The Recluse Podcast centers around long-form interviews with people of various backgrounds who discuss their life experiences.
Episodes
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Kathy Cameron is an author, model, and actress. She was born in Alabama, and attended university in Mississippi. She graduated with two degrees: one in computer science and the other in accounting.
In this conversation, Kathy and Allen focus on the show Shooters and her role in it. They discuss the themes of the show. The show depicts the power dynamics between genders in the entertainment industry.
Shooters SEASON 1 is available on Amazon Prime Video. OUT NOW!
Shooters
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08PFRSXMM/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/kathyh0rd/
https://www.instagram.com/miss.kathy.cameron/
https://www.instagram.com/authorannjeallewor/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/MissKathyCameron
The Venus Glass
https://www.amazon.com/Venus-Glass-Annjea-Morgan-Llewor-ebook/dp/B08589HPXL
Friday Jan 01, 2021
Friday Jan 01, 2021
In this episode, I shoot on some of the year's most memorable interviews and occurrences. This episode is more loose than the others, a freestyle, if you will. I thought about what I'd like to say during the week, and I ended up with only a few chicken scratches in front of me as I pressed record.
May next year have greater heights for us all, I love you all dearly. Happy New Year.
-Allen Orrante of The Recluse Podcast.
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Friday Dec 04, 2020
Ricky Roberts III is an author and public speaker from St. Pete, Florida. He is the author of eight books, "Thank You Skateboarding" being his most recent. In that book, Ricky writes about the lessons he's learned from skateboarding. Lessons in creativity, courage, and perseverance.
In this conversation, Ricky talks about his childhood and the adverse circumstances that affected his development. He reflects on the coping mechanisms he created. He recounts his first day of school and remembers having to lie about his black eye. He recounts being stabbed 9 times at the age of 17 in a street fight; he thought he was going to die. In this conversation, Ricky shares the tools he has cultivated through adulthood, tools that have helped heal the wounded child within.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/rickyrobertsiii/
Books
https://www.amazon.com/Ricky-Roberts-III/e/B0779L9DLY%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Tuesday Nov 24, 2020
Tuesday Nov 24, 2020
Joshua Jenkins, otherwise known as Kemo the Pianist and Black Beethoven, is a musician based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended West Chester University and has auditioned for Berklee College of Music. Joshua can be found performing on the streets of Philly in order to promote classical music in the inner city.
In this conversation, Allen and Joshua talk about the century-long debate about Beethoven being black and what influence that would have on the world. Joshua recalls first learning the keyboard on the Miracle Piano Super Nintendo game. He describes his music writing process and the keys he enjoys playing in most (F minor being one of them). Joshua shoots on his feelings about the upcoming Biden Presidency, and the protests in Philly in recent months.
Social Media
www.instagram.com/blckbeethoven
808's and Forte in D Minor (1st Movement) can be bought on iTunes.
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Tuesday Nov 17, 2020
Caitlin Rodriguez is a family law and estate planning lawyer based in Ventura, California. She graduated from California State University Channel Islands with a bachelor's degree in history, and she went on to study at Western School of Law in San Diego.
In this conversation, Allen and Caitlin talk about her law school experience, the bar exam, and what she learned from her internship with a public defender's office. Caitlin explores some of the thinking processes that can go into analyzing a legal dilemma, namely through a sample bar exam question. Allen and Caitlin discuss questions concerning the advantage that wealth often has on legal representation.
Website
https://www.805lawpractice.com
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/805lawpractice/
DISCLAIMER: Information in this episode is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. Contact an attorney to obtain legal advice regarding your individual needs.
Monday Oct 26, 2020
Monday Oct 26, 2020
Kathy Cameron is an author, model, and actress. She was born in Alabama, and attended university in Mississippi*. She graduated with two degrees: one in computer science and the other in accounting.
In this conversation, Allen and Kathy discuss the influence of having a professor for a father, and her reason for writing under a pen name. She offers advice to young, inexperienced models, and discusses the value of being the easiest person to work with on set. Kathy emphasizes the necessity of having a good editor when writing a book; that is, someone who will see the forest for the trees.
