Inspirations

Orestes Destrade is a retired baseball player, who had a career in both the Major Leagues and Japan. He got his start with the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1980s, before playing playing four seasons in Japan, becoming a superstar with the Seibu Lions. He returned to the US as a part of the Florida Marlins inaugural season in 1993, leading the team in homes runs and runs batted in, before finishing his career with the Lions. Orestes has gone on to become a TV and radio broadcaster with the Tampa Bays Rays and other outlets for close to 20 years, and currently serves as a special advisor to the Lions. We spoke about his experiences playing baseball and living in Japan, how his family arrived in Miami from Cuba, and seeing baseball as a way to understanding Japanese culture. It was an honor to speak with Orestes. I hope you enjoy it, and look out for more to come in this series.

Mr Manuvers is a long time friend in life and music. It was only fitting to have a chat with him for this 20th episode. Manuvers is a producer, DJ, and a consultant for events and programming at The Arlo Hotel in Wynwood. He’s also an investor at the nightclub Medium Cool in Miami Beach, and has played an integral role in the Miami music scene since the ‘90s; from his college radio show Funknotix with Jake Jefferson, record labels Counterflow and Hometeam, and parties like Chocolate Sundays, The Love Below, and his current monthly Sheets and Pillows at Dante’s Hifi.  In this conversation we speak about what he’s been up to lately, giving space to allow for creativity, and the importance of being a fan of the things you love. Dale!

Hannah Turner Voakes is a yoga teacher, and the founder of Paperdress Yoga and Paperdress Vintage, the latter she runs alongside her husband who produces music events at the space. Paperdress began as a vintage shop in Shoreditch in 2007, before moving to their current location in Hackney in 2016. Hannah’s background in yoga began when she was at University, and has been a constant in her life. She has a keen understanding of moving the body, sharing insights from Chinese medicine and yogic texts in her classes. With a business and young family, it’s inspiring how she finds balance.

David Sinopoli is one of the founders of the III Points festival, a dj and part of the nightlife group in Miami that runs Space compound along with Floyd, The Ground, Jolene and more. Previously he was the music director at Bardot, where we met a few moons back. It’s great to see what he’s done since then, how he and his team have continued to grow III Points, and bring in a new era of nightlife downtown. We spoke about what motivates him to stay involved in music, the music scene in Miami, an artist residency project he’s working on, and his idea for a Zelda-themed Andre 3000 flute show.

Gerry Jackson, is a personal trainer and writer. Based in the Hackney area of London, Gerry inspires and motivates people through his work ethic and way of being. He’s also one of the inspirations behind the legendary Top Boy series, and has worked with it’s creator and writer, Ronan Bennett, on all five of the shows seasons. It was an honor to speak with Gerry about his experiences growing up in London, creating youth programs and the positive effects of a fitness and training discipline.

Rodney McGilvery worked as the head of security at Glam Slam on South Beach in the ‘90s. This chat is from 2016, around the time Prince (who owned the club) passed away. Some great stories from Rodney about what Miami Beach was like at the time, working with Prince and Paisley Park, and how the beach has changed since (pardon the sniffles!). Rodney is an entrepreneur and the owner of cleaning company, Dream Clean. He recently published his first book, Mr. Dream Clean

Mikhaile Solomon is the founder of Prizm art fair, an architect, and teacher. Prizm which started at Art Basel 2012, has grown each year as an outlet for artists from the African diaspora; local and international. We spoke during our phone conversation about this year’s exhibition, the arts in Miami, Mikhaile’s background in architecture, and some music and local restaurant tips. Shout out to Mikhaile and congrats on all your success with Prizm. https://prizm.art

Jason Picker is a therapist, social worker and father, living in Jerusalem. He specializes in trauma therapy for young adults. It was great to catch up with him and speak about stepping out of your comfort zone, the effects of trauma, and the courage to say I don’t know. Thanks to Jason for taking the time to chat. https://ympicker.com https://ympicker.com/articles

