Overheard at Chica's Café

A gifted week at Musicians Institute became much more than a music program. After decades away from performing, I found myself rehearsing with a band, recording in a professional studio, and performing live once again. Sometimes life doesn't ask us to become someone new—it simply invites us to reconnect with a part of ourselves that has been quietly waiting.  Shout out to my friend Gina Amador...

Have you ever tried to record something important only tohave the world get louder the moment you hit record? In this episode, Sonia shares the humorous realities ofrecording voiceovers from home while living near the Hollywood Freeway. From helicopters and leaf blowers to moving blankets and technical glitches, this lighthearted episode explores the unexpected challenges creative people face when...

In this episode, Sonia explores the idea of writing shortstories as a pathway into film—without becoming a screenwriter. With humor and honesty, she shares what she’s learning about modern “treatments,” storytellingfor the screen, and how actors can begin creating their own material in a constantly shifting industry. Topics include: The difference between shortstories and modern film treatments Wh...

In this episode, Sonia shares her lived experience navigating identity in the entertainment industry—from early typecasting to evolving roles and the future of AI in performance. Topics include: Latinx representation in Hollywood Typecasting across cultures Middle Eastern representation in the 1990s Ethnomusicology and cultural depth AI and identity in acting Reclaiming narrative through creative...

In this episode, I reflect on watching Bad Bunny’sperformances on Amazon and the Super Bowl stage — not just as entertainment, but as cultural memory brought into global light. With a background in Ethnomusicology from UCLA, I share how my academic research into Puerto Rican music — through texts such as El Jíbaro de Puerto Rico , La Música en Puerto Rico , La Música Folklórica de Puerto Rico , an...

What happens when you still love being on set, but thepassion for the dream doesn’t feel the same? In this episode, I talk honestly about discouragement inacting and entertainment — not the dramatic kind, but the quieter season where you keep showing up without a five-year plan or a constant sense of inspiration. This isn’t an episode about quitting or forcing motivation. It’s about staying presen...

As the year turns, we’re keeping it simple at Chica’s Café. No resolutions, no reinventions—just a pause, a coffee refill, and a moment to appreciate the conversations we’ve shared. This short New Year episode reflects on curiosity,observation, and the kinds of everyday moments that make us stop, laugh, and think a little differently. Thank you for being part of the conversations thisyear. Here’s...

On today’s episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, Sonia pulls up a chair (and a warm cup of ginger tea) to talk about something every actor, voiceover artist, and podcaster knows all too well: what happens when you get sick… and everything on your creative plate comes crashing into amessy little pile. With her voice still not quite back to its usual sound—todaycomes with a complimentary side of ras...

In this episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, Sonia Iris Lozada explores the unseen side of acting — the hours of preparation that audiences never witness. From memorizing lines for a single scene, to scrambling with last-minute sides, to navigating the silence that follows auditions, actors carry invisible labor that shapes every performance. Sonia also touches on the growing reality of self-tape...

In this episode, I reflect on watching the Bad Bunny concert on Amazon and the pride of seeing Puerto Rican music honored on a global stage. From the African roots of Bomba , to the storytelling voice of Plena , to the worldwide reach of Salsa , I share both personal memories and insights from my background in Ethnomusicology. These rhythms are more than genres—they are history, resistance, and th...

Welcome back to Overheard at Chica’s Café , where the coffee is strong, the conversation is flowing, and the occasional biscotti mysteriously disappears. Today, we’re talking about something every entertainer knows too well: what do we do between gigs? Those in-between stretches where your phone is quieter than a stagehand after a blackout cue. You know, people think actors, musicians, or performe...

The Healing Power of Laughter and Escape"Because sometimes Soul Work Looks Like Binge-Watching in Pajamas* Let’s be real — not every healing moment looks like a spiritual retreat in the mountains or hours of deep journaling by candlelight. Sometimes, healing looks like stretchypants, a perfectly timed meme, and laughing until you wheeze over a ridiculous comedy sketch. I’m Sonia Iris Lozada —...