Kathy's most recent book is titled The Venus Glass and can be bought on Amazon. Her most recent role was in Shooters, a comedic sitcom that will be released soon.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/kathyh0rd/
https://www.instagram.com/miss.kathy.cameron/
https://www.instagram.com/authorannjeallewor/
Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/MissKathyCameron
The Venus Glass
https://www.amazon.com/Venus-Glass-Annjea-Morgan-Llewor-ebook/dp/B08589HPXL
*Kathy graduated from university in Mississippi, not Missouri as stated in the audio
Monday Oct 05, 2020
Monday Oct 05, 2020
Falcon was born in Australia in 1983. He is an artist and lives in Southern California. He moved to the United States in 2004 with his band at the time, Day of Contempt. They had toured the US and were signed to Epitaph Records. Falcon played shows with bands like Atreyu, Bleeding Through, Parkway Drive, AFI, and Avenged Sevenfold. The last band Falcon played drums for was Tiger Army.
In 2015, Falcon got into a motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his right arm. He sustained multiple injuries and underwent numerous surgeries. His son would be born just a couple months later. He remembers there not really being any time to wallow in despair: he was too busy being a father.
Falcon is a painter. He is as hard working and passionate as he ever was. The best is yet to come.
Social Media
Thursday Oct 01, 2020
Thursday Oct 01, 2020
Dan is the founder of PizzaMan Dan's, a popular pizza chain in Ventura County. The company has served over 3 million meals since it's inception, and it's eighth restaurant will be open soon.
Dan started as a pizza delivery driver while attending college in Rhode Island. He would eventually become the president of Rusty's Pizza, a place where he would meet his mentor. With the knowledge gained from these experiences, he decided to go into business for himself.
In this conversation, Allen and Dan discuss his company's approach to marketing, which includes the unique vehicles staged in front of his locations. This also includes the company's comedic commercials that feature Dan himself on their social media page. They discuss the value of public speaking skills and all the areas in life that benefit from those skills. Dan discusses the sense of balance required for being an effective leader and a business owner.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/pizzamandans/
Website
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
Tuesday Sep 15, 2020
Bobby Do Right is a photographer based in Ventura, California. He has produced a number of photo series that deal with the COVID pandemic, most notably his 'Peeping Bob Series.' In that series, naked subjects are photographed at their homes. The concepts and sets vary, though together, the photos form a cohesive set that will soon be published as a book.
In this conversation, Allen and Bobby discuss the city of Ventura and the creative scene that is growing there. Bobby discusses his motivations and feelings behind his health-conscious lifestyle. They discuss the reflective nature that comes with photography and the interview.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/bobbydoright/
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Thursday Sep 10, 2020
Jason Ardissoni is a multi-instrumentalist from Ventura, California. He currently plays drums in a band called Goat Rhythm, and he is also the sole member of the one-man band ARDI. ARDI just released a music video for the single 'MIND MAZE' and is set to release a second single titled 'LET IT BURN' on September 25th.
In this conversation, Allen and Ardi discuss the music writing process and the value of letting songs cool down in between writing sessions. Ardi reflects on all that he learned from the music program he took and how it has influenced his approach to music. We discuss the differences between playing in an ensemble and playing in your own solo project. Allen and Ardi discuss the satisfaction that comes with producing music exactly as you imagine it.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/ardiofficialmusic/?hl=en
'MIND MAZE' Music Video
Link Tree
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
Tuesday Sep 08, 2020
Bryan Pedroza designs pins and apparel. He owns a face painting business, and has done makeup effects in short film. Bryan participates in notable vending markets, and he also organizes art pop-ups.
In this conversation, Allen and Bryan discuss their favorite characters in anime, and the traits that make them interesting. Bryan recounts his honeymoon in Europe, and describes what it feels like to participate in the world-famous tomato fight in Spain, La Tomatina. Bryan also recalls the underwhelming experience of seeing the Mona Lisa in person at the Le Louvre Museum in Paris.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/hanxholo_arte/
Online Shop
https://hanxholostienda.bigcartel.com
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Wednesday Aug 05, 2020
Rob Harrold is a freelance photographer based in Portland, Oregon. His subjects include nature, architecture, and people. He has recently delved into photojournalism, and has documented some of what has transpired at the protests in Portland.
In this conversation, Allen and Rob talk about his time in China and the customs he noticed. They talk about the value of shooting a photo and how the photo itself memorializes what it took to capture it. They talk about the emotional work that can go into shooting a portrait for a timid individual. Rob describes what he has seen at the Portland protests. Of particular interest is the inadvertent portrait that Rob shot of an agent equipped with a helmet and riot gear. The agent is looking directly into the camera; the person is visibly anxious, and thereby, humanized.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/remaining.light/
Photography Website
Friday Jul 31, 2020
Friday Jul 31, 2020
Jordan Ward is a counselor and community organizer. His credentials include an associate's degree from Oxnard College, a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cal State Channel Islands, and a master's degree in education counseling from the University of La Verne*.
Jordan recently organized a public event titled, "The Talk." The event centered around police brutality and public relations between law enforcement and the community. The panel consisted of Jordan, Dexter of Hip Hop Help, Alex Nguyen (Oxnard City Manager), Scott Whitney (Oxnard Chief of Police), Ross Fontes (EOPS of Oxnard College), and guest speaker, Quinton Floyd (cousin of George Floyd).
In this conversation, Allen and Jordan discuss a variety of topics including his background in psychology, the famous Stanford prison experiment, and subtle forms of racism. Jordan talks about the influence his grandfather had on him during his childhood, and he discusses his approach to teaching his children about race in this country.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/psychward35/
The Talk: Oxnard Discussion on Police Violence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz7W2SfqicY&t=8121s
*Jordan earned a master's from La Verne, not Channel Islands as I state in the introduction of the episode.
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Alexandria Suzanne is the author of The Book of Questions: A Non-political Survival Journal to Guide You Through the Second Half of 2020. The Book of Questions starts with a foreword written by Alexandria’s grandmother. The book consists of reflective questions with space for the reader to answer below. She is currently planning her second book.
In this conversation, Allen and Alexandria discuss her epilepsy, the Greek philosophers, American culture, honesty as a means to simplify one’s life, and her quest for inner peace.
The Book of Questions: A Non-political Survival Journal to Guide You Through the Second Half of 2020
Sunday Jul 26, 2020
Sunday Jul 26, 2020
John Treur is an artist and a filmmaker. He graduated from California State University Channel Islands, and he recently premiered his 40-minute film Good Twenty, starring Stephanie Grey and Art Roberts.
In this conversation, Allen and John talk about the script writing process, the themes of his film, character motivations, and the absurd universe Good Twenty takes place in. Allen and John discuss the value of viewer interpretation and how it may or may not fall in line with a director-writer's intentions.
His film is available on Vimeo, the link is below:
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/truerfalse/
Good Twenty FULL FILM
https://vimeo.com/436484270
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Pastor Fernando Franco is the author of dis.con.tinued and to.be.continued. He was born in 1970, and by the age of 16, he knew he wanted to be pastor. He was licensed by the age of 28 and has since been preaching the gospel.
In this conversation, Allen and Pastor Fernie discuss his experience with COVID-19. He describes the wave of symptoms he has dealt with and the ways in which he has combated it. He considers his quarantine to be a kind of 'forced sabbatical.' He has used this time to pray and to maintain his relationship with God.
His books can be found on Amazon and his documentary can be found on YouTube and Facebook.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/pastorfernie/
Publications
COVID-19 Documentary Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg9V5luu0iI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPspg6Ujvdg
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
King Rem is a musician, producer, emcee, and film composer in Brooklyn, New York. His works include Fly Technique Vol. 1 and Lightheaded with Mondo Slade, and film scores for Acquitted, Maximillian, and Project Die Happy. Rem was formerly the director of special projects at Harvard University Hip Hop Archive and Research Institute, and recently, he worked on the Prince symposium at New York University with De Angela Duff.
In this conversation, Allen and Rem talk about his regimented approach to creativity, the social dynamics of the ensemble, and the process of composing for film. Rem recalls influential aspects of his childhood in terms of music, for instance, his mother buying a record player, and his grandmother being the organist at his church.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/kingrembeats216/
Works
https://music.apple.com/au/album/fly-technique-vol-1/1457723649
https://music.apple.com/au/album/lightheaded/1219580929
https://music.apple.com/au/album/the-good-fight/1411531215
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8278809/
Friday Jun 19, 2020
Friday Jun 19, 2020
Dark Matter Collective is a community organization group that raises awareness and organizes community events. They raise awareness on the issues of today, issues related to black people and other people of color, issues that negatively affect various intersectional groups.
In this conversation, Allen talks with three members of Dark Matter Collective: Nicolette, Dyamond, and Sarah. They discuss their desire to remain anonymous at the early stages of the organization. They discuss the power and meaning that comes with protesting in the streets, the principles that guide their group, and the role that social media has played in this movement.
Dark Matter Collective
https://www.instagram.com/darkmattercollective.dmc/
darkmattercollective.dmc@gmail.com
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
Tuesday Jun 16, 2020
Myriam Wane is a college student who is pursuing a career in secondary education. She writes poetry and is active in the Black Lives Matter movement. She recently made the Cincinnati news for her role in organizing the recent protest at the University of Cincinnati.
In this conversation, Myriam describes what it is like to be a bi-racial black woman in this country and the feelings of imposter syndrome that are associated with that. Myriam and Allen discuss whether or not celebrities, especially those who are black, are obliged to support the Black Lives Movement. They consider the recent music video by Tekashi 6ix9ine and Nicki Minaj. Allen asks Myriam if being in the front and center of this movement scares her. She replied with a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt:
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear."
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/myriamawane/
Friday Jun 12, 2020
Friday Jun 12, 2020
Matthew Perez is a photographer in Ventura County who has worked with multiple non-profit, humanitarian organizations over the years. He has lived in Hawaii, Canada, and numerous countries in South East Asia.
In this conversation, Matthew and Allen discuss his interest in photography and his role as photographer in the recent protests. They discuss the reasons for documenting these events in history, and the risks that are associated.
Social Media
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Muzikman Edition is a DJ from Brooklyn, New York. He was a Grammy nominee, and is a regular DJ on the SG1House radio station. He worked closely with Jay Smooth on the popular hip-hop radio show “The Underground Railroad,” and he streams live sets on Twitch regularly.
In this conversation, Muzikman Edition and Allen talk about New York as a melting pot for culture and cuisine. He discusses the relationship and history he had with his father, and the journey of becoming a father himself. In this conversation, Muzikman Edition illustrates the reality of what it means to be a black person in America.
Muziman Edition's work can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other platforms. He can be followed and reached through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at the following handle: @muzikmanedition
Social Media & Live Locations
https://www.instagram.com/muzikmanedition/
https://www.twitch.tv/muzikmanedition
https://twitter.com/muzikmanedition
Monday Jun 08, 2020
Monday Jun 08, 2020
On June 7, 2020, protestors rallied at the Ventura Government Center. After chanting and protesting there, the crowd took to the streets and marched down Victoria Avenue, crossing the bridge and back. A large portion of the crowd marched to Thille Park. A sermon was given there and a few speeches. There was dancing and drumming by an indigenous political dance group, which included two speeches given by their members. There was an art auction and food vendors present. There were news helicopters flying around. The Ventura Police Department estimated 1,600 people turned out throughout the entire day.
This audio does not represent all the speaking and activity that took place; it is only what was captured. The names of the speakers are not known.
Friday Jun 05, 2020
Friday Jun 05, 2020
Dee Bridgett is a health educator with the Department of Public Health in Los Angeles County. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health education with a minor in human sexuality studies from San Francisco State University. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public health from California State University, Northridge.
In this conversation, Dee and Allen discuss her early interests in human sexuality and how that lead her to pursue an education in public health. They talk about the current social climate and the ways in which people can be micro-aggressive or exhibit subtle forms of racism. Towards the end, Dee makes the argument that this movement must sustain the energy it has now; it cannot simply be a moment, but a movement.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/stellarose90/
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
Thursday Jun 04, 2020
At 5:00 p.m. on June 3, 2020, a justice rally took place at Plaza Park in Oxnard, California. Rally organizers addressed the crowd stating the purpose and expectations of the march. The speeches and testimony that were given focused on the killings perpetrated by the Oxnard Police Department. Some of the victims recognized and honored were Meagan Hockaday, Alfonso Limon, Robert Ramirez, Michael Mahoney, and Juan Zavala.
Following the speeches, the crowd took to the streets. The crowd marched to the Oxnard Police Department and chanted outside the windowed and brick structure. The people marched through streets, down Oxnard Boulevard, and through alleys, ending up at the 5-point intersection. Approximately 10 police officers on motorcycles monitored the march and met the crowd head-on at the intersection. It was a peaceful march in the name of George Floyd and all the aforementioned victims of police violence.
The audio is rough. I do not know the names of the speakers or the people in the photo.
