Episode 33: Carl Hancock Rux
Carl Hancock Rux's work crosses the disciplines of poetry, theater, music, and literary fiction in order to achieve what one critic describes as a "dizzying oral artistry...unleashing a torrent of paper bag poetry and post modern Hip-Bop music; the ritualistic blues of self awakening."
Carl Hancock Rux is an American poet, playwright, novelist, essayist, recording artist, actor, theater director, radio journalist, as well as a frequent collaborator in the fields of film, modern dance, and contemporary art. He is the author of several books including the Village Voice Literary Prize-winning collection of poetry, Pagan Operetta, the novel, Asphalt, and the Obie Award-winning play, Talk.
Episode 34: Michael Brunker
A thank you 37 years in the making. My conversation with coach, mentor, inspirational speaker and community leader Michael Brunker.
Michael Brunker is a renowned leader in business, nonprofit, and youth development environments who holds more than 40 years of experience in empowering people and teams to exceed all expectations, including their own. No matter the management and strategic issue, Michael can devise a proven strategy that will give organizations a key, sustainable advantage toward making significant impact to their target market and each other. Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Team Builder. Coach. Mr. San Diego 2019.
In this episode hear how Coach Brunker started his long and very successful coaching career. From winning the 1974 Class A State Championship as an assistant basketball coach for Birmingham Brother Rice HS to assistant basketball Coach at the University of Detroit to the NBA's Detroit Pistons under head coach Dick Vitale. Eventually making his way to San Diego and becoming the assistant coach for SDSU with his longtime friend Smokey Gaines.
It was here in San Diego where I would have the pleasure of meeting and being coached and mentored at the 1985 Smokey Gaines basketball camp. It was at this camp where I got first hand experience of Coach Brunkers amazing and inspirational talks.
We also discuss his passion for passing on the life lessons he got from great teachers and coaches in his youth which has been shown in many ways, from building AAU basketball programs in San Diego to his extensive work as Retired Executive Director of the Jackie Robinson YMCA.
https://michaelbrunker.net
Episode 41: Hprizm aka High Priest
In this episode I talk with one of the most prolific mc's from one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time, Hprizm aka High Priest, one of the founding members of Antipop Consortium. We discuss his upbringing in Queens, NY and how he later went on to hone his skills as an mc and poet at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. We talk about how the group was formed with fellow members Beans, M. Sayyid and producer Earl Blaize.
Episode 40: Charlene Mosley
Charlene works as a freelance, independent artist on several projects, such as murals, private commissions, and book illustrations with clients. Five children's books she has illustrated and a literary novel, have been published in 2018 and 2019; three winning Purple Dragon awards first and second places within their categories. She works closely with various authors and longest so far with Deedee Cummings, the founder of Make A Way Media. As an independent artist, Charlene works with clientele worldwide, shipping out commissioned paintings as big as 12x8 feet. Her large roster of public and private murals include locations such as: San Diego State University, Barrio Logan, La Jolla Shores, Horton Plaza, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Lake Forest and Shenzhen, China.
Her personal artwork is created in her San Diego studio, STUDIO 15, at Art on 30th. Charlene is currently represented by Sparks Gallery in Downtown San Diego, California. The artist is working on her upcoming solo-exhibition "Pollinators" at Sparks Gallery, set to debut May 15th, 5-8pm. The exhibition runs May 15- July 3, 2022.
Episode 39: Doshin Hannya Michael Nelson Roshi
Doshin Hannya Michael Nelson Roshi is the founder and abbot of Integral Zen. Doshin started studying Zen in the late 60’s, but without the guidance of a good teacher, he was confused and discouraged by the teachings. In earnest he began studying other meditative practices and martial arts which were difficult but less obscure. It wasn’t until he met JunPo Kando Denis Kelly, Roshi that the disciplined practice and eloquent simplicity of Zen suddenly took root and began to penetrate the dense clouds of his stubborn conditioned mind, revealing the ordinary, openness of vast empty sky. Doshin was recognized as a Zen Master and received Inka from JunPo, Roshi in 2011 in Loveland, CO.
Episode 38: Sifu Richard Garcia
In this episode I talk with Yogi about some of the most influential people from my youth that came from Highland Park such as Ricky Williams, Charles Steel, Titus Fisher as well as others. Highland Park was the name of the local recreation center that served as the hub for everyone who grew up in East Dago ( City Heights). We would meet there for everything from playing carroms, ping-pong, strike-out, basketball in the cage, tackle football, dice games to the legendary blues brothers setting up their turntables and playing music in the summertime.
Episode 37: Rogelio “Yoji” Najera
In this episode I talk with Yogi about some of the most influential people from my youth that came from Highland Park such as Ricky Williams, Charles Steel, Titus Fisher as well as others. Highland Park was the name of the local recreation center that served as the hub for everyone who grew up in East Dago ( City Heights). We would meet there for everything from playing carroms, ping-pong, strike-out, basketball in the cage, tackle football, dice games to the legendary blues brothers setting up their turntables and playing music in the summertime.
Episode 36: Sir Froderick
Hear why digging in the crates and preserving this great art form called hip-hop is so important. My conversation with independent record store owner Sir Froderick.
Episode 35: Mzee Kadumu Moyenda
Mzee Kadumu’s ongoing goal is not only to help his community but to teach them to help themselves. Currently he is a Master Gardener, working with community gardens and private individuals to not only become self-sustainable but to grow “quality food” for a healthier life style.
Mzee Kadumu truly believes that though some of us are in our latter season it does not mean we cannot make contributions to our community. STAY STRONG, STAY RIGHT FOCUSED.