This week, Alex sits down with actress, comedian, and author Berenice “Barry” Diaz — a Chicago-raised, L.A.-based creative whose journey from small-town Mexico to Hollywood stages is anything but ordinary.

Barry shares how watching telenovelas inspired her to chase acting, how she secretly took classes behind her mom’s back, and how a hilariously bad self-tape somehow led her into the Theatre of Arts Acting Conservatory. From crying at 8 a.m. in scene study to surviving chaotic roommates and discovering her comedic voice at The Comedy Store, her story is both heartfelt and hilarious.

She talks about performing at Stay Gallery and how a one-off show turned into a three-year run, plus the absurd things she’s done for a role — including literally injuring her foot just to “feel the pain.” Barry ...