Rick Izquieta on Comedy, Hecklers, Cruise Ships, and Thick Skin

"Re-Release" From Guerrero to Hollywood comedy, Culture & Chasing the Dream ( Guest: Berenice “Barry” Diaz )

In this "Re-Release", Alex sits down with actress, comedian, and author Berenice “Barry” Diaz — a Chicago-raised, L.A.-based creative whose journey from small-town Mexico to Hollywood stages is anything but ordinary. Barry shares how watching telenovelas inspired her to chase acting, how she secretly took classes behind her mom’s back, and how a hilariously bad self-tape somehow led her into the Theatre of Arts Acting Conservatory. From crying at 8 a.m. in scene study to surviving chaotic roommates and discovering her comedic voice at The Comedy Store, her story is both heartfelt and hilarious. She talks about performing at Stay Gallery and how a one-off show turned into a three-year run, plus the absurd things she’s done for a role — including literally injuring her foot just to “feel the pain.” Barry also opens up about auditioning for the Selena Netflix series, being part of the book Today's Inspired Young Latina, and her passion for bringing Mexican culture to life through Día de los Muertos performances. Alex and Barry close out with rapid-fire questions, stories about Love Island obsessions, wine vs. beer debates, and the eternal struggle between ambition and comfort. Through it all, Barry’s humor, heart, and hustle shine through — proving she’s as funny as she is fearless. No small talk. Just a story worth telling. #KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaronPodcast #BereniceDiaz #ComedyPodcast #StandUpComedy #LatinaComedian #WomenInComedy #ActressLife #HollywoodStories #ComedyJourney #ImmigrantStories #BilingualComedy #ComedyStore #StayGallery #SelenaNetflix #WritersJourney #DiaDeLosMuertos #UnfilteredConversations #NoMoreSmallTalk

"Re-Release" Fernanda Romero: From Mexico City Pop Star to Hollywood Actress, Producer & Director

On this "Re-Release" episode of Kill the Small Talk, host Alex Caron sits down with actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, and mom Fernanda Romero for a deep, honest conversation about building a creative career across borders — and industries. Fernanda shares her journey from growing up in Mexico City, unexpectedly landing in a pop music group as a teenager, and navigating early fame while staying grounded with the help of her family. She opens up about touring, missing out on a “normal” teenage life, and eventually stepping away to pursue fashion design in the U.S. The conversation dives into how Fernanda transitioned into acting almost by accident — from modeling and major commercial bookings to studying with Larry Moss, trusting her instincts, and learning to make bold choices in auditions. Fernanda breaks down why confidence, preparation, and authenticity matter more than perfection, and how not taking rejection personally became one of her biggest lessons in Hollywood. Alex and Fernanda also talk about casting realities, industry politics, manifestation, research techniques, character development, and how stepping behind the camera as a producer and director completely changed her perspective as an actor. This episode is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes insight, and practical advice for creatives navigating the entertainment industry. New episodes every Wednesday. Follow Fernanda Romero Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernandaromeroo [https://www.instagram.com/fernandaromeroo] Subscribe to Kill the Small Talk on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@KillTheSmallTalkPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@KillTheSmallTalkPodcast] Produced by Command Creative Studios 🌐 https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ [https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/] #KillTheSmallTalk #KillTheSmallTalkPodcast #AlexCaron #FernandaRomero #ActressLife #ProducerLife #DirectorLife #HollywoodPodcast #EntertainmentIndustry #BehindTheScenes #LatinaInHollywood #WomenInFilm #CreativeJourney #ActingAdvice #FilmPodcast #UnfilteredConversations #NoMoreSmallTalk

Rick Izquieta Returns: Bombing on Stage, Road Comedy, and Wild Club Stories

Rick Izquieta is back for Part 2 on Kill the Small Talk, and this episode dives even deeper into the real life of a working comedian. From brutal bombing stories and awkward comedy club setups to touring through Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and cruise ships, Rick shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from decades in stand-up comedy. Alex and Rick talk about: * The best and worst comedy advice he’s ever received * Performing for nightmare crowds * Opening for Willie Barcena * Comedy Store stories * Comics who blew up after starting together * Why comedians need thick skin * Touring the Midwest by bus * Writing jokes about uncomfortable topics * The reality of producing comedy shows This episode is full of raw comedy stories, industry insight, and the kind of conversations comedians usually only have backstage. Follow Rick Izquieta on Instagram: @rick_izquieta Follow us on Instagram: @killthesmalltalkpodcast Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast] Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ [https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/] Hashtags #KillTheSmallTalk #RickIzquieta #AlexCaron #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #ComedianInterview

"Re-Release" Film Director & Author Jorge Xolalpa on Independent Filmmaking, Artistry, and Building Creative Power

In this "Re-Release" episode of Kill The Small Talk, host Alex Caron sits down with film director, author, and creative entrepreneur Jorge Xolalpa for an honest and inspiring conversation about independent filmmaking, discipline, collaboration, and building a sustainable career in the arts. Jorge shares his journey immigrating to the United States as a child, the challenges his family faced, and how those experiences shaped his creative voice. The conversation explores his path into filmmaking, producing, and writing, including the mindset shift that helped him understand that he is the business. Alex and Jorge dive into the realities of the entertainment industry, navigating the aftermath of COVID and industry strikes, the role of AI in filmmaking, and why independent creators should embrace opportunity rather than fear change. They also discuss the importance of relationship-building in Hollywood, self-marketing as an artist, consistency, discipline, and why collaboration matters more than chasing quick wins. Jorge opens up about his new book “NI DE AQUÍ NI DE ALLÁ”, the lessons behind it, and how authenticity and energy can open unexpected doors in creative careers. This episode is a must-listen for filmmakers, actors, artists, and anyone looking to build a meaningful, long-term career in entertainment. Remember to Like, Follow, and Subscribe! New episodes drop every Wednesday. Follow the show: @KillTheSmallTalkPodcast Recorded & Produced by Command Creative Studios Watch the full episode on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast] Follow Jorge Xolalpa: Instagram / TikTok / X: @officialxolalpa Tagged Partner: @teamnyta #KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaron #JorgeXolalpa #IndependentFilmmaking #FilmDirector #AuthorInterview #CreativeEntrepreneur #IndieFilm #HollywoodStories #EntertainmentIndustry #ArtistMindset #ImmigrantStories #FilmmakingPodcast #CreativeDiscipline #FilmCommunity #BehindTheScenes #PodcastOnYouTube #CommandCreativeStudios #UnfilteredConversations

Rick Izquieta on Comedy, Hecklers, Cruise Ships, and Thick Skin

On this episode of Kill the Small Talk, Alex Caron sits down with comedian Rick Izquieta for a wild conversation about stand-up, growing up in Eagle Rock, dysfunctional family stories, weird day jobs, hecklers, cruise ship comedy, and what it really takes to build thick skin in the comedy world. Rick talks about getting started at The Comedy Store, walking away from comedy, coming back years later, and building a career performing across Southern California and beyond. He also shares stories about odd jobs, wild crowd moments, cruise ship sets, and the brotherhood that comes with protecting fellow comics on stage. Funny, honest, and full of classic stand-up war stories, this episode gets into the real grind behind the laughs. Follow Rick Izquieta on Instagram: @rick_izquieta Follow us on Instagram: @killthesmalltalk Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast] Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ [https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/] #KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaron #RickIzquieta #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #ComedianInterview