families, and small business-owners. Today, Kristin focuses on entertainment industry strategies and socially responsible investment planning, while also giving back to the entertainment community as a songwriting mentor to 1000+ songwriters.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, personal growth, and what you discover when you allow yourself to let go and step away from what you know !

Time Stamps:

00:28 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast

01:17 Upcoming Pop-Up Dinner Event

02:01 Kristen's Journey from Music Supervision to Financial Planning

02:28 Thanksgiving Reflections and Personal News

03:16 The Decision to Change Careers

04:12 Kristen's Background in the Music Industry

05:50 Transitioning Out of the Entertainment Industry

08:30 A Year of Travel and Self-Discovery

15:07 Starting Over in Chicago

16:43 Entering the Financial Services Industry

18:03 Advice for Aspiring Financial Advisors

21:23 The Emotional Side of Financial Planning

22:22 Trends in the Entertainment Industry

25:49 Kristen's Leap of Faith and Letting Go

31:17 Services Offered by Kristen Wallum

Connect with Kiristin:
Website- www.morganstanley.com/kristin.wollam

[email protected]

Kristin's "Masterclass" Guinness Mac and Cheese recipe- let us know when you try it! Download here!

RSVP for the Dec 14th Popup Dinner by emailing
[email protected] 

Join the Club :
Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with fi

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Happy Thanksgiving Sweet Friends! In honor of this special day, we’ve got an episode that’s equal parts heartwarming and mouthwatering. Foodies and pizza lovers, this one's for you!

Joining us is the one and only Michael "Kriky" Krikorian—a sound mixer with credits like This Is Us, The Jungle Book, and American Horror Story.  During the industry strikes, Michael took a leap and went all in on his  passion for cooking - specifically Neopolitan style wood fired pizza- and he's gaining happy fans!

What started as a passion for feeding friends has turned into wrap-around-the-block lines at events like Burbank Holiday in the Park and the most recent IATSE “All In “ Mixer and Pac event . But this isn't just any pizza. Think 12 hr smoked brisket pizza, Tennessee-style pulled pork, and homemade cheese, and dough. Are you drooling yet?  

This story about more than just insanely good pie—it's also proof that when you follow what lights you up... you might just create something extraordinary.

Today, Michael’s here to share his story, talk about his pizza biz, and give us the inside scoop on a seriously cool Pop-up Dinner Event we’re hosting on December 14th in Los Angeles for Hollywood Second Acters looking to connect and eat fab food. Tune in to hear all the details!

Thank You for being part of The Hollywood Second Act Club community. I'm so grateful for YOU!
Xo
Lex

Time Stamps:

00:00 The Joy of Cooking and Giving
00:27 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club
01:12 Thanksgiving Special: Heartwarming Stories and Turkey Calls
02:17 Introducing Michael Krikorian: From Sound Mixer to Pizza Chef
04:04 Michael's Journey: From Hollywood to Neapolitan Pizza
05:09 The Impact of the Pandemic and Embracing a New Passion
06:09 Building a Pizza Business: From Backyard to Events
08:55 The Support of Community and Family
18:48 From Sound Mixing to Pizza Making: Transferable Skills
23:40 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Special Events
25:30 Join Us for a Special Event
29:59 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Connect with Michael:

Follow on Instagram- @delpretes_pizzeria

Website- www.delpretes.com


RSVP for the Dec 14th Popup Dinner by emailing
[email protected] 

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here. 

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful [email protected] 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write 

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!