Amore Podcast

If Taylor Swift had a twin, April Gloria would be her. The New Jersey native who started cosplaying in May 2013, took on another sort of role when shortly after family, friends and strangers alike couldn't help but notice how much she resembled the pop-star. As one pop culture writer put it — April looks more like Taylor than Taylor does. Since taken on her forced fame, she's been featured in the pages of Elle, Teen Vogue, People, Maxim, and on sites such as Buzzfeed, The Daily Mail and many more. When she's not creating content for her 200,000 fans on Facebook, or 90,000 followers on Instagram — April makes her home with her husband in Kansas, where she spends her days working at a factory. So what must it be like to be a lookalike to a big time celebrity? Is she constantly being mistaken for Taylor? What do her family and friends think? We asked her all of this. Listen to this episode to find out. More at http://www.AmorePodcast.com

Of Mercer Co-founders Dorie Golkin Smith and Emelyn Northway met the first week of Wharton Business School at a welcome event … wearing the exact same black dress. Laughing over the initial awkwardness, they immediately bonded over their shared appreciation for their one, go-to confidence-inducing professional outfit. Having worked in consulting and finance for years, they knew there had to be a better way to get dressed for work 5 (or 6 or 7) days a week. The solution was simple: create a dedicated work-wear brand with a bold modern aesthetic to take women where they need to go. It seemed easy enough, but the endeavor was ambitious and something was missing…a creative, a designer, someone with fashion industry experience… Enter Aja Singer: Parsons grad and tailored clothing specialist. And with that Of Mercer was born. Though the label started as an e-commerce business model, the pair would go on to open their flagship store in New York City's Flatiron district located at 42 East 21st Street. More at AmorePodcast.com

Quincy Davis was born and raised in the beach town of Montauk, Long Island, Davis first got on a surfboard because she was bored. Her brother and two best friends were always surfing so eventually she tired of tanning, grabbed a board and that was it. Quincy, who has been with the Volcom Surf Team since 2007, splits her time between Montauk in the summer and Rincon, Puerto Rico in the winter and travels the world competing at amateur events in hopes of one day being on the Women’s World Tour. More at http://www.amorepodcast.com

Tom Patterson, founder and CEO of Tommy John, a premium men's underwear company committed to addressing the real problems men have with their undergarments. Each product contains proprietary fabrics, innovative fit and functionality that eliminates unnecessary adjustments, discomfort, untucking and bunching. Tommy John launched in 2008 with the world's first patented undershirt with a stay-tucked guarantee, and has since expanded into underwear, socks, casual wear and performance gear. Tommy John products can be found at Nordstrom, Dillard's, Bloomingdale's, over 100 premium men's stores, and online at TommyJohn.com.

For 22 years, Keith Howland has been the lead guitarist for the ledgendary pop-rock band, Chicago In 1995, Chicago was looking for a new lead guitarist following the departure of Dawayne Bailey. Howland was a long-time fan of the band and of their co-founding guitarist, Terry Kath. Howland appeared uninvited at the auditions, and attained a chance meeting with the band's bassist, Jason Scheff. He performed a last-minute audition, and was offered the job on the same day. The legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in at #9, the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine's recent Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists. And Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. Chicago was inducted into the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Chicago's first album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 2014, and the band performed on the Grammy stage for the first time that year. The band’s new documentary film, Now More Than Ever: The History Of Chicago, premiered at the Sedona International Film Festival in February, 2016, and won the Film Festival’s Best of Fest Audience Choice Award. Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire will once again embark on their North American co-headlining this fall. More at Amorepodcast.com

Kyla Reid was born in Soltau, Germany, and being of Caribbean and American descent, Kyla was raised in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The success of 'One Dance' was sampled from a track titled, ‘Do You Mind’ and was later remixed by ‘Crazy Cousinz’ and released on independent labels in February, 2009, rapidly, becoming the most played/respected UK Funky track to date; and hitting the radio and club scene nationwide - with full force. The track reached top spots of No.1 on ‘MTV Base’ and No.4 on the ‘MTV Dance’ Chart, capturing the hearts of music lovers nationwide. With the same fantastic backing as ‘Do You Mind’, this track began to kick up a storm in both the commercial and underground worlds alike. More recently Kyla has now re-entered the charts with a world smash but courtesy of OVO Sounds frontman Drake. Drake ft Kyla & Wizkid “one Dance” has quickly become a club/chart hit taking the number 1 spot in 33 countries, whilst holding the place in the UK for a month. Currently the track is number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the AT Top 40 chart. This is not only the beginning of a new chapter for Kyla but the start of a magical journey.

