The Elise & John Show

On "Take the Red Pill" we welcome Minnesota-based rapper Nur-D!

Nur-D has won 95.3 FM’s “Shut Up & Rap” competition four times in a row and has performed at musical festivals and venues nationally- sharing bills with the likes of Jaden Smith, Tyler the Creator, and the Wu Tang Clan.

Nur-D’s musical content includes all of the things that make him who he is with everything from geek culture to activism. You can check out all FIVE of his albums on Spotify.

His Ted Talk addresses how the very pillars of his of music, storytelling, and origins of his success were forever altered after being thrust into the middle of the uprising that followed the murder of George Floyd.

On this episode we interrogate representation in media, how it can be skewed around racial lines, gender issues, and even mental health issues. We break down how the consumption of mainstream media affects our cultures and talk about the choices we make to take the red pill of truth and authenticity.

Nur-D also shares how the events of the last year have shaped his music and artistic expression and discusses using comedy to address injustice and the black experience.

Thank you for tuning into this episode. Here is how you can support Nur-D, watch his Ted Talk, and donate to his non-profit, Justice Frontline Aid:

Instagram @nurdrocks  

https://nurdrocks.com

Watch the ted talk: Nur-D — TEDxMinneapolis

Justice Frontline Aid - Home

Reach out to us on social media or gmail @eliseandjohnshow to let us know what you’ve thought about the show so far or what you want to hear more of!

On this episode we welcome our actual brother Will Luera.

Will is the Director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, Director of Big Bang Improv, incoming artistic director at Improv Asylum and serves as the Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston. He is the co-creator of Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and ministry for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Will tours globally as an improv comedy actor, instructor, and director and performs and teaches regularly all across North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

On this episode we discuss what it’s like to be performers who grew up in immigrant cultures and Will shares his experiences in traveling globally to teach and perform improv. He also shares his long term experience in the industry and what it’s been like to be a BIPOC professional, parent, and life-long learner.

And because we have the legend that is Will Luera with us- you better believe we have a well-rounded improv geek out session where we touch on everything from the Freeform format, the true and applied meaning of Yes &, and so much more.

For more on Will Luera and his upcoming workshops visit Www.will-luera.com

Thanks for hanging with us. Make sure to follow us on FB or instagram @eliseandjohnshow. HASTA LA PROXIMA!

A sketch inspired by Elise's realtor story in our "BOUNDARIES!" episode.

Mt. Zion Realty

Written and Produced by Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez

Performed by John Gebretatose, Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez

Music by Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez

Edited by Elise Rodriguez

Artwork by Amanda Hargen

Follow The Elise & John Show on Facebook & Instagram @eliseandjohnshow

Welcome back! Thanks for tuning in to part two of “Mystic Fkn Bunnies” with guest Shannon Stott. Be sure you catch up on Part I - if you want to have any idea of what we’re talking about in this episode. In part II we discuss how new efforts to make improv and creative industries more inclusive have brought BIPOC communities closer together. We talk about the importance of making sure we do our parts to contribute to BIPOC inclusion while balancing self care and nurturing our own sense of inspiration. We also explore how our relationships with our higher powers shape how we operate in creative and business spaces. For more on the incredible Shannon Stott and her business Improv On & Off the Stage visit shannonstott.com and follow Shannon on Facebook @shannon.d.stott & Instagram @shannonstott.

On Part II of "Take the L" we close out election week by celebrating the Biden/Harris win and reflecting on our outlooks for what is to come. WARNING: Bits & laughter included.

We recorded part I of episode 2 the day before President Elect Biden was announced as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. In part I of this episode, in anticipation of the official results, we process election week and the events and media coverage surrounding it. We get into discussions on our countries of origin, Cuba & Eritrea, and what it’s like as first generation American’s to have these kinds of discussions with family and community members. Have a listen and stay tuned till next week for part II.  In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @eliseandjohnshow .