The Flat Iron Happy Hour Podcast

Welcome back for a fresh episode 12 of the podcast, first one since I relocated to Virginia.   My guest is my fellow leader in Virginia and friend and co-worker Jerrold "Shadow" Johnson.  Jerrold shares his story of his journey in life from his young days in East St. Louis till present day.   We make some music at the end of the episode so stay tuned for the jam session and hope you all enjoy.   Thanks for being part of the family and coming along for the ride.  Big shout out to "the other guy" for the production masterpiece and the support.   The Shadow:  Blessed with great abilities, a passionate singing voice and sharp business instincts, singer, songwriter producer Mr. shadow is armed with all the tools. Shadow is successfully navigating his professional career with the grace of the most skilled US Army Ranger, maneuvering with smooth tactical and technical prowess. With the release of his first independent effort, the album titled the Shadow Project is poised to introduce the world to a great talent. I learned at a young age, that I was very talented. But with so many talents I wasn't sure what to pursue. I realized that I needed to expose one thing at a time and understand that it wasn't always about the best talent. Whatever God's plan is for you next, when you get there, as long as you, as long as you keep the lord in your prayers everything will work out just fine. It's Gods plan. The East St. Louis, Illinois native career began in Mount Vernon, NY, singing with MCA Universal Records when he first realized the plan, but the plan was detoured when Universal Records bought Polygram Records. Upon release from MCA/Universal Shadow joined the US Army. (' I love this country, see other places not as fortunate, makes me proud to defend my country'). Finish the plan, now the CEO of his own label 'Shadow Records Inc.' emerging full throttle into the creation mode. ( The Lord has truly Blessed ME!) Thank You Father!!!

Thanks for joining us for another episode of the podcast.  This episode and the next few are special "After Hours" episodes with our producer, Stephen "the Other Guy" Lombardo (@planstsbeatslife) taking over the hosting duties while the Happy Hour podcast HQ relocates from Philly to Northern Virginia.  Many thanks for taking over the mic while were in transition.  This episode we hear from DJ and Philadelphia nightlife legend, Mr. Funky, Mike Alba.  Topics discussed in this episode include music influences and house music heroes.  The current state of Philadelphia nightlife is discussed and reminiscing of some of the greatest Philly club nights should bring back some fun memories if you were there.  Mike also talks about starting a pandemic radio show, SUNSET Sessions, which can be heard every Sunday from 5PM EST to 9 PM EST on https://www.bnblondonradio.com/  Currently Episode 40 is up next. Mr. Funky (@mrfunkymikealba) and I met way back in 1992 in college, where we attended Millersville University together.  (Marauder Pride!) Thanks for taking time to do the episode Mike and many thanks to "The Other Guy" for taking over the hosting duties.  Hope everyone enjoys the episode and please check out Sunset Sessions every Sunday.  The archived episodes of SUNSET SESSIONS can be found at: https://www.mixcloud.com/mrfunkymikealba/   

It was Valentines weekend and the Mistress was sad.  I invited her over to the Flat Iron Wine Cellar and we talked about her work.  She shared some great stories and some of the Mistress' tips for a healthy relationship.  She is a women entrepreneur and an advocate for sex workers rights and is fighting censorship across the digital world that affects income and safety of many.  Stay tuned at the end of the episode for another musical surprise from "the Other Guy".  Thanks everyone for listening and please share with your friends.   Mistress Salem is a Philadelphia based lifestyle and professional dominatrix and co-owner for Atheneum Dungeon, a private event space for the kink / BDSM community. My linktree: https://linktr.ee/worshipmistresssalem

