Totally UnMorganized

Today I am with a very rad Girlboss in a very rad salon in LA. I am in the hair chair with Kelsey Gusto at Chris McMillan Salon! Kelsey is a Hair Stylist at the very salon we are filming this podcast interview! She gives the best haircuts in all the land with her artistic eye and hair styling skills. She is so upbeat & one of a kind & travels all over the country cutting hair. If she’s not traveling throughout the country doing haircuts…she will most likely be working on set for editorials, styling for red carpet events, movies, commercials, fashion week and tv shows! Underneath hair dryers at the incredible Chris McMillan Salon, we chat about the freelance lifestyle, importance of assisting, enjoying each present moment in life and share our most dreadful tales of haircuts before moving to LA! For real…GOOD HAIR changes lives! This interview is bright & bold. Kelsey is ittttt.

Today is another day on the road. Literally. I am on the road with Alex Wong. This interview is coming at ya from my car! Alex has danced his way onto television screes, feature films, MasterCard commercials, scripted series and many many gigs in the industry. He was a company member in American Ballet Theatre and Miami City Ballet, a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance and has been featured on the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine. He played "Oriental Oddity" in The Greatest Showman and high kicks all over New York City on Instagram. In my car, we discuss how Alex snapped his achilles tendon twice, his thoughts on being versatile in the industry, his funny social media side and how I almost got him eliminated from SYTYCD! This interview is short and sweet because I had to drop him off at lax after our conversation! Alex is filled with insight and hopeful tid bits!

Today I continue my travels to the hizzouse of the one and only, Jeni Novak, in Santa Clarita. Jeni is the most radical human of all...a Girlboss...and a Go-Getter in the industry. She is best known for her Hair and Makeup skills in all tv and film projects. Don't get it twisted, she started as a professional dancer touring the world with Miley Cyrus. Jeni met her husband while dancing with Miley and together they have a little girl named Lola. This episode is devoted to Lola. Together, both Ryan and Jeni started their own creative agency and production company: Novak Entertainment. From there, they founded Blush Artist Management for Hair/Makeup/Styling. Jeni and I just finished working together on a show for Amazon Prime where she did my makeup for 2 days straight. We giggled the first day together when I was a cheerleader and got more serious the second day of shooting when I was zombie covered in special effects makeup! The conversations I have with makeup artists on set and all the secret words of wisdom are insane. The very best convos ever! Whatever happens in those in-between camera set ups, makeup chairs and early call times...I will never understand...but I am all about it! This interview reflects the energetic spunk behind Jeni and all the love she has for her passions AND her family. Check it out!

For Season 2 I am changing it up and basically becoming a traveling journalist...no big deal. Today of all dayzzzz I am in the hizzzouse of my amazing friend, Mason Cutler in Topanga Canyon. You may recognize Mason from the “Higher Love” music video or seen him on tour with Taylor Swift, Demi Lavoto, or Shaping Sound. Maybe you saw him as a principal dancer on the sandy beaches of Teen Beach Movie or when he claimed his jock role of Colt Channing in Teen Beach 2! His fusion of contemporary and hip hop dance styles have given him opportunities to work with with many world renowned choreographers in the industry such a Kenny Ortega, Margueritte Derricks, Chris Scott, Tyce Diorio, Tony Testa to name a few. I would describe Mason’s style as Mason. He is one of a kind. He is a mover, part mer-man and creative extraordinaire. Over the last few years, he has submerged himself into music. Writing and creating his own music. He performs and also teaches master classes set to his own music. I am so proud and inspired by him all the time. This is one my sweetest chit chats yet because Mase is such a good one!

