Vox Celeste

After 21 years, a TikTok and encouragement from my 13-year-old kid later, I unearthed a failed documentary project, Conversations with Madea, a series profiling women convicted of killing their children.  During the development of this documentary, I corresponded with several women who were serving time for infanticide as well as their families (in some cases their surviving children), attorneys and friends. The first mother in this series is Khoua Her, a Hmong refugee living in the Twin Cities who took the lives of her six children.  In this pilot episode I discuss Khoua's life story, the events leading up to the deaths of her children by her own hands and our first conversation. 

The second in a two-part interview series, “The Owners: The Business of Show Business,” profiles Barbara Holliday, co-owner of Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, California. We talk about what it takes to make it and stay in the business and how they survived the pandemic lockdowns.

The first in a two-part interview series, “The Owners: The Business of Show Business,” profiles comedy club owners; Al Martin of Broadway Comedy and Greenwich Comedy Clubs and Barbara Holliday, co-owner of Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, California.  Both these comedy veterans join Vox Celeste, offering invaluable advice to aspiring  comedians: what it takes to make it and stay in the business and how they survived the pandemic lockdowns.

John Fugelsang has been a politically and socially relevant figure for decades; from his time at VH-1 to his current gig on Sirius XM, host of “Tell Me Everything.”   The very outspoken, Fugelsang joins Vox Celeste telling us everything about his thoughts on modern-day Christianity to “cancel culture.” 

Maryssa's successful Fashionably Funny comedy show ran for years at New York City's Broadway Comedy club, in the before times.  Smith joins Vox Celeste discussing the trauma of growing up as a NYPD detective's daughter, navigating Catholic high school bitches and comedy after Covid.

Colorful and unpolitically correct, Andrew Kelly looks and sounds as if he could be a bookie at a dive bar in Hell's Kitchen not portraying historical figures in movies and television.  Kelly joins Vox Celeste to discuss how he turned his “failed” comedy career into acting-gold; sobriety and fighting cancer.  (And the time he called the cops to report a murder, his).

Del is best described as everyone's favorite fun-loving, funky, spiritual godmother.  This delightfully, talented comedian, actress and singer is a fan favorite in, internet sensations, Bigg Jah and Minks productions playing various characters from cougar to holy roller. She joins Vox Celeste discussing how the pandemic renewed her faith.  

If hard work indeed paid off in comedy, then no doubt, returning guest, Todd Montesi would be the king of comedy.  Montesi is, hands down, one of the most prolific content creators in the New York City comedy scene.   His critically acclaimed, web series, “PN and Friends” has featured the likes of Anthony Scaramucci, Rachael Doziel and Roger Stone.   

This week on Vox Celeste we are joined by comedian and master impressionist, JL Cauvin. Half-Hatian, half-Irish, but one hundred-percent Catholic, JL opens up about his faith and the burdens that come along with being passé blanc.

The first time actor and comedian, Nicky Sunshine (FYI Network) joined Vox Celeste she was a stepmother of two and uncertain if she wanted to become a mother herself.  Two-and-a-half-years and a pandemic later, Nicky is now a mother of a newborn boy.  We discuss her devastating medical postpartum experience and her hopes, dreams and fears of raising her Black son in a hostile America. 

Filmmaker, comedian, actor, Perry Strong (180 Seconds and 2 Comics on a Bench, Power) attended 22 schools throughout his childhood, shuttling from one home to another.  After years of engaging in self-destructive behavior, Strong found sobriety and just as his life was turning around, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  Perry joins Vox Celeste discussing the value of resetting your life.  

Born to a drug addicted mother, Tanya spent her childhood in foster care suffering unspeakable horrors. Cooper, however, made the proverbial lemonade from her experiences and has dedicated her life to bettering the lives of foster kids, through her organization Foster Kids Unite. Everything life has thrown at her she’s thrown right back and even harder.

Liberian by birth, American raised, Peter Jallah has been met with much success in and out of the world of comedy.  One of the driving forces behind Blacktag Media, a Black owned, Black content driven, social media platform, Jallah shares his sobering take on racism in social media venture capitalism, “If the Clubhouse was presented by Black people, it would have never been funded.  Now you think it’s (Clubhouse) only for Black people” Host: Celeste Joseph Jennings Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker Music: Matt Da Godfatha “Burn it Down”

Kunal “KC” Aurora (The Unmovers) is a self-described Guidian (part guido, part Indian).  Growing up in Queens, according to Aurora everyone becomes a little Italian.  He joins Vox Celeste to discuss his comedy and why growing up in New York City ages you more than booze and cigarettes. Host: Celeste Joseph Jennings Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker Music: Mat Da Godfatha "Burn it Down"

For Zygy Susser (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) being average and unambitious is a source of pride, except when it comes to comedy. Susser joins Vox Celeste to discuss his failings as a NYC teacher and shares his tips on potty training birds. Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker    Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da God Fatha

Natalie K. Levant is a pint-sized force of nature that no one can nor should attempt to reckon with.  Rocking her signature sequin green cowboy boots,  Rod Stewart tank tops and Manic Panic purple hair- Levant ain't like the other grandmas- thank God!.  Starting her comedy career seven years ago, at the age of 81, Levant has made a name for herself both in her hometown of Philadelphia and abroad.  She joins Vox Celeste discussing the impact of the pandemic on her comedy career and when age isn't just a number when it puts you in a high-risk group.    Music: " Burn it Down" Mat Da Godfatha  Engineer: Adam Hiniker  Recorded at Cedar Closet Studios 

While some folks mark time in calendar years,  Christiana Jackson marks time in dicks.  Christiana joins Vox Celeste to discuss life  growing up with a Black mother and a bi-polar white step-father, in a hic New Jersey town and why every straight woman needs a Latino lover.  Cedar Closet Productions  Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da Godfatha   

Glo Butler has made a name for herself in the New York City, LGBQT comedy scene as both a comedian and a producer of the very popular Glo in the City stand-up comedy show.  Glo in the City is one of the few stand-up comedy shows that serve both LGBQT comedians and audiences of color.  If the pandemic is the proverbial monkey- it hasn’t stopped her show.  Glo in the City is still serving laughs to Brooklynites in these uncertain times. 

You may not like what Zenobia has to say, but I can assure you- she really doesn’t give a shit.  I mean she really doesn’t, as you will hear on her recent comedy album, “Reckless With the Truth.”  Del Mar joins Vox Celeste opening up about managing her mental health and the wonders of CBD.   

For many aspiring comedians, getting passed at The Comedy Cellar or “The Cellar," is akin to getting the keys to comedy heaven. There aren’t many clubs in New York City where one could be bumped for a drop-in by Dave Chappelle.  And it is because of these big name drop-ins is why the lines for his clubs, in the  pre-Covid era, snaked around the block.  Noam joins Vox Celeste to discuss the future of live stand-up comedy, why New York City will never die and the writings of Fredrick Douglass.    

Dante Nero (Man School) host of the popular Beige Phillip Podcast, Dante Nero is a relationship guru.  Sometimes it’s not the advice you want to hear but for many it’s the advice you need.   Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music: Mat Da God Fatha “Burn it Down"  

Lost Episode: Last episode recorded in the World Famous Comic Strip Live.  Comedian, cartoonist, and producer Victor Varnardo joins Vox Celeste to talk about the love his life and the time he discovered he had a 14th sibling.  Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music: Mat Da God Fatha “Burn it Down"

Cos playing, Texas vixen and self-described blerd, Roxxy Haze (Bedtime Bitchin’ with Roxxy Haze) was an accomplished YouTuber with a devoted fanbase before stand-up comedy.  A mother at the age of 19, Roxxy confesses her and now her tween daughter are growing up together. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Unapologetically, fabulous and sexy  Marilee (Comedy Central) is a tour de force in the Chicago comedy scene.  Recognized by Mo’Nique as a comic to watch- Marilee has every right to declare herself the best female comic in the Windy City.  Marilee joins Vox Celeste- talking astrology; her desire to find love and fertilizing one  of her seven good eggs. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Lindsey Jenningz‘s (Suicide Girls, Roast Battle) can do a one-handed cartwheel while holding a full glass of wine without spilling a drop.  Lindsey joins Vox Celeste to talk about how the Suicide Girls launched her comedy career; the inherent sexism of school dress codes and why she doesn’t have daddy issues.  Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Some comics become comedians in an attempt to heal childhood wounds.  For Sherrod Small (Comedy Central, Race Wars Podcast, Small Ball)  it was an epic night out with his cousin, Chris Rock.  Sherrod joins Vox Celeste to talk about fatherhood; hanging out with Biggie in high school; his friendship with Ann Coulter and comedy after Covid-19. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