Your go-to personal finance expert, author of bestseller 'When She Makes More,' host of 'Follow the Leader' on CNBC & host of 'So Money' podcast www.farnoosh.tv

When it comes to the song you’re most likely to crank up this summer and jam out to with the windows down and sun-roof dropped back — it’ll most likely be The Chainsmokers, "Roses" featuring Rozes. The female voice you hear in the song that has taken over radio play (currently No. 3 on the American Top 40 chart) is that of the Philadelphia born Rozes, who, when speaking to her for the first time you get the sense that her career in the spotlight hasn’t reached peak. She tells Amore that she still feels relatively unknown. Which one might find hard to believe considering she's taken to the national spotlight several times, performing the hit song on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" and "The Late Late Show with James Corden." Aside from her massively successful collaboration, the starlet recently released her debut EP "Burn Wild" — a collective of reflections on modern day romance. Solidifying her position at the top of pop, Rozes will perform at SXSW 2016 in mid-March. Beyond SXSW, she's poised to play a few club dates around the country. More at http://www.AmorePodcast.com

More at: http://www.amorepodcast.com Actress Angel Parker can next be seen starring in FX’s “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson,” alongside an impressive ensemble cast including Cuba Gooding Jr., John Travolta, David Schwimmer, Sarah Paulson and Courtney B. Vance. “American Crime Story,” set to premiere February 2, 2016, is a true crime anthology television series that will focus on the murder trial of O.J. Simpson. Angel is a scene stealer as famed celebrity attorney ‘Shawn Chapman,’ one of O.J. Simpson’s ‘Dream Team’ lawyers.

Kristin Addis is the solo female traveler behind BeMyTravelMuse.com, a website for off the beaten path adventures. For the past three years, she’s traveled the world alone, hitchhiking in China, sleeping in a tent for over a month in Africa, and learning how to say ‘I love you’ in 12 Asian languages. She just authored the guidebook for solo female travelers, Conquering Mountains: How to Solo Travel the World Fearlessly. She was selected by USA Today as a top vagabonding blogger and has been featured in Trip Advisor for Business, Lonely Planet, and BuzzFeed, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, and Huffington Post, among others.

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More at AmorePodcast.com Tenacious, intelligent, and a triple threat talent, actress Caroline Sunshine has quickly become “one to watch” in the entertainment industry over the years from the captivating characters she has brought to life on screen. In 2015 Caroline can be seen starring as “Emily Jordan” in the “The Outfield” for Fullscreen Films. Now available on digital release nationwide [iTunes], the film, directed by Eli Gonda and Michael Goldfine, follows the story of high school baseball stars Frankie [Cameron Dallas], Jack [Nash Grier], and Austin [Joey Bragg], who seem to have their futures lined up and ready to go. However, senior year brings changes that make them all question what they’re truly meant to do with their lives. Caroline is a scene-stealer as Emily, the stubborn, loving, and protective girlfriend of Jack. Born in Snellville, Georgia and raised in Orange County, California, Caroline grew up with a love for the arts, immersing herself in dance, film, television, and music. Her grandmother showed her all the old Hollywood classics, while Saturday morning movies with her dad were a regular occurrence. Over the years leading up to high school Caroline trained professionally as a dancer [specifically in ballet], a talent that she would go on to use for the future film and TV projects. 2010 was a breakout year for Caroline, she made her feature film debut with a supporting role as “Barbara Winslow” in Twentieth Century Fox’s “Marmaduke” alongside Judy Greer, Lee Pace, Owen Wilson, Emma Stone, and George Lopez, to name a few. She went on to land a lead role in the Disney Channel Original Series “Shake It Up,” which became an international sensation from 2010-13. Caroline’s performance as “Tinka Hessenheffer” was hailed as “the best performance on the show” by People Magazine critic Tom Giliatto. While working on “Shake It Up” helped Caroline hone in on her comedic timing [she also used an Eastern European accent in every episode], she also had the opportunity to showcase her talents in singing and dancing, even collaborating on some of the albums the show produced. ! Once wrapping “Shake It Up” Caroline made the decision to go to college, and she is currently a sophomore at Claremont McKenna College studying International Relations and Economics. While juggling film and television projects, Caroline works at the Mgrublian Center for Human Rights, she is on the Model United Nations Team [ranked #1 on the west coast and #6 in the nation] and she writes for the campus magazine The Vanguard, which focuses on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She hopes that she can be a strong role model for women of all ages, that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. On the charity front, Caroline loves to spend time working with a handful of organizations, including: The Starkey Hearing Foundation, and she is a graduate of the National Charity League. In her down time you can find her traveling, surfing, and wake boarding- or participating in adrenaline filled activities like skydiving and bungee jumping. Caroline currently lives in the Los Angeles area.

