Maryna and Nora sit down with actor Neil Wachs, who stumbled into the world of Hollywood after retiring from a long career in the beauty salon industry. Neil shares his unexpected journey of becoming a typecast actor specializing in playing homeless characters—a niche he never anticipated but has embraced wholeheartedly. He opens up about staying positive in a challenging industry and the surprising opportunities that Los Angeles offers, even when starting anew later in life.

Join them for an honest, laughter-filled chat about chasing dreams, navigating the entertainment scene, and why they all love calling Los Angeles home. Whether you're curious about the acting life, fascinated by Hollywood culture, or just in need of a good story, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the highs and lows of making it in the City of Angels.

00:00 Intro
03:11 Neil's Journey from Beauty Industry to Acting
12:24 Experiences on Big Sets and Typecasting
17:57 Unique Roles and Reinventing Life
25:32 Behind the Scenes Stories
38:27 First In-Person Audition Experience
45:44 Regrets and Missed Opportunities
47:13 Never Have I Ever: Los Angeles Edition
01:03:50 Reflecting on Experiences
01:07:25 Wrapping Up

In this birthday special episode, Maryna and Nora engage in a fun game of sushi roulette, where some pieces are loaded with wasabi, making for hilarious reactions. The duo discusses the often unseen realities of social media, including how influencers and everyday people curate their online personas. They share personal anecdotes, including faking luxury lifestyles and dealing with the pressures of maintaining a perfect online image. The conversation also delves into how social media acts as a modern business card and its significance in today's digital age. Alongside playful and spicy moments, the friends offer tips on being authentic and unique online. Join them in this entertaining and insightful discussion infused with birthday cheer and raw sushi fun!

00:00 Intro
00:40 Birthday Week
02:13 Sushi Roulette
03:09 The Reality of Social Media
06:20 Losing Social Media Accounts
11:02 Photoshop and Social Media
15:41 The Illusion of Social Media
21:22 Authenticity vs. Fakeness
24:53 Tips for Social Media
29:46 Final Thoughts

Nora and Maryna talk about the unsettling realities of life in Los Angeles amid a surge in crime rates. Sharing personal stories of near kidnappings, thefts, and daily encounters with danger, they shed light on how areas like Skid Row have transformed Los Angeles.

Nora and Maryna discuss the risks associated with wearing expensive luxury items in California, offering essential safety tips for residents and visitors alike. They explore the socio-economic factors contributing to the escalating crime, including the impact of economic disparities and the widening wealth gap in the state.

The conversation also touches on the obsession with iPhones and how it fuels thefts.

Tune in as they debate crime in LA, share creepy encounters, and provide practical advice on staying safe. Their candid dialogue offers valuable insights into the challenges facing California's urban centers and underscores the importance of safety and awareness.

00:00 Intro
01:20 Personal Stories
04:26 Skid Row and Staying Safe
10:59 Crime in San Francisco
14:04 Economic Factors on Crime Rates
22:10 iPhone Theft
28:48 Crime and Punishment
33:09 Reality of Living in America
35:48 Creepy Encounters and Safety Tips
42:46 Final Thoughts and Safety Reminders

Crazy Week: Burning Man, Flying Spirit Airlines, and Surviving Blackmail

This week on 'Just Fake It,' we dive into some wild and unexpected adventures. Nora takes us through her spontaneous trip to Burning Man, where she somehow managed to work from the desert with no gear. Meanwhile, Maryna heads to Washington for a job, only to end up modeling at a Chinese embassy event organized by a VR company. If that wasn’t enough, we share our struggles as immigrants dealing with endless paperwork in the U.S., and Nora tells a hilarious but shocking story of getting blackmailed and how she turned it into something funny.

Join us for a rollercoaster of crazy stories, frustrating experiences, and tips on how to laugh through life’s most chaotic moments.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
01:14 - VR & Modeling Gig
04:26 - Spirit Airlines Experience
07:55 - Maryna’s Flight Attendant Dream
10:18 - Burning Man Adventure
18:42 - Delayed Departure & Partying
19:55 - U.S. Paperwork Struggles
32:26 - Blackmail Incident
38:42 - Wrapping Up

Nora and Maryna host Alice Wang and Celine Lee, movie professionals from Taiwan. The discussion covers various interesting facets of filmmaking in Taiwan and their experiences working in the industry. Alice shares her passion for directing action films and elaborates on their latest project 'Sword of Honor,' which uniquely combines modern action with AI and new tech. Celine, despite being new to acting, had to learn to take on a lead action role.

