In this special bonus clip, rising comedian Amanda Yoa sits down for a candid conversation about her comedy journey. She shares the pivotal, behind-the-scenes story of how legendary Philadelphia comedian Joe Conklin recognized her talent and gave her an opportunity very early on in her career. This is a story of gratitude, mentorship, and the importance of paying it forward in the world of stand-up comedy.

• Amanda Yoa

• Joe Conklin

• Stand-up comedy

• Comedian

• Comedy career

• Philadelphia comedy

• Gratitude

• Podcast interview

• Comedy journey

• Mentor

• The Big Break

The Lil Detectives series began as a quirky indie short and has grown into a full four-part saga filled with candy clues, offbeat villains, and two unforgettable detectives.

In this special episode of 40 Years & 40 Beers, we sit down with the writer, director, and cast to talk about how the series came to life, what it’s like balancing comedy with drama, and the creative choices that made each installment stand out.

You’ll hear:

• How Fun Dip, Kashmir, and Toyko each brought a unique twist to the detective world.

• The chemistry between Ethan and Tristan, and how their partnership evolved.

• How supporting characters like Austin, Shelby, Toyko, Nixon, and Joey Meatballs found their voice and role in the story.

• The challenges — and joys — of making indie films that blend parody, mystery, and heartfelt storytelling.

No spoilers here — just insights, laughter, and behind-the-scenes stories that fans of the series (new or old) will love.

🎙️ Subscribe to 40 Years & 40 Beers for more conversations with indie filmmakers, actors, and storytellers.

Lil Detectives, indie film, podcast interview, behind the scenes, detective comedy, indie filmmaking, 40 Years & 40 Beers, cast and crew interview, Fun Dip, Kashmir, Toyko, Joey Meatballs

In this episode of 40 Years & 40 Beers, we sit down with Philly native turned Hollywood actress and producer Leah Cevoli for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and hilarious.

Leah takes us behind the scenes of:

• 🎬 Hollywood Breakthroughs – From HBO’s Deadwood to Robot Chicken and My Name is Earl, hear how she hustled from background roles to SAG card–earning gigs.

• 🎤 Crowdfunding Wins – How she helped Delco: The Movie raise $60,000 through sheer persistence, local love, and community hustle.

• 💡 Life Lessons – Why her motto is always “one more time” and how resilience has carried her through the unpredictable world of acting and producing.

• 🍻 Delco Pride – The story of how over 30 local businesses rallied behind the film, proving just how powerful hometown support can be.

Whether you’re a fan of HBO classics, indie filmmaking, or just love a good underdog story, Leah’s journey from Southwest Philly to Hollywood and back will resonate.

👉 Stream this full episode now and check out more content from us here: linktr.ee/40years40beers

Keywords:

• Acting

• Indie Film

• Crowdfunding

• Deadwood

• Hollywood

• Leah Cevoli

• Robot Chicken

• Delco the Movie

• Filmmaking

• 40 Years 40 Beers

Episode Timeline:

0:00 – Upbringing

5:27 – Early Hollywood

8:01 – Lightning Strikes

9:22 – Deadwood

21:23 – SAG & Robot Chicken

27:21 – Last Day

34:36 – My Name is Earl

39:28 – Just One More

40:05 – Delco The Movie