Pop Nerd Lounge

We had the great fortune of hosting Tobias Ellehammer on our show. You might recognize him from his viral “Jackson Trilogy” series or his brilliant work on “World of Dance” Season 2 with the EZ Twins. He’s also worked with the likes of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Tom Jones, Jason Derulo, Kylie Minogue. We speak about his why for why he dances, the making of his “Jackson Trilogy,” and he gives hi...

Happy 50th episode, Nerds! This week I chat with restauranter and Chief Instigating Officer, Nguyen Tran. We chat Vietnamese food, how he opened an underground restaurant out of his apartment and he gives budding entrepreneurs advice. Stay Connected with Nguyen: www.twitter.com/starrykitchen www.instagram.com/starrykitchen

This week I'm joined by the lovely Tristan MacManus. Fans know him from "Dancing With The Stars" (US) and "Strictly Come Dancing" and he's now a judge on Australia's "Dancing With The Stars." We talk about what that experience going from pro to judge has been like and more! Stay Connected with Tristan: www.twitter.com/TristanMacManus www.instagram.com/TristanMacManus

Joining me in the Pop Nerd Lounge this week is rhêtorík. He's an artist, DJ, producer, and vlogger who in recent years released his own music. We chat about being heavily involved in creating his songs, living the van life, and what would be in his TedTalk. Stay Connected with rhêtorík: www.instagram.com/rhetorik www.twitter.com/djrhetorik www.youtube.com/rhetorik

Cynthia Koo is the founder of Wonton In A Million, a delightful crafty collection of stationery, planner items, gifts, and goodies all containing fun dim sum themed characters. What's it like being a creative and entrepreneur? She dishes about starting her business, celebrating her Asian heritage and what creatives can do to practice their craft consistently. Stay Connected with Cynthia: www.insta...

PARTNERSHIP: We want to thank SmartHome for partnering with us on this episode. To check out their website visit www.smarthome.com We're back for another season! Today we have the incomparable choreographer and dancer Phil Wright in the lounge. We talk about The Parent Jam, The Fam Jam, his purpose as a teacher and putting on a production like his The Mask dance remake. Stay Connected with Phil: w...

We're very honored to have another "Queer Eye" hero enter the lounge! We speak with Wesley Hamilton about his experience on the show, his physical and emotional healing process, and his foundation Disabled But Not Really. Wesley's Instagram Wesley's Website Disabled But Not Really

Will Breman wowed the world with his funky and fresh take on the Spice Girls' hit "Say You'll Be There" on Season 17 of "The Voice." He earned a spot on Team Legend and made it all the way to the Semi-Finals! We had a great chat about music, his openness about his journey with Aspergers and we talk dreams too. Will's Twitter Will's Instagram Will's Site

Today's guest entering the lounge comes from the world of executive security and bodyguarding. Pepe Araujo has been on the tour life for several years, but recently he started a web series called "Pep Talk." We chat about the impact of family, he maintains a healthy life on the road, and his Foundation, The Future is Latino. Pepe's Instagram Pepe's Web Series

Joel Torgeson is one of today's brightest dancers on the West Coast Swing circuit. He teaches all around the world and recently earned both 1st and 2nd place in the All-Star Jack and Jill and Strictly Division at the US Open. We jump off the high dive into the pool of West Coast Swing and talk about the ins and outs of this dance danced by thousands around the globe. Joel’s Website Joel’s Instagra...

It's a Pop Nerd Lounge Holiday Special! In this episode, we're chatting up with Kristyn Burtt. First, we learn about how she made a career reporting on one of her biggest passions. Then, we geek out about my favorite holiday, CHRISTMAS! We talk about Kristyn's holiday traditions, different dance events during the season, and she clues me in on some exciting future plans! Kristyn's Twitter Kristyn'...

We have another "The Voice" alum in the lounge! This week we have Max Boyle from Season 17 of "The Voice. He made his mark on the competition with that angelic voice that can stand alone with minimal accompaniment. We talk about his growing up finding his way to music, his time on the show, and what he hopes to accomplish in the new year. Max’s Instagram Max’s Twitter

Gwen Nguyen didn't feel like she belonged in the corporate world. Without any culinary experience, and the drive of a dream she created her own frozen dessert business right out of her parent's garage. Fast forward to today where they're selling their scrumptious desserts in over 100 independent retailers and over 50+ supermarkets. We talk about she worked tirelessly to start the company, pitching...