I JUST WORKED WITH MY FIRST GUEST OF SEASON 2 AND I AM ACTUALLY STILL GLOWING FROM OUR TIME TOGETHER ON SET. THE ONE AND ONLY MARGUERITE DERRICKS IS IN THE HOT SEAT TODAY AND WE ARE CHATTING IN THE PLACE SHE SPENDS MOST OF HER TIME...A DANCE STUDIO. MARGUERITE IS SOMEONE YOU WANT TO LISTEN TO, WORK FOR AND GRAB A DONUT WITH (OR AT LEAST I DID ONCE AND IT WAS REALLY FUN). I FEEL LIKE THIS EPISODE WILL BE ONE OF MY MORE UNIQUE ONES TO DATE BECAUSE MARGUERITE AND I KNOW .. OF ..EACH OTHER MORE THAN WE KNOW.. EACH OTHER. THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS I AM ASKING HER TODAY, I TRULY AM HEARING WITH ALL OF YOU LISTENERS OUT THERE...AND THAT MAKES ME VERY EXCITED. MARGUERITE IS A 3 TIME EMMY AWARD WINNING CHOREOGRAPHER. YOU NAME IT...SHE’S DONE IT. WITH DECADES OF WORK TO SHOW FOR HERSELF HER CREDITS INCLUDE AMAZON PRIME’S MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, GLOW ON NETFLIX, GILMORE GIRLS, BUNHEADS, AMERICAN HORROR STORY. SHE HAS CHOREOGRAPHED MUSIC VIDEOS, COMMERCIALS, LE REVE AND ZUMANITY IN VEGAS AND WORKED ON THE MOST POPULAR FILMS LIKE AUSTIN POWERS, CHARLIE’S ANGELS, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, AND 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU....JUST TO NAME A FEW. AND I ONLY JUST TOUCHED ON SOME OF HER CREDITS. SHE IS SO GOOD AT WHAT SHE DOES IN THE INDUSTRY AND SOOO GOOD IN THIS PREMIERE CHIT CHAT OF SEASON 2!!

Episode 16 is here and who wants to know more about the host of Totally UnMorganized...Morgan Larson! Say yes to the host! In the very last episode of Season 1, Morgan bares all by answering some questions from guest host, KC Monnie. Reflecting on her career, Morgan talks all things from Teen Beach Movie to starring in a music video with Joseph Gordon Levitt. She chats about style. She giggles about trying to be a Girlboss. She discusses what she has learned from Season 1. AND she wraps up 2019 with her hopes and dreams for next season on Totally UnMorganized. All her guests get it together, and now it is Morgan's turn. Listen and rage!

Episode 15 is here and who wants to know more about the captivating creature that is...Dana Wilson! I do!! Brace yourself because she is a one of kind human. She is wearing a turquoise onesie and gets down to business real quick! Join me as we discuss Dana's "memorable is better than perfect" attitude towards life. We talk all about branding ourselves in the industry, dressing for auditions, how every project takes a village, being brave enough to stand out AND she even prepares a few questions for me about the lessons I've learned from starting this podcast. She is the clog to my stiletto. Dana is best known in the biz for touring with Justin Timberlake and has been a part of JT’s creative team. She was featured in La La Land and has crushed the tv and film industry for years. She teaches all across the country and just finished working on the choreographer's team for 'In The Heights'. She is also a dazzling member of the Seaweed Sisters. In true unique Dana fashion...Dana discusses how she gets it together.

Episode 14 is here and who wants to know more about my dazzling dance partner Scott Hislop?! I do!! Join me as we discuss Scott's inside scoop on filming the dance scene in Titanic (my favorite movie), what compelled him to do his one man show, our custom matching jackets from Top Shop, our stories from dancing together at the Oscars with John Legend, partnering in Ted 2 AND his 'really good at a lot of things...but not great at anything' attitude. Scott likes to live in the gooooood phase because he gets to do a lot of different roles. He has dominated the commercial performer scene for over two decades as a dancer, actor, choreographer, producer and writer. He is such a funny fella! He is featured in La La Land, Titanic, Gangster Squad, Charlie's Angels, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Ted 2, Grey's Anatomy, Crazy Ex Girlfriend, and The Academy Awards just to name a few rad credits. In this serious but pure from the heart interview, Scott discusses how he gets it together.

Episode 13 is here and who wants to know more about the calmest soul of them all, George Lawrence II?! I do!! Join me as we discuss George's admiration of Beyonce, our obsession with wearing Aviator Nation AND quoting Bridesmaids, his experience on tour dancing for Lorde and his "for these reasons...I'm out" philosophy. George is a delight on and off the stage. He has emerged as a leading man because of his strong work ethic, dedication to the craft and reliability in the industry. He is a smart, funny and always sweaty leading man in my own heart. He is the star in Andrew Winghart's "Cry Me A River" video, he has competed on So You Think You Can Dance, toured with Lorde, and worked as a commercial dancer for years. We met dancing together in Teen Beach 2 and continue to work together year after year. In this cute little cozy interview, George discusses how he gets it together.

