State of the Arts

State of the Arts Episode 242 now available on Spotify! Independent film actor Jazmine Brown joins me this week on my podcast. Like myself, this versatile creative is a member of Short Cuts NYC. “Eggshells,” a recent indie drama she starred in, has been accepted into The Big Apple Film Festival. With an education in voice, she moved to New York City from Anchorage, Alaska in pursuit of a career in...

State of the Arts Episode 241 is now available for streaming on Spotify. My newest podcast episode features the incredibly talented Kevin Dalvi, who is a filmmaker, designer, and producer. His impressive IMDB credits are a testament to his innovative spirit. Some of his most notable works include The Symbolist, Promised Land, and Black Taj. He is also a key crew member on the acclaimed Christian B...

State of the Arts Episode 240 now available on Spotify! This week Brandy Renee Baker and I dive into the history of Versailles, the geographical significance of the Bay of Biscay and other Franco-centric topics in this épisode spécial. From cooking to language to arts to civil rights, we leave no topic unturned in this conversation captivante. I’m joined once again by return guest XoxBŕåñđý Řenee...

State of the Arts Episode 239 now available on Spotify! With great joy I present an episode this week with gamer, photography enthusiast and world traveler Chad Zhang. In this memorable episode we speak about a wide array of topics including the thrilling world of gaming, conventions, anime, photography, swimming and travel. As a New Yorker he explores many parts of the captivating city on a regul...

State of The Arts Episode 238 the Juneteenth Special is now available on Spotify for streaming! Indie film actress Brandy Renee Baker joins me on this important holiday episode. My talented return guest was in three of my most recent productions: my sci-fi comedy “Arexis,” my pet documentary “Angels in Our Midst” (with her adorable dog Sheldon) and my docudrama sizzle reel “Only In NY.” It was a p...

State of the Arts Episode 237: The Father’s Day Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! My guest this week is my clave brother and salsa comrade Kevin Raman, who is the owner and operator of KSR POST LLC. This Pratt institute graduate is the entrepreneur of a productions company that focuses mainly on event videos, trailers, corporate content and tribute reels. One of his most recent la...

State of the Arts Episode 236: The Pride Month Special! My guest this week is rising star drag performer Mx. Diagnonsense. This up and coming performing artist is the protege of Westchester drag sensations Angel Elektra and Shay D’Pines. The Art of Drag is a workshop series offered by The Loft and taught by the two Drag Mama superstars. Mx. Diagnonsense is continuing to grow their talent in this e...

State of the Arts Episode 235 now available on Spotify! My guest this week is off-Broadway sensation Dorothy Bishop, the creator and star of hit show “The Dozen Divas!” This Yale graduate has extensive training in opera. Her versatile voice and acting abilities enable her to shine in any genre imaginable. In her enchanting show she transforms into Cher, Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand and many oth...

State of the Arts Episode 234 now available on Spotify! Intuitive abstract oil painter Cecile Roberfroid joins me on my podcast for a beautifully enriching interview. This expressive creative’s works have been displayed in various local galleries, including the Rye Art Center and The Stamford Art Association’s gallery. Her first solo show will take place at The Arbor Gallery in Carmel, New York. S...

State of the Arts Episode 233: The Asian Heritage Month Special is now available on Spotify! My podcast guest this week is Kevin So, who works behind the scenes in the entertainment and sports industries. This versatile creative wears many hats as an assistant in various arenas- including productions, marketing and event coordination. Aside from his exciting careers, he spends his free time attend...

State of the Arts Episode 232 The Mother’s Day Special now available on Spotify! In a touching interview, Naida Minaya, a mother of two adorable boys, speaks with me about modeling, acting, beauty pageants and being a security guard. This dynamic mom manages to juggle motherhood, working toward a position in a mall K-9 unit and a side hustle as a hair/makeup model on a regular basis. She was selec...

State of the Arts Episode 231 now available on Spotify! Tonight for the first time ever I broadcast a podcast episode in the green room of a local rock band! The End is a tribute band for The Doors that is performing tonight at Carmine’s Deli. Led by Rob Venuti who is both the lead singer and the deli owner, this band is rocking the house with a firey set of far out jams. Along with musicians Anth...

State of the Arts Episode 230 now available on Spotify! This week content creator and YouTube show host Dith joins me on my podcast along with his cousin XoxBŕåñđý Řenee BâkeřXox. DatBoiDith is Dith’s fast growing YouTube channel with over 10,000 followers. Reaction videos, tributes to singers, “guess the movie” segments and holiday specials are some of the high-energy content on this entertaining...

State of the Arts Episode 229 The Autism Awareness Month Special is now available on Spotify! My guests are mother/daughter team Robin Baron and Chloé Ziff, who along with Robin’s son Simon, are the founders of Relationspot. After its formation, Relationspot has evolved into a community that builds connections and friendships for people of all abilities. Relationspot is an embracing, neuro-inclusi...

State of the Arts Episode 228 now available on Spotify! My guest this week is actor, director and writer Hannahjo Anderson. As a multifaceted creative they are an active member of The Script Club NYC and an artistic director/writer for Party Line Productions. With vast experience in theatrical productions, they continue to grace the world of stage performance with their versatile presence.

State of the Arts Episode 227 now available for streaming on Spotify. Jackie Jorgenson is an award-winning IMDB-credited actor, writer, producer and director who is also the founder of Shared Manifest Entertainment. Originally from Ontario, this versatile creative is now continuing to build an intentional network and a dynamic career in New York City. Her short films have been shown in many festiv...

State of the Arts Episode 226 now available on Spotify! Jordan Campbell is a travel blogger, a speaker and a content creator who made the leap from the corporate world into full-time content creation. After being an award-winning creative director for two decades, this fearless adventurer has successfully made her passion for travel into a career. She is the founder of Global Debauchary, a thrivin...

State of the Arts Episode 225: The Women’s History Month Special now available on Spotify! I am thrilled to welcome one of my dearest friends, Tara Krieger to my podcast. As a writer, a baseball historian, an attorney, a Barnard graduate and a patron of the New York City theatrical arts, my multifaceted guest brings a rich tapestry to this momentous episode. She was an editorial producer for MLB.c...

State of the Arts Episode 224 The Saint Patrick’s Day Special now available for streaming on Spotify! My podcast guest Kelly Sisco is a visual artist, a performing artist and a writer. She also has training in dance, acting, creative writing and was the owner of a charming consignment boutique in Crestwood at one time. As a visual artist, her artistic creations were on display in various locations...

State of the Arts Episode 223: The International Women’s Day Special now available on Spotify! It’s my pleasure to announce that my guest is week is MJ Cass-Antony! My multitalented guest is a cosplayer, an illustrator, as well as an activist for the autistic, those with ADHD and others on the spectrum. She has attended and continues to attend many conventions as a cosplayer. Recently she has beco...

State of the Arts Episode 222: The African American Heritage Special now available on Spotify! It’s a great honor to welcome comedian, dancer and pilates instructor Ariana Speight onto my podcast for this special episode at the conclusion of Black History Month. This young African American rising star in the comedy world of New York City embodies humor, creativity, ambition and resilience. As a st...

State of the Arts Episode 221 is now available for streaming on Spotify! I am thrilled to welcome writer, actress, model and educator Shelley Molad to my podcast for a wonderfully motivational episode. My resilient guest has established a career in the entertainment industry alongside being a mother of two and a partner to her husband who is a real estate entrepreneur.

State of the Arts Episode 22O now available for streaming on Spotify! I am immensely pleased to welcome storyteller and performing artist Violet Benny onto my podcast. In Tami McCarthy’s show “Spark the Experience,” this resilient creative intrigued the audience with an inspiring monologue about her journey with seasonal affective disorder. Bringing to light a very important issue, she shares her...

State of the Arts Episode 219: The Valentine’s Day Special is now available for streaming on Spotify! My husband Joe Grado joins me on my podcast this week to speak about our experiences together as a couple in the arts. From films to songs to a home indie short festival, we have recently collaborated on various projects as a team of two. In this romantic episode we discuss our collaborations, rem...

State of the Arts Episode 218: The Lunar New Year Special. To welcome the Year of the Snake, my podcast spotlights a multitalented Asian food vlogger, content creator and independent chef. With a college degree focused on hospitality, she has recently solidified a social media-based career in the culinary industry.