Hello, my beautiful friends! Welcome to the final episode of The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast for this year. Can you believe we’re wrapping up 2024? Today, I’m settling in for a little heart-to-heart to close out the year. I'll be sharing three big lessons that carried over from my life in production that really stood out to me this year ( I bet you can relate to a few!) Plus, a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2025...and everything in between! (like what I learned from my run-in with a cyber truck:)

I just want to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU for tuning in this year! Your messages and conversations mean the world to me and I'm beyond grateful for each and every one of you. To all of the incredible guests who shared their stories with us here—thank you for reminding us that we’re in this together. You inspire me every day! This community has been the highlight of my journey and why I started this podcast. We’re better together, always. I can’t wait to keep the party going and continue growing together in 2025!

Before we dive in, if you’ve enjoyed the show and it’s sparked a little something in you, I’d love to hear about it! Consider this a gentle nudge to leave a review and share a takeaway. It really helps me understand what resonates with you and keeps the podcast growing for others to discover. I would appreciate it so much!

Alright, ready? Let's break it down.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club
00:50 Reflecting on 2024: Lessons Learned
02:12 Takeaway 1: Rest and Recharge
05:53 Takeaway 2: Embrace Imperfection
08:35 Takeaway 3: The Power of Community
10:10 Looking Ahead to 2025
12:43 Wrapping Up and Thank You

Connect with Alexis:
lex@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write

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Ready to hit the reset button and reboot? My guest today did just that! And the results were transformative. I'm thrilled to welcome financial adviser Kristin Wollam to the show this week.

Kristin began her career as a music supervisor in Los Angeles, working on films such as “The Blind Side,” “Sex and The City 2”, and Tom Ford’s “A Single Man.” She eventually took her talents to the boutique music publishing company Heavy Hitters Music, where she discovered, signed, and shaped artists for music placements in film and TV. In the spring of 2013, Kristin returned to her music supervision roots, becoming a Daytime Emmy Award-nominated music supervisor for her work on The Talk. Kristin also cultivated and began teaching the Music Supervision in Film & TV course at Belmont University’s West Coast location.

In this episode, she discusses the realizations that led her to step away from her career in entertainment, travel the world for a year, and ultimately find a new passion in financial planning for individuals, families, and small business-owners. Today, Kristin focuses on entertainment industry strategies and socially responsible investment planning, while also giving back to the entertainment community as a songwriting mentor to 1000+ songwriters.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, personal growth, and what you discover when you allow yourself to let go and step away from what you know !

Time Stamps:

00:28 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast

01:17 Upcoming Pop-Up Dinner Event

02:01 Kristen's Journey from Music Supervision to Financial Planning

02:28 Thanksgiving Reflections and Personal News

03:16 The Decision to Change Careers

04:12 Kristen's Background in the Music Industry

05:50 Transitioning Out of the Entertainment Industry

08:30 A Year of Travel and Self-Discovery

15:07 Starting Over in Chicago

16:43 Entering the Financial Services Industry

18:03 Advice for Aspiring Financial Advisors

21:23 The Emotional Side of Financial Planning

22:22 Trends in the Entertainment Industry

25:49 Kristen's Leap of Faith and Letting Go

31:17 Services Offered by Kristen Wallum

Connect with Kiristin:
Website- www.morganstanley.com/kristin.wollam

Email-kristin.wollam@morganstanley.com

Kristin's "Masterclass" Guinness Mac and Cheese recipe- let us know when you try it! Download here!

RSVP for the Dec 14th Popup Dinner by emailing
lex@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Join the Club :
Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee, and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with fi

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Happy Thanksgiving Sweet Friends! In honor of this special day, we’ve got an episode that’s equal parts heartwarming and mouthwatering. Foodies and pizza lovers, this one's for you!

Joining us is the one and only Michael "Kriky" Krikorian—a sound mixer with credits like This Is Us, The Jungle Book, and American Horror Story. During the industry strikes, Michael took a leap and went all in on his passion for cooking - specifically Neopolitan style wood fired pizza- and he's gaining happy fans!

What started as a passion for feeding friends has turned into wrap-around-the-block lines at events like Burbank Holiday in the Park and the most recent IATSE “All In “ Mixer and Pac event . But this isn't just any pizza. Think 12 hr smoked brisket pizza, Tennessee-style pulled pork, and homemade cheese, and dough. Are you drooling yet?

This story about more than just insanely good pie—it's also proof that when you follow what lights you up... you might just create something extraordinary.

Today, Michael’s here to share his story, talk about his pizza biz, and give us the inside scoop on a seriously cool Pop-up Dinner Event we’re hosting on December 14th in Los Angeles for Hollywood Second Acters looking to connect and eat fab food. Tune in to hear all the details!

