From Hollywood Rejection to Building Her Own Film Company w/ Kristi Ray (EP #65)

From Hollywood Rejection to Building Her Own Film Company w/ Kristi Ray (EP #65)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #65 with Kristi Ray. Kristi Ray is an award-winning actress, film producer, TEDx speaker, educator, and co-founder of Honey Head Films. For nearly two decades, she has helped bring bold, female-driven stories to life both in front of and behind the camera, starring in more than 30 films including A Song for Imogene, the critically acclaimed feature she also produced. In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Kristi to talk about rejection, resilience, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build your own creative path. Kristi shares how she left for Los Angeles before turning 18, came back to North Carolina after heartbreak and rejection, and eventually found her way into independent film through a Craigslist casting call. This conversation is about more than movies. Kristi opens up about building Honey Head Films, learning to produce without waiting for permission, managing million-dollar budgets after once struggling with math, hiring people based on potential, and creating opportunities for others in an industry often built around gatekeepers. From childhood plays in the backyard to TEDx, Amazon Prime, film festivals, advocacy for independent filmmakers, and a full-circle casting moment years in the making, Kristi’s story is a reminder that sometimes the best strategy is trusting yourself, saying yes to yourself, and figuring it out along the way. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:30] Meet Kristi Ray [03:19] Motherhood, Childhood, and Early Creativity [08:13] Creating Her Own Film Path [08:56] Leaving for Los Angeles [11:18] Coming Back After Rejection [12:32] Letting Go of Control [18:59] Craigslist, Erica, and Honey Head Films [20:23] Everything’s Figureoutable [22:26] The Reality of Producing Films [29:37] Independent Film Advocacy [31:32] Saying Yes to Opportunity [35:52] The Dream Project [40:59] Advice for Young Filmmakers Key Takeaways:   • “Everything you really want is downstream if you just let go of control.” ~ Kristi Ray • “We don’t know how to be producers, but everything’s figureoutable.” ~ Kristi Ray • “You have to fall in love with the whole process.” ~ Kristi Ray • “I love hiring people on potential over proof because it took me so long.” ~ Kristi Ray • “Showing up authentically, like who you are, making sure you’re putting energy into building community and not just paving your own way, that’s something that stands out to me.” ~ Kristi Ray • “I don’t think I would change a thing because it’s all happening as it should.” ~ Kristi Ray • “I love people who disrupt things and who don’t follow the rules.” ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Kristi Ray: Kristi Ray: https://www.kristiray.net [https://www.kristiray.net]Honey Head Films: https://www.honeyheadfilms.com [https://www.honeyheadfilms.com]Honey Head Films Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyheadfilms [https://www.instagram.com/honeyheadfilms]A Song for Imogene on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imogenemovie [https://www.instagram.com/imogenemovie] Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

What It Takes to Be an Olympia Bodybuilder, Inside and Out w/ Allison Dominguez-Kramer, IFBB Pro (EP #64)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #64 with Allison Dominguez-Kramer, IFBB Pro. Allison Dominguez-Kramer is an IFBB Pro fitness competitor, online coach, CPT, and full-time finance professional. With 18 IFBB professional competitions, 5 pro wins, a 4th place finish at the 2024 Olympia, and top 3 finishes at both the Arnold Classic and Arnold Classic UK, Allison knows what it takes to compete at the highest level in bodybuilding. In this episode, Evonne Varady sits down with Allison to talk about the real discipline behind elite competition. Allison shares how she went from gymnastics and cheer to bodybuilding, how fitness became part of her identity, and what changed when she stopped forcing results and started prioritizing recovery, health, and longevity. This conversation goes far beyond muscle. Allison opens up about confidence, stage presence, food discipline, social media pressure, career balance, loyalty, coaching changes, divorce, gratitude, and learning to enjoy the journey instead of chasing every outcome. Whether you are a competitor, athlete, entrepreneur, or someone trying to build a more disciplined life, this episode is a reminder that success at the highest level takes more than talent. It takes consistency, self-awareness, and the courage to keep choosing the life you actually want. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:29] Meet Allison Dominguez-Kramer [02:47] Childhood, Gymnastics, and Finding the Right Fit [04:37] From Cheer to Bodybuilding [07:00] First Show and Turning Pro Goals [08:15] What Fitness Bodybuilding Really Is [11:28] Recovery, Olympia, and Stepping Into Her Own [16:08] Competing for Yourself [17:39] Allison’s Weekly Training Routine [22:29] Food, Discipline, and Emotional Triggers [24:36] Bodybuilding and Social Media Pressure [27:38] Confidence, Posing, and Stage Presence [31:00] Funny Competition Mishaps [33:53] The Cookie Meltdown [37:20] Communicating Through Hard Days [38:38] Loyalty, Brands, and Non-Negotiables [40:56] Future Plans, Gratitude, and Olympia Goals [45:26] Advice for New Competitors[48:13] Stop Comparing Your Journey Key Takeaways:   • “This isn’t just about muscle. This is about discipline, identity, and the reality behind chasing elite.” ~ Evonne Varady • Fitness bodybuilding is not only about aesthetics. It requires strength, endurance, performance, creativity, and stage presence. ~ Allison Dominguez-Kramer • “When you’re super passionate about something, it never really feels like work.” ~ Allison Dominguez-Kramer • Recovery changes results. When you stop forcing her body and start prioritizing health, stress, hormones, and blood work, your body starts responding. ~ Allison Dominguez-Kramer • “It’s more important for me to enjoy my performance and for me to have fun than to place.” ~ Allison Dominguez-Kramer • Living this lifestyle is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. ~ Allison Dominguez-Kramer • “What someone else’s journey looks like is not what your journey is going to look like.” ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Allison Dominguez-Kramer:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison_ifbbpro/ [https://www.instagram.com/allison_ifbbpro/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.dominguez1/ [https://www.facebook.com/allison.dominguez1/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allisonkramer93 [https://www.youtube.com/@allisonkramer93]  Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about]

