ON THE CALL with Ozzie Stewart

CLEM BOWEN + DAWAD PHILIP

Clem Bowen grew up in Princess Town, Trinidad, and became an avid sportsman. For over a decade he worked in the aviation industry in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, where he began his journey in the entertainment industry as a DJ. Soon he was driving tours for artists such as Sister Carol and Sugar Minot, and progressed to becoming a road manager of Soca artists throughout the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. He formed his Cariwak Management Agency, which books  Calypso & Soca artists worldwide, acquires work permits, travel etc, which also includes Event planning & Productions and more. He is also President of the yearly July, “Sunday Brunch on the Green’, in Brooklyn.

His mas band, Burokeete, impacted the art of Carnival and is in the history books, with a song “Burrokeet Woman” by Calypsonian,  “Mighty Swallow” created for Burrokeet; won ‘Band of the Year’ twice, with approximately 3000 masqueraders and was the first Trini style mas camp at the Shell, which was renamed Burrokeet mas camp. Clem franchised Burrokeet to Atlanta, Boston, Miami and London. The Burrokeet is a costume that resembles a person riding a donkey, which has its origins in the Spanish and Venezuelan cultures. Clem is passionate about preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.

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Dawad Philip who holds a Masters of Arts (Carnival Arts) degree from the University of Trinidad and Tobago is a mas man, journalist, painter, calypso ten manager, organizer of Caribbean Theatre Week (NY), and poet. Philip was one of five poets selected to represent Brooklyn in a Brooklyn-Leningrad Literary Exchange in the 1990s. He is the author of three volumes of poetry, Invocations 1980, A Mural by the Sea 2017 (City Twilight 2020), and Jayden and the King of the Brooklyn Carnival, (co-authored with Yolanda Lezama-Clark, 2019), Dawad’s collection of poems is an homage not only to our elusive “Sweet Trinidad” but to the many homes and everyday people he encountered in his pilgrimage through life. Some of his poems discern echoes of the distinctive riddims of Andre Tanker’s “Back Home” and Sir Derek Walcott’s intimations in “Hic Jacket,” and have appeared in anthologies including Steppingstones, Bomb, Caribbean Voices, Poetry International, Voicing Our Vision and New Rain. A recipient of New York State Fellowship on the Arts (Poetry), he has performed his works around the Caribbean, U.S., Canada; Riga, Latvia; Moscow and St. Petersburg. Selected poems of his, have been translated into Russian by the former Leningrad Writers Union. Philip keeps an active hand in the annual Trinidad Carnival and further afield as a costume designer and mas-maker, after winning back in the day, mas band awards in San Fernando Carnival. He was instrumental in the genesis of Jazz on the San Fernando Hill and gave birth (with others) to We People Mas, an all-inclusive mas band in South with designs reminiscent of mas icon Peter Minshall. After living and working in Brooklyn for nearly four decades as a poet, journalist and artist, Philip has since resettled in his hometown of ‘Sando’ San Fernando, Trinidad. A Mural by the Sea (2018), a film by the late playwright/filmmaker Tony Hall, is based on selected poems from the book of the same title. His latest book Ayedemah, which means “We are a proud nation” is the precursor to another deep dive into the 100 years of New York Carnival. His works will shortly be entered into the Library of Congress. He remains active in the annual carnival with the N…

Mario Golden was born in Mexico City in 1964. When he was 14 his family immigrated to South Texas. He graduated from high school as a valedictorian and attended Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in International Development Education (SIDEC) and Teacher Education (STEP). During his time at Stanford he completed internships in clinical psychology at Miramonte Mental Health Services in Palo Alto (California) and at the Constance Bultman Wilson Center for Adolescent Psychiatry in Faribault (Minnesota). He learned about theories on social transformation, feminism, Freirian pedagogy, and sexual politics and became an activist.

In the early 1990s, Mario worked as a teacher specializing in bilingual curriculum development in the California public education system. He then worked as a trainer and counselor in the field of HIV/AIDS. In San Francisco he was a coordinator and counselor at the Hermanos de Luna y Sol Program at the Mission Neighborhood Health Center Clínica Esperanza. As an activist, he participated in various organizations and movements.

 Mario began his acting training with Rob Reece, a veteran member of the Actors Studio, whose teachings concentrated on the Stanislavski method combined with psycho spiritual growth work. While in training, he founded OneHeart Productions, a non-profit theater company. In New York City he continued training under the tutelage of Actors Studio veteran Alba Oms. As an actor, he has won accolades and several awards. During this time, Mario gained an interest in playwriting, and began studying with Yale University School of Drama alumnus Allen Davis, III. He then joined the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater as a member and co-director of the Professional Playwrights Unit. His plays have been staged in New York, Berlin, Münster, San Francisco, and Mexico City.

In 1998, Mario wrote and co-starred in the feature-length screenplay, Del Otro Lado, with Gustavo Cravioto. The movie premiered in 1999 at the International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in San Francisco. It was screened in other countries, including the First Lesbian and Gay Film Festival of San Francisco in Mexico City.

In 2018, Mario published Semillas, a Spanish language novel about a young gay revolutionary. The book has been received enthusiastically by readers.

For over 30 years Mario has contributed to the healing and growth of countless individuals, couples, families and communities. This includes innovative work with marginalized populations focused on empowering psychological and cultural transitions in order to make positive adjustments towards a freer and more genuine life. As a psychospiritual teacher and counselor, through his School of Mysteries, he offers counseling services, training, facilitation, and tools in areas of self-awareness, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, empowerment, and community development.

Mario is married to German theater director and journalist Andreas Robertz. He lives in New York City. MARIO IS A SURVIVOR OF SEXUAL ABUSE AS A CHILD 

You can contact Mario at: www.theschoolofmysteries.com

Marilyn Cruz, is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Palms Upon My Hands Inc. Marilyn is an advocate for victims of domestic violence and a survivor of 13 years of abuse, suffered silently, starting from the age of 15. After finding out that her husband was cheating on her, evidenced by the venereal diseases she often had to be treated for, after he fathered two children outside of their marriage, then after he walked out on her, Marilyn turned to clubbing and drinking, losing herself for two years until she was arrested, for leaving her son asleep in her apartment, running out for a quick trip to the store not far away, by a vengeful person. Marilyn, a wife, church girl, mother, never divulged to her top tier gang member family members, OR brothers in the police force, OR church members OR well-known father, about her suffering. Wanting more for her life, through prayer, Marilyn went back to college, received her Associates Degree in Occupational Studies with a concentration in Public Health. She formed her nonprofit, Palms Upon My Hands Inc. with a mission to educate, advocate, raise voices to support efforts that demand change for teenagers and those who have suffered from domestic violence. She also collected Career Attire for men and women who are on probation, living in shelters, welfare to work programs. Marilyn is a mother of six children, a grandmother of eight. 21 YEARS OF A LOVING MARRIAGE FOLLOWED, BUT FILLED WITH TRIGGERS FROM THE PREVIOUS 13 YEARS OF ABUSE. MARILYN FOUND A LOVING MAN WHO NEVER ONCE ABUSED HER. A MAN WHO HELPED TO RAISE HER CHILDREN, TAUGHT HER TO VALUE HERSELF,  HELPED WITH GETTING BACK HER SELF CONFIDENCE, WORK AND HELPED WITH HER NONPROFIT.

For more information please contact Marilyn Cruz-Hayes at palmsuponmyhands@gmail.com or at 718-530-0610. For further information about the organization, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Palmsuponmyhands