In this episode I have a conversation with my friend Troy Jackson.  I met Troy working for 4 Corners, he was the head of our Security Team.  It took him a solid year, but he was the one who talked me into going to yoga.   A decision that changed my life. We talk about his journey and his current line of work and hope you all enjoy Episode 9. Much gratitude to Troy for spending some time with us.   Please like, share, subscribe and tell your friends.   Thanks for being part of our family.  Stay tuned for "The Other Guy's Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band Monday night SOMA  Vibes remix in honor of Troy and those legendary Monday nights (Shout out the Blue Monday resident deep sizzle).   Troy Jackson MSS,LSW, an yoga practitioner and an accomplished yoga instructor of 15 years in addition to being a licensed Psychotherapist in private practice and at EthosTreatment in Philadelphia, PA. Troy believes a healthy body is one of the many doorways to a sound mind and spirit, "My mission is to help individuals tap into their inner knowing to become the best version of themselves in order make the world a better place". Troy is an ethical Vegan, living sober, a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a retired Bouncer/Doorman of the Philadelphia nightclub scene that still loves a pumping beat to dance too.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/troy-jackson-philadelphia-pa/219623 Instagram: @lovinglifetroy https://www.ethostreatment.com/

On this episode we check in with my friend Ashton Szabo.  I met Ashton on my first trip to Koh Phangon in Southern Thailand for a yoga retreat at Pyramid Yoga in 2009.  He was living across the way at the Mountain Hut.  He's a great father and provides a wealth of knowledge utilizing classic yogic teachings with his own vibe to students across the globe.   Him and his family are moving to Bali to open a Retreat Center.   Thanks Ashton for sharing some time with our family.  Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a collab mantra track with Ashton's vocals of Ganapati mantra and the other guy laying down some supporting beats for a Ganapati & the other guy remix   Enjoy everyone!   Thank you all, tell your friends and if you have any guest ideas or know someone I should talk to, please send them my way! Having been involved with martial arts since the age of five, Ashton was first introduced to yoga by his Japanese jujitsu instructor, Stephen Copping, at the age of twelve. After a brief time exploring himself in professional mixed martial arts and teaching ju jitsu for two years, in addition to working as a massage therapist for more than six years, he decided to dive deeper into yoga and take his first yoga teacher training with Peri Ness in 2005 at the age of 25. Following a life changing trip to China to study esoteric Taoism, he decided to commit his life fully to yoga and the exploration of consciousness. He bought a one way ticket to Asia and travelled the world for the next six and a half years. After completing a 300 hour yoga training with David Goulet in 2006, he traveled to India to further his studies. Throughout the following years he spent significant time in India, Southeast Asia and South America, studying and practicing with yogis, saints and shamans. He returned to the United States with his family in 2012. Over the years, Ashton has been fortunate enough to study with other teachers like Paul Muller- Ortega (Shaiva Tantra), Mark Dyczkowski (Trika), Hareesh Wallis (Trika), Douglas Brooks (Sri Vidya), Christopher Tompkins (Shaiva Tantra),  Acharya Virag Triphathi (Vedanta), Kavitha Chinnaiyan (Sri Vidya), Jules Mitchell (Biomechanics), Leeann Carey (asana), and Maty Ezraty (asana). He has also been heavily influenced by the work of Swami Lakshmanjoo, Alan Watts and Joseph Campbell. Ashton teaches authentic tantric yoga in a way that is accessible to the modern yoga student. His tantric hatha yoga classes introduce students to more profound aspects of yoga and invites them into deep intimacy with their true Self. These classes explore elements of mantra, pranayama, kriya, mudra, bandha, laya, asana and more. He offers additional learning through workshops, retreats, immersions and teacher trainings. He has been guiding yoga teacher trainings for nine years through his own school and has been guest faculty on over one hundred yoga teacher trainings all over the world. In 2021, Ashton will be opening the Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center in Ubud, Bali.