Thank You for being part of The Hollywood Second Act Club community. I'm so grateful for YOU!
Xo
Lex

Time Stamps:

00:00 The Joy of Cooking and Giving
00:27 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club
01:12 Thanksgiving Special: Heartwarming Stories and Turkey Calls
02:17 Introducing Michael Krikorian: From Sound Mixer to Pizza Chef
04:04 Michael's Journey: From Hollywood to Neapolitan Pizza
05:09 The Impact of the Pandemic and Embracing a New Passion
06:09 Building a Pizza Business: From Backyard to Events
08:55 The Support of Community and Family
18:48 From Sound Mixing to Pizza Making: Transferable Skills
23:40 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Special Events
25:30 Join Us for a Special Event
29:59 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Connect with Michael:

Follow on Instagram- @delpretes_pizzeria

Website- www.delpretes.com


RSVP for the Dec 14th Popup Dinner by emailing
lex@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write

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Happy Sunday, friends! Welcome to Part 2 of my conversation with Sari Rose Barron, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified EMDR therapist. If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode, start there to get context on Sari's journey in the industry before diving in!

Sari specializes in trauma, PTSD, parenting, and adolescent therapy. She brings over 15 years of experience in private practice. She founded SoCal Individual, Family, & Trauma Therapy, where her team provides holistic, trauma-informed care across California and Oregon.

In this bonus episode, Sari shares practical tools for managing the temporary feelings of discomfort that often accompany life transitions- especially for those in the entertainment industry considering career pivots. We've all been there! She discusses ways to ground yourself if you’re feeling a bit panicky and how to activate if you find yourself in a slump or stuck mode, along with resources for affordable mental health care in the Los Angeles area.

Like a guided meditation, I recommend listening in a quiet space for the best experience- rather than multitasking, cooking the turkey, or driving down the 405:) We hope you enjoy this episode!

**Please remember that the information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment**

Time Stamps:

01:20 Meet Sari Rose Barron: Expert in Trauma Therapy

01:55 Practical Tools for Managing Life's Transitions

06:10 Grounding Techniques for Anxiety

12:21 Activating Strategies for Depression

23:12 Navigating Financial Stress and Life Changes

26:28 Seeking Professional Help and Resources


Connect with Sari:

Follow on Instagram- @socal_ift_therapy

Website- SoCal Individual, Family, & Trauma Therapy
www.socal-ift.com

949-216-0234
sari@socal-ift.com

Sari Rose Barron, LMFT

Resource Download:
https://www.socal-ift.com/freedownloads

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

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I’m thrilled to welcome my dear friend Sari Rose Barron, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified EMDR therapist, to the podcast this week! We dive into the theme of evolving dreams and discuss Sari's own Hollywood Pivot. Originally pursuing a career as an actor in New York and Los Angeles, she found her true passion in a field that brings her deep fulfillment—helping others heal as a therapist.

With 15 years of experience in private practice, Sari specializes in trauma, PTSD, parenting, and working with teens. She is the founder of SoCal Individual, Family, & Trauma Therapy, a group practice providing holistic, trauma-informed care to clients across California and Oregon. Known for its compassionate, comprehensive, and specialized approaches, the practice helps clients navigate life's toughest challenges- and major life transitions- with personalized support.

In this two-part conversation, you’ll hear Sari's journey from NY to LA and how the songwriting outreach programs she developed in partnership with organizations like ASCAP and The Johnny Mercer Foundation, led her to the work she is doing today.

Be sure to subscribe now to catch Part 2 when it drops. We all know being a human is hard sometimes- especially during times of transition! Sari will share some practical tools and strategies to add to your well-being toolkit for these inevitable seasons of life's journey.

For those seeking additional mental health support services or referrals, you can connect with Sari @socal_ift_therapy
www.socal-ift.com



Time Stamps:

00:00 Reflecting on Past Dreams

00:29 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club

01:14 Upcoming Events and Announcements

01:42 Introducing Sari Rose Barron

03:39 Sari's Journey from Acting to Therapy

08:44 Navigating Life's Transitions

14:10 Creating a Songwriting Program

20:33 Building a Career in Mental Health

22:19 How to Connect with Sari's Practice

23:32 Conclusion and Next Episode Part II Teaser

Connect with Sari:

Follow on Instagram- @socal_ift_therapy

Website- SoCal Individual, Family, & Trauma Therapy
www.socal-ift.com

949-216-0234
sari@socal-ift.com

Sari Rose Barron, LMFT

RESOURCE DOWNLOAD:
https://www.socal-ift.com/freedownloads

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, i

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My guest today is the incredibly lovely and inspiring Jane Carroll, founder of Jane Foodie. Growing up, Jane defied traditional roles for women, paving her own path and embracing the unconventional. She shares her journey from a single mom in the Bronx to a pioneer in the floral event design and movie catering industry. Despite facing numerous personal and professional setbacks, Jane shares how she reset and adapted to life's curveballs.

