ON THE CALL with Ozzie Stewart

This is the 7th episode of Since Then "catch up" series with Vashti de Verteuil and Andre Largen. 2 Trinidadians, 2 educators, one of clothing, the other of dance, one a Professor at Parsons New School of Design and labor activist, the other at the University of the West Indies. Both working through the many challenges of teaching via zoom since 2020 in 2 different countries, still passionate abou...

GARRY PASTORE: With over 70 television and feature films under his belt since 1985, Garry has no intention of stopping. As an ACTOR, some of his television appearances have been in the HBO series “The Sopranos” and later on “The Deuce”, “Blue Bloods”, “The Flight Attendant”, “High Intensity”. Some of his film credits are “The Last Call”, “The Irishman”, “Shooting Heroin” for which he won Best Supp...

PHIL PENMAN: British #editorial and #portrait photographer and New Yorker, has won prestigious @awards, labeled one of -52 Most Influential Street Photographers- alongside industry legends Sebastiao Salgado and Henri Cartier-Besson. His captivating 9/11 photos of the Terrorist Attacks are memorial archived. His debut book “Street” became the number 1 Amazon best seller for street photography, and...

BETTY LEIGH: Mother of 2, Betty is a Former Runway Model and Radio Personality, Boutique Store owner, Haute Couture handbag manufacturer, owner of the Black Poodle Granola Company, Food Network and Shop at Home Host and Spokesperson, Sailor, Reiki Practitioner and Meditation Guide, 3 time Cancer Survivor, gaining the 1996 ACS Courage Award for her work with the American Cancer Society. Today Betty...

PETER PATRIKIOS: Fluent in #Greek, excelling in #mathematics and #science #biologist at heart, majored in biopsychology before studying #neuroscience, Peter took to acting easily, eventually winning a Best Supporting Actor Award in 2019 from @Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. for 'Offstage Elements'. A lover of all #animals and #insects, he recently gained his own action figure, from one of...

Returning to the garment industry left behind for many years filled with advocacy, civil, human and environment wise, voter empowerment, gun violence prevention, executive directing at the Bronx chapter's National Action Network, teaching, mentoring, program development programs in schools, camping organization and more, Shanny Herrera's passion for fashion will be seen this fall 2021 in stores th...

Mother, grandmother, educator, musician, pannist (steel pans) and fellow Trinidadian, Jennifer McIntosh is my childhood friend. I feel very lucky to have her in my life all these years, even with those times when we lost touch. As an educator, Mackey, as she's also known by, has taught music, which has brought joy to her teaching years, a journey she has thoroughly enjoyed. Now retired, Jenny love...

GREG LINGO: With a BA in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell followed by an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Villanova, Ivy-League educated, husband and father of 3 girls, Greg Lingo began over 70 business partnerships and companies via his company cornellventures.com has been steeped in the Real Estate industry for over 20 years, as a Developer, with a concentration in the PA, NJ, D...

VASHTI de VERTEUIL: Studied at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Vashti became a successful freelance designer of scarves, belts and jewelry for Yves St. Laurent and Parisian couture houses such as Yves St. Laurent, creating couture bridal accessories for Vera Wang and private clients, as well as having a clothing and accessory for years in the East Village. She has been a Professor at...

ANDRE LARGEN: Dancer, Teacher, Adjunct Lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Trinidad where he began his dance career. Later in the US he attended Martha Graham Dance School  and danced with the Alvin Ailey and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Andre keeps residences in Trinidad and the US, teaching at the Dance Foundation in London and at various institutions in London, Belgium, Guyana, Greece,...

Paolo Pilladi, poet, producer, co-writer and director of Last Call, the movie he describes as a comedy with a heart, directs with heart and love of not only the storytelling by paper or camera, but also of actors. Paolo, successful in musical and art festivals, is a passionate award-winning filmmaker with a body of work under his belt and his production company - Goodie Goodie Productions, an inde...

George, a traveling pastor, lives his ministry 24/7 from New York to Florida to Jamaica. Ministering to over 1000 people to date, a number that has risen by 400+ during 2020. He makes himself available 24/7, his line is always being open, but this mission fills his heart, gives him the most joy. When I want or need a prayer for any reason, he's my go-to. His prayers hit home whatever the need. Fai...

I am so very happy to introduce my Aunty Theo (short for Theodora-her middle name). One who reminds me of my father in terms of always staying on the easy, cool side of life. An accountant all her life, she is contented, happy and funny in her retirement surrounded by the love of as many as 50 family members. 

On this last episode, we catch up with Jenevieve Brewer-Talent Manager,  Karen Gehres-Documentarian and Film Producer, Philip Coccioletti-Director, Producer, Editor, since we last spoke. We get their take on the #impact of working in front and behind the camera as #freelancers this past year. We learn about #wineauctions #animalrescue, Funny For Fido's comic stand-up for homeless dogs, #PPE on set...

For this fifth episode of our Since Then series, my chat partners: Steve, Sean, Greg, Cathren and Leon updated us on issues of their lives which touched on: a 138 mile protest walk, making music for film, the love and aid of puppies during lock down, filming & Ciroc commercials, nursing challenges with covid, onesies, cruises, laughter and connection.

SINCE THEN: This is the fourth installment in the "SINCE THEN" series where we review our chats from our Fall 2020 season, catching up with 3 friends: Dr. Yvonne Noel, Crystal Shipp & Rinella Binns-Harty Bolt, to find out what's happened in their lives since we last spoke. It was all giggles, love, balance, sisterhood and self-care. ENJOY!!  Please check out their initial separate chats on any of...

A fellow West Indian, Sean Michael Field, a proud Barbadian, never waits for opportunities to fall into his lap. Instead he makes his own and adds whatever else comes his way as gravy. Sean is an award winning filmmaker, producer, writer and avid entrepreneur. In addition to the creative end of things is dedicated to meticulous detail always. His early days of graphic design along with his sense o...

From Football to Physical Ed to Model to Actor to behind the camera, directing, producing, editing, Philip Coccioletti, through his joie de vivre, always combined, service with trust and respect in his life and work. His awarding winning work through his  successful company, Sugarcamp Productions, a full service film and video production company, can be seen in  some productions: 'Stand Up To Pros...

From a college minor in film to  major agent, talent manager and producer, Jenevieve Brewer, known for her energy, enthusiasm, forthrightness, care, passion, and empathy, is also an activist in the LGBT community and advocate for the underdog and diversity. A woman of peace, which she yearns for this country to attain, Jenevieve is much loved and respected by her clients and peers nationally and i...

A force of nature on the streets of the city she would never leave, New York City, Karen Gehres began as a painter but morphed into the entertainment industry as a filmmaker, producer, writer and editor. Recognized for her documentaries: Astor Place Hairstylists and Begging Naked, which is in the Library of Congress, she is also an EPK Producer and Red Carpet Host, with a client list such as: Walt...

A fellow Trinidadian, Gregory, as I affectionately call him, is a father of three beloved children in whom he has instilled humanity over ambition, to which he supports his daughter's volunteerism with Fight4Freedom, towards the eradication of human trafficking. Greg Lassalle has spent 15 years using his musicianship in the Asian markets before landing in Canada recently where he continues to serv...

Described as a hyphenate, Raqiyah Mays has been a passionate activist for women first, for years. Her celebrity as a journalist, author, Executive Producer, radio and TV personality, and host of her very successful 'Real Black News' podcast does not impede on her being down to earth, fun, funny, outspoken, real and caring. Get to know more about Raqiyah at raqiyahmays.com and check out her book TH...

Meet an angel, who extends her services, insight and heart far outside the norms. Cathren Watts, is a registered nurse who has worked in different systems lovingly. She loves to travel and is a fierce, forthright advocate for all who come within her sights, even though she may not know them.

After studying political science at SUNY, followed by becoming a former HR Director at Sesame Workshop, then Assistant Director, EEO & Title VI Compliance of Staffing & Employee Relations, Leon Goodman then becomes a photographer, journalist for 50+BOLD, an online magazine and chef. He is now returning to his early college days, being moved to his 118 mile silent protest walk against police brutal...

Crystal Shipp has lived a joyous life of service to others, in her way, boldly, fearlessly and with a twinkle in her eye. Her love of and for people has made her an assertive advocate for many. Adventurous, she's climbed Machu Pichu twice, a Dubai desert safari, been in the Air Force thwarting rules all with much humor. Having conquered her acting dreams, she's now painting up a storm.  Crystal, l...