We're graced with another culinary master this week on Pop Nerd Lounge! Micah Yaroch became a recherché in season 10 of "MasterChef." At only 19 years of age, Micah quickly established a spot in the top 10. We talk about his course to becoming a chef, his leadership experience on the show, and how he felt about being Gordon Ramsay's battle pass save. Micah's Instagram Micah's Twitter Micah's GoFun...

For Thanksgiving, we're thankful for our guest, Alexis Deboschnek! She made her mark as a Tasty senior food specialist and on-camera host. You might recognize her from Tasty, but she's giving the internet recipes worth salivating for. We chat about her journey into food media, her perfect Thanksgiving meal, and what 2020 has in store for Alexis! Alexis's Instagram Alexis's Website

We're back for Season 4! For the opener, Co-Producer and Creative Director Vee Koh joins me as we chat with our wonderful guest. Jake Posner didn't have a previous background in music management, but that didn't stop him from wanting to be a part of a band's growth and evolution. A band he found from a subreddit. Fast forward to now, and he currently serves as the manager for dance-pop phenom A R...

Joined once again by my co-host Vee Koh, we hang out with the incredible duo Fly By Midnight. Justin Bryte and Slavo classify themselves as retro pop and having been adding a new flavor to the pop scene. We talk about their song "Love Me Like A Friend," constant reinvention of one's craft, and they SLAY Song Association! Vee's Website Vee's Instagram Fly By Midnight’s Twitter Fly By Midnight’s Ins...

Our next songwriting in the "Songland" mini series is Rafferty! He appeared on the Leona Lewis episode and captivated the esteemed panel of producers and songwriters with his moving ballad "A Heart Full of Love." We talk about being on the show, are artists products in this industry, and he and I nerd out on jazz and music with a fun game of Song Association. Rafferty's Website Rafferty's IG

Nerding out with me this week is Oklahoma Radio Personality, Frito On The Radio. We talk about how radio adapts to the ever evolving digital changes, how he got into radio, and we talk about his musical hero. Frito's Instagram Frito's Twitter KJ103

Matt Fetbrandt a Berklee College of Music alum, and his musical path has taken him around the country directing different musicals, cabarets and concerts. He can be seen regularly either at Tramp Stamp Granny’s or the exclusive Hollywood club, San Vicente Bungalows Clubhouse. This was probably one of my favorite episodes to date, simply because it felt like a fire side chat with a fellow creative....

My guest for the second episode in the Songland series is a fabulous singer/songwriter, originally from the island of St. Croix. Rozee was the winner of the Leona Lewis episodes, and her song “Solo Queiro (All I Want)” recently topped the Billboard Latin Charts. We talk "Songland," growing up on St. Croix, and she plays a great game of Song Association! Rozee’s IG Rozee’s Twitter Rozee’s Website

Vicki Oh has been a role model to me ever since stumbling onto her interview with one of my favorites, Brendon Urie. I really admired her gumption, boldness, and her incessant determination to make her dreams come true. We talk radio, our favorites in music, and she tells me who she would invite on a Taco Truck Hop! Vicki's IG Vicki's Twitter Vicki's Show

Surprise, nerds! We have a special "Songland" Mini Series we're starting today and I could not be more thrilled to share with you the conversations we had with these inspiring songwriters. They had amazing journeys on the show, and I can't wait to share with you these marvelous chats. Our first guest is the winner of the Charlie Puth Episode, Zach Sorgen. He's written for artists like Jesse McCart...

This week I'm joined by co-host and co-producer Vee Koh! We sit down and speak with Mike Sleath, drummer and percussionist for Shawn Mendes. He tells us all about the ins and outs of his path to drumming for one of the biggest artists in the world. We talk about his self care routine for a rigorous tour lifestyle, his thoughts on not having a "Plan B," and practical steps aspiring drummers can tak...

Tyler Zarzeka proves that there's no expiration date on dreams. He's carved a handsome career both as a drum tech and a drummer. He's drummed for acts like Charlie Puth, kiiara, Noah Cyrus and most recently Taylor Grey. We talk about his time at the Musicians Institute, pursuing drumming full time, and feeling at home when living the touring lifestyle. Stay Connected To Tyler Tyler’s Website Tyler...