In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s literature. From drawing monsters and animals to nature and Abraham Lincoln, Dave hopes that his whimsical images bring joy and make reading fun for all children.

Follow Dave on Instagram @daveszalayillo

Check out his website at https://www.daveszalay.com

Buy his books here or at your local bookstore

In this episode, Marisa interviews writer, comedian, and screen and voice actor, Ryan McCabe. Ryan’s commitment to character and comedy was established at a young age when he called himself The Riddler after watching Jim Carrey in Batman Forever. Now in LA, Ryan works in the dubbing industry and trains with The Groundlings, performing improv and stand-up comedy. He has also written seven poetry books and is currently producing a new comic called Henry Fowl in Black Sheep. Full of laughs and experience, Ryan creates work that is authentic to him, reminding artists to enjoy the creative process and to not be afraid to fail.

Follow Ryan @hurricabe

Purchase his poetry books at Sabor y Cultural in LA or on Amazon

In this episode, Marisa interviews professional LA dancer, choreographer and teacher Malia Baker. Malia grew up doing competition dance in Colorado, and moved to Los Angeles at age 18. After 10 years of living in LA, Malia reflects on her dance journey from training and performing to choreographing and teaching. They also talk about her most recent collaboration with Bob’s Dance Shop, where she toured internationally with Purple Disco Machine and Sofi Tukker. Whether she’s dancing in front of large crowds, on screen, or in the studio, Malia slays any performance and brings the fun!

Check out Malia’s jazz class at TMilly on Tuesdays from 1-2:30pm

Follow @maliabaker