Azim Khamisa is an inspiration. This is a powerful episode where Azim shares then and now. It was wonderful to hear the update on Tony Hicks and his Grandfather as well. Please enjoy this special episode.
Following the loss of his only son Tariq in 1995 to a senseless, gang-related murder, Azim chose the path of forgiveness and compassion rather than revenge and bitterness. This amazing choice led to the establishment of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (www.TKF.org) and the subsequent forgiveness movement which has reached millions. Founded by Azim Khamisa in honor of his son, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) was established in 1995 after Tariq Khamisa, a 20-year-old college student was killed by Tony Hicks, a 14-year-old gang member. Tony became the first child in California under the age of 16 to be convicted as an adult. He was sentenced 25 years to life in prison. Believing there were “victims on both ends of the gun,” Tariq’s father, Azim Khamisa, reached out in forgiveness to Tony’s grandfather, Ples Felix, to begin the process of healing; together they established TKF. TKF’s goal is to stop youth violence through education, mentorship, and community service programs.

Hailed by dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama, former President Bill Clinton, and Al Gore, Azim carries his inspirational message of forgiveness, peace, leadership, and hope into a world in desperate need of each.

This is only some of his credentials. It was a fascinating day speaking with Grant. So many stories and adventures. I had no idea his extensive certifications and qualifications. We definitely needed more than an hour. It was a huge learning experience exploring a world I have always wanted to know more in depth. Pun intended!
Grant W. Graves is an award winning director and director of photography. His emphasis in his work has been on all things water; fresh, frozen, and salt. He works in topside environments in fiction and non-fiction as well, generally in hard to access or difficult shooting situations having contributed to programming with most of the major outlets. He is an accomplished photographer and writer. He has a B.S. in marine biology and is a Cambrian Foundation Research Diver and West Coast Coordinator with NOAA diving status.  He is the former president of USA Freediving and the USA Freediving Team for fifteen years. He has been a broad member of the international governing body for freediving (AIDA) in the past for many years. He is the current Chair of the Disciplinary Committee for AIDA and a member f its Technical Committee. He is a freediving instructor trainer and is a founding developer of PADI’s Freediver program.Graves also holds a US Coast Guard 100 ton Master Captain’s License. He is the District Staff Officer for Emergency Management, a Vice Division Commander, and Flotilla Staff Officer with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary chairing his flotilla’s Emergency Planning Committee. He has an MS in emergency management and a BS in marine biology from California State University Long Beach. He earned an additional masters at the University of the People in their Master of Business Administration program. He is a member of the Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi for his academic achievements. He is a FEMA Master Public Information Officer, Master Exercise Practioner, National Emergency Management Executive Academy (NEMEA) graduate, National Emergency Management Advance Academy (NEMAA) graduate, National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) graduate, a National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) Instructor, CalOES outreach instructor, a candidate in the Master of Continuity of Operations (COOP) program, and he has completed his California Office of Emergency Services certificate as an Emergency Management Specialist, as a Public Information Officer Specialist, Terrorism and Homeland Security Specialist, TEEX Critical Infrastructure Protection, and National Sports and Security Professional Development Series. He is the Los Angeles Region Leadership Development Lead with the American Red Cross, as well as a Public Information Officer, Shelter Manager, Advanced Instructor, and COOP Instructor.

I met Jon at The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles during the Gina Schock (The Go Go's) and Kathy Valentine (The Go Go's) book signing. I became aware of AFSP through Jon's Instagram posts. Seeing depression all around these days I decided to get involved. We share personal stories on suicide and depression. We talk about the upcoming walks for AFSP You're Not Alone and why it's important to support to each of us.
Jon Bonham Fox is the current Event Coordinator of The Last Bookstore and current Logistics Chair for The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention for The Los Angeles and Central Coast Santa Monica chapter. 
Before devoting his work fulltime to The Last Bookstore, Jon has served as Jack of all trades within the music and entertainment business.
Jon has written for the Smash Magazine, Pop Culture Junkyard and Sound Planet magazines, has co-hosted 2 podcasts Geek Shock and Greasy Conversation. His book, “Life Is A Record,” is currently on Substack with a printed release of 2023.
Jon is also a volunteer with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Los Angeles and Central Coast Santa Monica chapter after starting with the AFSP Nevada Las Vegas chapter in January of 2019.

