Co-starring in Hallmark movies, boundaries w/ acting & Spy Kids | Ep. 60

This episode is sponsored by Liquid IV, Factor & ZocDoc
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Carlos and Alexa @LaVidaPenaVega open up about their marriage and discuss their experiences in the entertainment industry. Carlos shares untold stories from his time in Big Time Rush, while Alexa reflects on her experience filming Spy Kids and her journey from child actress to now.
Alexa's IG: / vegaalexa
Carlos's IG: / therealcarlospena
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Chapters:
00:00 - Episode 60
02:05 - Practicing 4 months of abstinence
11:48 - Leaving our house to live on a boat
17:30 - When your ex becomes your realtor
24:24 - Playing Kenickie in Grease LIVE
32:03 - A drunk driver crashed into our boat
43:00 - Starring in Hallmark movies with my wife
54:59 - I felt like my wife cheated on me
1:04:35 - Actresses have a say in doing “nude scenes”
1:09:10 - We always go commando
1:20:52 - One Direction performed on our tour
1:31:33 - Being confused for Lavagirl
1:33:19 - I wasn’t asked to be in the Spy Kids reboot
1:41:55 - The reality of being a child actress
1:50:28 - Big Time Rush has a lot of unreleased music
2:04:04 - Why we combined our last names
#unplannedpodcast #mattandabby

[@Laurenkaye415]

I love how they are so open and unapologetic about their faith and just God in general! It’s so nice to hear celebrities talk who aren’t afraid to share their faith!

[@dianafritz3117]

Yes!!

[@lilleoelle]

Amen!

[@RingyDingDing]

I’m just laughing about packing up at 8pm to go to Tennessee. When God tells them to go it’s fine, but when I do it I’m having a manic episode 🙃😂

[@angelicarosas5758]

🤍

[@rebeccacerise1322]

Amen!!

[@TravelingKristin]

I never finished this episode and now learned that they lost their little girl Indy in stillbirth. So heartbroken for them and their family. I love their positive outlook on direction in life and I know they will be surrounded by love during such horrible grief. Sending lots of love and prayers to your family.

[@LynnTanner-ls9kx]

Yes,I just read the article and immediately thought of this podcast,I'm so saddened for them.May she rest in peace

[@samanthawheeler9025]

That’s so heartbreaking.

[@tammyandrew9301]

Kudos to Carlos and Alexa for “chasing God’s direction”! So refreshing to hear this perspective from a well-known couple. May God bless your efforts as you strive to live for Him!

[@KytiaLamour]

Amen! 💯

[@Ash_PCM]

Love this. Super proud of them. Refreshing indeed, because it's not very common in the entertainment industry

[@crisspyg.9742]

I had something similar happen about the same time frame ironically, I love singing in my car, and I just felt like my voice would be beneficial in a choir. So I prayed and asked God to show me where I needed to take my voice. NOT EVEN TWO DAYS LATER. My mom told me her friend had invited her to go to church with her and she really felt like she’d found her home. I attended with the next week and every week since 😊 my next step is to be brave enough to try out for the worship team

[@faithfulwhispers333]

I had a similar thought!!🙏💞

[@floidee]

"Chase God's Direction" One of the best podcast episodes ever. And I'm talking in the entire KZbin Space

[@user-fj2un8ct3n]

I totally agree!

[@rebeccacerise1322]

RIGHT?!?! So good!

[@juleanepemberton7172]

Watching this after finding out about the baby passing is so heartbreaking 💔

[@expertenergysolutions3101]

You guys should do Meghan trainer and her husband Darrell to complete the spy kids duo! That would be awesome!

[@courtneycamera1]

Why do I want a second episode of this??? It’s just so GOOD.

[@marleepeters5252]

Yes that would be good

[@shaniajohnson4114]

Love how the penevega’s talked so much about God and their faith in him 🙌🏼

[@katherinegodwin925]

I love this episode. Matt and Abby prove time and time again that THIS is how you host a podcast. They did their homework, let their guests shine, and connected on a real, deep level.

[@LynnTanner-ls9kx]

Just read their heartbreaking news and immediately thought of this podcast..My deepest sympathy and condolences to them!

[@therhapsodypodcast]

Sending the Pena Vega family all the strength and love at this horrible time for them😢

[@samanthabeugen8120]

I met Carlos and Alexa a few years ago on a Royal Caribbean cruise and they were the nicest and sweetest people I've ever met. I got pictures with them too. It was so cool! I'm so glad that you had the chance to interview them!

[@misslora3896]

I'm halfway through the podcast and am so grateful there's still another hour left. This has been such a blast to watch. It's less like an interview and more like just watching 2 really fun and funny couples getting to know each other. Definitely your best episode yet.

[@angelicarosas5758]

Yay for 2 hours! 🤍

[@NikkiScott1]

I grew up with spy kids and a big-time rush, so seeing them together is insane and seeing them have kids is absolutely amazing. I also love that they are Christian, that's incredible.

[@samanthabailey8450]

I also love how they can reminisce about past love connections without any jealousy or animosity, just love and security. Many couples aren't secure enough to openly have those discussions and it was really refreshing and innocent. They became my favorite guests a million times during this episode. ❤❤❤

[@angelicarosas5758]

Yes! 🤍

[@jodijohnson23]

I love how they so openly talk about their faith so easily. I strive to be more like that. Thanks for letting them!

[@raquelbresch2571]

Silent follower on Spotify but had to come to KZbin to comment about how refreshing this podcasts was. Love that Matt and Abby gave them a platform to speak openly about their faith. Alexa and Carlos are such powerful role models and I enjoy how down to earth and how true they are to themself. Best episode so far, and I have listened to almost all🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@angelicarosas5758]

Yes! 🤍

[@clairesnelson9961]

I adore The PenaVegas!! Their dedication to thier faith, their love for each other and thier kids is admirable! They are my favorite "hollywood" couple ❤❤ So happy you guys got them on. It felt like 4 best friends just chating about life. Loved the openness in the conversation. This was my absolute favorite episode! Wishing Alexis a healthy pregnancy and birth 🙏🏼❤ Hoping all of you have a wonderful Easter Season!

[@DanieRoss-rk2gx]

Such a lovely comment! God bless you 🤍✨

[@cathirodrigo2933]

Agreed 💯%!!! Happy Easter & may God continue to bless you all!!! ❤❤❤

[@lilleoelle]

Yes, I love them! So bold with their faith and wonderful role models! 😊

[@danibamb5914]

Coming back to this episode, after watching it when it released. Sending so much love and prayer to this family and the loss of their beautiful Indy. 💕🙏🏻

[@princessg5389]

This is one of your BEST interview ever. I love Carlos and Alexa. I do watch ALL of their movies, for they are amazing. I do love how they are not afraid of speaking of faith.

[@alliejoy7]

BEST INTERVIEW!!!! So inspiring to learn from as I am in my 20s following God and learning so much!!

[@JustLalin]

Love how this is the longest video you can really tell they had a good time together

[@angelicarosas5758]

🤍

[@jessicaripko]

It made me so happy when they mentioned that Jess, Gabe, Tori and Chad were there. They are the sweetest couples and I watch all of them. I hope they all become great friends ❤😊

[@hellenfiallos7154]

Yes!!!!!! Love it!

[@annie5593]

Same!! I love thinking about Matt and Abby being friends with them. Idk where they are with faith but I know that they are such incredible mentors and people ❤

[@kelseygutwein8907]

I’m 27 years old and spy kids 3 game over is still one of the greatest movies to this day. Also was a huge big time rush fan! Loved this episode!

[@btuck0813]

I don't know why I love how much they were excited about Cracker Barrel. Made my southern heart happy 😁

[@TeperzRae]

This is probably my favourite episode so far, their personalities are so fun, I love their love for God, I love their storytelling & energy! As a fan of both of them this was *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼

[@briebrockk]

Holy frigging shiiitttttttttt! I rented Sleepover a million times from Blockbuster as a kid. Screaming, crying, throwing up 😭 Soo proud of you, Matt & Abby

[@nicolevisent2758]

I loveddddddd this episode!! The honesty and transparency of Carlos & Alex’s faith - thank you for being so open about your faith! Super encouraging! Great great episode, amazing job with this one Matt & Abby! Thank you for allowing them the space to openly share all their stories!!

[@512Latina]

I love these two. So sorry for the loss of their 4 baby (baby girl) can’t imagine their pain but I love how they’re big on god and our a string couple! 🙏🏽

[@meganbradshaw3783]

I’m in love with Carlos and Alexa God bless them it’s so refreshing to hear another famous couple that are Christian ❤

[@jasonmoukala8909]

What other famous couples are Christian

[@brittanyodom7695]

I loved this episode so much! It is so refreshing to hear how unapologetic they are about their faith and how their walk has not been a straight line. I feel like Christians get such a bad wrap and hearing their perspective is so nice. This episode was so great and I loved how long it was! Great job y’all! I can’t wait for what next week has in store!💕

[@Bigbuddy0692]

This podcast is so healthy and I look forward to it every week

[@Itschillwithlil]

I absolutely LOVED this episode. Matt and Abby, thank you for allowing Carlos and Alexa to share some of their beliefs regarding Christianity. As a christian, I loved getting to hear how they were able to walk through certain things with each other while married and being in the film/entertainment industry. You guys are such genuine people and it is so awesome to see the many great people you guys get to talk to on the pod. Wednesdays are my favorite because of you guys! Love you guys! God bless you!

[@teresalomanno8916]

I grew up watching their shows and movies and it’s just so cool to hear them just share their life. When you’re younger you feel like they’re so different because they’re famous but they live such normal lives! Soooo cool you guys had them on the podcast it was refreshing and honestly didn’t know they were Christians til now so that also really cool!!

[@KyndelGrove]

WOW! It was so refreshing how confident they are in their relationship with the Lord, so encouraging to see such a light in the entertainment world!

[@alex_danceskpop]

OKAY THIS IS MY FAVORITE EPISODE EVER ON THIS SHOW. Ugh, sooo good and so much truth in there.

[@rebeccaherndon1332]

Oh. My. Gosh. This has to be my favorite episode so far 😍 Love love love Carlos and Alexa, I appreciate so much how down to earth they are!! And they met Jess and Gabe as well....like what?!?!?! I sooooo need a community like this, I want to be all of their friend 😊 Matt and Abby, y'all are rockstars!!! Lots of love, can't wait for the next episode ❤️❤️

[@notjuicebox]

the guests keep getting better and better

[@alexisphillips1365]

OMGGGG ive been obsessed with alexa and carlos for a decade hahaha

[@ManuelKenyonChavez]

This was such a long episode & and I loved every minute of it. I could listen to Matt & Abby & Alexa & Carlos chit chat forever.

[@ameliab9715]

I love Alexa & Carlos! Coolest guests to date.

[@samanthabailey8450]

I feel like every week I say, "Omg this is my favorite episode so far!" And, this week is no different! What a treat to watch. I love how effortless and conversational your episodes are and how many topics you cover in each one. More and more impressed every week. Great job!

[@ragsluvsmusic101]

Finally!!! I have been waiting for this episode and I am so stoked! It is so heartfelt and wonderful to listen to this podcast every week. I love it

[@MadisonCornett765]

matt n abby u guys truly inspire me..i just had my son about 6 months ago and im an 18 y/o single mom with nobody really.. and abby i know you have matt n everyone else but just watching your videos and hearing everything you say and do just inspires me to be the greatest mom for my son even if he doesnt have his daddy very much i know i can do this for him.. you guys really are in inspo!! ❤❤

[@presleydrewery2729]

That is so amazing! I just want to tell you that you should be so proud of yourself and you sound like an amazing mama. Your little baby is so lucky to have you.

[@ieasha5303]

Wishing you all the best ❤

[@kianajack1960]

Congratulations on your baby. And I am so sorry you are going through that. Your strength even through the words you express is amazing! You are not alone. I strongly believe God is right by your side. He is a a call away, or a breath away. I pray for blessings for you and your baby.

[@meg3428]

You can do this!!! You are not alone!! EVER!! There is a God who is with you ALWAYS!!! Know that somewhere in the world there is a stranger who believes in you, but more importantly there is a GOD WHO BELIEVES IN YOU MOST OF ALL! He will help you! Lead you! Guide you! And direct you! He promises to NEVER leave you! Even when it may seem like He has, that’s just the devil because He hasn’t and He promises not too! Life may get hard, but you will persevere just trust in Him! Praying for you and your son!! May God bless and protect you both! God can and will use your story as a single mom to bless and encourage other women! God bless you!!❤❤

[@MadisonCornett765]

awhh.. thank you guys!! i truly appreciate every one of those comments.. 🥺 that really did make my day❤️

[@teresadominguez2719]

Just heard their baby passed at birth and im so freaking sad man. RIP. May God heal their hearts.

