Discover Story Ark Podcast w/ Thompson &  Wilson
Story Ark Podcast w/ Thompson &  Wilson

18 Episodes
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A wonderful discussion with Eileen Morgan, Sensei.   This gifted, Educator, Craftsperson and Musician opens the joy of Taiko drumming to all of Phoenix, Arizona.  Our conversation covers her beginning on the classic flute to her journey to becoming Executive and Artistic Director of Fushico Daiko, since 2011.   
“Ayo Sharpe Mouzon— African dancer, educator, poet, artist—is a shining light, a burst of joyous creativity brightening the world via the arts. Her journey from Arkansas to a star in performance and education is a tale of accomplishment, purpose and breaking barriers. Listen in! Yay, Ayo!”
“Sit in on a glimpse into the amazing journey of Baba Jubal, renowned Ohio drum-maker and folk teacher: five-hour drives to Chicago to learn from masters; ashiko drum lore; the famous Chief Bey; sliding through Harlem and Bed-Stuy Brooklyn in 1970; drum apprenticeship in D.C.; stranded Nigerian artist/entrepreneurs; more.”
"Súle started a menteeship with Baile McKnight, founder of Baile’s African Drum Works, back in 1976, and they’re still at it! Deep talking, y’all! Baile, whose apprenticeship system was mimicked by the MD State Arts Council, shares insights gained in over fifty years of work as a folklorist, drummaker, and community member in North Carolina, Kentucky, Yorubaland, and the D.C. area. How can one live an integrated life? How does one walk in integrity? Where are we going?"
Join Frank in a joyful reflection with superstar Smooth Jazz trumpeter and multi instrumentalist, CTK (Clarence Thomas Kyle). Two Naval Housing kids from Linda Vista—San Diego, both bitten by music’s bug, sit down to discuss success, CTK—playing with the greats, and the old neighborhood. Pull up a chair!
An in-depth discussion of India's famed tabla drums with master player/instructor, Shreyas Iyar.  A fun conversational walk through understanding tabla drums' cultural context and the challenges of playing them.  Mr. Iyar graciously provides deep insights into the history and majesty of this wonderful instrument and the techniques and skills required to play it.
Listen in and discover the compelling artistry and backstory of Michael Taylor, Director of The Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy: Chicago. Taylor is a talented and dedicated artist, instructor, and facilitator, who has studied with masters of djembe and dunun in Africa and America. Our conversation explores his musical roots and influences, as well as the joys of being a musician, scholar and teacher.
Part Two of a stimulating dialogue with Ahmad Daniels, author of From Queens to Quantico:  A U. S. Marine’s Story. The conversation between Daniels and Thompson touches on race and being a U.S. Serviceman during the Vietnam era. After being awed by Mr. Daniels informative and reflective presentation at a Veteran’s event, Frank had to get him on the Ark. Give a listen.
Part One of a stimulating dialogue with Ahmad Daniels, author of From Queens to Quantico:  A U. S. Marine’s Story. The conversation between Daniels and Thompson touches on race and being a U.S. Serviceman during the Vietnam era. After being awed by Mr. Daniels informative and reflective presentation at a Veteran’s event, Frank had to get him on the Ark. Give a listen.
Get to know world traveler, visual artist, facilitator, trainer, and performer Jeni Swerdlow, Founder of the Bay Area's Drummm Rhythmic Events.  Jeni has been facilitating team building and wellness through rhythm for over 20 years.  When it comes to the art of drum circle facilitation and spreading the joy of community music making, Jeni is among the best of the best.  She is world class is every way; hear her share her story with Súle.
Part Two of a conversational tsunami on the career and musical journey of Mr. Jun Mhoon, founder of I Am Digital Media. Listen in to discover his lifetime of experiences, including working with leading bands and artists from every genre of the music business.  His professional roles have included leadership positions at RCA Records,  A&M Records, and more.  This conversation with Frank is full of musical nuances and tidbits of info. Enjoy!
Part One of a conversational tsunami on the career and musical journey of Mr. Jun Mhoon, founder of I Am Digital Media. Listen in to discover his lifetime of experiences, including working with leading bands and artists from every genre of the music business.  His professional roles have included leadership positions at RCA Records,  A&M Records, and more.  This conversation with Frank is full of musical nuances and tidbits of info. Enjoy!
A wonderful, fun, and insightful conversation with one of the Phoenix area's leading community builders and fashionistas. Ms. Sarabo is dedicated to making the world a better place through art, fashion and merchandise. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her from Georgetown, Guyana to Arizona, and to create her own Afro-centric fashion and consulting business. Hear her share with Frank her vision to expand her brand into exciting and bold new areas of accessories and home decor, as well as uplift through education.
Educators, percussionists, and community advocates Frank Thompson and Súle Greg Wilson discuss what inspired them to create the Story Ark podcast.
The insightful, two-part interview done in April, 1980 with the late, great Gregory Hines continues with Mr. Hines discussing his stepping away from dance as the world of performance changed. He shares reflections on his "hippy period" with Wilson, as well as his thoughts about needing to be in an unstructured environment, upcoming projects, and more. Compelling listening.
An insightful, two-part interview done in April, 1980 with the late, great Gregory Hines.  Súle Gregory Wilson met Gregory Hines in a coffee shop near Hines' apartment in Chelsea, New York, looking for insights into the challenges of advocating vernacular dance in U.S. society. Part One shares stories of Mr. Hines' beginnings in show biz and the dancing game, and some of the noted people he met along the way.
A free flowing conversation with Civil Rights and Nutritional Activist, Actor, Author, and Comedian Dick Gregory.  This interview on race, culture and perseverance was a thrill of a lifetime for Frank Thompson. The opportunity to converse with one of his cultural role-models was priceless. Share the amazement.
Noted performer, clinician, and author of No Mirrors in My Nana’s House, Dr. Ysaye Maria Barnwell, is interviewed by actress and  award-winning theater director, Chanel Bragg. For decades Barnwell held the low-voice spot with the a capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. Listen in on an enjoyable inter-generational exchange between two wonderful performers and community builders.





















