Nopes and Dreams

Actor and writer Jess Kaplan talks to creatives about rejection - the auditions they didn't book, the projects that fell apart, and the dreams that had to change shape. We're having real conversations - uncomfortable, hilarious, and deeply human - about what happens when our dreams don't go as planned.

Nopes and Dreams is a comedy podcast hosted by Jess Kaplan, with 34 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jess Kaplan hosts Nopes and Dreams, a comedy show with 34 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #33

  Pursue Your Dreams with Juliana Folk

  Aug 13, 20261h 25mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to Juliana Folk. She is an actor, writer, and producer based in Santa Monica, California. She's spent the past decade building a career as an actor across TV, film, commercial, and spokesperson work, alongside a growing slate of original screenplay work spanning comedy, drama, and genre. In 2024, she co-founded Napa Valley StreamFest and the nonprofit StreamFest Society, celebrating independent film, streaming series, and digital storytelling while supporting mid-career creatives reinventing their path in entertainment. IG: julianafolk https://napavalleystreamfest. com Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

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  Episode #32

  A learning Experience with Kevin M. Brennan

  Aug 6, 20261h 26mS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to her long-lost Chicago buddy Kevin M. Brennan. Kevin is an actor, writer, and producer. He attended the film and acting program at The University of Texas at Austin and trained at The Second City Chicago. Kevin has appeared in numerous feature films including THE TO-DO LIST, IT'S A DISASTER, FOLK HERO & FUNNY GUY, THE TURKEY BOWL, and THE LAKE HOUSE. Kevin played series regular Val on STILL THE KING and was the host of TLC's traveling version of JUNKYARD WARS. He also produces indie films! Including IT'S A DISASTER, THE SCENESTERS, MODERN IMBECILE'S PLANET WORLD, HOLIDAY ROAD, THE COVER VERSIONS, and GREEDY PEOPLE. You can also find him on stage playing guitar, keyboard, and singing with his bands, THE IRISH GOODBYE and THE SCAR PAGEANT. IG: Kevinmbrennan Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

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  Episode #31

  Rejection is the Goal with Aransas Savas

  Jul 30, 20261h 26mS1

  In this crossover episode, Jess talks to fellow podcaster Aransas Savas of The Uplifters Podcast. Aransas Savas is a certified Leadership and Wellbeing Coach, behavioral researcher, and host of the award-winning Uplifters Podcast, with over 100,000 downloads. She is the author of the forthcoming Courage Capital: How 100 Inspiring Women Do Big, Brave Things and How You Can Too. Coming October 2027. Through her podcast, 1:1 and group coaching, masterclasses, and retreats, she gives women proven frameworks to stop hiding parts of themselves, find their true voice, own their story, and create success on their own terms. The Uplifters Podcast: https://podcasts. apple.com/us/podcast/the- uplifters/id1677423044 IG: @ Aransas_Savas Substack: https://www. theuplifterspodcast.com Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

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  Episode #30

  Find The Magic with Jess Kaplan

  Jul 23, 202629 minS1

  In this episode, Jess talks to the listeners for the second time. She shares her first monumental experience with rejection and heartbreak when she was in eighth grade. She talks about how acting was always the love of her life and how painful it is when your dreams don't come true. She talks about her current goal of looking for magic everywhere amidst the disappointment. Host: Jess Kaplan @nopesanddreamspod Original Music: Ariana and the Rose @Arianaandtherose Edited by: Peter Ney For more about the podcast, go to: Nopesanddreams.com

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  Episode #29

  Reclaiming your Voice with Kristi Salerno

  Jul 16, 20261h 21mS1

  In this conversation, Jess talks to performing artist, singer/songwriter & embodiment guide, Kristi Salerno. In 2012, she launched Dance For Artists (DFA,) -- teaching expression & somatic movement to over a thousand Hollywood actors over the course of a decade. She was named one of "LA's Best Dance Instructors" in BACKSTAGE WEST (2016.) In 2017 Kristi launched KRIA Method-- a wellness modality combining dance & somatic movement for healing. Kristi recently returned to music full-time and released her first EP, Asherah in 2025-- Now streaming everywhere. Kristi can be seen performing and producing creative projects in & around the LA & San Diego areas-- where she is currently producing an indie music video & short film for her original song, WOLF, coming out later this year! IG: Kristisalerno Website: https://beacons.ai/ kristisalerno?utm_source=ig& utm_medium=social&utm_content= link_in_bio Spotify: https://open.spotify. com/artist/ 21dcXuUZP1YBQ7M0QSYG5P?si=21- WuWsQSw2HMze-RDJTfA

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Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.