Are you ready for a wild ride? I'm Alexis Artin and I invite you to strap in, because this is more than a podcast. This is Look at Me Now. It's an experience filled with the raw and the real of what life deals us, from celebrities all the way to that curious neighbor next door. These conversations will undoubtedly wake you, shake you and inspire the hell out of you.

Warning you may experience moments of clarity, rushes of adrenaline, releases of shame and surges of inspiration. Whether you laugh till you cry or you cry till you laugh, this is where the mirror gets turned around, where your mess becomes your message, because the truth is in the only place that actually matters, staring you right in the face. Join us wherever you listen to podcasts, and be sure to share, like and subscribe!

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Learn more at AlexisArtin.com

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Join me, your host Alexis Artin, on a personal odyssey as I reflect on a past marked by adversity and the unyielding spirit of resilience. Listen in as I recount my experiences with plane crashes, mental health struggles, and the unvarnished truths of life from an early age, sharing how these challenges have mentally, emotionally and physically sculpted the person I am today. Through this unapologetic narrative, we will learn that the scars of our history can indeed lead us to our dreams. Let's lean in together - towards the mirror - and say with totally authentic adoration…LOOK AT ME NOW.

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Learn more at AlexisArtin.com

Follow me on Instagram @alexis_artin

In this episode, I sit down with longtime friend Ned Mencia. You probably know him as "Carlos" Mencia. Ned and I explore the raw intersection of comedy, truth, and personal evolution in a way only the two of us can. Ned opens up about his formative experiences on stage, from the initial realization of comedy's transformative power to the enduring influence of Paul Mooney's fearless performances. Listen in as he recounts the pivotal shift from simply telling jokes to sharing his unfiltered truths, and the challenges of being a Latino comic.

Our candid conversation continues with Ned reflecting on the divisive nature of comedy and his own path to maturity within the often-unforgiving environment of stand-up. He shares personal stories that highlight the industry's shifting dynamics and the struggle for recognition and respect, all while navigating the complexities of public perception and the high stakes of staying authentic amidst controversy.

In this conversation, we tackle the weighty topics of resilience in the face of adversity, the impact of CANCEL CULTURE, and the ongoing process of self-reflection and growth. Ned's journey is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the importance of embracing change, as he shares his vision for the future and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Tune in for a heartwarming and thought-provoking discussion that reaffirms the necessity of evolving, both on and off the stage.

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In this episode, we discuss...

(01:00) Truth-Telling in Comedy

(10:26) Navigating Divisiveness and Personal Growth

(19:34) Personal Growth and Evolution in Comedy

(25:49) Addressing Long-Lasting Negative Perceptions in Comedy

(30:24) Trauma's Impact on Personal Growth

(35:42) Resilience, Growth, and Cancel Culture

(45:43) Personal Growth and Comedy Career Reflections

(58:12) The Importance of Learning and Evolving

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Learn more at AlexisArtin.com

Follow me on Instagram @alexis_artin

Follow Carlos @carlosmencia