State of the Arts Episode 53 just published! This week I’m joined by Mehrvash Janati who is an entrepreneur in the Persian rug industry and a painter. Mehrvash’s family has been involved in the timeless art of Persian rug preservation, cleaning, sales and creation for numerous generations. An expert, a dealer, a preservationist and for one sitting: even a craftswoman, she has extensive experience in every area of this artistic and historically rich Iranian tradition. Also a talented painter, her abstract work compliments the beauty of the stunning rugs she is surrounded by. Her home is a sanctuary of modern creativity and ancient splendor. I am so blessed to have this amazing artist, brilliant businesswoman and wise historian on my podcast!!

It’s been a year since I started my podcast! To commemorate this milestone event I take the spotlight as the guest this week. I have the honor of being interviewed by guest host Derek Upright who has been on a few previous episodes. In this unprecedented interview we explore my life’s journey as an artist, discuss how my podcast was birthed and I weigh in on important issues in the arts. My husband Joe Grado Jr., my dear college friend Anthony Bonilla and my wonderful new friend Sheri Upright make up an engaging studio audience who have questions of their own for me. Tune in for this remarkable, celebratory episode of State of the Arts which was recorded on the thirty-third floor of a beautiful Manhattan skyrise!

To commemorate State of the Arts' 50th episode; I welcome to the comfort of my own home and recording studio, accomplished singer Crystal Comartie. From rap tracks to Broadway shows to American Idol, Crystal is no stranger to the limelight. Since the age of three she has been intensively trained in voice. Blessed with versatility, she sings gospel, disco, rock, jazz and pop. Talent runs deep in her family as her mother was a gospel musician, her cousin is a Broadway actress and her children are in various creative fields. She plans on releasing her own albums in the future with some original songs. What a treasure it was to have Crystal in my home for this epic State of the Arts episode! In this milestone interview, Crystal sings two demo songs with Joe Grado, my pianist husband, accompanying her. Crystal's beautiful rendition of "At Last" by Etta James, is dedicated to Joe and me for our first wedding anniversary, which was also this week. Along with my two good friends, Derek and Sheri Upright in the audience, I graciously welcome this extraordinarily gifted guest to my show!   

This week I welcome acoustic guitarist Jason Jacob to my podcast. His intensive music background includes formal training at UMKC Music Conservatory, a full scholarship to the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music where he studied under Lily Afshar for his Masters degree and an Artist’s diploma at SUNY Purchase studying under world-renowned guitarist Frederic Hand. The impressive list of festivals Jason has played in includes the prestigious Picolleto Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina and the Beethoven Club Competition where he was awarded first prize. He performed in masterclasses for the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet and was featured on Westchester County Television. Currently working as a guitar instructor, he has built a diverse, vast clientele. He can also be found performing at many venues all around Westchester County. I am delighted to have this creative, talented and personable guest on State of the Arts!!!

State of the Arts Episode 48 just published. Lonai Mosley has built an empire. Marketing, videography, photography, visual arts, indie upcycled fashion design and arts education are the pulse that drives her enterprise. Her diverse, all-encompassing business is comprised of Dahya Pix.com, The Dahya Community and Dahya Visuals. Denim/African fabric fashion designing, brand marketing, logistics producing, writing, voice over acting, indie film acting, directing and conceptual organizing are among Lonai’s many talents. She was once the National Advertising Director for a start-up distribution company owned by Prince. This week I was blessed to have this mind-blowing talent with her wonderful, inspirational personality on my podcast!

In 1935 a black and white horror movie was created as a sequel to the original, Frankenstein. The Bride of Frankenstein was a masterful piece of theatre directed by James Whale. In this Halloween special, I am joined once again by returning guest host Derek Upright who is a film connoisseur. Together we discuss this classic film which stars Elsa Lanchester and Boris Kalroff. We address every topic from cinematography to the moral implications of the storyline. Tune in for a creepy podcast episode about an iconic cinematic production.     

My guest this week is Jennifer Rutheny who is a jewelry designer, sculptor and entrepreneur. Her luxury boutiques can be found in both Tarrytown, New York and Manhattan. Delightful flowers, adorable animals, breathtaking gemstones and daring prints; her stunning pieces capture the beauty of the natural world. Recently she has added fauna wall art to her impressive array of creations. Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have commissioned her to design jewelry for boutiques on cruise ships. On the Galapagos Islands, Jennifer embarked on an exciting adventure, teaching jewelers how to make jewelry from recycled materials. When you enter her elegantly rustic shops, you will be transported into a world of organic splendor. There is also a very good chance you will be greeted by an outgoing silver Labrador retriever named Theo (short for Thelonious Monk ). Jennifer's adorable pet and store mascot just happens to be a YouTube celebrity! He's the star of "Think Theo Think," which has an astronomical number of views. I am overjoyed to have this the ambitious, intelligent, kind-hearted and extraordinarily gifted guest on my podcast this week!  

This week I am so pleased to be joined on my podcast by marketing consultant and life coach Emma Medina. This high school teacher and mother is the founder of The Emma Marketing Solution, which is a business that offers marketing services focused on social media as its medium. Emma is also a life coach who guides her clients into a positive mindset. With fitness being another one of her passions, Emma is a fitness instructor who puts out videos helping viewers develop their flexibility and stamina. Emma is well-trained in Tony Robbins' Knowledge Broker Blueprint. Needless to say, her methods for attracting customers, easing anxious minds and enhancing one's physical health are heart-warming, inspiring and uplifting. This episode with my enthusiastic, brilliant and charming guest was absolutely therapeutic for me after a hectic, taxing day!

Along side Derek Upright, my guest co-host, I welcome Academic Actor, Director, Production Manager and Patron of the Arts Anthony Bonilla. Like Derek and myself, Anthony attended Manhattanville College. He became very active in the performing arts ever since he accepted the role of a sailor in "Anything Goes" at Cushing Academy. Since then, he has acted in, directed and produced many academic productions. These productions including "Guys and Dolls" and "The Talented Mr. Ripley."  In this podcast episode, we speak in depth about the poignant rendition of Mary Gallagher's "De Donde?" which Anthony co-starred in as a mistreated United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement prisoner and also as a compliant bailiff. So relevant to our times, we chat at length about this riveting play. Anthony also addresses various other topics including the battle Latino actors face in Hollywood, Hispanics in the music industry, and a multi-cultural Broadway. With a deep appreciation for the performing arts, Anthony can be found viewing a variety of theatrical shows in New York. Anthony Bonilla is a sterling example of a Latino artist who courageously reaches for his dreams without abandoning his roots. He's a wonderful role model and one of the most honorable guests I have ever received on my podcast. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with my talented college friend!