Just Fake It: Coming to LA

In this episode with Maryna and Gene, we share our harrowing escape from war-torn Ukraine. Join us as we recount our journey from military invasions to refugee camps, culminating in our reunion in Slovakia. The trials we faced—fatigue, hunger, and the difficult navigation through Europe to reach safety—tested our endurance and spirit. We delve into how we managed to expedite Maryna's visa, the incredible support from friends and organizations, and our volunteer efforts in Poland.

From nerve-wracking moments at the embassy, a tense border crossing, to a heartfelt wedding during wartime, each step brought us closer to each other. Our path, fraught with challenges, was also filled with hope, love, and resilience. This episode is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful testament to survival and the human spirit. 

00:00 Intro
02:10 Hotel Struggles and Unexpected Guests
03:21 Journey to Krakow
04:35 Family Challenges and Military Draft
17:39 Grandparents' Resilience and Village Defense
33:08 Volunteering and Support Efforts in Krakow
42:43 Japanese TV Feature and Financial Relief
46:36 Documentarian
47:34 Worries and War Frontlines
51:45 Life in Poland: Constantly Moving
55:36 Visa Process and Medical Exams
01:04:46 Returning to Ukraine for Family
01:26:26 A Wedding Amidst War
01:31:40 Final Farewells and New Beginnings
01:34:11 Conclusion and Reflections

What is Just Fake It: Coming to LA?

Welcome to Just Fake It: Coming to LA podcast. I am Nora from Kazakhstan, and I'm Maryna from Ukraine. We're just two girls who are trying to make our mark in this crazy, beautiful city of Los Angeles. It's about our journey, the highs, the lows and everything in between.

It's for anyone who's ever had a dream that seemed a little bit out of reach. So why should you listen? Well, because we're living this right now and we're figuring it out as we go, and we're not afraid to share the real deal, our mess ups, the breakthroughs real stories about navigating life in LA, the trends that catch our eyes, and the adventures that come with trying to stand out in the capital of entertainment and glamour. We're here to share our experiences, the good ones, the bad ones, the hilarious, and maybe inspire you to chase your own dreams, no matter where you are.

So come hang out with us on Just Fake It: Coming to LA. It's not about just making or breaking it. It's about living it one day at a time, and we're so excited to take you on a journey with us and build the community of dreamers just like ourselves.