Mike’s Moment Of...

We’ve reached EP 40!! My final episode in the season of #MikesMomentOf

On the penultimate episode in this 1st season of #MikesMomentOf I speak with my good friend Alayna Hughes about her journey so far as an audio engineer and music technologist. Alayna was born and raised in Florida, but don´t hold that against her. She started recording music at age 15 and began playing guitar and drums as main instruments as well as making weird noises with drum machines. She attended Full Sail for Recording Arts and Berklee College of Music for Music Production and Engineering while being a drum set principle. After that, she worked in New York for companies such as Avatar Studios and Broadway Video before moving to Valencia to earn a Masters in Music Technology. Besides creating projects as Curiosibot, she creates electronic-rock music, creates videos, and experiments with game environments. Currently, she is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Information and Technology in the Multimodal Interaction Group within the Music Technology Group at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona. www.alaynahughes.com www.curiosibot.com .⁣ .⁣ #inspirationalwomen #womenleadership #womenofimpact #sheboss #womenempoweringwomen #womenforwomen #womenunite #WomenInMusic #sciencegirl #womenintech #womenintechnology #techwomen #girlsintech #techgirls #techgirl #womenindigital #womenengineers #womenwhocode

This week, Hazel returns to talk about the Maroons. Two episodes to go for this season. This is Ep 38 of #MikesMomentOf COLONEL KISER COME OH Lewin Collection CD65 #4. Moore Town, Portland.  April 15, 1974.  Maroon Day Celebration   Col.  Kiser come oh we all a Maroon ay Col.  Kiser come oh we all a Maroon ay Today a Maroon day ……………………. Ay ay aday, oh day ay ay ay Col Kiser come oh we all a Maroon ay When we dash a leg, we we benta war oh We wi benta war oh we wi benta aya We we benta war we wi benta ay We wi benta war when we dash a leg     GUMBEY –  Lacovia, St. Elizabeth   Lewin Collection CD35C #3 & #4. “Oh poor Willhel oh”   Drumming and singing - Song – Poor Whilel –– Lacovia, St. Elizabeth  - Gumbey     Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: “All Forgiven” http://linktr.ee/folkbeats   Website: www.michaelseanharris.com   The Book (Commission earned): Audible: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://www.audible.com/pd/B08G6CQHYZ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-212653&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_212653_rh_us Amazon: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://amzn.to/2PNEHCf     To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee buymeacoffee.com/aelsean Cash App: $aelsean2     Equipment I use to create the podcast (Commission earned): Shure SM 58 Microphone https://amzn.to/3anxthw Zoom H6 https://amzn.to/3fZFv1f Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic https://amzn.to/3fWBz1g Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version) https://amzn.to/3iELvP0 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is my ’Not Halloween” episode …filled with more creepy Stories, Myths ands Superstitions from the Jamaican culture and folklore. Ep 37 #MikesMomentOf Bob Marley- Mr Brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EREMO3W0mNM Andrea True Connection- White Witch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFSCdZlcYPI ANANCY MASH WAY/WASH WAY Lewin Collection CD19 #4. Baba Rowe Cawley, Accompong, St. Elizabeth, Feb, 1969. Maroon Anancy washa way pupu a yenken boy Yu a yenken boy oh, clay ma adeayah Clay ma edea aay ay, ay ay ayay oh say oh ah yaah Anancy mash way, anancy mash way pupu a yenken boy, Yu a yenken boy oh, clay ma eday ay, aay ay ay oh say oh ah ah To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee Cash App: $aelsean2

Hazel returns to share in EP 36 Dinki, Zella, Gerreh + . Don’t forget to check the show notes for extra links and lyrics. #MikesMomentOf @aelsean Benta Instrument: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N-5qvJRaLI   NDTC Dance Gerrebenta https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmNC4q6F1i4   ACIJJMB Youtube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/user/ACIJJMB/videos   ACIJJMB https://acij-ioj.org.jm     WALK IN DEH Whylie Collection CD1 #6. Harmony Hall, St. Mary. 1976.  Dinky Minny   Portland train a come, walk in deh, Portland train a come walk in deh Batta go me batta come walk in deh, batta go me batta come, walk in deh. Gawn dung a Ewarton, walk in deh, gawn dun a Ewarton, walk in deh,  Everybody kep dem seat, walk in deh, everybody get on board, walk in deh,  De train about to leave, walk in deh, me gawn dung a Ewarton, walk in deh,  Gawn dung a Ewarton, walk in deh. Dis a train a High gate train, walk in deh, dis a train a High gate train, walk in deh. Grantham a fret me boy, walk in deh, Grantham a fret me boy, walk in deh,  Porty me gawn go park, walk in deh, batta go me batta come, walk in deh     JOHN TURRANCE OOMAN Lewin Collection CD27#5. Riverside, Hanover, 19 August, 1969. Gerreh   John Turrance ooman, John Turrance ooman, John turrance ooman, what a surrance ooman Lef im bed a door, John Turance ooman, im nuh got no rain, John Turrance ooman Lef im clothes a door, John Turrance ooman, an im nuh got no rain, John Turrance ooman John Turrance ooman, John Turrance, John Turrance oomanm John Turrance ooman. What a surrance ooman, John Turance ooman  What a surrance ooman, John Turrance ooman Lef im draws a door, John Turrance ooman, Lef im draws a door, John Turrance ooman John Turrance ooman, John Turance ooman. John Turrance ooman, John Turrance ooman.  

I breakdown my folk-fusion composition of Bad Maddanlaw to the most basic elements, examine the building blocks and put it all back together. #MikesMomentOf @aelsean TEDx Berklee Valencia : Folk Currency- Michael Sean Harris  https://youtu.be/9FTVlwY1404   Links in Bio Apple Podcasts Links to Podcast, Book and Website Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: All Forgiven www.michaelseanharris.com The Book (Commission earned): Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on Audible Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on Amazon Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on iTunes   To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee Cash App: $aelsean2 Patreon   Equipment I use to create the podcast (Commission earned): Shure SM 58 Microphone Zoom H6 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For episode 33 I have a chat with Brian Heap @Brian.heap.3…all about immersion, education and theatre. Brian Heap is English-born but Jamaican by assimilation. A graduate teacher from the University of Newcastle on Tyne/University of Leeds he has shared his special skills in drama in education and therapy with a wide audience in Jamaica. He has worked as regional coordinator for Very Special Arts, an international programme which seeks to enrich the lives of the disabled through involvement in the performing arts. His classroom years include work at St. Joseph's Teacher Training College, and he was Director of Studies at the School of Drama (Edna Manley College). Brian was a senior lecturer at the UWI, Mona, and Artistic Director of the University Players.  [source: www.ltmpantomime.com]     Links in Bio Apple Podcasts Links to Podcast, Book and Website Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: All Forgiven www.michaelseanharris.com   The Book: Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on Audible Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on Amazon Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on iTunes   To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee Cash App: $aelsean2 Patreon   Equipment I use to create the podcast: Shure SM 58 Microphone Zoom H6 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version)

