Mai Whelan - Number 287

Many of us are familiar with and fond of the Netflix sensation, Squid Game. However, were you aware that this beloved series has been adapted into a television game competition called Squid Game: The Challenge? If not, you're in for a treat, as Mai Whelan, the victorious contestant from the show, is here to share her winning strategies. Mai Whelan's remarkable journey from conquering challenges like Red Light, Green Light to fearlessly crossing the treacherous Glass Bridge game exemplifies her unwavering persistence and the transformative power of courage, regardless of one's background. Following her triumph in the Squid Game: The Challenge, Mai has continued her inspiring journey by extending a helping hand to those less fortunate through her ongoing philanthropic endeavors. Read on to learn more about Mai Whelan.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Chelsea ChanApril 5, 2024squid games, television show, women, vietnam, animals, philanthropyComment

Bees Elephant Sanctuary - Love At First Elephant

When you go to Thailand one of the first things you will notice is the depiction of elephants everywhere! They are on temples, flags, shirts, pants, and adorable statues around the country. They are clearly part of the Thai identity, but for as much as they are a symbol of Thailand the treatment of the actual animals in Thailand isn’t spectacular. Luckily for me, and the elephants, I was able to find and visit BEES Elephant Sanctuary, which holds nothing but love for the animals. Click here to read more!

Lexy Kolker - Friends, Family, & Hollywood

Lexy Kolker likes to keep it real. Based in Los Angeles and inspired by her sister, Ava, Lexy was introduced to the industry early on and acting comes naturally for her. Especially her latest role as Riley in Manifest West, which Lexy can relate to a lot. Acting aside, Lexy also likes to give back by working with organizations like Pawworks and St. Jude Hospital. Let Jejune Magazine take you deeper into the life of Lexy Kolker.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 46Tejasvi PradeepJanuary 4, 2023actress, movie, TV Series, TV, film, Awareness, activists, activism, animal rescue, animalsComment

Jacob Colvin — Protecting the Oceans, One Viewer at a Time!

Jacob Colvin is a popular content creator and marine animal rights activist! Based in Oregon, Jacob creates YouTube and TikTok content to raise awareness about the ocean and its inhabitants. Jacob has done a lot of cool stuff recently! For example, he’s partnered with Adidas for the “Run for the Oceans” campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. Most recently, Jacob has partnered with Roblox to create a game called “Animal Rescue Island Tycoon” where players can rescue stranded animals on the beach and help better the ocean. To learn more about Jacob and his amazing movement, read more in our exclusive interview below.

Editor's Pick, SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 46Milan JohnsonDecember 23, 2022TikTok, oceans, animal rescue, Animal Welfare, ocean life, animals, game, video game, educationComment

Anastasiya Mitrunen: Understanding The Effects of One’s Actions

Los Angeles-based actress Anastasiya Mitrunen makes it her mission to advocate for those that can not advocate for themselves. Whether Anastasiya's work in her industry or her philanthropy, she does everything with the hope of ending others' suffering. You can find Anastasiya recently starring in her feature film "The Walk," opposite Terrance Howard and Jeremy Piven. "The Walk" premiered on June 10th and relays the story of a court-ordered Integration in Boston. Although Anastasiya's character is not on the right side of history, her acting is genuinely insightful to the hate we are still trying to counter in modern times. Anastasiya Mitrunen has won the Best Actress Awards in several film festivals, and without a doubt, "The Walk" is a must-see movie! If you are interested in Anastasiya's feature film, her thoughts on her character Pat Coughlin, or Anastasiya's humanitarian work with L.A Animal Save please continue reading the interview below!

Pockets Warhol Will Paint His Way Into Your Heart

Ok, to say I’m obsessed with Pockets Warhol might be a little bit of an understatement, but you don’t meet a monkey who does paintings for charity everyday! His style is a bit more Pollock than Warhol, but his abstract pieces of art are colorful and raw. Pockets, who lives in Canada, was once a therapy animal eventually handed over to his current home, the Story Book Primate Sanctuary. Story Book is a beautiful space created to give primates a second chance after being research animals or victims of the exotic animal trade. It is also the only primate sanctuary in Canada. When Pockets came to Story Book they were quick to notice how smart he is. He would constantly be playing with toys to entertain himself, and since his handler was a big fan of primate art, it seemed worth a try on Pockets. It was love at first paint stroke! Now Pockets’s pieces are being used at charity auctions and sold to help support the sanctuary. To learn more about this adorable artist and Story Book Primate Sanctuary, please read our exclusive interview below.

Tommy Habeeb To The Rescue

Actor, producer, and reality show host Tommy Habeeb gives rescue dogs a second chance at life on his popular TV show To The Rescue. Tommy is well known as the original host of the reality series “Cheaters,” and has produced, hosted, and appeared in more than a dozen nonfiction TV shows, including “Eye for an Eye” and “Billionaires Car Club.” While busy with projects, Tommy also dedicates his time to helping animals off the screen as the founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Forever Family Rescue. Keep reading to learn more about Tommy Habeeb, To The Rescue, and his accompanying non-profit Forever Family Rescue.

The Limit Doesn’t Exist for Hadar Cats

As a young child, Hadar Cats was in every theatre production at her school and attended performing arts summer camps. These experiences were the springboard into the world of film and made her debut in Amazon Prime’s AKA Nadia & Incitement. In her latest film, My Dad’s Christmas Date, Hadar stars alongside Jeremy Piven in a heartwarming story revolving around love and family. Besides being a talented actress, Hadar has been competing as a professional Equestrian since she was seven years old and speaks three different languages. She is also an advocate for animal rights and works closely with The Freedom Farm Sanctuary. Check out our interview with Hadar Cats to learn more about her.

Cover: Beau Dunn - Art Heals

The glitz and glamor of a glowing neon sign can draw one’s eye from miles away. Artist Beau Dunn is an expert in the neon medium and her tongue-in-cheek approach to art provides commentary on society in glowing and irresistible tubes of color. A well-known portion of Dunn’s repertoire is comprised of sculptures made out of intricately thin neon letters, with phrases like “NEED MORE MONEY FOR BIRKIN” or “NEED MORE MONEY FOR REAL ESTATE.” The series is the epitome of advertising, capitalism, indulgence, and luxury. Dunn’s newest series, “Next Generation” continues her work in neon sculptures. With updated phrases like “NEED MORE MONEY FOR TOILET PAPER” and “NEED MORE MONEY FOR FACE MASKS,” Dunn truly shows the irony and truth of the shift we all experienced this year when essentials turned into commodities. On top of on-point social commentary, “Next Generation” is also in collaboration with eBay for Charity, with a portion of all proceeds benefiting UNICEF USA’s COVID-relief efforts and help provide front-line responders and families in need with resources to keep children healthy and safe during the pandemic. Beau Dunn’s art shows us that art not only inspires, art heals.

Outside of the studio and gallery, Dunn tends to spend most of her time with animals. She was recently named Global Ambassador of Road Dogs & Rescue a non-profit that rescues bulldog breeds, medical dogs, seniors, and special needs puppies. She has always had such a big heart for animals and now gets to help dogs who need a little extra love and attention. Beau is also on the board of The Sanctuary At Soledad, where she is pictured in our cover photos! To read more about Beau’s life as an artist and learn more about her work in animal advocacy in our exclusive interview below.

