Welcome to the 28th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today's episode, I'm interviewing actress, writer, producer, and Founder of In Development, Aixa Tovar.

Aixa Tovar is a writer, actor, and producer. Her work is rooted in culture, creativity, and a deep desire to bring underrepresented voices to the forefront. She has recently started a blog titled “In Development” that explores the creative process of building film and television projects from the ground up and the emotional reality of making art in an industry that’s always in motion.

We'll be discussing her upbringings as an artist, our passion for Latino storytellers, navigating the film industry, her experience on the hit Paramount+ show Landman, and adventures with fellow actress Paulina Chávez

STREAM SEASONS 1 & 2 OF LANDMAN

NOW STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+

Aixa Tovar's Website: https://reddoorcollective.co/aixa-tovar

Aixa Tovar's IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16500693/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Aixa Tovar's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aixatovar?igsh=c2s0cXd3dmo1ZW9y

In Development Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/indevelopmentblog?r=6ql0gw&utm_medium=ios

The Mushroom Log Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/aixatovar?r=6ql0gw&utm_medium=ios

Welcome to the 27th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today's episode, I'm interviewing actress Amelia Mahrie.

Amelia Mahrie was born in Racine, Wisconsin but grew up around the world. Spending the majority of her teenage years living abroad in both Malaysia and Germany, it was in Asia where Amelia stepped onto stage for the first time in her middle school's production of "High School Musical Jr". Since then, Amelia has grown into the theatrical and cinematic roles of a warrior elf, a lead singer in a punk band, a psychic, a mysterious businesswoman, a desperate teen mom, an orphan in search of a home, and much more.  Amelia is currently studying Acting and Stage Combat at Columbia College Chicago.

We'll be discussing her upbringings as an actress, sharing acting advice, and discuss our love of film.

Amelia Mahrie's Website: https://www.ameliamahrie.com/

YouTube Playlist of Amelia Mahrie's Performances: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs3nzQtBRZ85sxQDwJk-4xrYex0985Ip_&si=xcAekdUirT5vMZfS

Amelia Mahrie's IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12911407/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Tubi Films featuring Amelia Mahrie

Passion Project: https://tubitv.com/movies/100028037/passion-project

Dollar $tore Killers: https://tubitv.com/movies/100040820/dollar-tore-killers

Welcome to the 26th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Academy Hairstylist Bonnie Clevering.

Bonnie Clevering, in a nearly 5-decade career as a Motion Picture Hair Stylist, has worked with hundreds of actors including Hilary Swank, Bette Davis, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Al Pacino, Keanu Reeves, and Kristen Stewart. Her impressive resume includes iconic films and TV series like Hello, Dolly!, RoboCop, Any Given Sunday, Ocean's Eleven, Erin Brockovich, Office Space, The Twilight Saga, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, totaling over 120 productions. She earned membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 2001. In September, Bonnie is releasing her pictorial memoir, CONTINUITY WITH BONNIE CLEVERING: LIFE BEYOND THE CREDITS.

Bonnie Clevering’s Memoir “Continuity” Life Beyond the Credits: https://www.punctuatemedia.com/cbbc

Bonnie Clevering’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnieclevering?igsh=MWw4ZGg1dDRoNTlvag==

Bonnie Clevering’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0166527/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Welcome to the 25th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing filmmaker, actor, and fellow artist Cameron Smith.

Over the years, Cameron has used comedy, music, and film as ways to process life and connect with people in a real, unpolished way. His latest project, The Loneliest Boy on Earth, came out of that impulse — it’s part experiment, part personal confession, and part attempt to make sense of love and identity in the modern world.

Cameron Smith’s YouTube Channel / The Loneliest Boy on Earth:

https://youtube.com/@cumsmut?si=FOfnzfbV8frbxdfb

Cameron Smith’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/cumsmut?igsh=NDdieGR4NTd0czRm

The Loneliest Boy On Earth Reviews and Interviews:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31849609/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

https://www.wect.com/2024/09/10/local-filmmaker-speaks-newly-released-documentary/

https://themuseculture.com/cameron-smiths-autobiographical-documentary-the-loneliest-boy-on-earth-puts-loneliness-into-perspective-turning-the-mirror-on-society-film-review-with-spoilers/

Welcome to the 24th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing cinematographer Amy Limpinyakul.