Joan Andrea Hutchinson @glademmache joins me on Ep 32 of #MikesMomentOf . We explore some Jamaican proverbs amidst stories of her inspiring journey so far. @aelsean BIO  Joan Andrea Hutchinson ____________________________________   Most people know her as an author and performer whose work focuses on the promotion and preservation of Jamaican language and culture, but there is so much more to this amazing woman.   Joan Andrea is a communications specialist, a public speaking coach, a motivational speaker and a behavior change communication consultant who has conceptualized and executed HIV anti stigma and discrimination campaigns for the Ministry of Health.   She has taught communications related courses at most universities in Jamaica and taught English as a second language while living in Tunisia, Holland and Spain, and also to foreigners in Jamaica.     She participated in several  conferences on Caribbean language in the UK and has a strong following among diaspora based Jamaicans. Recognizing the increased confidence adults have once they become literate, as a volunteer she taught adult literacy at Operation Restoration in Trench Town and at Mary’s Child, a home  for pregnant teens and juvenile mothers, run by the Missionaries for the Poor.   Joan is the self published author of three books on Jamaican culture and seven CD, to of which are dedicated to  Jamaican Proverbs.  Her poems and dramatic monologues are heavily used by participants int he annual JCDC speech competition, and she  has been the subject of study for many students for the CSEC SBA in English Literature.    A close friend of  Louise Bennett, (Miss Lou), she  produced Miss Lou's last CD ' Lawd Di Ridim Sweet.    Joan Andrea is the recipient  of the Order of Distinction from the Government of Jamaica, the Language Ambassador Award, from the City College of Birmingham in the UK, the Sir Shridath Ramphall Award for Cultural Excellence and the Caribbean Hall of Fame Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts.   She is a Justice of the Peace.     Links in Bio Apple Podcasts Links to Podcast, Book and Website Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: “All Forgiven” www.michaelseanharris.com   The Book: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers on Audible Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers on Amazon Mike's Pocket Performance Pointers on iTunes   To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee Cash App: $aelsean2 Patreon   Equipment I use to create the podcast: Shure SM 58 Microphone Zoom H6 Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version)

News, app notifications and comment wars can really take a toll on our well-being. Let’s look at a few Anxiety Triggers in EP 31 of #MikesMomentOf  Links in Bio https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-moment-of/id1499298813 Podcast Episodes: http://linktr.ee/aelsean . . . Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: “All Forgiven” http://linktr.ee/folkbeats   Website: www.michaelseanharris.com   The Book: Audible: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://www.audible.com/pd/B08G6CQHYZ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-212653&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_212653_rh_us Amazon: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://amzn.to/2PNEHCf     To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee buymeacoffee.com/aelsean   Cash App: $aelsean2   https://www.patreon.com/MichaelSeanHarris     Equipment I use to create the podcast: Shure SM 58 Microphone https://amzn.to/3anxthw   Zoom H6 https://amzn.to/3fZFv1f Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic https://amzn.to/3fWBz1g Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version) https://amzn.to/3iELvP0

Nadean Rawlins finds new and exciting ways to grow and navigate the creative space. Episode 30, #MikesMomentOf … Power Moves. Bio - Nadean Rawlins is the Founder and Managing Director of RAW Management, a Talent Management Agency and Production Co. Nadean has produced and directed five stage plays. She produced and co-directed her first short film Traytown written by Letay Williams in 2020.  Rawlins has over 20 years of experience as an award-winning actress and firmly believes in developing and promoting all kinds of talents through advancement and international exposure.  Links in Bio https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mikes-moment-of/id1499298813   Podcast Episodes: http://linktr.ee/aelsean   Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: “All Forgiven” http://linktr.ee/folkbeats   Website: www.michaelseanharris.com The Book: Audible: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://www.audible.com/pd/B08G6CQHYZ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-212653&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_212653_rh_us   Amazon: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://amzn.to/2PNEHCf   To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee buymeacoffee.com/aelsean Cash App: $aelsean2 https://www.patreon.com/MichaelSeanHarris   Equipment I use to create the podcast: Shure SM 58 Microphone https://amzn.to/3anxthw Zoom H6 https://amzn.to/3fZFv1f Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic https://amzn.to/3fWBz1g Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version) https://amzn.to/3iELvP0  

We happened to be in the same country at the same time. For episode 29 of #MikesMomentOf - you get to hear a typical convo with Karl @kobw , Shawna @shawnakaeburns and me. Links in Bio Podcast Episodes: http://linktr.ee/aelsean Folkbeats & Blipspeak Single: “All Forgiven” http://linktr.ee/folkbeats Website: www.michaelseanharris.com   The Book: Audible: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://www.audible.com/pd/B08G6CQHYZ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-212653&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_212653_rh_us Amazon: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://amzn.to/2PNEHCf   To Support what I do: BuyMeACoffee buymeacoffee.com/aelsean Cash App: $aelsean2 https://www.patreon.com/MichaelSeanHarris   Equipment I use to create the podcast: Shure SM 58 Microphone https://amzn.to/3anxthw Zoom H6 https://amzn.to/3fZFv1f Audio Technica AT2020 Condenser Mic https://amzn.to/3fWBz1g Arturia AudioFuse (I use the 2 channel version) https://amzn.to/3iELvP0  

David Reid has been an integral part of Jamaica’s musical landscape from before independence. He actually sang the demo of the anthem submission that became the successful entry and the National Anthem we sing today. Listen to that recording, plus an alternate version of the anthem on this, episode 28, #MikesMomentOf … Music Mission.     #Podcast #JamaicanPodcasters #podcastersofinstagram #selfpublishedauthors #caribbeanauthors    Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PNEHCf   Audible - Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers Audiobook  https://www.audible.com/pd/B08G6CQHYZ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-212653&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_212653_rh_us   Podcast https://linktr.ee/aelsean   All Forgiven - single (Folkbeats & Blipspeak) https://linktr.ee/folkbeats   Website https://www.michaelseanharris.com   MSH YouTube https://www.youtube.com/aelsean

A quick check-in with what’s been …and what’s to come. Please check the show notes and click away…lol #MikesMomentOf EP 27   Winsome Wishes for Kids Charity - GoFundMe https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/support-to-impact-the-future   Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PNEHCf   Podcast https://linktr.ee/aelsean   All Forgiven - single (Folkbeats & Blipspeak) https://linktr.ee/folkbeats   Website https://www.michaelseanharris.com   MSH YouTube https://www.youtube.com/aelsean   Podcast "Tami Tackles Everything":  http://tamitackleseverything.libsyn.com   Meet the Mitchells https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfzdy0NEa2uR7d4_cGCraQ   Mario Evon’s links http://linktr.ee/marioevon   Fabian Seh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PT8v2iKH9c&pp=wgIECgIIAQ%3D%3D  