STACY GRAY left her home and family in Indiana for NYC, to pursue a degree in Nursing, and after a brief stint in healthcare, her creative side won out. She earned a spot on the world-famous Apollo stage as an Apollo model, and to make ends meet, she took a job at a beauty supply store on Harlem’s bustling 125th Street. The access to hair weaves inspired her to take the initiative to become a self-taught extension specialist, became a Local 798 Union member AND an Award winning, Hairstylist/Make Up Artist & Male Groomer.
Stacey is considered a mastermind behind countless creations with over three decades of experience in the beauty industry. Stacy’s determination and creativity propelled her career, working with a clientele that includes Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu and Megan the Stallion and more. She’s worked on countless commercials such as: Tide, Fisher nuts, Mercedes Benz, Oral B, Adidas, Essence, and television shows, such as: Empire and Saturday Night Live (SNL) and music video sets. Ms. Gray has worked with top photographers and publications such as IN STYLE, Vogue, Interview Magazine, Rolling Stone and Essence, reality TV and feature films.
Check out her IMDB page, from 2005-present: with 30 credits for film, TV and specials as: key hair department head, key makeup assistant and make up.
Stacy is a survivor of domestic abuse and homelessness. https://www.thestacygray.com/ IG: @iamStacyGray
Stacy is a committed volunteer, offering her services to those in need, paying it forward. She is Celebrity Hairstylist, Make Up Artist & Groomer and Creative Director/CEO of all things Glam with her team and Agency, SGrayUnlimited –
@sgrayunlimited_agency_staffing

Stacy Gray is a survivor of domestic abuse and homelessness, who with perspective, strength and free will, has risen from the valleys to leap mountains.

Yvonne earned a Master of Arts degree at New School University and a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Puerto Rico. Yvonne completed the Women’s Leadership Institute certificate program at the Hartford Seminary and Education for Ministry (EfM) from the School of Theology, The University of the South.

A passionate advocate against domestic violence and sexual assault, Yvonne is a member of the Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse in the Episcopal Diocese of New York, where she brings years of experience and a deep commitment to this important social issue. Her work for over 25 years as a financial consultant and extensive technical knowledge of employee benefit plans have also informed her understanding of domestic violence as an economic issue affecting women’s financial status and ability to plan for a secure future. Yvonne’s commitment to empowerment extends beyond financial literacy, as she educates women on the importance of recognizing and addressing abusive relationships. 

Yvonne grew up in the church and began reading in church as a very young girl at her great-grandmother’s annual birthday church service. Yvonne was first elected to the vestry as a teenager and has held various positions in her parish, Holy Trinity in Manhattan, on various boards, including the Church Pension Group and the American College of Financial Services, VP on the Board of Trustees of The Church Club of New York. She served as a Trustee of The Cathedral School of Saint John the Divine and the Board of Directors of the Society of Financial Service Professionals and a member of the board of the Diocesan Episcopal Church Women and the Diocesan Council. Yvonne was elected Lay Representative to the Province II Council in April 2018.

Appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Advisory Council of the Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations, Yvonne has attended UN meetings, eg: the Financing for Development Forum in Doha, Qatar and currently promoting sustainable development, in representing the Africa Development Interchange Network. Yvonne is a member of the Executive Committee of the NGO Committee on the Status of Women. She is active in other NGOs and was the co-chair of the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY. She is active in New York City for CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) Act working closely with the Commission on Gender to end all forms of discrimination against women.

In the Episcopal Diocese of New York, Yvonne is a member of the Standing Committee, the Task Force Against Human Trafficking, and the Task Force on Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse. As chair of the Diocese’s Companion Diocese Committee and later the Global Mission Commission’s chair, Yvonne fostered international mission outreach connections in congregations. She has traveled internationally, especially in Africa and India, to strengthen bonds among congregations and help develop anti-poverty programs.

Yvonne was awarded the Society of Financial Service Professionals’ Paul S. Mills Scholarship, recognizing her lifelong commitment to education, voluntarism and ethics. The Council of the City of Philadelphia honored and recognized Yvonne with a Citation, dated May 9, 2018, “for her commitment to the advancement of women and girls in the United States and abroad.”

