The butthat1percent’s Podcast

Joe Manganiello: Journey Beyond Hollywood

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, actor Joe Manganiello, known for his roles in Magic Mike, True Blood, and Spider-Man, opens up about the profound connections between family, heritage, and healing. He shares the remarkable story of his great-grandmother’s survival of the Armenian Genocide, an experience that shaped his understanding of generational trauma and cultural identity. Joe reflects on his advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and a transformative spiritual journey to Armenia that reconnected him with his roots and reshaped his perspective. He also speaks candidly about addiction, resilience, and how embracing vulnerability has become central to both his artistry and activism.

Entrepreneurial Lessons from the CEO Who Rescued Tequila Mandala

"From high school teacher to mayor, and now CEO of Tequila Mandala—Kirk Cartozian’s journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Kirk sits down to discuss his unexpected career pivots, the hustle behind revitalizing Downey’s downtown, and how a late-night tequila tasting led to him saving (and scaling) a luxury tequila brand on the brink of collapse. Along the way, he shares lessons on risk-taking, the power of partnerships, and why sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting them. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or just love a good comeback story, this conversation is packed with inspiration (and maybe a little tequila wisdom too). Cheers!"

From 20th Place to a Billion Streams: Rosa Linn

Rosa Linn opens up about her journey from a small town in Armenia to global stardom after her hit song ‘Snap’ went viral. She reflects on the pressures of the music industry, dealing with self-doubt, and the emotional rollercoaster of Eurovision—where she placed 20th before the song became a billion-stream sensation. Rosa shares her creative process, the challenges of staying authentic in a trend-driven industry, and her love-hate relationship with fame. She also discusses working with legends like Diane Warren, the loneliness of LA, and her hopes for the future. A raw and inspiring conversation about artistry, resilience, and finding your voice.

Dancing with Beyoncé to Beating Autoimmune Disease: Erin Yvonne

In this episode, professional dancer-turned-hypnotherapist Erin Yvonne (known for her work with Beyoncé, Pink, Britney Spears, and Janet Jackson) shares her remarkable journey through the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. Key discussion points include: - Behind-the-scenes stories from iconic music videos, major tours, and legendary performances like the Super Bowl - How unaddressed trauma contributed to her Graves' disease diagnosis and the pivotal moment that transformed her life path - The power of hypnotherapy in rewiring mindset, overcoming autoimmune challenges, and discovering her calling as a coach - The often-overlooked challenges of the dance world: intense competition, career burnout, and personal identity struggles - Practical insights on rebuilding confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience (including why traditional talk therapy has limitations) This candid conversation explores mental health, personal transformation, and turning obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're a performer, creative professional, or simply seeking personal growth, Erin's story demonstrates how challenges can become catalysts for profound change. 

Serj Tankian: The Untold Stories of System of a Down, Activism, and Artistic Integrity

Recorded: September 13, 2024Dive into a candid conversation with Serj Tankian, the legendary, Grammy Award winning vocalist of System of a Down, as he reflects on his career, the highs and lows of band dynamics, and his evolution as a solo artist. In this episode, Serj opens up about the personal struggles behind his memoir, the pressures of fame, and his unwavering commitment to activism, including his efforts to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide and the recent Artsakh conflict. He also shares insights on staying grounded, the future of System of a Down, and the importance of artistic integrity. A compelling listen for rock enthusiasts and anyone inspired by resilience and creativity.

Billions of Views: How We Built A Viral Empire

How do you turn life’s toughest challenges into a billion-view comedy empire? Eva Pepaj & Javier Gabriel ("The Gabriels") share their incredible journey—from escaping war and surviving jail to building a life of laughter and love. They reveal how they overcame self-doubt, fought through hardships, and turned their struggles into viral skits that inspire millions. Packed with raw honesty, humor, and heart, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and chasing your dreams no matter the odds. Tune in to learn their mindset, strategies, and creative process that took them from humble beginnings to over a billion views across platforms—and discover how you can apply their lessons to your own journey.