Mentor Buffet
Alexi Pappas
Alexi Pappas's Mentor Buffet is a podcast about mentorship: Who influenced the people who influence us? Who helped them along their journey?Alexi is an Olympian, filmmaker, actress, and bestselling author, and she's leaned on mentors to help her level up faster than she could on her own. After losing her mom to suicide when she was four, she needed to find other people to lean on. Now, it's Alexi's turn to peel back the curtain on mentorship. In each episode of Mentor Buffet Alexi sits down with people who inspire her—athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives, and beyond—to have conversations about chasing dreams and befriending pain, through the lens of those who have shaped them into who they are today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 24, 2024 • 33min
GATA: Help Is How You Make It
GaTa is a true entertainer. He’s a rapper, an actor, a hype-man. In this episode of Mentor Buffet, GaTa sits down with Alexi to discuss how much he’s improved his acting, the importance of passion, and why he’s not ashamed to ask for help. Subscribe to Mentor Buffet for a new episode every Thursday.
Oct 17, 2024 • 41min
JOANNE MOLINARO: Getting Unstuck
Joanne Molinaro, “the Korean Vegan," shares her journey from a 20-year legal career to becoming a food influencer and social media vegan extraordinaire. She discusses the discomfort of staying in an unfulfilling job and the pivotal role of two older women lawyers at her firm who mentored her into understanding her own self worth. Joanne also tells Alexi about the influence of the podcast host Rich Roll in her career transition. The ladies also talk about going to Disneyland as adults, the limits of perfectionism, and the importance of having a sense of humor.
Oct 10, 2024 • 53min
TOMMY CALDWELL: How To Become Unafraid
Tommy Caldwell tells Alexi about his friendship with Alex Honnold. Tommy and Alexi talk about the transformative power of challenging situations. They reflect on spending time alone, the importance of trust and partnership in climbing, how we change before we realize it, and other things.
Oct 3, 2024 • 45min
MELISSA VILLASEÑOR: What Comes After You Achieve Your Biggest Dreams?
In Mentor Buffet’s fourth episode, Alexi and Melissa Villaseñor talk about what it’s like to achieve your biggest dream—and then what happens next. Melissa always wanted to be on SNL. And then she made it happen. And after six years as part of the cast she left the show. Melissa tells Alexi the advice she got from her mentors, the comics Whitney Cummings, Maria Bamford, and Bill Burr. The girls also talk about instant fame, making yourself laugh, and building confidence. Subscribe to Mentor Buffet for a new episode every Thursday, anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Sep 26, 2024 • 54min
DIPLO: Only By Changing Can We Stay The Same
Diplo, a renowned music producer and DJ, shares how a transformative trip to India at 19 shaped his independent spirit and discipline, crucial for his career. He recalls his experiences with running the LA marathon, highlighting the importance of camaraderie in physical pursuits. The conversation explores the joys and challenges of running, emphasizing its emotional benefits and community-building aspects. Diplo also discusses how embracing change has led to personal growth, showcasing the balance between discipline and spontaneity in life.
Sep 19, 2024 • 41min
ZACH BRAFF: Be Yourself Until Somebody Gives You A Chance
Zach Braff, renowned for his role in Scrubs, and Bill Lawrence, the mastermind behind shows like Ted Lasso, share their inspiring mentorship journey. They delve into the significance of authenticity and gratitude in creative careers. Zach opens up about the lessons learned while making Garden State and the pivotal role Bill played in his breakthrough. The duo also humorously discusses navigating auditions and building self-belief with the help of supportive communities, all while emphasizing the value of genuine connections.
Sep 12, 2024 • 40min
RAINN WILSON: Lessons from the Film School Professors Who Inspired Dwight
Rainn Wilson, renowned for playing Dwight Schrute on The Office, shares insights from his acting journey shaped by influential mentors from NYU. He reflects on Zelda Fichandler's impact on his view of acting, Paul Walker’s lesson of self-assurance, and Ron Van Lieu's guidance in overcoming personal barriers. The conversation dives into resilience, the importance of serving others, and strategies for staying true to oneself. Rainn's inspiring anecdotes highlight the invaluable role of mentorship in nurturing creative talent.
May 17, 2024 • 54sec
Welcome to Mentor Buffet | Official Podcast Trailer
Alexi Pappas, an Olympian, filmmaker, actress, and bestselling author, dives into the transformative power of mentorship. She shares her personal journey shaped by the loss of her mother, highlighting how seeking guidance has propelled her success. Alexi emphasizes the invaluable role mentors play in achieving personal growth and overcoming life’s challenges. Listeners can expect heartfelt stories from inspirational guests across various fields, exploring the connections that have helped them on their paths.