Archer's Amber Nash - Playing a Blonde Bisexual Bombshell

“Holy Shit Snacks!” is the catchphrase of Archer’s Pam Poovey, a blonde bisexual bombshell who is making waves in pop-culture. When we got the chance to sit down with Amber Nash, the voice-over artist responsible for bringing the beloved character to life, we couldn’t help but think “Holy Shit Snacks” ourselves. In our interview with Amber, she tells us about her experience playing Pam throughout Archer’s 11 seasons and her new venture of acting on screen. We also got to speak to her about her role as a board member with Project Chimps, an organization that gives retired lab chimps a forever home on a secluded sanctuary. Bringing her passion to her work and philanthropic efforts, Amber Nash is a voice of wit and passion. Read our exclusive interview with Amber below.

Nadia Vaeh - Rising From Tragedy

With the music industry at a low and mental illness at a high, Nadia Vaeh, a self defined conscious pop singer, gives us an inside look at how she rose from tragedy. From losing her mother at the age of 17 to suicide, Nadia discusses with us her mental illness evolution and how she's giving back. If you listen, most of Nadia's music has a passionate message behind the lyrics, and her new song RiSE is no exception. When she isn't creating works of art, Nadia partners with organizations like “Peace Over Violence”, a non profit dedicated to fighting domestic violence and sexual assault, the Human Rights Campaign, and many more. Read our exclusive interview with her below.

EDITORIAL - The New Norm?

Social distancing — the act of keeping space (six feet) between yourself and other people, and limiting trips to places where you might interact with other people.

Humans all over the world are trying to find creative ways to be close while being apart. Never have we, as a planet, ever been so easily in communication, yet not allowed to connect in a physical way. Even as an introvert, I feel the strain of going months without seeing my family and friends. However, unlike during the 1918 pandemic, we do have the luxury of the internet and video calls. I am still able to workout, have group hangouts, play charades with my mother, and even do photo shoots. We may feel there is a lot to be concerned about, but there is even more to be grateful for.

Editorials, zIssue 24Kira BuccaJuly 20, 2020social distancing, covid-19, fashion, summer fashion, model, female model, Asian, female fashion, stay home, cats, animalsComment

JANOS Rocks For The Wolves

Most modern pop acts glorify a reality unattainable to humans. Songs tend to be driven by enchanting lyrics based in hyperbole or cliche romance tropes. They become larger than life figures basking in the glitz and glamour of fame and monetary success.

JANOS is a pop artist that retains his authenticity. Ironically, his uniqueness lies in his ability to capture the ordinary ups and downs of life. The Swedish born artist marries soulful vocals and dynamic emotion to deliver his pop-punk sound. Tracks like ‘Sicky/Sticky’ provide a glimpse into the world of depression, drug use, and ambition.

JANOS’ love doesn’t exist solely for his passion towards music. Animals welfare is a pressing issue he advocates for. He especially has a love for wolves. He has participated in LOUD! For The Animals and Rock for Wolves, with the goal of providing a voice for animals in need of protection. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about JANOS.

Generosity In The Occult with Sal Santoro & Popi Mavros

Perceptions of the occult are largely met with a of mix skepticism, fear, and curiosity. However, many pagans use their magic for good, such as The Good Witch, Patti Negri, and the fascinating and generous occult specialists Sal Santoro and Popi Mavros, founders of The Crooked Path. In addition to getting all your essential needs in spells, candles, oils, and herbs, Santoro and Mavros are also huge animal lovers. They support a lot of local shelters, like Burbank Animal Shelter, Vice Is Nice, and Frosted Faces. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Sal Santoro (SS) and Popi Mavros (PM).

Reece Caddell: The Next Generation of Comedy

Acting and sketch comedy both lend themselves as something like an intrinsic derivative of performance. Legendary shows like SNL, Chapelle' show, and few in the like, can masterfully execute and package humor, wit, and controversy, while making it digestible for the masses.

The young actress, YouTuber, and star of Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series, “All That!”, Reece Caddell is pioneering a new comedic generation. Reece's extensive resume includes Reece starting at just five years old in HBO’s “Hello Ladies”. She has stayed busy working on ABC’s critically acclaimed comedy “Fresh Off The Boat”.