For Ep 26 of #MikesMomentOf I chat with Alvin Campbell as he shares a few little known facts about the Jamaican Music industry. Alvin Campbell is a prolific songwriter, scriptwriter and the Administrative Manager for the band Fab 5 (Lead by his brother Frankie) For more on Fab5  http://fab5inc.com/index.html For my new book: Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers https://amzn.to/31DIFCG For the new single: All Forgiven  Https://linktr.ee/folkbeats Visit my website  Https://www.michaelseanharris.com  

August 1 is Emancipation day in Jamaican and some other Caribbean countries. This, EP 25 of #MikesMomentOf explores mental, emotional, cultural emancipation through exploration of the boxes in which we operate. Neila is back with me and we hear from Mijanne, Michael, Shawna and Coleen.    Coleen Douglas is the Director of Marketing at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts   Alvina Reynolds - Little Boxes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoXtddNPAM

This week I am launching my first book and I wanted to share with you the processes and inspiration of other friends who had their own experiences self-publishing.  This is #MikesMomentOf ep 24. michaelseanharris.com/podcast . . . . #selfpublish #Writersofinstagram #author #amazonbooks #writers #caribbeanauthors #jamaicanwriters #selfpublishedauthors       My IG: @aelsean Https://www.instagram.com/aelsean/   Youtube: https://wwwyoutube.com/aelsean   Website:  https://www.michaelseanharris.com   Mike’s Pocket Performance Pointers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mikes-Pocket-Performance-Pointers-Formula/dp/B08DBW141G/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mike%27s+pocket+performance+pointers&qid=1595833819&s=books&sr=1-1     Here are the links for the guests on this episode:   Maya Wilkinson    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOc4cO3aJkfo1bHNrLh7OUA   IG: @epicmayers Https://www.instagram.com/epicmayers   Twitter: @epicmayers Https://www.twitter.comn/epicmayers     Fabian M Thomas   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7AwpTOSZ5C2UkJh2cNiqUA   IG:  @fabina_m_thomas https://www.instagram.com/fabian_m_thomas/   New Thought, New Words on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/New-Thought-Words-collection-affirmations/dp/1729530966/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=new+thought%2C+new+words%2C+fabian+thomas&qid=1595833102&s=books&sr=1-1     Karene Brown   IG: @kayfancymadame https://www.instagram.com/kayfancymadame/   Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AKarene+Annikay+Brown&s=relevancerank&text=Karene+Annikay+Brown&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1   Lulu https://www.lulu.com/search?contributor=Karene+Brown&adult_audience_rating=00       Stephanie Hava Wallace   IG: @stephaniehava https://www.instagram.com/stephaniehava/   Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Diary-Scorpion-Lover-Stephanie-Wallace-ebook/dp/B073RZ4WDF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=diary+of+the+scorpion+lover&qid=1595833397&s=books&sr=1-1     Michael Holgate   IG: @mwaholgate https://www.instagram.com/mwaholgate/   Night of the Indigo https://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Island-Fiction-Michael-Holgate/dp/0230030734/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Michael+Holgate&qid=1595833526&s=books&sr=1-3   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_woulR8WpDrWzIbNajIJg     Conroy B Wilson   IG: @conroybwilson https://www.instagram.com/conroybwilson/   Empowerment GPA https://www.amazon.com/YOUR-EMPOWERMENT-GPA-Michael-Holgate-ebook/dp/B076FBX3L9/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=empowerment+GPA&qid=1595833645&s=books&sr=1-1      

This week I speak with Jermaine Rowe- we had a great conversation about the cultural value, codification and The Children form the Blue Mountain. This is EP23 of #MikesMomentOf … Code of Culture with  @jermainerowe Links  https://linktr.ee/aelsean or in my Bio.  Also michaelseanharris.com/podcast   #Jamaica #Myths #Superstitions #Folklore #Proverbs #culture #musicaltheatre #dance   BIO: Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica,  Jermaine pursued a B.A in Broadcast Journalism at University of the West Indies. He danced with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica and was awarded the Primer Award for Cultural Excellence, The Tommy Pinnock Award for Dance, and the Prime Minister for the Youth Award in Excellence.    Jermaine gained a scholarship to study at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance in New York. He then became a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem ensemble.    Credits include; Broadway: “The Lion King”  and “Fela”. Regional: “M’lima’s Tale” “Man of La ”Macbeth”, “Titus Andronicus” "Noon Day Sun", “Batboy”.   T.V and film:  Amazon Prime’s “Bwoy”,  Netflix “Freedom" and was an original cast in the National Theatre Live "Fela!".  Opera: “Il barber de seville” and “The tales of Hoffman”   Jermaine has an MFA in Theatre at Sarah Lawrence College.  He was a recent semi-finalist for the Eugene O’Neils 2019 Summer Musical Theatre New-Works Festival with The children from the Blue Mountain presented at LPAC in the summer of 2019 . Original works : “A dream on an island”“Mom’s Eulogy” and “Solitary”   Jermaine is also an Adjunct Professor in Acting at the Laguardia Community College.

A stellar example of a Jamaican who has navigated some unusual and exciting international spaces, my guest for ep. 22 of #MikesMomentOf is The Hon. Sir Willard White. A Jamaican-born British operatic bass baritone.  #UKOpera ##BassBaritone #AgeAnimo https://www.michaelseanharris.com/podcast   Sir Willard Wentworth White, world renowned bass-baritone, was born on October 10, 1946, in Ewarton, Jamaica. Willard White, a graduate of Excelsior High School in Kingston and founding member of the Jamaican Folk Singers, commenced formal musical training at the Jamaica School of Music and continued his studies at The Julliard School in New York where he received several scholarships during his studies at the conservatory.   He made his professional operatic debut with New York City Opera, where he played the character of Colline in La Bohème in 1974. His European debut was with Welsh National Opera in Cardiff, Wales, where he played Osmin in Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio.  He has since gone on to perform in the world's major opera houses, and his powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made him a popular and admired singer across a wide range of musical styles. White is best known for performing as Mephistopheles in The Damnation of Faust, a role he has played many times. Besides his traditional classical repertoire, he is celebrated for his performances as Porgy in Porgy and Bess.  In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to classical music, Sir Willard has received several awards during his career: In 1995, he was awarded the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) and the Gold Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica. He was presented with the Order of Merit (OM) in 2000 by the Government of Jamaica. Sir Willard was knighted  in the Birthday Honours of Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. in 2015 Sir Willard White received the National Chorale of Jamaica Medal of Excellence. Bio from: https://www.musicunitesjamaica.com Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willard_White A day in the life of Sir Willard White  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-lJEjmqyG0  

