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Second Chances

It's about life: addiction, recovery, and second chances. Each week comedians Greg Baldwin and Jimmy Shin talk to celebrities and normal folk about their second chance in life. Heroic, inspiring, often comedic true-life stories from the people who are living them.
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Now displaying: 2017
Dec 31, 2017

Comedians ANT and Greg Baldwin talk about the year that was 2017, their guests and how the podcast got started. Enjoy!

A special thanks to all of our guests: Margaret Cho, Jay Westbrook, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Perez Hilton, Stephanie Shullman, Hugh Sheridan, Eric Lampaert, Ian Harvey, Joey Feldman, Rocco Stowe, Paul Casey, Ritch Shydner, PJ Stahl, Gerry Feltman, Elaine Hendricks, Terri McDonald, Alex Plank, Jimmy Shin, Carnie Wilson, Greg Cope White, Cort McCown, Mary Carey, Maury Sterling, Jamie Kennedy, Anna David, William Constantine, Amy Dresner, Willie Aames, Tony Tripoli, Alishia Ochse, Elissa Rosenthal, Bobby Lee, Greg Behrendt, Mara Shapshay, Devin Mann, London Brown, and Miles Szanto.

Also a special thanks to all who have helped to spread the word about the show and who have supported us throughout the year: Paul Lander, Mike & Liz Murphy, Miles Szantos, and Elissa Rosenthal.

Finally, a hearty hurrah to Executive Producer Matty Staudt and our workhorses behind the scenes: Audio Editor Joey Marchini, Webmaster & Digital Director Cecilie Korst of Chapelure Media, and Audio Engineer & Producer Charlene Goto of Go-To Productions.

Dec 24, 2017

A working actor since age 8, Miles Szanto saw two sides of life—the privileged life of a working actor and the concrete walls of jail. His parents were addicted, then clean, then addicted, trafficking, in prison…he felt ashamed of his blood and felt unsafe, but acting saved him, and keeps saving him. The greatest lesson he is learning now is to not let external forces validate how he feels about himself; that he has worth no matter what happened in the past or what he is working on.

Miles has been working professionally as an actor since he was a child. He completed extensive training at the Australian Theatre for Young People, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy on a scholarship, Steppenwolf Theater West and was later invited to attend David Mamet & William H Macy’s prestigious Atlantic Acting School in New York City. 

He has appeared in the stage production and the Australian cast record of The Wizard of Oz and then went on to perform in the Sam Mendes production of Oliver The Musical(Cameron Macintosh Productions). In 2011 Miles acted as Eliot in Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton’s Sydney Theatre Company production of Tusk Tusk and later as Melochior Gabor in the Oregon tour of Spring Awakening the Musical.

He has appeared in such Australian TV series as; Snobs, award winning cable drama Love My Way(Seasons 2 & 3), European hit & AFI award winning The Elephant Princess(Seasons 1 & 2), Dead Girls Detective Agency(pilot) and the FX series Married. He has appeared as presenter on K-Zone TV, Studio Disney and AMTV on Disney.

His film credits include Drowning(which screened at the Cannes Film Festival), Blue Monday(which he co-wrote with director Craig Boreham), Ostia: La Notte Finale, Bruno and Earlene Go To Vegas(for which he won Best Performance at the 2014 Transgender Film Festival), Western Religion, Electric Mirrors, Unravel and Teenage Kicks. For his role in Teenage Kicks, Miles was presented with the 2017 Iris Prize for Best Actor in a feature film, and award that is lovingly referred to as the gay Oscars. Miles is also becoming an accomplished filmmaker and in 2016 he wrote and directed the Huffington Post distributed docu-series ‘Facing Addiction; Across America”.

Dec 17, 2017

Born and raised in Los Angeles, London Brown is a trained actor, dancer, comedian and impressionist (his Denzel Washington is epic).  He talks with ANT and Greg about growing up in the hood, humor saving lives, becoming famous and the death of his baby brother, which shook his world.

London Brown is one of LA's hottest up and coming comedians. but he is also much more than that. London is also a trained actor, dancer, and impressionist. He stars on the HBO series "Ballers" as the character Reggie opposite Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Previously he was the lead role of "D" in "The Hustle" for The Fuse Network which was created and produced by Prentice Penny.

