Now That I Had My Coffee

Alejandro de Hoyos, "The Latino James Bond" as he is called by press is the lead actor and executive producer of El Contratista/The Contractor (Now on Tubi & Amazon Prime). De Hoyos just wrapped filming The Man from Toronto, an upcoming American action comedy film directed by Patrick Hughes and starring Kevin Hart (Jumanji, Night School), Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, The Hunger Games) and Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory, The Flight Attendant). The Man from Toronto is scheduled to be released on September 17, 2021 by Sony Pictures Releasing. Upcoming films and TV shows also include the feature film Free Dead or Alive with Robert Avellanet (Menudo), Edy Ganem (Devious Maids) and Patricia Velasquez (The Mummy) and Netflix's I Think You Should Leave, an American sketch comedy television show on Netflix with SNL's Tim Robinson. De Hoyos is also currently in pre-production of the feature film The Mexican Connection where he will play the lead role and will be the executive producer. Alejandro's acting career includes blockbusters such as Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford, and award-winning tv series such as General Hospital and The Bold and The Beautiful. He has worked in over 200 commercials including Northwestern Mutual Travel's Ad campaign, which was shot in exotic locations across Europe including glaciers, deserts, beaches and historic cities. It premiered during the 2020 Rose Bowl online and to millions of viewers.  As a businessman, by age 22 De Hoyos had produced concerts for internationally renowned musical acts including Laura Brannigan, Lupita D'Alessio, José José and disco sensation Sylvester while he worked as manager of Mexico City's largest Private Night Club- The Magic Circus. De Hoyos, who is also a Black-belt in the Polynesian art of self-defense Limalama, also produced major heavy-weight  kickboxing events during is time as club manager at the Magic Circus.  In addition to his work as  an actor, as manager and producer,  De Hoyos is also a successful businessman. He owns 9 businesses that range from medical to his own production company. His production company Alta California Pictures  was created in response to a cry for the need of inclusion of Latinos in the film industry, for  the need of more roles that do not focus on a stereotypical depiction of Latinos. De Hoyos took action. If the roles desired for Latinos in the industry were not available, and if the quality of the work desired was not there, then it is up to Latinos themselves such as he to create this product instead of waiting for someone else to make it and deliver it. Trailer El Contratista: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi545176345?ref_=tt_pv_vi_aiv_1El Contratista features a team of all Spanish speaking characters who represent different parts of South America and the Caribbean. De Hoyos plays their leader named Cano.  Synopsis: “EL CONTRATISTA is an action feature film featuring a group of young international military fighters and their tough veteran leader determined to protect a young boy, whose family was murdered. Now they must figure out who are the good guys and bad guys before they all end up dead!”Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

