Nopes and Dreams

Actor and writer Jess Kaplan talks to creatives about rejection - the auditions they didn't book, the projects that fell apart, and the dreams that had to change shape. We're having real conversations - uncomfortable, hilarious, and deeply human - about what happens when our dreams don't go as planned.

Nopes and Dreams is a comedy podcast hosted by Jess Kaplan, with 41 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Jess Kaplan hosts Nopes and Dreams, a comedy show with 41 episodes published.

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  Episode #40

  From the Bakery with Aran Goyoaga

  Oct 1, 20261h 20mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to Basque-born Aran Goyoaga. Aran is an award-winning author, photographer, and professionally trained pastry chef. She is a three-time James Beard finalist and an Editor-In-Residence at America's Test Kitchen. Aran is the author of four cookbooks: The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, Cannelle et Vanille BakesSimple, Cannelle et Vanille, and Small Plates & Sweet Treats. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Good Morning America, Vanity Fair, Bon Appétit, Martha Stewart, Epicurious, and more. IG: @cannellevanille Website: arangoyoaga.com Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com Look for our new YouTube Channel

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  Episode #39

  It's Not That Serious with Alyssa Payne

  Sep 24, 20261h 30mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to Alyssa Payne, a New York–based composer, lyricist, and performer. Her one-woman musical Extra Crispy was commissioned by Forestburgh Playhouse and debuted at Joe's Pub last April. Her writing credits include F Word, Broadway's Never Been More Alive (Tony Award video produced by Theatrely), Virgin Mary! and commercial jingles for brands such as Mattel, Hungryroot and Swiffer. Alyssa earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she received the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Scholarship, leading to mentorship with Shaina Taub, whom she later assisted on Suffs on Broadway. Payne has built a devoted following of over 300,000 across social platforms by doing what she does best—finding humor in heartbreak and music in the mess of being human. IG @alyssathepayne Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com Look for our new YouTube Channel

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #38

  Follow the Fun with Leah Knauer

  Sep 17, 20261h 32mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to multi-hyphenate Leah Knauer, who is a hilarious stand-up, improviser, actress, and singer. Leah has collaborated with Wayne Brady, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Mary J. Blige, Jimmy Kimmel, Meghan Trainor, Travis Kelce, and Jack Black. She is in the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot film. You've also seen her on Comedy Central's Corporate and Not Safe with Nikki Glaser and as a guest on Adam Carolla's Show. Leah is a writer/performer in Ron Funches' sketch group, the Funch Bunch. Leah's personal mission in life is to add sparkle, sass, and laughs whenever she can. IG: @Leahknauer Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com Look for our new YouTube Channel

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #36

  The Canvas is a Mirror with Deni Rayneau

  Sep 3, 20261h 20mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to Deni Rayneau, a Sydney-based Abstract Expressionist artist, mentor, and creative facilitator. Self-taught as a painter, with a background in graphic design, branding, and visual communication, Deni came to art through instinct, curiosity, and a deep need to express what words could not quite hold. Deni mentors women artists through Art&Soul, in-person workshops, and international retreats, helping them move past self-doubt, strengthen their visual language, and create from a more honest place. Her work has been recognised nationally and internationally, including being featured in Alice in Wonderland , an art novel published by Bond&Grace, and as a finalist in both the Australian National Emerging Art Prize and the Leda Gallery Art Prize. Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

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  Episode #35

  Find the Win with Matthew Magnusson

  Aug 27, 20261h 23mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to actor, singer, and songwriter Matthew Magnusson. Matthew is currently the standby in the brilliant Broadway show Just in Time. Other Broadway credits include: A Wonderful World (Studio 54). Off-Broadway: Hound Dog (Ars Nova). Regional: Jersey Boys, Mr. Holland's Opus, Grease, Floyd Collins, Spring Awakening, American Idiot. TV: "Law & Order: SVU," "FBI," "The Rookie: Feds." Film: Hall Pass Nightmare (Lifetime), Secret Lives of College Escorts (Lifetime), Nightingale (Amazon Prime), Dirty Sexy Saint (Passionflix). He also started a band with his wife called Big Sur Bound. IG: @Matthewmagnusson Band IG: @BigSurBoundOfficial Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Nopes and Dreams. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

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