In his first two years as a comedian, London Brown hit some of the most legendary stages. Those stages include the The Comedy Union, The Improv, The Comedy Store, and Gotham Comedy Club. He was also the winner of the first ever Robin Harris Rising Star award as well as Best International Comedian for 2013 Black Comedy awards in the UK. He has shared stages with Katt Williams, Tony Rock and Kevin Hart.

London was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Though his aspirations took him out of that troubled neighborhood, he did not come out unscathed, even in adulthood. His younger brother Wendall Lee, a 25 year old college graduate and aspiring NBA player, was murdered in 2015, killed in random drive-by shooting. The gunman was never caught.

London is also a mentor, reaching out to kids in South Central and hoping to make a positive impression on them before they get into trouble. You can find him speaking at after-school programs and spending time with members of the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Dec 10, 2017

Devin Mann is an agent at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, but isn’t your typical talent agent. His personal life has thrown him curve balls that would crush anyone. Having disabled twins, the grief of losing one at age 2, and divorcing his alcoholic wife were all devastating, yet Devin still learns, adapts, and shines.

Devin comes from a family of writers and grew up surrounded by politics in Washington, DC. As a student at Columbia University, he was influenced by music and got into the art scene. In 1992, Devin moved to Los Angeles to get into the film business. With no connections, he struggled and took a job selling children’s books (which he admits to being terrible at). He got his break when he was hired at Island Records, then moved on to a commercial production company, then eventually to freelance work. After considering his options, he took an inventory of his skills and decided that he was best at speaking for people who didn’t have a voice. He applied to 100 agencies landing a job as an agent in training at a small firm in West LA. Two years later, Smith, Gosnell, Nicholson & Associates hired him away as did Innovative Artists a couple of years later. At the end of his 7-year contract, he was approached by Endeavor and has been there for 12 years. Now, he is a co-chair of his department with 9 agents and 9 assistants representing over 300 people.

Devin met the love of his life via Yahoo Dating and lives in Los Angeles. They have 2 children from previous marriages.

Dec 3, 2017

Mara Shapshay is a cute little Prada-wearing Jewish girl who is a mental health advocate who bakes nut-job nutter-butters and schizophrenic snickerer-doodles. Oh, and she is a comedian. In 2005, Mara hit a bottom and checked into rehab. Upon leaving rehab Mara was fired from her job, going through a divorce and was homeless. Carrie Fisher took Mara in. In 2008, Mara became a stand-up comic performing regularly at The Comedy Store, Improv, and the Laugh Factory. Mara is also a producer/host of two successful comedy/variety shows. Mara’s story is a beautiful transformation from rock-bottom to Hollywood-top.

Nov 26, 2017

Greg Behrendt doses out pearls of wisdom about raising girls, prejudice, politics, mental illness, depression, women, relationships, cancer, relapse (taking the dog’s pills), and joining the opioid crisis. Through all his dark thoughts, trials and challenges, clarity finally came with his cancer diagnosis. He is now living in the moment and helping other people. His favorite saying in recovery is, “Bring the problem here, take the solution home,” which he tries to practice each day. Mantastic, Greg Behrendt. Mantastic.

Greg Behrendt is an American comedian and author. His work as a script consultant to the HBO sitcom Sex and the City, starring Sarah Jessica Parker, paved the way for co-authoring of the New York Times bestseller He's Just Not That into You (2004), later adapted into a film by the same name. Apart from that he also hosted two short-lived television shows, The Greg Behrendt Show (2006) and Greg Behrendt's Wake Up Call (2009). Greg is also known for his podcast Walking the Room with his friend Dave Anthony and his surf/rockabilly instrumental band, The Reigning Monarchs. Greg graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from the University of Oregon in 1991, though initially he had enrolled to be a business major and to play rugby. After graduation, he moved to San Francisco, where he joined an improvisational troupe, and met fellow comic Margaret Cho. In his early years, he performed comedy and improv in San Francisco and was a member of the improv troupe Crash and Burn. He came up as a performer alongside such comics as David Cross and Patton Oswalt. He is married to Amiira Ruotola. They have two daughters, Mighty Luna and Bella True. He is a recovering alcoholic and a cancer survivor.