In Episode 7, I sit down with Philadelphia’s own Karla Ballard. I met Karla when I participated in a cohort project in summer of 2020 with the City of Philadelphia, sponsored by Global Village (VLLGYING) with support from the Ying organization and the Knight Foundation (@knightfdn). Her leadership skills were evident instantly and we shared a special moment back in August, when we had a meeting, right after she got off the phone to be asked to run as a Vice Presidential candidate on the independent Ticket with Brock Pierce. Enjoy hearing about Karla’s journey and shout out to all the Global Village and VLLGYING cohort fam. (https://www.glblvllg.com)  Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a DJ mix by our producer;  “the other guy” dropping some 70’s funk for everyone! Karla Ballard is the Founder and CEO of YING (https://yingme.co ) , a peer to peer skill sharing platform set to launch on a global scale via the IOS and Android app markets. YING helps members within groups and communities facilitate on demand exchanges fostering a task-oriented economy between members. Engaging members in a complimentary currency that supports community and individual benefits. The platform has a b2b enterprise engagement for NGO's and Corporations as well creating a plug-in play sharing ecosystem for any affinity group. Ms. Ballard, most recently ran as the first black and seventh generation Indigenous women to run on the Independent ticket as a Vice Presidential candidate alongside fintech blockchain mogul and philanthropist Brock Pierce for the 2020 Presidential election. The campaign's mission was fueled with a message of love, unity, and innovation and achieved positioning on 16 ballots throughout the US. Her impact in ensuring young people and disenfranchised voters came out yielded millions of impressions 43k voters. Ms. Ballard was also formerly SVP of Participant Media’s TAG division, a social-action agency working with brands, foundations and the public sector to ignite compelling campaigns that drove impact in vulnerable communities. Prior to joining Participant Media she was with Ogilvy & Mather as the SVP and lead for The IMPACT Studio working on projects that ranged from the State of California to Sony Pictures Television. Previously Karla worked at One Economy Corporation where she led a vital division of a $51 million BTOP grant focused on broadband adoption and became an appointee to the Federal Communications Committee on Diversity in Media. In addition, she created and led corporate relationships with partners such as Comcast/NBC, Verizon, Participant Media, Sprint, City Year and others. She is a current advisory board member of Blue Star Families, Philadelphia 250, Co-Chair of Shareable, Hashtaglunchbag, and USC’s Next Gen Council for Stephen Spielberg’s SHOAH Foundation. She's been a visiting speaker at Harvard, UCLA and Georgetown University and is a former board member of the nation’s second largest Community College, Northern Virginia Community College. Karla is also the co-founder of the first Urban League in the state of Delaware, The Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and served as the first female national president of the National Urban League Young Professionals. In 2012 Karla was awarded in NYC the Keeper’s of the Dream award from the National Action Network. Much gratitude for taking the time for this episode, Thank you Karla!

Thanks everyone for joining us for episode 6.   Daniel and Dagmar have been a huge inspiration for me and I have had some incredible experiences with both of them on Yoga retreats in Costa Rica, Iceland and Ibiza.  I connect with them from the jungle in Montezuma, Costa Rica and we talk about curating experiences and holding space for growth and self discovery.  We discuss what 2021 holds for all of us and as always, both of them share their wisdom and please check them both out.  Much love everyone for all the support.  Stay tuned for the Special Other Guy remix of Daniel's Gaudan project hang music from the jungle at the end of the epsiode.   Dagmar: (ig: @montezumayoga) In 2001, I became the founder and director of Montezuma Yoga in Costa Rica. While growing up in Germany, all I could envision for myself was living life in the sunshine, under the palm trees. Over 20 years of soul-searching – and many detours – I explored city life in Los Angeles and New York.  But I have found my dream life by the beach in the lush, tropical nature of Costa Rica. Because of my own experience, I believe that everyone can live their dreams. To do this, our work is to show up for ourselves, to become clear and open to receive the gifts we all deserve. I trained in Vinyasa Flow, Anusara Yoga, and Yin Yoga. My main mentors are Elena Brower and Rod Stryker. I believe that a yogic life is wholistic and all-inclusive: body, mind, and spirit. In an effort to further understand and nurture the body, in 2006 I graduated from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York.  When I am not in my home in Montezuma, I travel with my partner Gaudan to teach our signature Vinyasa Flow & Hang music classes and retreats. These will lead you back into your flow, leaving you feeling energised, inspired, and excited about finding your unique gifts and creating your amazing life!  Can’t make it to a class or retreat? We can still practice together. Download my popular yoga videos – already with over one million views – on YouTube.  I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect Daniel:  (ig:@gaudanartwork) Gaudan is a well-known Swiss renaissance artist.  He possesses many creative skills, including in the areas of architecture, design, and art.  Gaudan spent 12 years living off the grid in the Costa Rican jungle. He found his inspiration and confidence in the intuitive connection with nature and stillness.  His passionate stories inspire confidence and trust in our intuitions. Gaudan generously shares these — along with his music — to encourage others to be willing to take risks and to embrace the unknown.  When Gaudan fell in love with the Hang instrument in 2009, he discovered its soothing and relaxing effects also enhanced Dagmar’s yoga. Soon, they started leading worldwide classes and retreats together, beautifully complimenting each other. Music | The Gaudan Project (bandcamp.com)

