n this moving episode of When Zay Zay Met…, actor Noah James — best known as Andrew from The Chosen — opens up about the journey of portraying one of the first disciples of Jesus. From humble beginnings to a global phenomenon with over 250 million views, Noah shares what it's like to walk alongside faith, doubt, and purpose through the lens of storytelling.

We dive into:

• His emotional experience filming the Last Supper scenes
• The sacred responsibility of portraying a biblical figure
• How The Chosen has impacted fans — and himself
• What would happen if Noah and Andrew were roommates in L.A. 😅

This episode is full of laughs, reverence, and the kind of real talk that makes When Zay Zay Met… a community favorite. Whether you're a fan of the series or just discovering it, this conversation goes way beyond the screen.

What happens when two Latin icons sit down to unpack the cultural bombshell that is La Balada de Hortensia?

In this episode, Zay Zay meets Julio Yúdice — the legendary Salvadoran comedian behind "La Tenchis" — and Francisco Gattorno, a Cuban telenovela powerhouse known for his roles that cut deep. Together, they reflect on how El Salvador’s civil war shaped an entire generation, how grief and trauma birthed comedic gold, and why their latest film is not just a breakout hit, but a healing force for a nation.

They discuss everything from finding balance between humor and heartbreak, to the deeply personal stories behind the characters, and what it means for Salvadoran cinema to premiere in U.S. theaters. This one’s filled with belly laughs, powerful truth bombs, and a raw honesty you don’t want to miss.

- La Balada de Hortensia premieres May 2nd in the U.S.
- For the culture. For the history. For the healing.

How does a deeply personal tragedy become the soul of a box office phenomenon? This week, visionary Salvadoran director Arturo Menéndez sits down with Zay Zay to unpack the incredible journey behind La Balada de Hortensia—a groundbreaking comedy-drama that’s breaking records and expectations.

In this episode, Arturo reveals how grief, transformation, and years of creative evolution culminated in a film that’s making waves across Latin America and now, the U.S. From directing tone to building characters, and balancing comedy with deep emotional themes, this is a conversation every film lover, creative, and Latino storyteller needs to hear.

- How he lost 120 pounds while filming
- Why laughter can be a response to trauma
- What it takes to represent El Salvador on the global stage
- How the death of his mother shaped the movie’s soul
- And why La Balada de Hortensia is more than a movie—it’s a movement.

Run time: 19:38
Hosted by: Zay Zay
Special Guest: Arturo Menéndez, Director of La Balada de Hortensia