EP26: Producing Hollywood Projects, Building Entertainment Careers & Leading Behind the Scenes with Keri Ann Kimball

EP26: Producing Hollywood Projects, Building Entertainment Careers & Leading Behind the Scenes with Keri Ann Kimball

In this episode of The Drama Diet, Lisa Stuart sits down with film and television producer Keri Ann Kimball for an inside look at what it takes to build successful entertainment projects from concept to screen. With more than two decades of experience in film, television, and media, Keri Ann has worked alongside actors, writers, directors, musicians, and production companies around the world. She shares how producing goes far beyond creativity—requiring strategic leadership, relationship building, financing, talent negotiations, and assembling the right team to bring a vision to life. Together, Lisa and Keri Ann discuss the realities of Hollywood, developing projects with major studios and industry leaders, navigating production challenges, and why strong partnerships are essential for long-term success in entertainment. Keri Ann also offers insight into supporting both established stars and emerging talent while balancing the creative and business sides of the industry. Whether you're pursuing a career in entertainment, producing creative projects, or leading a business behind the scenes, this conversation offers valuable lessons on resilience, collaboration, and turning ideas into reality.

EP25: Alexa Azran: Finding Her Voice Through Theatre, Leadership & Big Dreams

In this episode of The Drama Diet, Lisa Stuart sits down with 16-year-old student leader Alexa Azran to discuss pursuing big dreams, building confidence, and balancing multiple passions while still in high school. Alexa shares how her love for acting and theatre began at a young age, leading her to become a theatre captain at her school. She also discusses her interest in law as captain of her school's mock trial team, revealing how both creative performance and public speaking have shaped her leadership skills and future aspirations. Together, Lisa and Alexa explore the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new opportunities, and discovering that young people can lead with confidence, purpose, and authenticity.

EP24: Pnina Muller: Love, Loss, Resilience & Finding Strength Through Life's Unexpected Chapters

In this episode of The Drama Diet, Lisa Stuart sits down with Pnina Muller for a heartfelt conversation about love, resilience, and navigating life's most difficult transitions with grace and courage. After spending 20 years in marriage, Pnina faced the challenge of rebuilding her life following divorce and rediscovering who she was outside of the identity she had known for decades. Eventually, she found love again and entered a meaningful relationship that brought renewed hope and happiness. However, only three months after they began dating, her partner received a devastating cancer diagnosis, changing the course of both of their lives overnight. Together, Lisa and Pnina discuss the realities of loving someone through illness, the emotional complexities of caregiving, and the strength required to remain present through uncertainty and hardship. Their conversation explores grief, resilience, relationships, and the unexpected ways life's most difficult moments can shape us into stronger, more compassionate versions of ourselves. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that while we cannot control every chapter of our story, we can choose how we respond, love, and grow through the challenges we face.

EP23: Ronit Weinberg: Purposeful Fashion, Sustainable Leadership & Building Brands That Last

In this episode of The Drama Diet, Lisa Stuart sits down with fashion executive and entrepreneur Ronit Weinberg for a conversation about leadership, reinvention, and building a business with purpose. With an impressive career spanning wholesale, retail, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer operations, Ronit has worked with some of the most recognizable names in fashion, including Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy's. Her experience navigating both the creative and operational sides of the fashion industry has given her a unique perspective on what it takes to build brands that stand the test of time. As the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Timo & Violet, Ronit has embraced a mission centered on timeless design, sustainability, craftsmanship, and intentional living. Rather than chasing trends, she believes in creating products with purpose—pieces that become meaningful parts of people's lives and are designed to last for years rather than seasons. Together, Lisa and Ronit explore the pressures and challenges of leadership in a fast-moving industry, the importance of staying aligned with your values, and why authenticity and long-term thinking are essential for both business success and personal fulfillment. They also discuss sustainability in fashion, conscious consumerism, and how choosing quality over quantity can transform the way we think about style and ownership. This episode is for entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders looking to build something meaningful while staying true to their vision and purpose.

EP22: Sarah Stern: Reinvention, Resilience & Building Beauty Through Life’s Challenges

In this episode of The Drama Diet, Lisa Stuart sits down with makeup artist, skin specialist, and entrepreneur Sarah Stern for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose through life's unexpected challenges. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Sarah has spent more than 14 years helping people feel confident through beauty and skincare. After building her career in Los Angeles and New York, she spent eight years in Montreal before the pandemic brought her back to Southern California. Forced to rebuild her business and client base from scratch, Sarah faced one of the biggest professional challenges of her life. Rather than giving up, she leaned into growth, continuing her education, earning new certifications, and constantly refining her craft. Her determination and personal experiences with problem skin ultimately inspired the creation of Happy Hour Beauty, a skincare brand born from both professional expertise and lived experience. As a single mother of three, Sarah understands the balancing act of raising a family while pursuing ambitious dreams. Together, Lisa and Sarah discuss perseverance, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the importance of embracing change instead of allowing setbacks to define the future. They also explore how personal struggles can become the foundation for meaningful businesses and why growth often happens when we choose to keep moving forward despite uncertainty. This episode is a reminder that reinvention isn't about starting over—it's about using every chapter of life to build something stronger and more authentic.