Amy Limpinyakul is a Chicago-raised cinematographer and has worked on acclaimed projects including The Bear (FX), the upcoming A24 film Enemies, and award-winning pilot Hank and Willow. Amy was recently accepted into both the AFI Cinematography Intensive for Women and the ASC Visions Program, highlighting her as a rising talent in the field. Known for her collaborative approach and focus on story-driven visuals, Amy balances her film career with passions like rock climbing, music, and cinema, while holding dual citizenship in the U.S. and Thailand.

We’ll be discussing her upbringings as an artists, her cinematography highlights, and share advice for up and coming artists.

Amy Limpinyakul’s Website: https://www.amylimpinyakul.com

Amy Limpinyakul’s Demo Reel: https://vimeo.com/959772975

Amy Limpinyakul’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4228149/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Welcome to the 23rd episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing fellow artist and former classmate, Beatrice Nyx.

Beatrice Nyx has experimented with many artforms from theatre, music, podcasting, and filmmaking. Her passion is deeply rooted in the arts from a young age and is continuing to follow and develop that passion.

We’ll be discussing her upbringings as an artist, reminiscing on high school and college memories, and share advice for up and coming artists.

Beatrice Nyx’s Website:

https://thebeatricenyx.com/home

Edit By Beatrice’s Website:

https://www.editbybeatrice.com/

Edit By Beatrice’s Editing Reel:

https://youtu.be/d8EBVxRBbuM?si=aDdil5Rv-svTD8gj

Beatrice Nyx’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeatricenyx?igsh=b3FvbmxndXhjbHNu

Edit By Beatrice’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/edit.by.beatrice?igsh=bGJ3cG1xZTdreHNv

Beatrice Nyx’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3m7FhopOVvLA0ZZw051pID?si=DX9SUlUpRhCr08MnD8Ip_Q

Nyx at Night Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/72Ttur3IYPr1EK3J1TTo8q?si=hxQIntXARae8ClgKduDiXQ

Welcome to the 22nd episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author and musician, Ray Hartjen.

In a professional career that has spanned parts of five decades, Ray has pivoted on many occasions, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, from consumer electronics to SaaS software. One constant throughout his career path, however, has been storytelling.

In the past, Ray has been a frequent source for quotes from the national media on both the consumer electronics and retail industries. Additionally, as a contributor to a number of online outlets and platforms, including his rayhartjen.com site, he has spun his fair share of yarn on topics as far ranging as sports — primarily football, hockey and auto racing — and business, particularly revenue team functions like sales and marketing. 

Ray is the author of five published books, Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh; Me, Myself & My Multiple Myeloma; The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing; Revenue Orchestration & Today’s New Era of B2B Sales and Marketing, and Outflanked, an espionage thriller.

Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March of 2019, Ray is a cancer fighter every day of the week that ends in a ‘y.’ And, with the soundtrack of life playing continuously in his head, Ray also performs and records with his two-piece acoustic band, the Chronic Padres. 

A native of Texas, Ray holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and an MBA from the University of Washington.

We’ll be discussing his upbringings as an artist and share advice for future artists around the world.

Ray Hartjen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhartjen?igsh=OWhoNzdscW4xZ2Jn

Ray Hartjen’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@rayhartjen?si=QzJWqQgUgIBPkAkL

“Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh”: https://a.co/d/2efKkvU

“Me, Myself, & My Multiple Myeloma”: https://a.co/d/b1pUBZ9

The Indy 500: A Year-Long Quest to Win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing: https://a.co/d/8JjrkSw

Welcome to the 21st episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author, Natasha Tynes.

Natasha Tynes is a Jordanian-American author and communications professional based in Washington, DC. She runs her own digital media agency, Suburban Media Group, where she advises clients on best practices in digital media branding. She has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist, writer, and social media manager.

She is a regular contributor to numerous publications inside and outside the United States. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Nature, Elle, The Post, Esquire, Al Jazeera, among others.

