Modern life is wrecking our posture, draining our energy, and storing emotional trauma deep in our bodies. Chiropractor and healer Dr. Marisa Sum reveals how stress, tech, and lifestyle misalign our spines — and what realignment does for the mind, body, and emotions.In this powerful episode, we explore the science and spirit behind chiropractic care with Dr. Marisa Sum, Doctor of Chiropractic, certified birth doula, nutritionist, and founder of Kaname Chiropractic in Castro Valley & San Mateo, CA.Dr. Sum breaks down how modern stress, screen time, and emotional trauma reshape our posture and nervous system — and how Quantum Spinal Mechanics and holistic chiropractic methods can help restore balance.🕒 Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Dr. Marisa Sum’s story12:26 – What is Quantum Spinal Mechanics?16:30 – Chiropractic vs Physical Therapy23:11 – How Modern Life Affects Spinal Health40:32 – Recovery & Transformation42:41 – How Emotional Trauma is Stored in the Body47:02 – The Nervous System & Mental Health59:37 – Bone Setting vs Chiropractic1:13:04 – Common Causes of Misalignment1:18:12 – Kaname Chiropractic’s Mission✨ What you’ll learn:- How spinal alignment affects stress, focus & energy- The link between emotional trauma & the nervous system- Simple habits to protect your spine in a tech-heavy world- Why chiropractic is key to whole-body healthFollow Dr. Sum-------------------IG: https://www.instagram.com/kanamechiropractic/HP: https://www.kanamechiropractic.com/Get Enculturated!---------------------------------------------FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcastIG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcastHP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.comTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
A dancer understands that they don't practice just by doing movement, but by listening to music and going beyond the physical into the spiritual.
In this episode, Meech De France talks about his long journey into the world of dance, from adolescence to becoming a global dance icon. We talked about his time within the Hip Hop and House Dance culture, French dance lineages, creative process, what is 'bad musicality' and why artists must adapt evolve to thrive in 2025.
Meech De France (Michel Onomo) is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, and instructor. A leading specialist in hip-hop and house dance, he is renowned
for his instinctive musicality, theatricality, and innovative approach to movement.
Trained at a young age in the world of hip-hop dance, Meech first perfected his skills in b-boying, before specializing in the new generation of stand-up dances. His talent quickly brought him to the world's major stages: a four-time winner of Juste Debout in Paris Bercy in front of more than 16,000 people, he established himself as a leading figure on the international scene.
Meech has collaborated with major artistic companies such as:
• Sanrancune (Thony Maskot & Joseph N'Guessan)
• Franck II Louise
• Iffra Dia
• Mastoc Production
• Bintou Dembélé
• Rabah Mahfoufi
• Quality Street
Through these experiences, he immersed himself in contemporary creation, explored theatrical scenography and developed his personal choreographic writing.
A visionary, Meech is also the creator of “Ghôst Flow,” a unique style based on instinctive fluidity, depth of movement, and an organic connection to music.
His solo work Music Beat My Feeling and his project Ghôst Flow were presented at the Lyon Dance Biennale in 2008, and then broadcast internationally (United States, Japan, etc.).
Always in search of new artistic dimensions, Meech is currently exploring:
• Motion capture,
• Artificial intelligence,
• Interactive digital scenography, with the ambition of pushing back the boundaries of bodily expression.
His commitment goes beyond performance:
He uses dance as a tool for social and environmental expression, collaborating with cultural institutions and innovative artistic projects to make the body a universal language, in constant dialogue with technology and nature.
Today, Meech De France is also the Artistic and Educational Director of the Thony Maskot School professional training program at the KIM KAN school (Paris). Through this role, he shares his demanding, artistic, and human vision of dance with future generations of dancers.
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Beyond the steps and physicality, Sekou believes that House Dance is a divine language.
In this episode, Sekou Heru shares his point of view and life experiences from within the culture of house music and house dance. We talked about how it's not just a style, but a divine language and what it means to be chosen by it. We discussed the crossroads of physicality, spirituality, music, and how the culture has shaped his worldviews.
