Conversations with Alya Lei

Alya Lei

5.0 (6)
PERFORMING ARTS

Welcome to the "Conversations with Alya Lei" podcast; where actor, improviser and audiobook narrator, Alya Lei brings you weekly episodes filled with inspiration and insight. Each episode features captivating guest interviews, valuable resources, and/or uplifting content. Join us as we explore the journeys, challenges, and successes of creatives and entrepreneurs, offering wisdom and motivation to fuel your own path.

05/11/2025

Indie/Self-Publishing: Writing Your Own Path to Success with Vanessa Haney

Vanessa Haney, an emerging expert in the realm of horror book releases, brings a business-minded approach to the world of self-publishing, drawing parallels between the book and film industries. With a dedication to mastering the craft, she continually enhances her understanding through courses and industry group involvement, positioning herself as a supportive and knowledgeable figure among her peers. As she recently released her horror short story 'Slush' and horror novel 'Crotch Goblin,' Vanessa remains committed to indie publishing, valuing the creative control it offers over her work. Vanessa's writing process involves meticulous planning and a longer editing phase, with an aim to complete a trilogy by the end of this year. Emphasizing the role of accountability and routine, Vanessa advocates for the support of writing groups as crucial for maintaining consistency and motivation. She highlights writing's potential to leave a legacy and the benefits of self-publishing for maintaining control over one's work. Additionally, Vanessa underscores the importance of cover design, editing, and strategic marketing in self-publishing, treating writing as a business to effectively reach and engage readers. Socials: Instagram: www.instagram.com/dystopianess/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@van_haney_books

32 min
01/31/2025

Entertainment Industry Journey of Christopher Silveri, VP & Partner of UIA Talent

Christopher Silveri, a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry, boasts a rich career that began with casting commercials at Liz Lewis Casting Partners and evolved into leadership roles at Gilla Roos Limited and Prestige Management Group. Graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Silveri's extensive experience in talent management led him to establish his own company, showcasing his dedication to nurturing talent featured on major television networks and films. Now a Partner and Vice President at UIA Talent, he remains committed to supporting actors while sharing his insights with aspiring professionals through seminars and workshops. In the latest episode of 'Conversations with Alya Lei,' host Alya Lei sat down with Christopher Silveri, a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry whose career has spanned over two decades. From acting to casting, representation, and talent management, Silveri's journey is a testament to adaptability and strategic decision-making. Reflecting on his journey, Silveri shared some profound insights. One of the standout quotes from the episode was, "We'll never know every single thing that could possibly go right or wrong. And that's why I think that has just always been my MO in life is just like, take the step." This quote encapsulates Silveri's fearless approach to navigating the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. In a competitive field where talent and business acumen go hand in hand, Silveri's experiences serve as a valuable guide for aspiring creatives. His willingness to share knowledge through seminars and workshops reflects his commitment to supporting newcomers in the industry. As Christopher Silveri's career continues to evolve, his story exemplifies the resilience and determination required to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. Through a blend of passion, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to embrace challenges, Silveri's journey serves as an inspiration for all those pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry. https://www.uiatalent.com/ Here are three key takeaways from the insightful conversation: **Understand the Business Aspects**: Silveri emphasizes the importance of grasping the business side of the entertainment industry. He points out that decisions are often influenced by marketability rather than talent alone. This realization shaped his approach to guiding actors, highlighting the need for individuals to comprehend the industry's dynamics beyond just their craft. 2. **Embrace Adaptability**: Throughout his career transitions, including becoming a talent agent and founding his management company, Center Stage Management, Silveri showcases the significance of adaptability. His ability to pivot in response to industry shifts and financial crises underscores the importance of being flexible and open to new opportunities. 3. **Take the Leap**: Silveri's advice to take the step forward resonates with the idea of embracing uncertainty. He acknowledges that we can't predict every outcome but encourages individuals to move forward despite not knowing all the answers. This mindset of taking calculated risks and being proactive in pursuing opportunities is a key aspect of success in the entertainment industry. Timeline: 00:00:12 Entertainment Industry Journey of Christopher Silveri 00:08:48 Navigating the Business Side of Show Business 00:15:58 Crafting Worlds: The Unsung Heroes of Casting 00:21:06 Navigating SAG-AFTRA Restrictions for Talent Agents 00:26:38 Entrepreneurial Evolution through Industry Challenges 00:30:51 Navigating Career Challenges through Strategic Adaptability 00:37:09 Collaborative Growth and Artistic Balance at UIA #CastingDirectors #ActingJourney #EntertainmentIndustry #ShowBusiness #CastingDirectors #TalentAgency #ManagementCompany #CareerTransitions #UIATalentAgency #ActingJourney #BusinessAcumen #ActorSupport #IndustryInsights #StrategicDecisions

