Actor Pepe Serna brings Hollywood stories and a lifetime of saying “yes, and” to Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Friends. Joining Patrick at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, guest co-host Mary Ann Halpin, a local photographer and performer, explores Serna’s journey from Corpus Christi to the movies. Serna recalls studying improv with Del Close, working with Gregory Peck, and landing his unforgettable role in Scarface through his friend Edward James Olmos. He also shares how his wife inspired his painting, why he helps fellow actors find opportunities, and what teaching improv reveals about human potential. With reflections on his book and documentary, Life Is Art, this conversation celebrates creativity, generosity, lasting love, and the freedom of letting go of judgment.

Takeaways:

• Saying “yes, and” opens possibilities onstage and off.
• Improv starts with listening and supporting your scene partners.
• Edward James Olmos helped Serna land Scarface.
• Generosity guides Serna’s relationships with fellow actors.
• His wife inspired his lifelong passion for painting.
• Creative fulfillment matters more to Serna than stardom.
• Teaching improv helps others discover their storytelling abilities.
• Releasing self-judgment makes room for connection and creativity.

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Filmmaker and former news producer Tim Kiley joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Shaun LaBelle, music producer and host of the Shaun LaBelle Show on 100.9FM The Patriot, at Skip Paige’s Little Bar. Kiley traces his journey from childhood movie experiments to a journalism career reshaped by 9/11 and years leading the KESQ newsroom. He shares the family collaboration behind Onru, a zombie thriller exploring a father’s determination to protect his daughter, and the challenges of festival submissions and surround sound. His documentary, Lens Flares: Trauma in Journalism, sparks discussion about the emotional toll of local reporting, newsroom support, and public trust. Alongside humor and movie fandom, Kiley introduces Brothers Movie Company, his nonprofit effort to help creatives get paid, and encourages filmmakers to share their work and support their communities.

Takeaways:

• Witnessing 9/11 redirected Kiley’s filmmaking ambitions toward journalism.
• Effective newsroom leaders understand every job they assign.
• Onru explores parental responsibility through a zombie apocalypse.
• Learning surround sound led to film festival recognition.
• Local journalists face trauma that often goes unaddressed.
• The conversation examines journalism, opinion, and public trust.
• Brothers Movie Company aims to fund paid creative work.
• Share your work, embrace feedback, and support fellow creatives.

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What keeps a journalist asking tough questions after decades on television? KESQ anchor Karen Devine joins Patrick Evans and guest co-host Shaun LaBelle, music producer and host of the Shaun LaBelle Show on 100.9FM The Patriot, for a conversation about reporting, resilience, and building a life in the Coachella Valley. Recording at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, Karen reflects on her Palm Springs Walk of the Stars honor, mentoring reporters, and the investigations that helped families find answers. She shares her perspective on separating news from opinion, adapting to social media, and checking facts as artificial intelligence enters newsrooms. Beyond the anchor desk, discover her love of Padres baseball, blues music, Sunday Scrabble with her father, and a second chance at love. It’s a look at the person behind the headlines.

Takeaways:

• A Walk of the Stars honor inspires reflection.
• Investigative reporting helps families find answers.
• Separating news from opinion matters.
• Mentoring reporters keeps newsroom veterans learning.
• Social media adds demands to reporting.
• AI tools still require fact checking.
• Family helped shape a career rooted in the desert.
• Baseball, blues, and Scrabble bring joy beyond work.

#BigConversationsLittleBarPodcast #PatrickEvans #KarenDevine #LocalTVNews #ShaunLaBelle #KESQ #SkipsLittleBar #SkipPaige #CoachellaValley #InterviewPodcast #MutualBroadcastingSystem #InvestigativeJournalism #PalmSprings #WalkOfStars #Newsroom #MediaTrust #Journalism #BroadcastNews #CommunityStories #DesertLife