More at AmorePodcast.com Throughout 2015-16, Major Dodson can be seen co-starring on AMC’s international smash hit series “The Walking Dead.” Introduced in Season 5, Major plays ‘Sam Anderson,’ a survivor of the zombie outbreak whom is living in Alexandria Safe Zone with his mother, hairdresser Jessie, father Pete who is also the town doctor, and brother Ron. At the tail end of season 5, Rick [Andrew Lincoln] discovers Pete is an alcoholic and abusing his wife, and steps in to take matters into his own hands. Meanwhile Sam [Dodson] strikes up an unlikely friendship with Carol [Melissa McBride] which unfolds throughout Season 6. Season 6 of “The Walking Dead” premiered on October 11, 2015. Aside from his role on “The Walking Dead,” Major is also known for his recurring role in 2014 on FX’s critically acclaimed series “American Horror Story.” Major was a scene-stealer as ‘Corey Bachman,’ a child who is abducted after his parents are murdered by Twisty the clown and kept in a cage at Twisty’s campground. There, he was terrorized by Twisty’s failed entertainments and malnourished from lack of food. On the film front, Major recently starred alongside Nicholas Cage and Lea Thompson as their son in LEFT BEHIND [Freestyle Releasing, Arclight Films] based on the bestselling novels by Tim LaHaye and released nationwide in October 2014. Born in Dallas, Texas Major always had a love for acting and bringing characters to life. His first network television appearance was as the young Danny Matheson on NBC’s “Revolution” [2013]. Additional credits include: “Alfred Thinks We’re Aliens,” “Mystery Diagnosis,” and “Sons of the Brotherhood,” film shorts “Don’t Cry Daddy,” “The Man Who Never Cried,” and “Departure,” and indie film “Dermaphoria.” While in between takes on set, Major loves researching the latest and greatest cars [he is a car fanatic], working to solve Rubik’s Cubes, and collecting vintage cameras. On the charity front Major and his family launched Smiles for the Homeless several years ago, an organization that compiles bags with essential items [toiletries, clothes] for people in need. Major currently splits his time between Houston and Los Angeles with his parents and his little brother Cooper, who is also a budding young actor. Check out Major's website here, Like his Facebook page, or follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Blair Bomar is a fresh face you’re sure to see a great deal of in the coming year. This fall Bomar can be seen starring in season two of Robert Rodriguez’s horror series, “From Dusk Till Dawn” on El Rey network. Based on the 1996 cult classic film written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Rodriguez, the show follows the Gecko brothers and the Fuller family as they fight until dawn in a strip club run by vampires to survive. Bomar plays the role of Alice, head waitress at Jacknife Jed’s who will eat your heart out… literally. The series has been a #1 pick on Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List” and was also named one of the “Hottest New Fiction Shows” by The Hollywood Reporter. Born in Dallas, Texas, Bomar grew up in a creative family consisting of her mother (a yogi), her father (a Jack Nicholson look a like) and her brother (a real estate agent who plays a mean guitar). She discovered her desire to entertain at the age of nine while on her first trip to New York City to see three shows with her mother. The third show was “Sunset Boulevard” on Broadway with Glenn Close and she fell instantly in love. Initially a dancer, Bomar earned a degree in Theater and Dance at University of Texas. She also studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. She booked her first role in BANDSLAM (Summit Entertainment) opposite Aly Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens and Lisa Kudrow in 2009 and has since appeared in several indie projects and guest starred on CBS’ hit series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Bomar can also be seen in the recently released film ALWAYS WATCHING: A MARBLE HORNETS STORY, which is the feature film continuation of YouTube’s popular Marble Hornets series. She plays Nikki, the local weather girl whose forecasts prove ominous among a bevy of unsuspecting victims. In her downtime, Bomar enjoys practicing and teaching both yoga and Pilates. On the charity front, she supports various organizations that raise awareness for mental health issues, and women’s rights and empowerment. She currently resides in Los Angeles. Please let us know if you would like to interview Blair and we would be more than happy to set up an interview! See more at http://www.amorepodcast.com/

