Welcome to The Artist Matters premiere episode. It's a little get to know me and my artistic journey. And what the show will be about.

Did you ever fell like you just didn't fit in with any group? That there was something about you that was different? That's how today's guest, Laurie Ann Davis felt when she was a kid. But once she found acting, she knew where she belonged. Playing Anne Frank was the catalyst to push her to pursue this as a career. Taking classes. Auditioning. Getting roles on stage and screen. Someone felt she could be a teacher, so she decided to start teaching acting in the basement of her house in Hicksville, NY. I joined her class, The Acting Experience in 1999 and Laurie had us dig deep and pull out performances from places we didn't know existed. She eventually moved her class out of the basement and to a studio, renamed Star Map Acting. But she still went for roles in film and stage. However, Laurie found that getting the right monologues for auditions was tedious and frustrating, so she wrote her own. And then, published them in her book, "Finally...Monologues That Work". She even found time to raise her son. Now, she is releasing another book, "Finally..Scenes That Work", plus just last year, Laurie found a new location to teach which is 3 Stage Studios in Bethpage, NY. One of Laurie's greatest superpowers is being relentless. Her drive and determination is what keeps her in the game. She says, "All we have is this moment. Just be human." Enjoy this moment with Laurie Ann Davis.

"Happiness Made Solid". This is what you get when a family therapist turns to pottery. As a child, Dean McRaine always enjoyed building things with his hands. When he got older, he found pottery as a creative and relaxing way to take his mind off the often times stressful and intense world of family therapy. He taught himself through magazines, books and lots of trial and error. He considers himself to be a great problem solver. And you really have to be with clay. The intricacies of types of clay, molding it into the shapes you want, how long you fire them up in a kiln. And Dean had to one up himself and experiment with colored clay. This is what made me want to connect with him. I still can't grasp how he can create all these designs and patterns onto a sheet of clay. You have to check out the video. He's set up in Kauai with his shop, Lightwave Pottery. The name is not an accident. He wants his work to bring light to people. He hopes that someone can feel the emotional connection when they hold a mug or a plate he's sculpted. Dean prompts artists to ask themselves: what is your mission as an artist? What is the feeling you get out of your art? Do you have the desire? Well, Dean certainly has stuck to his mission for 30 plus years and still going strong at age 68. As one client complimented his work, "It's colored therapy." Let the session begin!

"Acting is like a disease, I don't know when or if it can be cured, all I know is that if I give up, It will surely kill me." This describes today's guest, actor Lou Lentino-Rodgriguez to a tee. As early as he can remember, he was entertaining the family doing character impressions and dancing and singing. It came natural to him. Maybe not by accident either. Turns out his family has connection to none other than Jimmy Durante. And when he did his first role as a dancing snowflake in a school play, he knew this was his calling. As he got older, Lou began pursuing acting and landed his first extra role in the TV show, Central Park West. From there, he landed other roles in plays, such as Stalag 17, Romeo & Juliet, The Passion of Dracula, Extremities and Wait Until Dark. Lou has been at this for 20 plus years and finally hitting some strides, with roles in TV series, such as Blue Bloods, Gotham, The Blacklist and High Maintenance. And just last week, he finally got his SAG/AFTRA card. A friend of his described him as the 49-year-old minor league ball player who never made it to the pros, BUT never gave up. And that's Lou. If his opening quote gives you any indication, he can't not act. Despite the struggles and competition, acting brings him joy and he has to do it. This man defines perseverance and I truly applaud him for that. And I think you will too. Enjoy my chat with Lou Lentino-Rodriguez.

What do you get when you combine a love of music with a love of photography? You get today's guest, Barbie Bowser. She found her love of music first. Learning the piano and the clarinet and later in life, the guitar, playing in school bands and church worship teams. Her husband Chuck introduced her to the world of photography and she was hooked. And in her 40's, Barbie decided to take it seriously. She went to the Art Institute of Tampa, got her Bachelor's Degree and was soon working. From wedding photography to shooting virtual tours of luxury hotels and resorts. Barbie now has her own photography business. To further expand her creativity, along with her husband, she started a blog and Youtube channel called the Bowser Journal. It just goes to show that no matter what age, you can always find ways to channel your creativity and maybe even make a profit from it. Enjoy my chat with Barbie Bowser!