We explore the evolution of the film industry with modern technology and AI, reminiscing about their times at the Cannes Film Festival. The conversation also delves into cultural impressions of Los Angeles, personal experiences, and their future projects, promising more innovation and excitement in the movie world.

00:00 Intro
01:26 Alice and Celine's Background
02:37 Cannes Film Festival Connections
03:28 Alice's Movie Career
04:43 Innovative 3D Technology in Films
08:26 Celine's Acting Journey
14:28 New Projects and Desert Filming
20:23 First Impressions of LA
25:36 Navigating LA
27:31 Alice's Journey in Filmmaking
31:17 The Evolution of the Film Industry
34:26 Mulan Angels: East Meets West
39:25 The Future of Action and CGI
41:55 Dream Projects and Inspirations
48:41 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

In this episode of the Just Fake It podcast, Nora and Maryna take you deep into the heart of Burning Man, the extraordinary week-long event held in the Black Rock Desert that draws over 80,000 people from all corners of the globe.

I share my past and future journey at Burning Man, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of living in the harsh desert environment, and the profound sense of community that makes this event truly unique. We cover everything from the breathtaking art installations and immersive themed camps to the practicalities of surviving in such an extreme environment. Whether you're curious about what to pack, how to stay safe, or just want to understand what makes Burning Man so special, we've got you covered.

We also discuss the festival’s ethos of radical self-reliance and communal effort, offering insights on how to embrace the spirit of Burning Man while navigating its more demanding aspects. We talk about the importance of proper gear, how to customize your bike for both functionality and flair, and the necessity of lighting yourself up at night to stay safe. We even touch on some of the myths about Burning Man, exploring why it's more than just a massive party, but an experience that can truly change your perspective on life.

Whether you're a first-time attendee or a seasoned burner, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to making the most of your time at Burning Man, including tips on building connections, participating in activities day and night, and understanding the festival's deeper meaning. Join us as we break down the cost, the preparation, and the unforgettable moments that make Burning Man more than just an event—it’s a life-changing adventure.

00:00 Introduction to Burning Man
01:01 Discussing Festivals
02:32 Burning Man: A Unique Experience
04:10 Preparing for Burning Man
07:43 Life at Burning Man
12:46 Challenges and Tips for Burning Man
15:25 Surviving the Desert
19:28 Essential Gear & Safety for Burning Man
20:30 Bikes
21:06 Surviving the Desert Environment
23:14 More Than Just a Party
28:25 Unique Experiences
32:16 Final Thoughts

Nora and Maryna share their funny and eye-opening experiences with American food after moving to the United States. From their first encounters with tacos and Starbucks to the overwhelming size of supermarkets and portion sizes, they break down the biggest cultural shocks they faced when it came to American dining.

The conversation covers everything from unique dishes like fried chicken and waffles to their struggles with weight gain and adjusting to healthier eating habits. They discuss the cultural differences between the U.S. and Ukraine when it comes to food, and offer some tips for maintaining balance in a land where everything is abundant.

Along the way, Nora and Maryna reveal their favorite food spots in Los Angeles and dive into topics like portion control, weird food combinations, and the organic food debate. With humor and honesty, they recount their foodie adventures and share valuable tips on how to navigate the vast and sometimes strange world of American cuisine.

Join us for a lighthearted and insightful look into adapting to a new food culture in America!

00:00 Intro
00:58 First Impressions
02:50 Struggling with Weight
08:11 Adapting to Healthier Eating Habits
12:06 Cultural Differences in Food
22:12 Healthy Eating in LA
25:05 Weird American Foods
27:20 Soup
29:08 American Food Habits
34:11 Favorite Food Spots in LA
37:19 Conclusion

Nora and Maryna discuss various side hustles that can help you make extra money in the expensive city of Los Angeles. We dive into options such as working as an extra on film sets, becoming an atmosphere model, and taking up jobs like dog walking and personal assisting. We also share personal examples about our experiences with these gigs and the importance of networking and leveraging your assets to thrive in this city. Whether you're new to LA or looking to supplement your income, we offer practical tips and insights on making the most of your time and skills.

00:00 Intro
00:49 Welcome to Just Fake It
02:17 The Hustle Culture in Major Cities
04:30 Exploring Side Hustles
06:59 Being an Extra on Film Sets
11:42 Audience Participation and Dog Walking
12:47 Social Media and Influencer Opportunities
16:20 Modeling and BeautyPass App
18:20 Atmosphere Modeling
21:55 Finding Promoters and Getting Paid to Party
24:25 Exploring Various Side Hustles
27:27 Leveraging Your Assets for Success
30:57 Final Thoughts

Also check out Maryna's jewelry store:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlderStudioUS