Culture & Storytelling Episodes

When she first started writing, no one suspected that Celeste Barclay was penning what she calls “R-rated historical romance novels.” She didn’t tell anyone what she was doing. But the teacher turned author knows what she’s doing. Yes, her novels, “bring the steam,” but Celeste also brings a well-honed knowledge of European history, and her life experience as a woman of English and Moroccan heritage. Hear Celeste describe her unconventional path to becoming an author who has reached both financi...

As Executive Director of Inlandia Institute, Cati Porter oversees a special gem in southern California’s Inland Empire. An advocate and supporter of literary arts, Inlandia publishes books and programs that deepen people’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of inland southern California. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Cati discusses her journey into the literary world, Inlandia’s history and growth and what the future holds for the organization. Additional Resources Website: www.inl...

In this episode of SoCal Voices, Angela Ross chats with singer and DJ Myra Washington. Originally from Port Arthur, TX, Myra followed her dreams to come to Los Angeles and pursue a music career. It wasn’t always easy but her tenacity paid off and continues to help her thrive through the pandemic. Additional Resources Myra's Twitter: https://twitter.com/shesingsanddj?lang=en Myra's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesingsanddj/?hl=en Myra's Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MyraWas...

In the final installment of her series on local, self-published, African American authors, Angela Ross speaks with James Otis Harris, author of Corey’s Courtroom. The book is a series of fun stories helping kids resolve conflict, maintain friendships and develop problem-solving skills. Additional Resources Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Adventures-Coreys-Courtroom-Harris/dp/0979927307 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreys_courtroom13/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...

In the third installment of SoCal Voices’ local African American author series, we meet James Coats, a poet with a deep, abiding love and message to share. Learn more about his work and perspective and what’s coming next for this talented and promising poet. Additional Resources https://www.facebook.com/BigGameJamesC https://www.instagram.com/mrlovingwords/ liftourvoiceseducation@gmail.com Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvoices NOTE: Links, information, and resources referenced i...

The second installment in Angela’s series on local African American self-published authors features Monica Woodruff. She brings her lived experience, including her roles in law enforcement and counseling to her writing and shares an inspiring story about the power of saying “no” and “enough,” and focusing on the importance of self-care. Additional Resources https://www.facebook.com/mjoyinc/ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Monica+woodruff&ref=nb_sb_noss Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvo...

Angela kicks off her series on local African American self-published authors with a fun interview with Dwayne Shigg, author of the book EncourageMINTS for Tough Times. Sometimes you need a breath mint; sometimes you need an encourageMINT. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Shigg discusses how his book helps you “go through” so you can “get to.” Additional Resources https://www.facebook.com/dwayne.shigg/ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dwayne+shigg&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Follow SoCal Voices on social media...

Live music performances? There is almost no such thing during the pandemic. If music lovers have missed attending concerts, musicians have missed performing even more. On this edition of SoCal Voices, electric violinist and vocalist Ginny Luke discusses the future of live music. Additional Resources www.ginny-luke.com @ginnyluke on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvoices NOTE: Links, information, and resources referenced in episodes and sho...

Throughout her career, award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer Sheree Brown has collaborated with multiple artists including Patrice Rushen, Zhane and Syreeta Wright. Her latest work, a music and literary project entitled Messages From the Spirit: The Collective, features a stellar collection of uplifting songs including her hit, Take A Walk with Love. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Sheree discusses how the project came together, and the affirmation and confidence she hopes it ...

What do you do when you can’t find a children’s book about the city you love? Write it yourself! Hear Mark Cloud, author of Hello Riverside, Good Night Scranton and Fun at the Office discuss his books, love of family and community and the advice he has for anyone who believes they have a story to tell. Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvoices Additional Resources: Find Hello Riverside! and other books by Mark Cloud here. NOTE: Links, information, and resources referenced in e...

Inland Empire-based photographer/videographer Steve Jacobs talks about the recent death of a close friend and his father, both from suicide. An eight-year Air Force veteran, Steve discusses how their deaths affected him, and how these events are making him reach out to friends and family more often just to check in. Follow SoCal Voices on social media @socalvoices Additional Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 988LifeLine.org NOTE: Links, information, and reso...

Pomona College mathematics professor Edray Goins brings an energy and enthusiasm to his craft that is truly inspiring. In this episode of SoCal Voices, he describes his unshakable self-confidence and determination to do the work beyond what was expected, and how that helped propel him through his math journey. Math “nerds” will appreciate hearing him describe what sparked his interest in science and math, and the story behind the math equation that bears his name. All listeners will benefit from...

As Chair of the Popular Music Department at USC, four-time Grammy nominee Patrice Rushen navigates music, teaching, campus policies and politics. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Patrice discusses how the pandemic has changed her approach to teaching, and what she believes is the path forward for today’s music students. Follow us on social media @socalvoices Note: Links and resources referenced in episodes and show notes were current at the time of publication and may have since changed or...

Having one family member with coronavirus can cause major disruption to the daily routine. Imagine what that disruption is like if the entire household is stricken with the virus. Musician and teacher John Brannon of San Bernardino doesn’t have to imagine - because it happened to him and his family. Hear his story on this edition of SoCal Voices. NOTE: This episode of SoCal Voices was recorded before the President of the United States tested positive for COVID-19. Follow us on social media @soca...