Nov 19, 2017

This podcast is offensive (and also very funny). We will get letters and they will be scathing because unforgivable things are said and no apologies are made. But this is the kind of irreverent comedy that Bobby Lee is known for. From Down syndrome to winning homosexual chicken, no one and nothing is safe.

Bobby Lee is an actor and stand-up comedian known for MADtv (1995), Paul (2011) and Pineapple Express (2008).

He began taking meth and marijuana around 12, and went through three drug rehab attempts, ending his meth abuse around age 17. At 18, Bobby moved out of his parents' home and took jobs in restaurants and coffee shops in the San Diego area, while also attending Palomar College for a brief period. In 1994 the coffee shop for which he was working closed. “I just went next door to get a job,” he said, “which was The Comedy Store in San Diego”. After a few months of working odd jobs at the club he decided to try stand-up during one of their amateur nights. Within a year of doing regular comedy sets he got offers to open for both Pauly Shore and Carlos Mencia. Bobby also went on to work regularly at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles.

Bobby is currently working on a new show and hosts a weekly podcast, TigerBelly with his girlfriend, Khalyla. He is on a comedy tour around the US now.

Nov 12, 2017

Elissa Rosenthal is an actress and writer, known for 5am (2013), Live Nude Girls (2014) and The Tommy O Show Starring America (2011). She grew up in Long Island, New York, graduated the Second City Conservatory at age 19, and performed with Second City for 7 years. For 5 years she toured as a stand-up comedian and In the midst of that pursuit, she struggled with addiction. Listen as she talks about her family, her death, and sings lullabies as Christina and Britney!

Nov 5, 2017

Alyshia Ochse is a Southern girl in Sunny SoCal. She is an actress, a writer, and a podcaster, and spills the beans about her life and moving to Hollywood. Listen to stories of Paris Hilton slapping her mom, wearing fairy costumes, getting fired, getting un-engaged and getting it on. Alyshia is our first guest who got a second chance with herself, finding empowerment and learning to love. This beautiful guest has a beautiful spirit. Listen to this podcast and hers, “That One Audition.”

Alyshia's latest book, "Life Letters" is available on Amazon, but it was through acting that she was able to tap deeply into her truth: her ability to embody and see herself in others. Alyshia is best known as “Lucy” opposite Academy Award Winner, Matthew McConaughey, from the critically-acclaimed and Golden Globe nominated True Detective, as well as her roles in Satisfaction, How I Met Your Mother, Hart of Dixie, General Hospital and Life Sentence. Alyshia’s other credits include roles in such movies as The Other Woman, Parker, Marauders, and the highly anticipated indie film, She’s in Portland.

Though a southern girl at heart, Alyshia has embraced the gorgeous California sun, where she resides with her Mediterranean chef Husband and their cheeky little girl. When she’s not acting, Alyshia spends her time hosting the podcast That One Audition and championing female driven content.

Oct 27, 2017

Tony Tripoli is a hilarious gay comedian. He talks about TV, lesbians, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, gay cruises, coming out, dating, and musicals. (Warning: you’re going to be Googling images of Charlie’s Angels.) Tony knew he was gay at age 4 and came out of the closet at 18. From breakups over breath mints to jealousy and stolen passwords, Tony has been through some serious heartbreak. After 9 long years, he’s back in the dating pool and letting himself love again. It’s all gay banter all the time!

Oct 22, 2017

Willie Aames is an award-winning, platinum-selling writer, producer/director who starred in 22 network series and has a long list of credits. Despite his Hollywood successes, low self esteem, overbearing parents and childhood stardom were only the beginning of his struggles. His career faltered. After an appearance on Celebrity Fit Club, his life completely fell apart and Willie ended up in bankruptcy, homeless and divorced. While pulling himself up by his bootstraps, Willie took an out-of-the-blue opportunity and became a 6-star cruise director. His whole life turned around. Listen to this AMAZING Hollywood story where the happy ending truly happens on a love boat.

Oct 15, 2017

Amy Dresner wrote My Fair Junkie, a horrifyingly truthful, gritty, extremely raw memoir that, believe it or not, is also funny. From a wealthy, squeaky-clean childhood to a woman who was “out of her mind,” addicted to alcohol, drugs, and sex. After rehab, relapse, domestic violence, divorce, three suicide attempts, and losing everything, she finally came to a place - a seismic psychological shift - of reclaiming her life.

