Monday, June 26, 2023

“Meet Me Where I Am,” a timely and intimate look about moving through grief, will make its US premiere at this year’s Dances With Films (DWF) Festival, June 22nd – July 2nd at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. Join us LIVE at 9:45am pst as Janeane speaks with Director Grant Garry



Told through individual stories with families, and grief experts, the documentary explores how we can normalize grief in our society and actively help others to process the pain of losing a loved one. Actor-author Anthony Rapp (Broadway’s RENT, StarTrek: Discovery), author and grief expert David Kessler (Finding Meaning, ABC Good Morning America contributor) and actor John Farley ( the brother of late comedian Chris Farley), will attend the world premiere on Sun July 2 @ 12:15 PM to share their experiences dealing with grief, both personally and collectively, in a country reeling from multiple tragic events in recent years.

“Meet Me Where I Am” is directed by Grant Garry and produced by Stacy Roque, Lisa Kauls and Sharolyn Schmiederer. James Slaven, Director of Photography, worked with Garry for the duration of production, collaborating on their worldwide tour of interviews for the film, The 86 minute documentary also features a mixture of families, counselors, grief advocates and experts including Ron Marasco, Julie Shaw, Cynthia O’Neal, Donna Schuurman, Jana DeCristofaro, Lisa Kauls, Mike Reynolds, Ken Ithiphol, Alicia Forneret, Julisa Golden, and Natalie Kazarian.

Director Garry has always been curious about grief, from his first experience when his grandmother died when he was a teenager to his most recent loss, the death of his uncle. "Meet Me Where I Am" is the culmination of that curiosity, and a dedication to ensuring we all feel better equipped to talk about grief. “After being contacted by our film’s executive producer, Lisa Kauls, and hearing her story, I knew her grief and others’ grief must be witnessed. I was honored to sit down with some of the world’s most renowned grief experts as well as individuals with lived experiences. The rare opportunity this film provides is that the expert talkers also have unique experiences of grief themselves, “ says Garry.

On a recent episode of the Grief Out Loud Blog hosted by Jana DeCristofaro and produced by Dougy Center, Garry shared the impetus behind his project.

"A big theme of the film is normalizing just talking about it. And most people want to talk about it," he said.

One takeaway Garry personally internalized was that grief and gratitude can co-exist and that it's ok to talk about and find joy remembering your loved one.

"It's not like bringing it up is going to remind them that their person died -- they know and they carry it with them every day."
Grant Garry is a filmmaker and actor. He is the director of the new documentary Meet Me Where I Am - Which explores the topic of grief through individual stories of loss, love, and hope.

Grant earned his degree in Theatre Arts from Loyola Marymount University. He has studied improv at The Groundlings School, acting in musical theatre with Jason Alexander, and is a Certified Grief Educator. He has a passion for singing, long-form conversations, nonfiction literature, meditation, writing, coffee, and cars.

He previously produced and acted in Black Cat, currently available on Amazon Prime. Other acting credits include NCIS: Los Angeles, Night of the Living Deb, Sweeney Todd, and Cinderella. His upcoming documentary film, Room for Cream: The Coffee Experience, will explore how humans experience coffee.

JULIA MORIZAWA’S ANIMATED SHORT DRAGONFLY TO COMPETE AT DANCES WITH FILMS. Julia Morizawa is a writer/producer/actress whose work spans all media.



Los Angeles– June 24th, 2023 – Julia Morizawa’s compelling animated short film DRAGONFLY will screen at Dances with Films on Monday, June 26th at 4:45 PM in Hollywood as part of the Perspectives Program, Group 2.


DRAGONFLY tells the story of a young girl who learns of her mother’s survival of the Tokyo Firebombing on March 9-10, 1945 through the eyes of her brother’s spirit.

The script was awarded Best Short Screenplay by Scriptation Showcase and Screenwriting Master in 2019. It was also a semifinalist or quarterfinalist in several other competitions, including the Austin Film Festival, Slamdance, and WeScreenplay Diverse Voices.

The movie is inspired by the story of Morizawa’s maternal grandparents. While exploring her family heritage, her mother offered scant information about their life during WWII, except that they lived in Tokyo until a fire forced them back to the family farm in Komoro. It wasn’t until Julia began researching fires in Tokyo during the 1940s that she learned about the firebombing and the immensity of the attack. Like many she meets today, she had never heard of it before since it is little-known compared to other events that happened during the war. In addition to honoring the grandparents she never met, Morizawa’s intention with DRAGONFLY is to raise awareness about the event and make sure those who were lost are never forgotten.

Julia Morizawa is a writer/producer/actress whose work spans all media. Her improvised feature film, JesusCat (or How I Accidentally Joined a Cult), won Best Comedy Feature at the Asians On Film Festival in 2014 and the Movie Heroes Rising Star Award at the Action On Film Festival in 2013. She earned a Best Female Filmmaker nomination at the Action On Film Festival in 2007 for her short, Sin & Lyle. Her play Twenty-Two premiered in Los Angeles in 2010, and her audio drama American Comedy Horror Story: Orphanage, is available worldwide on most podcast apps. Her acting career highlights include Judas Kiss, Scandal, SEAL Team, Masha No Home, Without Annette, Galactic Galaxy, and Star Trek: Odyssey. She is best known for playing the titular Dr. Bright on the hit podcast The Bright Sessions for five seasons and two spin-offs.

DRAGONFLY is written, produced, and directed by Morizawa. Executive Producers are Brian Sturges, James Babbin, John Titchenal, Lucas A. Ferrara, Derek Kolterman, and Christopher Luk. Maria Marta Linero was the Animation Director, with Eva Benitez as Lead Animator. The music is composed by Aiko Fukushima and the Sound Design by Giorgia Garcia-Moreno. Morizawa, Erika Ishii, Miya Kodama, and Thomas Isao Morinaka lend their voices.

DRAGONFLY screens on Monday, June 26th, at 4:45 PM at the TCL Chinese 6, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028. Tickets can be purchased at: https://danceswithfilms.com/dragonfly/

“ANGIE’S CURE” TO HAVE WORLD PREMIERE AT DANCES WITH FILMS FESTIVAL 2023 IN LOS ANGELES. TUNE IN LIVE on Monday 6/26/23 @9:15am to learn more about how this film breaks the silence about trauma and recovery

 Corey Grant

 
Lanett Tachel
                       


to the show featuring
Corey Grant and Lanett Tachel

LOS ANGELES, JUNE 24, 2023 -- “Angie’s Cure,” the story of a rape victim’s disturbing road to recovery, will make its World Premiere at this year’s Dances With Films (DWF) Festival, Thursday, on Tuesday, June 27th, 9:30PM at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood.

The film tells the gripping story of Angie, a former rape victim, who uses the thug robbing her shop to take out her repressed anger. When she decides to prolong the experience by secretly keeping him a prisoner in her basement, the victim turns vigilante, and has a small window to play God. But what will be the price for the sins committed against her? Will the sweet taste of revenge turn her into the very monster she’s feared for all these years? This thrill ride will keep you on the edge of your seat, causing you to blur the lines between what’s right and what’s wrong. With ever shifting power dynamics, Angie’s cure begs the question, “How far would you go to put your trauma behind you?”


“Angie’s Cure”, a New Breed Entertainment production, is directed by Corey Grant, written by Brian Kelsey, Lanett Tachel and Grant, and produced by Audrey Kendrick, James Searles, Tachel and Grant. Tachel stars in the title role, along with Essence Atkins (The Noel Diary), Sean Nelson (A Father’s Pride), Vanessa Williams (Candyman, Days of Our Lives), Denise Boutte (The Bounce Back), and Jennifer Freeman (My Wife and Kids).

“I hope Angie’s Cure is a catalyst to spark open dialogue about dealing with trauma instead of burying it. If this movie sparks conversations that break the cycle of silence, then we’ve done our job,” says Tachel.

“It can be difficult making films that are both highly entertaining and enlightening while dealing with this subject matter. I think Angie’s Cure nailed the fine line in between,” says Grant.

Lanett Tachel is a true multi-hyphenate. She’s an Actress, Writer, and Producer from Prince George’s County Maryland, who’s driven by her love of performing, creating, and producing roles that feature layered and multi- faceted African American characters in front of and behind the camera. After landing the role of ‘Dorothy’ in “The Wizard of Oz” while in elementary, Tachel was clear on the career she wanted. After receiving her BFA from Howard University, she moved to Los Angeles and served as a consultant to the legendary Ed Weinberger (“Taxi”, “The Cosby Show”) on the series, “Belle’s”, starring Keith David and Ella Joyce. Tachel later earned a role on the show and learned the valuable lesson of creating her own work. Following the series, she went on to produce an award winning short, “Sister Sister Sister” followed by a series of narrative driven videos for a Universal Recording Artist. 

Tachel then joined forces with Grant under their company ‘New Breed Entertainment’ and went on to co-write and Produce the Suspense/Thriller Feature-“Illicit” which released theatrically and on streaming platforms. She co-created/wrote/produced the comedic single cam series, “PUMP” where she also stars alongside Ray J, Jennifer Freeman, Michael Jai White and more. She then served as lead producer and writer on the Fox/Mar Vista thriller, “Twisted Date”, currently #1 on the Tubi platform. But Lanett is most excited for her film “Angie’s Cure”, a psychological thriller where she serves as writer, producer, and the title character. “This film speaks to me like nothing I’ve ever been a part of.” Tachel lives by the motto, ‘Don’t Wait, Create’ and can’t wait for the world to see what she’s setting up next.


Corey Grant is a filmmaker who prides himself on quality stories that are cutting edge and original. Born in Joliet, Illinois, Corey received his BA in Communications from Norfolk State University in Virginia before attending Howard University to receive his Masters in Film. After graduation, Corey moved to Hollywood and Produced/Wrote/Directed “Dysfunctional Friends”, starring an ensemble cast including Meagan Good, Wesley Jonathan, and Essence Atkins.

He produced/directed his follow up film, “The Lost Coast Tapes” which exposed him to the mainstream horror arena. In 2015, Grant directed and produced the theatrically released romantic comedy, “Sister Code'” starring Amber Rose, Drew Sidora, and Amin Joseph. His film “Illicit”, starring David Ramsey, Vivica A. Fox, and McKinley Freeman released theatrically and was acquired by Viacom. He Directed/Produced his latest project entitled “Twisted Date” for Fox/Mar Vista and it is currently streaming in the number one spot on the Tubi platform. Grant is excited for his current project, the psychological thriller “Angie’s Cure” to receive its WORLD PREMIERE at Dances With Films.

“Angie’s Cure” will screen on Tuesday, June 27th @ 9:30PM at the Chinese 6, 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, 90028. Tickets can be purchased at https://danceswithfilms.com/angies-cure/



“FIVE AND A HALF” TO HAVE WEST COAST PREMIERE AT DANCES WITH FILMS FESTIVAL 2023 IN LOS ANGELES. Writer-Director Heidi Nyburg is live Monday 6/26/23 @9:30am pst

producer Kristin Higgins


writer-director Heidi Nyburg


Based on a true story, a sheltered little girl spends an unnerving afternoon with her estranged father and is left with only her imagination to stop time and escape impending disaster.

“Five and a Half,” an unsettling drama about a little girl on an afternoon drive with her ex-con father, will make its West Coast premiere at this year’s Dances With Films (DWF) Festival, June 22-July 2, 2023 at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood.

Based on a true story, writer-director Heidi Nyburg and producer Kristin Higgins evoke a heightened sense of peril for little Abbie (Lauren Jude Rosa) as her mother Jess (Katherine Cozumel) reluctantly gives her just-paroled husband Chuck (James Hal Hardy) permission to take Abbie for an afternoon. As the two set off in a red convertible, there is an uneasiness that surfaces and increases as we see that Chuck is not a responsible parent. Little Abbie must utilize her own imagination and grit to survive this ill-fated outing.

Also featured in the short are Valerie Gould, Ratoya Banks and Chanden Jackson.

“Five and a Half” has been an official selection at a variety of film festivals, including the Easthampton Film Festival, the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival and was a finalist at the Canada Shorts Festival last year.

Writer-director Nyburg is a 2022 HUMANITAS finalist, and one of Women in Films Top 10, whose writing focuses on female-driven dramatic comedies that explore themes of motherhood, having/not having it all, and sometimes murder. Heidi has won several respected contests, been featured on The Blacklist for pilots and has two scripts in Coverfly’s Top 1%. She studied film, television, and screenwriting at San Jose State University and UCLA.

Producer Higgins is a graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Kristin made films in parallel with a software marketing career until switching to full-time film production in 2018, launching her production company River Place Productions. She has produced three short films: “Aye Boy,” which has won five awards in festivals, “The Boy’s Gone,” with three wins, and now “Five and a Half”. She has also produced two feature films, ClearMind and an untitled documentary which is in post-production.


“Five and a Half” will screen as part of the Fusion Shorts Block 3 on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:00 pm at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. All tickets are $19 prior to June 22; thereafter all tickets are $22. Tickets may be purchased by clicking on the TICKET button on the website at danceswithfilms.com/five-and-a-half/.


Friday, June 16, 2023

Coming up on KUCI 88.9fm Monday June 19th at 9:00am - experience a journey through Shelby History with Ted and Rae Segerstrom

Race Through Time and Iconic Automotive History

From the earliest GT350's, rare GT500KR's to Carroll Shelby's final wish: the 1000HP GT500. 


The Segerstrom Shelby Event Center is built around the love of the automobile and all the wonders that have come and gone along the road. Come in for an awesome walk among these classic beauties. The stories they tell are the stuff of legend.

The Segerstrom Shelby Event Center collections are some of the finest in the world. With street and racing Cobras, high-performance Mustangs and rows of nostalgic petroliana, there is something for everyone to ogle over. Our commitment to excellence in preservation and education shows in every detail.

Welcome to two of the most unique experiences in the world. Whether you want to wander among our amazing collection, or host a private event surrounded by the collection, you and yours are in for a unique treat. From daily visits to guided educational tours (coming soon), from casual conferences to formal dress affairs, you are in for something special whenever you drop by.


Ted and Rae Segerstrom with KUCI host Janeane Bernstein



WHO WE ARE

The Segerstrom Shelby Event Center is a place of preservation, education, and celebration. The automobiles and artifacts in this collection conjure memories of a recent past filled with power. This power is unique to America and Southern California. The act of saving and preserving the specialties within these walls is near to our hearts, as is our commitment to helping those who need it most.

Carroll Shelby also wanted the best for everyone around him. He became a legend by doing what he loved with unparalleled passion. His creations breathe fire and stoke the imagination of all who yearn for that truly American goal: Freedom.



WHY WE ARE HERE


Profits from the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center go to the Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena and the Carroll Shelby Foundation.

The Shriners for Children Medical Center — Pasadena provides comprehensive medical, surgical and rehabilitative care to children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burn scars, and cleft lip and palate. Medical Center patients receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the families' ability to pay.

The Carroll Shelby Foundation provides medical assistance for those in need, including children, as well as educational opportunities for young people. The Foundation has continued to aid children battling deadly diseases, while expanding its reach into the classroom through the Northeast Texas Community College’s Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Center.

COME FOR A TOUR

There is a lot to discover on any visit to the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center. Taking a guided tour will let you in on even more stories about our collections. Private tours are available for groups large and small. You are able to book a group tour during our regular public viewing hours, visit with your car club, or request a special tour.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Coming up Monday 6/12/23 @9:00am - Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less How to Rekindle Your Child’s Motivation by Ellen Braaten, PhD, with a foreword by Sheryl Sandberg



“The book throws a lifeline to parents struggling to understand a kid who seems to have given up. If you want to help children discover and enjoy their strengths, this book is a must read.” —Lisa Damour, PhD, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Bright Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less

How to Rekindle Your Child’s Motivation

by Ellen Braaten, PhD, with a foreword by Sheryl Sandberg




Advance Praise for the Book:

“A remarkable book by a remarkable woman….This book will give you hope that your child can find their way to a happy, healthy future….For anyone who cares about the next generation, this book is a gift.” —from the Foreword by Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In


““If you’re pulling out your hair in frustration as you watch your child not care—and not care about not caring—this book is for you. Wise, practical, savvy, and warm.”

—Edward Hallowell, MD, coauthor of ADHD 2.0


“Dr. Braaten's incredible commitment to eradicating the 'myth of lazy' shines through on every page. For our family, the book sensitively broke down issues that felt overwhelming. It provided clear, actionable steps that helped us reframe our children’s challenges and focus on their strengths and talents instead.”

—Ashley J., Coatesville, Pennsylvania


He’s so smart, but he’s no longer interested in school—or any 'offline' activities.”
“She used to love sports, but now she just mopes around.”
“My kid has turned into such a slacker!”

Over the course of her 25-year career, psychologist and learning expert Ellen Braaten has begun to notice a trend. More and more parents are coming to her because their kids couldn’t care less about anything. How do bright, motivated young children become such unmotivated older kids and teens—and what can parents do about it? In this warm and encouraging guide, Dr. Braaten explains that kids who have lost the will to do anything (other than play video games) need more than simple encouragement or the “right” school, teacher, or coach to get back on track. Instead, Dr. Braaten helps parents understand the myriad biological, emotional, cognitive, and social factors that affect motivation—and build a plan to boost their child’s confidence, incentive to learn, and engagement in life.

“My approach is to explore the issue of kids who couldn’t care less from many different vantage points. I start with helping you identity the problem—why is it that so many kids don’t seem to care about anything? I identify the factors that are essential to motivation and help you think about how these factors are important in your child’s development and life. You will gain a better understanding of your child’s unique qualities (and maybe your own too) and learn how your expectations might be getting in the way of motivation (and how you can readjust them if needed).” –Ellen Braaten, PhD




About Dr. Braaten

Ellen Braaten, PhD, is Executive Director of the Learning and Emotional Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, and Visiting Professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. She has been affiliated with MGH and HMS since 1998. Dr. Braaten is widely recognized for her expertise in pediatric neuropsychological and psychological assessment, particularly in the areas of assessing learning disabilities and attentional disorders.


Dr. Braaten in the Press:


The Boston Globe: Love the kid you have, not the one you wish you had

Diverse Thinking Different Learning Podcast: How to Motivate Kids Who Couldn’t Care Less

The Boston Globe: Taking Care with Meredith Goldstein

CBS Boston: What Age Can I Leave My Kids Home Alone After School?

NBC Boston: Threats of Violence on Social Media

WHDH Boston: How to Ease Back-to-School Butterflies



Connect with Dr. Braaten!

Website: ellenbraatenphd.com

Instagram: @ellenbraaten

Twitter: @ellenbraaten

Facebook: @ellenbraaten

Friday, June 9, 2023

Coming up 6/12 at 9:30am - Cindy Alexander, a brilliant and multifaceted songwriter, singer, and storyteller


If you miss Cindy on the LIVE show,
listen to the podcast.




Cindy Alexander is brilliant and multifaceted, like a prism in sunlight. She’s a songwriter, a singer, a storyteller. She’s a mother of twins and a daughter of mother nature. Fans of her music know she’s beautifully messy and heaven-sent. This award-winning singer-songwriter has a cult following and an independent streak. Affectionately called “Pnut” by her fans, Alexander has a voice that defies her petite stature. In one moment, she hits rich and earthy lows; in the next, she adds the trill of a coloratura soprano. But technical prowess is hardly the headline: Alexander shares her entire being through music. “In art, we have to be vulnerable. Art is an open heart and a naked soul,” she attests.

Fans recognize Alexander’s charismatic vulnerability from the stage. She forges powerful connections, reminding audiences that it’s okay to laugh, cry, or even embrace irreverent humor in the midst of a breakdown. Over time she earned an illustrious reputation as an entertainer, winning over audiences and reviewers alike across multiple continents. Alexander is also a fearless lyricist. Her songwriting traverses personal narrative while plucking at universal human themes. She interrogates spirituality, sexuality, history, and the human condition. From her breast cancer recovery journey to the loss of her mother to dementia, her lyrics lay it bare. “I can’t pretend that everything’s okay, because it’s not,” Alexander says. “But, I always see the light. My journey to find the light is almost always through music.”
This Los Angeles native was born with a song on her lips and a story in her heart. Alexander’s grandmother was a music teacher who encouraged her singing from an early age. Later, she was discovered and mentored by the leader of a children’s choir, who also happened to be “voice coach the stars,” Cantor Nathan Lam. Later, Alexander received further training at the acclaimed USC School of Drama. But before long, Shakespeare’s sentiment that “all the world’s a stage” had lured her away from the theater — she realized the best part she could play was herself.

For many years, Alexander toured as an independent artist across the US, Asia, and Europe, and even the far-flung islands of Barbados and Guantanamo Bay. Alexander’s adventure always followed the fans, and her blossoming global community returned the love by crowdfunding her creative endeavors. Alexander has had the good fortune to work with a legion of talented musicians and producers throughout her career. She’s laid tracks with Grammy Award-winning engineer Ross Hogarth and co-written songs with Grammy Award–Winning songwriters Dennis Matkosky and Gary Harrison, as well as noted producer Dave Darling. Her most significant long-time collaborators are The Bacon Brothers (Michael and Kevin Bacon). “The reason I created my first CD was that I was asked to go on tour with the Bacon Brothers after opening their show at The Troubadour. At the time, I didn’t have anything to sell! Dave Darling took my scrappy demos and produced my first record, which actually sold out on that tour and blew up on Amazon,” Alexander shared. Kevin and Michael Bacon remain dear friends and touring companions. Despite her star-studded Rolodex, Alexander stayed away from big-name labels to preserve her artistic independence.

She won NBC’s Star Tomorrow competition, hosted by David Foster, but turned down the associated record deal. The move caught the attention of producer Kirk Pasich, who’d long followed Alexander’s career. Upon hearing of Alexander’s breast cancer diagnosis, Pasich extended an offer to fund her current album personally. Within the year, Pasich had cofounded Blue Élan Records and signed Cindy Alexander as its first artist. In 2021, Pasich founded KZZ Music alongside producers Zackary Darling and Zachary Ross. This new production company held unique appeal for Alexander because it would function as a launchpad, test-driving radical ideas and making connections outside the boundaries of the traditional label system. Alexander signed a production deal with KZZ in 2022, ahead of the 2023 release of her album Messy. “The title track on the album is ‘Messy,’ because life IS messy, but I embrace it. Sometimes I am gracefully in command of my chaos, and other times I trudge through kicking and screaming. But I have the experience and perspective to work it through in my creative space.

We pushed boundaries this time. I went to places I hadn’t gone in years and even explored new territory. The result is much more emotional and soulful, and the spectrum of sound and writing is much greater than my previous releases,” Alexander reveals. “I’m not in a box. I definitely jumped outside and ripped it up.” The musical palette of Messy is exceptionally enhanced by producer/bass player Paul Bushnell and an all-star studio band. “Paul is a groove monster. I met him early in my career at Genghis Cohen — this funky little club in Hollywood where I followed my hometown musical heroes through the 90s. Back then, he played with everyone, gigging three times a night,” Alexander shares. Today Paul is Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s bass player, but his touring resume also includes noted artists such as Elton John, Sarah McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette. “I feel so blessed to be connected with Paul. He’s insanely talented, super funny, and he really gets me,” Alexander says. Dave Levita (Stevie Nicks, Lana Del Rey, Morrissey) returns to Cindy’s dream team on guitar, joined by Zac Rae on keys (Death Cab for Cutie, Leonard Cohen, Ringo Starr) and Thomas Lang on drums (Peter Gabriel, Robbie Williams, Glen Hughes). “The recording process was non-judgmental and collaborative. Paul came in with a fantastic roadmap, but he let us explore and get a little crazy along the adventure.

As the engineer, Zackary Darling was the special sauce. He’s been a part of my musical journey for many years and brought so much heart to the project.” The key single on Messy has a pretty messy origin story itself. “Call Us What We Are (F***ed)” came together after the artist had a frustrating day in the studio working alongside her husband. Eventually, he stormed off to go to bed, leaving Cindy to work out her angst on her guitar. Hours later, she rejoined him in bed. He asked what she’d been doing, and she replied, “I’ve been writing a f**king hit.” Listening to the track, it’s hard to argue. It’s a pop-rock cocktail that makes you want to dance (and maybe kick something). Playful percussive electronic elements frame the verses, then the chorus transitions to a full riot rock. In terms of vocals, it’s like Lily Allen got bored of being adorable and handed the mic to Fiona Apple to tell it like it is. “I know a lot of my fans will see this as a shift away from the tone of my last few records — and I’m excited about that. They’re going to say, there she is! She’s back!” Alexander shares.

Another single on Messy is “Life #9.” It embraces an aughts-style pop-rock tone and Americana instrumentality. “This track was born out of a conversation I had with my co-writer Paul Trudeau, on how hard it is to raise teenagers today,” Alexander said. With twin girls on the cusp of adulthood, she’s experiencing this whirlwind parenting moment firsthand. But beyond the typical trials of maturation, today’s teens are coming of age against a darker backdrop, with dangers like online manipulation and bullying, Fentanyl, and sex trafficking. “The song is about someone who’s gained wisdom through their mistakes, but struggles to impart that wisdom to a generation that doesn’t want to listen,” Alexander says. After I came up with the title, I googled numerology and learned that I am, indeed, on life path number nine, so that information became significant as I continued to write for this record.” You can hear the magic when Messy is released in Summer, 2023. 

Today, Cindy Alexander lives in Big Sur in her “House without Windows,” where she communes with woodland creatures and the wilderness (catch that track on her forthcoming album!). Alexander also engages in charitable efforts through music, benefiting The Kay Yow Cancer Fund, Animal Friends Rescue, and the Alzheimer’s Association. You can look forward to new music and fresh creative projects from Cindy later this year.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Coming up June 5th @ 9:00am - Best-seller serial memoirist, author and brilliant humorous artist Eve O. Schaub. Her new book, “Year of No Garbage,” is the documentation of her going one full calendar year with her family and creating zero garbage.




A YEAR OF NO GARBAGE by Eve O. Schaub

New Book from Skyhorse Publishing – Earth Day 2023 – April 22 by hysterical serial best-seller memoirist Eve O. Schaub

"Eve’s brave and honest experiment reveals the shocking impact of the throwaway society we’ve become and at the same time showing small ways we can all do better.” —Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder of Plastic Free July


Year of No Garbage is Super Size Me meets the environmental movement.

In this book Eve O. Schaub, humorist and stunt memoirist extraordinaire, tackles her most difficult challenge to date: garbage. Convincing her husband and two daughters to go along with her, Schaub attempts the seemingly impossible: living in the modern world without creating any trash at all. For an entire year. And- as it turns out- during a pandemic.

In the process, Schaub learns some startling things: that modern recycling is broken, and single stream recycling is a lie. That flushable wipes aren’t flushable and compostables aren’t compostable. That plastic drives climate change, fosters racism, and is poisoning the environment and our bodies at alarming rates, as microplastics are being found everywhere, from the top of Mount Everest to the placenta of unborn babies.
If you’ve ever thought twice about that plastic straw in your drink, you’re gonna want to read this book.

Watch these Video Assets:

WE DON’T HAVE ANY GARBAGE - Eve O. Schaub with Steven He

Garbage Makeover 1.4M followers

What’s Bad about Wipes, Masks, that contain Plastic: Don’t use, don’t flush, ever know what they’re made of?

What’s the deal with “cartons?”

What Happens To NYC’s 3.2 Million Tons Of Trash

During Mental Illness Awareness Week from October 6 – 12 and World Mental Health Day on October 10, NAMI is highlighting our workplace mental health. Learn about NAMI StigmaFree, download key resources, and share on your social media.

About Mental Illness Awareness Week Everyone is impacted by mental health conditions – including the friends, family, and coworkers who don’...