Ep. 51 - Doc Israel / Die Jim Crow

This episode is coming out with five days left of the Die Jim Crow kickstarter deadline and they have hit their goal at the time of posting - yes!!! Please give if you feel moved to do so. This project is only getting started...

Doc Israel, one of the supportive forces behind Die Jim Crow, took a moment out of a busy Saturday to sit down with me to talk about the project and some of the raw issues behind the creation of this album. No matter how you feel about the racism of our prison system, this conversation is one to listen to with an open mind and open heart. 

To quote the Die Jim Crow website, 

Die Jim Crow is a concept album which is currently in production.

The album is written and performed by formerly and currently incarcerated black songwriters and singers from across the country.

The album title is inspired by Michelle Alexander's book "The New Jim Crow", which equates the U$ prison system to a modern day racial caste system similar to the old form of Jim Crow segregation in America.

The U$ has the largest prison and criminal justice system in the world, which targets black communities nationwide. After leaving prison, the "felon" label leaves folks stripped of basic rights such as housing, employment, voting, and education.

This Jim Crow-like system was accelerated by the war on drugs and the mass incarceration boom which began in the 1980s and continues to this day. In that time span, the U$ prison and jail population saw an unprecedented increase of over 400%, with black Americans being the most disproportionately affected.

The album addresses this human rights crisis through song.

Inspired by Pink Floyd's 1979 concept album "The Wall", Die Jim Crow explores the journey of the contributing artists through intimate first-person narrative, overarching political themes, and haunting musical through-lines. Fusing several genres of traditionally African American music, the album features rock n roll, jazz, blues, r&b, hip hop, and more.

EP release 5/1/16.
LP release 2018.

Candid shot of Doc Israel working on the music during a recording session

Candid shot of Doc Israel working on the music during a recording session

Mark Springer (collaborator), Fury Young (center) and Doc Israel (right) working with one of the prisoners

Mark Springer (collaborator), Fury Young (center) and Doc Israel (right) working with one of the prisoners

Ep. 50 - NYC Women in Comedy Panel

This one is well worth the wait!! Late last year, these fine and very funny ladies gathered around our fine producer David Lawrence Byrd's dining room table to discuss what it is to be a woman in comedy in NYC. The conversation is naturally hilarious, poignant, and deep. Special aural appearance by Coco the cat!

Kerryn Feehan is a comic, writer, actress and producer living in NYC. She produces and hosts the longest running (4 years) monthly all female stand up and burlesque show “Stand up and Take Your Clothes Off” the first Sunday of every month at The Kraine Theater.  Kerryn performs regularly at Caroline’s, The Comic Strip Live, Broadway Comedy Club, The Stand, and Stand Up New York. She is a recurring guest on The Real Ass Podcast, Keith and the Girl, Myka Fox and Friends, This Week in Jackin, Guys we Fucked, We the People, Hot Mess Comedy Hour, and Hard Lonely and Vicious podcasts. Kerryn is also a comedy writer who’s work can be seen on Reductress.com and The Loom for Someecards.com.

Rae Sanni is a comedian and writer from Brooklyn, NY who has been bringing her unique perspective on everything from pop culture to race and gender relations to audiences all over. Rae co-hosts the Three A-Negroes podcast and the monthly stand up comedy show LoudMouth!, and has been seen in the Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Complex Magazine and on GQ.com,. You can find Rae on Twitter @Raesanni, where she muses on her love for Rihanna, NBA players, and being a black person.

photo Beau Alluli

photo Beau Alluli

Kitten Kent, Girl Detective has proudly co-produced and co-hosted Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off! for over four years now, as well as performing in a variety of other shows. She also acts, most notably in the feature films Cut to Black andPrayer to a Vengeful God. She is a bewitching sorceress in the Milagres music video for the song "Glowing Mouth", and she appears in ad campaigns worldwide, including being the face of Tattoo Girl Lingerie.

Ep. 49 - World Famous *BOB*

There are people in my life that are so special, so loved and so dear to me that I often have to pinch myself to remind myself that our friendship is real. *BOB* is one of those people and I am so excited to bring this interview to your ears! *BOB* is one of the most incredible people I've ever met and if you've never heard her talk or recount her wild walk through life, prepare yourself for the richness of her persona and incredible life experience. It was such a treat to interview her and I wish you a gorgeous listening experience! To learn more about *BOB*, please visit her website at theworldfamousbob.com.

World Famous *BOB*, photo Leland Bobbé

World Famous *BOB*, photo Leland Bobbé

World Famous *BOB*, known for her over the top blonde bombshell image and incredible ability to mix martinis in her cleavage, has captivated audiences all over the world with her unique burlesque stylings, humorous performance art, and MC skills.  She has been photographed by hundreds of photographers including Patrick McMullan, Mario Testino, and David LaChapelle. *BOB* appears in several books including Hotel LaChapelle, New Burlesque, Striptease: From Gaslight to Spotlight, Burlesque: The new Bump and Grind, The Brooklynites, and The Velvet Hammer Burlesque.  Believing that television is “the theatre for the poor” *BOB* is a huge fan of the boob tube and has appeared on A&E’s The History of Cleavage as well as HBO’s Real Sex.  She has graced the pages of over 50 national & international publications including The New York Times where they referred to *BOB*’s artas “poignant”.  The big screen suits *BOB* as well, her latest cameo being in John Cameron Mitchell’s film Shortbus.
Word Famous *BOB* is a regularly scheduled guest speaker at NYU and has performed and appeared at over 20 US Universities including Harvard, Yale, and Bard.  She is also a teacher at The New York School of Burlesque specializing in Drag Beauty Basics & Ultimate Self Confidence!  She has performed all over the world and starred in the last five Wigstock festivals.  From NYC’s Dance Theatre Workshop to Stockholm’s Sodra Teatern, World famous *BOB* has brought crowds together by pointing out what we all have in common- the need for love and creating that with her art in the moment. Her last solo show creation directed by Kate Valentine is entitled “One Man Show”- about a girl*who had to become a drag queen*to learn how to become a woman- *the true story of Miss World Famous *BOB*.  She is currently researching for her new show entitled "Granny Chaser" and has her own Confidence Coaching business with clients worldwide. 

Ep. 48 - Glenn Marla

The fabulous and marvelous Glenn Marla joined Legs for a beautiful and easy conversation about art, gender and love. He is amazing and this was a beautiful conversation - enjoy!!

Glenn Marla, photo by Erica Beckman

Glenn Marla, photo by Erica Beckman

Glenn Marla is a Brooklyn-based performance artist, movement artist, writer, beauty pageant queen (Miss LES 2006 and the first ever Mr. Coney Island). The Portland Phoenix calls Glenn Marla’s work, “performance art that pushes the envelope without pushing the audience away,” Time Out New York Calls Glenn a “downtown prophet” and The New York Times calls Glenn “an obese transvestite in tights.” Read up on Glenn on his website ww.mistermarla.com

Ep. 47 - Carolyn Castiglia

The incredible Carolyn Castiglia joined me for an honest and energizing conversation about comedy, feminism, being a mom, and hosting a badass late night feminist talk show among other topics. Carolyn is hilarious, intelligent and and overall excellent human being. I enjoyed our conversation so much and I think you will too! Find out more about Carolyn by following her on twitter (@missckc, @rightnowckc), Instagram (carolyncastiglia), tumblr (carolyncastiglia.tumblr.com) or by finding her onstage somewhere if you're lucky. Enjoy!

Carolyn Castiglia, photographer tba

Carolyn Castiglia, photographer tba

Ep. 46 - Tom Tenney of Radio Free Brooklyn

This is an interview I have wanted to have for a long time, and it finally happened! Tom Tenney is the brain, the hands and the hard work behind the excellent internet radio station Radio Free Brooklyn. I managed to get him to sit down with me long enough to have an interview and I am so glad he did. I am amazed by what Tom has built and the incredible output he sustains. He even wrote a book on how to start your own radio station!! Check out Radio Free Brooklyn at www.radiofreebrooklyn.com (where you can also hear me multiple times per week!) and by all means, please buy his book!! You can check it out and order yourself a copy here - http://radiocookbook.com/

Tom Tenney, photograph by Ben Taylor

Tom Tenney, photograph by Ben Taylor

Ep. 45 - Matthew Holtzclaw

I had the enormous pleasure of interviewing the fantastic and extremely magical Matthew Holtzclaw for today's episode. He is full of magic and refreshingly down to earth - a hat trick if I ever saw one! Tune in for one fantastic conversation!

One of New York City’s most in-demand entertainers and consultants, Matthew Holtzclaw has been recognized as one of the top performers and technicians in the world of magic and special effects. Matthew's company The Artifice Group offers a fine selection of the best magicians working today; each unique and perfect for any type of gathering. To learn more, please visit www.matthewhotlzclaw.com

Matthew Holtzclaw, photographer credit tba

Matthew Holtzclaw, photographer credit tba

Ep. 44 - Porno Jim

Porno Jim is a porn evangelist who preaches better orgasms through porn. This episode is not safe for work but it's a hell of a lot of fun!

Porno Jim is NYC's Professor of Porn, dedicated to helping men and women get more fun out of their porn experiences (better orgasms!).

PJ has been performing public and private shows where he teaches his audiences the difference between good and bad porn since The Porno Jim Show debuted as a theatrical comedy show at Surf Reality in March 2002.

Porno Jim‘s Website: www.pornojim.com

Porno Jim on Twitter: @pornojimnyc

Porno Jim, photographer TBA

Porno Jim, photographer TBA

Ep. 42 - 2014 Poolcast (TM) Part One

Recorded at the 2014 BHOF Weekender Sunday Pool Party, this episode features interviews with burlesque performers from all over the world along with a brief history on the Burlesque Hall of Fame with an excerpt of an interview with the late Dixie Evans! For more information on the Burlesque Hall of Fame, please visit www.burlesquehall.com. Tune in for some drunken showgirl revelry!

Ep. 41 - Lux LaCroix

The fabulously talented Lux LaCroix joined Legs at LWL HQ for a rousing and excellent conversation about her incredible career, growing up in Brooklyn and working hard for her money. To learn more about Lux, visit her online at www.luxlacroix.com.

Lux LaCroix, photo by Todd Scheur

Lux LaCroix, photo by Todd Scheur

Lux LaCroix is a burlesque star, documentary filmmaker, professional ballerina and award winning choreographer. Professionally she has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Chris Brown, N.E.R.D., OutKast, Janet Jackson and Lady GaGa. In 2009 her burlesque based performance art piece, "Color Me Purple," was featured at REDCAT'S Spring Studio program. In 2010, she became a Principal dancer with the touring division of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company. Lux is also a regular performer in the Mexican Wrestling and Saucy Striptease extravaganza known as Lucha VaVOOM! Since 2006, Lux LaCroix has been featured performer at the New York Burlesque Festival and in 2008 she was named The Burlesque Hall of Fame's Reigning Queen of Burlesque, 1st Runner Up as well as "Most Dazzling Performer."

Ep. 40 - The Return of Peter Aguero

Peter Aguero (Daddy Issues, The Moth) returns to LWL for a gorgeous and touching discussion on his one man show Daddy Issues as well as movies and whatever the hell else comes up. Peter was one of the first guests on LWL but due to audio issues, the episode runs very quiet. Not this one! Enjoy! Learn more about Peter on his website www.peteraguero.com.

Peter Aguero, photo by Ben Trivett

Peter Aguero, photo by Ben Trivett

Ep. 39 - Coney Island USA

Today's episode is all about Coney Island USA, a non-profit arts organization located in Coney Island, Brooklyn. You'll listen to interviews with CIUSA founder Dick Zigun and official CIUSA photographer Norman Blake along with getting more information about their upcoming Gala. Click the links below for all pertinent information! I love Coney and I hope you do too!

The main Coney Island USA website, chock full of everything you'll ever want to know!

Check out Norman Blake's marvelous photography here! and here!

More info on the 2015 Gala! 

SUPPORT CONEY ISLAND USA!!

Ep. 38 - Peekaboo Pointe

Commissioned by Art F City (artfcity.com) as part of their all-female "Two Experts On...", Legs and Peekaboo interview each other about being artists in the medium of burlesque. Although specific to burlesque, there are many points that can be applied to artists anywhere. A great listen to get you thinking about the art of burlesque...

Peekaboo Pointe, photo by Roxi D'Lite

Peekaboo Pointe, photo by Roxi D'Lite

Ep. 37 - Judith Stein

What an honor and massive treat to interview the Mama Beaver of Canadian Burlesque herself, Judith Stein during her recent trip to NYC! Tune in to listen to her hilarious and amazing story about her path to burlesque and what she gets up to now. A must listen for any and all fans of burlesque! Huge thanks to my intrepid producer David Lawrence Byrd for making this happen!

Ms. Judith Stein is an acclaimed international performer and entertainer. She was inducted into The Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada as Canada's only Legend of Burlesque. A proud supporter of the Canadian Association of Burlesque Entertainers,Vancouver Burlesque Festival, Alberta Burlesque Alliance, Ms. Judith Stein continues to perform and mentor to the delight of audiences and students everywhere.

Judith Stein, photo taken from the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival website, photographer unknown as of now.

Judith Stein, photo taken from the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival website, photographer unknown as of now.

Ep. 36 - Kitten and Kerryn of Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off

In this episode, Legs gets up close and personal with the fabulous Kitten Kent and Kerryn Feehan of Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off. They talk about life, love, being funny and what makes them tick (and what ticks them off). To learn more about these two ladies and catch them in action, visit them at https://www.facebook.com/StandUpAndTakeYourClothesOff

Kitten Kent, Girl Detective has proudly co-produced and co-hosted Stand Up and Take Your Clothes Off! for over three years now, as well as performing in a variety of other shows. She also acts, most notably in the feature films Cut to Black and Prayer to a Vengeful God. She is a bewitching sorceress in the Milagres music video for the song "Glowing Mouth", and she appears in ad campaigns worldwide, including being the face of Tattoo Girl Lingerie.

Kerryn Feehan is a 20 something year old actress/writer/comedian. Kerryn Feehan a native of Cape Cod, MA and is a 2005 graduate of Marymount Manhatthan College . As a member of Another Urban Riff theatre company, Kerryn has appeared in MONO, The Summer They Stopped Making ‘Ludes and is an active participant in the 30 Minute projects.  She appeared in the independent film “The Reunion” and is currently performing at Gotham Comedy Club, NYC.

Photo Ben Trivett

Photo Ben Trivett

Photo Ben Trivett

Photo Ben Trivett

Ep. 35 - Jes Baker

In this week's episode, Legs interviews the founder of the Body Love Conference and body positive activist Jes Baker. Jes is a self-described "positive, progressive, and magnificently irreverent force to be reckoned with in the realm of self-love advocacy and mental health." She is also a smart, funny and dedicated woman whose excellent work is only just beginning...

Jes is internationally recognized for her writing on her blog, The Militant Baker, the “Attractive and Fat” campaign, and her dedication to shifting social paradigms into a place where all people are offered the opportunity to love themselves just as they are. The "Attractive and Fat" campaign drew coverage from CNN, the Today Show, the BBC, and many other national and international media networks. Jes harnesses the power of vulnerability, honesty and candor through dialogue about living in a world where worth is determined by your dress size, diagnosis, and deference to authority. Find out more about Jes at www.themilitantbaker.com and the Body Love Conference at www.bodyloveconference.com

Ep. 34 - Kenny Blunt and Oksana Kissallover of Chemistry

It's very fitting that I interviewed these two in bed - literally. Kenny and Oksana, along with Sheila Monster, are the brains and beauty behind the fabulous Chemistry parties here in NYC. They are smart, funny and boy oh boy do they know how to throw a party! If you'd like to learn more about them and apply to attend one of their excellent evenings, please visit their website at http://www.chemistry-nyc.com/ to get started. You can also find them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChemistryIlluminatedEroticism. Enjoy!

Ep. 33 - Perles of Wisdom with Perle Noire

The first ever Perles of Wisdom interview with international burlesque superstar Perle Noire! I love this woman so!! Please note we has some serious audio issues and I apologize for the sound interruptions - many thanks to my intrepid producer Dave Byrd for all of his amazing work in correcting the sound issue given what it originally sounded like. If you have a question for Perle, reach out to her on facebook - just look for Perle Noire!