All About The Joy

This is part 2 Charlie Mattera's life story is something you'd expect to see on the silver screen, not just hear about in our latest podcast episode. We follow Charlie's incredible journey from his early days in New York to his unexpected rise in Hollywood, where he sold his first screenplay to Roger Corman and rubbed shoulders with stars like Jason Bateman. It's a tale of cult...

There's no business like show business, and Charlie Mattera knows it all too well. As we cozy up in our private lounge, we're swapping tales that traverse the spectrum of Hollywood life—from the shared ache of rejection to the warm buzz of camaraderie that fuels our creative fires. Our stroll down memory lane takes us back to the legendary Pro Gym, where stars like Cindy Crawford and Kat...

Have you ever sat at your desk, juggling the demands of work with the whispers of unfulfilled dreams? We've all been there, and in this heartfelt episode, we peel back the layers of finding joy in our careers, the courage to make life-changing decisions, and the hilarity that ensues when work-life balance tips sideways. We share our transformative journeys—reminding us that the quest for auth...

Have you ever wondered about the fine line where music genres blend and spark debates? That's exactly where we're headed as we tackle the hullabaloo around Beyonce's venture into country music, stirring up a storm in the industry. In our robust conversation, we unpack John Schneider's pointed remarks and the broader cultural conversations igniting from such genre-defying moves....

Another episode of Carmen Talk:  When I first felt the impact of my hip surgery, it wasn't just the physical pain that struck me, but a newfound awareness of the everyday hurdles faced by individuals with disabilities. Walking a mile in these shoes, quite literally, reshaped my perspective on the hidden challenges of navigating public spaces - In this episode I peel back the layers of everyda...

The Grammys provided a backdrop for a rich exploration of personal music tastes and the moments that music creates, whether it be Tracy Chapman's surprise performance that left us awestruck or the debates sparked by Taylor Swift, and Billy Joel's music. In this episode we celebrated the universal language of music and the varied reactions it can evoke, sharing anecdotes that shed light o...

Have you ever been knocked down by life's curveballs, only to pick yourself up again? Our latest Private Lounge chat episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as we open our hearts to discuss the stings of rejection and the grip of financial challenges.  We tackle the uphill battles of loan acquisition, the emotional toll of student debts, and the predatory nature of some...

Ever found yourself in the throes of a live-streaming session, grappling with the eccentricities of audience engagement? That's precisely where we, alongside our insightful guests Tony, Rick, and Cynthia, start our lively tete-a-tete, unraveling the layers of content creation, from the technical snafus to the art of managing vibrant online communities. Picture us, post-live stream, unwinding...

Ever felt that creeping dread when someone's name flashes on your phone, similar to those tense moments before a principal's office visit? Join me as I identify what makes for toxic people and toxic relationships. I'll mark what may be the red flags to avoid them or, at the very least, recognize it when it's in front of you! We'll unpack the gut-wrenching signals that scre...

Join us as we unravel the exasperating world of customer service conundrums, ranging from tech setup woes to banking blunders. But it's not all gripes and groans; we inject some fun with whimsical discussions with Maurio Dawson, who joins the show. And for those of you who love a good awards show giggle, our Emmy recap will have you in stitches! Let's take a stroll down nostalgia lane an...

Embarking on a quest to conquer the world of self-promotion, I never anticipated how marketing and public relations would become my unlikely allies.  Our journey through the ever-expanding universe of "All About the Joy" proved that even the most hesitant of hosts can champion a cause close to their heart. With each live stream, we connect people from every corner of the planet in a dyna...

Using a viral TikTok from Derrick Jaxn , we've rolled up our sleeves to discuss why some single women choose joy in solitude over the compromise of companionship. We dissect the evolving expectations in partnerships and consider all the options to the human heart. A second video making the rounds on the internet, we discuss, when the bill lands on the table at a birthday dinner, the air gets...

Carmen Talk Ever wondered why your single aunt seems to radiate happiness like she's got a secret we're all missing out on? Buckle up, because I'm peeling back another layer of modern love and independence on All About the Joy. This week's heart-to-heart is a deep dive into a TikTok phenomenon that's got everyone talking: the growing trend of financially secure, mature wom...

