Ilse Will Say

When an artist has lived ten creative lives and still shows up curious, brilliant, and fully human — you listen. Marissa Lichwick joins Ilse for a conversation that feels like a masterclass, a pep talk, and a cosmic hug all at once. They dive into the summer she spent training at UCLA, what making a film really demands, why stories are crafted three different times, and how being adopted shaped her writing, her acting, and her relentless pull toward truth.

Marissa talks about the courage to start before you feel ready, the art of making work instead of wa...

Ilse sits down with actor Gloria Chavez (Chicago P.D., national commercials, and your favorite person to whisper-set-gossip with) for a conversation that feels like catching up with your comadre between takes. Gloria shares how she left a draining 9–5 in the dental world, trusted her instincts, and rebuilt her life around acting, joy, and community.

They talk about the real work behind commercial acting, why advocating for yourself matters, immigrant-kid pressure, burnout, staying curious, haunted workplaces, gut health, and the complicated art of learning to take up space. And yes — Ilse tells the infamous story of the comm...

Ilse sits down with Chicago photographer Joel Maisonet, whose headshots have quietly become the city’s best-kept secret... BUT IT'S TIME EVERYONE KNEW! They talk about intention, identity, and why a good photo is less about posing and more about letting yourself be seen. Joel shares how dance taught him to read bodies, how ADHD turned him into a Renaissance man, and why actors should stop thinking of headshots as “smiling vs. serious” and start thinking about them as storytelling tools.

They get into marketing, career mindset, creative fears, evolving your brand, and the weird dreams and rabbit...

Ilse sits down with filmmaker and multi-hyphenate Ben Bishop (Dogwood, Hold Your Horses, Hamster in My Head) for a conversation that’s equal parts filmmaking pep talk and comedy hour. They talk about growing up in Arkansas, writing without film school, and why creative people need to stop waiting for permission and just make the weird thing.

Between talk of cowboy hats, HGTV obsessions, and the occasional haunted hamster, Ben shares how curiosity—not credentials—built his career. From building sets with his dad to writing features with friends, his story is proof that the best projects start...

Ilse sits down with Chicago actor Abby Gilster (Chicago Fire, Single Car Crash, Theatre Above the Law*) for a conversation that swings from haunted babies and bad anesthesia stories to imposter syndrome and the art of taking up space. They talk about perfectionism, football rage, Twilight monologues, and why actors need the discipline of athletes but the wonder of kids.

Abby opens up about learning to believe in herself, finding community through collaboration, and remembering that joy—not perfection—is the point. It’s funny, heartfelt, and a little unhinged in the best way: a love letter to art...

Ilse sits down with Chicago legend Sadieh Rifai (Patriot, Shining Girls, The Humans, Grey House) for a raw and joyful conversation about success, identity, and the quiet power of gratitude. They talk immigrant parents, audition anxiety, the lie of constant productivity, and why sometimes doing nothing is the most creative thing you can do.

From family names that carry generations of strength to the art of being “too much,” Sadieh opens up about redefining success beyond fame and finding peace in steady work, community, and joy. It’s a love letter to artists learning to un-shrink themselves — and to a...

Ilse sits down with editor and former musician Patrick Burke of Method & Madness for a conversation that somehow covers 48-hour film projects, oyster shucking, and the terrifying beauty of a well-timed dissolve. Patrick shares what he’s learned about rhythm—both in editing and in life—and how collaboration, caffeine, and chaos (the good kind) fuel creative work.

They talk about the power of pacing, why film sets feel like beehives, and yes… the Mandela Effect, lizard leaders, and other very serious investigative journalism. This episode is half creative therapy, half fever dream, and somehow all heart.

Fol...

Ilse sits down with arts programmer, community builder, and fellow South Texan Tony Bondoc, whose resume runs from the Neo-Futurists to the League of Chicago Theaters. They talk about growing up on the Texas border, why “football for theater” (the UIL one-act competitions) shapes unstoppable creatives, and how gratitude and intention fuel his work behind the scenes.

Between debates over corn vs potato, barbecue road-trip spreadsheets, and Big Red nostalgia, Tony opens up about building access and equity into Chicago’s theater ecosystem—and what it means to make something out of nothing. It’s a love letter to...

Ilse sits down with actor, comedian, and podcaster Steve Berg, whose resume spans The Good Place, Bob’s Burgers, Tag, and his own podcast Hi, Strangeness. They dive into the joy of folklore, the spirituality of UFOs, and why curiosity might be the most creative muscle an artist can have.

Between burrata rants, Midwest nostalgia, and Bigfoot theories, Steve shares how chasing the “weird” keeps him grounded as an actor—and how moving from LA to Omaha gave him back his sense of wonder. They talk improv burnout, filmmaking friends, and why it’s okay to believe in somethi...

Ilse sits down with comedian, producer, and festival founder Janice V. Rodriguez, the woman who turned a New Year’s resolution into one of Chicago’s most vital comedy movements. Janice shares the origin of Las Locas Comedy, how the Latina Comedy Festival grew from a “one-show festival” into a multi-day powerhouse, and why comedy is equal parts spreadsheets and late-night punchlines.

They dive into the business side of being an artist, what it’s like balancing loyalty with saying no, and why stand-up can feel like free therapy (with better punchlines). Janice also opens up about growing up...

