What does it really take to turn a movie into a cultural icon? Legendary film producer Louis A. Stroller—whose name you’ll find behind timeless titles like Scarface and Tomb Raider 2. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to navigating the ever-evolving world of Hollywood, Louis shares candid stories from the set, insights into the gritty reality of filmmaking, and the moments that shaped his decades-long career.He opens up about the behind-the-scenes challenges, the power of relationships, and why passion—not profit—should be the driving force in the entertainment industry. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Louis A. Stroller03:02 Early Career and Entry into Film05:57 The Making of Scarface08:58 The Role of a Producer11:56 Reflections on the Film Industry15:12 Life Beyond Film and Personal Insights❤️Follow Sarah: ✅Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba ☑️Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA 📅Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

What does it really take to turn your makeup brush into a brand?

The fiercely talented Raiza Montes (@raizamontes), celebrity makeup and hair artist, joins Sarah on That’s So Akiba, to share her evolution from behind-the-scenes glam to front-and-center influencer. Raiza opens up about how she carved her path from a traditional makeup artist into a full-fledged brand, leveraging social media to build an authentic presence that resonates far beyond the chair.

They talk signature styles, what it’s really like working Fashion Week, the hustle of monetizing influence (hint: her highest-paid post was $12K), and the art of staying inspired in an ever-changing industry. Raiza shares her biggest lessons on building strong relationships, finding the right community, and staying grounded in her Puerto Rican roots.

Takeaways:

-Success in makeup means developing your unique style—and staying inspired by both trends and culture.

-Fashion Week taught her how to blend artistry with fashion storytelling.

-Monetizing influence requires both authenticity and business savvy.

-Building meaningful industry relationships is key to long-term growth.

-The power of community can fuel your journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Glam and Branding

01:53 Transitioning from Makeup Artist to Influencer

05:07 Finding Your Signature Makeup Style

09:17 Staying Inspired in Makeup

10:43 Experiences at Fashion Week

12:27 Monetizing Makeup Influence

15:40 Working with Celebrities

18:54 Challenges in the Makeup Industry

20:16 Building Relationships in Business

22:34 Conclusion and Social Media Presence

What moments make you look at someone and know: this is my person?

Adam Benaim, Sarah’s fiance and soon-to-be-husband, takes us on an intimate and entertaining journey through their love story—from a chance meeting at a wedding in Israel to their upcoming nuptials just one month away! With plenty of laughs, heartfelt memories, and a few unexpected twists, they reflect on the cultural traditions, navigating long-distance love, moving in together, and the joy (and responsibility) of caring for animals as a couple.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Engagement Announcement

01:05 Meeting in Israel: The Beginning of Their Story

02:20 The Beach Encounter: First Impressions

03:55 The Henna Ceremony: A Cultural Connection

05:22 The Bus Trip: A Day of Fun and Connection

06:22 The Wedding: A Memorable Reunion

08:11 Late Night Conversations: Building a Bond

09:28 The One Night Stand: Unexpected Feelings

10:07 Realizations and Future Plans

10:56 Navigating Long-Distance Love

12:03 Adjusting to Life Together

13:29 Learning to Love Animals

14:19 The Dinosaur Revelation

16:19 The Proposal Journey

19:11 Building a Future Together

What if your deepest pain became the blueprint for your greatest purpose?

In this raw and revealing episode of That’s So Akiba, host Sarah Akiba sits down with longtime friend Jason for a candid conversation that dives beneath the surface. From growing up fast to founding the AWOM Foundation at just 19, Sarah opens up about how personal loss, beauty standards, and evolving family dynamics shaped her identity and mission.

Together, they explore the power of movement as medicine, the weight of second-guessing, and the courage it takes to choose presence—especially when life feels overwhelming. With honesty and heart, Sarah shares her path from grief to growth, how she learned to say no, and why she believes in the beauty of failure.

This episode is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t always born in boardrooms—it often starts with healing, passion, and the desire to create safe spaces for others who feel alone.

Takeaways:

-Struggle can be a source of strength and growth

-Childhood shapes how we define beauty and self-worth

-Movement supports mental well-being

-Creating community leads to healing

-Self-acceptance and boundaries fuel personal power

-Loss can become a catalyst for purpose

-Failure isn’t the end—it’s a step toward success

-Being present is a conscious choice

-Safe spaces can save lives

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

03:55 Who is Sarah When No One is Watching?