Tuesday Jun 02, 2020
Tuesday Jun 02, 2020
J. Lynn is an artist, musician, poet, and activist. She works with organizations such as Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC), the Community Advocacy Coalition (CAC), and Save the Art Culture (STAC). She organizes events such as the annual Harmony Art Walk in Oxnard and various open-mic nights.
In this conversation, J. Lynn and Allen talk about her time in Portugal as a teenager, her early passion for the arts, her interest in sociology at Oxnard College, and the current social climate.
Social Media
Saturday May 30, 2020
Saturday May 30, 2020
At 3:30 p.m. on May 30, 2020, a rally took place at Plaza Park in Oxnard, California. Rally organizers addressed the crowd stating the purpose and expectations of the march. We marched from Plaza Park to the front of the Oxnard Police Department chanting. Speeches and testimony were given there. Afterward, we marched over 3rd Street. bridge and back, covering the streets in between. Cars honked and raised fists out the window in solidarity.
These are the speeches that were captured by Allen Orrante. Some of the audio is fuzzy, but even in those moments, the emotion is raw and tangible.
I do not know the names of the speakers or the people in the photo.
Friday May 29, 2020
Friday May 29, 2020
Charlene Walters is an author, public speaker, mentor, and entrepreneur. She earned a BA from the University of Connecticut, an MBA from St. Thomas University, and a PhD from Northcentral University.
In this conversation, we talk about criticism and forgiveness, her affinity for writing, and what the doctoral process was like for her. We talk about about her Inspirational Women Series and her contributions to online periodicals such as Up Journey and Entrepreneur.com. Charlene also discusses "Own Your Other," a memoir she wrote in response to the tragic passing of her husband. Her two books are expected to be released in the Fall.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/charlenewaltersphd/
Books and Mentoring
Thursday May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
Barrie Rose is an actor, singer-songwriter, producer, and is the host of the Queer Empath podcast. Barrie Rose just released a music video for "The One You Always Call," as seen on YouTube. In this conversation, Allen and Barrie talk about the process of creating and the power of creative inertia, the influence a person's self-talk pattern has on their well-being, and what it means to be a 'tripper.'
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/barrierose/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6B32R2vcE-sh7NXMmQccfQ
Monday May 25, 2020
Monday May 25, 2020
In this conversation, Allen and Violet talk about her upbringing, the acceptance and love she has for her own body, the drama she finds herself in on Twitter from time to time, and her experience as a sex worker. Violet's content online could be regarded as sexual in nature; however, she agrees that this content is nonetheless a creative endeavor: she is concerned with aesthetics, color, and mood. Violet is a dynamic human being.
Social Media
Friday May 22, 2020
Friday May 22, 2020
Chula Chola, the million dollar baby, is an 805 native. She is thoughtful and wise, honest and passionate. She was recently featured on the popular Instagram page, Foos Gone Wild, and has since received a lot of attention form that community.
In this interview, Allen and Chula Chola talk about Oxnard, what the best food to eat at the fair is, her education, and the lessons learned from being given 6 months to live (a battle she ultimately conquered).
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/chula_805_milliondollarbaby/
Monday May 18, 2020
Monday May 18, 2020
CJ Reynolds is a high school English teacher at an all-boys charter school in West Philadelphia, he is a public speaker, and the author of "Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching," available on Amazon.
In his book, Reynolds writes about cultivating classroom culture, his approach to classroom management, the importance of building relationships with students, and the value of real-world learning.
YouTube Channel
Friday May 15, 2020
Friday May 15, 2020
Josh Stamps plays guitar in Fist Fight on Ecstasy, and he runs the DIY record label, E-Tard Records. Josh has been in the punk scene since he was 12 years old. Though he currently resides in Los Angeles, his heart belongs to the 805.
In this interview, Allen and Josh talk about the different eras of the local punk rock scene, what it's like to tour with your best friends, what playing with The Vibrators in Las Vegas is like, and what the punk appearance means to him.
Social Media
Fist Fight on Ecstacy
www.instagram.com/fistfightonx
E-Tard Records
https://www.instagram.com/etardrecords/
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Wednesday May 13, 2020
In this episode, Allen interviews Robert Manigault, the passionate producer. Robert produces, writes, arranges, and records music. He and Allen discuss the importance of bass in music, the insecurities that musicians sometimes face, the influences of Motown and the Corporation, and most importantly, how one might go about making the perfect iced tea. Robert Manigault's music can be found on all major platforms.
