Jess Kaplan

Nopes and Dreams

Comedy EN ↓ 29 episodes

Actor and writer Jess Kaplan talks to creatives about rejection - the auditions they didn't book, the projects that fell apart, and the dreams that had to change shape. We're having real conversations - uncomfortable, hilarious, and deeply human - about what happens when our dreams don't go as planned.

Author

Jess Kaplan

Episodes

The Art of Asking with Jeff Howard 23.01.2026 1:00:11

In this episode, Jess chats with Jeff Howard. Jeff is an actor, writer, and producer. They talk about how they met in their early 20s in LA, cringe-worthy auditions, how Jeff booked a Super Bowl commercial, the fact that he missed his own bachelor party to be a guest star on Happy Endings, bad auditions, and how he started a production company called Big Smits Entertainment with his best friend B....

Look for the open door with Ariana and the Rose 22.01.2026 1:06:53

In this episode, I'm chatting with Ariana and the Rose. Ariana is a New York–based synth-pop artist creating a vibrant universe of cinematic pop, electronic energy, and intimate, emotional storytelling. With roots in music and downtown theater, she transforms live performance into an immersive world where audiences can step inside her songs. Her digital presence has flourished through viral perf...

Nopes and Dreams Video 15.01.2026 0:56

Balancing Act with Jen Jacob 25.12.2025 1:02:49

Jess interviews actress and fellow NYU grad, Jen Jacob, about landing her newest role-playing Ashley Morgan on Beyond the Gates-- the first daytime soap opera TV show in 30+ years. They talk about finding humor in rejection, bad auditions, tools to combat critical self-talk, and online trolls. Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Guest: Jen Jacob @Jen. Jacob Original Music: Ariana and the Rose...