Episode 12 is here and who wants to know more about the cool and sophisticated Val Chmerkovskiy?! I do!! Join me as we discuss Val's passion for music, his upbringing from Odessa, Ukraine to Brooklyn, New York, his love for hip hop and basketball, and all his life advice like, "create a stage for yourself...you don't have to wait for a stage to come to you". Val is a hardworking fella who is ultra focused on his many passions including dance. Val is a versatile performer known for being a 2 time World Latin Dance champion, 14 time US National Dance Champion, 2 time Dancing with the Stars Mirrorball Champion and overall Champion of Dreaming BIG (in my own eyes) because throughout these awards, he is a rad guy. You're gonna want to pencil this episode into your busy schedule....and believe me, we totally have to pencil this chit chat session in Val's crazy schedule...but it happened! In this passion-filled interview, Val discusses how he gets it together.

Episode 11 is here and who wants to know more about the most magical human...Pam Chu! I do!! She is the girl that knows everyone and everyone wants to be around. She is wearing a radical white pant suit that matches her radiant energy. Join me as we discuss Pam's "surround yourself with great people" attitude towards life. We talk all about the lessons we learned from growing up in Wisconsin, incredible moments with our dance teacher, Miss Kellie, funny stories about conquering our dreams in LA, the importance of college, and all about my obsession with Pam since the first day we met! Pam is known in the biz for doing it all...she has performed with Cirque du Soleil, Radio City Rockettes, Brittany Spears, Quiznos, Scrubs, and her feature on the the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine. She has assisted Sonya Tayeh, Wade Robson, Peter Chu, Squared Division, Maks & Val, Mandy Moore and is currently working with the new title of Supervising Producer on a show coming out next year. In my most treasured interview yet, Pam discusses how she gets it together.

Episode 10 is here and who wants to know more about the dazzling star...Karen Chuang! I do!! She evokes funky & fresh and is wearing a vintage Versace blouse. Join me as we discuss Karen's "wherever you go, there you are" attitude towards life. We talk about the goodies and struggles that come with being dedicated to the industry, crazy job shenanigans, life advice on handling decisions (personal versus professional) AND how what's meant to be with always be. Karen is well known for touring with Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Lady Gaga. She has performed in a variety of television shows, live events, Grease Live on Fox, Entity Dance Company and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist! Karen is the type of Girlboss that is versatile, down to earth, energetic and just the absolute best. If she's not on stage, she is busy being an assistant choreographer or teaching on Hollywood Vibe or creating videos at Edge Performing Arts Center. In this heartfelt/juicy chit chat, Karen discusses how she gets it together.

Episode 9 is here and who wants to know more about the vibrantly funny Robert Roldan! I do!! He is a good time. Join me as we discuss Robert's dream BIG attitude towards life. We talk about his passion for travel, our evolving style over the years, his transition from All Star to Producer to Choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance, our funny sideline banter every time we work together and how remaining positive in every situation is always the way to go. Robert is known for Bad Boys of Dance, Glee, La La Land, Lucifer, Rent Live!, SYTYCD, Popstar with Andy Samberg and Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. You name it...he's done it. Roberto, as a performer as well as a storyteller, is the fella on the job every person likes, every girl wants to partner and every human wants to giggle with. He is one of my favorites cuz I am one of his favorites (I'm pretty sure). In this radical cute chit chat, Robert discusses how he gets it together.

Episode 8 is here and who wants to know more about the entertaining and fun-loving Kat Burns! I do!! Join me as we discuss Kat's exuberant energy towards life, our funny interactions in the dance world, her journey into becoming a 2 time Emmy award winning choreographer of Crazy Ex Girlfriend, how finishing college changed our lives and how she came to find herself in the light-hearted bubble in the entertainment community! Kat studied improv at Upright Citizen's Brigade where she co-created and produced "Quick and Funny Musicals". She has worked on Comedy Central, Drunk History, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, Funny or Die, and is best known for Crazy Ex Girlfriend. She has worked with Pharrell, Carly Rae Jepsen, Logic, Bonnie McKee AND this week her work will be featured on The Morning Show on AppleTv. She is hilarious, hard working and super driven...the perfect combo. In this funny yet serious chit chat, Kat discusses how she gets it together.