Social Media & Website
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
In this episode, Allen, Leo, and Sean discuss the elements that comprise identity, and they discuss the elements of an ideal society. This episode is conducted in a roundtable discussion format. Participants and topics may recur.
Allen Orrante
https://www.instagram.com/allenorrante/
Leo Moreno
https://www.instagram.com/one_dimensional_mang/
Sean Bonilla
https://www.instagram.com/sean_the_sane/
Friday May 08, 2020
Friday May 08, 2020
Camila Guzman, @QueenofCompost, received a bachelor's degree in science and resource management from California State University Channel Islands. She composts, gardens, teaches yoga, surfs, and does work in the community. In this conversation, Camila and Allen talk about the path that has lead her to composting, the delayed gratification inherent in gardening, and the shades of language that underlie our daily lives.
Social Media & Website
www.instagram.com/queenofcompost
Thursday May 07, 2020
Thursday May 07, 2020
Crash Barbosa is a rapper, a lyricist, and a politically engaged individual. In this interview, Crash talks about politics, the meaning behind his song 'DRUNK,' and the things he fears in life.
Social Media
Monday May 04, 2020
Monday May 04, 2020
Will Rusk is an abstract artist from Ventura, California. He and Allen have known each other for nearly two decades, and in this conversation, the two of them delve into a variety of topics. They talk about art, Bukowski, Jackson Pollock, the experience of living in a place where you don't know anyone, the doubts of an artist, and the experience of sitting in a bar.
Social Media & Website
Friday Mar 27, 2020
Friday Mar 27, 2020
In this episode, Allen has a phone conversation with each of his grandmothers. They talk about how to cook rice, how it feels to lose a brother, and they reflect on the past when Allen was a child.
Saturday Feb 22, 2020
Saturday Feb 22, 2020
Luis Mendez was born on June 6, 1974. The sum of his possessions include a bicycle, a backpack, and the clothing on his body. If left unprompted, he would only talk about how he is God in the flesh. He claimed to be immortal, and claimed to urinate only oil and fire.
I don’t know that there is anything to be gleaned from this interview, but it did leave an impact on me. It reminded me of the humanity that burns within each person, even at the onset of lunacy.
Monday Feb 17, 2020
Monday Feb 17, 2020
A. Martinez is a Vietnam War veteran. He was 18 years old when he deployed. He served from March of 1972 to February of 1973. He was a radar man: he called in coordinates from a tower and those areas received hell fire from above. He and his team of 4 or so other men were utterly alone in Vietnam. They were vulnerable and in the middle of nowhere. By using the experimental radar equipment of the time, Martinez was forced to find the enemy and have him killed before the enemy could do the same.
This account of the Vietnam War is not intended to convince you of what is good and what is evil, or who is right and who is wrong. It is one man's war. That year in Vietnam as an 18 year old kid was the single most influential experience of his life. He battles the memory of that terror everyday.
Friday Feb 14, 2020
Friday Feb 14, 2020
In this episode, Allen talks with a couple local skaters who witnessed a substitute teacher lose his cool during a fifth period class. The substitute called the 7th grade class a**holes, m*****f***ers, and retarded. We've been told that the situation is resolved, and he is no longer employed with the district. In these few minutes of conversation, these youngsters give insight into what it is like to be young and in school. They say what Valentine's Day means to them, and they offer some love advice.
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Van Wastell was a professional skateboarder. He was born on April 22, 1984, and passed away on September 5, 2008 while on tour in Germany. As a teenager, Van was discovered by Mark Gonzales, a pioneer street skater. Mark Gonzales and the Krooked company would go on to make Van pro – those relationships would remain fruitful until the end.
In this interview, Allen Orrante and Anthony Quintero sit down with Eddie Villa, Van Wastell's older stepbrother. Eddie discusses many of the attributes that made Van special. Van was kind, humble, generous, and funny to those who knew him well. Eddie remembers times that Van helped him out with gas money and bought him lunch.
In this conversation, Eddie offers an account of how he dealt with Van's untimely death. He describes the depression he fell into, and he recalls the strategies that helped him move forward. Eddie continues to honor his brother today by creating tributes, and by keeping Van's images and boards hanging on the wall.