Daniel Atchison-Nevel is an acupuncturist, and founder of the NSEV Clinic in Miami Beach, which he started along with his wife Jane 41 years ago. His latest project is The 3 Wombs Academy.In our conversation, Dan talks about starting The South Florida Healing Arts Center in South Beach in the ‘80s,, living life with the greatest amount of ease, and shares a breathing meditation that anyone can use throughout their day (33:05). Thank you to Dan and here’s to another 41 years.NSEV Healing3 Wombs Academy

Amanda Rose is a doula, massage therapist, yoga teacher, dancer and more. Her background in the healing arts and movement, shows a connection in all her work. A longtime friend and resident of South Florida, we spoke about how music influenced her direction in life, becoming a single mother at a young age, and cultivating compassion. Thanks to Amanda for sharing your story.Amanda Rose

Alvaro Barrington is a multi-talented artist. Raised in Brooklyn with Caribbean and South American heritage, his roots, influences come alive in his paintings and manner. We spoke about art being an escape from the daily noise, some of his inspirations, making maps out of basketball courts, street teams, and a love for Ghostface’s “All That I Got is You”. Check out some of his upcoming exhibitions at Sadie Coles in London, Tate Britain and Paris Pantin.

Pete Adarkwah is the head of the legendary BBE Records, a DJ, and all around cool guy. BBE, founded in 1996, has put out an amazing 700 releases, from their Beat Generation series to Roy Ayers and Louie Vega’s latest. When you're in London, check out their home at the BBE Store, and if you’ve got a hit record to put out, send Pete an email!

Zack Bar is one of the founders of Teder FM, part of Tel Aviv-based Fortuna Records, a well known dj, and has been in the music industry for many years. This conversation was from the summer of ‘22, based around the opening of Teder’s jazz kissa, for an interview with the Jerusalem Post. Thanks to Zack for sharing your words and hospitality. When you’re in Tel Aviv, or New York (for the soon to open Port Sa'id Nyc), make sure to stop by for a visit.Teder FM

Tracy Fields has been the longtime host of Evenin’ Jazz on WLRN 91.3fm in Miami. It was an honor to chat with her about how she got her start, tips on music listening, and her thoughts on the future of radio. Tracy also speaks on what she’s been up to since she left WLRN, and how listening to music with her mother, is giving her and her family a way to connect at a challenging time. Tracy Fields

John Capouya is a journalist, professor and author who wrote Florida Soul, a book about the roots of soul music in Florida from the 1940s -1970s. It was really interesting to hear about the Florida / Miami scene at that time, and his thoughts on how r&b and soul music came about. This is a part of an interview for The Standard Hotel’s Culture magazine. We didn’t have the best phone connection, but there were some gems shared!John Capouya

An in depth talk with artist, holistic practitioner, and friend Natalia Vásquez, founder of Heart in Brain Studios, from the year 2020, about her life path and some helpful ways to make our daily lives more peaceful. Prepare to laugh, cry and move some energy! @Nataliavasquezvision Heart in Brain

Chat with rapper and friend Phresh James from 2014 about music, family, influences growing up in Miami and his album The Greater Good @JuanFresco Phresh James

A conversation with Maor Anava, DJ Hectik of Tel Aviv-based Fortuna Records, about the origins of the label, some stories behind the artists they've reissued, and his life as a DJ in the Tel Aviv scene. Shout out to Maor, Zack, Ofer and all in TLV DJ HectikFortuna Records

Muriel Olivares, one half of Little River Cooperative (shout out to Tiffany), speaks about how their farming project began, and her path from art student to urban farmer. Muriel also shares her thoughts on the food system in the US, some resources for people looking to grow their own food, and a few recipe and snack tips! @LittleRiverCooperative Little River Cooperative

Conversation with DJ Le Spam of The Spam Allstars from around 2010 at his home studio. We talk about his career, geek out about rare records, and he gives some interesting background on Miami's music and studio culture (35:00) DJ Le Spam