Tony Sekou Heru Williams is from Trenton, New Jersey. His unique dance style fuses an array of forms from Hip-Hop, House, martial arts and even fitness training. He's also part of Dance Fusion - world famous House Dance collective from New York City.
In 1993, Sekou started studying Capoeira Angola with Mestre Joa Grande at the Capoeira Academy in NYC. He went on to fuse his breaking and modern dance styles with hip hop and house dance. Sekou has worked with Gwen Guthrey, toured with Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, and can be seen in videos with Aretha Franklin, MC Lyte, Clubland, Pet Shop Boys, Foxy Brown, and Jay Z. Sekou was a featured dancer in the movie Marcy X with Damon Wayans, can be seen in the dance scenes on Spike Lee’s The 25th Hour, and seen in Brown Sugar starring Taye Diggs and Sanna Lathan.
He has toured in Germany with German rapper Tony Cottura, and has traveled several times to Japan for the annual premier Dance Delight event as a guest judge and featured dancer with the group Dance Fusion, of which he is a founding member. He was a part of the opening act for Cece Peniston’s Japan tour, and also opened for Cool C's Let me clear my throat in his Japan performance. He was featured in Japan’s "woofin" magazine as one of NYC’s top dancers. Sekou toured the USA with Fred Ho and The Afro Asian Ensemble in the Martial Art stage show Voice of the Dragon.
In 2005 Sekou choreographed the Dance Dance video for Fall Out Boy that went #1 in the country and won a Best Video Award at the MTV VMAs.
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Ryan Visconti talks about how the mind body connection is fundmental to physical wellbeing in addition to finding ways to individualized your goals and training. We also talked about the current state of health and wellness industry, from the potency of biohacking to the longevity and harms of CrossFit. Other topics include his background in martial arts and dance and how the two inform his approach to physical health, training and teaching curriculum.
Ryan Visconti founded Eximo In New York in 2015. He has a background in martial arts and hip hop, and to further his inspiration for the arts, created Eximo. Eximo is a movement system that serves as a medium to connect aspects of physical arts, that would otherwise seem unrelated. Eximo has been taught in 28 states, and major universities, like that of NYU, John Hopkins, Berklee and Alvin Ailey. It is the mission of Eximo to challenge how the current generation approaches their movement practice, by facilitating a paradigm shift in: does your practice serve you or do you serve your practice?Follow Ryan-------------------https://www.instagram.com/the.eximo.project/Get Enculturated!---------------------------------------------FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcastIG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcastHP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.comTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
Time Stamps----------------------00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:16 - Background & Martial Arts00:02:18 - How I Got Into Martial Arts00:03:19 - Commonalities between Martial Arts00:03:54 - Understanding of Human Body00:05:53 - Transition to Movement Artistry00:07:39 - Theme For My Dance Chapter00:08:34 - Importance of Rhythm in Physical Health00:09:47 - Creation of Eximo00:10:07 - Definition of Eximo00:12:06 - What Eximo Means00:12:59 - Its Important to Learn as a Teacher00:14:35 - Individual Student Needs in a Class00:15:51 - Defining Moments Teaching EXIMO00:19:00 - How I set the Curriculums00:20:31 - Class Commentary 100:21:46 - Judo - Uprooting Your Balance00:24:50 - Second Commentary00:26:21 - How I Teach Injury Prevention00:28:02 - Third Commentary00:33:32 - Thoughts on average health of American00:34:25 - The Current State of Physical Health00:36:37 - Experience on Animal Movement00:37:30 - Ido Portal, Animal Movement, Pop Culture00:38:35 - How Ido Portal Influence Me00:42:01 - Thoughts About CrossFit00:42:03 - Crossfit - Net Positive?00:44:18 - Any Practices That I Against?00:46:05 - Biohacking and Optimizing Health00:46:51 - Peptide Therapy00:49:45 - Types of Peptide Therapy00:49:56 - Experience With Biohacking00:50:37 - Types of Peptide Therapy00:51:41 - Mind Body Connection00:57:06 - Mobility - The Flexible Accessibility00:58:52 - Mobility of Spine and Knees01:02:38 - Physical Adaption to Age01:07:47 - Mongolian Ice Baths01:10:37 - Alternative Health Metrics01:13:48 - Connecting with EXIMO01:16:53 - How Can People Support You In Eximo01:18:31 - Special Shout Outs01:18:44 - Closing
Unlock the secrets of one of the most effective and deadly martial arts in the world - Eskrima, a traditional Filipino martial art that has been used for centuries to protect and defend. In this video, Gerald Rafael shares the history and philosophy of Eskrima, and explore its unique techniques and strategies that make it a formidable style for self-defense. From its emphasis on efficiency and economy of motion to its use of sticks, knives, and empty hands, we'll show you why Eskrima is a martial art that demands respect. We also went over a commentary and how FMA is heavily infused into pop culture through films such as Dune 2 and The Beekeeper.Gerald Rafael, a lifelong martial artist started Okinawan Karate at the age of 7-14 learned Filipino Martial Arts from my father Grand Master Gabe Rafael in 1996 and later created the group Upakan Bara Bara in 2000 and has gone on to become a world champion of this style.Follow Gerald Rafael-------------------IG: https://www.instagram.com/geraf82/IG: https://www.instagram.com/upakanbarabara/Get Enculturated!---------------------------------------------FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcastIG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcastHP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.comTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