MS Endurance Warrior: From Diagnosis to Training for a 281.2-Mile Ultra Triathlon w/ Misty Johnson (EP #63)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #63 with Misty Johnson. Misty Johnson is an endurance athlete living with multiple sclerosis. After being diagnosed in 2016, she went from vision loss, fear, and uncertainty to completing eight Ironman races, including the World Championship. Now, she is training for the Endure Double Ultra Triathlon, a 281.2-mile race with a 36-hour cutoff. In this episode, Misty shares the raw reality of her MS diagnosis, the early fear of losing her independence, and the moment everything changed. She opens up about being legally blind, learning to trust her body again, finding community through endurance sports, and using her story to show others what is still possible after diagnosis. This conversation is about more than racing. It is about resilience, identity, support, and refusing to let a diagnosis define the rest of your life. Misty’s story is a powerful reminder that life does not end after diagnosis. Sometimes, it becomes the beginning of something even bigger. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:27] Meet Misty Johnson [02:04] Small Town Roots and Military Life [04:11] Early MS Symptoms [07:29] Vision Loss and Health Scares [12:21] First Year of Marriage and MS Diagnosis [14:45] The MRI That Changed Everything [18:04] Losing Independence [20:50] From Diagnosis to Endurance Sports [24:23] Finding Support and Community [28:33] Discovering Triathlon [31:44] First Race and Ironman Journey [34:59] Eight Ironman Finishes [35:19] Training for 281.2 Miles [39:05] Racing Without a Guide [42:01] Advice for Someone Newly Diagnosed [43:35] Follow Misty’s Journey Key Takeaways:   • “Your life doesn’t end after diagnosis, and it could actually get better.” ~ Misty Johnson • “I was legally blind, diagnosed legally blind the same time that I was diagnosed with MS.” ~ Misty Johnson • “I have MS and I’m legally blind and I’m here to talk to you about your internet.” ~ Misty Johnson • “I just want people to see that your life doesn’t end after diagnosis and that it could actually get better.” ~ Misty Johnson • “My next big goal is the Endure Double Ultra Triathlon. It’s 281.2 miles continuous.” ~ Misty Johnson • It gets better, like it will get better and don’t afraid to just keep going. ~ Misty Johnson • “You have taken a diagnosis and turned it into such an advocacy for everyone else out there.” ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Misty Johnson:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyeC1YUQQ/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyeC1YUQQ/]  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.endurance.warrior [https://www.tiktok.com/@ms.endurance.warrior]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms.endurance.warrior [https://www.instagram.com/ms.endurance.warrior]  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ms.endurance.warrior [https://youtube.com/@ms.endurance.warrior]  Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

