All About The Joy

What makes your blood boil? In this candid conversation, we peel back the layers on those daily irritations that reveal so much about who we are and what we value.

The discussion kicks off with workplace frustrations we all recognize - the boss who calls instead of walking five doors down, unnecessary meetings that drag on forever, and the expectation to be mind readers. "I hate micromanaging," shares one host, &...

Carmen, Cynthia, and Rick dive into the fascinating world of unexplainable phenomena, superstitions, and spiritual beliefs in this thought-provoking conversation. From Carmen's late-night TikTok rabbit hole filled with seemingly personalized tarot readings to Rick's childhood experiments with Ouija boards before finding faith, the hosts share their personal journeys with the supernatural.

The conversation weaves ...

Could you fall in love with someone who isn't human? This question moves from science fiction to startling reality as Rick and Carmen tackle one of the most profound technological changes on our horizon: the potential for meaningful relationships with artificial intelligence.

The journey begins with a playful debate over science fiction portrayals of AI in Star Trek and Stargate, before diving into entrepreneur Gary V...

What drives talented actors to sabotage career-changing opportunities? How does the psychology of performing artists shape their success or failure? Talent agent and psychologist Albert Bramante pulls back the curtain on these questions and more in this fascinating deep dive into the entertainment industry's hidden dynamics.

As the "white sheep" in a family of athletes, Bramante found his true calling not in...

What makes a relationship worth fighting for? When is it time to walk away? These questions haunt us all, yet we rarely have honest conversations about the true nature of human connection.

Carmen Lezeth pulls back the curtain on relationship dynamics, challenging conventional wisdom about what makes connections valuable. Drawing from personal experiences—including growing up without parents and navigating complex workplace...

What does it say about our society when hatred gets financially rewarded? This question lies at the heart of our raw, unfiltered discussion about a disturbing playground incident that's gone viral across America. 

When a woman was recorded calling a child the N-word repeatedly over a minor playground dispute, she launched a crowdfunding campaign on a platform known for supporting extremist causes. The shocking result?...

This special episode is all about - a surprise tribute to Rick Costa, my steadfast co-host who has no idea this compilation is happening!

Through selected clips from our broadcasts in 2022 and 2023, I showcase the essence of Rick - kind, humble, supportive, and impossibly difficult to get to say anything negative about anyone (though occasionally I can get him to swear a little). These moments reveal how our partnership wo...

What would you do after winning the lottery and handling all the obvious responsibilities? That's the question that sparks a surprisingly deep and revealing conversation among the Private Lounge hosts. While starting with lighthearted fantasies, the discussion quickly evolves into something much more meaningful about values, purpose, and how we might create positive change given greater resources.

Each host reveals dr...

Remember when you couldn't drive through Los Angeles without encountering film crews working on the next big production? Those days seem increasingly distant as Hollywood undergoes a seismic transformation that's reshaping not just how movies are made, but how we experience them.

The economic reality is stark. Productions have fled traditional hubs for places like Georgia and Canada, where generous tax incentives...

Ever had that boss who calls from five doors down instead of walking to your office? Or that friend who swears they'll support your podcast but never actually listens? You're not alone.

In this unfiltered conversation, we unpack the everyday annoyances that quietly drive us crazy. From workplace micromanagers who expect mind-reading abilities to friends who make empty promises of support, we explore how these sma...

Starting with a reflection on Val Kilmer's philosophy—"I have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed"—we dive deep into what it really means to live without regret while acknowledging our past choices. The conversation quickly evolves into a therapeutic exploration of cutting toxic people out of our lives and the liberation that comes with it.

We get refreshingly h...

Remember the distinct sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet? That nostalgic memory sparked a wide-ranging conversation about what truly defines the Gen X experience in our latest episode. Our hosts and guests shared personal touchstones—from using physical phone books and Thomas Guides to the satisfaction of slamming down a corded phone during arguments—creating an authentic time capsule of growing up between analog a...

What if your relationship struggles aren't actually about the other person? What if the key to lasting happiness lies in recognizing that you're the common denominator in all your problems?

Christy Holt, the self-proclaimed "Happiness Hussy," joins us to share her transformative journey from people-pleasing and perfectionism to genuine self-acceptance. Drawing from her own experiences of divorce, parent...

A stolen wallet at a Boston hospital becomes the unlikely catalyst for a fascinating journey through generational divides in parenting, discipline, and workplace ethics. When Cynthia shares her experience of having cash taken from her Mickey Mouse backpack at work, it opens a floodgate of stories about security violations, boundaries, and how our sense of safety has evolved over time.

Rick's tale of his mother's ...

Our guest, Nilu Rustomji, brings a unique perspective to the conversation of Botox, wrinkle relaxers and all things skincare, having studied psychology before entering the medical field. This background illuminates her holistic approach to facial aesthetics—treating not just the physical appearance but understanding the emotional journey of each patient. Through candid discussion, we unpack common misconceptions about injectables a...

Join us as we rediscover the joy of friendship in our latest podcast episode! With a lively mix of laughter, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections, we tackle the complexities of loyalty and the tough decisions we often face in our relationships. Whether reminiscing about old school moments or pondering how far one would go to support a friend in need, we embrace the ups and downs that shape our connections. 

Our di...

What happens when the weight of everyday life feels too heavy to bear? Join us for an insightful and heartfelt conversation with our special guests, Rick Costa and Cynthia Ruiz Lopez, as we unpack the complexities of emotional struggles in our fast-paced world. With a quick-witted story about the word "joy," Rick sets the stage for a deeper dialogue about workplace stress, personal challenges, and the blurred line between...

Can a Super Bowl halftime show spark a profound conversation about art, culture, and spirituality? Join us as we unpack the layers of Kendrick Lamar's performance, where Maurio shares a touching story about how he helped his mother appreciate the deeper meanings behind the spectacle. From Rick's initial ambivalence, to Alma's admiration for Kendrick's artistic brilliance, we reflect on how the show challenges tr...

This episode dives into the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion while exploring the triggering responses some individuals have when addressing issues that uplift marginalized voices. The hosts reflect on personal experiences and systemic barriers in hiring, emphasizing the importance of awareness, listening, and collaborative progress. 
• Discussion about a LinkedIn post on supporting Black women 
• Insights on...