In this powerful and emotional video, Stacey shares his incredible journey of surviving HIV against all odds. From the shock of diagnosis to the struggles of treatment, Stacey takes you through his personal experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. If you or someone you know is living with HIV, this video is for you. Get ready to be inspired by this story of resilience, hope, and determination. Stacey also shares what the impacts of HIV were on and within the gay community. From an insider perspective, watching friends pass away, segregated medical treatments, to the media and public's harsh treatment and targeting the gay community as a scapegoat. Stacey “The Light” Stokes is a professional dancer and hair stylist working out of the San Francisco Bay Area. Recognized as “Mama Stacey” within the local club-dance community, he has been an active participant and contributor of the House community since the 80’s. He is the type of dancer that likes to mix a variety of styles together to create his own. A lover of all types of music, Stacey feels a special connection to House. This passion has solidified dance as a lifelong endeavor. When lost in the moment, Stacey is the embodiment of House dance at its core…raw, soulful, and a force to be reckoned with. As a runway extraordinaire, he has walked balls and has twice snatched the European Runway grand prize and recognized for the leadership award in 2019. As a Founding Mother of a House, Stacey's wisdom, perspective, and experience has helped guide House children both on and off the dance floor. Mama Stacey also enjoys working with the Bay Area LBGTQ community. In one of his most recent accomplishments, Mama Stacey has performed at the 2021 and 2022 “Holiday Gaeity,” a Vogue variety show at the San Francisco Symphony. He is one of the first ever Gay, Black men to Vogue on this stage! Mama Stacey’s motto, “Live your life and love the life you live!” Resources
----------- https://www.sfaf.org/about-us/locations-hours/
https://www.sfaf.org/services/substance-use-treatment/
https://www.ifrsf.org/sialavida
https://www.sfaf.org/programs/bbe-black-brothers-esteem/
https://www.swervmagazine.com/community/elementor-1951/
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King Charles returns to discuss Chicago Footwork and it's worldwide impacts. Stories include his time in Barcelona at the Oyofe African Street Dance Festival, introducing Chicago Footwork to Japan and teaching with a broken foot in Brazil. King Charles also details the involve of gang life and how Chicago Footwork was a way out. We also talked about some of his judging criterias for dance battles and how these are vastly different from battling in the neighborhood streets. Charles Parks, aka King Charles, is a Chicago Footwork pioneer from the Southside of Chicago and a prominent international teaching artist for Chicago Footwork. He has been a global ambassador for the art form for over 20 years. King Charles is the founder and leader of Creation Global, an international Chicago Footwork dance crew with over 70 members worldwide. King Charles was the Artistic Director of renowned Chicago dance company, The FootworKINGZ, who was featured on major television shows including America's Got Talent and America's Best Dance Crew. King Charles has worked professionally with many iconic artists including touring with Madonna for years and performing with artists such as Elton John, Missy Elliot, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Will I Am. King Charles continues to blow audiences away with his energy and creativity. His commercial work and stage performances include Omarian, Twista, Bakermat, Willow Smith, Verizon, and Nike- just to name a few. He is also a mentor to many future leaders world-wide and a skilled rapper/MC. King Charles is a co-founder of @cfology, a project created in response to the global pandemic that provides online dance and music programming to educate students world-wide about Chicago Footwork culture. Follow King Charles ----------------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingcharles_____ IG: https://www.instagram.com/creationglobal Get Enculturated! ------------------------------- FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcast HP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.com TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
In this episode, Melisa discusses the importance of recognizing there isn't a one size fits all approach to therapy and allowing sessions to be client lead. Some of the topics covered were the differences between personality reality vs clinical diagnosis, trauma informed care, contrast of self care vs self love, and other upcoming forms of therapy such as Kettamine and Brain Spotting. We also talked the limbic system's role in relation to trauma and whether it can be released.