Author and comedian Amy Dresner brings readers a raucous, inspiring story of redemption, and ultimately an insightful tale of courage and metamorphosis: MY FAIR JUNKIE: A Memoir of Getting Dirty and Staying Clean (Hachette Books; September 12, 2017). The book is a darkly funny and revealing debut memoir of one woman's twenty-year battle with sex, drugs, and alcohol addiction, and what happens when she finally emerges on the other side.

Growing up in Beverly Hills, the only child of a comedy writer and a fashion designer, Amy believed that everything was always funny and turned out right. And she needed to believe it. If you could snort it, smoke it, shoot it, or have sex with it, she did. It was never her dream to become an Olympic athlete of self-destruction, but that's what happened.

Amy had managed to dodge any real repercussions of her 20-year battle with addiction despite six rehabs, four psych wards, three suicide attempts, and twenty grand mal seizures.

But on Christmas Eve of 2011, that all changed. She was high on Oxycontin, in a shitty marriage, and she pulled a knife on her then husband. She was promptly arrested for felony domestic violence with a deadly weapon. Within months, she found herself in a psych ward, penniless, abandoned by her then husband, and looking at 240 hours of community service.

For the next two years she would sweep up syringes on Hollywood Boulevard as she bounced from rehabs to halfway houses, all while struggling with sobriety, sex addiction, and starting life over in her 40s. My Fair Junkie is the shameless, hilarious, and unfortunately true account of it all.

Second Chances Podcast is sponsored by Chapelure Media http://chapeluremedia.com and Dimensions Recovery Centers http://dimensionsrecovery.com

Oct 8, 2017

William Constantine is a world renowned psychic medium and is as authentic and caring as it gets, but his past could have led him down a darker path. He had a very traumatic childhood at home with a drug-addicted mother, was bullied and abused in the foster care system, and has been homeless, all of which he says  prepared him to do the work he does now. William is a true humanist and a true inspiration, practicing what he preaches; that one can heal from trauma and find inner peace.

William Constantine's journey has redefined the meaning of hope and success. His struggles began at such a young age with an unfortunate environment full of drugs, abuse, and homelessness. William's experiences lit a fire within him which led to the discovery of his true purpose in this world.  

William has clientele ranging from the working-class person to CEO’s, as well as celebrities, heads of state, royalty, models, TV & Film stars, and entertainment professionals. He has been utilized as a source on many top tier media outlets like; CNN, NBC, CBS, FOX, SIRIUS / XM, Shirley MacLaine’s Independent Expressions radio, and many others.

William Constantine has taken control of and mastered the intricate area of Life.  His life is no fairy tale, but it does have a purpose. William was meant to share his experience with others as a way to show that anyone can redefine their lives at any point to have everything they have ever wanted. 

As a professional Keynote Speaker, William is able to take his wide breadth of experience and embolden his audience with the guts necessary to take life by the reigns and make your own way. He is proof that even if things are not handed to you on a silver platter, you can find your silver lining and paint the perfect picture for your life. Then… you can live it. 

William Constantine is amazing. His work, experience, coaching services, and speaking abilities will help people shape their lives into new, positive beginnings for years to come.

Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/.

Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/  You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

Second Chances. Heroic, inspiring, often comedic true life stories from people who are living theirs.

Oct 1, 2017

The Addict Whisperer, Anna David has been sober for more than 17 years and has an impressive list of accomplishments. She is a six-time New York Times bestselling author, hosts the top recovery podcast, Recover Girl, with guests ranging from Moby to Dr. Drew to our own ANT. She's appeared on The Today Show, the CBS Morning Show, Dr. Drew and more, as well as contributing to publications like The New York TimesTime and Cosmo.  Her second chance didn't get wasted.  Hear how she turned it into a mega-rich career that also helps others. 

Anna David is the author of the novels Party Girl (HarperCollins,2007), Bought (HarperCollins, 2009), and Falling For Me (HarperCollins, 2011) and the editor of the anthology Reality Matters (HarperCollins, 2010). Her book By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There, co-written with Tom Sizemore, was a New York Times bestseller.

Anna David was the sex and relationship expert on G4’s Attack of the Show and has been featured on The Talk, Hannity, Red Eye, Dr. Drew, Jane Velez Mitchell and The Insider as well as on various other programs on Fox News, CTV, MTV News, VH1 and E!.

In January 2012, Anna created True Tales of Lust and Love, a storytelling show that premiered at The Mint in Los Angeles and which features female writers and comedians telling or reading stories.

In August 2013, the show moved to Mbar. The show has featured Maria Bamford, Jackie Kashian, Jen Kirkman, Jillian Lauren and Cindy Chupack, and the all-male show in June 2013 featured Paul F. Tompkins. An anthology of essays that have been performed at the show will be released in January 2014 by Counterpoint/SoftSkull. In

June 2013, Anna launched AfterPartyChat.com, a website focused on addiction and recovery. AfterPartyChat has featured exclusive interviews with Dr. Drew Pinsky and original content by Nic Sheff among others. She also created the (Re)cover Girl podcast and the recovery storytelling show Hammer(ed) Time and speaks at colleges across the country about relationships, addiction and recovery. Through both in person workshops and online coaching, she helps people transform their biggest messes into the message they deliver the world.

Sep 24, 2017

Film Star and Comedian Jamie Kennedy is no stranger to struggle.  Hear his hilarious audition story with famed director Baz Luhrmann, his failures and success and the second chance that came dressed as a German Surgeon.

When Kennedy first arrived in Los Angeles, he became a professional Hollywood extra. During his first night in L.A., he was reading a Joan Rivers autobiography in a diner when the waiter explained to him that he had been in a dozen movies as an extra. Kennedy asked, "If you've been in so many movies, why are you a waiter?" The waiter responded, "I have to keep my day job.”

After a few years of struggling, Kennedy was unable to find an agent and worked as a host at Red Lobster. He auditioned for over 80 commercials and could not book one. He then took a job as a telemarketer, and learned that he had a talent in selling things. Kennedy then thought that if he could sell anything, "why not sell myself?", becoming his own agent. Kennedy created a false persona, screen agent "Marty Power,” to attract the attention of real agents and managers over the phone, who would later book his performances. He came to prominence in the late 1990s for playing Randy Meeks in the Scream film series. His lead role as Tim Avery in Son of the Maskearned him a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actor. Kennedy formed a production company called Wannabe Producers, alongside Josh Etting, through which he has produced the shows The Jamie Kennedy Experiment, Blowin' Up, The Starlet, and Living with Fran. Kennedy wrote an autobiography titled, Wannabe: A Hollywood Experiment. The book chronicles his life in Hollywood as he attempts to become a star. It gives background on his life and family, and quickly dives into his adventures.

A performer of stand-up comedy, he is also known for his sketch performances on his television reality show, The Jamie Kennedy Experiment, which became the WB Network's highest-ranking new show in 2002, but which was cancelled in April 2004 due to falling viewership. In 2006, Jizzy Entertainment released Unwashed: The Stand-Up Special. In 2008, Kennedy released the documentary Heckler, about the plight of stand-up comics versus their often-aggressive audiences. In 2007, he appeared in Criminal Minds as a cannibal satanist serial killer. Jamie is still a working actor in Los Angeles, having gone on to host and play in many television shows and movies.

Sep 17, 2017

Homeland star Maury Sterling drops by to talk about the 70's, his acid-infused childhood and the second chance that brought him to stardom. This inspiring story of darkness turned to light will move you.  

Maury was born and raised in Mill Valley, California. As a kid he loved spending time at Muir Beach with his dog Fred, riding his Mongoose and doing local theater. Growing up, he was fortunate enough to be exposed to a wide variety of artists and teachers; the likes of Joseph Campbell, Mickey Hart, the Gyoto Monks, his Holiness the Dalai Lhama, Peter Coyote, Lorna Strand and others.  

Maury chose to go to UCLA to get some distance from home and take a serious stab at Los Angeles. Upon graduating, Maury dove into life as a full-time professional actor. He continued his studies at Circle in the Square in NY and ACT in San Francisco before settling back down in Los Angeles. Over the years Maury has appeared in numerous commercials, guest spots, shorts, films and tv series. 