Episode 7 is here and who wants to know more about the bright and radiant Tracy Shibata! I do!! Join me as we discuss Tracy's electric energy in life, her experience dancing on tour with Pink, our athleisure obsession with P.E. Nation, rad travel adventures, planning our weddings, being dog moms and great advice on the hustle in LA. Tracy is known for being a vibrant tour dancer for artists Pink, Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue, Maks & Val and Rihanna. And if she is not on stage, she is choreographing and producing for television with a Girlboss headset on. She is one of my favorite performers and favorite people because we share the same 'go get em tiger' outlook in life. In this radical and sweet chit chat, Tracy discusses how she gets it together.

Episode 6 is here and who wants to know more about the fiery and fierce Sharna Burgess! I do!! Join me as we discuss Sharna's passion for knowing one's worth, her storytelling choreography on Dancing with the Stars, our shared love for Nashville and country music, funny tour memories we shared together, and trusting life in ever-changing careers. Sharna is a powerful Girlboss in the entertainment industry known for her sassy ballroom flare on Broadway, So You Think You Can Dance and Burn the Floor. She is a Mirrorball champ on Dancing with the Stars and a ferocious force on and off the dance floor. Her versatility has also brought her to the judging scene on Dancing with the Stars Australia and hosting world on ExtraTV. Sharna is a strong woman and entrepreneur. In this wild and fun chit chat, Sharna discusses how she gets it together.

Episode 5 is here and who wants to know more about the cutie patootie KC Monnie! I do!! Join me as we discuss KC's love for movie magic, his choreography on So You Think You Can Dance, our shared love for breakfast meetcutes and the movie Country Strong, funny moments dancing together, and life advice about being bold. KC is a fella who has made his mark in the entertainment industry known for his work on Glee, La La Land, No Strings Attached, Fame, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, So You Think You Can Dance, Shania Twain, Dancing with the Stars and Teen Beach Movie. KC is a hardworking Guyboss who is radical in his own unique way. In this funny yet very inspirational chit chat, KC discusses how he gets it together.

Episode 4 is here and who wants to know more about the crazy and cool Chris Scott! I do!! Join me as we discuss Chris's passion for stories, his choreography on the upcoming feature film 'In The Heights', our shared love for Gwen Stefani, funny audition memories, and life advice about trusting the feeling inside. Chris is a hardworking fella in the tv and film industry known for his work on Microsoft Commercials, the Step Up series, Teen Beach Movie, Zombies, the LXD, Miley Cyrus, So You Think You Can Dance, Taylor Swift, Dancing with the Stars and the highly anticipated film adaptation of 'In The Heights'. Chris is a three time Emmy nominated force in the industry and a very inspirational fella. In this giggly yet very serious chit chat, Chris discusses how he gets it together.

Episode 3 is here and who wants to know more about the vivacious and witty Emma Slater! I do!! Join me as we discuss Emma's work on Dancing with the Stars, our shared love for Fluevog boots, her passion for real estate and dealing with rejection in life. Emma is a powerful ballroom dancer in the industry known for her work on "Burn the Floor", So You Think You Can Dance, Mama Mia and Jason Derulo's music video "Mamacita". She is a mirrorball champ on Dancing with the Stars with the brightest outlook on life and love. In this inspiring meetcute, Emma chit chats about how she gets it together.

Episode 2 is here and who wants to know more about the legendary choreographer Mandy Moore! I do!! Join me as we discuss Mandy's dominating force in the entertainment industry, her experience choreographing the film La La Land, working together on Dancing with the Stars Juniors, our shared love for shopping at Kohl's and just how important it is to trust oneself. Mandy is a two time Emmy award winning choreographer known for her work on So You Think You Can Dance, Glee, Dancing with the Stars, American Hustle, Modern Family, Silver Linings Playbook and the upcoming release of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist on NBC.