Melisa "Meli" Medalle is many things. A Filipinx born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, community organizer, psychotherapist focused on decolonizing mental health work, committed to lifelong learning. She is also a multi-disciplinary wellness coach, certified yoga instructor, and Reiki Master. She is these things and more.
Melisa practices mindfulness as a way of life, understanding that being fully present can truly be empowering, liberating, and can be accessed by all. She aspires to support others on their unique journeys by increasing underserved and marginalized communities’ accessibility to alternative healing modalities.
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In this conversation with MT Pop, we talked about how he overcame his humble beginnings and used creative artforms (Popping) to take him around the world to become a global rising star in the world of street dance. He detailed his upbringing, cultural perspectives and the mindset needed to pursue what was once an unreachable dream. From having been stripped of academic opportunities due to financial hardship, language barriers, and navigating the cultural intersection of East vs West, MT Pop's journey serves as a inspiring tale of grit.
He reveals his secret ingredients for creativity, from exploring both inner and outer space, to embodiment of character development and emotional content. We talked about what his pillars are going into dance competitions and personal judging criteria.
Nguyễn Vũ Minh Tuấn (aka MT Pop) is a Vietnamese (Saigon) dancer and movement artist, specializing in the Popping style within street dance culture. He's been dancing for over 15 years and has been taken around the world in his artistic pursuit. He has not only taught, participated and competed, but also won at some of the world's biggest dance contests including Freestyle Session in California - West Coast motherland of Popping.
Crews: X-Clown (Vietnam), Playboyzinc (USA)
Follow MT Pop ------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/mtpop.vn/ EM: mtpop1194@gmail.com Get Enculturated! --------------------------------------------- FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcast HP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.com TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
Defund the police, the media's agenda, police quotas, racial profiling and racism within law enforcement; what is the truth and where is the red line?. We also talked about de escalation techniques and when, if at all, would a knee on someone's neck be acceptable? Brazilian Jiujitsu World Champion, Bryant Pangelinan, talks about the inner workings of Law Enforcement during his time as a police officer. Bryant also shares his experiences within Brazilian Jiujitsu and his process towards building mental fortitude, consistency, overcoming adversity and how all this lead him to becoming a world champion. Bryant Pangelinan, born in West Germany with Guam lineage, is a 3 times winner of the Brazilian Jiujitsu World Champsions and also the Pan American Championship. Throughout his 21+ years of practice, BJJ has taken him all over the world including United States, Japan, Guam, Dubai, Italy and Portugal. Bryant is also the owner and founder of Sabre Jiu Jitsu Academy, one of the Bay Area's premiere resources for BJJ, going on 10th year of operation. Prior to BJJ he worked as a Law Enforcement Police Officer within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Bryant is an active community builder through working with various agencies with Law Enforcement, Disabled Veterans and Children with Autism in offering BJJ training programs. Follow ------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/chamurai76/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sabre_bjj/ HP: https://www.sabrebjj.com/ Get Enculturated! --------------------------------------------- FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcast HP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.com TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
In this conversation, Brooklyn Terry talks about the full life he's had ever in the music and dance industry, from Brooklyn's underground to the traveling the world and being on stages with some of the biggest superstars such as Mariah Carey. We also talked about the Crack Era of New York and it's representation within Hip Hop then till now. Terry also talked about the worldviews within Hip Hop, how one of America's potentially longest exports - racism - looks like globally and the branding that comes with it.