Can creativity really help us heal the pain and struggles we go through? Today's guest, Deborah Louise Ortiz would answer that question with a resounding "Yes!" And not just one creative outlet, mind you. This multi-talented woman is a dancer, actor, writer, producer and director! Raised in the Bronx, Deborah had her share of tough times, but found release through the arts. Starting with dance, she joined a dance company called New York Guys & Dolls in the 70's. Then, she was drawn into the world of acting, joining the Latino theatre group, Vaso de Leche. From that group, Deborah was inspired to try her hand at writing and penned her first play called "Dirty Laundry". Soon after, she wrote and starred in her one woman play, "Changing Violet". She also started her own production company called Dangerous Curves Productions. Deborah spent 10 years with the New York Dinner Theatre Company, performing all over the tri-state area. Upon moving to Florida, she started up Standing Ovation Dinner Theatre (where I met her), producing shows like "The Godfather's Messhuggener Wedding", "Let's Kill The Boss", "Zeus' Big Surprise" and "Homecoming at Transylvania High". The next part of Deborah's journey took an expected turn. And she became a documentary filmmaker. Her husband was a retired NY police officer suffering from PTSD. It was affecting their relationship and their family. So, what does Deborah do? She creates the award-winning documentary, Code 9 : Officer Needs Assistance. This labor of love not only helped her, her husband and family heal, but has become a movement and community for officers and first responders suffering from this mental injury. Without skipping a beat, Deborah directed the short film, SIlver Alert. And is now co-writing (with her son, Frank) a script called "The Ortiz Sisters" loosely based on her and her sisters. I have known Deborah for 10 years now and she has become a mentor to me in my creative growth which I am so grateful for. I am so excited for you to enjoy my conversation with Deborah Louise Ortiz.

Words can either create or destroy. You can build someone up with a heartfelt compliment or easily tear them down with a hurtful remark. Thankfully, today's guest - Billy Lamont - uses his words and his voice on the creation side. As a poet for over 30 years, his focus has been to help, inspire and bring some joy into the lives of others. Whether it's performing skits with his family when he was a kid or reading poetry for a homeless shelter on Thanksgiving or performing at bigger venues including MTV and Lollapalooza. He has published several audio poetry albums, including Into the 21st Century and Beyond Babylon. Billy has also penned three poetry books: The Gallery of Light, Strobe Light Generation and Words Ripped From a Soul Still Bleeding. He even has a spot in the Guinness Book of World's Records! He encourages future poets to be true to thier own voice and reminds them that their words are needed. I've known him since 2004 and always felt this artistic kinship with him. As I hope you will. Enjoy my chat with Billy Lamont.

What would it mean to you if your mother said you have a special mission in life? For this episode's guest, Rodini Almonacy, it means a great deal. Not only because his mother actually said this to him, but also for the fact that his own life almost never began. That is because Rodini was stillborn! I kid you not. Obviously, he's a survivor. And this plays a huge part in how he approaches life, work, everything. So, where does the special mission come into play? Rodini discovered a passion for art at a young age. As he got older, he was drawn into the world of graphic arts. Staring off small by creating logos for clothing, making up party flyers. But demand for his work started to grow to the point where he needed help. So, Rodini created his own graphic design company, Maximum Grafx. More clients and gigs kept his company busy. Eventually, the company grew into Maximum Marketing Media Group and Rodini earned a new title as a Consultant. And that became Maximum Marketing Enterprises. Rodini also created Iluvbball.com. This helps and showcases young basketball players. Through it all, he stays grounded with his wife and five children. A man with a good heart wanting to not only make his clients happy, but anyone he comes into contact with. This was such an inspiring chat we had and I'm sure you're going to be inspired too. Enjoy my conversation with Rodini.

