The new weekly comedy series is hosted by “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” stars Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero, launching May 30
Listen to the official trailer for “More Better” HERE
NEW YORK – MAY 23, 2024 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac, today announced “More Better with Stephanie and Melissa” a new weekly podcast hosted by “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” stars Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero. “More Better” is the latest series from actor, producer, entrepreneur and activist Wilmer Valderrama’s exclusive slate with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Podcast Network, a network dedicated to elevating Latinx voices and stories and of which Valderrama is a stakeholder. The weekly podcast, co-produced by Valderrama’s production company WV Sound, will join previously released podcasts from this partnership, “Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama'' and “Date My Abuelita, First!”
Launching May 30, actresses and real-life friends, Beatriz (Encanto, In The Heights) and Fumero (Digman!, Velma), will take listeners along on a personal ride through all aspects of life and share the juiciest cheat codes for adulting, while throwing in some hilarious anecdotes and probably a few embarrassing stories. Beatriz and Fumero will keep it real – and real fun – on their journey to be a little “more better.” Fans can listen to the official trailer HERE.
“It’s been a dream being able to collaborate with my dear friends Melissa and Stephanie,” said Valderrama for My Cultura. “‘More Better’ is the next chapter in elevating and expanding the Latino reach in mainstream media. I am beyond grateful for the partnership WV Sound has built with iHeartMedia’s My Cultura Network and that we are continuing to deliver content that uplifts the voices of my community.”
“I am so excited to partner with Wilmer, the whole My Cultura team, and the good folks at iHeart on this new venture of podcasting with one of my favorite people in the whole world, Stephanie Beatriz. I hope each week we can make you smile, laugh, feel seen, and maybe add a little joy to your day”, said Fumero.
“Melissa and I are in a consistent and hilarious ongoing discussion: it’s been a part of my life since we first met almost ten years ago. We can’t wait to let listeners (and hopefully new friends!) come along as we try to get a little more better at… honestly everything! I wouldn’t call either of us an expert at anything really! But we’re willing to laugh at all of our failures and engage in bad grammar for this podcast,” added Beatriz.
The My Cultura Podcast Network was announced in May 2021. In addition to Valderrama’s slate of shows, the network is home to hit podcasts including “Connections with Eva Longoria,” “Princess of South Beach'' starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Sheryl Rubio (Casa de las Flores), “Wrestling with Freddie” with Freddie Prinze, Jr., “Sisters of the Underground” executive produced by Eva Longoria and Dania Ramirez, “Chiquis and Chill,” “Escuela Secreta,” “Sacred Scandal,” “Overcomfort with Jenicka Lopez,” “Ay Por Favor,” “Enrique Santos Podcast” and many more.
The My Cultura Podcast Network is distributed by iHeartPodcasts, with all shows available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
Editor’s Notes:
Podcast cover art is available for download HERE.
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About Stephanie Beatriz
Stephanie can currently be seen starring opposite Anthony Mackie in Peacock’s most popular series, Twisted Metal, based on the popular Playstation video game franchise. She inspired many with her endearing performance of “Mirabel” in Disney's Oscar-winning hit Encanto. She also stars opposite David Duchovny in the upcoming film Bucky F*cking Dent. Stephanie is best known for her work as Rosa Diaz on NBC's long running hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She was also recently seen in the feature version of Lin Manuel Miranda’s highly anticipated In The Heights, directed by Jon Chu. Other voice over work includes the leading role of Sweet Mayhem in The Lego Movie opposite Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks and recurring roles on Bob’s Burgers, Bojack Horseman, Krapopolis, Legend Of Vox Machina, Twelve Forever, and Human Discoveries. Other television credits include One Day At A Time, Modern Family, and In The Dark for Hulu. Stephanie garnered rave reviews for her starring role in the 2017 SXSW Audience Award-winning film The Light Of The Moon. Other feature credits include Short Term 12, You’re Not You, and Half Magic.
About Melissa Fumero
Melissa Fumero is an accomplished and Award-winning actor and director in television and film. She is best known for her role as ‘Amy Santiago’ in the critically acclaimed and Award-winning series Brooklyn Nine-Nine opposite Andy Samberg that ran for eight seasons. Fumero recently voiced the character (Bella) in Comedy Central’s adult animated series Digman! from Andy Samberg as well as voiced the character (Sophie) in Mindy Kaling’s animated series Velma on HBO Max. In the fall of 2022, Melissa starred opposite Randall Park in Netflix’s comedy series Blockbuster and in the IFC comedy film Barfight! with Rachel Bloom. Fumero made her professional debut in 2004 in her recurring role as ‘Adriana Cramer’ in the soap opera One Life to Live. Other previous roles on television include CW’s Gossip Girl, USA's Royal Pains and CBS' CSI: NY and The Mentalist. Melissa directed two episodes in the upcoming Freevee Original comedy Primo premiering May 2023. Previously, Fumero directed episodes of NBC’s comedy Grand Crew, HBO Max’s comedy Gordita Chronicles, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Fumero previously appeared in The Hollywood Reporter's "Young Hispanic Hollywood Class of 2013” and Variety listed her as one of its “10 Latinos to Watch.” In 2022, Fumero won the Imagen Foundation Award for “Best Supporting Actress - Comedy (Television)” on behalf of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Fumero currently resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two children.
About Wilmer Valderrama
Actor, producer, and activist Wilmer Valderrama has been making audiences laugh, listen, and think for nearly two decades. Perhaps most recognized for his role as exchange student ‘Fez’ on the Emmy-nominated series That 70s Show, Valderrama currently stars in the #1 TV drama NCIS on CBS. He is also developing a live-action “Zorro” series at Disney Branded Television in which he will star and executive produce. On the big screen, he most recently lent his voice to the hit Academy Award-winning Disney animated film Encanto. Behind the camera, Valderrama partnered with John Pollack to launch Allied Management Group, which focuses on partnering with, collaborating, and representing new and existing Latino voices across traditional and digital media. He has also expanded his role with the My Cultura Podcast Network from iHeartMedia by becoming a shareholder. Following the success of ‘Essential Voices with Wilmer Valderrama’ and ‘Date My Abuelita, First!’, Valderrama is helping curate the network’s slate of Latinx-focused podcasts via WV Sound, led by Leo Klemm, Head of Podcasts, and has committed to a robust slate of new programing that will be executive produced by and/or star him. He and his production company, WV Entertainment, along with CBS TV Studios have multiple projects in development. Moreover, WV Entertainment is set to produce “The Chonga Girls” which follows two dangerously confident childhood friends, Mimi and Laura, who move from Miami to Hollywood to realize their dream of becoming famous. Outside of acting and producing, Valderrama is active in several philanthropic agencies including HARNESS, which he co-founded with America Ferrara and Ryan Piers William to connect communities through conversation to inspire action and power change. He also serves on the board of Voto Latino, a spokesperson for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), and a USO Global Ambassador.