The second part of extremely memorable interview with legendary actor Pepe Serna. His positivity , generosity and talent are shared. He has been a working actor in Hollywood for over 50 years. He has one of the most memorable scenes in HOLLYWOOD FILMS- the  shower and chainsaw scene in Scarface. He is a legend who has a positive feel good story. His documentary Life is Art is winning awards on the film festival circuit. He also stars in a short film Abuelo that is simultaneously winning awards on the film festival circuit! It was such an honor to have him direct me (my personal acting class was cut out of podcast due to time limit) You may find it when interviews are released on YouTube. 
Enjoy and learn from one of the greats!

Pepe Serna joins us on his 78th birthday and shares" we don't celebrate birthdays or anniversaries because we celebrate everyday." He met his lovely wife his second day in Hollywood and has been happily married for over 50 years. Another beautiful and inspirational moment.
Pepe has been a working actor in Hollywood actor for over 50 years. He has one of most memorable scenes in Hollywood films- the shower and chainsaw scene in Scarface. He was in The Jerk, The Rookie, Silverado and over 100 feature films not to mention his television success. His new award winning documentary "Life is Art" is an inspirational tribute to his hard work and success. He is a Hollywood star who  has a positive feel good story. It's not based on trauma or addiction. It is directed by award winning director/ friend Kevin Derek who is Episode 5 released March 27,2022.
Pepe works hard and helps others and has a steadfast attitude which he shares.  
He coaches kids and also loves to do motivational speeches. Pepe acres about serving our country, coaching actors and his upcoming book by the the same title "Life is Art" 
This is a special episode you don't want to miss!

This podcast I talk with my mom on Mother's Day. My own mother is also a survivor of sexual abuse. She grew up in fear in an alcoholic home. Her abusive and alcoholic father beat her and sexually abused her. Her mother was raised an orphan who was ordered to do what you're told. Than fully my grandmother finally left him which I give her so much credit because I am sure it was not easy back in those days. My mom lost her two younger brothers to the disease of alcoholism way too soon. The wounds and scars run deep in family. Through my own work and therapy I see her struggles.  I have heard her nightmares which include her screaming louder than you can imagine. When I started noticing this my heart hurts for her. I still see the little girl who doesn't know. 

Lindsay is Head Philanthropy Chair of her Sorority at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif.  She nominated RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) as her Organization and ended up raising $10,000 at a Pepperdine University event.  I found her smart, brave and inspiring I wanted to share this strong young woman. I find it very important to empower others to speak up. Every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Things are changing (slowly) with things like the Me Too Movement and Organizations like RAINN. I am personally grateful and on a mission to not let others suffer. #TimesUp

Excited to talk to the amazing Betsy Hammer. 
Betsy was singing before talking. She excelled through musical programs and graduated with two degrees. She can sing in eight languages. She shares fun stories of the amazing musicians she has worked with including the legendary Brooks Arthur, Cher, Blondie, Adam Sandler and many more.  We talk about a moving video and song called "Me Too" that I found very powerful and moving. Then Betsy shares her own personal story and how she has turned the trauma's into her strengths. I wanted to share Betsy because of her beautiful positivity and you'll hear what an encouraging person she can be. Enjoy listening to my personal vocal coach and friend Betsy Hammer.

Kevin Derek is multi Award Winning Director and Producer known for the acclaimed documentary More Thank Miyagi. 
I had privilege of working with Kevin on another brilliant documentary Make America Laugh Again! Kevin is an amazing Film Maker who has his own captivating story. We talk a bit about his journey which will hopefully be his next big project. Kevin talks about being Persian, being bullied as a child and his real life Mr Miyagi experience. Kevin gives amazing advice on the industry and business as well. His personal quote "The only thing that stands between you and success is your ego".
Enjoy this fun and fascinating talk on filmmaking, karate and Hollywood. 

I talk with Linda Perret the daughter of legendary comedy writer Gene Perret. Gene was writer for Bob Hope and other greats like Phylis Diller and Slappy White. He is Emmy Award winning writer (three times) as well for the Carol Burnett Show.
I've had the privilege of becoming friends and hearing fascinating stories of all these television legends and behind the scenes tv shows many of us remember and loved.  Now I want to share some of them with you. Gene Perret is not only a brilliant writer, he still has an amazing sense of humor and a huge heart. He is also the author of the first comedy writing book I purchased when I started thinking about doing comedy. I highly recommend ALL his books available at  https://www.comedywritersroom.com