This is our "Love Of" episode! Whether it's a laid-back gathering with Brazilian fare for Rick's birthday or a jubilant shindig with many friends, we discuss that it's the love intertwined in these moments that truly makes them shine. We go through a series of questions -  what movie we love most, what TV show, what food we love most, what relationship we love most... it&a...

Carmen Talk Episode  Have you ever found unexpected joy in the simple act of sipping a mocktail, or felt an odd sense of freedom when a twist of fate left you without your fitness tracker for a while? As I cast a glance back at the pearls of wisdom from 2023, I want to share those sparks that ignited my joy and how they're lighting the way into 2024. Let's talk about turning the page wit...

As we bid adieu to 2023, our latest podcast episode is a stream of reflections, hearty debates, and personal triumphs. Imagine sinking your teeth into the perfect steak, no condiments needed – that's the kind of juicy content we're serving up! We kick things off with the possibility of Chris Gales jazzing up the show, and Tony gets our taste buds tingling with his crown peach drink conco...

When the real world collides with the reel, how does Marvel navigate the choppy waters of public perception and narrative continuity? We grapple with this conundrum as we address the recent legal predicaments of Jonathan Majors and the potential impact on his Marvel career. Recasting beloved characters is no easy feat; just look at cases like Edward Norton and Terrence Howard. Our chat takes us de...

Welcome to a conversation that moves through a spectrum of stimulating topics, from the recent hip-hop 50th-anniversary celebration to the societal issues surrounding body image, weight loss, and beauty standards. Joined by the entire crew, Rick, Andrea, Cynthia and Tommy Lee, we kick off with a discussion about the performances by Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and the Fresh Prince and their profound...

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a career in law enforcement to the bright lights of acting? Sharing her intriguing journey with us, Kelly Quinn spills all about her brave move from being a cop to full-time acting. As an exemplary tale of passion and determination, her story will surely inspire those who are contemplating a career change or pursuing their dreams. We discuss the bonds...

Join us and a new friend to the show, Tommy Lee, as we journey down memory lane, discussing holiday plans and birthday celebrations that fall on the festive season. We also touch on the tricky terrain of the job market, emphasizing how crucial it is to have a strong support system when navigating career choices. Ever felt overwhelmed by the negativity and disrespect that's become almost secon...

Ever wonder why two people who have such differing opinions about one very important subject like the function of the Church and faith in society work together so well? In this episode, we take some time to get to know our co-host Rick Costa and maybe understand a little bit better why it all works!  Rick talks openly about his journey that led him to become 'Pastor Rick' - a title he in...

Do you remember what it was like to be part of a tightly knit team, where you not only had to pull together to succeed but also depended on each other for comfort and companionship?  We'll share some funny incidents and some bitter-sweet memories of our time performing in Color Guard, and Drum Corp, and what it was like to be on tour --  reminding you of the camaraderie, the fatigue, the anxi...

In this episode, we express our gratitude to Fran Dresser, the president of SAG AFTRA, for her brilliant leadership during this period and rejoice in the fact that the strike is finally over! We also share updates about our weeks, from Cynthia's bustling schedule at the hospital due to an influx of new COVID and flu cases, to Joy's delightful family visit in East Tennessee. Here's a...

Join us as we sit down with Tony, a seasoned veteran, who takes us through the landscape of his life, including the complexities of maintaining family relationships post-divorce. Tony, who's a retired Air National Guardsman and a civil service aircraft mechanic, shares his experiences of navigating life after divorce, the impact it has on mental health, and the importance of family relationsh...

Have you ever danced through tears? Recently, I was reminded of life’s uncanny ability to blend both sorrow and joy in the same moment. We lost Patty Ann, an unexpected blow that threw us all into an emotional whirl. Yet this storm of feelings was punctuated by rays of joy as I flew back east, joining my family in a celebration of her life. United in our grief, we found solace in moments of laught...