LaMonica Garrett, actor, FX's 'Sons of Anarchy' by Amore Podcast

Taylor-Ann Hasselhoff is no stranger to reality television, this year she joined the cast for season 3 of the international series “#RichKids of Beverly Hills,” on E! Entertainment. Coming of the success of season 3 of ‘#RichKids,’ Taylor-Ann recently released her new single and music video “Collide” along with producer Mario Marchetti [Demi Lovato, JoJo, Black Eyed Peas]. Her music has also been the inspiration behind the launch of her high end unisex jewelry line Skulls On Fire. This line is inspired by Taylor-Ann’s own personal style, having a rock-n-roll/rocker-chic vibe. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Taylor-Ann grew up in Hollywood royalty as the daughter of internationally renowned star David Hasselhoff. Throughout the 1990’s, Taylor-Ann’s childhood was immersed in the entertainment industry as she traveled internationally with her family, spent time on set, and watched her father’s music career take off. Education was a big priority for Taylor-Ann, she attended the prestigious K-12 The Buckley School, and went on to attend the University of Arizona majoring in Communications with a minor in Business. Aside from her work in television and music, Taylor-Ann has a huge passion for charity and she works with a handful of organizations regularly, including the LA Mission, an organization that works to provide hope, health, food, and opportunity to people in need. She also works closely with The World Animal Protection. More at http://www.AmorePodcast.com

Divini Rae has wore many shoes in her life, from modeling/actress in heels in Los Angeles to winter boots in Alaska. The model/actress grew up in the small town, Tanana, Alaska which has a total population of fewer than 300 people. It was those small-town roots that inspired her to write her soon-to-be released book, Alaskan Wild Child, which showcases her youth in the Last Frontier state. The book tells the real life story of a young Divini, living off the land, eating meat her family hunted, having no access to running water, electricity, or heat other than a wood-burning stove. She found her way to Los Angeles after being discovered in Australia (where she was living at the time). She had a long and successful career modeling and acting. While living in Hollywood, she met her now husband, a doctor. The two settled in his native Oklahoma City where Divini, after giving birth to two children, found she was at a point in life where she and her family's health took on an important role. She launched her own website featuring successful health and fitness videos; she also became a motivational speaker. With all she does, her deep, Alaskan roots, which combined with her unlikely fame, has allowed her to live an ideal life surrounded with family, good health and strong values guiding her direction.

The Sorrentinos may not be the first family on reality television, but they certainly are the newest to leave their imprint in the realm that has become famous over the years for exposing family life in America. Families cast on reality TV shows range from the Osbournes to the Kardashians. America has a fascination with getting a peak into other peoples' private lives -- the more famous the family, generally the greatest the interest. It doesn't seem to matter whether viewers can relate to the people. Back to the Sorrentinos, made famous by Mike who may most likely remember as 'The Situation,' from the MTV show the Jersey Shore. That moniker came from Mike's well defined abs that he often highlighted on the show. Now Mike wants you to meet the rest of his family which includes brothers Marc and Frank, sister Melissa and mom Linda Sorrentino. As you follow their daily exploits of running the family businesses, maintaining busy schedules and having a bit of fun, it draws viewers in like the many reality shows preceding it. We caught up with Melissa and Linda to ask them about Mike becoming famous on the Jersey Shore, their new TVGN show, and where they see themselves 10 years from now.

The Neighbourhood in terms of the music world, is still a relatively new band, forming in 2011 and soon after producing two EPs, I'm Sorry... and Thank You. Their style can simply be described as running deep with classic American rock and a modern twist. It's that unique sound that has afforded them early success with both EPs that lead them to their recently released first full-length album titled, I Love You (Columbia Records). The album debuted at number 39 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, Sweater Weather became an instant commercial success on the radio; That song topped the charts in early June 2013, reaching number 1 on Billboard's alternative chart and breaking the top ten on Billboard Heatseekers chart, eventually going double platinum. Their latest track, Honest is featured on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack. AmoreMagazine.com podcast recently sat down with the band's guitarist, Zach Abels to discuss their recent success, new album, touring and other interesting facts about the band. The Neighbourhood is currently on tour across North America and later this summer will head overseas to Europe. Full list of tour dates can be found here.

Patricia Gomez-Gracia found her love of fashion on a unique path that first started when a local Miami textile store closed. On the suggestion of a friend, they purchase the fabric from the store to make handbags. Those handbag designs were a huge success and at that point Patricia knew what her life calling was. Gomez-Gracia, who, strangely enough studied economics and marketing in college at the University of Florida knew that she needed to be in the middle of the fashion world. She then booked a flight to London, where she was able to land an internship studying under her favorite designer Alexander McQueen. In 2009, after five years in the industry she knew it was time to launch her own label and from that Gomez-Gracia was born. From a recent presentation of her line, it's noted that her designs offer a feminine and refined look with an edgy, rock and roll twist.