Sep 11, 2017

Adult Film Mega-Star and this generations voice for girl power, Mary Carey has had an illustrious life.  A rough childhood brought her to the edge but that little voice inside had other plans for her.  Listen to her story of redemption, porn mega stardom, a run for California Governor, self-doubt, holding on and letting go.

Sep 3, 2017

Cort McCown is a hilarious stand-up comedian with small-town roots, Playboy experience, and some pretty major political beliefs.  His story of redemption at the hands of the demon addiction is a cautionary tale.  Playboy, Vince Vaughn and Las Vegas are the back drop of his Second Chances - and bring him back from the brink.  Cort McCown is an American actor and comedian. Cort debuted on the 1985 hit film Teen Wolf with a role as one of Michael J. Fox’s basketball teammates. In 2001 Cort began touring as a Stand Up Comedian, opening for acts like Andrew Dice Clay and Harland Williams. He is a regular at Los Angeles clubs The World Famous Comedy Store and Laugh Factory. Currently Cort has a Podcast with fellow Comedian Joe Bartnick titled “Insensitivity Training” on All Things Comedy Network. He can also be seen touring clubs across the country performing Standup Comedy. Cort McCown’s debut album available now on ITunes: http://apple.co/1MUTWlr  Website: http://cortmccown.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cortcomedy Twitter: @cortmccown Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/. Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/ You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

Aug 27, 2017

Acclaimed author, TV writer (for Norman Lear) and food network star, Greg Cope White opens up about his journey as a young gay man sneaking into the United States Marine Corps.  His dramatic story inspired by the headlines of bullied young kids choosing to end their life will move you and tug on your humanity.  

His book, The Pink Marine is the story—full of hilarity and heartbreak—of how a teenage boy who struggles with self-acceptance  and doesn’t fit the traditional definition of manliness finds acceptance and self-worth in Marine Corps boot camp. 

 

Aug 20, 2017

Carnie Wilson is the daughter of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and of his first wife, former singer Marilyn Rovell of The Honeys. She co-founded Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wendy and childhood friend Chynna Phillips when they were in their teens. They released two albums, Wilson Phillips and Shadows and Light, which between them sold 12 million copies. The group also charted three No. 1 singles and six top 20 hits in the United States before disbanding in 1993. Wilson married musician and music producer Robert Bonfiglio in 2000. They have two daughters: Lola Sofia Bonfiglio, born on April 22, 2005, and Luciana "Luci" Bella Bonfiglio, born on June 12, 2009. Carnie has been sober for 13 years. She is warm, wonderfully sensitive, giving, and honest. She's quick with a laugh and some spicy language and has a twinkle in her eye. Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/. Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/ You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

Aug 13, 2017

This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes. We love Margaret Cho and thought she deserved a second chance listen on the podcast. Enjoy!

Margaret Cho is an American stand-up comedian, actress, fashion designer, author, and singer-songwriter. Cho is best known for her stand-up routines, through which she critiques social and political problems, especially regarding race and sexuality. She has created music videos and has her own clothing line of crotchless underwear for men and women. Cho has also frequently supported LGBT rights and has won awards for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of women, Asians, and the LGBT community.

As an actress, she has acted in such roles as Charlene Lee in It's My Party and John Travolta's FBI colleague in the action movie Face/Off. Cho was part of the cast of the TV series Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime Television, in which she appeared as Teri Lee, a paralegal assistant.

She was just named one of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time by Rolling Stone, along with Richard Pryor, Joan Rivers, George Carlin, and Patton Oswalt.

Website: http://margaretcho.com/

Show Schedule: http://margaretcho.com/tour/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/margaretcho

Instagram:  @Margaret_Cho

Twitter: @Margaretcho

Aug 6, 2017

Jimmy Shin was set on being a successful lawyer, but the pressure threw him into a tailspin. Find out how he got out and now loves what he does, working with all his friends. An amazing turnaround and second chance at life.

Jimmy has been mixing his musical and comedic talents all of his life. After graduating from California Western School of Law, Jimmy decided to take a more humorous path.

While in Seattle, Jimmy won the honor of "Rookie Comedian of the Year" in the Seattle International Comedy Competition in 2005 and was advised by Ron Reid (The Producer of the competition) to move to Los Angeles. Although urged by his parents to become a lawyer, Jimmy decided to take a leap of faith and pursue his dreams of becoming a comic in LA.