This month on Overheard at Chica’s Café, we are delighted towelcome the insightful Albert Bramante, a seasoned talent agent, as well as the accomplished author of Rise Above the Script. In this engaging episode, we dive deep into the intricate world of the current entertainment industry. Albertshares his expert perspective on the evolving landscape, shedding light on the myriad challenges performe...

AI & Entertainment: The Future of Creativity or the End of It? In this episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café, Sonia delves into the growing influence of AI in the entertainment industry, including voice cloning, script writing, AI actors, and music creation. Is AI a tool that empowers artists, or is it taking their place? Engage in this intriguing discussion about the essence of creativity in a...

Welcome to another episode of Overheard at Chica’s Café. Itfeels like it’s been a lifetime, and to be completely honest, life has thrown quite a few curveballs my way lately. I know this is just a passing phase, but my aspirations of incorporating video into this season’s podcast? Well, they slipped through my fingers like grabbing for air. I’m healing from an injury,and my father’s health has tak...

Welcome to a brief episode of Overheard at Chica's Café, where we discuss all things entertainment. This month, we address the current state of the industry, which has been slowed down due to the devastating fires in Los Angeles. As a resident of this city, I have personally experienced the effects of the Sunset Fire and had to evacuate my home. But amidst the chaos and destruction, one thing...

The year of 2024 brought about a whirlwind of changes in society, politics, and spirituality. It was a time of both struggle and beauty, as people grappled with the shifting landscape of the world. And as we enter this new year. The anticipation for next year's guests was already building, with promises of even more exciting names from all corners of the entertainment industry. These guests would...

Welcome to another edition of Overheard at Chica's Café where we have the talented musician and author Nathan Singer as our special guest. He shares with us his experience with his band, "Whiskey Shambles", and his transition from professional musician to published author while still being a part of the band. We share a few laughs and discover some similarities in our lives. Don't miss this entert...

Our guest on this episode is the lively and entertaining Danny Mora. His energy and charisma fills the conversation, and we knew this was going to be a lively and entertaining episode. With Halloween here, we couldn't resist talking about ghosts and all things supernatural. But it wasn't all fun and games - we delved into the current state of the film and television industry, discussing its future...

Our guest for this month's episode is Matthew Carauddo, an acclaimed author of the thrilling fantasy series "Diamond Dragons." In this podcast, we delve into his experience in acting and storytelling, as well as his impressive stage combat skills. Tune in for an engaging conversation!   OVERVIEW: In addition to acting, writing, singing and voice-over, Matthew Carauddo has over 15 years of experien...

On this month's episode of the Overheard at Chica's Café podcast, we have a special guest, Inam Inamullah, an internationally acclaimed playwright. Our conversation delves into his works such as Khali Plate (Empty Plate) and Ramzan and Jannat, a hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Exciting news for fans: Ramzan and Jannat will be embarking on a tour starting in Octo...

As an aspiring actor, studying the craft is an essential part of the journey. One aspect that actors often neglect is understanding the evolution of a character, from script to screen. We will explore the different approaches to acting and why stage acting is not the same as acting on screen. 1. "From Script to Screen: The Evolution of a Character" Every character begins on the pages of...

The newest installment of Overheard at Chica's Café Podcast is an exciting interview with the multi-talented Jean Philippe Kaya. As a DJ, classical pianist, musician, and producer, Kaya has made waves in the music industry with his versatile skills and unique blend of genres. Listeners can expect to hear about his journey into the world of DJing, insights into his successful music career, and...

Our special guest on the latest episode of Overheard at Chica's Café is Jan Mullen, a seasoned music industry executive with an incredible wealth of experience. Her career spans from the alternative punk bands in the vibrant 80's music scene to collaborating with renowned jazz musicians. In this highly informative and fascinating episode, Jan shares her vast knowledge and insights into the...

On our latest episode of Overheard at Chica's Café, airing in April 2024, we are joined by Dominic Rambaran, a fellow actor whom I have known for many years. We delve into his experiences in the world of acting and discuss the humorous and challenging moments he has encountered on stage and in the industry. Tune in to gain insight into the journey of an actor's life.  Hailing from the East...