07:34 Childhood Memories and Early Influences

12:41 Shifting Perspectives on Independence and Money

17:23 Advice on Self-Worth and Beauty

22:15 The Birth of AWOM Foundation

26:24 The Birth of a Nonprofit

30:51 Navigating Business Pivots

32:36 Creating Safe Spaces: The Core Mission

33:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

34:50 Defining Love and Relationships

36:00 Learning from Past Relationships

37:14 Maintaining Individuality in Relationships

38:35 Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships

40:02 Friendships with Exes

41:09 Setting Boundaries in Relationships

42:31 Changing Beliefs About Time

43:54 Embracing Failure

45:03 Defining Success

47:13 Gratitude for Perseverance

What happens when a friendship is tested by business, broken by pain, and healed by faith?In this deeply moving episode, Sarah Akiba and Stephanie Villegas sit down for a raw and honest conversation about the evolution of their relationship as co-founders at AWOM Lab. They open up about navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, personal heartbreaks, and the moments that challenged their bond the most. Through stories of resilience, unexpected life turns—including pregnancy and abortion—and the healing power of forgiveness, this episode explores the depth of friendship, the courage it takes to show up for each other, and the growth that emerges from hard conversations. Expect reflection, vulnerability, and plenty of wisdom on why the people you build with can sometimes be the ones who hold you together.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Special Guests02:59 The Journey of AWOM Lab to The Spaces06:05 Navigating Challenges in Business Partnerships09:00 Personal Struggles and Growth12:03 Faith and Resilience in Tough Times14:54 Creating Spaces for Creativity17:48 Reflections on Friendship and Support19:34 The Impact of Relationships21:54 Navigating Pregnancy and Abortion25:41 The Weight of Decisions29:01 Forgiveness and Reconciliation33:07 Growth Through FriendshipFollow Sarah: Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

What Does It Truly Mean to Grow?

How do we navigate life’s challenges while staying true to ourselves? In this episode, Sarah explores the profound impact of personal growth, kindness, and service. She reflects on the choices that shape our days, the importance of self-care, and how even the smallest acts of compassion can create a lasting ripple effect. Through candid insights, she shares how embracing personal achievements, uplifting others, and shifting our perspective can transform not only our own lives but also the world around us.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Vision for Book the Spaces

02:47 Navigating Life's Challenges and Personal Growth

08:54 The Importance of Kindness and Service

12:10 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Follow Sarah:

Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatsoakibaProduced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about perspective, self-acceptance, and the courage to grow.

Lex Borrero (@lexborrero) is a music executive, producer, and entrepreneur known for co-founding NEON16, a Latin music powerhouse, and for his role in shaping the careers of top artists while bridging entertainment and business. He walks us through his journey of self-discovery, the illusion of control, and how gratitude shapes our path. He joins Sarah for an intimate discussion about his personal experiences on overcoming challenges, evolving creatively, and the importance of mental strength in leadership and team building. From the transformative power of music to self-expression through style, this discussion reminds us that true fulfillment comes from within.

Follow Lex:

Instagram: @lexborrero https://www.instagram.com/lexborrero/?hl=en@neon16 https://www.instagram.com/neon16/?hl=enLearn more anout NEON16: https://neon16.com/about-lex/

Chapters:

00:00 Inspiration and Connection

02:49 The Journey of Self-Discovery

06:11 The Power of Perspective

08:56 Success and the Illusion of Control

12:04 The Role of Gratitude

15:08 From Colombia to Miami: A Personal History

17:59 The Evolution of a Music Producer

22:13 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth

30:10 The Power of Internal Work and Self-Acceptance

36:15 Building a Strong Team: The Importance of Mental Strength

43:28 Personal Style and Self-Expression

Follow Sarah:

Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatsoakibaProduced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Have you ever felt like life was preparing you for challenges you weren’t ready for?

Nikki Spoelstra (@nikkisappspo) host of “Becoming: HER” joins Sarah Akiba on That’s So Akiba for a powerful conversation about personal growth, healing through service, and the transformative power of podcasting. Nikki opens up about overcoming struggles, navigating sobriety, and embracing authenticity in both life and motherhood. They dive deep into faith, recovery, and the importance of building a strong community for support.

From shedding old identities to stepping fully into your purpose, this episode is a raw, honest look at what it means to become her—the version of yourself you were always meant to be.

Check out Nikki's podcast "BECOMING: HER"

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearebecoming_her

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XHDMGZDNN3I1ddmElieQg

Follow Nikki on social media @nikkisappspo: https://www.instagram.com/nikkisappspo/?hl=en

Key Takeaways:

✔ Authenticity attracts the right people into your life.

✔ Healing comes from helping others—it’s a cycle of support.

✔ Sobriety isn’t just about quitting; it’s about self-discovery.

✔ There are no shortcuts to healing—only the path through.

✔ Real friendships are built on accountability and support.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & Inspiration

03:13 The Journey of Podcasting

05:59 Healing Through Service

08:53 Becoming Her: A Personal Transformation

11:51 The Power of Authenticity

20:57 Finding Purpose Through Struggles

29:27 The Power of Connection & Faith

32:40 Navigating Sobriety & Social Situations

41:44 The Value of Real Friendships

46:00 Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story

Follow Sarah:

Instagram: @soakiba https://www.instagram.com/soakiba

Podcast: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3uPL2CvjHFO6nbk0Pe3FeA

Book The Spaces: https://bookthespaces.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatsoakibaProduced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/

Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/