About the Author: Children’s Book Author and Human Rights activist Sergio Liden’s first 19 years of his life began running, literally. Fleeing first his country of birth, Spain (Madrid) – under then dictator General Franco – and again from a military coup in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his family came to the United States and settled in sunny Southern California, in the quiet suburbs of Los Angeles when he was 5. But for Sergio, they were anything but quiet. This was just the beginning.  As a survivor of an extremely violent childhood, Liden attended Mountain Avenue Elementary from kindergarten to the sixth grade and Rosemont Jr. High for middle school. Before completing the seventh grade, he was institutionalized for attempted suicide. Being that he was in the throes of alcoholism, he has no recollection of his time in eighth grade and the following year he moved to Argentina to live with his grandmother. Unfortunately, he fell through the cracks again and attended ten different high schools. Liden credits his counselor and mentor Elin Bradley at Penny Lane Centers for saving his life. She was the one who drove Sergio to his first AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting at age 17. He has been sober ever since and holds a 32-year friendship with Ms. Bradley. At 19, Sergio became homeless living on the streets, and though he was offered drugs multiple times, he maintained his sobriety. He did this by going to 7 to 10 AA meetings a day. With a lot of help and love, his life took a turn in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. where he met the woman that would later become his wife. From there he became a better counselor, friend, and listener, and found happiness for the first time.One morning while his daughter was lying on the living room floor, barely able to lift her head, Sergio got the curiosity of lying down next to her and seeing the world from her perspective. He saw that the dining table was nothing but four legs holding “something up,” that the chairs were also just legs holding “something up,” and that the couch was this “long thing” that made no sense. It was at this moment when he realized that he must appear as a giant to his infant daughter and after observing his surroundings from her perspective, he ran over to his office and poured out his first book, Little Itty Bitty’s First Day.Liden is a big supporter of the Penny Lane Centers and was the keynote speaker at Penny Lane’s 45th annual Voices of Our Children Fundraiser. He also supports the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), Autism Speaks, EJI (Equal Justice Initiative), and The Help Group, the largest school system for children with autism in Los Angeles. About Dads Publishing Dads Publishing is a privately held publishing company started by 2 dads who met in their children’s kindergarten class in Los Angeles. The 2 dads in charge, writer Sergio Liden and Zachary Zemby are dedicated to publishing children’s books that help children better understand their emotions and help parents better understand their own role in life, especially as a parent. For more information, please visit www.dadspublishing.com.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Nic Harris  is an actor, fitness trainer, fitness model and a former American football linebacker of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.After several unexpected injuries, his career as a professional NFL player came to an end. However, during this interview Nic shares with us the different ways he was able to turns things around and continue to thrive as an athlete and now actor/model. He opened up about the ways he approached his mental health and the unique position he found himself in while encountering these obstacles. Further more, he took advantage of the opportunities he had at hand and not only did he obtain a BS from the University of Oklahoma, but he continued to further his academic career by earning and MBA. He embodies the spirit of perseverance with a very down to earth vibe.You can catch Nic on the films: Focus, All-American, Ballers, Best Man Holiday.Connect with Nic @NicHarris5 on Instagram and Twitter.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Gary Devon Dotson, Owner and CEO of Nite Vision Entertainment is an award-winning, 7x Grammy considered/nominated music producer, songwriter and sound engineer with over 400 music placements amongst the biggest names in entertainment - both domestic and international.Recognized for his many works through his record label and publishing company, NVE Records and NVER Publishing respectively, Dotson would later partner with Universal Music Group as NVE Record’s music distributor. With the continued success in music, he would venture out into the film business launching NVE Films where he would release his feature film, Be Our Guests and create over 180 unique opportunities for upcoming talented actors, crew members, musicians, artists, makeup artists, wardrobe stylists and more. The film, as well as his future projects in the works are given worldwide releases with Amazon Prime, Roku and more.Amazon Prime and Roku have also extended to Nite Vision Entertainment their own channel in 2020. A place where Dotson can freely create and host films, television shows, short films, news, music videos and more.This would birth Dotson’s latest creation Nite Vision Entertainment TV, NVEtv which is the home to Deeper Than Music with Markivus, The Clean Plate with Mandi, NVEtv News, Up & Coming Music, Show Your Shorts, and more.Gary Devon Dotson's motto is simply, "Why wait for opportunity when you you can createopportunity?"The opportunities are endless and the vision is clearer with Nite Vision Entertainment.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

DIRECTOR DANNY SIMMONS PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON ETHIOPIA IN AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARYSUFFER FOR GOOD Suffer For Good is the moving story of Ethiopian boxer Seb Zewdie. His Olympic dreams were shattered by Russia's boycott of the LA 1984 Olympics and a vicious near-death stabbing. After a chance encounter with CNN Hero Dr. RickSuffer For Goodis Danny Simmons' feature-length directorial debut. He directed and produced Every Other Weekend, a pilot turned web series that was executive produced by Emmy Award-winner Sterling K. Brown of NBC's This Is Us. Starring HBO's Kimberly Hébert Gregory, starring and produced by Ryan Michelle Bathé (NBC's This Is Us), and created by Netflix's Adrienne Carter. Fox put in development Every Other Weekend, a half-hour single-camera comedy from Will Packer Media at the end of 2019. Seb Sebsebe "Fetan" Zewdie is a respected boxing and MMA coach. A political refugee from Ethiopia, Zewdie immigrated to the United States in 1987 in order to receive a life-saving heart operation. Zewdie is the father of three young American sons and resided with his wife Lyouonly a few miles from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1984 Olympic games until earlier this year when they moved the family to Nashville, Tennessee.  Suffer for Good OfficialTrailer: Click Here https://youtu.be/mOUN5-4zFcA Website: https://www.sufferforgood.com  Follow Suffer for Good on:Instagram: @sufferforgoodfilmFacebook: @sufferforgood.MovieTwitter: @Suffer for GoodFor more information visit: gravitasventures.com Like & Followon Twitter @GravitasVOD & Instagram @gravitasventures Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Christina Wren is an actress, write and producer, known for Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Sequestered (2014). She is married to Demetrius Wren. Together they formed the production company "Two Kids With A Camera"She was born in New Jersey but grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. Her father runs a not-for-profit organization and her mother is an artist. She has a younger brother. She is of Lebanese Descent.Started as a musical theater major at NYU before moving to film and television.Christina also designs jewelry and has a line on Etsy called, "Tea on Tuesdays.".Her original series "Hiskters" can be found here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0Rhp5oTuklkYDrdhggbiFLUU6bpTfn6ywww.TwoKidsWithaCamera.comwww.ChristinaWren.comhttp://www.instagram.com/christinawrenSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

CONNECT WITH DYLAN @ www.dylangarciamusic.com Musician Dylan Garcia released his new single "SummerLuv" on Friday, July 31st. The single falls on the surf rock genre,with an original sound.To check out "Summer Luv"  CLICK HERE!Surf music is a subgenre of rock music associated with surf culture, particularly as foundin Southern California. It was especially popular from 1962 to 1964 in two major forms. Thefirst is instrumental surf, distinguished by reverb-drenched electric guitars played to evokethe sound of crashing waves, largely pioneered by Dick Dale and the Del-Tones. The second is vocal surf, which took elements of the original surf sound and added vocal harmonies, a movement led by the Beach Boys. Dick Dale developed the surf sound from instrumental rock, where he added Middle Eastern and Mexican influences, a spring reverb, and the rapid alternate picking characteristics. Dylan Garcia took the genre and music traditon forward by incorporating Mexican, Native American & Reggee influences, creating his own sound.About Dylan Garcia...Always in love with music, he used to put on concerts for his family and neighbors singing songs from Babyface. He looked forward to Fridays when him and his dad would wash the cars and listen to great music.Garcia started his artistic journey by writing poetry at age 12. While in high school, his friends were in rock bands. They were doing what he really wanted to do: play music. However, he was pushed into playing baseball and football. He soon began body boarding. Little did he know surfing culture was going to be a major influence in his music career. By the age of 19, he purchased his first guitar while at the University. Songwriting came organically as the next step.In 2009, Garcia began his professional music career working with legendary Diamond Certified, Grammy Award® winning producer and Academy Award Nominee® Ronnie King (Pepper, Steel Pulse, Tupac, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dog, Pennywise, Rancid). He has also worked with David Elecciri Jr., lead guitarist of Grammy Nominated reggae band SteelPulse as well as with 5x Latin Grammy Producer Kenny O'Brien. Incidentally, it was Kenny O'Brien who compared his style with Bob Dylan and the name stuck.Also, in 2009, Garcia was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. This crisis sent him into a mental institution only to emerge and give his most iconic performance to date at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. This is one of the reasons Dylan wants to give a voice to Mental Health awareness and help erase the stigma associated with it.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

About Mary Albertoli...A former clinical social worker determined to propose actionable solutions instead of detached labeling. Albertoli, who has a Master's degree in social work from Columbia University, has worked with children and adolescents for 12 years, in both individual and group settings with depression, PTSD, and suicidal and homicidal ideation. Her hands-on experience taught her that it was only through effective conversations about themselves and with each other that real growth and change took place.  " There's so much stigma around mental health, but the truth is not one of us is alone in struggling with something" said Albertoli. She started developing the idea for a docu-series called The Shift in the Spring of 2018 after being deeply affected by a headline about a 9-year-old girl's suicide. " I thought enough is enough. When did suicide become an option for young people?" She knew this was primarily due to a lack of dialogue about mental health. Young people were failing to bring language to their emotions and traumatic experiences and were often left to deal with haunting mental health issues alone.  The USC Media Institute for Social Change (USCMISC) at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts was first to get on board with the creators of The Shift. USCMISC will facilitate and produce aspects of the pilot episode on USC's campus by providing insight into recent student experiences with anxiety and depression, the first subject to be addressed by the docu-series. " Mental well-being is a national crisis, and we've been hearing from students that there is a heightened concern about it. We are facilitating conversations to help talk about the things we, as a culture, are not talking about," said Michael Taylor, Executive Director of the Media Institute for Social Change at USC. About Nhandi Craig...Nhandi is a force to be reckoned with on many levels, ESPECIALLY in the music industry.  Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nhandi continues to create her own lane as one of the most influential DJ's worldwide. She has performed for sold out stadium crowds at the Los Angeles Forum appearing with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Drake, Chance the Rapper and Cardi B.  Combining her passion for music with awareness, Nhandi continues to speak on the importance of recognizing people for their talent and NOT overlooking individuals for how they identify.  And being selected to speak on the Grammy X GLAAD panel with music artists of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies was a true highlight in her career.  As her journey continues to be noticed by the Grammy Recording Academy, Nhandi has released her first produced self titled EP in June. To play The Shift promo CLICK HERE Available now: The 1st of 4  Social Media Challenges  in May by The ShiftOne NEW challenge posted online  each week!Social Media: Website:  https://shifttheshow.comFacebook:  @theshiftseriesofficialInstagram:  @theshift_seriesTwitter: @theshift_seriesTikTok: @theshift_seriesMedium: @theshift_series#FEELtheSHIFT # STARTtheCONVERSATIONSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

