Interviews

Teens Wanna Know covered the 30th anniversary of AIDS Walk Los Angeles on October 12, 2014. The event featured plenty of celebrity horsepower including singer and former American Idol judge Paula Abdul, We got to speak with several of the celebrities who lent their support in order to raise money and awareness to combat the […]

By all accounts, Jaclyn Stapp is living quite a charmed life. She is an award-winning children’s book author, former beauty queen, spokesperson, model, mother of three children, and the wife of Grammy award-winning lead singer of rock band Creed, Scott Stapp. And recently, she added another accomplishment: founding a new non-profit organization for children aptly

Check out our interviews with Ariana Sloan, who perfoms her new song “We Look Good In Pictures” LIVE, and actor/entrepreneur Spencer Owens. Oh, and we recently celebrated our 2nd Birthday…so some of our friends gave us a couple of birthday shoutouts…including the feisty “Granny B”

The long-awaited film Innocence, based on Jane Mendelsohn’s novel of the same name, is finally hitting theaters tomorrow September 5th, and Teens Wanna Know was able to ask a few questions of its teen star Sophie Curtis. First, for those unfamiliar with the premise of the story, let’s cover the synopsis from the official press release: Haunted

Faith-based themes have been cropping up more and more in Hollywood films lately — from Noah to Son of God to Heaven is For Real — and audiences are responding by rewarding filmmakers with respectable box office grosses. Now another film with biblical themes is set to enter the fray, although this time, it’s a

The Stream is a brand-new coming-of-age film slated to premiere Tuesday August 26, 2014 at the Boys & Girls Club LA Harbor, with a simultaneous release on iTunes and in Walmart. It stars Mario Lopez, Kelly Rutherford, Rainn Wilson and Christopher Gorham. According to the press release, “A long time ago, in the summer of

In this episode we visit The Celebrity Experience where interview Director/Producer George Caceres, “Shake It Up!’s” Caroline Sunshine, “Lab Rats” Spencer Boldman, “The Fosters” Ashley Argota, and “Ravenswood” Luke Benward. We also check out a flash mob honoring Michael Jackson and review the Asus MeMO Pad 7. George Caceres IMDb: http://imdb.com/name/nm3900083/ Website: http://georgecfoundation.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/OfficialGeorgeCaceres

Clinton Sparks is a very talented and busy man. When he is not producing hits for Akon, Lady Gaga, T-Pain or dozens of other major artists, he is busy deejaying, appearing on TV, or running one of his businesses enterprises — including apparel stores and a marketing company. In addition to his self-created empire, the

Madeleine Hage is a college student with dreams of becoming a physician. That is not so unusual. What is unusual is that she, on purpose, travels to areas affected by terrible catastrophes — areas most people avoid. Madeleine doesn’t go to these places to sightsee, however. She goes to deliver much needed help to those

General Hospital’s Jimmy Deshler and filmmaker Riley Beres teamed up to produce a documentary on homelessness in L.A. We feature them, plus take you to the premiere of the film — ending off with a touching montage set to Caleb’s “Shelter.”

We explore deejaying in this episode of Teens Wanna Know as Michael Pena interviews DJ Young Slade in our studio, then goes live to his 16th birthday luau where stars like Becky G and InkMonstarr send some birthday shoutouts! Plus, we review Flips Audio Headphones…the worlds first headphones which flip out into loudspeakers to share

We were recently introduced to an outstanding teen singer whose vocal talent belies her young age. Her voice is so polished and airplay-ready that we wouldn’t be surprised if she isn’t all over country/pop radio within the space of a year or two. Yes, its that good. Meet Brittany Ray. First off, tell us a

We hit Hollywood for another red carpet party, this time to celebrate Kaley Stallings CD release. Plus, catch our host Michael M. Peña just as he steps out of the theater after watching a special preview of “Earth to Echo.” Interviews: Kayley Stallings, Eric Zuley, Ashley Argota, Meeghan Henry, Samantha Elizondo, Matthew Jacob Wayne, Elise