She first gained recognition with her “Boxed-in Blooms,” attracting the attention of Oprah Winfrey. After navigating the 2008 financial crisis that shuttered her design studio, Jane pivoted towards health and sustainability. In 2015, she launched Jane Bakes, specializing in all-natural cookies. Her latest venture, Jane Foodie, was inspired by her work in the film industry and focuses on nutritious, flash-frozen meals ( including her award-winning Guinness Beef Stew, recognized at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show)

When she’s not leading her team, Jane enjoys time with her grandchildren, exploring NYC, and indulging her passions for design and entertaining.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, pivoting careers, and turning obstacles into opportunities!

Time Stamps:

02:43 Guest Introduction: Jane Carroll's Inspiring Journey

03:32 Jane Carroll's Early Career and Challenges

04:19 Pivoting During the Pandemic

06:24 Launching Jane Foodie: From Concept to Success

08:27 Overcoming Personal and Professional Obstacles

11:21 The O List

16:36 Building a New Business Post-2008 Recession

17:15 Creating a National Brand

18:37 Jane's Philosophy: Embrace Fear and Take Risks

20:58 Empowering Women and Supporting Each Other

25:11 The Importance of Research and Persistence

27:27 Experiences in the Film Industry

31:54 Future Plans and Giving Back

32:50 Conclusion: Keep Evolving and Dream Big

37:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Jane:

Follow on Instagram- @janefoodieny

Website- www.janefoodie.com


Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t already, follow the podcast wherev

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Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

Today's guest is author, speaker, comedian, and mental health advocate Kristina Kuzmic. Kristina is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. After immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, mental health challenges), Kristina’s goal became clear: to be for others what she needed when she was at her lowest. Now, with well over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope, and humor in a role she never expected to fill.

In 2011, Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality TV competition “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star”. Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating videos about juggling life’s challenges, and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She quickly became a viral sensation with 2.9 million Facebook followers and over 800,000 Instagram followers.

Kristina is a sought-after international keynote speaker, delivering impactful talks at conferences on mental health, women's issues, parenting, business, and even for the FBI. Kristina has also completed two comedy tours, performing in over 60 cities across US and Canada. Her first book, Hold On But Don’t Hold Still, was released through Penguin Random House in February 2020, and has since been translated to eight languages. Kristina’s second book, I Can Fix This! (And Other Lies I’ve Told Myself while Parenting My Struggling Child), was released in May 2024, and was featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times and People magazine, among other media outlets.

Time Stamps:

00:00 A Night to Remember

00:37 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club

01:22 Meet Christina: A Story of Resilience

01:37 The Birth of Wednesday Night Dinners

10:16 From Dinners to Dreams

12:28 Oprah's Competition: A Life-Changing Moment

15:33 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

17:32 Embracing Authenticity Over Perfection

18:49 The Illusion of Perfectionism

21:02 Creating Impactful Content

23:38 Supporting Mental Health

24:40 Mission Statement and Personal Growth

30:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram - @kristinakuzmic

Website -www.kristinakuzmic.com

Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t already, follow the podcast wherever you get your fix . I’ll be addin

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If you're anything like me, it's been much more Hustle than Flow lately. Well, time to switch that up. The Hollywood Second Act Club is teaming up with Neon Soul Yoga on Sat. Nov 16th for a Special Yoga Pop-Up Event inviting you to press pause, realign, and take a moment to reflect on what might be next.

For many of us, it's been a Big year with many changes and transitions. This special session, guided by Akilah Chopfield, founder of Neon Soul Yoga, is all about reconnecting with ourselves (and our amazing community!) as we embrace whatever season we're in. Come as you are—there's no need to be a yogi :) We'd love to see your sweet face!

Don't miss out on this intimate gathering designed for entertainment professionals like you who want to bring a little more Zen into their Second Act. Spaces are limited, so Sign up below to reserve your mat today.

Details
Date: Nov 16th 2024
Time: 10:30 am- 12 noon
Location: Beverly Hills- address will be provided at check out
Investment: $25

The special offering will include a yoga class with breathwork, meditation, and prompted journaling time.

Please bring your mat, and something to write with. If you need these provided for you, please let Akilah know in advance so we can prepare!

And stay tuned for the first in The Hollywood Second Act Club dinner series on December 14th! Visit HollywoodSecondActClub.com to sign up for updates and get on the list.


Connect with Akilah :

Website to reserve your spot- www.neosoulyoga.tv

1. Click on Services
2. Select Pop Ups
3. Choose 11/16 Date

Instagram - @neonsoulyoga.tv


Join the Club :

Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclub

Sign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here.

website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Coaching Services:

If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let’s talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:

"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t already, follow the podcast wherever you get your fix . I’ll be adding lots of goodies to the feed–and if you’re not following–there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow n

Love This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!