In this engaging interview, we connect with the award-winning actress, popular podcast host and Texas native, Alex Frnka, whose multifaceted career continues to inspire many. 

Born and raised in Houston (now residing in Los Angeles, California), Alex Frnka’s roots are deeply intertwined with the rich culture and vibrant storytelling traditions of the Lone Star State. Alex’s journey from local theater stages to acclaimed film projects reflects not only her immense talent but also a profound commitment to the narratives that resonate with her. She has over 22 film credits to her name including many Lifetime movies.

As a successful popular podcast host of Babes in Bookland, Alex has created a platform that celebrates women and their stories, offering insights that ignite conversation and connection. Her passion for storytelling goes beyond the screen; it permeates every aspect of her work, reflecting her belief in the power of shared experiences. Through her podcast, she amplifies the voices of women, curating discussions that highlight diverse perspectives in literature and the arts.

In our conversation, Alex shares invaluable insights into her creative process, the challenges she has faced, and the influential figures who have shaped her journey. With an impressive range of roles across film and her dedication to uplifting women’s voices, Alex Frnka is not only making waves in the entertainment industry but also fostering a supportive community of storytellers. Join us as we delve into the experiences and inspirations that inform Alex Frnka’s remarkable career and her unwavering dedication to connection and empowerment.

Deep Texas Ties

Reflecting on her time in Houston, Alex expresses a strong longing for the connections she has back home. “I definitely miss some of the people — besides my family, a few of my dearest friends still live in the Houston area. While we text and check in as much as possible, nothing compares to seeing them in person. And I have to admit, I miss the food! I haven’t found anywhere that serves Cajun seafood or Tex Mex quite like home. Shipleys, Queso, Whataburger — I really miss you! Occasionally, I pull out my Texas accent for auditions or roles, and I’m currently writing a story that’s very close to my heart and takes place in Texas. They say to ‘write what you know,’ and you can’t shake a place that’s helped shape you.”

Versatility in Acting

With a sense of gratitude, Alex acknowledges her diverse acting opportunities. “I feel very fortunate to showcase my range. I wish I could say that I get to choose my roles, but very few actors actually have that luxury. I do sometimes turn down auditions for various reasons, but mostly, I stay open to all possibilities and am grateful for every job!”

Insights Into Portraying a Character

Delving into her experiences, she recounts the whirlwind of her role in a recent film project called After the End. “After the End was quite the acting journey! I flew out to Oklahoma and filmed across the state in under two weeks, but we shot it back in 2014, and it was only released years later! To prepare, I bought the SAS Survival Handbook and skimmed through it, but thankfully, my character Ava wasn’t the prepper type. Instead, she was a survivor of a plague who relied on others. I also had to wear a little handmade pregnancy bump that kept looking a bit odd during filming. Researching the experiences of women in their second trimester was eye-opening, especially now that I have two kids of my own. I look back and laugh! Journaling was also key for me, as it helped create my character’s backstory and motivations. I was lucky to collaborate with a director who was open to discussing these elements.”

Looking Back

With over 22 film credits to her name, Alex reflects on her entertainment career. She identifies a pivotal moment that reshaped her path. “I think After the End was transformative, not because of the role itself, but because of the relationships that came from it. Years later, I approached the director, Ron Hanks, to assist in producing a short film I had co-written called Blue Moon, which explores the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s on a family. His trust and belief in the project were invaluable. We successfully created this film largely thanks to his support and the generosity of my friends and family. It opened up a new career path for me, and now I’m collaborating on a horror feature with the talented director of Blue Moon, Diliana Deltcheva, which we plan to shop around in early 2025.”

Babes in Bookland Podcast

With enthusiasm, Alex explains the genesis of her podcast. “I started this podcast as a creative outlet where I could exercise complete control. A lot of my time is spent waiting for auditions, and while I’m also writing and producing my own projects now, I wanted a more immediate way to connect with people. I love podcasts, books, and my friends, so I thought, why not combine them? As Albert Einstein said, ‘I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.’ My primary hope is that listeners — especially women — feel seen, understood, and connected to each other in ways they might not have experienced before. If someone thinks, ‘Wow, I get that!’ during any episode, that’s a win for me. Personally, connection through storytelling has been my biggest takeaway, even when an author appears to be living an entirely different life.”

Alex emphasizes the significance of amplifying women’s voices. “As women, we often take on so much, yet we’re not recognized for it — or worse, we may be celebrated for being martyrs. I fear our best interests are sometimes sidelined and our dreams silenced. This podcast is my way of opening hearts and minds. I’m incredibly fortunate to engage with a brilliant group of women who share their memoirs with me. Many friends who join often say, ‘That felt kind of like therapy,’ and I completely agree. I want to explore the hard topics we face and celebrate what it means to be a woman. I believe every story is important, but for now, I’m particularly drawn to women’s narratives because they resonate with me.”

Relatable Themes

When discussing resilience, Alex reflects on its importance in both personal and professional contexts. “Resilience is essential, and it’s a value I want to instill in my children. Many of the memoirs I read explore similar themes: when life knocks you down, how do you find the strength to stand up again? As women and as humans, we all face challenges. It’s vital to keep going and maintain hope. Fortunately, history is filled with stories of those who have risen from adversity, and I draw strength from those narratives as well as from the women around me who continuously fight for a better future.”

Challenges

When discussing her challenges, Alex reveals how motherhood influenced her journey. “Aside from the usual industry frustrations — like the occasional nepotism remarks — my biggest challenge has been restarting my career after having children. An agent once told me that babies are career killers, which honestly upset me. Now, I feel more motivated than ever. My children’s presence has enriched my life, adding more depth and nuance to my acting and writing. However, returning to the industry after a break can be tough, but I’m persistent!”

Balancing Act

Balancing her diverse pursuits, Alex shares her time management strategies. “There’s never enough time! I manage to juggle acting, writing, podcasting, and being a mom thanks to my incredible partner, who is my biggest support system. Right now, Babes in Bookland takes up most of my time since I’m self-producing the show — I’m essentially the reader, host, sound engineer, editor, and marketing rep! It’s been a learning curve, but I’m getting quicker and more intuitive with editing. I find little pockets of time to write, and if an idea strikes while I’m away from my laptop, I text myself notes! Collaborating with my writing partner, Diliana, on our current project is also a huge help. While acting remains my top passion, I truly enjoy creating this podcast and writing.”

Expectations

Looking ahead, Alex shares her excitement for future podcast episodes. “Listeners can anticipate more compelling stories and discussions about women’s experiences! We’ll kick off the second half of season one with Sister Jean’s memoir, Wake Up with Purpose! and Shonda Rhimes’s, Year of Yes. We also have memoirs like Ina Garten’s Be Ready When the Luck Comes and Speak Okinawa by Elizabeth Miki Brina. There’s a little something for everyone! Podcast supporters on Apple Podcasts can enjoy extended episodes and bonus content where my friends and I discuss our favorite films. This content is also available on Patreon.com/BabesinBooklandPodcast for a monthly fee.”

To listen to the Babes in Bookland podcast and/or to follow Alex Frnka on all her social media, please visit: https://www.babesinbookland.com/

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Cover photo Betsy Newman Photography.

Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.