For Ep 21 of #MikesMomentOf I catch up with my friend @trinitydevi : #GongMaster #Kundalini practitioner #AyurvedicPractitioner We discuss her journey to, and current practice with these traditions.  Bio Trinity Devi,  is a Gong Master,  Gong Avatar Trainer, Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Practitioner and Vibrational Healer. She has been in the yogic path and healing practice for more than 15 years. Her profound affinity and dedication to the practice of Yoga, Meditation, Sacred Sound and the Gongs has led her to teach trainings for the Gong Avatar Academy in Miami, contributing to the growing community of conscious Gong players. Through her extensive background and devotion she brings wisdom, clarity and a powerful transformative energy  to her classes, workshops and personal sessions.   Certifications & Accomplishments: Trinity Devi is a NAMA Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner. Her personal yoga and meditation journey began in 2001 by experimenting with various styles and practices. She then concentrated her studies in Kundalini Yoga at Golden Bridge Yoga with Master Teachers Gurmukh, Tej, Harijiwan and Gurushabd, and is certified as a Kundalini Yoga Instructor through the Kundalini Research Institute. Also through Golden Bridge Yoga in Los Angeles, Trinity Devi – Ma Shakira  became certified as a Khalsa Way Prenatal Yoga Teacher.  After receiving her introduction to Gong Playing with Gong Master Harijiwan, Trinity Devi advanced into deeper layers of Self and Gong Mastery, Sound and Vibrational Healing with Master Gong Avatar Sotantar Suraj at the Gong Avatar Academy. Through her many years under the skillful guidance of her teacher Sotantar Suraj, she embarked into deep studies and explorations of Self and Gong Mastery, Sound and Vibrational Healing, Tantra, Self-remembrance and Mysticism. Trinity Devi leads Trainings for the Gong Avatar Academy in Miami, FL. She is a Reiki Master certified by the International Center for Reiki Training, and an Integrated Energy Therapy Advanced Practitioner certified by the Center of Being. She has also studied  Marma Therapy, Aromatherapy and Crystal healing. She is an Osho Sannyasin,  a lover and student of Evolutionary Astrology and an eternal student of Life.   A Trinity of Names Over the years of explorations, I have been fortunate to receive beautiful spiritual names. The power of the spiritual name is that it gives you an opportunity to start a new, and a powerful sound current to meditate upon and connect to the essence of who we are, beyond societal conditionings. Trinity Devi was given to me by my beloved teacher Master Gong Avatar, Sotantar Suraj. Trinity is the principle of absolute balance that pervades the world, seen and unseen. It is creativity, the result of the synergy between polarities. The constant principle of expansion and contraction through which a third energy is stabilized and  can then come to visible form. Devi the feminine aspect of the divine. Ma Shakira This is my Osho Sannyasin name which I received from Sufi Master and beloved teacher,  Videha. Ma is given to all women and represents the feminine, the mother, and the capacity to give birth to oneself Shakira is a Sufi name which means gratitude. The one who lives in eternal gratitude toward the divine Siri Deva Kaur  This name I received through the Kundalini Yoga path. Siri means great. Deva is a subtle, etheric, divine being. A being of elevated consciousness. Siri Deva: Great divine being who lives in a state of elevated consciouses, God Consciousness      website: www.trinitydevi.com IG: @trinitydevi FB: www.facebook.com/TrinityDevi Link for Transcendence CD on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/2XH4ALcgZLjHlfvV0OsJrY?si=Ik8bm8yCSb2hrSflnXfYLw

There’s nothing like folklore and superstition as a true cultural snapshot. For episode 20  of #MikesMomentOf my special guest is Journalist and Cultural Icon, Fae Ellington @fae.ellington .This was truly a blast and I’m sure there will be a sequel. #Jamaica #Myths #Superstitions #Folklore #Proverbs Fae A. Ellington (Ms.) CD; MA.  Born in the 50s; shaped by the 60s; fired and glazed throughout the 70s. With that background the ensuing decades took care of themselves.  She’s a patriot and passionate about Jamaica. Fae Ellington’s career in Broadcast Media and Journalism started in 1974, that was three years after she established herself as an actress. Since 1971 she has put her stamp of excellence and professionalism, and demonstrated her versatility through her work in theatre, media and culture. As a sought-after orator and master of ceremonies at home and abroad, she has established herself as a household name in Jamaica and the diaspora for over four decades.  Fae is a communication consultant, trainer and speaking coach for companies, groups and individuals in the public and private sectors. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She has taught in the Journalism programme at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) from 1985 until retirement in 2018 (33 years). After retiring at the end of July 2018 she continues at CARIMAC as adjunct senior lecturer.  She is a British Broadcasting Corporation, (BBC) certified trainer. Miss Ellington has been a director of several boards over the past 25 years. At present she serves on the following boards and entities:  • National Integrity Action (NIA) Chairman (May 28, 2020) • St. Hugh’s High School    • Member of the Access to Information Appeal Tribunal (in the second 5-year term) • Patron of the Clarendon 4 H Clubs    Profile – Fae assumed the role of host and producer of the Television Jamaica programme on April 1, 2018  Awards and Honours  • Bronze Musgrave Medal  • St. Hugh’s High School Distinguished Past Student  • National Honour – Officer of the Order of Distinction, Commander Class (CD) • Outstanding Contribution to Media and Communication Award 2019 - University of the West Indies Institute for Gender and Development Studies • Culture Icon - Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Jamaica Day 2020  • Award-winning actor and journalist IG: @fae.ellington Twitter: @FaeEllington Facebook: @FaeAEllington

Join me in a sweet conversation with my good friends Michael Holgate and Tami Chin Mitchell. We dissect the story of Mirren and of course, go on some interesting tangents …and we laugh- a lot! This is EP 19 of #MikesMomentOf #ashe #LPTPC @aelsean @mwaholgate @tamichinmitchell I’ve known Tami Chin Mitchell since we were kids performing on stage with Little People and Teen Players Club. I think Michael Holgate was actually her ‘Big Brother’ in the club and I was Tessanne’s.  Tami is an inspiration to many and certainly to Holgate and to me. Theatre and Dance performer to Dancehall Artist…then Pop Artist …Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Successful Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Youtuber ….she calls it a Multi-potentialite. I Guess the three of us are.    Michael Holgate is a Writer (Books, Musicals and more), Choreographer, Director (Theatre and Film), Intellectual and Academic, he even paints forms own pleasure. I’ve known him since the first year of high school. Together we have written over 50 inspirational songs under the name Joy Mechanics and we are also Co-Directors for the Gungo Walk World-Alternative Music and Arts Festival.   Instagram @TamiChinMitchell : http://www.instagram.com/tamichinmitchell Podcast "Tami Tackles Everything": http://tamitackleseverything.libsyn.com Radio Show: "Live Out Loud" 10am-12 noon on "The Edge 105.1 and 105.3 FM" Stream my radio show:  http://theedge105.fm Free Ebook: "Honour The Valley" http://bit.ly/honourthevalley   Instagram @mwaholgate : http://www.instgram.com/mwaholgate Book: Your Empowerment GPA : https://www.amazon.com/YOUR-EMPOWERMENT-GPA-Michael-Holgate-ebook/dp/B076FBX3L9/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=your+GPA+empowerment&qid=1592784318&sr=8-3   Book: Night of the Indigo : https://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Island-Fiction-Michael-Holgate/dp/0230030734  

