This singer, actor and improv artist who comes from the Republic of Moldova, embarked on a daring journey when she was just 14 years old, leaving the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dreams in the sprawling city of Los Angeles. Afina's tale is a testament to bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, having to juggle a tedious job, the harsh realities of immigration, and her own online business, all while honing her passion for music.

Afina Madoian shares the story of how Sweet Dreams was born. She explains the lyrics of the song, written as a source of comfort and support to herself during difficult times. Afina has recently started acting and shares the journey of her success so far.

From her struggles in the unfamiliar land to the birth of her heartfelt song, 'Sweet Dreams', and her recent leap into acting, Afina's story shows us the beauty that can blossom when we dare to chase our dreams. She also shares about her current writing projects and her exciting plans for future music releases. Afina's journey is a lesson in perseverance and hope, and we're excited to share it with all of you. We hope her story ignites a spark in those who are at the crossroads of choosing between their passion and practicality. So grab a cup of your preferred beverage, sit back, and prepare to be inspired by Afina's journey filled with music, love, longing, and dreams.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - A Conversation With Singer Afina Madoian: Afina Madoian left Moldova at 14 to pursue singing, worked long hours, built an online business, and ultimately quit to pursue music full-time. (0:13:39) - Pursuing a Music Career: Afina Madoian faced challenges transitioning to the US, going from packer to sales operations manager while pursuing music and opening an online business. (0:20:11) - Dreams, Songwriting, and Acting: Afina Madoian shares her story of creating Sweet Dreams, her acting journey, and upcoming singles.

AFINA MADOIAN Soul, jazz and pop singer Afina Madoian (who goes by the mononym Afina) was born and raised in Moldova, performing since childhood all over Europe and landing a spot on X-Factor Romania in 2014. The Los Angeles performer with bountiful curly hair, a striking voice and an even bigger heart was granted the prestigious O1 visa for extraordinary abilities in the arts when she was just 19 years of age. Afina's story is one of bravery, intense isolation but most of all of an immigrant artist following her dreams.

The powerhouse vocalist speaks Romanian, English and Russian and she is cultured beyond her years, immersed at a young age in Jewish, Greek and Armenian cultures growing up in Moldova. With a recognizable presence, Afina’s vocal prowess and stylings may remind listeners of artists like Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, and even Beyonce and Whitney Houston.

Paul Vato

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORS

- Are you a podcaster and/or a social audio enthusiast? Join the Podcast Elcat Mastermind & Think Tank at ⁠PodcastEclat.com⁠.

- Check out Paul Vato's Step by Step Podcast Launch Course & Ignite Your Brand's Voice! Available at ⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠

- Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you!

- Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠⁠

Navigating the realm of art and comedy can often feel like walking a tightrope, especially when politics enter the picture. This episode features a conversation with Jason Seiler, an esteemed illustrator whose work has graced the covers of Time Magazine multiple times. Together, we uncover the nuances of capturing political figures in art, and the responsibility that comes with it. Jason shares his insights about treating his artwork as a form of recording history - a perspective that is both thought-provoking and reveals the delicate balance needed when dealing with political personalities.

When Jason Seiler isn't painting, he's making people laugh. A personal anecdote leads us into his journey into stand-up comedy, spurred by encouragement from Steve Byrne who noticed his artwork for a documentary. Jason's first set at the Chicago Improv wasn't just a daring leap, it was a springboard for more opportunities. He shares the struggles he faced, his eventual triumph, and how Byrne continued to support him, paving the way for a remarkable career that blurs the line between art and comedy.

We also delve into the challenges faced by content creators in today's world, and the courage needed to handle criticism. A bold statement by Jason about his video going viral, offers a masterclass in resilience and transforms our understanding of how art, comedy, and personal growth intertwine. This episode promises a deep exploration into the world of art, comedy, politics, and the surprising ways they intersect. Don't miss out on this engaging journey that spans from the pages of Time Magazine to the stages of stand-up comedy.

JASON SEILER

Jason Seiler is a Chicago based artist and standup comedian, and producer of The Breaking the Law Comedy Show! Originally from Green Bay Wisconsin, Jason moved to Chicago in 1996 and created a career for himself in illustration, painting covers for publications such as Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, MAD magazine and more!!!

Always a comedian at heart, Jason had the pleasure of having the great Steve Byrne on his podcast, "Face the Truth", Steve invited him to try stand up for the first time and asked him to do a guest spot for him, at The Chicago Improv. I know, crazy right? Jason agreed to do it, the show went great, and he has since opened 5 more times for Steve, and the rest is history!
His silly sense of humor, dry wit, and likable disposition, help illustrate stories and jokes drawn from personal experience.

CHAPTERS

(0:00:00) - Art, Politics, and Freedom of Expression: Jason and I discuss art, stand-up comedy, reactions to his art, and balancing work with politicians.

(0:15:24) - From Punk Bands to Stand-Up Comedy: Jason Seiler's journey to stand-up comedy was encouraged by Steve Byrne, culminating in a successful five-minute set at the Chicago Improv.

(0:24:56) - Artist's Offense and Recognition Navigation: Risks of content creation, pride of Time Magazine cover, handling negative comments, importance of true fans, and Sam Kinison's advice discussed.

(0:28:49) - Viral Video and Artistic Resilience: Jason Seiler reflects on the power of comedy and risks of content creation, and how going viral 15 years ago changed his outlook on life.

PAUL VATO

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paul Vato⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an actor, improvisor, comedian, poker player, podcaster & entrepreneur.

Connect with Paul Vato across all social media at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PaulVato.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SPONSORS

- Are you a podcaster and/or a social audio enthusiast? Join the Podcast Elcat Mastermind & Think Tank at PodcastEclat.com.

- Check out Paul Vato's Step by Step Podcast Launch Course & Ignite Your Brand's Voice! Available at ⁠PaulVato.com⁠

- Buy The Kama Sucia aka The Filthy Bed at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VATO.tv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you!

- Monetize your time & knowledge w/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Owwll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enter referral code "VATO" at sign-up to get $10 to use on the app: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠apple.co/35HC0hd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • Android: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/OwwllGooglePlay⁠⁠