In this sweet and inspiring episode of Lox of Laughs, Ashley chats with Kate Weiser, founder of Kate Weiser Chocolate, about her journey from a budding chocolatier to a thriving entrepreneur. Kate shares her experience starting her business through an incubator program and how she secured a $500,000 investment for her first brick-and-mortar store. They discuss the challenges of running a small business, the importance of community support, and how recognition from Oprah significantly boosted her brand.

Kate reveals the creative process behind her visually stunning and delicious chocolates, including how customer feedback and personal experiences influence her designs. They also touch on the cacao shortages affecting the industry and how it’s impacting chocolate makers. Kate reflects on her invention of hot cocoa bombs, which became a sensation in 2020, and talks about balancing family life with the demands of her growing business.

The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, including Kate's love for junk food and the mentorship she's received from her investors while maintaining her independence. It’s a delightful listen for those interested in the art of chocolate making, entrepreneurship, and balancing passion with business success.

Follow Kate here:

https://www.instagram.com/officialkwchocolate/

https://kateweiserchocolate.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

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In this insightful episode of Lox of Laughs, Ashley sits down with Dr. Kojo Sarfo, a mental health expert and comedian, to discuss his unique journey into mental health and the intersection of comedy and mental wellness. Kojo shares personal stories about how his experiences led him to the mental health field and his transition to Los Angeles. They explore the challenges of diagnosing conditions like bipolar disorder, especially in creative fields like comedy, where it often goes undiagnosed.

The conversation dives into important mental health topics such as situational vs. clinical depression, medication management, and the significant role family dynamics play in one's mental health. Kojo emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in fostering healthy relationships and avoiding self-sabotage, while also highlighting how open discussions and content creation on social media can raise awareness and help demystify mental health issues.

Kojo and Ashley also touch on how comedy can serve as a therapeutic outlet, particularly for those facing mental health challenges, and the power of humor in healing. The episode is an engaging blend of humor and mental health advocacy, making it a thought-provoking listen for those interested in both fields.

Follow Dr. Kojo here:

https://www.instagram.com/drkojosarfo/

https://drkojosarfo.systeme.io/

https://kojosarfo.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/

In this episode of Lox of Laughs, Ashley sits down with casting director Lisa Zambetti to dive into her fascinating experiences in the horror genre and the intricate details of the audition process. They discuss the crucial role feedback plays in helping actors grow, with Lisa emphasizing that casting directors often champion actors even when they don’t land roles.

The conversation also touches on the unique challenges of parenting child actors, balancing support with independence. Lisa shares her personal joys of cooking, especially family meals, and offers insights into her involvement with true crime, reflecting on the emotional toll that genre can take.

They explore the evolving acting industry, discussing how actors can embrace side hustles and pursue multiple passions without losing focus on their craft. Lisa and Ashley also emphasize the importance of mental health and building a supportive community, both for actors and industry professionals. The episode provides a thoughtful and insightful look into the emotional aspects of casting and the supportive roles behind the scenes.

Follow Lisa here:

https://www.instagram.com/lisazambetticasting/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-crime-profile/id1081244497

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https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/

On this entertaining episode of Lox of Laughs, Ashley welcomes comedian Rocco Stowe for a lively conversation filled with humor and personal stories. The two cover a range of amusing topics, from the quirks of Vito's age and Rocco's bathrobe collection to their shared love for dogs and favorite pasta sauces. They dive into their experiences in comedy, with Rocco sharing stories from his tour with Margaret Cho and their unique approaches to joke-telling. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn when they joke about Rocco's large balls and reflect on his time in the Marine Corps. They also discuss relationships and how age plays a role in them.

As the discussion continues, Rocco and Ashley bond over their shared passion for fitness, emphasizing the importance of discipline and the challenges of personal training. They talk about the ups and downs of comedy, from bombing on stage to the crucial role audience energy plays in performances. Social media trends, algorithms, and the difficulties of navigating the digital space for comedians are also explored.

To wrap things up, they chat about their weekend plans for cooking and baking, adding a fun and personal touch to the episode. It's a humorous and engaging conversation that offers a behind-the-scenes look at both comedy and everyday life.

Follow Rocco here:

https://www.instagram.com/roccocomedy/

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/

In this special episode of Lox of Laughs, host Ashley Arpel Steinback interviews Dr. Sheila Nazarian, a well-known plastic surgeon and TV personality. Dr. Nazarian shares her journey from Iran to the U.S., her struggles with antisemitism, and her advocacy for Jewish rights. Their conversation delves into Dr. Nazarian’s successful career, parenting philosophies, and thoughts on the political climate in California. She emphasizes the need for freedom of speech and pride in one's identity.