Aside from acting, Reece is involved in charities such as Compassion International, which helps raise kids out of poverty all over the world. When Reece turned ten years old, she organized what is now an annual donation drive for the Burbank Animal Shelter Kitten Fostering Program. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Reece Caddell.

Gwen Hollander & The Transgender Otter We Need

As far as acting goes, ironically, unconventional roles continue to become more commonplace. Today, actress Gwen Hollander can be seen as an anomaly amongst anomaly's, indicative of her role as Sheryl on the hit Showtime series Kidding. Sheryl is a puppeteer of Astronotter, a transgender otter who is also an astronaut. In addition to this being a fascinating character, if you can only knew how perfect Astronotter is for Gwen, with Gwen’s love for otters (more on this in the interview)!

Gwen's work extends beyond the screen. She lost her mother to breast cancer eight years ago and has been singing at the National Breast Cancer Coalitions Deadline 2020 benefit for the past few years. She is an animal lover, volunteers with ASPCA, and also supports Hilarity for Charity. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Gwen Hollander.

Paw Works Saves Lives

Each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats, data estimates 2015- 2018). It is estimated that 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year (view data overview) .

In 1994, under the direction of Richard Avanzino, the San Francisco SPCA launched the no-kill revolution by ending the killing of healthy dogs and cats in the city. Paw Works is one of a few non profit rescue shelters building on the no kill legacy. Paw Works, founded by Chad Atkins and Larissa Wohl, was established with the clear mission to help make Ventura County “No Kill.” Paw Works takes in over 1,600 abandoned animals from multiple counties in Southern California, as well as from other rescue organizations throughout the state yearly. 98% of every donated dollar goes back directly to the rescue, care, education and adoption to Paw Works animals saved. Please read our exclusive interview with Chad Atkins, from Paw Works, and Larissa Wohl, who follows around Paw Works in their Hallmark Channel special Tails of Joy, to learn more about their beautiful work.

Kate Drummond Challenges the Status Quo

Kate Drummond refuses to be cast or defined by any mold. A former elementary school teacher turned actress, writer, and producer conveys reinventing one's self is always an option.

Kate is currently starring in the new Hulu original series Utopia Falls, a coming of age story following a group of teens in the distant future colony of New Babyl as they uncover an ancient forbidden archive of historical, cultural and musical relics.

Kate’s other passion lies in her philanthropy work where she supports causes close to her heart, including The Snoopi Project, Playa Animal Rescue, DIBS (Dogs in Better Spots), Canadian Horse Defense Coalition (CHDC), KidSport Ontario and Bytowne Association for Rescued Kanines (BARK). Recently, Kate teamed up with The Children’s Miracle Network and SickKids Foundation, raising over $10,000 in just over a week, through her social media platforms. Please read on for our exclusive interview with Kate to learn more about her work.

Just Comics' Commitment To Reduce Suffering

Amidst all the corporate deceit and uncertainty, there are some individuals who remain undeterred and true to their own values. They use their platforms to speak their hearts and hope others follow suit. Comic book artist Joan Chan, also known as Just Comics, makes it her duty and obligation to help mitigate the suffering animals and harm to our Earth. How? You may ask. Of course through comics! Read more here!

Sophia Strauss Champions Animal Rescue

Sophia Strauss can be considered a seasoned actress while still in her teens. She appeared in Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Sound of Music, Annie and Beauty and the Beast, to name a few. Sophia will be appearing in the upcoming series, yA, which is a spinoff of the popular Amazon series, The Bay. Not only confined to acting, she's walked LA Fashion Week and the Cannes Fashion Festival.

In addition to Sophia being a cherished voice onscreen, she is a huge animal lover and has hosted several fundraiser events to raise money for the ASPCA. She also was one of the youngest runners in the ASPCA Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon. Sophie fosters cats and kittens for a local rescue called Zazzy Cat Kitty Rescue and has attended their adoption events at local pet stores and also at Disney studios.

Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Madison Margot and her work.