Catching Up at Chica’s Café: The Industry, the Pause, and What’s Ahead. It’s been a full, complex, and sometimes quiet stretch since my last blog post—and if you’ve been listening to Overheard at Chica’s Café, you know just how layered this past year has been, both personally and within the industry.
In July 2024, I shared my thoughts on the unpredictable nature of auditions and how the industry was already beginning to feel the tremors of change. The SAG-AFTRA strike and the LA fires further disrupted production, leaving many of us in limbo. But in the midst of it all, we kept creating, sharing, and showing up.
I had the joy of speaking with remarkable artists:
August 2024 – Inam Inamullah, a brilliant playwright and interdisciplinary artist, brought a thoughtful lens on storytelling and truth.
September 2024 – Matthew Carauddo, actor and author, shared insight into legacy, writing, and performance.
October 2024 – Danny Mora, legendary actor and voiceover artist, reminded us of the joy in longevity and versatility.
November 2024 – Nathan Singer, musician and author, offered a soulful perspective on art, activism, and sound.
In December, I hosted a year-end gratitude episode, giving thanks to all our 2024 guests—and to you, the listeners, for showing up so meaningfully.
Then came the silence.
In January and February, I took a step back. My sister passed away, and I was also healing from an injury. It was a necessary pause, a space for grief, recalibration, and self-care.
By March, April, and May, the show returned, diving into bigger questions: the rise of AI, its effect on the entertainment industry, and the evolving role of artists in a digitized world. Those conversations were some of our most raw, honest, and needed.
In June, I had the pleasure of welcoming Albert Bramante, a respected Talent Agent, to the Café. We discussed casting trends, the agent-actor dynamic, and what artists can focus on during slower seasons.
As I sit here in July 2025, I’m reminded that even during quiet times, important conversations continue. Creativity doesn’t always look like action—it can also look like deep listening, healing, and waiting for the right moment to bloom again.
Thank you for staying with me through it all. New episodes are on the way. The Café remains open—and you’re always welcome here.
With warmth and gratitude,
Sonia