For EP 018 of #MikesMomentOf I catch up with a great friend from Berklee College, Studio Engineer Marc Lacuesta. He shares some Nashville stories and a bit about his new post at Interlochen Arts Academy. @interlochenarts @puppytn @aelsean @berkleealumni   Marc Lacuesta is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's degree in Music Production and Engineering and Vocal Performance, as well as a graduate of Kenyon College with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. He has worked in professional commercial music as an audio engineer and producer for over 20 years and been a guest lecturer at numerous colleges and universities.  He has taught voice lessons, studio maintenance classes, and ESL classes for 5+ years. Marc also created and managed an intern program and curriculum that Quad Studios Nashville implemented until the recording studio closed in 2012.   Over the last two decades, Marc has been involved with a large number of commercially released recordings. No recording project is ever exactly the same: Due to changes in personnel, equipment, or even something as minute as a change in the studio temperature, each project develops their own unique organizational, operational and logistical puzzles, and in each of these cases, Marc finds a workaround to the problem. Marc believes that dealing with these constant and varied challenges from session to session has sharpened his problem-solving skills. As a person of Filipino heritage in a field where the overwhelming majority is composed of Caucasian males, Marc believes his journey can serve as inspiration to young minorities who wish to navigate a career in this field. #Interlochenarts #berkleealumni

What more could there be to ‘Row your boat’? Join me as I introduce you to Mirren and the Journey to Tera-Genero. Have listen and play it for your children and friends…and let me know what you think mikesmomentof@gmail.com or leave a comment. Like•Rate•Review•Share•Subscribe and all those things. This is Episode 17 of Mike’s Moment of… Story Time: Mirren and the Journey to Tera-Genero. #MikesMomentOf #Storytime #RowYourBoat #Mindfulness

Today, I have a talk with my good friend Chevaughn about his industry trod…so far. This is episode 16, Mike’s Moment Of… The Journey: A Conversation with #urfavouritesinger   Chevaughn makes a smooth, rich, limitless and Xoul-FULL sound. He is a singer's singer, whose quality sound is unmatched by his peers. His ability to captivate with the magical tones and the rich timbre of his voice is only matched by his own powerful vocal stylings.  As a singer-songwriter Chevaughn's voice and lyrical prowess resonates with a kind of ageless excellence that harks back to the great crooners of yesteryear. AND yet, the driving force and power in his music is a present day vibration that resonates and represents a whole new generation of people who hunger for a sound and style that is both beautiful and electric at the same time. The discovery of his Jamaican ExotiXoul style is the game-changing electricity of our times.  Chevaughn's ExotiXoul sound is more than just electrifying. His voice is characterized by a uniquely velvet-smooth tenor with a rich gospel fervor. This, coupled with his charisma and creativity makes him magnetic both onstage and offstage. His vocal presence magnetises listeners and his physical presence pulls audiences in.  Chevaughn's musical reach stretches across the globe being featured on a myriad of tracks as well as through his affiliation with eclectic roots band C Sharp as their lead singer. He is also known for creating the hook on the 2009 chart topping breakout song 'Holiday' with Ding Dong. In January 2014, Chevaughn relaunched his solo career, this time working very closely with Frankie Music and Notis Records to produce his debut EP Hopeless Romantic released on March 4, 2014, and distributed by Zojak Worldwide. With more time spent honing his craft, he has delivered Xoul-FULL revolutionary and love songs that ignite and excite. His fans the world over know him by his inimitable voice. In The Bahamas his ‘Know Your Friends', is a hit. His online series Me & You Mondays is also a hit and gives access to his growing fan base.  'So Many Rivers' produced by Notis, 'You Lose' by Reggae Vibes Music, 'Memories' and 'So Let It Be' by Frankie Music, are fan-favourite power singles. AND nothing energizes a crowd like 'Quintillionaire' which has been adopted as an anthem to countless fans, foreshadowing many great things to come. The transparency and the vulnerability that Chevaughn embraces to tell his story and share his truth is felt on stage. This evolution of the revolution that is ExotiXoul, is a journey that fans will enjoy being immersed in.  Stay close to his social media networks to keep up. Connect with #urfavouritesinger on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using @chevaughnmusic, on Soundcloud as Chevaughn-Music and watch his weekly performances for Me & You Mondays on his YouTube channel - Chevaughn. For all bookings, email: teamchevaughn@gmail.com

We pick up the conversation right where we left off with Peter Ashbourne in episode 13. This is Mike’s Moment Of… Reggae History Part 2. eter Ashbourne attended the St. Hugh’s Preparatory School, the Wolmer’s High School for Boys, the University of the West Indies in Kingston, the Jamaica School of Music, and has a Bachelor of Music (composition) degree from the Berklee College of Music (Boston, Mass., USA).  Mr Ashbourne, who holds a LRSM (Performance) diploma in violin, was considered a child prodigy on that instrument from as early as age 9.  He also plays the piano. An experienced composer, arranger, performer and band leader, Ashbourne taught at the ‘Jamaica School of Music’ in its Jazz Department from 1976 – 1979. He conducted an Art Music and Reggae Workshop at the ‘University of Music and Dramatic Arts – Graz’, Austria in 1986 and held a lecture and seminar on the ‘Development of Jamaican Popular Music, from Mento, Ska, Reggae to Dancehall’ at the ‘University of Southern Maine’, U.S.A., in spring 2007.  His lecture ‘Two Turning Points in Jamaican Popular Music’ held at the Global Reggae Conference 2008, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) was universally well received and was published in the Book ‘Global Reggae’ in 2013. In 2019 he was invited to present ‘An Overview of Jamaica’s Musical Landscape’ at the annual UWI ‘Philip Sherlock Lecture’. For more information, please check out his website: www.peterashbourne.com  

Jamaicans are everywhere! Hahaha! This week with Broadway performer, writer, songwriter…more, and a bright light of positive energy- Syndee Winters. We talk about lessons learned along her journey; coping with the current life and career changes and her deep Jamaican connection. This is Episode 14 of #MikesMomentOf - Theatre: One Jamerican Girl. With over 15 years of experience on Broadway and on other stages, Syndee Winters' passion for helping others find their voice, is her true motivation. Her onstage credits include, Pippin, Motown the Musical, Hamilton and most recently returned to Broadway as Nala, in Disney's The Lion King. Hamilton. She has had the honor of performing in the NBC Live production of Jesus Christ Superstar starring John Legend + Sara Bareilles. Syndee has also performed before global influencers, Sir Richard Branson, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Oprah Winfrey.  Syndee Winters' music album "Lessons from a Lady" is out now on Spotify, apple music, and all other streaming platforms.    Syndee is passionate about working with young people. She makes time to teach master- classes, workshops and private lessons to young artists. "It's crucial to affect possibility into a young person's life. I've had many people influence my journey, and it has made me the person that I am today.”  Spotify Music: Syndee Winters Gold  - Focus - Lessons from a Lady Social Media Handles: IG: @SyndeeWinters Facebook: Syndee Winters Twitter: @SyndeeWinters website: www.syndeewinters.com

