26. Tony Wolf on artistry and acting in NYC

Meet Tony Wolf! He is an actor, singer, and artist in New York.  Tony shares his experiences with the struggles of show business. We also discuss his artistry and illustrations, as he has created some comics that have appeared in the New York Times. As you know I am a comic book geek, and always enjoy chatting comics with a fellow geek!

Read more
The San Diego Comic Con episode

25. The San Diego Comic Con episode

It’s San Diego Comic Con week!  In honor of this convention, I sit down with my occasional co-host Oscar, as well as other special guests to chat all things Comic Con.  One of the guests is author and film critic Ric Meyers, known as the kung fu guy!  He was a  long-term columnist for Inside Kung Fu and Asian Cult Cinema magazines, and has consulted on numerous films, including one of my favorites, Kung Fu Panda.  I sit down to talk with Ric about his 20th Kung Fu Extravaganza at San Diego Comic Con.  Another guest is Lei Ann Resurreccion, who is a lover of cosplay.  Lei Ann chats costumes and cosplay fun with me as we both plan on being at Comic Con next year!

Read more

24. Adisa Banjoko on blending hip hop, chess, and martial arts

Adisa Banjoko, founder of the Hip Hop Chess Federation, developed a unique approach to helping youth embrace and apply alternative strategies to obstacles in life by providing an engaging, interactive program that helps youth cultivate the necessary life skills for success. At his center, they teach a blend of chess, hip hop performing arts, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.  The center is open to all youths, but is especially programmed for those in violent neighborhoods. I had a fascinating conversation with Adisa about the intersection of hip hop, martial arts, and chess, and found the work he is doing to bring non-violence through these mediums remarkable.

Read more

23. Emil Praslick, US Army first class sergeant, on gun culture in America

Emil Prazlick , retired sergeant first class in the US Army and rifle coach of the United States Army Marksmanship Unit was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss the highly controversial topic of gun culture in America. We discuss his expertise in marksmanship and the skills it takes to become a top marksman. We also delve into pro and anti gun viewpoints. I have the utmost respect for Emil and appreciate his service to this country as well as the work he has accomplished with the US Army Marksmanship Unit. Although I have strong opinions on gun regulation, we find common ground in the desire for all gun owners to be safe and responsible.  This episode was recorded several weeks ago before any recent gun controversies.

Read more