Podcast Summary: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Episode: Eiza Gonzalez

Host and Guest Introduction

• [00:00] Dax Shepard welcomes listeners to the episode, introducing Aza Gonzalez—a multifaceted artist known for her roles in Baby Driver, Body Problem, and more. Monica Padman co-hosts the episode alongside Dax.

Early Life and Education

• [15:18] Aza Gonzalez shares her upbringing in a non-wealthy family in Mexico, emphasizing her mother's role as the breadwinner and her father's influence, who was a graphic designer with a passion for languages.
  • “My dad was extremely talented but not very successful in business. He was an incredible father figure and prioritized my education.” [15:08]
• [15:45] Aza attended both American and British schools, becoming fully fluent in English from a young age, and spent time in Italy to learn Italian, reflecting her diverse educational background.

Acting Career in Mexico and Transition to the U.S.

• [23:07] Aza Gonzalez discusses her early acting career in Mexican soap operas, starting at age 14 with Floricienta, followed by Lola. The transition to the U.S. market was challenging due to typecasting and cultural differences.
  • “When I moved here, the industry flipped completely. I felt insecure as my artistry was limited to stereotypical Latin roles.” [18:38]
• [40:38] Aza recounts how she was discovered by Robert Rodriguez while appearing on Univision, leading to opportunities in the U.S. film industry without traditional representation.
  • “Mary Bernuelli cast me after seeing me in a bridal shoot. It was surreal.” [40:26]

Personal Struggles and Overcoming Adversity

• [23:28] Aza shares the traumatic experience of losing her father at age 12 in a motorcycle accident, which thrust her into the acting world as a coping mechanism.
  • “I was a grieving, depressed, anxious child forced into child stardom.” [25:26]
• [28:57] She details the harsh criticism she faced in Mexico, including derogatory remarks about her appearance and talent, which fueled her desire to escape to the U.S.
  • “Magazines sold distorted narratives about me, leading to lifelong insecurity.” [28:31]

Navigating Cultural Identity in Hollywood

• [17:24] Aza Gonzalez highlights the complexities of maintaining her Mexican identity in Hollywood, where casting often requires her to conform to specific ethnic stereotypes.
  • “In Mexico, we all were proud to be Mexican without emphasizing specific indigenous backgrounds. In the U.S., my identity was constantly questioned.” [17:58]
• [22:57] She discusses the pressure to fit into certain roles and the frustration of limited opportunities based on her ethnicity.
  • “I felt my artistry was constrained to playing stereotypical Latin characters, which was disheartening.” [22:05]

Relationships and Personal Life

• [29:00] Aza recounts a tumultuous relationship where her boyfriend's sex tape scandalously intertwined with her personal life, leading to public scrutiny and eventual departure from Mexico.
  • “My life felt like a soap opera, filled with chaos and drama that was hard to escape.” [29:10]
• [67:03] Dax Shepard and Monica discuss Dax’s relationship with Kristen, highlighting the challenges of dating while working together on a movie.

Professional Highlights and Roles

• [43:20] Aza speaks about her role in Baby Driver, highlighting the experience of working with industry heavyweights like Jamie Foxx and Edgar Wright.
  • “Edgar was so kind and allowed me to create freely, which was inspiring despite my nerves.” [43:22]
• [44:09] She details her involvement in blockbuster films like Hobbs & Shaw and the challenges of coordinating schedules with multiple high-profile projects.
  • “Shooting Godzilla vs. Kong in Australia was intense, but it led to being part of major franchises.” [44:14]
• [55:52] Monica Padman and Dax discuss Aza’s work in I Care a Lot, praising her performance in psychologically intense roles.
  • “You did an incredible job. I was blown away.” [58:26] Dax Shepard

Challenges in Acting and Industry Dynamics

• [59:37] Aza reflects on the limitations and pressures of acting in the U.S., contrasting it with her extensive career in Mexico.
  • “In Mexico, I was a recognized star, but here, I had to rebuild from scratch amidst constant typecasting.” [38:46]
• [62:22] Dax Shepard and Monica Padman delve into Aza’s roles in psychological thrillers and horror films, highlighting the emotional toll and artistic fulfillment from these intense projects.

Cultural Commentary and Social Issues

• [96:20] Dax and Monica engage in a deep discussion about societal perceptions of young men, incel culture, and the impact of media on gender dynamics.
  • “The narrative unfairly targets young white men who lack power and control, necessitating a nuanced conversation.” [96:49] Dax Shepard
• [99:16] They explore the broader implications of relationship dynamics, age disparities, and the evolving roles of men and women in modern society.

Lighthearted and Humorous Segments

• [03:02] Aza Gonzalez humorously mentions discontinuing hot dogs after a prank by her brother.
  • “One day, I stopped eating hot dogs after learning every piece contains human DNA from a dubious source.” [04:05]
• [50:00] The hosts engage in playful banter about movie scenes, with Aza describing raunchy and humorous moments from her projects.
  • “We have a scene where I'm pegging a man with a strap-on, which got scrapped for being too raunchy.” [48:14]

Closing Remarks

• [72:33] Dax Shepard encourages listeners to watch Aza’s latest horror film, Ash, emphasizing the communal experience of movie-going.
  • “I highly recommend watching Ash. It's a great film that offers a thrilling communal experience.” [72:31]
• The episode concludes with friendly exchanges and a reminder to follow Armchair Expert on various platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Aza Gonzalez: “Every time I'd walk into a restaurant or go somewhere, they would call me. They knew, but people here didn't know who I was. It was brutal.” [38:28]
• Dax Shepard: “If someone breaks up with you after three months, it's a disaster. But at least you've lived through it.” [68:14]
• Aza Gonzalez: “I hate people who get incriminated for things they didn't do. It's like criminal justice wrongfully convicting someone.” [39:24]
• Monica Padman: “Most women would prefer to be in a partnership, something more serious rather than being alone.” [100:11]

Insights and Conclusions

• Cultural Identity: Aza’s journey underscores the challenges of maintaining cultural identity within Hollywood’s often rigid ethnic casting standards.
• Resilience: Overcoming early-life trauma and public scrutiny showcases Aza’s resilience and dedication to her craft.
• Industry Dynamics: The discussion highlights systemic issues in the entertainment industry, such as typecasting and representation.
• Gender and Relationships: The conversation delves into societal expectations and evolving dynamics between men and women, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.
• Personal Growth: Aza’s experiences reflect personal growth through navigating diverse roles and overcoming adversity, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique journeys.

Conclusion This episode of Armchair Expert with Aza Gonzalez offers a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and cultural commentary. Aza’s candid discussions about her struggles, triumphs, and the intricacies of the acting world provide listeners with a deep understanding of her as both an artist and an individual. The heartfelt and humorous exchanges between the hosts and Aza create an engaging narrative that celebrates human resilience and the pursuit of authenticity.