Break the Gatekeeping: Insights from Stage32’s RB Botto

Comedy as a Lifeline with Aida Rodriguez

In this week’s Beyond the Glam, host Rasha Goel chats with multi-talented comedian, actress, and author Aida Rodriguez. Known for her Netflix special They Ready and hour-long stand-up Fighting Words on Max, Aida shares her journey from childhood trauma and homelessness to great heights of comedic success. Rasha and Aida discuss humor as a resilience tool, the release of her memoir Legitimate Kid, and her mission to amplify underrepresented voices. Plus, Aida opens up about balancing career and motherhood, navigating industry pressures, and her fight for Latinx representation in media. Follow Aida on instagram at www.instagram.com/funnyaida

Break the Gatekeeping: Insights from Stage32’s RB Botto

RB Botto, Founder and CEO of Stage32, joins Rasha Goel to discuss how he’s built an inclusive platform for global creatives in film, television, and digital content. Rasha and RB explore the realities of rejection, the importance of mentorship, and why action is the key to success. It’s an inside look at what it takes to succeed and stay authentic in Hollywood. www.stage32.com [http://www.stage32.com/]  Follow RB Botto: instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar [http://instagram.com/rbwalksintoabar] Follow Rasha: instagram.com/rashagoel [http://instagram.com/rashagoel]

How Margaret Cho Changed the Game (All American Girl, Fire Island, All That We Love)

In this episode of Beyond the Glam, Rasha Goel sits down with the legendary Margaret Cho—a comedian, actor, musician, and activist who has been breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes in entertainment for over 40 years. Margaret shares her journey from her early days as a teenage stand-up comic to becoming a cultural icon, using humor as a tool for resilience and change.  From navigating an industry with few Asian-American or queer voices to opening up about mental health and personal struggles, Margaret doesn’t hold back. Together, she and Rasha, dive into the illusions of fame, the power of comedy as a coping mechanism, being Asian, and her commitment to encouraging others to “trust your instinct and dream big.”  With her trademark wit and candor,  Margaret offers a fresh perspective on the life lessons she’s gathered on stage and beyond.   Follow Margaret Cho: instagram.com/margaret_cho [http://instagram.com/margaret_cho] Follow Rasha: instagram.com/rashagoel [http://instagram.com/rashagoel]

From the Sahara to Stardom with Samba Schutte

Super fun one today as Rasha sits down with the multitalented Samba Schutte! Samba's a Dutch-Mauritanian actor, comedian, and writer, known for his roles in HBO Max’s Our Flag Means Death, NBC’s Sunnyside, and his most recent film Advanced Chemistry. Born in the Sahara Desert and raised in Ethiopia, Samba shares his journey of overcoming cultural barriers, visa hurdles, starting from scratch in a new country and in Hollywood, all the while embracing his unique background as his greatest strength. Discover how Samba turned obstacles into opportunities, trusting in his worth and perseverance through the challenges of breaking into the entertainment industry. He opens up about the importance of staying grounded, finding joy in the small moments, and using his experiences to inspire others. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and staying true to our roots—even when the road is uncertain. Success, as Samba shows, is about more than just the spotlight; it’s about embracing the journey– and we hope his story inspires you to embrace your own journey. Follow Samba at instagram.com/sambaschutte Follow Rasha at www.instagram.com/rashagoel

Gaming, Grit, & Growth with Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Overwatch 2, S.W.A.T)

Rasha chats with the incredibly talented Anjali Bhimani, the actress and voice acting star behind roles in Ms. Marvel, Overwatch, and Apex Legends. Anjali shares her journey from tv to film to the gaming world, opening up about the highs, lows, and everything in between that have shaped her career. They get into the real stuff—self-love, the magic of storytelling, and what it means to be true to yourself. Anjali also speaks candidly about her mental health struggles, the life lessons she’s learned from her dog, Charlie, and the empowering moments that gaming has brought her. The conversation is equal parts fun and thoughtful as Anjali dives into her book, I Am Fun Size and So Are YOU!, and the positive vibes behind her YouTube series. And there’s a little chaos too, with some behind-the-scenes stories from the Ms. Marvel premiere that didn’t quite go as planned! Whether you’re already a fan or just looking for some inspiration, this episode is all about taking charge of our own stories and embracing the messiness of life with a smile.  Find and follow Anjali on instagram at www.instagram.com/sweeetanj Follow Rasha & the podcast on IG: www.instagram.com/rashagoelwww.instagram.com/beyond_theglam