Terry talks about his experiences in Japan, including the darker shades of it's dance culture. We also talked about technicalities such as the levels of musicality and exchanged commentary over dance events in Europe and Asia.
Terry “Brooklyn Terry” Wright, is a self-taught dancer who was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of Charles “Charlie Brown” Wright, who was known as the best skater at famous Empire Skating Rink. His mother, Denise Wright frequented the club scene at a young age and like Terry was discovered to be a dancer with exceptional talent.
Terry attended Prospect Heights High School in Brooklyn and developed quite a reputation for his dancing. At age 21, he began his career as a professional dancer, and has gone on to travel the world. He gained more notoriety after becoming a member of “Elite Force,” one of the most influential dance crews of all time. They are recognized for pioneering the face of true hip hop dance.
Brooklyn Terry is a phenomenal Hip-Hop and house dancer. Most people know him for his impeccable footwork as a house dancer. His rhythmic patterns exhibit skills like that of a foot musician. He has appeared on television and traveled nationally and internationally with celebrities such as Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Lil Kim, Da Brat, and the late Whitney Houston. Terry has successfully popularized his organic styles of dance in both the underground and mainstream communities. He has remained true to his underground roots maintaining the utmost respect of his peers. He serves as a judge for some of the world’s largest dance battles like Juste DeBout and SDK (Street Dance Kemp). His dance workshops are in high demand worldwide. Follow Brooklyn Terry ------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynterryef Get Enculturated! --------------------------------------------- FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcast HP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.com TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
In this conversation, Kapela talks about what it's like being a Senegalese growing up in France and discovering music and dance which forever changed his life. We talked about his origins in dance especially under the guidance of Babson (Wanted Posse) and the education/worldviews he discovered from this culture. We also did a dive into Europe's dance scene from how it got so big, the tensions between Europe and USA and looking at the bigger picture beyond the contests and battles. Kapela shares some of his criteria when he's judging events and then shares some commentary into some of the events he's judged such as Radikal Force Jam 2023 and memorable battles he participated in.Be sure to check out the commentary playlist on this channel for all of the commentaries. Born and raised in France and originally from Senegal, Kapela is also a member of the world famous Serial Stepperz and Wanted Posse and specialises in Toprock and House Dance. Kapela started Breaking In 1999 and his unique musicality meant that he was noticed during toprock and footwork battles at big events such as Street Star in Sweden and the Black Sea Contest in Russia. In 2004 he joined the International Dance Academy (IDA) and during his 3 years there, he grew artistically and technically. A major turning point in Kapela’s personal and artistic life was when he met Babson from Wanted Posse and discovered House Dance. With all of his experience and training, Kapela innovates by mixing together the all of his influences to create is renowned style. Kapela has competed and judged worldwide and is undoubtedly one of France’s greatest exports. In addition to his dance abilities, Kapela is also a rising DJ and holds a residency in one of France's legendary clubs at Djoon in Paris. He has played all over the world and has performed alongside such incredible artists as Osunlade and Black Coffee. Kapela believes that the best is yet to come and continues to give back to the culture. Follow Kapela ------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/kapela_officiel EM: kapelamarna@gmail.com Get Enculturated! --------------------------------------------- FB: https://www.facebook.com/enculturationpodcast IG: https://www.instagram.com/enculturationpodcast HP: http://www.enculturationpodcast.com TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@enculturationpodcast