Follow her at: https://yvonneoneal.com/

JAN FRANCE: who was born in Chicago, to a mother who was an RN, a father who served in World War II, and a grandfather who served in World War I, has devoted much of her life to helping others. In 1976, Jan rode the 1400 mile Bi-Centennial, Valley Forge, PA on horseback, then in 1983, she organized the Texas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train, which covered 3,228 miles within the state, driving a classic 1915 Chicago freight wagon. She was its Founder, executive director, strategic planner, coordinator, promoter and fund-raiser of three million dollars in sponsorships. She opened a thrift shop and in 2002, she founded and created the Nation-wide, Non-Profit Organization America’s Disaster Relief, to provide assistance to various disaster-affected areas across the United States. Then she created a food truck which upgraded to a Mobile Kitchen. Despite being diagnosed with kidney disease, Jan continued to volunteer and fundraise for several years, but in 2023 due to her health issues, she decided to sell the Mobile Kitchen and cancel all events and remotely volunteer and fundraise. Her tireless efforts over the years have been an inspiration to many. 

Jan attended in her early days, New York Institute of Interior Design – New York, New York, Barbizon School of Modeling after which she became a Showroom & Runway model with the Ford Agency before heading off to Saint Petersburg College / University of South Florida. She was an equestrian, riding instructor, endurance and cross country rider and drove a team. She did ranch work: branding cattle, showmanship horses, also did team penning. 

She holds certifications as: Certified Radio Marketing Consultant – RAB – Dallas, Texas, Marketing and Promotions Event Professional as well as  Licensed Real Estate Agent – Texas

In the television/radio/film industry, she was: Radio Director of Promotions/Marketing, designed sales packages & promotions; copywriter and handled press releases. She was a live, remote air personality, air voice, co-host of talk shows. She was a Motivational speaker at seminars, Teacher of marketing classes, Co-writer and co-director of commercials (Ford, 7-Eleven, Coca-Cola); Technical advisor for the movie Lone Star– selected sites, arranged/approved props and costumes, advised on angle and method with film crew/director.  

Jan was also consultant to: State of Alaska, 50-year celebration of Alaskan Highway, State of Oklahoma, commemoration of the Oklahoma Land Rush; State of South Dakota, state-wide centennial celebration; State of Wyoming-state centennial; Residential General Contractor & Home Design – building 5000 homes in Florida & Texas.

Jan has a STAR on the Western Heritage Walk of Fame, Ft Worth, Texas (below the STAR of Roy Rodgers & Dale Evans) and holds numerous awards and citations from Oklahoma, Wyoming, South Dakota, Missouri, Florida, and Alaska. She holds honors from: State of Florida – State Representative Nations Bi-Centennial – Valley Forge, PA; Prestigious Texas Woman, Texas House of Representative; Outstanding Texas Woman, Texas Senate; Pioneer Woman Award, Marshall, Texas; Reserve Grand Champion Team Driving National Horse & Mule Association Finals 1987; National Cowgirl Hall of Fame – Heritage Division;Texas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train Museum – Ft Worth Stockyards Exchange Building; and was featured in Five Books, two by Donna Neal-Stepp in 1987, one of which is Sulphur Spring to Cowtown; and in October 2011 by Arcadia Publishing Images of America Texas Sesquicentennial Wagon Train By J’Nell Pate. 

