In this episode of Start Now, we celebrate black history by exploring the rich cultures of Zambia and Haiti. I am joined by my dear friends, Irvin and Patrick, who share funny tales of growing up within their cultures as well as what makes their countries amazing. From caterpillars, to grubs, beautiful mountainous islands and amazing towering waterfalls, to "unusual" Haitian home remedies, this is a not to miss conversation! I would like to give a special "shout out" to my beautiful and talented co-host, Ms. Tatiana Daguillard.  

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Guest Bios: 

Irvin Chikoti: Irvin was born and raised in Zambia, where he worked in both Zambia and London before coming to the United States. Serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for companies both nationally and internationally, he is currently a professor at Florida A&M University where he teaches Financial Management.  

Patrick Casimir: A first generation Haitian-American, Patrick was born in Boston and raised in Miami, FL. It was not until his early years of junior high where Patrick Leonardo Casimir began to hone into his love and appreciation of the performing arts. While finishing a degree in Business Administration at The Florida State University, Patrick directed a Tallahassee dance company that, created evening length productions, and community service opportunities for students in the Tallahassee area. Patrick moved to Orlando where he earned a Masters in Business Administration, as well a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, which brought him to perform throughout the United States and abroad. Patrick currently works for the Department of Defense while maintaining his professional career in the performing arts.  

Tatiana Daguillard: Working for a local government agency, Tatiana is heavily involved in community and regional development. As a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Tatiana works to nurture the next generation of strong female leaders while serving to strengthen her local community. With a sincere commitment to community, Tatiana is a member of numerous community service organizations where she dedicates herself tirelessly to the positive growth and sustainable development of Tallahassee and the young leaders within her city. A passion for historic preservation, Tatiana is an incredible leader and a powerful community advocate.

In this episode of Start Now, I will be highlighting Women’s HERstory Month by talking with one of my dearest friends and someone I deeply admire, Ms. Tymisha “Tush” Harris.  In the critically acclaimed and award-winning show, "Josephine", Tymisha plays the iconic Josephine Baker who became famous for her theatrical performances, but who also devoted her life to the idea that people of all nationalities can live peacefully together. She fought against fascism in Europe during World War II and racism in the United States.  Join Tymisha and I for this engaging and light-hearted conversation as we explore Tymisha's artistic journey, and her portrayal of the legendary Josephine Baker.   

For more information on Tymisha, follow her on social media @randomtimeswithtush and @josephinetheplay on Instagram and @josephine_play on Twitter, or visit the show online www.josephinetheplay.com 

For more great "Start Now" episodes, subscribe to Armani Rei on Youtube or follow on social media @armanirei on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

Guest Bio: 

Tymisha Harris (aka “Tush”) has been performing professionally as a dancer, singer, actor, puppeteer, acrobat, stunt performer, stilt walker, choreographer, costume designer, and badass burlesque diva for the last 3 decades. Her early credits include assistant choreographer and backup dancer for the ’90s pop group N*SYNC, backup dancer for LFO, multiple roles at Universal Studios Orlando, and a featured role in the hit movie series Bring It On. More recent endeavors include the national tour of Broadway’s Rock of Ages, a European tour with the innovative and world-renowned Pilobolus Dance Theater Company, and founding member and Assistant Director and Choreographer of the successful Orlando based dance troupe, VarieTease. Combining ferocious dancing, powerhouse vocals, fearless audience interaction, stunning costumes and a delightfully unpretentious sense of humor, Tush has performed her distinct and multifarious style of performing locally, nationally and internationally since 2002. She is a founding cast member of Orlando-based performance troupe, VarieTease and a featured performer with dozens of troupes throughout the country. In 2015, she was awarded the national title of Entertainer of the Year, and soon after honed her talents and shaped them into the fierce storm that is Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play. Her one-woman biographical musical about the legendary Josephine Baker has toured the world, played off-Broadway, and received dozens of awards. She is excited to share her knowledge and help shape the next generation of performers into confident, well-rounded and skilled artists.

In this episode of Start Now, we will be continuing our series on America's Identity as we take a look at ways unity and equity can actually take shape, where talk can turn into action and real change can occur. Through this conversation, my guests and I share where our nation is currently by examining policies and other initiatives, and what actions and steps we need to take to truly move our nation forward. We know that we cannot begin to heal as a nation and grow as a people until the underlying issues that cause divisive and discriminatory practices are addressed honestly and wholistic solutions are implemented. While this particular episode is a fair length, it is filled with valuable information and insight. We look forward to you joining us for this conversation!

A very special "Thank You" to my guests, the Honorable Nina Ashenafi-Richardson, Dr. Cicely Walker-Brantley, former State Senator Dwight Bullard, Attorney Mutaqee Akbar, Sgt. Mike Wallace and Jason Warner. For more information on Start Now and to stay up to date on the latest news, podcasts and posts, please follow Armani Rei on social media (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) and subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. Start Now is available on 14 platforms including: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

In the very first episode of Start Now my guests and I discussed how we could begin to restore the soul of a nation that had been torn apart over the past four years by Donald Trump. Fast forward to January 6th 2021, we have an attack on our nation’s capitol led by the nation’s leader himself, the same person who has spent the last four years dividing this country by spreading lies, promoting hate and trying everything possible to retain power, including by breaking state, federal and constitutional laws. When we look at the events that occurred over the latter part of 2020 and into the beginning of 2021, many people sit in disbelief and wonder how and why have we come to such a place? In this episode of Start Now, my guests and I discuss the events which occurred at our nation’s capitol, comparing and contrasting them to the BLM marches, and the real versus perceived identity of America. We also discuss ways everyday citizens can help be a part of positive, lasting change while fighting against systems of injustice and oppression armed with the facts.

Special thanks to my guests: Dr. Cicely Walker-Brantley; Mutaqee Akbar, Esq.; Brandy Durham, J.D.; and Kim Armstrong

It is a new year. That means new years resolutions and new goals. Studies show that while about 80% of people make new years resolutions, less than 10% of people keep their new years goals, where over half of those goals are health related. In this episode, we will be discussing the importance of setting healthy living goals and how we can be encouraged to stick to these goals in the new year. A very special "Thank You" to our guests: Dr. Alysia Williams-Brown, PT, DPT, CMPT, HHC; Dr. Cicely Walker-Brantley, LMHC, CFLE; and Nekesha Mckinnie,  PA-C, MPAS, BS, CGFI, for joining us on Episode 3 and the first episode for the new year. Here's to a healthier and happier 2021!!

In this episode of Start Now, I begin the multi-part "Living Your Best Life" series. Episode 2 will take a look at trauma, discussing what it is and how we begin to heal as a start to living the life we were meant to live. My guests discuss trauma in its many forms and how it can negatively impact our lives and those around us. As we journey through this topic, identifying trauma is explored as well as ways to begin the healing process. We also discuss the ways COVID-19 has, and still is, impacting people's lives. This episode additionally addresses the importance of and value in seeking mental health care.  

Please join us for this fun, engaging and beneficial conversation!