John P. Murphy writes, reads, runs, and swims.  He used to chase butterflies.  He lives in Puerto Escondido, Mexico with Venezuelan artist Iris Burchi. John can be found at jpmurphywrites.com  and on ig: @Jpmwrites.  Iris Burchi can be found on ig: @irisburchi.  Special shoutout to the FELTON St. Baptist Church in North Philly https://www.facebook.com/194513924606513/.   Stay tuned at the end of the podcast for some live mandolin vibes from Mexico and then @theotherguy turns the mandolin into a nice groove beat and special bonus is a JP and the Other Guy unreleased demo track from 2016 with a piece written by John, Piano Wire…. enjoy and Happy New Year everyone. Thanks for all the love. Love and Light to everyone in 2021 from our family at Flat Iron.

In this epsiode,  I sit down with my friend Jose from Souetri to talk about life and music and curating good vibes.  Listen for a special preview at the end of the episode of an unreleased EP from @theotherguy who produces this podcast, The name of the EP is basement cookies and is acapella hip hop lyrics with original production from @theotherguy.  Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for all the love in 2020.   Here is Jose's bio and some of the artists we talked about on the episode are tagged.   Jose Alicea “KIKO” Founder / Curator, Souletri Jose Alicea is the founder and curator of Souletri, a digital and in person event company that is dedicated to the growth and positive exposure of multi-disciplinary artist throughout NYC, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico and around the world. For nearly two decades, Jose has been involved in music and art in various capacities. At the age of 18, he created an indie label called Hidden Hand Entertainment. Hidden Hand focused on the development of up-and-coming hip hop artist from the NYC area (some acts included BLVD, Jak Skelly, Jam Young and many more). After several years he created a digital magazine called Krack a Bottle which he interviewed artists like Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill, Liza Rios (BIG PUN’s widow), Triple Seis (Ex Terror Squad) just to name a few. In 2017, Souletri was born on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Through the years he partnered with many notable venues in NYC, including The West End Lounge, The Gold Bar, Pete’s Candy, Harlem Nights and more. In 2018, he shifted focus along-side Philly’s own DJ Dizzy in created a showcase for artists in North Philly. After that event Souletri expanded to Philly permanently. In 2020, due to COVID Jose and his crew have created a digital network of live events like Soul at Home, Soul Untapped, and Spitting on the Spot. Outside of Souletri, in 2020 Jose signed a publishing deal with a Philadelphia based publishing house J&B Publishing to release his first book, Joey Monster (a children’s book based on a young monster who’s parent’s divorce). Keep an eye on Jose and Souletri through their social media (@kiko_nyc and @souletri_ on ig and Souletri and Soul Untapped in Facebook for more news about another project of releasing a poetry book with poets from Philly, NYC & California. Outside the books Jose is going back into artist management by releasing Tiffany Janell’s (@mstiffanyjanell Philly soul) first EP and first EP for singer Yessica Stephan (@itsjustyessi from NYC) in 2021. Jose also manages the social media for Mama Julia (@mamjulia215). He is working with Power Street Theatre (@powerstreettheatreco), and the Artistic Creative Théâtre in NYC. Jose also has a new project called Alma Del Puerto Rico which is a chance to show case artists from Puerto Rico.