 Follow her at: https://www.facebook.com/jan.france.10

Jim attended Spencerian College in Milwaukee, WI, for Sales & Marketing and was a graduate of Arrowhead High School in Hartland, WI. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Jim was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin to George and Frances Voelzke. Jim and his brother George “Joe” Voelzke grew up in Merton, WI, where his parents ran V’s Tasty Town restaurant. Jim was proud to call himself a “Cheese Head” had many hobbies and was a passionate sports fan. He enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, golfing, skiing, being near the water, grilling, and above all spending time with people. Jim and his family lived in Brookfield, Connecticut for 20+ years, much of their time boating on Lake Lillinonah. Jim was known for telling jokes, being a loving father, coaching children’s sports, grilling sweet corn, playing the organ and was an avid music fan.
His daughter Dana remembers “as a parent, my Dad gave my 2 brothers, my sister and I quite a bit of rope. When I asked for advice, he’d turn the question around. “What do you think you should do?” He’d assure me that he trusted my judgement. He’d say “You’ll make the right decision. Get some sleep”
.Jim had a successful 40+ year career that allowed him to travel the world. His favorite city to visit was Florence, Italy. He was President of E Source Network which was formed in 2000 to provide service, Sales, Marketing and representation to companies from all over the world in leather and shoes, representing world class tanners from New Zealand and Korea, with offices and colleagues in China, and South America. He started working as a sales trainee in the tannery in Milwaukee. He held VP of Sales positions for Maydiang Group and RSI/Sigma, Sales and Marketing agency for Sadesa of Argentina, Annonay of France and Sanbinos of Brazil. Jim was a lifetime member of the Two Ten Footwear Foundation, certified Dale Carnegie sales practitioner, and a member of the Newtown Rotary Club. He regularly donated to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
One associate said “Jim’s unwavering support and focus for one of our initiatives helped deliver a new business level for the company. Communication is a strong suit for Jim that served to make this initiative a successful one.”
His daughter Erin said “He was easy going, fun-loving, sentimental, and charismatic. He had a great head of hair, always had a story to tell, was always trying new things, loved anything to do with the water, loved animals, even those cats that I talked him into. He knew so many people from all over the world and could strike up a conversation with anyone”
I met Jim around 2004. He was my first and only E-Harmony date. He was in China when we first connected and we hit it off from the first date, when he consented to go dancing with me at one of my favorite clubs. We danced all night. He could dance well. He was a gentleman, with a great head of hair, who wore his heart on his sleeve fearlessly, always caring, always smiling or laughing. He introduced me to his large circle of friends, and loved sailing/boating, being on the water. Throughout the years we remained fast friends, frequently checking in on each other. When I worked on a contract in Brickell, Miami and needed an expert to work on a tracking footwear brand, Jim was the one I turned to, traveling back and forth to China.
Jim was to be my guest on last season’s podcast. He never told me how serious his health issue was at the beginning of this year, except to say, I’ve got cancer but I’m handling it. Then I got the notice shortly after • My dear friend James P. Voelzke, age 75, passed away this May 23. He is predeceased by his son, Peter Voelzke, and brother Joe Voelzke and survived by his three children Dana Voelzke (Richard Franco), Ryan Voelzke, and Erin Stein and many friends • I miss his greetings of “Hey Oz!” It was great having you in my life Jim. Happy sailing!

Meet Leslie Steven Valles, named after the actor, Leslie Nielsen, a passionate and talented individual whose life has been a colorful canvas of creativity and self-expression, as a makeup artist and hairdresser.

Born in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, with 7 siblings all told, 4 girls and 3 boys. Leslie quickly discovered his love for the transformative power of hairstyling, after completing cosmetology school, he began his career at Regis at the Fulton Mall in downtown, Bklyn and from there moved on to others in Manhattan, working in the East Village at Bang Bang, salon and Creations by Zoya for approximately 38 years. This all stemmed from the early days of experimenting with his sisters’ girlfriends’ Saturday night dancing experiences, all coming from his innate talents.

Leslie embraced his identity proudly and beautifully with unwavering confidence, finding strength in the supportive community that surrounded him. His mantra has always been “be respectful and moral, while being who you are”. Though he considers himself an introvert, he has been fearless in self-discovery.

Leslie embarked on a career that would become his life’s passion. His artistic flair and attention to detail quickly garnered attention in the competitive world of beauty and fashion. His work became a testament to his ability to accentuate and celebrate the unique beauty in everyone.

While having Phyllis Hyman playing in the background, Leslie is content with his life in the salon and being at home. He wants to a tee that says “I’m single and I want it this way, but not afraid to mingle” He’s funny, quick thinking, infectious, warm and genuinely love his craft, earning a loyal clientele, respected withing the beauty.

His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-expression and the enduring impact of embracing one’s true identity.

THANK YOU Mary Catherine George for being my very FIRST guest in 2020 on On The Call, which began the same time as the pandemic. SINCE THEN, Dr. George has accomplished the following:

1) obtained grant dollars to develop a chronic pain relief tool using Virtual Reality
2) learned to make her creative endeavors a priority
3) Health is key to longevity, and so has prioritized her health, mind, body, and soul each day.