Natasha Tynes has appeared on several television programs, including Larry King Live, PBS’s Foreign Exchange, The Paula Zahn Show, CBS’s Morning Show, Scarborough Country, and the BBC’s Up All Night, among others.

She hosts the podcast Read and Write with Natasha, where she chats with authors, publishers, and book marketers from around the world.

She is the author of the speculative literary novel They Called Me Wyatt. Her short stories have appeared in Geometry, The Timberline Review, The Markez Review, and Fjords.

Natasha Tyne’s Website: https://www.natashatynes.com

Natasha Tyne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.tynes?igsh=MTJqcnNibngzb3Fvbw==

Natasha Tyne’s “Read and Write” Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nZHcCyvDsiBtaVgEHhhpp?si=ddhkz_fGR5uJGjfIHeM1VQ

“They Called Me Wyatt” Novel: https://a.co/d/fzd3KQ8

“Karma Unleashed: Tales of Karma” Novel: https://a.co/d/7zMIahi

Natasha Tyne’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@natashatynes?si=yeuEhbY8BLQVzB5L

Welcome to the 20th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today’s episode, I’m interviewing author and Hollywood storyteller, Kay A. Oliver

Kay A. Oliver is an award-winning author, celebrated storyteller, and respected figure in both literature and entertainment. Known for her page-turning novels filled with unexpected twists, Kay captivates readers with her signature easy-to-read style that blends suspense, heart, and inspiration. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to craft captivating stories that spark joy, ignite imagination, and keep readers spellbound.

Recognized internationally for her literary achievements, Kay was named Fiction Author of the Year 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals. Her work and accomplishments have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue Magazine, AP News Wire, and Orange County News. She is also honored in Who’s Who in America, and has received accolades such as “Woman of the Year Circle” from the National Association of Professional Women, “Who’s Who Women of Influence 2024”, and “Distinguished Woman of the Year 2023” by the City of Stanton. With over 20 literary awards, Kay has secured her reputation as one of today’s most prolific storytellers.

With over three decades in Hollywood, Kay has worked on Emmy and Oscar-winning productions, infusing her novels with cinematic depth, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters. She is currently adapting her acclaimed novel Road to Elysium into a streaming film project, further bridging the worlds of publishing and screen entertainment.

Kay’s portfolio spans ten bestselling novels, including women’s fiction, cozy mysteries, and inspirational stories of resilience, all of which resonate deeply with readers worldwide. Beyond her books, Kay has appeared as a guest on over 25 podcasts, where she shares her passion for storytelling, creative writing tips, and advice for aspiring authors. Her insights inspire both new and seasoned writers, reflecting her lifelong commitment to nurturing talent.

Holding degrees in Radio/TV/Film and an MBA in Business, Kay brings together creativity and strategy, making her a visionary in both writing and entertainment. Through her official website, she offers free writing tips, author resources, and insights into her novels, continuing her mission to inspire, teach, and entertain.

Kay A. Oliver’s award-winning books and inspiring journey solidify her place as a true literary leader and Hollywood storyteller, whose stories will continue to resonate for generations.

We’ll be discussing her upbringings as an artist, as well as share advice for up and coming artists.

Kay A. Oliver’s Website: https://kayaoliver.com/

Kay A. Oliver’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hollywood_gal?igsh=MWIxb2RsM3AwMHdvaQ==

Welcome to the 19th episode of the Troubled Artists Podcast. In today's episode, I'm interviewing author Bria Rose.

Bria Rose is an indie author with a passion for writing dark romance fairytale retellings. Disney has been a part of her life since she was young, and she even had the opportunity to work at Disneyland for several years.

When the COVID pandemic brought her Disney journey to an end, she discovered a new passion—writing. Inspiration struck when she imagined a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Two years later, she published Her Dark Promise on Halloween of 2024.

We'll be discussing her upbringings as an author, as well as share advice for up and coming artists.

Bria Rose's Website: https://authorbriarose.com/

Bria Rose's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbriarose?igsh=djk0YmtyNmF1OW9l

Bria Rose’s Latest Book “Her Dark Promise”: https://a.co/d/dof3jBp