How will AI affect humanity's ability to create original artwork? Will it bring about the Dark Ages and replace human creativity? What does it mean for artists to have their work sampled and mass produced? In this episode with Coflo, we covered topics such as the utility of an AI assisted workflow to his perspectives on where Artifical Intelligence meets the human soul. Coflo shares his thoughts on 'Harmonic Entropy', what is it, and how he employs this concept to add value and dimension to his musical productions. We went behind the scenes and got an insider look into some of his recently released music with Vick Lavender and Simone Green. Coflo was also recently a judge at Summer Dance Forever (House Dance Forever) in 2023, and we talked about his experiences as both a dancer and producer at one of Europe's biggest dance gatherings. We talked about what was going through his mind during his judge battle and also his judging critieria as well as a play by play for some of the battles. Coflo is a multi-disciplined movement and musical artist; Capoeira, House Dance, music production, DJing and more. Current Projects/Organizations - Ocha Records (Label Manager / Artist) - Yoruba Records (Artist) - BaangBrothers Virtually Live (Artist / Executive Producer) - Blueprint House Dance Festival (Artist/Host/Associate Producer) - Bay Area House Dance Festival (Founder, Co-Producer) - The Simmer Room (Founder, Co-Producer) - Coflo - United Capoeira Association Hayward (Student, Teacher) - AddVirtual (Director Of Technology) Follow Coflo --------------------
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Where does intuition come from? If you could hear mother nature’s voice, what might she say? In this conversation, Snow Raven shares the gifts of indigenous wisdom from the Sakha Republic. We covered topics such as ancestral intuition, pathways of shamanism, perspectives on karma, reincarnation and free will. We also talked about the importance of preservation of indigeneity; threatened by the far reaches of globalism and eroding natural resources by foreign entities. She recounts her creative journey which spans across not only musical genre and geography but also cultures, timelines and even species; from humans to animals.
SNOW RAVEN - SUOR was born in one of the most remote and cold inhabited places in the world - the Republic of Sakha - Yakutia (arctic Siberia). She was three years old when she started to learn the language of birds and animals. Her voice takes its breath from traditional Sakha culture and is truly an instrument. She is the originator of “arctic beatbox” - the reindeer breath and the founder of OLOX ecosystem: Of Many Beliefs Common Truth. SNOW RAVEN, participant of America’s Got Talent 2020, headlined Eclipse, Lightning in the Bottle, Lost Lands, Burning Man, The Elements, Lucidity Festival, Beloved, and Sundance Film Festival. SNOW RAVEN sang for The Bioneers ECOconference, MAPS Psychedelic Science conference, the international forum Arctic Circle-2015 in Iceland, in the French-American Arctic expedition Pax Arctica (DeLong Islands) sponsored by the Prince Monaco Foundation and in the International Beatbox Championship as a special guest. In 2023 she spoke at TEDx Vermont, Yale University. Credits
--------- - M.A. in World Economy - North-Eastern Federal University (Sakha - Arctic Siberia) - Scholarship for Sociology on Shamanism - University of Lapland (Finland) and Warsaw (Poland) - Rite of passage from the 12th Sky Shaman Savey (Sakha Arctic Siberia) - Facilitator/Performer in Healing Ceremonies, Concerts and Festivals in Europe, Argentina, Kenya and Zambia - Founder of OLOX records - Tour: Shamanic Ceremonies (Russia) - Member of Arctic Expedition to DeLong Islands (Arctic Ocean) - Tour: Music Festivals, Shamanic Ceremonies and Creative Collaborations with Indigenous Communities (USA) - Speaker at the Bioneers Eco-conference (San Francisco, California) - Contestant in America's Got Talent (15th season) - Presenter at Amazon Prophesy Project (Malibu, California) - Organizer of a Campaign for Wildfire containment (Sakha, Arctic Siberia ) - Founder of OLOX, NEOshamanic portal to a decentralized Humanity, Earth and Consciousness (USA) - Co-author of "Gifts of the Ancestors", published by Jung Journal: - Culture and Psyche of C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco (USA) Follow Snow Raven
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A conversation with Henry Link, a Hip Hop dance legend and pioneer, on the highlights of his life such as his time working with Michael Jackson in "Remember The Time," and the origins of Elite Force Crew. We also talked about his childhood before Hip Hop was coined, the legendary Studio 54 Club, and interactions with Buddha Stretch & Caleaf Sellers. We also did a battle analysis of overseas events such as LineUp Battle & Summer Dance Forever.