[@ashlyncrane8992]

Something that my church does is called Come, Follow Me. It is aimed to help families and individuals in their gospel study. It has a block of chapters to read from the scriptures each week and then you can discuss them and learn about them more intentionally. I love it. It may be a good option in helping with the routine!

[@karawright877]

Thank you for your sweet testimony. What an example you are setting for the Lord. So thankful for Salvation and the redemption we have through Christ.

[@biancaapilado8165]

You guys have the best guests 🔥 I love the dynamic between you all here! UP just keeps getting better and better 😍

[@daniellewilliams3959]

I think they are some of my favorite guests that have been on the podcast! I’ve been praying for them during this difficult time. :(

[@marleepeters5252]

I totally agree they all flow off each other so well and praying for them :(

[@Indihannah4]

Absolutely adored this podcast!! The PenaVegas are my favorite couple 🥹 loved hearing them speak about their past roles, faith, marriage, & boat adventures! Great podcast!! ❤❤

[@breebird675]

I love how carlos and matts energy are the same while Alexa and Abby are the same!!

[@KirstiPickens]

This was such a great podcast! I love how they were so open about their faith!

[@Mackeyrose123]

BEST POD YET!!! Thank you Matt and Abby!

[@user-jv7hj6zs5z]

What a genuine, nostalgic episode! I was so glad to see this was a 2 hour episode. 👏🏼 Spy Kids was my childhood! Such a sweet family.

[@DarghalisTravelTales]

This has been one of my favorite podcasts so far! Loved it!

[@snowsurger33]

Love Carlos and Alexa! What a fun conversation. I love the convos that feel so natural like we are just hanging out with you all.

[@rebeccalorenzi6019]

I have been commenting these two as guest ideas for months on your other podcast episodes!! So excited to wake up to this episode! 🎉🎉🎉

[@carlieolson9451]

LOOOOVED THIS EPISODE. Spy Kids was my whole childhood. I loved everything you guys talked about and can't wait to hear more from them in the future!!

[@sgaming6346]

This is literally the best episode y’all could put out! It was so funny and seeing you guys get along so well was just so amazing to watch! 😭💕

[@courtniequintela3202]

My favorite podcast episode. So so good! I hope you guys have them back on again. My favorite guests you’ve had on the show.

[@erikaherns]

I am a ghost watcher but I just had to comment. This is by far one of my favorite episodes! There wasn’t a second where I wasn’t entertained. I grew up watching Spy Kids and Big Time Rush. This was such nostalgia. You guys are doing amazing!

[@OffbeatLiteracy]

I loved this episode so much, I’m not one of the many comments praising their faith. That part is great for them and for affirming so many others beliefs. But they’re so personable and relatable in this. Felt like one of the most comfortable conversations on this pod in awhile it’s great.

[@JinnetteandShawn]

I would love to see a Carlos and Alexa podcast! They are so funny and cute!!

[@Sarah-Henderson]

Thank you so much Matt & Abby, I have discovered so many amazing people thanks to Unplanned! I had no idea who either of these were (despite my older kids loving the original Spy Kids and my youngest loving the early Big Time Rush) but I was sad to see this episode end! ❤ x

[@anqwxs]

I’ve been a fan of BTR for 12 years now, so glad that you invited Carlos and Alexa to your podcast❤

[@journeyazure7898]

this was my FAVORITE podcast you guys have put out so far! I love the length and the conversation and how laidback and fun this was. love your content!

[@cepjb]

I NEVER....EVER comment. But my wife and I were just glued to this episode. Didn't know these guys were married and definitely didn't know how awesome they are!

[@HamFam17]

Just about to start this and I’m so excited. I feel like you all match each other’s energy. This will be a great one for sure!

[@katie2412]

Thank You ! This was DEFINITELY the most fun, and deeply open hearted life journey podcast, that you have done. This beautiful creative couple, so family focused. I have no idea who they are as I have never had a tv … but will definitely check out their podcast and look forward to hearing you guys’ interviewed with them 😊 ✨🙏✨

[@lindsaygriffithburnette]

Loved this episode, I grew up watching their hallmark movies with my mom and sisters 🤍

[@naomigraham4176]

This podcast with them legitimately inspired me!! What incredible people. And amazing interviewing!!

[@breagynjenkins9987]

Lived my whole childhood with these two on my screen and radio! To see them end up together and living their lives for God is such a blessing in the environment they grew up in! Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee is the best! Saw 1D open for BTR in Nashville! So excited to see more of BTR!