Van Wastell
http://www.instagram.com/vanwastell
https://www.youtube.com/user/VanWastell
Eddie Villa
http://www.instagram.com/eddievilla
https://www.youtube.com/user/sk8eddievw81
Sunday Jan 19, 2020
Sunday Jan 19, 2020
Girls on Board is a Ventura-based skate group whose objective is to empower girls and women through skateboarding. This group organizes camping trips, vegetarian potlucks, beach clean-ups, and local skate sessions. This group can be found on instagram at @girls_onboard.
In this interview, Allen sits down with Kaitlyn, Alison, and Mel of Girls on Board. They discuss some of the experiences and circumstances that have shaped their lives, they discuss the success of the Westpark Fundraiser, and they discuss why a group like this is beneficial for girls and women.
Social Media
http://www.instagram.com/girls_onboard
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Jeanne-Marie Olmo was a physical therapist, a graduate student, the owner of a vineyard, and a world traveler. She is the daughter of the late Dr. Harold Paul Olmo who was a pioneer viticulturist and a much respected professor at UC Davis. He passed away at 96 years of age and believed he would get well enough to return to his work, even at the eve of his death.
Jeanne traveled the world by ship with her family when she was a young girl. She attributes her lifelong pattern of cultural appreciation to the dinners her father would sometimes have for his students and colleagues (whose origins varied greatly).
Jeanne has retired in Ventura, California. She is a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend.
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Omega Nova is a rapper and lyricist from Oxnard, California. His latest album 'Crude Cosmos' was released on January 3rd, 2020, and is available for download on iTunes and other platforms.
In this conversation, Allen and Marcus (Omega Nova) talk about Marcus's education, his love for movies and comic books, his new album and the artwork, among other topics. Marcus also discusses his father's tragic death and the effects it had on him.
In this episode, you will hear a song that features an original rap verse by Allen and a verse by Omega Nova from his latest album Crude Cosmos. This song will be presented in the podcast itself, and it will also be published as it's own episode.
Social Media
http://www.instagram.com/omega.nova
Sunday Dec 29, 2019
Sunday Dec 29, 2019
Joshua Zacarias is a musician, a photographer, and a collage artist. In this episode, Allen and Josh discuss his origins and his creative life. Included in this episode are two musical ideas that were recorded prior to the interview: one written by Josh and the other written by Allen. The recordings are presented and commented on within the conversation; however, the recordings are also accessible through the podcast feed. Each recording will appear as it's own episode.
Social Media
http://www.instagram.com/stellarseance
http://www.instagram.com/swenyoatomico
Sunday Dec 22, 2019
Sunday Dec 22, 2019
In this episode, Allen reviews his Wallflower Pioneer record, The Great Devotion. He talks about some of the music itself, when it was written or recorded, and how some of the ideas might resurface in the future in a visual album.
All WALLFLOWER PIONEER music is available on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, etc.
Sunday Dec 15, 2019
Sunday Dec 15, 2019
Jim Bates is a skateboarder, an author-illustrator of two children's books, as well as the founder of Dragon Griptape. He was an accomplished professional skateboarder in the early 2000's, and is still a beloved staple of the local skate community today.
YouTube
Sunday Dec 08, 2019
Sunday Dec 08, 2019
Doris Jean Adams was born on July 29, 1925 in Ontario, Canada. She married a man named Bing Adams in her early 20s, and they remained married until his death in 2006. They had three children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild together. Doris resides in Nanaimo, Canada in the province of British Colombia.
In this interview, Doris has a conversation with five family members: 2 granddaughters, her daughter-in-law, her daughter, and her son. She tells stories from the past, which include some previous occupations, her husband and how they met, and her son's run-ins with the law.
Doris claims that this visit to California will be her last, though according to her daughter, she says that every time.
Thursday Nov 21, 2019
Thursday Nov 21, 2019
Jeff DeChesare is a skateboarder from New Jersey who is renowned for his trick selection. He is sponsored by DVS Shoes, Grizzly Griptape, Krux Trucks, and Ricta Wheels. His Grizzly Griptape "Wait For It" part and his Krux Trucks "Camera Shy" part can both be found on YouTube.
Social Media
https://www.instagram.com/jeffdechesare/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/jeffwonsong
Grizzly Griptape "Wait For It" Part
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdpXrkXknuU
Krux Trucks Part
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ0nQmyaMk8