Peter Ashbourne returns to talk about some key players in, and clear up some misconceptions around the Jamaican Popular Music timeline. We spoke for almost 2 hours, so this will be Part 1 of 2 episodes. The second part, (Episode 15) will be published in 2 weeks. This is Mike’s Moment Of… Reggae History Part 1. Peter was previously featured in Episode 5, Music Technology: A Jamaican Story Listen here: Apple Podcasts Lybsin Google Podcasts Youtube among other places. Peter Ashbourne attended the St. Hugh’s Preparatory School, the Wolmer’s High School for Boys, the University of the West Indies in Kingston, the Jamaica School of Music, and has a Bachelor of Music (composition) degree from the Berklee College of Music (Boston, Mass., USA).  Mr Ashbourne, who holds a LRSM (Performance) diploma in violin, was considered a child prodigy on that instrument from as early as age 9.  He also plays the piano. An experienced composer, arranger, performer and band leader, Ashbourne taught at the ‘Jamaica School of Music’ in its Jazz Department from 1976 – 1979. He conducted an Art Music and Reggae Workshop at the ‘University of Music and Dramatic Arts – Graz’, Austria in 1986 and held a lecture and seminar on the ‘Development of Jamaican Popular Music, from Mento, Ska, Reggae to Dancehall’ at the ‘University of Southern Maine’, U.S.A., in spring 2007.  His lecture ‘Two Turning Points in Jamaican Popular Music’ held at the Global Reggae Conference 2008, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) was universally well received and was published in the Book ‘Global Reggae’ in 2013. In 2019 he was invited to present ‘An Overview of Jamaica’s Musical Landscape’ at the annual UWI ‘Philip Sherlock Lecture’. For more information, please check out his website: www.peterashbourne.com  

On today’s episode, I talk about times along my journey where I had to make a major decision and what that meant for me. This is episode 12- Mike’s Moment Of… Turning Points.  The milestones I share are by no means exhaustive, but they helped shape who I am in some way. We can all look back and name a situation ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but the truth is we grow from each one of them, if we allow ourselves to. 

This pandemic’s got us feeling anxious. Can improvisation guide us into mindfulness? I’m discussing this with my friend Neila Ebanks on Episode 11 of Mike’s Moment Of… Improv as Mindfulness.  NEILA-ANN EBANKS  Acting Director of Studies of the School of Dance, Neila-Ann Ebanks, holds a Master of Arts in Physical Theatre from Royal Holloway University of London and the University of Surrey[UK], a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of the West Indies, [JM] and a Certificate in Dance Theatre and Production from the EMCVPA, School of Dance. Ebanks was, until 2018, Chief Examiner for the CAPE Performing Arts examination and was also the first ever Dance recipient of the Commonwealth Connections Residency [CA]. Her diverse Jamaican and Caribbean connections include work with her dance project, eNKompan.E™, Continuum Dance Project [TT], The Stella Maris Young Adult Dance Ensemble, The University Dance Society, L’ACADCO United Caribbean Dance Force, Dance Theatre Xaymaca, ASHE Performing Arts Company, Movements Dance Company, The Company Dance Theatre and the NDTC of Jamaica. Internationally, she has also represented Jamaica in the Bienal de Danza del Caribe [CU], the Caribbean Educative Arts Festival (BB), Tobago Contemporary Dance Festival [TT], Skjoldungefestival [DK], COCO Dance Festival [TT], CARIFESTA XIII [BB], OUTBURST Queer Arts Festival [IE] and WILD Conference [UK]. IG: @enkompan.e  

He’s a drummer, teacher, composer, father and one of my best friends in the world. From his home in Stockolm, Sweden, we meet Mr. Andersson. We talk about life and career and adjustments to expectations on episode 10 of Mike’s Moment Of… Music: Life Negotiations with Michael Andersson.  Michael Andersson is a freelance drummer with touring and recording credits worldwide. Graduated from Berklee College of Music were he studied under Prof. Ed Kaspik and Prof. Rob Kaufman. Born 1975 in Borås, a small town on the west coast of Sweden, Michael started taking lessons at the public school of music at the age of 8 were he studied for Julian Kursawa and Per Nordebring. Growing up in Borås were the music scene was somewhat small but still flourishing he joined several different bands as well as the academic ensembles that was offered at the public school. At the age of 16 he would record his first solo album "Mystery Island" at the Swedish Radio with producer and engineer Per Mossling. Michael and Per would join forces again and this time for the solo album "Black Spot". Both albums were experimental and bold and put forth by the Swedish Radio. At this time Michael was endorsed by Yamaha Scandinavia and Zildjian Cymbals. 1995 and at the age of 18 Michael joined the "Central Band of the Royal Swedish Army" were he studied drums and percussion with Capt. Tommy Törner. 1996 and 10 months after the military service he enrolled as a scholarship and performance major at Berklee College of Music. The years at Berklee meant musical growth and experience as a session player both live and in the studio. Michael graduated from Berklee as a Calato Regaltip and Zildjian artist and moved to Los Angeles were he would work with Berklee Alumni Pablo Mungia (Emmy Nominee and Emmy Winner) and musical director Kevin Nadeu for Royal Caribbean and Holiday on Ice. The steady Thursday gig at the Backstage Cafe in Beverly Hills brought a lot of attention to his playing which would result in new meetings and musical adventures. Several years of session work in Los Angeles finally brought Michael back to Europe were he toured with great players such as John Daversa, Ludwig Girdland, Luiz Luz, Santiago Roque, Michael Sean Harris, Chrissy Faith and Derek Davies. Extensive touring with this band throughout Europe with artists such as Leo Sayer, Patricia Kaas, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Cheb Mami, Fools Garden. Today Michael resides in Stockholm were he performs with extraordinary percussion ensemble ConRytmo with Johan Svensson (drummer for Britney Spears). Michael is a session player with a broad repertoire from jazz to pop and rock and an experienced and credited studio and touring musician. Michael endorses Gretsch Drums, Calato Regaltip sticks and Zildjian Cymbals exclusively. www.beatsharkmusic.com On the website you will find links to Michael’s Youtube, Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram pages and channel.

Dwayne has seen and done a lot, and there’s still more to come. For Episode 9 of #MikesMomentOf … I speak with Dwayne Morris about his journey teaching, touring, working with artists and making music. He has much to say…   Dwayne Morris’ music career started some 20 years ago in the parish of Westmoreland where he discovered his passion for music while attending the Frome Technical High School. After graduating High School with his eyes set on a career in the music industry, he enrolled in the Edna Manley College of the Visual Arts where he pursued a Diploma in Music Education and Piano Performance an extended program of the University of the West Indies. He graduated at the top of his class as the most outstanding performing arts and education student of the four colleges. While in college he also taught at the college and other prep schools in and around Kingston. Immediately upon graduation he delved right into the industry where he was lead keyboard player for Jah Cure, Elephant Man and Busy Signal all within his first year as a professional musician. He also put his strong teaching background to use as he was the CXC teacher for the Papine High School Performing Arts Program. Dwayne’s strong interpersonal skill and stage presence lead him to the ultimate performer in Dancehall Beenie Man, where he started out as a keyboard player and eventually the music director a post, he held for eight years. From the classroom to the stage and eventually the studio, Dwayne’s creativity led him to the studios of King Jammys where he played on some of the most successful records between 2008 and 2012 which includes albums done by Jan Cure, Mavado, Junior Gong, Sizzla, Beenie Man, 50 Cent and many others. He eventually went on to start his own record label Cahban Rekords that was instrumental in the early success of artist such as Chronixx, Jahmeil and Alkaline which was the first official artist signed to the label, the label eventually led him to the top of the Dancehall scene before parting ways. With a solid background in music production, performing and teaching Dwayne is still strongly pursuing his passion in this highly competitive music industry. In 2016 he made a courageous move by migrating to the big city of New York where he immediately hit the ground running, performing around the tri-state area. Dwayne is currently the music director at a performing art high school in queens, New Visions Chartered Humanities IV, he is also pursuing a masters in Music Education at the Five Town College where he was awarded a scholarship.   Find the 9 Mile Riddim album here: https://music.apple.com/us/album/9-mile-riddim/1457679246   

My very special guest for Episode 8 of Mike’s Moment Of… Tech: Stage Tech is my very dear friend, Mijanne. Join us as we talk about  her beginnings in theatre and her present situation. @aelsean @mijjymijj #MikesMomentOf #Jamaican #Theatre #SouthFlorida Find me on IG and Twitter: @aelsean Facebook.com/MichaelSeanHarris Youtube.com/aelsean For my gratitude posts: #MikesGratitudePost For my moments of cheer: #MikesMomentOfCheer   Mijanne has been a part of Jamaican theatre since 1998. Working with the country’s premier directors and producers, she has been both cast and crew in most of the top productions emerging from the creative industry and Stage Manager for notable events such as JCDC’s Grand Gala, Mello Go Round and ITI’s Actor Boy Awards. Mijanne has toured with several productions and has done several stints in New York which includes “Alphabet City” put on by the Metropolitan Playhouse and “Welcome To America” by Braata Productions. In 2006, while studying performance violin at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts School of Music and preparing for her ABRSM Grade 6 exam, Mijanne was called to go on tour with Jah Cure, Diana King and several other top musicians from Jamaica and spent the next ten years touring the world, playing reggae inspired fusion music. An adept violinist, song writer and producer, Mijanne has written and produced several songs for several Jamaican artists. When she is not on tour playing violin for Diana King, she works as stage crew for productions in Florida, including the Christian Dior Fall Fashion Show and the Super Bowl as well a Violin instructor at Sam Ash.  Mijanne can be found on Twitter and IG @mijjymijj

How can you be grateful at a time like this? This is Mike’s Moment Of… Gratitude. A conversation with Rev. Sheila McKeithen about gratitude and starting a practice of gratitude. We examine my practice of regular gratitude posts on Facebook and Instagram #MikesGratitudePost and discuss just how gratitude works.  Find me on IG and Twitter: @aelsean Facebook.com/MichaelSeanHarris Youtube.com/aelsean For my gratitude posts: #MikesGratitudePost   Profile – The Rev. Sheila R. McKeithen, J.D. Sheila McKeithen, is featured in the 2018 film, ‘As A Man Thinketh’ and in the 2010 film and book, “Discover the Gift,” where she shares a powerful and encouraging message on living from the authentic self. This summer, she received both the Walden Award for Interfaith and Intercultural Understanding and had a day named in her honor in her home county in Florida. She has inspired Jamaica’s corporate, governmental and educational sectors as a keynote speaker and motivational trainer/coach addressing such audiences as HEART, Ministry of Health, Sagicor, Guardian Life, JMMB, E-Learning and in the area of education she has trained principals and teachers assigned to rural schools in Jamaica; done outreach work with groups such as Ashe and delivered keynote addresses at various prep and high schools in Jamaica as well as at Moneague College. Currently in her 25th year of service as an ordained minister in Kingston, Jamaica, at the UC Truth for Better Living, she is also the 3rd President in the 42 year history of her denomination, The Universal Foundation for Better Living, Inc., with branches in the Canada, USA, South America, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  She defied the odds in 1986 when medical doctors assured her that she had only 6 days to live. Instead of accepting their “death sentence” she set her sights on “health”, regained the use of her legs and entered law school, thereby attaining her life long dream of becoming an attorney in the Florida Bar.   A former Assistant Attorney General, and Assistant Broward County Attorney, she inspires her audiences with lessons on Love, Self Motivation, Leadership and Healthy Living in England, Spain, Jamaica, Bahamas, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, South and North America and in settings such as retreats, lectures, seminars and conferences.   A 2001 Inductee into the Martin Luther King Jr. International Board of Preachers, she earned degrees from Florida State University, Florida International University and Nova University.   She has been a featured guest on TV shows like: Profile, Impact, Religious Hard Talk, and Conversations with Pat Ramsey. No stranger to writing articles in the local and international press, she authored the book, Twelve Steps to Your Healing.  Her favorite scripture is Psalm 46:10 –‘Be still and Know that I am God.’ Find Sheila on- IG: @srmckeithen FB: facebook.com/sheila.mckeithen   I’m So Grateful by Karen Drucker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0sSZkCpA64  

This week my guest is Marlon Simms, Artistic Director of the NDTC Jamaica and Dean of The School of Dance. We have an engaging convo about his journey as a dancer and the dance scene at present. Marlon Simms is the Dean of the School of Dance at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA). He completed a Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of the West Indies (UWI), a post graduate diploma in Education at the University of Technology (UTECH) and a Master of Fine Arts in Choreographic Theory and Practice from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. He has been in the teaching profession for over twenty years and has facilitated workshops and classes in dance, choreography and dance education in many parts of the Caribbean and North America. He has also choreographed dance works in Jamaica and overseas for major dance companies, schools, studios and community groups and shares him time generously with the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) as the Artistic Director, a post he has held since 2018. At the NDTC, apart from executing his usual administrative duties, he heads the staging of their annual productions, choreographs, teaches, co-produces the annual NDTC Journal and sustains the NDTC repertoire and style as developed by the late Prof. Rex Nettleford. He firmly believes in the transformative power of the arts and works tirelessly to empower the next generation of artists using his mantra "excellence can be achieved if you are driven by passion and purpose”.  You can find Marlon on Facebook, IG, Twitter and Tumblr @marlondsimms