*Spanglish Alert* You probably know Gadiel Del Orbe from a super relatable and funny video widely spread via Buzzfeed / Pero Like. This hilarious human is originally from New York City, both his mother and father where born in the Dominican Republic. In New York City Gadiel joined the United States Navy to start a new life. He was later stationed in San Diego and soon fell in love with the City of San Diego. After the Naval Gadiel Started to pursue a career in comedy, which includes comedy videos and stand up comedy.During our conversation, he shares with us some of his - ups and downs- throughout his life, reasons why he left NYC and joined the Navy, then moving forward to a career as a comedian and most recently, finally achieving one of his life goals, BEING A LANDLORD. I am so grateful for his time and I'm not kidding when I say, you seriously can not miss this episode!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Instagram: @marielounahhasMarie-Lou Nahhas is a Lebanese American actress, model, and activist best known for playing Egyptian-born inmate Shani Abboud on Season 7 of Orange Is the New Black.During this episode we get to chat with Marie-Lou  about her path into acting. She shares with us her experience from being born in Beirut, later relocating with her family to Pittsburgh, PA [which is where our friendship began :-) ]. She tells us about the obstacles she had to overcome during a time she began to listen to her inner voice. She attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned her degree in biology. She then attended Duquesne University earning a Master's degree in public health all while shifting focus to her acting career. She moved to NYC to pursue her acting career professionally. My beautiful amazing friend also speaks four languages: English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. BOOM! OH AND YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THE INSIDE ANECDOTES about filming the last season of OITNB! You gotta check out her interview! :-)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Actress | Producer-BRENDA BANDA- "Norma" on @netflix @gentefied.During this super laid back interview while sipping on some @starbucks teas ☕, this amazing spirit shared with us some of her experiences and connections with her character "Norma" and the cast/crew on  #Gentefied.  ALSO,  she tells us about her path, how she transformed her life experiences into the lessons that guide her today and details about her process  to get into character -  which I know we all want to hear!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Candy Ibarra is a Mexican-American award-winning producer, actress, singer and activist. She is the only one among her extended family to pursue a career in entertainment. Growing up in Venice, CA she began singing/ acting at the age of 5. Her love of music, especially of Broadway Musicals, prompted her to perform at local talent shows and events. This landed her roles in various touring companies such as Annie and Sound of Music. Also a passion was her love of Mariachi music which was nurtured by watching her parents Esequiel and Adelaida perform during her childhood. She went on to be a part of various renowned musical groups such as "Orgullo de Mexico" and "Las Nenas."Always in touch with her entrepreneur side she went on to become the founder and CEO of Latina Enterprises, Inc. a media and language company which has had over 20 years of success in the entertainment industry. She has produced award winning film and Televison hits such as Entertainment Tonight, Hard Copy and most recently the John Leguizamos- Latin History for Morons Road to Broadway. As an actress, her credits include the Incredibles 2 , Oceans 8 and The Greatest Showman. She is honored in being a member of The Academy of Arts and Televison Sciences , SAG AFTRA , Film Independent, the Sundance Institute and Women in Film. She remains passionate in supporting various political and creative projects that uplift the Latino community.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