This is a first. A returning guest. Erik Herrmann is back from the last episode. And he’s not alone. With him is his bandmate from the group, Slow Apollo, Joram Roubique. We heard Erik’s story already, so this episode begins with a focus on Joram’s journey. Joram was born and raised near, in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The eldest of 5 children (4 boys, 1 girl), He was brought up in a strict fundamentalist Christian household and wasn't allowed to listen to "secular" music. Thankfully, Joram’s parents loved music enough, especially his mother, to expose the family to music that, despite having a strong obvious religious message, was made by objectively talented artists. When she was growing up, Joram’s mom often sang with her brother, a fantastic guitarist, and won singing competitions in high school. So, was Joram destined to follow in his family’s musical footsteps? Well, at the age of 13, his parents bought him an acoustic guitar for Christmas, but without lessons he grew frustrated trying to learn and gave up. A couple years later, his best friend bought an electric bass, which reignited Joram’s interest in learning to play. In 2001, his family moved to San Jose, California. Recovering from a knee injury, Joram began to play guitar more and more and was basically self-taught. He eventually got a car and began listening to secular music on the radio, buying CDs and catching up on as much of the music he missed out on. He joined a church at one point and was a member of their music team for junior high kids. He sang and later played bass and guitar with them for a short while. Joram and his family moved back to Louisiana in 2006. Back there, he attended Southeastern Louisiana University in 2008 and got a degree in Mass Comm with an emphasis in journalism in 2011. Just last year, Erik and Joram’s paths crossed and they felt they could create a band together. So, they did. With Joram (Lead Vocals), Erik ((Rhythm Guitar/vocals), Tyler Herrmann (Drums & Erik’s brother), Erik Herrmann Sr. (Bass & you probably guessed by now, Erik’s dad) and Robert Holden (Lead Guitar), they formed the rock & roll group, Slow Apollo. Enjoy this chat with Joram & Erik.

What is grizzly life? Today's guest, Illustrator and Designer, James T Ellison can explain. For the last few years, James has been pursuing his dream as a freelance illustrator. He studied graphic design at Northern Kentucky University, but is mostly self-taught. He has gone to comic conventions and craft festivals to showcase his work. He's created posters for a local bar, logos for small businesses, T-shirt designs and more. But illustrating remains his passion. With the dream being, story telling via comic books and graphic novels.  But his health took a hit a few years back. James lives with a chronic autoimmune disease, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. Yet, he hasn't allowed this to slow him down. He's dedicating the rest of his life to spreading awareness through art and speaking about chronic invisible diseases. The grizzly "within" keeps him active in other areas too. James likes to go hiking in his favorite National forest, walking his dog through the city, spending quality time with family, his black lab, Daisy and kitten, Lancelot in Covington, KY. An inspiring story to say the least, enjoy my chat with James.

So, what does it take to become a tattoo artist? Today’s guest, Victoria Ohman knows first hand. Born on Long Island 1984, Victoria (or Tori, as I’ve known her) began making art as soon as she could hold a crayon. She pursued an art sequence in high school (sachem class of 2002); Graduated with honors with a BFA in painting and drawing from SUNY New Paltz in 2006. Tori’s thesis consisted of oil paintings that were experimental, intuitive, process oriented, pattern based abstractions to create mood rather than represent objects or landscapes. Inspired by patterns in nature, ideas of the connections between microcosm and macrocosm. She has drawn influence from painters, like: Wasily Kandinsky, Mark Rothko, Picasso and Barbara Takenaga. Tori returned to LI to join the workforce and began a tattoo apprenticeship in Islip, NY in February, 2007. In October that year, she did her first tattoo. She has now been tattooing full-time since 2010. And works at Artful Ink in Bohemia, NY. And it’s fitting that her episode falls on the Canadian holiday, Victoria Day. (had to do it) Get the ink ready and enjoy my chat with Tori.