Episode 3 is recorded via Zoom from Portugal and my guests are my friends Tamara and Ruben.  Enjoy.  BONUS Track at the end of the podcast.  (You Got To Believe In Something (JP and The Other Guys Movment Remix)) Tamara “Cuchira” Levinson was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of fifteen she represented the USA Rhythmic Gymnastics team at the 1992 Olympic Games. Her love of free movement, individualism and eMOTIONal exploration led her to a successful and ongoing over 20 year professional dance, aerial dance and choreography career. Within that journey came a thorough deconstruction of the eMOTIONal body and how “it” (our true essence) moves through us. This understanding cultivated the bases of her life’s work and greatest passion called MovMEANT. During her earlier years she had the great pleasure of dancing with many popular artists such as Madonna, performing and creating various Off-Broadway productions in New York City, touring internationally with avant-garde aerial group De La Guarda’s “Villa Villa” & Fuerzabruta as an original cast member and co-creator. She also worked with the legendary Twyla Tharp and choreographed a couple numbers in the movie “The Greatest Showman” with Hugh Jackman. Gaining such production and creation knowledge throughout a decade in the thick of Broadway and Hollywood, Tamara naturally transitioned into directing many her own masterful pieces of work on stage and film. With a bag full of movement expertise (aerial arts, improvisation, choreography, gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, yoga and just good ol’ play) Tamara’s dream was always to show others how therapeutic tapping into the true nature of the body can be. The next organic shift in her career came with the realization of a very powerful movement meditation technique/practice she created called MovMEANT, which she now teaches and shares worldwide to all seeking to find freedom within. After all Tamara has accomplished she feels like she is just getting started digging into her most meaningful work yet! When it’s all said and done the only credit she wants to have on her resume is LIGHT WARRIOR. To learn more about MovMEANT & to schedule privates with Tamara go to MovMEANT.com Ruben, born and raised in Portugal started his movement journey at age eight playing futebol (soccer). By age 23 he was playing for U.D. Vilafranquense. At that time he was also investing practice time in the sport of footvolley, competing in the Footvolley National League in which he is currently vice champion of Portugal. As a youngster he started to study and implement strength and conditioning protocols in order to improve his overall physical conditioning to increase his sports performance. Ruben has always been curious and motivated to learn more about the body as well as ways to self improve MINDfully but it wasn’t until he left futebol that he began to research movement as a deeper whole. His perspective opened up into a spectrum of infinite mind-body possibilities. Ruben’s movement classes (online and in-person) focus on preparing the body for the most desired and undesired situations. Working through the bodies weaker aspects from the inside out creating an adaptable healthy human body. Moving in this manner has great long term effects. One feels empowered, navigating through their environment in ways never felt before; Able to connect deeper within self allowing more freedom in general movements and an overall healthier lifestyle. To contact Ruben for privates email rubensantosbb@gmail.com Please share with your friends and communities, like, subscribe and review. Feedback and show ideas are always welcome. Much love everyone.

Episode 2- On this episode I sit down with my longtime friend Dominic Marino a.k.a. “The Donut Guy” We talk about where we grew up and I wanted to share Dominic’s story of his current state of recovery and a new found professional calling as a result of working through recovery for the last 5 years. Thanks to ‘The Other Guy” for the production support as always and please like, share and tell your friends about the podcast. Here are some resources for you or anyone you care about need some support for mental health and substance abuse, Thanks everyone. (photo is 7th and 8thgrade CYO basketball team, year 1984) Utility Consumer Protection for PA Public Utility Customers: 1800-692-7380 Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc.: 215-444-2730 (mon-Fri 08:30- 4:30) B Cares Family Connect: BCaresFamilyconnect@gmail.comfor support resources for families and loved ones dealing with substance abuse. visitmagellanofPA.com  Help to find behavioral health resources in PA. Helping Hand-Water utility Assistance: 877-987-2782 Suicide Prevention: 1800-273-8255.  Please share with your friends and communities, like, subscribe and review. Feedback and show ideas are always welcome. Much love everyone.

This is the inaugural episode and I sit down in the Flat Iron wine cellar in Philadelphia to talk about Luna's art, her vision and her work. Luna is a sound artist and friend. As an added bonus for all the listeners, Luna has gifted the Flat Iron family with an offering from her online sound lab portal, which can be found at www.lunamaye.com This sonic treat is the Heal and Restore selection from the Sound Lab. It is 24 minutes and is at the end of the episode as a bonus. Put on some headphones and enjoy. Special thanks to Luna Maye and the other guy, Stephen Lombardo for the production work on the episode. Listen for a message from him to introduce Luna's piece. Please share with your friends and communities, like, subscribe and review. Feedback and show ideas are always welcome. Much love everyone.