42 min
01/01/2025

Breaking Free from Debt: Establishing Lifelong Financial Stability with Rhianna Basore

Rhianna Basore is a celebrated serial creative entrepreneur committed to promoting financial empowerment among creatives. An international director, producer, writer, and award-winning actor, her creative endeavors have graced stages from Off Broadway to Reykjavik, Toronto, and Paris. Basore's impactful work in the realm of financial empowerment and the arts has been highlighted in esteemed publications like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. With vast experience in business development for a multi-million dollar nonprofit, Basore now leverages her expertise to support female business leaders and creative entrepreneurs in achieving financial health and realizing their dreams. She believes that financial empowerment is crucial for creatives to thrive, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming financial instability to pursue her passions. By founding Self Trust Fund, Basore aims to educate creatives on managing their finances, fostering self-trust, and enabling them to focus on their artistic endeavors without the weight of financial stress. www.selftrustfund.com 2025 Offer: "How to slay your money monsters" course (00:01:27) Self Trust Fund: Empowering Creative Finances (00:07:00) Financial Empowerment Coaching: Self Trust Fund (00:12:29) Self Trust Fund: Empowering Creatives to Thrive (00:16:49) Financial Freedom Enables Creative Project Selection (00:22:37) "Culinary Adventures: Tasting Delightful Global Dishes" #FinancialEmpowerment #SelfTrustFund #FinancialFreedom #CreativeInspiration #ChooseCreativeProjects #FavoriteFoods #DeliciousFood #ChildhoodFondue #TurkishEggDishes #FinancialStability #CreativeEntrepreneurs #FinancialCoaching

23 min
11/13/2024

Lynn Harris: Championing Diversity and Inclusivity in Comedy

Lynn Harris is a trailblazer in the comedy world, passionately addressing gender disparity through her transformative initiatives and perspectives. As the founder of Gold Comedy, Harris has created a nurturing platform that empowers women and underrepresented groups to pursue comedy careers, challenging the traditional male-dominated narrative. She highlights the systemic gender biases in the industry, noting the unequal representation of women in leading roles and the significant power dynamics where humor dictates societal structures. Through her work with Gold Comedy and Persisticon, Harris combines her journalistic acumen and comedic flair to advocate for gender equality, using humor as a catalyst for social change and empowerment. Lynn Harris, a comedian, writer, and founder of Gold Comedy, has a diverse career that merges journalism and comedy, using humor to advocate for social change and gender justice. Gold Comedy amplifies underrepresented voices in the comedy industry, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and aiming to normalize the notion that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can be recognized simply as a comedian. Harris emphasizes the importance of using statistics to address gender inequality in comedy and challenges the notion that male comics are the default standard. Through Gold Comedy, she provides a supportive community, mentorship, and educational opportunities for aspiring comedians worldwide, offering classes in stand-up, sketch, improv, and more. By fostering a global network of support and collaboration, Gold Comedy empowers individuals to thrive in the comedy industry on their own terms. (00:00:11) Championing Diversity and Inclusivity in Comedy (00:02:46) Humor-infused Journalism: Lynn Harris' Impact (00:10:55) Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Comedy (00:12:51) Empowering Comedy: Breaking Gender-Based Norms (00:25:02) Inclusive Comedy School Fostering Global Connections (00:29:08) Celebrity-Led Comedy Mentorship Network

30 min
10/18/2024

Zhive Media and Mara McCann: A Dynamic Duo in the Film Industry

Mara McCann, the visionary founder of Zhive Media, is at the forefront of shaping the future of the entertainment industry by bridging the gap between film financiers and creative talents. Through Zhive Media, she has established a vibrant membership community and a distribution incubator, empowering writers, directors, and actor/producers to seamlessly bring their projects to market. Mara's passion for creative and business growth is evident in her commitment to mentoring pre-seed companies and curating opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the film ecosystem. Her efforts are further amplified by Zhive Media's initiatives, including an exciting in-person event in Los Angeles (October 25-27, 2024), designed to support independent filmmakers and foster a thriving network of industry resources. Here are three key takeaways from the podcast: 1. **Continuous Learning and Desire for Growth:** Mara McCann emphasized the power of learning and how a strong desire to expand one's knowledge can open up numerous possibilities. She shared her own journey of transitioning from acting to entrepreneurship and how being open to learning new skills paved the way for her success. 2. **Embracing Change and Flexibility:** Mara McCann highlighted the significance of adaptability and flexibility in the entrepreneurial landscape. She discussed the concept of an incubator as a space that provides mentors and resources to help individuals execute their ideas effectively, emphasizing the value of being open to new solutions and opportunities. 3. **Community Engagement and Networking:** Zhive Media's focus on community building and providing platforms for independent filmmakers was a key theme in the episode. Mara McCann mentioned an upcoming event in Los Angeles (October 25-27, 2024) aimed at supporting filmmakers and creating a collaborative ecosystem within the industry. (00:00:06) Independent Film Ecosystem and Mara McCann (00:09:32) Time as Valuable as Money in Film (00:14:46) "Embracing Change for Entrepreneurial Advancement" (00:17:55) Embracing Intuitive Paths for Personal Growth (00:26:31) "Engage with Alya Lei for Zive Media"