How does learning about public speaking turn into a career in stand up comedy? You’ll find out with today’s guest, Chris Roach. The Comedian/Actor, born and raised in New York, has been all over. Performing his unique and self-deprecating brand of stand up to some of the biggest and best-known stages in the country, such as Carolines on Broadway, The Borgata in Atlantic City and The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Chris recently toured as the opening act on Kevin James’ 2019 tour all over the Northeast. You may know him best from his major recurring role of Mott in the CBS sitcom, “KEVIN CAN WAIT”. He has also appeared in other roles in TV and on film.  He created the viral video ode to his beloved hometown on Long Island called “RONKOKOMO” which has nearly two million views across all platforms.  If that isn’t enough, Chris currently co-hosts two weekly podcasts. First is “Long Island Explained”, which focuses exclusively on historical and pop culture events from his native Long Island. The next is “Comedians on Hockey”, featuring Chris and his comedian friends talking seriously, but having fun, about all things hockey. Plus, we’re both students of guest #1 of “The Artist Matters”, Laurie Ann Davis. Small world, indeed. So, have a Happy Memorial Day and enjoy my chat with Chris.

This is a special one. We finally have my wife, Anna Rudy-Monico on the show. Back in 2002, we met at karaoke in New York. She laughed at my Mrs. Doubtfire imitation and the saga began. Besides her awesome singing voice, I soon discovered she was a dancer and a fitness instructor at a local gym. Got my first taste of her signature class, Jazzarobex in 2003. I loved the way she combined dance moves with aerobics. As did the many people who flocked to her classes But her story begins in Brooklyn, NY where she always had a love of music and dancing anywhere the mood struck her. It was in the 80’s, while living in New Mexico, that she discovered an aerobics class at a gym. She was hooked. But felt a calling to begin teaching those classes herself. So, she studied and learned and created Jazzarobex. Anna also became an Examiner for AFAA, testing up and coming instructors. In Fuzecraze, she taught different types of choreography to dancers. She has also become a Silver Sneaker instructor and presenter for Tivity Health. Anna also got involved with Standing Ovation Dinner Theatre, choreographing some of the shows, including “Zeus’ Big Surprise” and “Homecoming at Transylvania High”. With a busy schedule of 13 classes, Anna still finds time to sing as part of the Hillside Community Baptist Church praise team. I’m grateful to be married to this amazing, hard-working and talented woman. So, I hope you will enjoy my chat with my wife, Anna Rudy-Monico.

Today’s guest is someone I’ve known for 10 years. Back in 2009, he joined me and the cast of “The Godfather’s Messhuggener Wedding” dinner show. He is Keith Surplus. He jumped right into his role as Bernie, the Jewish groom and went on to play other varied and different characters in other shows we did. But his story goes back to visual arts as a kid. Then, in his teen years, he discovered the theatre. Getting roles in musicals, like “Annie” and “The King & I” at venues in Florida such as Richey Suncoast and the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. After I got to work with him in the Standing Ovation Dinner Theatre shows, I knew I had to cast him in my Dog Whisperer parody video called “The Dog Talkerer”. Keith has also been part of the 48 Hour Film Project, in which a short movie is created from concept to production to completion in 48 hours. There’s much more to Keith story which you will hear next week. That’s right! For the first time, I’m breaking this interview into two parts. Keith had so much to say and we almost reached the 2-hour mark, so I said, let’s split this up. Enjoy the part one of my interview with Keith Surplus.

Welcome to the conclusion of my chat with actor/performer, et al - Keith Surplus. This week we follow Keith on his journey into feature films as an actor and Production Assistant on films, such as “Camp Twilight”. Keith will give us the low-down on some of his favorite musicals and roles, as well as roles he’d still like to play. We talk about some of his influences and how they have inspired and motivated him in his creative pursuits. Keith also mentions his other creative ventures into photography, prop making (available on his Etsy page) and even voice-overs. If you enjoyed last week’s episode with Keith, you’re going to love how we wrap things up on this show. Here is part 2 of my chat with Keith Surplus.

Today, we get our first jeweler, Hamaila Qureshi. Her family wanted her to get an education to become a pharmacist, but it just wasn’t for her. Design was what spoke to her. A fascination with furniture design led her to woodworking and metalworking. When she was in art metals, her instructor noticed that she had been making a lot of bracelets and said, “Hamaila - have you looked into the jewelry department? I think you’d fit in well there.” Almost as soon as she started making and wearing her jewelry, people started asking - when is she going to start selling? In September 2018, Hamaila launched her website. She began working for Limbo Jewelry this year as a Jewelry Production Assistant which was a dream come true for her, having been a fan of their store and designs for years. Hamaila has also been a volunteer for the non-profit, Liberty for North Korea - which helps North Korean refugees. And even has a TEDx Talk detailing the work she did and helping to raise awareness on this topic. But there’s much more to her story, so enjoy my chat with Hamaila Qureshi.