If there is one thing Ashley Austin Morris  (Electric Company) learned from being a daughter of a missionary it is to- show up- even if you don’t want to- just show up.  Whether it’s on the set, on stage or volunteering- she shows up, even if she doesn’t want to.  Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha  

There isn’t a stage Kareem Green (Def Jam Comedy, Showtime at the Apollo) doesn’t own. Unapologetic and far from politically correct, Kareem joins Vox Celeste to discuss his experiences growing-up in foster care and the time he got choked out on stage. Recorded at Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Todd Montesi (Crashing) is undoubtedly the uncrowned king of New York’s underground comedy scene.  His UG Comedy shows have been a mainstay in the lower east side for well over a decade.  Todd’s  web series “PN and Friends” is an off-beat,  satire about pro wrestling has garnered critical acclaim.   One of the most tenacious guys in the business, Todd never stops creating because “what else am I going to do.”  This week my co-host is Victor Varnado. Recorded: Comic Strip Live on 3/11/20 Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Justin Covington (Netflix), diagnosed with a spinal cord injury at the age of two; growing up with a terminally ill father and his battle with obesity were just a few obstacles life threw his way.  Justin joins Vox Celeste sharing his nightmarish Thanksgiving coming-out story and how weight-lifting became his spiritual and physical salvation. Recorded: Comic Strip Live on 3/4/20 Music: “Burn it Down”, Mat Da Godfatha

Growing up Marc Gerber (Avid Indoorsman) was Long Island’s Ferris Buehler with weed.   Though he was bright- Marc found himself dropping out of high school and floundering for a couple of years.  When Marc finally got it together he obtained his GED and with one academic success after another Marc earned his PhD in psychology.   Marc joins Vox Celeste and tells us how he went GED to PhD while telling jokes in between.  Recorded on 3/4/2020 at the Comic Strip Live  Music: Burn it  Down, Mat Da Godfatha     

Half-Nigerian, Half Kenyan, 100% Texan.  The middle daughter of African immigrants, Eke was not like her girly-girl sisters.  Wanjiku talks  about Austin Queer Culture and that time at that nightclub in Nairobi. Recorded at the Comic Strip Live Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da Godfatha 

DF Sweedler started working at the Comic Strip the second day it opened in 1976: Jimmy Carter was president, Russia was communist and “Rocky” was number one in the box office. Sweedler has taught and performed with some  of the biggest names in comedy.  And while he may not be a household name- to countless comedians he is The Godfather.  Recorded at the Comic Strip Live Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da Godfatha

Brian Scott McFadden (Letterman) is known as the “The Father of Modern Comedy.”  The son of an accomplished stand-up comedian, Brian never entertained the idea of being anything but a comedian himself.  His self-deprecating, cynical brand of humor makes him one of the best comics in the business.  Brian joins Vox Celeste discussing his love of Richard Pryor and the one time his father gave him props.  Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music: Matt Da Godfatha “Burn it Down.” 

Daniel Perafan grew up in Queens with an undocumented single mother and grandmother living pillar to post.   On his childhood “I wished I was American poor.”  Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

If Adam and Todd Stone (Going Both Ways) were superheroes they would be the Comedic Wonder Twins, they couldn’t be closer if they were conjoined.  The Stone Brothers join Vox Celeste to talk about their viral web series, “Going Both Ways” inspired by their lives: Todd’s coming out and Adam’s life as a suburban dad of three. Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

Growing up as an only child to a single mother in Ann Arbor, self-described blerd, Brandon Collins (Drunk Black History)  had no idea who his father was until a chance encounter in a supermarket.  Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

Prince Arkiem comes through talking politics.  Who is going to win this ultimate cage fight/clown car known as the Democratic primaries?  We talk about Harlem in the ‘80’s and the Crime Bill’s impact and Bloomberg’s New York.    Recorded: Comic Strip Live Studios Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