This week we take a historical journey with my guest and good friend Peter Ashbourne. He takes us from the beginning of the music scene in Jamaica to his studies at Berklee in Boston and his prolific career creating jingles, highlighting the technology of the day along the way. This is episode 5, a moment of Music Technology- A Jamaican Story. Peter Ashbourne attended the St. Hugh’s Preparatory School, the Wolmer’s High School for Boys, the University of the West Indies in Kingston, the Jamaica School of Music, and has a Bachelor of Music (composition) degree from the Berklee College of Music (Boston, Mass., USA).  Mr Ashbourne, who holds a LRSM (Performance) diploma in violin, was considered a child prodigy on that instrument from as early as age 9.  He also plays the piano. An experienced composer, arranger, performer and band leader, Ashbourne taught at the ‘Jamaica School of Music’ in its Jazz Department from 1976 – 1979. He conducted an Art Music and Reggae Workshop at the ‘University of Music and Dramatic Arts – Graz’, Austria in 1986 and held a lecture and seminar on the ‘Development of Jamaican Popular Music, from Mento, Ska, Reggae to Dancehall’ at the ‘University of Southern Maine’, U.S.A., in spring 2007.  His lecture ‘Two Turning Points in Jamaican Popular Music’ held at the Global Reggae Conference 2008, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) was universally well received and was published in the Book ‘Global Reggae’ in 2013. In 2019 he was invited to present ‘An Overview of Jamaica’s Musical Landscape’ at the annual UWI ‘Philip Sherlock Lecture’. For more information, please check out his website: www.peterashbourne.com

Recently, Shawna-Kae Burns had a brief stint of Twitter fame for some comments she made on a televised entertainment show. We talk about this, relationships and culture on this week’s episode ….as she set’s he record straight and I throw in some unfiltered commentary in a Moment Of Clarity.  Shawna-Kae Burns is a member of the Faculty in the Social Work Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Language Linguistics and Society with a Minor in Cultural Studies; which she got at the University of the West Indies. She also holds a Masters of Social Work  with a Specialisation in Children and Families which she got from The University of Texas at Arlington. For the last several years she has been involved in several workshops dealing with critical themes of self care, stress and conflict management and team building. Her most recent involvement centres around research within a gender and masculinity studies framework and how popular culture affects the youth, the impact of social action theatre on national development and an exploration of gendered parenting practices within Jamaica. She is a self proclaimed lover of all things Jamaican ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous and believes that amongst our creativity and talent Jamaicans are some of the most beautiful people in the world. 

In this week's episode we have a conversation on body image with performer Courtni and Podcaster and Medical Doctor Mario Evon, Host of TalkTruthJa.com. We share our experiences navigating spaces and attitudes being larger than most in the entertainment industry as well as just not being ‘skinny’ anymore. We have a really personal conversation about adjusting expectations as we grow and also then importance of self love above all.  Born into a musical family, Courtni has always surrounded herself with music way beyond her years. She is from the beautiful tourist city of Montego Bay and draws inspiration from many artistes and groups, ranging from Toots and the Maytals to Beyonce, Bach to Nirvana, Ella Fitzgerald to Damian Marley and everything in between. She is currently enrolled at the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts where she is reading for a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. At just twenty-five (25) years old, she knows she still has a lot to learn but is rather eager to dive into the entertainment industry head first. After graduating, she plans to not only pursue her lifelong dream of being a recording artiste but also as a composer and producer. She also has a single that will be released in March.  Courtni’s IG and Twitter: @singcourtnising   Mario Evon describes his music as Reggae-Soul, a place where R&B and Soul meet Reggae.   A former member of the University Singers, and background vocalist for artistes such as Alaine and Benjy Myaz, Mario has performed on the main stage at the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival and has made it to the final round of 'Amateur Night at the Apollo', in Harlem.   This graduate of the University of the West Indies as a Medical Doctor, and Berklee College of Music, is also an entrepreneur and songwriter.  Mario released his debut album, 'Reggae-Soul Vol. 1: ME On Love' in 2015 and in more recent times you may have heard him telling you that you "Don't Need Dope To Cope", or on Wednesday mornings on 'CVM At Sunrise'.  His podcast, 'Talk Truth with Mario Evon' was launched in May 2019 and continues to feed the minds of the world weekly with what he has branded as 'Inspir-Edu-Tainment'.  http://linktr.ee/marioevon

In Episode 2 ... Mike's Moment of Vulnerability, my special guest is Conroy B. Wilson. I've know him since high school days, we were both part of The Little People and Teen Players Club and founding members of The Ashe Company.  I've placed his bio below so you can get to know him even better.  In this episode we will discuss the concept of 'Vulnerable Moments' as a strategy to get right to the heart and truth and a conversation, confrontation, discussion, intervention...meeting lol.  Please remember to like, subscribe, rate, comment and review! Thanks for joining us!! :)   Conroy B. Wilson MA., JP Conroy B. Wilson is a masterful creative producer, musical director and professional development coach. He is a founding member and currently the Executive Director of The ASHE Company, an Entertainment, Theater Arts, Social Development & Production Company founded in 1993. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change from the University of the West Indies, Mona where he has lectured in Communication at both the Kingston and Montego Bay campuses. Wilson is an engaging motivational speaker and  a noted ‘edutainment’ specialist and behaviour change communication consultant and trainer, throughout the Caribbean region. He is the co-author [with Michael Holgate] of the self help book -Your Empowerment GPA. He is responsible for the sustained excellence of The Ashe Company in theatre arts and social development. Wilson is also a media personality and one of the Resident Judges on Jamaica’s most popular Reality TV talent/music show - Digicel Rising Stars. He serves his country as a Justice of the Peace for the Parish of  St. Andrew.

Hi! I'm Michael Sean Harris and this is the first episode of my podcast- Mike’s Moment Of…  Now, the name 'Mike’s Moment Of...'  comes from a series I’ve done  for a couple of years now on InstaGram called Mikes Moment of Cheer … I usually do it in December  and  I drag my friends in to sing seasonal songs and Christmas carols …and its been growing in popularity …but it’s really just a fun way for me and my friends to spread a little holiday cheer on social media.  I’ve wanted to do a podcast for a couple of years and just haven’t gotten around to starting…. For whatever reason...but the truth is, I can start with what I have…and improve as I go …the thing is to just start …so here I am…starting … Thanks for listening. You can find me ... on Twitter and IG @aelsean on Facebook at facebook.com/MichaelSeanHarris and YouTube at youtube.com/aelsean Let me hear from you!!