Okay, so last week I featured Ariel, who was just starting her creative career. Well, this week we have an artist who has sustained a career in the music business for over 30 years. His name is is Jeff Allegue. Jeff began learning classical guitar at the age of 10. He then learned the bass while in Bayport High School. Jeff was profiled in Guitar Player Magazine, Bass Player Magazine and Guitar for the Practicing Musician. Along with his brother John, their band -The Tallboys had a video that appeared on MTV which led to their appearance on “Star Search,” where they won three consecutive shows and placed in the finals. Jeff has also released a solo classical guitar album called “Gut Strings”. Plus, another instrumental guitar album, “The Lovely Savages”. He went on to become the bassist for Taylor Dayne and toured the country for many years with her band. Jeff just so happens to also be a founding member and bassist for the Trans-SIberian Orchestra. He was awarded 2 platinum and 4 gold records for his work with them. Currently, Jeff is part of the tribute group called The Cover Girl Band, playing all over the New York area. What is truly remarkable to me is that he has never had to work a regular job. That’s right. Through his music alone, he has managed to support himself and his family. You don’t hear that often. And Jeff has so much more to say, so turn it up and enjoy my chat with Jeff Allegue.

Welcome to episode #20! Can you believe it? It’s still blows my mind that I actually have a podcast and am able to put out episodes on a weekly basis. And people actually listen to it. Thanks for being on the ride so far. Well, today’s guest knows what it’s like to run a podcast because she has one. She is our first podcaster on the show and her name is Hannah Hassler. She has been writing as far back as she can remember. For awhile, it was mostly academic writing, but it moved onto short stories and poetry. Hannah has also worked in corrections and as an English teacher. Currently, she is virtual assistant and also tutors Chinese students. Hannah tells of her struggles with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and how her writing has helped not only her, but other women dealing with it. She also offers up some great tips on getting past writer’s block. And her podcast (also the name of her website) is called "Rorschach Your Reality". The show aims to inspire and uplift those who need a little positivity. There’s so much more, but why don’t you take a listen to my conversation with Hannah Hassler.

Here we have a prime example of an artist living the American dream. But she had to leave her home country of Brazil to do it. Today we have painter, entrepreneur and podcaster, Rebeca Flott. Painting was what she loved to do at an early age. But family finances were tight and canvases were not affordable. So, she improvised and painted on tiles, wood, whatever she could find. But Rebeca yearned to make here mark in America. So, with only $500 in her pocket, she made the move, stopping in Florida first. She learned the language and had to find jobs to support her art. It’s here that she met her husband and together they decided to move to Colorado. From there, they built up the business with her name in it, Rebeca Flott Arts. And to make her stand out, she went back to her roots and created a way of painting on screens. And business is thriving. Plus she found time to have a son and even start a podcast called JUMP. This was truly one of the most inspiring and touching conversations I’ve had yet. To come from another country and believe you can make a living with your creativity and talent and actually do that. A success story indeed. Take a listen to my chat with Rebeca Flott.

Today’s guest has taken that leap of faith and left her day job to pursue her artistic endeavors just this past week. Welcome to the show, Sam Kimberle. Sam was a lawyer and director of a non-profit, but felt these weren’t her calling. She needed a change and so, she ditched the corporate persona and is now a full-time creative. Sam has found a place to publish her writing - from poems to articles - on the site called Medium. Here, writers can publish their work and actually make some money doing it. She has also gone back to an art she enjoyed as a child - sculpting polymer clay. And just 4 months ago, she started Shine And Marvel Jewelry & Designs, selling her crafts, like: jewelry, decor items, ornaments and much more. Congrats to you, Sam for taking this big leap. Show her some love and enjoy my conversation with Sam Kimberle.