Ego Was Here

The Side of Acting People Never See | Charlotte Stoiber #42

What happens after your first acting role is in an Oscar-nominated film? In this episode of Ego Was Here, actress Charlotte Stoiber opens up about acting, rejection, identity, mental health, and the reality of building an acting career. Charlotte reflects on growing up between Boston, Munich, and Vienna, discovering acting as a child, and being cast in Downfall, one of Germany’s most acclaimed films, at the very beginning of her journey. The conversation explores auditions, self-doubt, being ignored, comparison, and why getting the role is only the beginning of an actor’s career. Charlotte also shares what acting gives her that nothing else does, how creativity helped her heal, and why leaving the industry has never felt like an option. A thoughtful and honest conversation about purpose, resilience, and the emotional reality behind an acting career.

The Pop Star Life Everyone Dreams Of and the Reality Nobody Sees | Anthony Kavana #41

What happens when a 90s pop star looks back at the story the spotlight never showed? In this episode of Ego Was Here, British pop star and author Anthony Kavanagh, known to many as Kavana, joins the podcast for an honest conversation about fame, identity, creativity, recovery, and the story behind his memoir Pop Scars. Anthony reflects on growing up in Manchester, his love of music, and the chance meeting that changed his life. He shares how a demo tape, a record deal, and a new name introduced the world to Kavana, and what life was really like behind the pop star image. The conversation also explores moving to Los Angeles, starting again, family, self-worth, connection, and the experiences that changed how Anthony sees success today. Anthony also shares memories of Amy Winehouse, a funny airport encounter involving Victoria Beckham, and why writing Pop Scars became such a meaningful chapter in his life. A warm and honest conversation about life after fame, the person behind the name, and the power of telling your story with truth and humor.

Untold Stories From the Cult Classic Film Blood In Blood Out | Victor Rivas Rivers #40

Why does Blood In Blood Out still mean so much to audiences more than 30 years later? In this episode of Ego Was Here, actor Victor Rivas Rivers returns for a deeper conversation about the making and lasting legacy of the cult classic film Blood In Blood Out. Best known to many fans as Magic Mike, Victor shares behind-the-scenes stories from filming inside San Quentin, reflects on creating one of the film’s most memorable characters, and explains why the movie continues to connect with audiences across generations. The conversation explores the film’s themes of family, identity, culture, loyalty, and choices, while also touching on Chicano culture, fan devotion, and the responsibility of bringing a real community and its stories to the screen with respect. For fans of Blood In Blood Out, film history, acting, Chicano culture, and behind-the-scenes movie interviews, this episode offers a thoughtful and personal look at a film that continues to live on.

Why the "Oscars" of Voice Acting Almost Never Happened | Rudy Gaskins #39

Why are the most recognizable voices in the world almost invisible? In this episode of Ego Was Here, Emmy-winning television producer and director Rudy Gaskins reflects on the idea behind SOVAS (the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences), the organization he co-founded with his wife and business partner Joan Baker. Starting behind the scenes in television, Rudy worked on major projects including Emmy-winning promotions for the 2000 Summer Olympics for NBC. Through hiring voice actors, he saw how essential their work was, and how little recognition they received. That gap became the foundation for SOVAS, a platform built to bring visibility to the entire field. He speaks about the resistance they faced, the criticism from within the community, and the moments where the project felt uncertain. Building something new required persistence and a clear sense of purpose. For Rudy, success is less about recognition and more about creating something people can actually use. Something that connects people, creates opportunity, and brings a community together.

Not Everyone Wants You to Speak Up | Tara Beier #38

What happens when you try to protect your mother and she turns against you? In this episode of Ego Was Here, singer-songwriter Tara Beier shares the moments that shaped her relationship with her family. As a teenager, she stepped in during a confrontation at home to protect her mother. Years later, she stood in front of a room full of strangers and spoke about what happened, and it changed how her family saw her. She talks about what it’s like to go against your own family, how those dynamics shift over time, and what it takes to find your footing again when that foundation changes. With a background in criminology, she also offers a broader perspective on why people stay silent, why certain patterns repeat, and how difficult it can be to be heard when the truth challenges everything around you. This is a conversation about speaking up, dealing with the consequences, and learning how to move forward without easy answers.