Autumn de Forest is a remarkable 12-year-old girl who just happens to be a world-renown artist, selling her first piece for $1,000 at age seven. She has sold considerably more since then, and has been featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Genius Kids,” the “Today Show” on NBC, and the “Wendy Williams Show,” among others. In

Teens Wanna Know hit the beautiful sands of Santa Monica to join Miranda Cosgrove and other celebrities in raising awareness about the need to curb ocean pollution, over-fishing, and other destructive actions. Interviews: Miranda Cosgrove, Ted Danson, Jenna Ushkowitz, Drake Bell, Ashlee Keating, Angela Kinsey, Angela Sun Miranda Cosgrove IMDB: http://imdb.com/name/nm1388927/ Website: http://mirandacosgrove.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/MirandaCosgrove

Teens Wanna Know covered the American Idol XIII finale with powerhouses Caleb Johnson and Jena Irene (Asciutto) to reveal just what it is like for these young performers on the most important night of their careers. Interviews: Caleb Johnson, Jena Irene, Harry Connick Jr., Scott MacIntyre, Matt Hicks, Ben Briley, Mikalah Gordon, Terry O’Quinn, Keith

Kaylee Rutland is an inspiring teenager who is making her dreams come true. She recorded her first EP in Nashville in 2012, and her video for “Into The Circle,” featuring Colt Ford and Jamie O’Neal, has been viewed 1.5 million times on YouTube, leading Billboard Magazine to name her one of the top 10 country

The world of Hollywood publicists can be mysterious to the uninitiated. In this episode of Teens Wanna Know, Michael M. Pena talks to Zack Teperman, president of ZTPR, who lifts the veil on exactly how publicists get their clients all that exposure you see in the press. Want to join this face-paced and fun industry?

The star of Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street stopped by TWK studios to talk about his burgeoning career and his encounters with a cannibal, 25 lb bullfrog. Sloane Morgan Siegel IMDb:http://imdb.com/name/nm4470846/ Webpage: http://sloanemorgansiegel.com/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/sloanesiegel Twitter: https://twitter.com/sloanesiegel Instagram: http://instagram.com/sloanesiegel

Our host Michael Pena interviews Garrett Ryan from the new horror movie Oculus, Insidious: Chapter 2, and Judy Moody and the Not So Bummer Summer. Garrett reveals some creepy stuff that happened on the set of Oculus, and also relates a personal story regarding bullying. Garrett Ryan: Imdb: http://imdb.com/name/nm2238724/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages/Garrett-Ryan/185940738127229 Twitter: https://twitter.com/GarrettRyan10 Instagram: http://instagram.com/GarrettRyan10

Teen interviewer Michael Pena caught up with Lydia Hull from “Saf3” who talks about showbiz, the challenges of working on her show, and an extremely embarrassing moment that happened to her on the set of “Van Wilder!” Imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1055590/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydia.hull.7 Instagram: http://instagram.com/lydiahull#

We stopped by Scat TV’s “Royals of L.A.” 5th year celebration at the Infusion Lounge in CityWalk to talk to a few of the guests. Find out what laws these teen celebrities would pass if they were actual “royals” LOL Interviews: Kenton Duty “Shake it Up,” recording artist Mandy Rain, Sloane Morgan Siegel “Gortimer Gibbon’s

Actors in Training LA held a charity fundraiser at the Infusion Lounge at Universal Hollywood’s Citywalk which was attended by hundreds of up-and-coming actors. Get the inside scoop on auditioning tips, plus we talked to three casting directors who reveal the “IT” factor they look for when casting a role. Interviews: Autumn Wendel “Every Witch

TWK hit a few events around Hollywood to catch some of the pre-Oscar vibe. First up was The Wrap’s 5th Anniversary, followed by a private pre-Oscar gifting suite hosted by Mark Lash. Interviews: The Wrap Founder Sharon Waxman, Josh McDermitt “The Walking Dead,” June Squibb “Nebraska,” Jane Seymour “James Bond,” Phoenix Pictures CEO Mike Medavoy,

