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

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

Subscribe to Kill the Small Talk on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@KillTheSmallTalkPodcast

Produced by Command Creative Studios 🌐 https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

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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 Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

Hashtags #KillTheSmallTalk #RickIzquieta #AlexCaron #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #ComedianInterview

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

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

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 Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

#KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaron #RickIzquieta #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast #ComedianInterview

On this episode of Kill the Small Talk, Alex Caron sits down with comedians Jeff Horste and Esther Nevarez for a hilarious conversation about stand-up comedy, improv, bombing, hecklers, and the weirdest gigs they’ve ever done.

Jeff Horste, a Detroit native, has appeared on Comedy Central twice, including Kevin Hart Presents: The Next Level and Hart of the City. Esther Nevarez is a comic, actress, improviser, and gong practitioner. Together, Jeff and Esther host the podcast We Are Freaking Out.

In this episode, they talk about how they each got started in comedy, learning through open mics, dealing with bad shows, and why some gigs are doomed before the first joke even lands. They also get into vegan life, audience psychology, bar shows, nudist colony performances, underwear comedy shows, and the realities of trying to make comedy work in unpredictable spaces.

This episode is funny, chaotic, and full of the kind of behind-the-scenes comedy stories you only hear from people who’ve really lived it.

Follow Jeff Horste: @JeffHorste

Follow Esther Nevarez: @esthertoi

Follow us on Instagram: @killthesmalltalk

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast

Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

#KillTheSmallTalk #AlexCaron #JeffHorste #EstherNevarez #StandUpComedy #ComedyPodcast

In this "Re-Release" episode of Kill the Small Talk, Alex sits down with filmmaker Alejandro Montoya Marín — writer, director, and creator of The Unexpected. Alejandro shares his journey from growing up between Texas and Mexico, studying at Vancouver Film School, and being selected by Robert Rodriguez for Rebel Without a Crew.

They dive deep into the realities of filmmaking: the pressure, the anxiety, the grind, and the joy of collaborating with creative people. Alejandro talks about his early days running a video store, the lessons he learned working every position on a film set, his love for movies, and why Mexico’s film industry is exploding.

From his thoughts on producing, LA vs. New Mexico filmmaking, and industry tax incentives, to the personal stories about family, culture, sports, and creative inspiration — this is a grounded, honest, and funny conversation with one of indie film’s hardest -working directors.

Watch The Unexpected, follow Alejandro’s work, and enjoy the episode!

Instagram: https://www.threads.com/@alejandromontoyamarin

Kill the Talk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killthesmalltalkpodcast/?hl=en

Show Produced by Command Creative Studios: https://www.commandrecordingstudios.com/

#KillTheSmallTalk #AlejandroMontoyaMarin #AlexCaronPodcast #TheUnexpectedMovie #RebelWithoutACrew #RobertRodriguez #IndieFilm #FilmmakerLife #MexicanFilmmakers #VancouverFilmSchool #NewMexicoFilm #MovieDirector #BehindTheScenes #CreativeJourney #FilmIndustryTalk #NoMoreSmallTalk

Rick Martinelli wears a lot of hats — stand-up comedian, independent hip hop artist, eBay reseller, vintage skateboard dealer, and a full-time dad. And somehow… he makes it all work.

In this episode of Kill the Small Talk, Rick and Alex dive into the reality of juggling creative passions with real life responsibilities, the transition from hip hop to stand-up comedy, and the chaos of performing live — including one of the wildest show horror stories you’ll ever hear.

They also break down:

• The difference between bombing vs. killing on stage
• Why small comedy rooms hit harder than big venues
• The grind of independent touring and reselling
• What it really takes to stay creative while raising a family

This is a raw, funny, and honest conversation about chasing multiple dreams at once — and surviving the chaos that comes with it.

Follow Rick Martinelli on Instagram: @martinellicomedy

Watch the full episode and subscribe for more real conversations with comedians, creatives, and people doing life their own way.

Follow us on Instagram @killthesmalltalk. Watch the show on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@KilltheSmall-TalkPodcast

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

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