God watches over babies, fools and Kyle Pennant (Hype School).  With less than just three credits to go- Kyle dropped out of the University of Missouri because  he “didn’t want anything to fall back on” in his pursuit of stand-up comedy.  His balls to the walls approach has paid off because everything works out for Kyle.  Recorded at Comic Strip Live Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

Ferris Butler- sounds a lot like Ferris Bueller. Because Ferris Bueller is Ferris Butler.  Meet the inspiration behind one of the most iconic films of a generation.  Ferris Butler joins Vox Celeste to discuss his trailblazing sketch comedy show “Meat Street News” to writing for a young Eddie Murphy on SNL. 

Laughter is the best medicine and no one knows that better than comedian and psychologist, Dr. Wilson McDermott.  Wilson (Dr. Will Show) joins Vox Celeste, to discuss the science and psychology of humor; a comedians guide to a healthy divorce and why ending his toxic relationship- with his car- was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.  Recorded at the World Famous Comic Strip Live Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Jeff Leach (Savage Snowflake) joins Vox Celeste talking about growing up in London; the time he died and why being an immigrant in America sucks- even if you’re not from a “shithole” county. 

Jamar Neighbors (Comedy Central, Roast Battle) is a self-described crack baby.  Born to a drug-addicted mother, Jamar bounced back and forth between family members and foster homes throughout his childhood in Compton, California.  He joins Vox Celeste to discuss his new comedy album and his obsession with the counterwoman at Burger Fi. Recorded at the Comic Strip Live Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz 

With only five years under his belt, single dad, and Philly-based comic Alan Massenburg (Sirius XM Sway in the Morning) is making a name for himself in the Philadelphia comedy scene.  Alan joins Vox Celeste to talk about mending fences with his father; his love for the Philadelphia Eagles, women and the two most important ladies in his life– his daughters. Also the time he hid his daughter from his father for two years.  Recorded at The World Famous Comic Strip Live Music  “She Bad” by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Queens-born and bred, unapologetic Mets fan and proud blerd Darin Patterson (SNL Nerds podcast) joins Vox Celeste to talk about his love of all things SNL; White famous and Black famous musicians and we play “If The Breakfast Club Characters Were a Borough…” Recorded at The World Famous Comic Strip Live Music  “She Bad” by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz 

When you are a Wayans you either become a door-knocker or comedian.  Much to the chagrin of the Jehovah Witnesses’ Chaunté chose the latter.  Chaunté Wayans (Tru TV, Netflix) discusses what life was like growing up in a two-bedroom apartment with fourteen family members that included- Uncles Damon and Keenan; the pros and cons of being a Wayans, and the source of the Wayans’ funny. Recorded at The World Famous Comic Strip Live Music  “She Bad” by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Kate Meaney was 17 when her father, comedian Kevin, suddenly passed away.” It was shocking but I wasn’t surprised.”   Like her late father, Kate struggles with addiction and mental health issues which she talks about openly on stage.  “I don’t think you should put eight-year-olds on cocaine.” Recorded at Comic Strip Live Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

YouJean Chang joins Vox Celeste to discuss his experience growing up in large extended family in  Queens; the contradiction of Asian male stereotypes and his United Colors of Benetton posse. Recorded at Comic Strip Live Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Pat Brown (ESPY Awards) joins Vox Celeste talking about growing up queer in Kansas City; her exodus from Atlanta to New York in search of acceptance and touring with the tour de force, Tracy Morgan.   Recorded at Comic Strip Live Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Onika McLean (Violently Funny) is truly living her best life.  When Onika found the courage to leave her tumultuous marriage, of almost 20 years, she discovered comedy and herself. 

“Survival starts the day you’re diagnosed.”  Jenny Saldaña (Little Brown Girl) was 34-years-old when she was finally diagnosed with breast cancer because it took a year to find a doctor to biopsy the growing mass in her breast.  No family history of breast cancer and under 40, Jenny was a scientific anomaly.  But like every great comic, Jenny turned her tragedy into comedy gold with Happy Cancer Chick.  She is an advocate, a survivor and a very funny Little Brown Girl.   Recorded at Comic Strip Live Music: She Bad Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz