Thoughts from the Treetop

Episode 13: The UnveilingSome artists let the allure of the unknown drive their work, while others chase the splendor of nature. For one special artist, it is a concept known as time-- an all encompassing place that holds long tales of our past, present, and future. Joining us today on the Treetop is Raissa Oliveira Da Silva, an immensely talented artist who specializes in oil painting. Take a seat with us as Raissa walks us through her works, her past journeys as an individual, and illustrates how the two have fused to create some of her greatest works to date, despite her still not having reached the pinnacle of her abilities. Be sure to follow her on Instagram, @artby.ros!

Since the first creative thought worked its way through the human mind and onto cave walls, we have constantly pushed its domain further and further. From the stages of Broadway, to the galleries of the MET, we always seek the progression of expression and other artistic delights. Joining us on the Treetop today is Alejandro, otherwise known as Abon, a multifaceted artist whose passion branches out to almost every conceivable field.  As always, grab a seat on the Treetop as we take a dive into the universe that Abon has created and discuss his upbringing, where the fire originally started, and where his roads are destined to go. Be sure to follow his work on Instagram, @abonfire!

Perspective– constantly providing us a multifaceted experience through this journey of life. We are all born to different cultures, ideals, norms, and the result of these perfect storms are the lenses through which we perceive everything around us. Joining us today is fine arts photographer, Victor Otero. We discuss his upbringing, his relentless but passionate approach to photography, and the other ingredients that have allowed him to create the art that we now see. As always, sit with us on the treetop and partake in this conversation that I was privileged to be apart of. Be sure to follow his work on Instagram @the_v_path.

Experiences– one of the characteristics of life that change every being it touches. Experiences forms ideas, builds personalities, and hammers the tablet of fate within each individual, every choice we make having everlasting ripples on our minds and souls. On today's episode, we sit down once more with renowned author Jack DB King and discuss his works, the many experiences that have influenced them, and how his world is evolving with the world's current climate, further shining light on the man behind the pen. As always, I invite you to sit with us on the treetop and enjoy the conversation that I was honored to have. Please be sure to look for his works on Amazon under "Jack DB King."

Art. It's one of the most all encompassing fields that humans have experienced throughout history. Every culture around the world is bursting at the seams with thousands of years of history told through art, all depicting a different side of the same walk of life through a different medium. And while many don't look at the past with much reverence, there are some who use it to lay the foundations for the future. On our episode tonight, we sit up in Treetop with Dramé Kanji Francina, a native from Guinea with the vision to spark a renaissance of art that will not only push its participants into the future, but pay homage to the past for its endeavors. Enjoy the view with us as we prepare for the resurgence.

As humans, we go through life with the different fashions that suit us; sometimes we walk wearing the mask of self deceit, while others are embraced with the vibrance of self-realization, be it spiritual, physical, or mental. Sitting with us on the Treetop today is Lucia, someone who has recently started to fully realize the power of acknowledging the depths and different facets of their self. And while discussing their journey, we'll talk about what it means to be apart of the BDSM community and the doors that it opens up not only within one’s relationships, but within one’s self. So move over the handcuffs, collars, and chains, grab yourself a branch, and come enjoy the view from the Treetop.

Stories have always been the pinnacle of gauging one's success. Humanity has long told tales of gods and mortals, weaving fantasies of wonder, but the one kind of tale that triumphs above all others are those of struggle, failure, and resounding success– the hero who refuses to succumb to the fates or their fellow man. From Gilgamesh to Odysseus, the greater the struggle, the more we relish the victory we behold. Today, we are sitting on the Treetop with Bryan Uth, who is currently undertaking his own epic. We'll discuss his beginnings, his clashes with fate, and his unrelenting will in the face of adversity. Join us on the Treetop and witness the rise of the Dark Lord.

There are many things that come naturally to human beings, and among them, combat. Whether it be out of necessity or just for the feelings of joy, fear, excitement, or passion that it brings us; all of these things are innately weaved into the essence of combat. Joining us on the Treetop today will be Julio Alfaro, a pillar of the mental health community and avid lover of photography. Today, you will get to know the dear friend of mine who has partaken in countless instances of shock, triumph, disappointment, and utter amazement surrounding the combat sports world. Sit with us as we talk about the psychology behind our brutal obsession, the greatest moments we've seen televised, and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Music. We all love it in one way or another, whether it be the symphonies we hear during classical performances, or the head thrashing bass from Heavy Metal. Music fills us with emotions which can help us cope with our day to day lives or give us release from the chains that bound us to our physical locations.Atlanta has been for many years one of the meccas for rap, giving birth to such producers as Southside, Mike Will Made It, and London on da Track, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.Joining us today on the Treetop is Atlanta native and producer, 808 Death Club. His sound being inspired not only by the city that he grew up in but the totality of his life which in turn, gave birth to one of the most fascinating and diverse sounds I've ever had the honor of hearing.Take a seat with us up on the Treetop as we discuss his upbringing, what inspires his sound and his relentless drive to create amazing music.

"The pages of a book are the windows into the author’s soul.”Such words ring true today as they have for thousands of years. Since the dawn of human kind, stories of monsters, heroes, gods and even our own fleeting lives have enthralled us. They give explanations for things that we yearn a reason for, as well as tell the exploits of those among us to give inspiration. Joining us today on the Treetop is author Jack D.B. King, an accomplished writer who was born and raised in the Bronx; who, against all the odds, has achieved much and assures that this is only the beginning. Sit with us under the Treetop today as we discuss the roots of his upbringing, the understandings of his personal philosophies and some of the works that he has created, along with some soon to be on the way. Be sure to check out his page at jackdbk.blogspot.com, where you can keep up with all of his upcoming works.

Since time immemorial, humans have used their imagination to fuel ideas and stories that describe the unexplainable. Starting with tales told within caves to live events being detailed to eager ears through a radio, people have relied on their minds to create vivid images and landscapes that transcend the real world. On today's episode, we will discuss what benefits can be gained from actively creating worlds and stories, whether it be for a tabletop game or simply through reading a book and the lasting effects it can have on us as we grow older. Come on up with us for another climb!

Since the early 1990s, fighting games have been a staple in the competitive gaming scene with time only increasing its influence over gamers. This recent wave of popularity surrounding video games has led to the creation of the "E-athlete". The fighting game community (FGC) has always appealed to the fiercest competitors and thus, its place within the gaming world will always be unquestioned. Joining us today will be Francy, who is not only an avid competitor, but pillar within the FGC community, more specifically the Street Fighter community. Today we will discuss her journey, what inspired her to become apart of the FGC, and what it means to establish herself as a female within a male dominated field.

On the very first episode of Thoughts from the Treetop, we tackle fitness. Joining us is our guest speaker Scott Schaedel, who is a Performance Specialist and has his finger on the pulse of the world's ever changing physical heartbeat. Come join us on the Treetop for a breeze and climb back down with a new perspective!