27 min
10/04/2024

Healing through Comedy: Aidan Park's Story

Aidan Park, the dynamic founder and CEO of the Yay Foundation, harnesses his talents as an award-winning stand-up comedian and bestselling author to pioneer emotional healing and inner child work. Through his book, "The Art of Being Yay" (The OMG NSFW Memoir and Guide to Authentic Joy), Aidan underscores the significance of joy and authenticity, drawing from personal experiences to demonstrate the transformative power of embracing one's inner child. He believes that unresolved childhood traumas can manifest as intense reactions in adulthood, and his innovative use of comedy serves as a powerful tool to foster mental and emotional health, encouraging self-expression and connection. Aidan Park's collaborative efforts through engaging wellness programs continue to inspire individuals to delve into past experiences, empathize with their inner child, and pursue genuine happiness and self-acceptance. Here are three key takeaways from the episode: 1. **Utilizing Comedy for Healing**: Aidan Park's Yay Foundation utilizes comedy as a tool for promoting mental and emotional health. By incorporating humor into educational programs and workshops, the foundation fosters self-expression and healing through laughter. 2. **Personal Storytelling and Connection**: Aidan Park emphasized the importance of embracing emotions and narratives, encouraging individuals to engage in inner child work and empathize with themselves. By revisiting past emotional experiences, it is possible to heal and grow from unresolved traumas. 3. **Spreading Joy and Compassion**: The Yay Foundation aims to empower individuals to find joy and healing through a compassionate and joyful approach to mental well-being. By creating safe spaces for personal storytelling and connecting through comedy events, the foundation promotes emotional balance and self-acceptance. National Alliance of Mental Illness American Foundation of Suicide Prevention Aids Healthcare Foundation Website: https://www.theyayfoundation.org/ Instagram: @aidanparkshow (00:01:40) Healing through Comedy: Yay Foundation's Impact (00:14:45) "The Art of Being Yay": Finding Purpose (00:16:44) Impact of Childhood Molestation on Fear (00:27:12) Embracing Emotional Balance for Lasting Happiness (00:30:08) Desperation-Fueled Drug Use for Coping (00:36:50) Journey of Self-Discovery and Compassion (00:45:32) Embracing Authentic Narratives Through Comedy #MentalHealthAwareness #ComedyForHealing #FindingHappiness #EmotionalBalance #EmpathyMatters #OvercomingChallenges #StorytellingThroughComedy #InnerChildWork #SelfExpression #JoyfulHealing #EmbraceEmotions #SupportThroughHumor

45 min
09/24/2024

From Anchor to Actress: Morgan Deer's Journey to Success

Morgan Deer, now based in Los Angeles, shares a unique and inspiring perspective on her acting journey, rooted in her transition from a career as a news anchor in Humboldt County. Her dedication to the craft is palpable, as she immersed herself in various acting workshops, studios, and improvisation classes, all while living with epilepsy—a condition that has only fueled her determination. Despite facing self-doubt and uncertainty, Morgan draws inspiration from renowned actors like Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, embracing every opportunity to bring memorable characters to life, including her role as a news reporter in the film "Fresh Air." Through her story, she hopes to inspire others, particularly those with disabilities, to pursue their dreams with unwavering confidence and persistence. Quick Outline (00:01:05) Empowering Actors with Epilepsy through Advocacy (00:05:48) From News Anchor to Hollywood: Morgan Deer's Transformation (00:13:04) Navigating Obstacles with Self-Belief (00:20:15) Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience and Dedication (00:24:34) Inspired Journey to Acting Success in LA (00:27:35) Acting Opportunities and Pursuing Dreams Key Takeaways - Morgan Deer advocates for individuals with disabilities in the acting industry and encourages them to pursue their dreams despite challenges. - Transitioning from news producer to news anchor and then to actor, Morgan highlights her journey from a small town to Los Angeles. - Morgan emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming self-doubt and navigating obstacles in Hollywood. - Morgan and Alya Lei stress the value of persistence and determination in achieving success and inspiring others to stay focused on their goals. - By attending acting classes and securing an agent, Morgan emphasizes the importance of taking action towards one's dreams despite fear and self-doubt. - Morgan Deer shares her experience in the film 'Fresh Air' as a news reporter, showcasing her dedication to learning lines and pursuing her acting dream. Actionable Insights - Believe in yourself and be your own biggest supporter to avoid self-doubt - Take inspired action towards your dreams even when faced with fear and self-doubt - Persistence and determination are crucial in pursuing your goals and overcoming challenges - Leverage your background and skills to create opportunities in your desired field - Stay focused on your goals and persist through adversity to achieve success - Do not let your identity be defined by any challenges or conditions you may face Socials: - Instagram: www.instagram.com/miss_morgan4