We hit the red carpet at the Cinema Audio Society Awards for its 50th gala celebrating the best in film and TV sound recording and mixing. Interviews: Charley Koontz “Community,” CAS President David E. Fluhr, Nominee Peter Kurland “Inside Llewyn Davis,” Deanna Lee Douglas “A-List Movie,” Richard Grieco “22 Jump Street,” Nominee Greg Orloff “Inside

America has an obesity problem, especially among its youth. Teens Wanna Know hit TheFitExpo Southern California and spoke with a few fitness experts for tips on how YOU can stay motivated and fit. Interviews: IFFB Pro Bodybuilder and Power Lifter Susan Salazar, MMA Legend and UFC Champion Don “The Predator” Frye, 2008 Mr. Olympia Dexter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8PUialY0-E We introduced you the beautiful wolf-dogs of the Wolf Connection here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIYMXs… Now we meet the wolves again at a fundraiser to help them move to a much larger facility, which will allow for more dogs to be rescued and more at-risk youth to be helped. If you would like to make a donation

Funnyman and actor Jack Black kicked off Farmer’s Insurance Thank a Million Teachers campaign by thanking his most influential teacher, Debbie Devine at the exclusive Soho House in West Hollywood. Find out how you can thank YOUR favorite teacher (and nominate them for grant money!) at Thankamillionteachers.com Jack Black Imdb: http://imdb.com/name/nm0085312/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/JackBlack Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackBlack42

Teens Wanna Know was invited to attend the launch party for Manos Accelerator, a Silicon Valley firm that helps Latino startups become more successful. The company was co-founded by David Lopez, superstar Jennifer Lopez’s dad. Watch and find out what it takes to be successful when starting your own business.

You don’t need a huge event to make a difference. We covered the grand opening of a vaping bar in Studio City, California which, although small in scope, still showed lots of heart as money was raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Interviews: Angelique Bates “All That,” GetExely.com founder Tino Dietrich, singer Emile Welman,

Funnyman (and musician) Ed Helms hosted the 8th Annual Education Through Music LA Gala at Skirball. The charity provides music education to underserved children in the Los Angeles public school system. Interviews: Ed Helms “The Office,” “Hangover,” composer John Debney, ETM LA’s Booker White, Ellie Kemper “The Office,” Rickey Minor “The Tonight Show,” Kate Flannery

We visited Gallerie Sparta in West Hollywood once again to cover another excellent occasion…this time the opening of Israeli artist Hedva Ser’s show which was dedicated to achieving peace, with an emphasis on Israel and Palestine. Interviews: Hedva Ser, Jon Voight, No Small Children, Golda Berkman, Jiang Zi Long. Hedva Ser Website: http://hedva-ser.com/en Facebook: https://facebook.com/pages/Hedva-Ser/511478755605102

We hit the 2013 weSPARK Cancer Support Center’s annual Run/Walk at the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot to talk to the celebrity attendees about the organization, personal experiences with cancer, and some advice for teens. Interviews: Nancy Allen “Robocop,” Lea Thompson “Back to the Future,” Joey King “The Conjuring,” Hunter King “The Young and the Restless,”

We joined young actress Caitlin Carmichael and the rest of the cast and crew for a special screening commemorating the DVD release of “A Country Christmas,” a heartwarming tale about two kids who have to save Christmas after Santa Claus becomes trapped in their family’s barn. The event also raised money and awareness for Alex’s

We hit the ASPCA Rock N Roll Event again this year to check out the action to raise funds and awareness against animal cruelty and for responsible pet ownership. Interviews/Soundbites: Recording artist Nick Mara, Nadji Jeter “Grown Ups 1 & 2,” singer “Alana Lee,” singer “Eric Dash,” singer Tyler Matl, Aaron Landon “Crash & Bernstein,”