Henry Link grew up in the projects of Brooklyn. The first time his eyes landed on the art form happened he watched his second oldest sister get down to the beat. Shortly after Locking, Popping, Freestyle, Breaking appeared, Henry became fascinated by these styles of dance. He became determined to master these techniques of dancing by practicing relentlessly regardless of any mistake that may have challenged him. In no time his natural ability to dance started to show. With a bit of confidence he entered many local talent shows and won most of them. At the age of 18 after Graduating from Canarsie High School, opportunity knocked on his door when he met Rosie Perez. After meeting Miss Perez, his career in dance & choreography started to take flight. His dedication finally started paying off when his style of dance landed him in the music videos of Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey. Today, as a founding member of Elite Force Crew. Henry has become one of the world's most charismatic figures in the art of freestyle dancing and naturally, one of Brooklyn finest!
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A conversation with the legendary Buddha Stretch on the innerworkings of Hip Hop as a culture, dance, how music and community are foundational. We talked about the need to lose the murder mentality, the degradation of the artform without standards in place, the intersection of culture appropriation vs appreciation and who is a guest or resident in this culture. Other topics included his time working with Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Will Smith in the entertainment industry. He also shared insights into the complexities within dance battles. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Buddha Stretch was influenced by his dad Emilio Austin, Sr. His Dad danced as a youth and provided Stretch with discipline, inspiration, support and motivation, and remained by his side to guide him throughout his career. This foundation carries Stretch, a father himself, throughout his personal and professional career today. Stretch heavily impacted the dance world by bridging the gap between what was termed, Ol’ Skool and New Skool. His dance style, known as Freestyle Hip-Hop, draws from all aspects of Hip-Hop culture, music and dance. These moves during the early days of music videos helped to launch the popularity of dance in this medium, as well as live shows. His first video was with Eric B & Rakim, Eric B for President. He met the members of his first dance crew, Mop Top, at a music video audition each one had booked for Diana Ross, Working Overtime. They began to hang out at New York’s night spot, The Tunnel, and later formed their crew. Stretch later formed a crew called Elite Force who appeared in documentaries, music videos, live shows and in countless projects overseas. His first choreography job was for Joeski Love (Pee Wee Dance) and went on to work with the likes of Rosie Perez, Will Smith in the Men In Black and Miami videos; Michael Jackson’s Remember The Time video (his most memorable experience) and more. He was nominated for two MTV Awards for ‘Best Choreography’ for the Will Smith videos Men In Black, Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, and Miami. Recent credits include choreography for Virgin recording artist Thalia (on Good Morning America), Aida, Tony Award Winner, Heather Headley, Hot ’97 Air Personality, Angie Martinez, and rapper Rah Diggah. Stretch believes “music is the universal language; dance is its interpreter.” Follow Buddha Stretch
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A conversation with Dionicio Virvez on his story of breaking past barriers, stereotypes and discrimination as he forged his own path into the Hollywood film and entertainment industry. We talked how martial arts was foundational in his journey, how he overcame these barriers through faith and a bit of luck, getting his first paid job to finally transitioning into bigger productions and still maintain a successful career as an Indigenous Mayan actor. Dionicio Virvez is an American actor and Producer of Guatemalan Native-American descent. He is known for playing various Native American roles. He starred in the National Geographic television series Is it Real? and had a recurring role as a Ghost Nation Warrior in the HBO television series Westworld. More recently, he played an Indigenous Elder in the upcoming movie Killers of the Flower Moon directed by Martin Scorsese. Dionicio Virvez also served as Executive Producer for various Awards specials, including 15th Annual American Society of Young Musicians benefit concert & awards, The 11th Annual Minority Motion Picture Awards and The 13th Annual Diversity Awards. Follow Dionicio