28 min
09/14/2024

Vanessa Haney: Horror Stories Author

Vanessa Haney (pen name: Van Haney) grew up in the new age circus known as the entertainment industry. Van was first published in an anthology of poems in 1997. In the early 2000's she was showcased in young filmmaker competitions for her screenplays, and in 2018 while getting her Master's in Education, while also working as VP of Communications at Shoreline Entertainment, she self-published her first book of short stories, "Stories to Curl Your Toes". Now after two children and a move to the Pacific Northwest she's unleashing her stories into the world once again. "Bloody Ever After" nine short stories based on re-imagined fairy tales, will be free for digital download on Amazon August 13th through 15th. If you follow her on TikTok: Van_Haney_Books (where Vanessa tells ghost stories), Vanessa will be doing a giveaway for both of her books of horror shorts in September and in October, she will be releasing her novel, currently titled "Safest in the Light". TikTok: Van_Haney_Books Instagram: @dystopianess Show Notes (timing is approximate) 28s Intro Vanessa Haney aka TikTok: Van_Haney_Books 1m 15s - Growing up in the Hollywood Circus 3m 12s - Started acting 3m 45s - Looking back - wished she focused more on what she was good at in film school - not the "idea" of the path 4m 6s - Getting into film sales, VP of communications 5m 15s - Details of film sales 8 years: what is it, how Vanessa got into it, how/why she get out of it 6m 38s - Miracle and Interview with Shoreline entertainment 7m 17s - Going to Cannes and assistant to VP of Shoreline 7m43s - Communications and becoming VP 8m 07s - Great boss teaching how to market yourself and be an entrepreneur 8m 34s - High stress job - only 1-3% of films make their money back / profit 9m 13s - Loved job, but no longer a fit with wanting a family 9m 43s - Received Masters in Education 9m 53s - Tends to say "yes" when presented with opportunities 10m 28s - Improv in high school and college 10m 36s - One of the main ways independent films are sold 13m 41s - Picking up films at festivals 13m 47s - Picking up films that have never been screened at a film festival 13m 57s - Pitching directly to decision makers at Cannes, TiFF, etc 14m 47s - Pitched films are not purchased by the company, works as a sales agent 15m 21s - How independent filmmakers get in touch with companies like Shoreline 15m 37s - Cinando.com created by Cannes film festival 15m 52s - look up film sales agents 16m 02s - Short films? 16m 13s - Shoreline distribution wing 17m 01s - Self publish books vs publisher, similar to picking up and distribution for films 17m 38s - Transitioning into being a mom 18m 26s - Volunteering at homeless shelters cooking and teaching art, exploring teaching as a new career 18m 54s - Film set and School community similarities 19m 27s - Looking back, missing things about Shoreline 20m 27s - Timeline after Masters degree and moving to Pacific Northwest 21m 12s - 2022 in Portland, Oregon - teaching and involved in school district 22m 22s - When did writing, screenplays and books, get involved? 23m 28s - Started writing 15 years ago, novels and bizarro books 24m 01s - 2019 wrote short stories and published them 24m 33s - 1st published book 24m 48s - Publish another book 25m 07s - YA fantasy book 25m 17s - Self publishing books 26m 07s - Started social media 26m 31s - Finding your niche 26m 54s - Ghost stories 27m 16s - TikTok: Van_Haney_Books (videos) and Instagram: @dystopianess (horror writing) 27m 52s - Why writing fantasy and horror has always been a part of Vanessa's life 28m 37s - Most recent horror book, Safest in the Light, hybrid baby as metaphor for being a parent, juxtaposition LA lifestyle 29m 58s - Beta readers and editor, out in October 2024 30m 29s - 2nd book of short stories, Bloody Ever After, 9 re-imagined fairy tales, available on Amazon 31m 04s - 1st book, Stories to Curl Your Toes, short stories on Amazon 31m 22s - Books that go out with the Northwest independent writers association 31m 47s - Giveaways of books and swag - follow Vanessa on social media

32 min

5

out of 5

6 Ratings

Welcome to the "Conversations with Alya Lei" podcast; where actor, improviser and audiobook narrator, Alya Lei brings you weekly episodes filled with inspiration and insight. Each episode features captivating guest interviews, valuable resources, and/or uplifting content. Join us as we explore the journeys, challenges, and successes of creatives and entrepreneurs, offering wisdom and motivation to fuel your own path.

Creator

Alya Lei
Years Active

2017 - 2025
Episodes

51
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Conversations with Alya Lei