After moving to Los Angeles, Jimmy has been performing all around the country and producing shows at The World Famous Comedy Store. He has performed regularly at the Improv, Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. His break came when he performed three times on The Tonight Show.

His parents finally acknowledged that he was a real Comedian when they saw him perform on The Tonight Show and began supporting his decision to pursue a career in Entertainment. He has also appeared on the HBO Series "LUCK", The Carson Daly New Year's Special 2015 and most recently on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/.

Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/  You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

Jul 30, 2017

Alex Plank is the 31 year old autistic guy behind WrongPlanet.net, the incredibly popular site for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism.

http://wrongplanet.net/ 

Both Alex and Wrong Planet have been featured by CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and Good Morning America. Wrong Planet has more than 100,000 registered members and its discussion forums contain millions of messages. Alex graduated from George Mason University with a degree in Film and Video Studies. His areas of interest and expertise include public speaking, the Internet, writing, directing, and filmmaking. He lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Alex is also a consultant and actor on FX's hit series The Bridge. Alex's feature documentary film Shameful, which he shot in France along with Noah Trevino, is coming out soon.  

Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/.

Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/  You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

Jul 24, 2017

Terri McDonald - Rising from the ashes after burning her life down to the ground through substance abuse, Terri McDonald finds her calling helping those who truly need a second chance.  Rising through the ranks becoming the head of the California prison system.  Listen to this inspiring podcast and find your inner potential.

Terri McDonald is the Chief Probation Officer with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. She is a former Assistant Sheriff for LA County Sheriff's Department, overseeing the Custody Division. McDonald is a 24-year veteran of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Her career in law enforcement began in 1988 as a Correctional Officer with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. During her tenure with the CDCR, she literally worked her way up through the ranks of the Department, working as an Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, including Captain at Folsom State Prison, Associate Warden, Chief Deputy Warden, Division Chief, Chief Deputy Secretary and Undersecretary.

Additionally, she oversaw the Statewide Classification Unit, Statewide Population Management Unit, assisted in revamping the correctional officer academy, oversaw and activated out-of-state prisons with California inmates. Prior to her employment with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Terri McDonald oversaw California’s state prisons, juvenile justice, gang unit, fugitive apprehension unit, victim services, rehabilitative programming and the Ombudsman’s office.

During her years with the CDCR, McDonald supervised approximately 300,000 offenders in prison and parole serving as an executive leader for roughly 60,000 employees, with an operating budget in excess of $10 billion.

Terri McDonald holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Leadership in Law Enforcement, graduating with Honors, from the University of San Francisco. She maintains a home in Northern California and resides in Los Angeles County. Terri is single; but in a long-term committed relationship and in her free time enjoys travel, golf and camping.

Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/.

Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/  You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

Jul 16, 2017

Elaine Hendrix is best known for her starring role on FX's Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll and the Parent Trap.  She has also had many second chances.  Her biggest second chance these days is for the animals in the world who need advocates and have no voice.  She is their second chance.  This inspiring and funny podcast will make you think and challenge you.

Born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Elaine Hendrix spent her early years in nearby Knoxville and Morristown. At 15 she moved with her divorced mother to Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended the Northside School of Performing Arts. She started her professional career as a dancer and model but gave up dance after she was hit by a car while bicycling.

She moved to Los Angeles in 1992 and had an agent within a month. She worked her way from commercials to TV guest shots to a starring role on the 1995 Fox revival of “Get Smart” (1995) to features. As an actress, Elaine has 124 credits to her name including “Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll” (2015-2016), “The Parent Trap” (1998), and “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” (1997). She also has served multiple projects as producer, writer, or director.

Elaine is also an activist passionate about animals, health, and equal rights.  She launched a multimedia resource to help pet parents at any stage of the journey with their pet called The Pet Matchmaker.

http://thepetmatchmaker.org/ . http://www.elainehendrix.com/

Have a listen and visit the show’s website at http://secondchances.tv/.

Please rate us on iTunes and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/secondchancespodcast/  You can Tweet at us at @2ndChancesPod or visit our Instagram at @secondchancespodcast.

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