Ilse sits down with film programmer and Chicago Screen Gem Raul Benitez, a man who’s been shaping the city’s film culture for over a decade without ever setting foot in film school. From curating cult Czech fantasy films at midnight to launching a Chicago–Mexico City filmmaker exchange, Raul has proven that programming is equal parts taste, hustle, and knowing which audience actually wants the weird stuff.

They talk about the realities of landing a programmer gig, why gatekeeping is still rampant in festival culture, and the one email strategy that might actually get your movie...

Ilse sits down with writer–producer–multi-hyphenate Keiph Oliver for a conversation that’s equal parts business school, therapy, and creative pep talk.

They get into what it means to lead instead of chase, why filmmakers should stop gatekeeping their own work, and how YouTube might be a smarter move than Sundance.

Also in the mix: self-worth, faith, cold showers, equity over exposure, and why the Chicago film scene might be on the verge of something big.

If you’re a filmmaker, a creative, or just tired of asking permission to do what you love...

Ilse kicks it with Ana J. Christian (editor/paladin) and C. Ryan Stemple (colorist/wizard)—aka the post team behind Journey Work Entertainment, the Chicago studio making indie films look like a million bucks (without ever leaving the Midwest).

They talk about what post actually is, why metadata’s your ride-or-die, the emotional damage of 2AM color sessions, and business meetings in the bathtub. Yes, a real bathtub. Yes, that’s where they do their best work. Honestly? Goals.

If you’ve ever yelled at your footage, wanted to make a movie, or just like smart pe...

Ilse sits down with comic and cultural icon Christina Gutierrez—yes, the one who won at a Canadian casino and used the money to move to London. A literal main character.

They talk standup as healing, immigrant kid ambition, and how comedy becomes armor. Plus: British accents gone wrong, Catholic grandmas, hot horoscopes, and how a purse on stage became a feminist survival tactic.

This one is cozy, cathartic, and extremely funny. Like slipping into PJs while your hot chocolate has chili in it but it kinda works.

Follow Christina @primaprimaveravera

Me...

Ilse sits down with actor and storycreator Lorena Gonzalez to talk about growing up in a legitimately haunted house, quitting a job to chase a dream, and getting told by an all-white conservatory that she didn’t “have it.” (Spoiler: she definitely has it.)

They get into gratitude on set, the struggle of starting late in the game, and the spirit who maybe doesn’t like men. Plus: haunted toilets, shadow figures, and a coconut exorcism that didn’t go as planned.

You can follow Lorena on Instagram @loreyogilife

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank...

Ilse sits down with certified life coach and mindset expert Laura Weiner-Kiser to talk self-discovery, burnout culture, and why rest isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. They unpack what it really means to show up as yourself, why mindset beats motivation, and how to escape the trap of constant self-promotion. Also: Florida Man makes an appearance. Obviously.

For more info on Laura, go to www.changebychallenge.com or follow her on Instagram @changebychallenge

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse sits down with Jon Silver to talk comedy roots, producing madness, and why childlike wonder is the secret sauce. They cover the Chicago scene, theater headaches, and Jon’s latest film The Premiere—plus a few conspiracy theories for good measure. Follow Jon on Instagram @jonsilverpoop

Missy Hernandez joins Ilse to talk about making your own lane—from acting to screenwriting to producing. They dive into representation, identity, and the power of language, plus why safe sets and community matter more than ever. Find out more about Missy and her workshops at www.missyhernandez.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse and Jayson "Avocado" Acevedo go all in on comedy, self-discovery, and the weird stuff that makes us human—think: alien surveillance, zodiac beef, and birthmark theories. They unpack what it means to be real onstage and off, how fear messes with your glow, and why living out loud matters. Wanna know more about Jayson? Go to www.jaysonavocado.com/

Writer/director/producer Andrea Zile Bish joins Ilse to talk birds, ghosts, and the Chicago indie scene. They cover creative burnout, ghost roommates, and why making art with your people is the real flex. Find out more about Bish at www.zilebish.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse chats with Yesenia Carreon about the real deal behind being a Latina mom on TikTok—authenticity, community, and making content that actually connects. They get into growth, monetization, and why keeping it funny (and real) matters.

Follow Yesenia on Instagram @yesseniacarreon_ & TikTok @yesseniacarreon

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com

Ilse and Preston O’ffill talk improv, musical theater, hecklers, and what it’s like performing for kids vs adults. They get into short films, reality TV, and bring back the ‘Gringo Meter’ for a comedy vibe check. Plus: Preston shares what’s next on stage. To see Preston live visit https://www.prestonoffill.com/

What do tacos, Bigfoot, and a bird-obsessed ghost named Patrick have in common? Ilse. Obviously.

Ilse Will Say is an everything podcast with a soft spot for the entertainment world. Expect pop culture takes, nostalgia spirals, weird guests, fake facts, and the occasional Chicago-specific rant.

New episodes every week.

🎧 Follow now so you don’t miss:

– TV talk and telenovela trauma

– Guests who say “Wookiees are Hispanic” with confidence

– Deep dives into the emotional betrayal that is Taco Bell

It’s unserious. It’s unfiltered. It’s Ilse.

📍...