Kristi Hopper's Journey: From Corporate America to Interior Design Passion

On The E Spot at Animate Raleigh, host Camille Kauer interviews voice actors: Anne Yatco, Zach Tyler Eisen, and Jack De Sena about their favorite characters, convention routines, and the craft of voice acting. Anne shares why Nova is especially meaningful, praising her as a role model and noting that the role increased her visibility, then discusses the industry’s push for more authentic casting, acknowledging it isn’t always possible, and highlighting how language-informed localization teams help honor source material. Anne advises newcomers to prioritize acting training; classes in acting, improv, or on-camera work, before focusing on microphones. Zach explains how to stay healthy on the road by hydrating and drinking tea with honey, recalls preparing lines as a child with their mom, and suggests creating and sharing original content to lower barriers to entry. Jack shares his character prep, warmups, and how remote auditions and home studios have changed recording, including full-cast Zoom workflows.

In this episode of The E-Spot with Camille (Season 10), I have the pleasure of interviewing Rekha Kanhai, who was born and raised in the Netherlands in a large Hindu family before moving to Queens, New York, at 16. They discuss culture shock in the U.S., differences in food, language barriers between British and American English, and adjusting to American slang and communication styles. The guest shares her studies in finance and economics in New York and Miami, her early interest in modeling, and her work in restaurants and nightlife to support herself, which exposed her to the entertainment scene and its challenges for women. She explains how she eventually left the corporate financial sector, pursued logistics as a more independent path, and learned the industry through research, mentors, and hands-on experience. The conversation also highlights her nonprofit, RPA, founded during the pandemic to support mental health through art therapy for seniors (ages 70–90+), veterans with PTSD, and children, including a summer/afterschool program in Miami. She describes how art therapy sessions can reveal loneliness and unresolved grief, sharing examples of seniors expressing disappointment about infrequent family visits and a participant memorializing a son lost to suicide, which led to partnering with bereavement support. The episode closes with a lightning round (coffee, morning routine, leadership as a go-getter, poetry, advice about not taking things personally, and keeping emotions out of business), a discussion of inner beauty and giving back, and where to follow: www.rpa.org and Instagram @akandhai.

In this episode of The E-Spot with Camille (Season 10), I have the pleasure of interviewing Rekha Kanhai, who was born and raised in the Netherlands in a large Hindu family before moving to Queens, New York, at 16. They discuss culture shock in the U.S., differences in food, language barriers between British and American English, and adjusting to American slang and communication styles. The guest shares her studies in finance and economics in New York and Miami, her early interest in modeling, and her work in restaurants and nightlife to support herself, which exposed her to the entertainment scene and its challenges for women. She explains how she eventually left the corporate financial sector, pursued logistics as a more independent path, and learned the industry through research, mentors, and hands-on experience. The conversation also highlights her nonprofit, RPA, founded during the pandemic to support mental health through art therapy for seniors (ages 70–90+), veterans with PTSD, and children, including a summer/afterschool program in Miami. She describes how art therapy sessions can reveal loneliness and unresolved grief, sharing examples of seniors expressing disappointment about infrequent family visits and a participant memorializing a son lost to suicide, which led to partnering with bereavement support. The episode closes with a lightning round (coffee, morning routine, leadership as a go-getter, poetry, advice about not taking things personally, and keeping emotions out of business), a discussion of inner beauty and giving back, and where to follow: www.rpa.org and Instagram @akandhai.

This episode features costume designer Whitney Anne Adams discussing her path from Mary Poppins-obsessed child to film designer, her couture training, her work on Beyoncé's tour, and the process from script to fittings. She covers actor collaboration, pay equity organizing, AI concerns, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, dream projects, inspirations, and her podcast.

In this episode, the Qulitcon Raleigh recap is here, and it was equal parts craft, culture, and conversation. In this episode, we take you inside Quiltcon in Raleigh, North Carolina, where modern quilting showed up loud, smart, and impossible to ignore. We're breaking down the momentseveryone'ss been talking about, including the viral quilts making the rounds on Threads. Yes, the political ones. These pieces prove quilting is not just cozy decor, it'ss visual storytelling with a point of view. We spotlight the most talked-about designs, what made them hit online, and why message-driven quilting is having a real moment right now.Plus, we sit down for a brief interview with quilter Charles Cameron, who shares what inspired his work, how he thinks about meaning in textile art, and what he hopes people feel (and question) when they see a quilt that speaks back. shares how he created his quilt through A Bee, a group of quilters across the United States who connect on Instagram and other social media. Members take turns writing a monthly prompt, others have 30 days to make blocks in response, and the prompt-writer assembles the finished quilt based on their vision. Charles describes coming to quilting from an engineering background, learning by studying improv quilts and experimenting by cutting and reassembling fabric using an inexpensive $80 Singer sewing machine. He emphasizes that quilting is not about having the newest tools, and advises beginners to "just do it," noting mistakes are fixable by undoing stitches and trying again. Follow Charles at: @FeltLike SweetsEtsy.com/shop/FeltLikeSweets

Join Camille Kauer on this episode of The E-Spot with Camille, as she welcomes the remarkable Afro-Latina journalist Marie Torres, a newsroom leader and managing editor at Spectrum News. With over a decade of experience, Marie shares her journey and insights into leadership, mentorship, and the future of journalism. Discover how her small-town beginnings and early mentorship at just 16 shaped her career. Dive into powerful discussions on mental health, digital media, advocacy for diversity in newsrooms, and the challenges journalists face today. Perfect for anyone passionate about fair reporting and representation in media. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation!Learn more about Marie Torres, and /or contact her at:https://marietorres.ditracreative.com/

In this must-watch episode, our host sits down with Brittney Traylor to uncover the hottest trends in non-invasive skincare treatments. Brittany discusses the popularity of biostimulators, provides insights into pore minimization, and offers detailed advice on various aesthetic treatments, including Sculptra and Botox. They emphasize the importance of consulting with certified professionals and provide tips for planning cosmetic procedures for significant events, such as weddings and TV appearances. Tune in to learn about the best practices for achieving a flawless glow and get expert recommendations straight from the top beauty insiders. Don't miss out on the latest in beauty and aesthetics!

Join Camille Kauer on The E-Spot with Camille for a hilarious and revealing chat with comedy legends Guy Torry and Lewis Dix Jr., live from Raleigh Improv. They share behind-the-scenes stories, insights on the comedy grind, and reflect on icons like Eddie Murphy and the legacy of Phat Tuesdays. From the difference between comics and comedians to the impact of social media, this episode is packed with laughs, inspiration, and real talk.

Join Camille for an insightful conversation with Kristi Hopper, an accomplished interior designer, as she shares her inspiring journey from working at Canon (yes, the camera company) to building her own interior design business. Kristi discusses how she balances being a mom with her growing career, her design philosophies, the challenges she faces in the industry, and her passion for creating spaces that feel like sanctuaries. Learn about her experiences, industry insights, and advice for aspiring designers, along with her involvement in community projects and collaborations. Don't miss this episode filled with valuable knowledge and heartfelt stories!

In this episode of The E-Spot with Camille, host Camille Kauer interviews the hilarious Lauren Howard Hayes, a comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Lauren shares her journey from working as Cruella Deville at Disneyland to creating viral impressions of First Ladies, Jennifer Coolidge, and many more. She discusses her experiences with pageants, her love for antique shopping, and her role as the spokesperson for Native Deodorant. Lauren offers insights for aspiring content creators and shares exciting news about her upcoming comedy show. Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation!