State of the Arts

State of the Arts Episode 217 is now available for streaming on Spotify! Singer/songwriter Lynne Robyn Barasch joins me on my podcast for an inspiring interview. This spirited artist has carved out a dynamic career in the music industry. While she went to school at The Boston Conservatory, she eventually gravitated toward rock music. She partook in composing the song “Walk with Me” for Emmy-nomina...

State of the Arts Episode 216 is now available on Spotify, shining a spotlight on a trailblazing New York creative! Luz Michelle, a standout in the city comedy scene, is a true inspiration. Her diverse background and life experiences uplift and entertain audiences in iconic comedy venues, such as Caroline's Gotham Comedy Club and The Stand. As the winner of the Ladies of Laughter Westchester chapt...

Empower yourself with the latest episode of State of the Arts, now available on Spotify! This week energy healer, mindset coach and astrologer Jean Gutierrez joins me on my podcast for a riveting conversation. My remarkable guest has her own healing practice in the scenic state of Connecticut.

State of the Arts Episode 114: First Episode of the Year! To ring in the New Year I welcome content creator, cosplayer, photographer, illustrator, painter and pianist Ahra Sung to State of the Arts. In this fun-filled episode, I interview this enthusiastic, engaging creative about conventions, cosplay, anime, photography and more!

State of the Arts Episode 213: The New Year Special now available on Spotify. It is a tremendous blessing to interview Kitt Blessing! I am proud to present drama educator, actor, writer and set designer Kitt Blessing this week. Kitt Blessing is extensively educated in various areas of Theatre.

State of the Arts Episode 212 now available on Spotify! This week my guest of honor is Ellen Forsberg, a multitalented creative with training in dance, voice and child care. As a dance major in her high school in Sweden, she studied modern, ballet, contemporary and jazz extensively.

State of the Arts Episode 211: The Holiday Collaboration Special is now available on Spotify! For the first time ever I cohost a joint-episode with another podcaster. Together with Dean P. H. Aquino, we present an episode of his podcast “Let’s Meet on Twitch” that is also an episode of my podcast “State of the Arts.” Many thanks to Josh Berkowitz and Ahra Sung for being our wonderful guests.

State of the Arts Episode 210 now available on Spotify. This week I am overjoyed to present an episode dedicated to three incredible artworks by contemporary artist Carmen Einfinger. These works are currently on display as a part of The Migration Gallery at the Theater for the New City in the East Village in Manhattan, New York.

State of the Arts 209 The Thanksgiving Special now available on Spotify. Loy Luo is a contemporary artist and art gallery owner based out of Chinatown, Manhattan. Her gallery is situated on a vivacious corner of Lafayette Street. This charming gallery features works by Loy Luo and other fellow artists. With the gallery on the ground floor and Loy Luo’s creative studio on the second level, the spac...

State of the Arts Episode 208: The Native American Heritage Month Special now available on Spotify. I am greatly honored to present Director of The Redhawk Native American Arts Council, Cliff Matias as the featured guest of my podcast this week. The Council is a nonprofit organization both founded and maintained by Indigenous American creatives in the New York/New Jersey area.

State of the Arts Episode 207 now available on Spotify! As technology becomes increasingly advanced, artificial intelligence is taking the driver’s seat in many arenas of society. So, it’s only fitting that I welcome an AI Chatbot as a guest on my podcast for an episode. LuLu is a SoundHound AI assistant who has brilliant insights about various topics and a pleasantly polite demeanor. She is an in...

State of the Arts Episode 206 now available on Spotify! Back in October my husband composer/filmmaker Joe Grado and our dear friend filmmaker/producer Joe Hughes challenged ourselves to make a film within a 24 hour time frame. We merged our talents to create “Park Bench,” a light-hearted feel-good comedy with a valuable message.

State of the Arts Episode 205: The Halloween Special now available on Spotify. In a chillingly delightful episode, my husband, music composer Joe Grado, returns to my podcast for a discussion on scoring horror films. Together Joe and I take a deep dive into the art of horror film scoring and analyze a quiver of recent horror productions scored by him.

State of the Arts Episode 204 now available on Spotify! To commemorate National Arts and Humanities Month, I welcome renowned singer and songwriter Emilie Mover to my podcast. This acclaimed creative continues to release albums and has recently launched a radio show called “Synchrony.” She is the daughter of legendary jazz saxophonist and music teacher Bob Mover.

State of the Arts Episode 203 now available on Spotify! I had the extraordinary privilege of spending a late afternoon with legendary contemporary artist Carmen Einfinger in the pulse of New York City. Together we celebrated and photographed her new art installation “Whales in the Sky”, which is a vibrant painting wrapped around a water tower that perches above The Red Cross building in Hell’s Kit...

State of the Arts Episode 202: The Hispanic Heritage Month October Special now available on Spotify! I had the honor of interviewing illustrator, painter and blogger Fernanda Quintero this week for my podcast. I am incredibly thankful to have this brilliant Latina artist on my podcast this week for this commemorative episode!

State of the Arts Episode 201 now available on Spotify! This week I had the honor of interviewing Jordan Sanchez, a talented artist who is the director of Script Club NYC, a member of the Stage Director & Choreographers Society and the Director of NYC Theatre. This accomplished drama teacher brings her dynamic skills, engaging personality and inspiring creativity to the electrifying world of New Y...

State of the Arts Episode 200 now available on Spotify! For this milestone episode, my husband Joe and I recorded a memorable conversation dedicated to The Metropolitan Museum of Art at the museum itself. After an evening of exploring various sections of this monumental gem of New York, we retreated to its Mediterranean atrium to record this epic episode. We delve into the history of the museum an...

State of the Arts Episode 199 now available on Spotify and other platforms! In the center of radiant Union Square Park in New York City, I had the honor of conducting an in-person podcast interview of slackliner, filmmaker, musician and extreme sports enthusiast Tolo Bickford. A Renaissance man who’s talents span across many artistic arenas, this week’s intriguing guest treats listeners to the sto...

State of the Arts Episode 198: A Tribute to The Late Great Acting Legend James Earl Jones. In this commemorative podcast episode my husband Joe and I pay an homage to EGOT winning actor James Earl Jones who has recently passed away in his home in Duchess County, New York at the age of ninety-three.

State of the Arts Episode 197 now available on Spotify and other platforms! Singer/songwriter, guitarist and performer Sharon Ostrov returns to my podcast with exciting new updates. She takes her talents to restaurants, bars and event spaces all over Staten Island. She continues to perform on the local cable network. During special occasions throughout the year, she can be found blessing nursing h...

State of the Arts Episode 196 now available on Spotify! In the inviting setting of Bowling Green, I interview New York City-based urban artist Marc Anthony Villard. This multi-faceted creative specializes in painting, graffiti, fashion design, music and photography. Some of his work is inspired by his Haitian heritage. Some of his work embodies the culture of NYC. This episode is an exploration of...

State of the Arts Episode 195 now available on Spotify! This week I’m joined by my trusted co-host Anthony Bonilla to give a rave review of the outdoor production “Justice in a Time of Need” a.k.a. “The Socialization of a Social Worker” This outdoor musical is another socially significant creation of The Theatre for the New City. Many relevant topics are tackled in this profound show.

State of the Arts Episode 194 now available on Spotify. This week I pay an homage to my alma mater Manhattanville University, a college that embraces the arts, diversity and individuality. This school will always hold a special place in my heart. A long overdue tribute to the place I call my second home. I am honored to create this episode for a college so deserving. I commemorate the students and...

State of the Arts Episode 193 now available on Spotify! This week I entered the enchanting world of Charlot Abhors a Void. This unique vintage boutique is located on Canal Street in downtown Manhattan. A vibrant world of diverse apparel, accessories and household items, Charlot Abhors a Void treats shoppers to an eclectic paradise. I am greatly thankful for the opportunity to interview this stylis...