As we kick off coverage of the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, I sit down with director Nicola Rinciari to discuss his feature debut, A Mosquito in the Ear — the powerful opening night film inspired by a true adoption story.

Starring Nazanin Boniadi and Jake Lacy, the film follows an American couple navigating the emotional, cultural, and marital complexities of adopting a young girl from India. What unfolds is a deeply human story about identity, displacement, parenthood, and the fragile bridge between two worlds.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The real-life story behind the film
• Navigating cross-cultural storytelling
• The emotional weight of adoption
• How parenthood reshapes relationships
• Casting and working with the young actress who plays Sarvari
• What it means to open SBIFF with his first feature

This film tugged at my heart in ways I didn’t expect — and our conversation dives into why.

🎥 A Mosquito in the Ear opens the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

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Jonathan Roumie stops by The BUZZ to talk about Solo Mio, the romantic comedy premiering in theaters February 6 that doubles as a love letter to Italy. From filming in Rome and Tuscany to exploring his character Neil’s quiet confidence, Jonathan opens up about on-set chemistry with Kevin James and Kim Coates, the joy of ensemble acting, and why voiceover work may be the loneliest form of performance.

Andrew Walker joins The BUZZ for a candid conversation about Skin Mason, longevity skincare, and why simplicity actually works. We talk Christmas Con moments, Hallmark fandom, his debut on Are You Afraid of the Dark?, working with Lacey Chabert, and the real chemistry behind the Three Wise Men films—plus what’s next for Skin Mason.

Ahead of its January 28 premiere, The BUZZ celebrates the return of Apple TV’s Shrinking with Christa Miller, Ted McGinley, and Michael Urie. The cast reflects on Season 3 as a turning point — one where Liz, Derek, and Brian truly grow up, confront their pasts, and learn how to show up for others. From emotional breakthroughs to behind-the-scenes moments, this conversation dives deep into the heart of one of TV’s most honest series.

The Night Manager returns after a decade — and the danger is deeper than ever.

Diego Calva joins The BUZZ to talk about stepping into Season 2 of the hit espionage thriller as Teddy Dos Santos, a character driven by loyalty, power, and a deep inability to trust. Calva breaks down Teddy’s complicated relationship with Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston), now operating under a new identity, and why their bond feels more like brotherhood than rivalry.

Calva also teases the now-buzzed-about three-way “espionage dance” scene with Tom Hiddleston and Camila Morrone, where no one is truly in control and every mask begins to fall. Plus, he reflects on Babylon and the performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

🎬 The Night Manager Season 2 premieres Sunday, January 11, on Prime Video.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ethan Silverman and John Jack Rodgers to discuss a powerful upcoming staged reading of All the President’s Men, taking place Friday, January 9 at 7 PM at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre.

The event features an incredible lineup including Mark Ruffalo, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke, Parker Posey, and others, and serves as a meaningful tribute to Robert Redford and the lasting impact of the 1976 film.

We talk about why All the President’s Men continues to resonate nearly 50 years later, how its themes of truth, accountability, and investigative journalism remain deeply relevant today, and what audiences can expect from this timely and thought-provoking evening.

🎭 Event Details:
📍 Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre
📅 Friday, January 9
🕖 7:00 PM

It’s the holiday season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with The BUZZ! 🎄✨

We’re heading to New York City for exclusive interviews with the cast and creative team behind Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Leah Sava Jeffries, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, and Daniel Diemer tease what fans can expect in an exciting Season 2.

Plus, we stopped by Christmas Con to chat with your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie stars, who shared their cherished holiday traditions and what makes this season so special.

Grab some cocoa and join us for a festive episode packed with fandom, fun, and holiday cheer.

Actor Christina Villa joins the podcast to discuss her journey from growing up in El Paso in a predominantly Mexican-American household to earning her MFA from the Actors Studio Drama School and building a career rooted in emotional truth. Christina opens up about bilingual storytelling, her standout performance in Wanted Man, working alongside Dolph Lundgren, and why portraying strong, multidimensional women with empathy and grit matters to her. A thoughtful conversation about craft, representation, and finding authenticity on screen.