Candid Interview with Pender County’s First Female Mayor w/ Olivia Dawson (EP #62)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #62 with Olivia Dawson. In this episode of Rebel Rootz, Evonne Varady sits down with Olivia Dawson, the Mayor of Burgaw, North Carolina, for a candid conversation about leadership, service, and small town impact. Olivia shares how her love for community led her from local events and tourism to becoming the first female mayor of Pender County. She opens up about running a small town, staying grounded, balancing family, and why her work has always been about service over status. Evonne and Olivia also talk about why small towns are often underestimated, what makes Burgaw special, and how thoughtful growth can create real opportunity. Tune in to hear what it really takes to lead a small town with purpose. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:29] Meet Olivia Dawson [03:04] Community & Service [03:48] Running for Mayor [05:33] First Female Mayor [08:21] Reality of the Role [11:38] Staying Grounded [13:27] Mayor Mode [15:30] Why Small Towns Matter [17:01] What Makes Burgaw Special [18:48] Goals for Burgaw [22:41] Building Downtown [25:05] Advice for Leaders [27:23] Growth Between Terms [32:06] Rapid Fire [34:08] Blueberry Festival Key Takeaways:   • “I just had a yearning that I wanted to give back or to do something grand.” ~ Olivia Dawson • “I didn’t run on being a woman. I really ran on that I love my community.” ~ Olivia Dawson • Leading a small town means handling everything from sidewalks and roads to business, housing, water, and growth. ~ Olivia Dawson • “I have to take care of myself to bring the best version of myself.” ~ Olivia Dawson • Small towns are often underestimated, but they are where people live, build community, and create real opportunity. ~ Olivia Dawson • “It depends on if you’re helping your small town reach its potential. It matters.” ~ Olivia Dawson • “Just because government runs slow doesn’t mean everything has to run slow.” ~ Olivia Dawson • It is easy to sit outside and have opinions. It is harder to be the one making the calls. ~ Evonne Varady Keep In Touch with Olivia Dawson:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoroliviadawson/ [https://www.instagram.com/mayoroliviadawson/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaforBurgawMayor [https://www.facebook.com/OliviaforBurgawMayor] Resources Mentioned:  Town of Burgaw: https://burgawnc.gov/ [https://burgawnc.gov/]  Visit Burgaw: https://visitburgawnc.com/ [https://visitburgawnc.com/]  Pender County: https://pendercountync.gov/ [https://pendercountync.gov/]  North Carolina Blueberry Festival: https://ncblueberryfestival.com/ [https://ncblueberryfestival.com/]  Town of Burgaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurgawNC/ [https://www.facebook.com/BurgawNC/]  Visit Burgaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitBurgawNC/ [https://www.facebook.com/VisitBurgawNC/]  Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]

Motherhood Unfiltered: What Being a Mom Is Actually Like w/ Shelby, Gina, and Janet (EP #61)

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #61 with Shelby Campbell, Gina Smits, and Janet Mordeci. In this special Mother’s Day episode, Evonne Varady sits down with three women in different stages of motherhood. Shelby Campbell, Evonne’s oldest daughter, is an 11-week postpartum first-time mom. Gina Smits is a wife of nearly 31 years, mother of five, adoptive mom, and special needs mama. Janet Mordeci is preparing to welcome her first baby after a long infertility journey. Together, they talk about what motherhood actually feels like beyond the flowers, cards, and picture-perfect moments. From mom guilt, self-care, breastfeeding, asking for help, infertility, adoption, special needs parenting, and letting go of perfection, this conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply human. This episode is a reminder that motherhood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and full of seasons that go faster than you think. Watch now and share this with a mom who deserves more grace today. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:54] Meet Shelby, Gina, and Janet [04:22] What Motherhood Means [08:28] Too Many Opinions [13:50] Motherhood Is Not Easy [15:44] Asking For Help [23:02] Every Stage Matters [27:06] Eighteen Summers [29:45] It’s Just A Phase [31:04] Infertility and Marriage [33:00] Things Change When It’s Your Own [33:59] Dirty Dishes Can Wait [35:19] Self-Care In Motherhood [39:23] Mom Guilt [42:46] Social Media and Motherhood [45:40] ChatGPT Parenting [46:46] Best Advice For Moms [49:50] Have Fun With It Key Takeaways:   • “There is no self-care. I’m lucky if I get a shower every day.” ~ Shelby Campbell • “It’s so different when it’s your own. You just think everything’s cute.” ~ Shelby Campbell • Let the little things go. The dishes, laundry, and dust can wait, but the baby moments do not come back. ~ Shelby Campbell • “Mother’s Day gets wrapped up in flowers, cards, picture perfect moments, but that’s not the full story.” ~ Evonne Varady • “I think it’s a love that nobody understands the strength of it until you are a mother.” ~ Gina Smits • “Your kids will never love you as much as you love them.” ~ Gina Smits • Give yourself grace. You cannot be perfect, and your kids need to see that too. ~ Gina Smits • “You really only have 18 summers with them.” ~ Janet Mordeci • Stick to your own truth and block out the noise. ~ Janet Mordeci • “We forget about the fun, and those days go by super fast.” ~ Evonne Varady Connect with Evonne Varady:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/ [https://www.instagram.com/evonnevarady/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-varady-461243a5/]  Follow Rebel Rootz Social Media… Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.facebook.com/Rebelrootzshow/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/ [https://www.instagram.com/rebelrootzshow/]  Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:  Website: https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/ [https://www.rebelrootzshow.com/]  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebel-rootz-show/id1858966309]  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs [https://open.spotify.com/show/7zRpPRxyeDM4P0VnRNSoZs]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow [https://www.youtube.com/@RebelRootzShow]  This Podcast Is Powered By Clean Eatz: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ [https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ [https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/]  Website: https://cleaneatz.com/ [https://cleaneatz.com/about] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGG [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA]