All About The Joy

Have you ever caught yourself justifying your worst actions, or found solace in playing the role of the victim? This episode of Carmen Talk is an exploration into the effects of our mindset on the world we experience. With a special thank you to my crew, our neighborhood pals, and the always insightful Charlie Mattera, we open up about the impact of negativity and pessimism. Drawing from Gary Vee's wisdom and my own acting jou...

Ever wondered what Beyoncé's take on Dolly Parton's "Jolene" might reveal about the changing tides of country music? We're pulling back the curtain to expose how music can be a conduit for cultural exchange and understanding. We navigate through a heady mix of reactions from music icons, the significance of recognizing Black artists in country's narrative, and what happens when an artist like Beyoncé b...

Ever faced a customer service conundrum that left you more tangled than headphone wires in a pocket? Join us as co-hosts Cynthia and Rick unravel the intricate web of customer service, sharing personal experiences and a wealth of knowledge that could save you from your next support snafu. Battling through the underbrush of automated phone systems and slow live chat responses, we dissect the good, the bad, and the ugly of customer c...

In this episode, we wade into the often murky waters of political discourse, challenging the charm of a charismatic leaders and urging a deeper evaluation of their actions. It's a talk about the nuances of power, manipulation, and the real impact of presidential decisions. There is a decision to be made, Trump or Biden. The end of democracy as we know it or step in the right direction bringing our country back from the ledge. ...

Take a seat, as we whisk you away to the sun-drenched shores of Aruba, where the tale of our latest escape unfolds with the zest of a freshly squeezed mojito. While sipping drinks and managing client tasks under the palm trees, we ponder the elusive dream of a work-free vacation, promising you insights into the art of balancing business with pleasure. The multilingual locals and their economic plights weave into our narrative, offe...

Imagine stranding yourself on a tropical island with 15 women you barely know – sounds like the setup to a side-splitting sitcom, right? Well, I'm here to spill the beans about all the tea that has unfolded in Aruba. Amidst the clinking of cocktail glasses and the rustling palm trees, I discovered the sheer hilarity that ensues when technical blunders meet live podcasting. But it wasn't all about overcoming the challenges...

Have you ever wondered how a single joke can polarize an audience, or how an awards ceremony can unpredictably crown a new star? Our roundtable discussion peels back the curtain on the Oscars, revealing Emma Stone's unexpected triumph and diving into the edgy humor that targeted Robert Downey Jr. Join us as we navigate the laughter and critique that follow such public spectacles, all while emphasizing the importance of fully e...

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Charlie Mattera's life story is something you'd expect to see on the silver screen, not just hear about in our latest podcast episode. We follow Charlie's incredible journey from his early days in New York to his unexpected rise in Hollywood, where he sold his first screenplay to Roger Corman and rubbed shoulders with stars like Jason Bateman. It's a tale of culture shocks and close encou...

There's no business like show business, and Charlie Mattera knows it all too well. As we cozy up in our private lounge, we're swapping tales that traverse the spectrum of Hollywood life—from the shared ache of rejection to the warm buzz of camaraderie that fuels our creative fires. Our stroll down memory lane takes us back to the legendary Pro Gym, where stars like Cindy Crawford and Kate Beckinsale blended into the backg...

Have you ever sat at your desk, juggling the demands of work with the whispers of unfulfilled dreams? We've all been there, and in this heartfelt episode, we peel back the layers of finding joy in our careers, the courage to make life-changing decisions, and the hilarity that ensues when work-life balance tips sideways. We share our transformative journeys—reminding us that the quest for authenticity is both universal and full...

Have you ever wondered about the fine line where music genres blend and spark debates? That's exactly where we're headed as we tackle the hullabaloo around Beyonce's venture into country music, stirring up a storm in the industry. In our robust conversation, we unpack John Schneider's pointed remarks and the broader cultural conversations igniting from such genre-defying moves. Tony brings his refreshing perspec...

Another episode of Carmen Talk: 

When I first felt the impact of my hip surgery, it wasn't just the physical pain that struck me, but a newfound awareness of the everyday hurdles faced by individuals with disabilities. Walking a mile in these shoes, quite literally, reshaped my perspective on the hidden challenges of navigating public spaces - In this episode I peel back the layers of everyday life that many of us tak...

The Grammys provided a backdrop for a rich exploration of personal music tastes and the moments that music creates, whether it be Tracy Chapman's surprise performance that left us awestruck or the debates sparked by Taylor Swift, and Billy Joel's music. In this episode we celebrated the universal language of music and the varied reactions it can evoke, sharing anecdotes that shed light on the warmth of friendships and the...

Have you ever been knocked down by life's curveballs, only to pick yourself up again? Our latest Private Lounge chat episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as we open our hearts to discuss the stings of rejection and the grip of financial challenges.  We tackle the uphill battles of loan acquisition, the emotional toll of student debts, and the predatory nature of some systems that bind us. It's a c...

Ever found yourself in the throes of a live-streaming session, grappling with the eccentricities of audience engagement? That's precisely where we, alongside our insightful guests Tony, Rick, and Cynthia, start our lively tete-a-tete, unraveling the layers of content creation, from the technical snafus to the art of managing vibrant online communities. Picture us, post-live stream, unwinding in the All About the Joy Private Lo...

Ever felt that creeping dread when someone's name flashes on your phone, similar to those tense moments before a principal's office visit? Join me as I identify what makes for toxic people and toxic relationships. I'll mark what may be the red flags to avoid them or, at the very least, recognize it when it's in front of you! We'll unpack the gut-wrenching signals that scream 'toxic!' and dissect t...

Join us as we unravel the exasperating world of customer service conundrums, ranging from tech setup woes to banking blunders. But it's not all gripes and groans; we inject some fun with whimsical discussions with Maurio Dawson, who joins the show. And for those of you who love a good awards show giggle, our Emmy recap will have you in stitches!

Let's take a stroll down nostalgia lane and tip our hats to the gold...

Embarking on a quest to conquer the world of self-promotion, I never anticipated how marketing and public relations would become my unlikely allies. 

Our journey through the ever-expanding universe of "All About the Joy" proved that even the most hesitant of hosts can champion a cause close to their heart. With each live stream, we connect people from every corner of the planet in a dynamic symphony of voices, mu...

Using a viral TikTok from Derrick Jaxn, we've rolled up our sleeves to discuss why some single women choose joy in solitude over the compromise of companionship. We dissect the evolving expectations in partnerships and consider all the options to the human heart.

A second video making the rounds on the internet, we discuss, when the bill lands on the table at a birthday dinner, the air gets thick with tension, doesn&...