“The Pandemic taught me a lot, and I feel even more committed to serving others when it comes to learning how to be our biggest expression of who we are.”

Cathy saw co-workers dealing with the difficulty of maintaining their mental health; the duplicity of making efforts to return to work, hearing colleagues share about the issues of work and health safety due to the vaccine mandate and the shifting decisions. Cathy strongly believes in autonomy, yet she knows that only 12% of adults understand their health no matter what their background or education. The percentages decrease as individuals are older and have more complicated health issues.

Cathy is a Health Psychologist, IRB Regulatory Specialist and Research Program Manager, working for decades within the neurological complications of HIV Disease, Post-Stroke Spasticity, and other research initiatives involving pain and behavior, with an interest in human behavior and how to address wellness and maintain health throughout their lifespan. Her areas of research interest involve stress, anxiety, pain management, and aging within the context of chronic illness such as HIV disease. Dr. George has a special interest in language, technology (use of virtual reality and apps) and how language can influence behavior. Cathy, also a musician, is a comedian as well.
Check SINCE THEN page at: onthecallpodcast.com
THANK YOU DR. MC GEORGE💐💐
Check out her new podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thethreeladiespodcast
👉🏾Creator/Host: Ozzie Stewart – IG: @otc_podcast20
👉🏾Guest: Mary Catherine George – www.marycatherinegeorge.com
👉🏾Exec Producer: Ozzie Stewart
👉🏾Graphic Design: Kevin “Cheeze” Tinsley
👉🏾Music: Cheese Slice Films
👉🏾Website: James Bailey
#onthecallpodcast #podcaster #podcast #ozzie #host #service #gratitude #shininglight #health #healthservice #psychology #pandemic #wellness #aging #musician #comedian #apps #stressrelief #anxiety #disease

THANK YOU Lucinda Carr for being my very SECOND guest in 2020 on On The Call, which began the same time as the pandemic. SINCE THEN, 3 things Lucinda has accomplished are:
– Wrote, produced and performed her own one-woman Off-Off Broadway show “My Life is Not My Own – a hour with Harriet Tubman AND received the award for best biographical show in the 2023 United Solo Fall Festival.
-Played a supporting role in 12 Days of Christmas Eve with Kelsey Grammar
-Played a mother in a scene with Gabrielle Union and Ed Harris in the movie Riff Raff.

From Computer Programmer to Author to Publisher, to Mary Kay Rep, when Lucinda decided to follow her passion to become an Actor, things geared up for her. Since our first season’s broadcast in 2020, Lucinda rebuilt her website adding new pictures. She has had many self tape auditions and has been taking scene study with LS Studios out of Atlanta since 1/2021. She was offered 10 roles since the pandemic started, 6 in 2021. Lucinda had to turn down a TV show because she was shooting a commercial in Florida. Of the 9 roles she accepted, 3 were in the south. One was for an upcoming series on BET, which she booked, when she relocated to Atlanta for 4 months. In addition she has had her availability checked several times, which is very encouraging. Can’t wait to see what 2024 brings for her. Successful at her life’s goals, yet happy to give, help, serve others throughout. Contact her at: The Office Outside The Office, LLC: 914.714.9527 AND https://www.lucindacarr.com
THANK YOU LUCINDA💐💐

👉🏾Creator/Host: Ozzie Stewart – IG: @otc_podcast20
👉🏾Guest: Lucinda Carr – IG: @lucinda.carr.actress
👉🏾Exec Producer: Ozzie Stewart – onthecallpodcast.com
👉🏾Graphic Design: Kevin “Cheeze” Tinsley – IG:  @cheeseslicefilms 
👉🏾Music: Cheese Slice Films
👉🏾Website: James Bailey
#onthecallpodcast #podcaster #podcast #otc #ozzie #host #service #gratitude #shininglight #onewomanshow #offbroadway  @harriettubman8505  #show #festival #awards #biography #mrkelseygrammer  @gabunion5892  #edharris #writer #producer #actress #actor #computerscience #programmer #computerprogrammer #publisher #commercial #tv #movie #florida  @BlackEntertainmentSJS  #atlanta