Akiane Kramarik is an inspiring teenager with an extraordinary talent in the arts. So powerful and beautiful are her paintings, which she says were initially inspired by a conversation she had with God at age three, that they influenced her parents to convert from Athiesm to Christianity. She has produced drawings and paintings since age

Teens Wanna Know hit the Detroit Party to benefit the Detroit Creativity Project, a free improvisational training program for youth in Detroit. We asked about the benefits of improv training and, since most of the attendees had ties to Detroit, which misconceptions they would like to clear up about their home city. Interviews: Fred Willard

Teens Wanna Know hosts Michael & Nathaniel Peña and Lisa-Marie Woods covered the ATLA Pool Party and Expo, which featured lots of rising Hollywood talent who shared their stories and cleared up some myths about child performers. Interviews: Recording artists To Be One, Aedin Mincks “A.N.T. Farm,” Austin Mincks “Little Savages,” Abigail Hargrove “World War

We hit the posh Via Rodeo to check out Bow Wow Beverly Hills, a fundraising event for The Amanda Foundation, which is a dog and cat rescue organization. Kaley Cuoco from “The Big Bang Theory” was honored for her work with rescues and pitbull advocacy, and attendees were treated with plenty of snacks, music, raffles,

Michael Pena checks out Race for the Rescues held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in this episode of Teens Wanna Know. Interviews: Jane Lynch “Glee,” IAAF World Championships Bronze Medal Winner Brenda Martinez, Katrina Parker “The Voice,” Singer Temara Malek, Maile Flanagan “Lab Rats,” Beth Littleford “Dog With a Blog,” Anne-Marie Johnson “House of

The Wolf Connection is a remarkable charitable organization which rescues wolf/dog hybrids and uses them to rehabilitate humans suffering from addiction and emotional problems through its unique “wolf therapy.” Watch as the TWK crew meets both the volunteers who devote their time and energy to helping these amazing animals, and the wolves themselves — who

Our coverage of AIDS Walks LA 2013 epitomizes what we do here at Teens Wanna Know: having fun while highlighting some heartfelt stories, spreading positive messages about responsibility and helping others, and publicizing celebrities who are “being the change they want to see in the world.” We hope it touches you as much as it

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and in addition to traveling to Las Vegas to cover Carly Rae Jepsen at #UniteLIVE Concert to Rock Out Bullying, we also decided to feature an inspiring up-and-coming actress and model who is also a major activist against bullying and a role model for kids. Hayley Gripp not only

***Please visit this episode’s sponsor BullyVille at http://bullyville.com! Teens Wanna Know hit Las Vegas last week to cover the #UniteLIVE Concert to Rock Out Bullying with Carly Rae Jepsen. We got some great insight and personal stories about bullying from TV Stars James Roday “Psych,” WWE Superstar Sheamus, Nolan Gould “Modern Family,” and Mehcad Brooks

We caught up with teen actor Andy Scott Harris from “The Boarder” while getting ready to go onstage in the play “I’m Not Rappaport.” He talks about acting, his special nickname when he was an orphan in the Ukraine, and how he stole the show from the lead actress in a play when only 3

The GUARDaHEART Foundation, VIPs from the California State Assembly, renowned medical professionals, and actor Eric Roberts came together to celebrate World Heart Day at a sophisticated “James Bond”-themed gathering held in the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Clara California. The event, which was sponsored by Aviir, promoted The World Heart Day’s mission of stressing the

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich hosted the 18th Annual “All For the Love of Kids” Fundraiser and Silent Auction Benefiting the Children’s Trust Fund. According to the organization’s website, “For 45 years, the Children’s Trust Fund has provided a wide range of services and self-development opportunities for children residing in Los Angeles County

Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles was host to the 13th Annual El Sueño de Esperanza, a gala fundraiser for the Padres Contra el Cancer charity. According to the press release for the event, “PADRES Contra El Cancer (PADRES) is an organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and

Nathaniel Peña got the chance to speak briefly with Bobcat Goldthwait and Robin Williams, who were at the Paley Center for Media to promote the new show “The Crazy Ones,” which marks Williams’ return to a small screen after a 32-year absence. Listen to Bobcat describe what he did when he and Robin were being

Michael Peña of Teens Wanna Know visited the PaleyFest Fall Previews to talk to the stars of two new shows hitting ABC this fall: “Trophy Wife” and “Back in the Game.” Since both shows deal with blended and/or slightly dysfunctional families, we asked the actors what “family” means to them. “Trophy Wife:” Bailee Madison, Marcia

Teens Wanna Know hit the red carpet once again to discuss a topic with celebrities that has a lot of impact for teens…in this case drugs and alcohol abuse. The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Awareness (http://brentshapiro.org) was founded after the tragic death of the son of Robert and Linell Shapiro after ingesting

We hit Avalon Hollywood once again for another special event–this time its the first ever Geekie Awards, which celebrates all things Geek including science-fiction, fantasy, comic books, steam punk, and more. Nathaniel Pena (aka “Nick” for this episode) speaks with the following: Seth Green “Dads” & “Robot Chicken,” Ralph Garman “Family Guy” & “The Joe

Teens Wanna Know hit the red carpet at the West Coast Launch Party for The Brand UR, an inspiring clothing line with an anti-bullying theme started by Jodi LaFountain after her daughter got bullied at school. Interviews: Mollee Gray “Tean Beach Movie,” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” Asia Monet Ray “Dance Moms,” Zack

Our host Michael got the chance to sit down with the incredibly gifted singer and songwriter Chris Trapper, whose songs have appeared on the soundtracks for “There’s Something About Mary” and “August Rush” as well as “The Devil Wears Prada.” Chris talks about the early years of his career, his influences, and also provides a

While on location of a shoot for the upcoming Latin Flavah show, we spoke with its choreographer Shane Sparks, best known for “You Got Served,” “So You Think You Can Dance?” and “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Shane told us about his involvement with the show, and also spoke candidly for the first time on video

Teens Wanna Know visited Bonham & Butterfields in Hollywood to catch the action at the Art Project LA benefit for AIDS Project Los Angeles. In addition to seeing great works of art by Salvador Dali, Any Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Mark Chagall, Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring, and many others, we also got to speak with some

Opa! We hit the Writers Guild Theater to cover the LA Greek Film Festival and talk to attendees about independent cinema and the Greek culture and spirit in this lively episode of Teens Wanna Know. Interviews: Patricia Kara “Deal or No Deal” and “The Box,” Ersi Danou Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Los Angeles Greek

Catch teen singer/songwriter Ashlee Keating in an exclusive one-on-one interview with Michael Pena for Teens Wanna Know. Find out about her secret talent, her big sponsorship, and tag along as we go to the red carpet release party for her new single “Helluva Ride!” Also appearing in this episode are Roshan Fegan “Shake It Up,”

Teens Wanna Know’s Michael Manuel Peña & Keira Peña hit Avalon Hollywood to cover the Sweet Suite, a Candyland-themed benefit to raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Arthritis Association. Many patients got to enjoy the day, filled with entertainment, celebrity meet and greets, and lots of CANDY! Guests who appear in this episode include

Teens Wanna Know stopped by the 34th Annual Young Artist Awards to speak with the talented kids and teens in attendance about their careers, what they like about acting, and the best advice they have received in their careers. Interviewees: Rory and Declan McTigue “Boardwalk Empire,” Madison Pettis & Torri Webster “Life With Boys,” Sadie

We hit the red carpet at the Looking Ahead Program’s 10th Year Anniversary to chat with Fred Savage of “The Wonder Years” and “Generator Rex;” Rowan Blanchard, Sabrina Carpenter, and Teo Halm of “Girl Meets World;” Thomas Kasp of “Space Warriors;” pop group Goodnight Argent; Joey King “Oz the Great and Powerful” and “White House