[@maditerry3206]

Love all these people! I was shocked when the thumbnail popped up. It amazes me the collaborations that happen. Great episode! 🙏❤️

[@bethmcadoo6178]

What an excellent podcast. The conversation flowed and it was exciting to meet your guests and hear about their lives. it is so much fun to hear about positive entertainment, and how to navigate some of that and a married couple is doing it.

[@lewemetmischke]

I am SO happy you guys met! Such good people all of you!

[@bayleenitafan2013]

This has been my favorite podcast ever! So real, so funny and I loved that it was so long! Great conversation!!

[@HeyItsHeather89]

Absolutely LOVED this podcast and with Alexa and Carlos. Such huge fans of them. They are amazing and kind people.

[@kaydenberger2572]

I love them! I’ve been following their journey for a long time and they seem like the most genuine people. Truly seem like they’d make great friends!!

[@kristenford1859]

Even though this was 2 hours it honestly didn’t feel that long. Loved this podcast! It was so raw and effortless and y’all are all so down to earth!

[@jericatemple1920]

Love that you are having guests that talk about their faith! Keep it up!

[@claytonandkatherine]

Such a good episode! I’m a weekly listener, love the unplanned podcast so much!!

[@skylargadd9632]

Love love love these two! Such a breath of fresh air seeing stars chase after God and His plan.

[@katlyntilson1605]

The 4 of you had the best chemistry, I could have kept listening to you guys for hours! 😊 I laughed out loud and got teary eyed, my favorite guest so far.

[@kimchaffa]

This has been one of my favorite episodes you guys have done. It was so enjoyable! 😊

[@roxannapospieszalski9052]

That was an amazing conversation between all four of you. I loved this podcast and I loved how much faith played into the family’s decisions in boundaries and jumping forward in their journeys. Thank you for sharing.

[@englarian1017]

I'm inspired! Only halfway through but thoroughly enjoying every minute!

[@mei-lanimartin8479]

Omg literally woke up thinking you guys were gonna post another video and the fact you got these two!! Love you guys even more❤️❤️❤️

[@leilasnop]

omg Alexa and Carlossss, i love this podcast episode already!!!!! i followed them since 2018 and i love lexa since spy kids! this is crazyyy

[@FearBean0519]

What's up duuuuudes! 🤘🏼 I have to say I LOVE the longer episodes! ❤ I had so many great laughs with this one 😂 Your guests keep getting better & better! I can't wait for the next episode 😍 Peace out duuuudes✌🏼✌🏼

[@Elaine_1998]

This podcast is by far my absolute favorite! I laughed the entire time. The PenaVega’s are so amazing/genuine and are a couple that stay true to themselves with the content they put out! Love this🩷

[@Sama-yd4cl]

I have always adored Alexa as a person and so happy to see her on here! But I somehow never realised how HILARIOUS Carlos is 😂

[@vanessaruiz4567]

NO FRICKING WAY!! THIS IS THE BEST COLLAB EVER!!! I LOOOVE CARLOS AND ALEXAAA!!! 😭 MY TWO WORLDS ARE COLLIDING!!!!! THANK YOU JESUS AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

[@nwanyibuifeobiako162]

I love this episode and how intentional Alexa and Carlos are about their faith walk - it is so encouraging!!

[@chryssicase9676]

I saw Alexa and Carlos' unimaginable news and had to come back and watch this when they were still excited, expecting parents.

[@lifewithbeth1077]

Love this couple so much! Matt and Abby are killing it! Honestly would have loved to have heard more about their faith and how they have that as guidance in their marriage and raising kids in the industry. Overall, great interview!

[@carissam8260]

Love that this was so long!! Seriously your podcasts just keep getting better!! Way to Matt and Abby!

[@caitlinpope7048]

Mostly silent follower here, I absolutely loved this episode! It was so awesome getting. To know this couple better. Such wholesome content!!

[@arlettd.martinezbatista6494]

I love this podcast! Carlos and Alexa are amazing and I’m a huge big time rush fan! Thanks Abby and Matt for bringing us such a great time with everything. 🥰✨

[@marcyclayton6888]

This was the best podcast you guys have done! Love Carlos and Alexa!!!

[@NannyMendoza]

I LOVED this interview! It felt so comfortable, like I was in the room with you guys. Best interview yet!

[@godmomentswithtomi_]

This was so precious ❤