
When most people think of movies set in Las Vegas, they picture the bright lights, casinos, and chaos of the Strip, not an action-packed thriller buried deep in the Nevada desert. But that’s exactly where filmmaker Mark D. Bonner takes us in his gripping new suspense film, Rear Desert.
In the Season 9 finale of The Str8Up Show Podcast, we sit down with the award-winning filmmaker to discuss the creative journey behind Rear Desert , from the inspiration that sparked its intense storyline to the powerful themes that drive its emotional core. Mark opens up about what it takes to bring bold ideas to life on screen, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and how audiences are already responding to his work with high praise.
Whether you’re a movie lover or an aspiring filmmaker, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and storytelling wisdom straight from one of the industry’s most passionate voices.
Watch Rear Desert here: https://bit.ly/49kqO8m
Follow Mark D. Bonner:
Instagram – @RearDesert | @TheMindOfMFilms
Oct 27, 2025
44 min

America is facing deep political division. Republican vs. Democrat, Left vs. Right. But what will it truly take for us to come together as one nation again? On this episode, former California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto sits down with host and special guest co-host Joey for an honest conversation about America’s current political climate. From the challenges facing both major parties to the growing frustration among citizens, Mike shares his perspective on what’s fueling the divide and outlines practical steps everyday Americans can take to ensure their voices are heard by elected officials.
Follow Mike Gatto:
Website – www.mikegatto.com
Twitter – @MikeGatto
Follow Joey: TikTok – @joey_doesit
Sep 8, 2025
55 min

On this explosive episode of Str8Up, we host a live TikTok debate that dives into South Park’s most controversial episode yet, the one where they suggest Donald Trump made a deal with the devil. Trump supporters and critics go head-to-head as we unpack the satire, political commentary, and whether the show finally crossed a line. But that’s not all, we also break down a shocking new report involving Ghislaine Maxwell and the possibility of limited immunity in the ongoing fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Jul 28, 2025
58 min

With the recent changes to birthright citizenship, naturalized citizens now facing possible deportation, and the “big, beautiful bill” now passed, what’s next for immigration in America? After a powerful and eye-opening first appearance, immigration attorney Carla Casas returns to break down the latest developments surrounding mass deportation and reacts to ICE becoming one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the U.S.
Abogada Casas also answers real immigration questions submitted by our viewers, offering valuable insights and must-know information for families and individuals navigating today’s immigration system.
Follow Carla Casas:
Instagram – @immigration.attorney.carla
YouTube – @abogadacarlacasas
TikTok – @abogadacarla
Facebook – Casas Immigration
Website – www.casasimmigration.com
Jul 7, 2025
55 min

June 11th and 12th, 2025, a night Las Vegas streamer Karlin Martinez will never forget. What began as a peaceful anti-ICE protest ended with flashing lights, handcuffs, and a viral TikTok Live that left viewers stunned. But what really happened that night? We sit down with Karlin’s attorney, Stephen Stubbs, who breaks down the shocking chain of events that could’ve landed the U.S.-born streamer in serious trouble with ICE. Stubbs also shares vital information about what rights you do and don’t have while attending protests in today’s America.
Follow Karlin on TikTok: @itsmztoonz
Follow Stephen Stubbs:
Website: www.bowtiejustice.com
YouTube: @StephenPStubbs
Phone: (702) 759-3224
Jun 30, 2025
58 min

We dive into the Trump Administration’s renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants. With ICE ramping up nationwide enforcement and families being torn apart, fear is rising and so are protests across the globe. Immigration Attorney Carla Casas joins us to unpack the chaos. She breaks down President Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, explains what they really mean for those living undocumented in the U.S., and shares crucial legal advice for those at risk.
Carla also offers actionable ways for communities to stand up, speak out, and support those living under constant threat of detention. This is a must-listen episode that hits at the heart of justice, humanity, and the future of immigration in America.
FOLLOW CARLA CASAS:
Instagram – @immigration.attorney.carla
YouTube – @AbogadaCarlaCasas
TikTok – @abogadacarla
Facebook – Casas Immigration
Website – www.casasimmigration.com
Jun 23, 2025
59 min

Being a Black man in America isn’t just difficult, it’s a daily struggle often overlooked. But when life gets heavy, where can Black men turn? Where are the safe spaces that remind them they’re not alone?
We sit down with Dr. Maurice Ball, community leader and life coach, for an honest conversation about the pressures Black men face, breaking generational trauma, and the importance of older Black men living with purpose to uplift future generations.
This powerful discussion is one you don’t want to miss.
FOLLOW DR. MAURICE BALL
Instagram: @cmauriceball1
YouTube, TikTok, Facebook: @cmauriceball
Podcast: Open For Discussion
Jun 9, 2025
1 hr 5 min

If you’re a true music fan, you know the best songs are the ones that speak to your soul, and Las Vegas artist Kuttup is doing just that. On this electrifying episode of Music Monday, we sit down with Kuttup to uncover her journey into the music industry and what makes her style impossible to replicate. From her raw lyrics to her captivating stage presence, Kuttup is proving why she’s one of the realest voices in the game right now. And to top it off, she takes the stage to perform her hit single, “What It Comes To.”
Follow Kuttup:
Instagram: @itskuttup
TikTok: @kuttupmusic
Stream her music on all platforms: Kuttup
May 12, 2025
31 min

Is social media silently impacting your mental health? Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jamie Micco of The Concord Center joins us and breaks down how social media can influence your emotional well-being for better or worse. Tune in as Dr. Micco shares cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based strategies to help you manage screen time, reduce stress, and develop healthier online habits.
Follow Dr. Micco & The Concord Center:
Website: www.concordcbt.com
Facebook: @TheConcordCenter
Instagram: @TheConcordCenter
LinkedIn: The Concord Center, LLC
May 5, 2025
41 min

It’s often said that we go through many tests so we can share powerful testimonies.On this Music Monday, we sit down with the incredibly talented gospel rapper Young Preach. He opens up about his troubled past, how it led him to God and music, and the biggest misconceptions about gospel rap. Then, Young Preach takes the stage to perform his anthem, “My Testimony.”
FOLLOW YOUNG PREACH
Facebook: @KennyPorterII
YouTube: @YoungPreach1031
TikTok: @KennyP153
Mar 24, 2025
1 hr 8 min
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