Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire

My guest today is Jacqueline Petroccia. Jackie is a classically trained vocalist, who enjoys singing opera, musical theater, jazz, and country. I saw Jackie perform her own show, called “Sometimes Patsy Cline” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, a theater in Montgomery, Alabama in September 2018. I was moved by her courage to play herself in an original show of stories and songs that told her own life story, influenced by Patsy Cline, but just as inclusive of the different genres that shaped Jackie. She collaborated with her husband, Brent Frederick, her musical director and arranger, as they created an entertaining, heartfelt show that deeply touched me. When you are playing yourself, Jackie realized how exposed she felt, there was no character to hide behind. It’s risky to stretch the audience’s limited expectations of who they want you to be, and dare to show up as YOURSELF, trusting in your own authenticity.   Jackie tells the story of how she was discovered 14 years ago to play Patsy Cline in a produc

My guest today is Matthew Rushing. Not only has Matthew been an outstanding dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater since 1992, he has also choreographed three pieces for the company and became the Rehearsal Director and Guest Dancer in 2010. Matthew was 12 years old when he first saw the Ailey company perform and remembers being transformed; he saw his life danced in front of him and fell in love with the idea of the company! The clarity that followed was not that he simply wanted to be a professional dancer, but that he specifically wanted to dance in this company! 5 years later, at age 17, Matthew manifested his dream. Matthew has a huge heart for young people in the arts, so along with all the classes he teaches, he co-founded the ASAP Mentoring Program, pairing Ailey students with Ailey professionals. As part of the 60th anniversary of the company, a video was made of Matthew dancing “I Wanna Be Ready” (a male solo section from the dance “Revelations”). Matthew danced this piece in Alvin Ai

My guest today is Gary Fritz. Gary is a percussionist, drummer, DJ, photographer and one of the pioneers of NYC’s graffiti movement. Gary happily admits he has diverse interests and has been motivated to pursue them all! It’s not just that he expresses himself in different art forms, Gary embraces the variety of culture and genres within one art form. Take music, for example, Gary plays folk, pop, rock, rap, R&B, jazz, fusion, world beat, spoken word, big band, orchestra and gospel!! He has performed with George Benson, Roberta Flack, Brand New Heavies, Magic Lady, Inc. and played drums or percussion with  Broadway tours. I met Gary 13 years years ago when he became the percussionist for the Alvin Ailey band that backs up the gospel choir for their signature piece, Revelations. Gary shared his long history with the company: he played drums for Ailey classes and camp, dated a dancer from the company in 1988 and had meaningful conversations directly with Alvin. His deep connection to the Ailey company con

My guest today is Tahira Clayton. Tahira is a soulful singer, songwriter, music teacher and conductor. Tahira’s name translates as purity of light and that she is! I see, hear and feel light when I am in Tahira’s presence - she is tuned in, gracious, open and compassionate - radiating light both on and off stage! Growing up in Texas, Tahira explained that her family was one of 3 black families that lived in an otherwise white neighborhood. Tahira didn’t want to stick out, she didn’t want anything that was going to make her seem more different than she already was. She acknowledges the irony that she figured out who she was while denying the biggest part of her. Tahira remembers when that self consciousness of her race dissipated and she finally felt proud to be black, she began to  confidently express herself as a strong black woman. We recorded this conversation with Tahira in the fall of 2018, intentionally waiting to release this podcast so we could promote her album release show. However, in addition t

For  2019's Black History Month, we are featuring 4 wonderful people, all who have a tie to my absolute favorite dance company in the world: the  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Our first guest of the month sings with the Alvin Ailey gospel choir. The second is a young singer who had never seen Ailey live and came with me as my guest this past December, while the company celebrated it's 60th Anniversary - one of my greatest joys is introducing new people to this magnificent dance company. Who knows, perhaps one day she too will sing with Ailey’s gospel choir! Our 3rd guest is the percussionist for Ailey’s live band and finally we feature a spectacular Ailey dancer, who has been with the company for 26 years! May you be inspired by Roosevelt Credit, Tahira Clayton, Gary Fritz and Matthew Rushing as we honor Black History month and the legacy and profound spirit of Alvin Ailey! My guest today is Roosevelt Andre Credit. Roosevelt is a gifted singer, performer, conductor, arranger and music educator. Roose

My guest today is Diane Churchill. Diane is a gifted artist, painter, art teacher and community activist. In addition to her formal education studying Art History at Wellesley College and Studio Art at the Brooklyn Museum Art School, Diane describes her transformative informal education at the “University of the Streets” working in NYC’s Lower East Side back in the late 60’s. It was a time of creativity, opportunity, vitality, diversity, tragedy and loss. Without clear direction or guidance, Diane took the time to build meaningful relationships, as she developed some very exciting projects, that blended art, storytelling, writing and grassroots community activism. Diane is grateful for the sisterhood she found in the feminist art movement, which gave expression to women’s lives and experiences, helping to foster confidence in Diane at a time when everyone else in her world discouraged her from being an artist. Diane taught art in the streets, in public schools, private schools, and recently was an artist-in

My guest to day is Dan Pugach. Dan is a talented drummer, composer and a recent Grammy-nominated arranger. Dan and his wife Nicole Zuraitis, (who was my guest in December 2018) have been nominated for a Grammy for Best Arrangement with Instruments and Vocals, for their co-arrangement of Dolly Parton’s song Jolene. Dan performs with various artists throughout the NY metropolitan area, but his passion for big band music has been channeled into writing and arranging for his own nonet, a 9 piece ensemble. I just heard Dan and his nonet perform at the 55 Bar in NYC last week and I highly recommend that you hear them for yourself! As an Israeli, Dan had a lot of musical opportunities, before, during, and after his mandatory 3 year service in the army, but he had his heart set on moving to New York City. He was grateful for the quick completion of his music degree at Berklee College in Boston, which cushioned his landing in NYC. While Dan was at City College (NYC) for his Masters degree, he was reminded of his roo

My guest today is Andrea Maxine Frade. Andrea is yoga and mediation teacher, a Reiki Master and Cranial-Sacral practitioner, as well as a reader of the Akashic Records. After a dark period in her life of being in different forms of abusive relationships, Andrea eventually understood that she had denied her own well-being and self-care. She was so capable, taking caring of her students and clients, yet her personal life was in chaos. The irony was that while she was suffering in a relationship with someone who was suffering, at her core, all she actually wanted was to alleviate suffering. Andrea eventually heard a benevolent, pure voice deep within, that provided the simple life-affirming force she needed; “It is time now for you to go.” Five years ago Andrea moved out of NYC and into my Nyack neighborhood. Andrea’s own immersion in darkness and suffering has intimately informed her process of rising from the ashes, her rich healing journey. As she became fully present to her inner wisdom, aligning with what

Dr. Deborah Adamy, also known as Mama A, host of the podcast “Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire”, reflects on the past year, thanking her 51 guests of 2018. She enjoys not only the fascinating careers and passions of her guests, Deborah truly appreciates their authenticity and open-heartedness, their ability to be vulnerable, to find meaning in challenges, compassion in suffering and a renewed sense of purpose as they learn and grow from whatever they experience in life. Deborah tells a personal story of how her internal voice of judgment reared its ugly head and applies some simple, effective tools to quiet the judgment, leaving room for compassion to guide her. She reads the powerful essay of American author, poet, and Jungian therapist, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, called “We Were Made for These Times”, a piece Deborah reads often, particularly when she needs to resist the temptation to feel overwhelmed with all that is unjust in our world. Listen to why this piece uplifts and inspires Mama A to honor her light

My guest today is Diana Bowers-Smith. Diana is the first archivist I’ve had as a guest on my podcast and after my conversation with her, I’d say its about time!! Diana works as an archivist in the Brooklyn Collection, Local History Division at the Brooklyn Public Library. Her recent investigative research settled the debate of the authenticity of the eagle statue that once marked the front entrance of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn’s main newspaper for over 100 years. Diana graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Art History, eventually moved back to NY and received two Masters from Pratt Institute, one in Art History and the other in Library and Information Science. There are numerous ways one can put a library science degree to work, but what was transformational for Diana was the public service aspect, at the heart of library science. Public service is as the heart of her devotion, as well as her genuine curiosity and refreshing thirst for knowledge. For example, listen to how Diana describes

My guest today is Perry Smith, guitarist, activist, and community builder. Perry grew up in California’s San Francisco Bay area, listening to folk music and alternative rock, but tells the story of when he was bitten by the jazz bug at age 11. He loved the complex, sophisticated jazz chords as well as the freedom of improvisation that jazz music offered. Perry went to University of Southern California, to study with jazz legend Joe Diorio. Nine years ago Perry moved to NYC, where he completed his Masters in Music at NYU, and became a leader of his own groups and a busy sideman for local and touring artists. Perry has a devoted sense of striving, humbled by how much more there is to learn! His knowledge of what's out there, creates a wonderful cycle, that keeps him engaged, growing, and expanding as an artist. Perry honors the origins and history of Jazz music; jazz was born out of oppression and was an essential outlet for the discrimination that the African American culture experienced. As an active player

My guest today is Nicole Zuraitis, vocalist, pianist, songwriter and music educator. As one reviewer said: “Nicole is not your average jazz singer, she is a lady powerhouse!” Nicole played soccer as a youth, but since she towered over her peers, she played on the boy’s teams. She even trained with the Olympic Development Team. Nicole admits that she was thrilled to immerse herself in music after a soccer injury ended her involvement with sports. Nicole learned that she had a big voice and was directed to study classical music. She received her Opera degree from NYU but soon discovered her passion for jazz, pop, soul, and fusion. In addition to her big voice, Nicole has a big heart - she cares deeply for the oppressed and the vulnerable, be they humans or animals. She is a gifted artist who dares to take a stand; writes and performs music that both delights and soothes her audience, as well as courageously challenges injustice. Nicole lights up a stage with her authenticity and limitless enthusiasm!! Come h

My guest today is Peter Calo, guitarist, singer/songwriter, film score composer, and truly, a man of HEART! Peter’s parents were refugees from Europe during WWII and spent 2 years in a Siberian prison camp, eventually moving to a small farming community in Alberta Canada. Years later, Peter’s family moved to Boston, where Peter, as a teenager, jump-started his music career. His rich, expansive music career has included performing/recording with such diverse artists as Carly Simon, Dionne Warwick, Queen Latifah, Willie Nelson, and Hall & Oates. In fact, Peter has been playing and writing with Carly Simon since 1990! His range of genres and venues: from classical to soul; opera stage to biker bar; sideman to songwriter; film scores to Broadway; coliseums to intimate jazz cellars, capture Peter’s enthusiasm to find the joy in every gig. He is grateful to be invited to the party of life! In addition to his music, Peter brings his large heart to lessons learned from his wife, and their 3 daughters. You are i

My guest today is Randi Linick, yogi, educator, addiction counselor and psychotherapist. Randi shares her background: growing up on Long Island, NY, attending Washington University in St. Louis, moving to Atlanta, GA after college, and her fulfilling 10 years as an inner city middle school teacher. Randi speaks of making meaning out of loss, painful experiences that cracked her heart open, the courage to make critical changes in her life, which all ignited her to follow a spiritual path. Randi admits that she had no intention of working with addicts, yet realized that the universe was opening a valuable opportunity to work as a counselor in a half way house for women in recovery. After 7 years of witnessing devastation, growth and miracles, Randi moved over to The Center for Integrative Psychiatry and Counseling, two days a week, where she is the addiction therapist. Two other days a week, she works as a therapist at The COR Group, while recently finding time to also begin her private practice. Randi speaks

My guest today is Will Esposito, wrestler, yoga teacher, and non-profit business owner. After college, 2 friends of Will’s died; one from cancer, the other was shot and killed. Will was searching for healing, for peace, for meaning, he was determined to be engaged in life with purpose and passion. Will realized the need for high school students to know themselves more fully, explore career options, see and meet people who were doing what they love and how they got there. He has created HYPELITE, a non-profit organization that sheds light on the hype of entrepreneurship. Through HYPELITE, Will has built a network of passionate entrepreneurs, artists, educators, and professionals to act as examples and/or mentors to help students discover their own passions and sense of purpose. HYPELITE creates customized events and programs to inspire and empower teens to take charge of their future. I’m happy to promote Will’s annual “Giving Tuesday”. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, 11/27, HYPELITE will organize a communi

My guest today is Laura Pensiero, actor, compassionate teacher, dedicated healer and business owner. Laura incorporates Reiki and Breathwork in private healing sessions as well as develops curriculum for workshops and long-term courses. I was lucky enough to experience, firsthand one of Laura’s Breathwork workshops and immediately invited her to be my podcast guest. After graduating from NYU’s Tish School for Acting, Laura moved out to LA to pursue her dream to be an actress. Laura looks back on her 7 years in LA, admitting that she didn’t have the tools at that time to live a healthy life while pursuing her acting career.  She acknowledges that she lost her way, gave up on her passion until she returned to NYC and had her first Reiki session. In one profound session, she felt her cells reorganize themselves and actually see herself again! Reiki awakened her path of healing and inspired her to create her new business “Reiki for Actors”. She also got certified in an emotional release modality called Breathwo

My guest today is Shira Turkl-Rubin. Shira is a yoga and AntiGravity® teacher, business owner and entrepreneur. A year and a half ago Shira manifested a long held dream and opened her own boutique yoga studio in Nyack, NY, called Soul Flyte. Her knowledge of yoga, fitness, digestive health, body awareness, meditation and nutrition led her to create Soul Flyte, hire like-minded instructors from various backgrounds and provide the community with a refreshing, exciting fitness approach. Shira has personally  rehabilitated her neck and her belly with the AntiGravity® technique. Shira has experienced major relief for her ulcerative colitis by tipping herself upside down - without the pressure on her neck of a headstand and was motivated to teach others how to help themselves. Soul Flyte was founded on the belief that working out & finding your zen can & should be fun. I leave my Soul Flyte classes feeling taller, stronger, happier, relaxed and energized. They also offer classes for kids, so check out the

My guest today is Larry Saltzman. Larry is an accomplished guitarist, who has created a viable career as a well respected musician, doing something he loves. Larry is also my husband’s doppelgänger, so I like to think of him as my brother-in-law! Larry believes that the gig of life requires the same ingredients needed for being a successful musician: say yes, show up, be a really good citizen! Larry has recorded or performed with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, Andy Snitzer, Chris Botti, Bette Midler and many more, along with playing in the pit of 9 Broadway shows. Larry humbly shares his journey of grief having lost his beloved wife, Carolyn to cancer a year and half ago. Even though, his instinct is to weather grief by himself not wanting to burden others, Larry has learned to err on the side of sharing. He is an enigma in the social media world, with no presence on Facebook, Instagram or twitter. Even as I searched ahead of this recording to see if he had a website, I found instead numerous dentists named

My guest today is Addison Frei, a darn good ping pong player and tennis player... oh and yes a gifted pianist, composer, and music producer. Enrolled in Julliard’s Post Graduate Ensemble, Addison has traveled internationally as a Jazz Ambassador for Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, and Benny Goodman. Addison’s family members are scientists and mathematicians, which inspires him to celebrate intellectual progress in society. What Addison relishes about his free-lance musician path is that there is nothing mundane about it. He is continually learning all kinds of music for different situations every day, every week, every month! Addison appreciates the inter-generational, international, inter-genre aspects of being a musician. He honors musicians who act as elders and mentors, who keep oral tradition alive and thriving - it’s a legacy he’s proud to participate in. Addison reflects on the artist role in society, daring to be at the forefront of social justice causes - noting jaz

My guest today is Donna Cribari, former nun, current musician, music educator and composer. I've known Donna since I was a child. She was a part of a vibrant circle of nuns, priests, ex-nuns and ex-priests that influenced my understanding that one could honor spirituality even when one needed to challenge the institution of religion. In the late 60‘s Donna had been a member of the religious order of the Sacred Heart of Mary, in simpler terms, a Marymount nun. She was involved in the progressive changes within the Catholic Church that led to Vatican II. As Donna says “ we thought we were going to change the world, unfortunately the institutional church did not come along with our vision.” She shares what drew her to becoming a nun and what led to her decision to leave the order. She was proud that the nuns she lived with were harborers of Daniel Barrigan, and she is grateful that the nuns put her in the path of music. It was Bob Fox, a Catholic priest, living and working in Spanish Harlem, that connected Do