In this episode Giselle Mendoza opened up about her childhood, her career path and her future plans. She gives us some amazing insight in reference to her experience with mental health, abuse, and her reasons why she took the path she did to become the actress she is today! Amazing woman! Check it out!~~~Born in Los Angeles, CA graduated from Pace University with a Master in Fine Arts. Woman of Influence and honored by SAG-AFTRA as a Trailblazer Performer. While she is primarily of Native American descent, she is internationally known by Cosmopolitan Magazine as "Sexiest Spaniard" along with Enrique Iglesias, Antonio Banderas, and Penélope Cruz.After joining the cast of the FX, Emmy-Award winning show, American Horror Story (2011) in 2015 starring Lady Gaga she has gained more notoriety. The show and cast were nominated for a Golden Globe (2016). Since then, she has been cast in several shows including Baskets (2016), Bones (2005), Scandal (2012) as well as Better Call Saul (2015) (nominated for a Golden Globe in 2017). She earned the esteemed title "Latina of Influence" along with Michelle Rodriguez Mendoza guest stars and recurs on popular shows like BASKETS and UNSOLVED (2018) starring Josh Duhamel and Jimmi Simpson.She began at age 3 as a dancer, singer and actor; subsequently she was invited to attend Hamilton High School for Performing Arts. Training in musical theatre and opera with Seth Riggs (Coach to the Stars). Mendoza credits her previous stunt work to the world of Martial Arts training, particularly Kapap which includes weapons. Moving into her stunt career with the legendary Bob Yerkes. Mendoza continues her craft and continues her studies in world renowned Ivana Chubbuck Studios at the recommendation of NBC executives.Believing in the philosophy that we all pass the elevator back down--in the words of Jack Lemmon--she involves herself in youth programs and charity organizations; Every Monday Matters, Stand up in the Halls and Students Run LA (SRLA) where she was not only a mentor for at-risk youth but completed the Los Angeles Marathon along side them.- IMDb Mini Biography By: PRSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Erika joins us during this episode to talk to us about her crusade throughout the US and finally settling in LA to pursue an acting career. She shares her opinion as far as cool, jobs and relationships. If you are in the entertainment industry, then you will TOTALLY relate!Join us as we sip on our favorite coffee, get into our happy place and kick back while talk about the real ups and downs of her path and how she continues to push forward.IGhttps://www.instagram.com/erikahoffman1/?hl=enSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Jon Argo shares with us his path as an actor from New Mexico to LA and then how he turned a small idea into a series (which was picked up) leading him towards becoming a writer.Join us as we sip on our favorite coffee, get into our happy place and kick back while talk about the real ups and downs of his path and how he continues to push forward.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Edgar Andrade is an amazing human who happens to be a great Director / Editor / Photographer, he shares his story on how he ended up in the entertainment industry. Going from migrating to the US to working with some powerful celebrities. Even more, he shares his perspective on #MentalHealth and the ups and downs through it all.YOU CAN'T MISS THIS ONE!Join us as we sip on our favorite coffee, get into our happy place and kick back while talk about the real ups and downs of his path and how he continues to push forward.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Special guest Mamta Jain Valderrama shares her amazing story going from being a Journalist to a bestselling author of " A Girl in Traffick" and a PR agent. She also shares with us her lifestyle as an entrepreneur and new mom and all the struggles that come with. Such an inspiring story of how we can reconstruct our careers!Join us as we sip on our favorite coffee, get into our happy place and kick back while talk about the real ups and downs of her path and how she continues to push forward.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

You can't miss this great interview with Jerry Malcolm!We talked about so many good topics from Real Estate to how to stay on top of any market that is highly competitive. He shared with us the 'oops' he made along the way and how he surpassed them. Join us as we sip on our favorite coffee (Ginger Ale for him), get into our happy place and kick back while talk about the real ups and downs of his path and how he continues to push forward.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)

Melanie Mack is an innovative entrepreneur, strategic thought partner, multimillion dollar fundraiser, motivational speaker, public relations specialist, author and radio show host. She’s an Emmy award winning television development executive having worked for Warner Bros., Paramount Studios and was part of the original launch team for fX Networks before launching her own companies and raising $1.5 million in seed capital to fund an urban portal with software partner, Load Media. Join us as we sip on our favorite coffee, get into our happy place and kick back while talk about the real ups and downs of her path and how she continues to push forward. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/nowthatihadmycoffee)