The Artist Matters

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ever wonder what it’s like to score a movie? Today’s guest, Erik Herrmann is going to tell exactly what that’s like.
You see, last year, I filmed a short movie called THE PARK. I attempted, with very little success, to compose the music myself. I quickly realized I needed a real musician. Luckily, my cinematographer found Erik online and referred him to me.
Even though Erik lives in Louisiana we called and wrote each other and were able to collaborate. And the score he came up with was different from what I expected, but that’s what made it so right for my movie. And I wouldn’t have a movie without his score.
Now, this episode is a bit of cheat because I did this interview last year for my show, The Park Podcast. I just felt it was a really good interview and deserved another listen. (Although I did edit it to fit The Artist Matters).
Music has been part of Erik’s life as far back as he can remember. He can play several instruments, including piano and bass guitar. He also teaches music and has a wife and daughter to further inspire him.
Enjoy my chat with Erik.

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.

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.

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.

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!