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A conversation with Dr. Ashim Hajra on the unspoken experiences of healthcare from a provider perspective. He shared his experiences in dealing with patients of all spectrums and the challenges of navigating sensitive and difficult topics such as death, dying, healthcare rationing and the patient to provider roles and responsibilties. We also talked about how creativity has played a pivotal role and how that translates from personal to professional life. Dr. Hajra also discussed what it was like being a healthcare provider during the pandemic and the many unique challenges he observed during this difficult time. Like patients, doctors are human too and this episode seeks to humanize healthcare providers by shining some light into their experiences in the world of healthcare. Dr. Ashim Hajra is an Internal Medicine Physician based out of a community hospital in Oakland. Some of his achievements include publishing original research in a major medical journal and leading meditation groups. Some of his creative outlets include DJing (House Music), Rapping, House Dancing and currently studying music production alongside piano. Follow Dr. Hajra --------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/ya.shimmy/
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A conversation with Dr. Leila Molahan on her research into the effects of meditation on children, how this transformative practice is integral to developing intuition and cultivating Self-Knowledge. She also shares some of the ways that meditation has been repackaged by the West, deviated from it's original intent and reduced to a performance enhancing tool. Getting back to the roots of meditation, a practice to connect the practicioner deeper to themselves within the context of the greater whole and not just a tool to be used for increased productivity. Dr. Leila Molahan was born in Manhattan, NY and received her early education in the borough of Queens. She was shaped by the ethnic diversity of the city she lived in and its urban landscape. She later attended Tulane University in New Orleans where she majored in Ancient Religions as well as photography. As a freelance photojournalist, she received special acknowledgement for her insight into race, gender and cultural studies which allowed her to carve a special niche in the city as one of the first female journalists of color who specialized in urban music and dance culture. After receiving her Masters degree at Louisiana Tech in Education she began her research into the area of children’s spirituality. Most recently, she studied meditation and contemplative practice as a pathway to Self-Knowledge in a sample of historically marginalized students for her doctoral research at the University of Louisiana. Through her study, she helped develop a curriculum for students that emphasizes ancestral healing and cultural identity, self-love and awareness. Her research ultimately reinforces the radical act of seeing oneself as a transformative source of limitless knowledge and power. Leila Molahan’s passion is helping at-risk youth and marginalized communities. Her focus in this field parallels her own decade long journey of sobriety and working toward accessibility and equity for all on the road to recovery while discovering one’s own spiritual path along the way.
Follow Dr. Molahan ----------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/elleboogienyc/
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A conversation with King Charles on his journey through the lens of Chicago Footwork, a dance native to Chicago. We talked about his experiences in this transformative artform and how it was the gateway into his spiritual calling. He shared some of his experiences working in the industry, such as performing in front of 100,000 people with Madonna all the while staying true to your artistry and maintaining integrity. Chicago Footwork is more then just a style, it's also become a lifetime legacy vision through his work with Creation Global and outreach of giving back to underserved communities in Chicago.If you've wondered what is Chicago Footwork, what to look for in a teacher, where does it come from and what are it's roots? This episode is for you. Charles Parks, aka King Charles, is a Chicago Footwork pioneer from the Southside of Chicago and a prominent international teaching artist for Chicago Footwork. He has been a global ambassador for the art form for over 20 years. King Charles is the founder and leader of Creation Global, an international Chicago Footwork dance crew with over 70 members worldwide. King Charles was the Artistic Director of renowned Chicago dance company, The FootworKINGZ, who was featured on major television shows including America's Got Talent and America's Best Dance Crew. King Charles has worked professionally with many iconic artists including touring with Madonna for years and performing with artists such as Elton John, Missy Elliot, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Will I Am. King Charles continues to blow audiences away with his energy and creativity. His commercial work and stage performances include Omarian, Twista, Bakermat, Willow Smith, Verizon, and Nike- just to name a few. He is also a mentor to many future leaders world-wide and a skilled rapper/MC. King Charles is a co-founder of @cfology, a project created in response to the global pandemic that provides online dance and music programming to educate students world-wide about Chicago Footwork culture. Follow King Charles ----------------------- IG: https://www.instagram.com/kingcharles_____ IG: https://www.instagram.com/creationglobal
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