Hot Smart Rich (EXCLUSIVE) Cara Santana Leto Opens Up About Addiction, Hollywood, Marriage & New Brand Lil Luv Dog
What if you hit rock bottom at 18 and almost lost your life to addiction.
Do you think you could recover?
EXCLUSIVE This is Cara Santana Leto’s first sit-down interview as a married woman, and she doesn’t hold back. From hitting rock bottom at 18 and nearly losing her life to addiction, to being ousted as CEO of her first company, to finding love again with husband Shannon Leto and launching a new brand, Cara is rewriting what it means to be a multi-hyphenate creative entrepreneur.
- How to perfect the role of “multi-hyphenate” creative entrepreneur
- How to leave something that isn’t working to find your truth
- How to start over time and time again without shame or regret
- How to find a whitespace in a saturated industry
- The inner workings of a Kardashian adjacent brand
- The beginning of lil luv dog
- Lessons from a second time founder for first time founders
HSR listeners can enjoy 10% off at Lil Luv Dog with code HOTRICH10
⸻
This episode is sponsored by:
- HSR Newsletter - Get 3 months free using this link.
⸻
Become an HSR Angel in the Global HSR WhatsApp channel!
⸻
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like what you hear, rate, review, and subscribe to Hot Smart Rich, the podcast supporting women who own their worth — in business, wealth, and life.
⸻
💌
Own your worth — and build the life you want. Subscribe to the Hot Smart Rich newsletter, the no-BS guide to startup life, consumer brands, and becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self, written by Maggie Sellers. Join 250,000+ women building wealth, confidence, and community on their own terms.
⸻
Follow Maggie:
⸻
Follow Cara & Lil Luv Dog:InstagramLinkedInLil Luv DogWebsite
⸻
More from Hot Smart Rich:
The Hot Smart Rich Money Mindset
⸻
This episode is produced by HSR Media, a division of Creative MES LLC, with support from Vandana Ravi.
⸻
Hot Smart Rich is your place to hear unfiltered conversations with the people shaping the future of culture, creators, startups and community. Hosted by Maggie Sellers, investor and media powerhouse, and guests breaking the mold, you’ll get the real deal as it relates to navigating the startup fast lane, leveling up your life or becoming your hottest, smartest, richest self. New episodes weekly on Wednesdays.
⸻
Cara Santana Leto is an American actress, producer, and screenwriter best known for her roles in Vida, Salem, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta!. She began her career with appearances on CSI: Miami and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation before landing recurring roles in Reunion, Major Crimes, and Santa Clarita Diet. Beyond acting, she has written and produced projects including Steps (2019).In May 2025, Cara married musician Shannon Leto (Thirty Seconds to Mars) in a star-studded Beverly Hills ceremony attended by Jared Leto, Olivia Culpo, and Christian McCaffrey. Describing her relationship as a source of grounding and confidence, Cara continues to expand her creative career while inspiring audiences with her artistry and resilience.Cara Santana Leto is the co-founder of Lil Luv Dog alongside best friend, Steph Shep (Stephanie Suganami), former Chief Operating Officer of Kardashian West brands.