• Passion for Plastic Surgery: Dr. Nazarian was drawn to plastic surgery for its hands-on nature and creativity.
• Early Life Challenges: Fleeing Iran during the Islamic Revolution was difficult for her family.
• Education & Dedication: Her path to success was built on education and hard work.
• Advocacy for Jewish Rights: She actively speaks against antisemitism and encourages being vocal about identity.
• Role of Television: Her TV presence helps reshape perceptions of plastic surgery.
• Parenting Values: Dr. Nazarian believes deeply in instilling values in her children.
• Self-Determined Success: She argues that success is driven by inner conviction, not external validation.
• Encouragement to Vote: She highlights the importance of voting and democratic participation.
• Freedom of Speech: Dr. Nazarian emphasizes the value of expressing personal beliefs unapologetically.

This episode is an inspiring look into the life of a woman who balances career, advocacy, and family while standing firm in her beliefs.

4o

Follow Dr. Nazarian here:

https://www.instagram.com/drsheilanazarian/

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https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/

In this episode of Lox of Laughs, Ashley enters the ring with John Carle, a gamer and former WWE writer. They cover a wide range of topics, from John's exciting experiences at Comic-Con to his background in the wrestling world. John shares an unforgettable story about being punched in the head by wrestler Chris Jericho, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the unpredictable nature of wrestling, where matches are often called on the fly without scripts.

The conversation also delves into John's current passion for podcasting, particularly his show focused on the X-Menanimated series. They explore the highs and lows of gambling, discussing both thrilling wins and tough losses. Additionally, they touch on the growing impact of influencer marketing within the gaming industry and upcoming events like TwitchCon and Comic-Con.

John reflects on how his WWE experiences have shaped his views on entertainment, highlighting the demanding lifestyle of writers in the industry. The episode wraps up with insights into the importance of preparation in podcasting, making it a valuable listen for fans of both gaming and wrestling.

Follow John here:

https://www.instagram.com/thejohncarle/

https://www.instagram.com/cyclopsiwfmpod/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cyclops-is-waiting-for-me-an-x-men-the-animated/id1606242076

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https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

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In this lively episode, Ashley welcomes entertainment reporter Kristyn Burtt and Brad Lowe, host of Work Advice for Me, to chat about their excitement for upcoming fall films, with a particular focus on the nostalgia surrounding the new Beetlejuice movie. They dive into the mixed reviews and expectations for the film, while also discussing the celebrity culture surrounding stars like Kevin Spacey and George Clooney. A lively comparison between George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio explores what makes a true movie star, emphasizing the blend of charisma and presence.

The conversation touches on a variety of engaging themes, such as the intersection of art and politics, the ethics behind animal documentaries, and the excitement of documentaries bringing important stories to life. Cameron Diaz’s return to the screen, along with Pamela Anderson’s, is eagerly anticipated, sparking thoughts on how upcoming films can reignite interest in actors.

The hosts also delve into the complex nature of friendships in Hollywood, the challenges of press junkets, and the sometimes awkward experiences of interviews in the entertainment industry. Wrapping up the conversation, they reflect on how reality TV and pop culture offer insights into societal trends, leading to deeper connections and discussions.

Follow Kristyn here:

https://www.instagram.com/thekristynburtt/

Follow Brad here:

https://www.instagram.com/bradlowe1979/

https://www.instagram.com/workadviceforme/

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/

On this episode of Lox of Laughs, host Ashley sits down with Matthew McIvor, the owner of Proudly Serving, a beloved burger joint in Hermosa Beach. They chat about Matthew’s unexpected journey into the restaurant industry, which kicked off during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares how he navigated the challenges of running a business during this time by hosting pop-ups and maintaining a strong focus on quality ingredients.

Matthew also discusses his expansion plans, highlighting the importance of staying engaged with the local community. His background in PR helped him strategically grow Proudly Serving, while customer feedback remains a key part of his success. Balancing family life with the demands of the restaurant is an ongoing challenge, but it's also one of his biggest motivators.

Throughout the episode, Matthew's passion for food and his commitment to consistency shine through, making Proudly Serving a must-visit for burger enthusiasts.

Follow Matthew here:

https://www.instagram.com/proudlyservingla/

Follow the show here:

https://www.instagram.com/loxoflaughspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/thatsashleyskitchen/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/