Teens Wanna Know was invited to cover the premiere of Take Me to the Poorhouse, a one-woman play written and performed by Nigerian actress Liz Femi Wilson. Michael Manuel Peña and Nathaniel Peña spoke to Liz and some her guests on the red carpet and got some insights into the world of acting and theater,

Check out Joey and Elise Luthman, the fabulous brother and sister team from “The Joey and Elise Show” as well as such notable programs as Nick’s “Deadtime Stories,” “How to Rock,” “Weeds,””Kickin’ It,” Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm” and “Wendell and Vinnie” in this exclusive (and hilarious) one-on-one interview with Nathaniel Peña for Teens Wanna Know. Joey

Teen actress Isabella Palmieri from Disney’s Jessie and Good Luck Charlie stopped by to speak with Nathaniel Peña and share how she broke into the biz, what it was like going to Sundance, discuss her latest projects, and talk about how she supports charitable organizations in this episode of Teens Wanna Know. Oh, and ducks.

We hit the SAG Foundation BookPALS 20th Anniversary Celebrity Story Time to bring you some footage and interviews with Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock” and “Wreck-It Ralph”), Karam Brar (Disney’s “Jessie” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”), and Kaitlyn Dever (“Last Man Standing”). Also reading to the kids in attendance were BookPALS founder Barbara Bain (“Mission

The LA Times Festival of Books is the largest event of its kind in the US. Over 100,000 people come together at the University of Southern California to enjoy book signings by authors, celebrity sightings, and lot of family-friendly entertainment. Teens Wanna Know’s Michael, Nathaniel and Keira Peña visited and spoke with lots of great

Teens Wanna Know’s Nathaniel Peña and Keira Peña had the chance to speak with 9-year-old actor from “The Client List” (and major Minecraft fan) Tyler Champagne. Find out what he thinks about poodles driving monster trucks and more in this entertaining episode! Teens Wanna Know’s Nathaniel Peña and Keira Peña had the chance to speak

******Scroll down to find out how to win one of three original, autographed Chuck the Duck toys! Young entrepeneur Riley Magnuson shares how he came up with the concept of his new toy Chuck the Duck and advice for other teens who wish to start their own businesses in this episode of Teens Wanna Know.

We hit the streets once again to cover the red carpet for an amazing event, the 29th Annual Southland Theater Artists Goodwill Event (S.T.A.G.E.) at the famous Saban Theater in Beverly Hills. The evening was a benefit for Aids Project Los Angeles (APLA), a charity which helps those with HIV/AIDS. Celebrities who shared their views

Teen actor (and athlete!) Jimmy Deshler stopped by to talk about his role as Rafe Kovich Jr. on General Hospital, his game-winning hockey goal, his involvement with Hope of the Valley, and more in this special one-on-one interview by Michael Pena of Teens Wanna Know. Jimmy Deshler IMBD: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3435598/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimmydee14 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Deshler/135984983138787

Teens Wanna Know hit Avalon Hollywood for Spring Beat 2013, a benefit for Bienvenidos, which helps at-risk children and families. Interviews, sound bites and performance clips include Billy the K.I.D. and Le’Le’ who debuted their SWURQ! video, Asian pop group Blush, Radio for the People, The Dahlz, Geno Segers with the Ochoa Boyz, Skye Stevens,

*****Update: Here is a great message we got regarding this episode from a parent of a child with DS: “I wanted to tell you that I really enjoy the feature that you did on the “Just like you” event for Down Syndrome…We are learning a lot and trying to educate others about what DS is

Teens Wanna Know attended the Impact Foundation Artist Development Showcase at The Vault in Orange County, California. We spoke with 90’s icon Gerardo Mejia (“Rico Suave”), Rich Elizalde, FutureStereo, Krump creator Ceasare “Tight Eyez” Willis, and lots of talented youth who displayed their talent for industry VIPs, friends, and family. For more information about the